Go Astros!!!

As a part of Duane's birthday extravaganza, we planned an overnight trip to Houston to see the Astros play the Cubs.  We checked in to our hotel, the Houston Hilton Americas in Downtown Houston, just 2 blocks from Minute Maid Park. It is a fabulous hotel; we really liked it there!!!  We went to the ballpark a little early and met Talitha, Rob, and Casey at the Homeplate Bar & Grill, which is just outside the entrance to the park.   At gametime we ventured across the street to the game and hiked several miles up to our seats on the Terrace Deck. Once we had caught our breath, we realized that the seats were located just beside the Foul Pole in right field--and were pretty good seats.  We didn't miss any of the Astros as they beat up on the Cubs Saturday night.  

After the game it was back to our hotel to freshen up for a night on the town.  We cabbed it to Flying Saucer and then  made our way to MacElroy's pub and Molly's Pub.  At Molly's we felt right at home and played darts while we bowled a game. The downtown scene is quite active on weekends, and it was lots of fun to people watch as we made our way from pub to pub, but the downtown prices remind us of how spoiled we are here in Bryan/College Station!!!

Sunday was busy, busy, busy.  We had tickets to the game, and in addition to Robert, Talitha, and Casey, others were coming in for the game.  Chris and Shannon came to the Sunday Game, and Crystal & Jeremy were bringing Noah to his very first MLB game. Sadly, the Astros lost on Sunday; apparently, Chris & Jeremy brought their Rangers karma with them.

We flew (almost literally) out of Sunday's game so we could get to Granny's birthday party.  Adding to our time crunch was the fact that I had left my phone in the hotel room, but the security at the hotel took care of me and retrieved my phone and we were on our way to her birthday party.    It was a very nice party; Duane's mother did a great job planning and putting together a fun party for Granny's ##th birthday!  Good Times!!  Good Times!!

Now we're home, and good news...the apartment is still in one piece!!!  It was the first time we left Deuce alone and able to come in and out at will.  He was a good boy! Today was supposed to be a day of recuperation, but the AC has died and we're waiting for a call from the repairman.  I guess it never really ends, does it!?!?!

A Visit From The Bandera Bunch!!!

My brother, Larry, came in to B/CS for the annual 7 on 7 football tournament. Some of his athletes were competing, and he came to watch them play. He brought his children with him, and I got to spend some fun & quality time with Hunter & Caitlin while Larry was at the tournament.

Of course, Caitlin and I had to share some girl bonding time. We got pedicures! It was fabulous!

Then it was back home to play with the kitten and Wii.

Of course, Larry couldn't be outdone, he had to get in on the Wii action, too! And, while he was hula hooping, I was able to catch a bit of it on VIDEO!!!

It was short, but it was a GREAT visit!!!

Happy Birthday, Duane!!!!

The looooooong  72 days are OVER!  I am a whopping 72 days older than my husband, and he just loves to remind me (often) that I'm older.  It gets especially worse during those 72 days when my age number is one greater than his. But he has had his birthday now, and his age has finally caught up with mine, and I don't have to listen to his taunts and teases, for a while anyway.

Of course, the "Day of Duane" is important, so we had to celebrate in style.  We started it off right; several friends met us for dinner & drinks at Chili's.  Wednesday night is dart league night, and so after dinner, we headed over to Yesterday's to throw darts.  Throwing against Jason, Steven, George, & Matt is always a good time.  Sadly, the Wolfpack lost the game 8-3, but Duane was involved in 2 out of the 3 wins. The celebration continued after darts with a visit to Duddley's, where we met up with Buck, Rhonda, TK, Holly, and the rest of the Duddley's crew.  The birthday boy had a great time and really enjoyed his birthday celebration.  Visiting and hanging out with friends...does it get any better than that?!?!   

Wii, Wii, Wii on the 4th of July!

Great Food!

Great Friends!

Great Times!

Duane and I were concerned about celebrating Independence Day this year. It is one of our favorite holidays, and in the past, we have all (and I do mean ALL---10 to 20 people, plus dogs!!!) spent the Fourth playing, eating, fishing, boating, and resting at Robert's lakehouse on Lake Limestone.  Our guys always put on a spectacular fireworks display; it is always a GREAT time. But this year would be different...Duane couldn't get any time off from work; he even worked on July 4, and Robert's lakehouse & pier suffered lots of wind/rain/storm damage this spring.  But...the Dragers came to our rescue, thank goodness!!!  Jeremy smoked a brisket (YUM!!!), and Chris brought his famous stuffed jalepenos. Even Casey contributed to the meal; he came over to our house early that day and made the pinwheel appetizers!  We brought our Wii for entertainment, and spent hours racing, competing, playing, and laughing!!! Oh the smack talking that went around the room!!!  Even Crystal muttered a few choice phrases under her breath as her MarioCart character careened off of the path and into the abyss!  We had a fabulous time eating, visiting, and playing.  Steep Hollow Baptist Church put on a super fireworks show, complete with patriotic music, and the Drager's backyard deck was the perfect spot for viewing the show. It was a great holiday celebration!  Happy Birthday, America!!!

A New Kitty!!!!!!!

Duane and I got a new kitty!!!!!! We have named him Blue Kitty, after his beautiful blue eyes. I didn't even know I wanted a kitty, but when Mr. Z, one of my coworkers, emailed that he had free kittens, I jumped at the chance to get one!!! Blue Kitty has Siamese markings, white with orange ears, nose and an orange tail. He is a sweet kitty, and he is very social. If he isn't getting the attention he thinks he deserves, he uses his Siamese voice to let you know that he wants attention NOW!!! The dogs are not immune to his drive for attention; once he got used to the two staring giants, he saw them as companions and playmates, whether they like it or not!