Uh OH

So.....just an FYI..when playing golf tennis ball with your dog DON'T hit the neighbors house! OUCH

We pretended it never happened!

Yes I am old!

All this post will include is the fact that I had my first single tennis match in about 14 years and had my ass handed to me on a platter...I had some shining moment and about 6 aces in the match..but my ground strokes need HELP....but I am back out there....keep me in your thoughts...I haven't felt the after effects as of yet..in the morning I may be calling for ben gay...

All in All...I am glad I did it..and my next match is next week, hopefully to a less of an embarrassment!

For now....GO BOYS....(oh yeah..the cowboys kick serious cheese curds!)

I"MMMM ALLIVE

Yes, Yes, I haven't blogged in a while and will make a desperate attempt to be better...But to let you all know the past two months I have traveled every week and I am exhausted! I guess I can start in the present and work my way backwards....So, recently I got back from my annual trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico for a week of fun and relaxation..This year I went with my good friend and colleague Valerie and my beloved Orson!

Saturday November 3, 2007
Yep that's Val behind the wheel! The drive took us about 12 hours, half a book on tape, 8 jam out cds (including the fitting "Into the Wild" soundtrack, and Vals conference call and a small stop at the great Abilene mall (don't ask).

As we drive into Ruidoso, we see the most magnificent sunset ever (the picture doesn't do it justice) and we know that the week will be filled with fantastic surprises....as it was! So we arrived safe and sound and thank goodness I packed some vino so we could relax after the long trip.....well....a little wine and no food...you guessed it we headed to the local pre party bar and grill Farleys for "take-out" (that was the plan kids!) So while we are waiting there having a beer or two and some chips waiting for the take out we get introduced to Dustin (Type A, OCD, bi-polar, Snow Board instructor trying to escape from his Dallas roots) and Jim (AKA, Russian with thick heavy accent originally from DC, Tree trimmer/Snow Board instructor/masseuse/actor?). So OF COURSE we have to have another couple of beers with these characters...I don't think I have ever met two friends that are completely opposite..but they ended up giving us a good laugh and heck we met some local yocals to show us around town! Yep, we exchanged numbers and then val and I headed home to eat our take out and go to sleep.

Day1 Sunday November 4, 2007

This morning or mid morning I woke up and Orson and took a good power walk, burning off that minor Head ache....Orson so far is loving the mountain and all the animals that go along with it...That day was just a fun day planning our menu for the week and all the activities....So that night we grilled Salmon on the deck and had more wine... (there is a story here, but can't type it for fear of incriminating myself).

Day 2 Monday November 5, 2007

Thelma and Louise hit the road! Headed to the Petroglyphs and White Sands on this day! With the windows rolled down the sun shining and Indigo Girls blaring out of the car we head south! Some petroglyphs are thought to be astronomical markers, maps, and other forms of symbolic communication, including a form of Pre-writing. Petroglyphs at Three Rivers were created by Jornada Mogollon people between about 900 and 1400 AD. These rock drawings reside at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. The views were spectacular...after hiking around, getting sun burnt, and tired of looking at rock carvings Val and I headed south to Alamogordo to the White Sands National Park!

White Sands Dunes are amazing...Here, these wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and created the world's largest gypsum dune field in the Tularosa Basin. This is the worlds largest deposit of Gypsum. This year due to the time constraints of when we finally arrived we went on a sunset walk with a ranger to learn about the wild life that survives in the dunes..but next year I AM SURFING!

That night we got home and played about 3 games of scrabble....

Day 3 November 6, 2007

This day was our shopping day where we are staying in Ruidoso. Not too much happened this day, it was the evening that did us in...Yep Remember Dusty Downer and Genuine Jim? Well, you guessed it...we gave them a shout after walking around all day and met them up at Farleys for some beers and then headed on to the Quarter (Ruidosos' only night club) and you wouldn't believe it but it was Karaoke Tuesday! Dustin somehow disappeared..I think he forgot to take his meds and Jim sang "It's Raining Men".....Somewhere in between Val and I were back up dancers and singers for Raven....and there were shots involved..go figure....

Day 4 November 7, 2007

RECOVERY.....ALL DAY of HGTV and I didn't feel guilty about one bit of it....plus a fantastic mushroom swiss burger from the grill!

Day 5 November 8, 2007

This is the day that we went into the wild to the White Mountain Wilderness...The White Mountain Wilderness contains almost 50,000 acres within the Lincoln National Forest. Valerie an I headed north to the Monjeau Peak to start our hike. there is an old fort up there located at 9,750 feet. From there we hiked down for about 5 miles and then back up! We covered approximately 2,000 feet in our climb.....Orson, Val, and I were exhausted...I guess that means I am hitting the gym when I return to Dallas!

That night when we got home there was alot of scrabble being played and yep I think val beat me for the first time....that and well we had to numb our bodies from nearly destroying them on the mountain! Orson slept for a good 2 days!

Day 6 November 9, 2007

This was our last day and we had great expectations to find Valerie some jewelry and well I was just along for the ride! We hit the shops again.......and then we met up with Junkyard Jim....for dinner and our last night on the town! So, why do we call him Genuine Jim you may ask...So we went to dinner at Casa Blanca and then for drinks and live music at Le Cave....Our last night was a blast...with Jim showing us the local flav and offering us lift tickets when we come back! I think we will go!

Day 7, November 10, 2007

Heading home...this morning we woke up to find that the pine cone Orson ate the night before didn't settle well with him...and there was a mess on the floor! Not a good sign....That coupled with the fact we hadn't cleaned up AT all made the morning a mad rush....we cleaned up and got out of the condo by noon for our 10 hour drive home (no stop in Abilene). Well....remember Orson being sick in the morning....He kindof revisited that state in the car right before we got to my house....So that ends the story of my past week.....

Summer where art thou???

Where did my summer go? Heck, where did your summer go? I will apologize in advance for having not updated my blog in a while, but with the rains the landscaping on my house has been slow. I have seen alot of growth with the work that was done in June....check it out! I have had to battle the caterpillars that have taken to my Japanese maple like a sumo wrestler at an all you can eat Sushi buffet.....I keep the bug spray on the front porch in order to combat quickly and quietly.....My tree went from full to completely bald in one week....however after the battle of the caterpillars the the leaves have come back and it is growing at a healthy rate. My next endeavor is to make another bed in the front and start researching patio options for the back yard....Cross your fingers! Hopefully this Christmas we will have holiday patio party!!!!

So I guess you must be wondering what in the world I did for the remainder of my summer besides laze around with Orson and watch the Caladiums grow.....

Well, thinking back I really can't remember what I did to pass the time! I know that I played some softball in between the rain drops and went to the dog park weekly with Orson....Other than that, the summer was pretty uneventful.

July 4rth I spent in Scottsdale, AZ in the 117 degree heat..and no just because it was a dry heat it wasn't bearable..It was HOT!But I will say that the 4 day break was much needed I read a book a day and floated in the lazy river all day everyday....I have become fond of Phoenix!

In August I started a new job with Fleishman-Hillard which has kept me busy. My new office is downtown, which makes my commute less than 20 minutes, which I love! Orson is a fan as well since I can come home more easily to let him out at lunch.

And to wrap up the summer, Orson turned 1 today! We had a little get together for him on the Saturday night (although I don't think he knew why the house was filled with guests). It was a good get together. Lots of wine, food, and fun!!! After a long night of partying

Orson was exhausted and anticipating his birthday Sprinkles! He was in heaven when he tasted his wonderful treats.....

Keep Digging

I apologize about my negligent blogging behavior. This month all the rain has kept Orson and I indoors for most part. However, in between rain drops Orson and I have had fun spending time at Mom and Dads at the pool. He is becoming quite the diver and swimmer. He loves the pool so much that when we quit throwing the ball in he does it himself so he can jump in. He is becoming quite the water dog.

However...with those sunny days behind the rain came again and Orson was sent back indoors to stay dry and clean until about 10 days ago when we had another break in the weather and I was able to start digging beds for the house. But I must preface, as I write this I am sitting here covered in a red blanket of Poison Ivy. It is focused mostly on my face, neck, hands, shoulders, nose (yes, inside my nose) and throat. I do believe that domestication doesn't come with out a struggle.

As I digress...I began more landscaping on the first non raining day in over a month. I took to the flat head shovel and started digging...and digging....and MORE digging. I even put orson to work! Luckily it had rained for the previous 20 days, so that made the soil slightly softer...but the bugs more abundant and I swear more aggressive…..But 8 hours later, innumerable bug bites, and my first sunburn of the season I had two beds ready for planning. They measured 18feet by 15 inches and they teed out 9 feet and 6 feet on either side of my walkway (see pic). I finished just in time for the rain to begin again! So that dirt walkway quickly became mud....more mud, and more mud. With the break that Mother Nature gave to Orson and I we had a chance to recover and let our muscles recouperate and play in some of our new found mud. Look at how proud he is! Neverthe less we waited out the rain and began to plant on SaturdayJune 23rd......we were succeful in our efforts and planted 2 flats of loriape and a flat of Mexican Heather! I can't wait for it to grow and bloom.

But still more work needed to be done. On Sunday, June 24th, I laid down the mulch, trimmed trees (with a tall tree trimmer) and used a weedeater for the first time....This too was an interesting experience. I must give you some advice when operating one of these machines....Glasses are optional, but long pants are a must! With my new farmers tan, bug bites, and now cut up legs I will not be wearing any of the latests mini's anytime soon! Despite the wear and tear on me the work is satisfying and watching the fruits of my labor add value to my little house is rewarding.

All this said...and you must still be wondering how I got the Poison Ivy...well...This has to deal with the battle of my neighbors trees infrindging on my property through my fence...Yes, I went to war with the clippers to trimm back the wild trees and vines that reached into my yard. I got my weapon, loaded, and I clipped and pulled and cut and whacked down the untamed growth..and yes I must say that some of it there was not regular ivy, but Poison Ivy. Besides the sore muscles, cuts, bruises, Poison Ivy, bug bites and sunburn this is really a fun journey....if I survive it.

Til next time...Keep Digging!

Beginning of the End

94 degrees

7pm in the evening.......After a long day in the office I finally get to go on a nice jog! But to no avail there was at battle brewing again with that pesky green growth. It was time to suit up....and get OLD KILLER..... I do believe that he/she/it is learning quickly who is boss! (it could quite possibly be Orson..seeing that he fertilizes it) None the less.....


This battle although much shorter in time was equally as tiresome with the onslaught of the Texas heat (and ODD humidity). As my face glistened as the sun was setting (as you know..nice girls don't sweat we glisten) visions riding mowers were dancing in my head...none the less I pushed on..

I will say that after the fact I look at the house and with my addition of Inpatients, Caladiums, Autumn Sage, Dwarf Holly's, and some mossy stuff that blooms! The house is looking good..it was time to map out some new front beds. With stakes, string, and hammers in hand..I outlined my next project....the digging of the flower beds along the walkway! Once completed the house will truly look groomed..Similar to me after a good eyebrow waxing!
Keep tuning in for future updates and pics!

What is this thing we call a monocotyledonous green life form?

Family and Friends-

I have joined the world of blogging to keep everyone up to speed on my life, hobbies, and newest addiction...my house.

Yes, I have joined the world of the grown ups and made a major purchase that didn't involve denim, wedge heels, plane tickets, or a frozen margarita (well that may have influenced the purchase). I bought my first home in October, which I may add is the perfect time to buy a house. I was able to enjoy my newest OLD purchase without the manual labor of doing yard work. Well, that has definitely changed hence the beginning of my blog. "Memoirs of a new OLD home owner"

A bit of history.......

My home was built in 1946 about 5 blocks from the shores of White Rock Lake! It is a cottage by definition (that is word massaging for VERY SMALL). My home is set in a fun, funky neighborhood located in East Dallas, near White Rock Lake where it is known for its trees, friendly neighbors, eclectic architecture and local artists. Yes, I live in a hippie neighborhood and love every moment of it. It does have its advantages...for example....

I hadn't had to mow my lawn EVER and I knew it was time to do something about it when my ever so friendly neighbors were asking me if they could actually do it for me! They weren't buying the "African a-La-natural garden safari theme" anymore. I actually had to hire about 5 guys to knock down my milk weed (given that it was 5ft tall it could pass as a safari theme). However, from that moment on I have taken the lawnmower by the handles and pushed down the 50 x 150 lot of "grass/weed/rock/dog poo" mixture that I call a lawn.

After this exhausting experience with Orson (my newest member of the family) running circles around me pushing a old red engine through 6 inches of east Dallas jungle and battling this green morphing monster around me for 3 hours I must pose the question. Why on our green earth would anyone promote the growth and fertilization of this monocotyledonous green life form. I now have an appreciation for rock gardens!

Speaking of the "garden" this home that was a rental property for 23 years is a virtual white canvas for landscaping (rental property = neglected yard). So I along with thousands of other proud (yet stupid) home owners have decided to tackle this blank page this summer......Last week was the start of the front garden and dropping in 15 shrubs. I wish I could train Orson where to dig holes...although he has some strategically placed in my back yard ready for me to fill later this week!

Please come back to visit this blog for a good laugh, where I will keep you updated with pictures, stories of my home projects and ever changing life!


As I plunge into this week..I must remember a famous quote from Rudyard Kipling : Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade. I may have to add that neither are broken nails!

Til next time!!! Wish me luck