Closed, Funded, and a Hard Post

I've heard terrible stories of home sales falling apart at the last minute--finding out the day before (or, gasp! of) closing that financing fell through, the buyer backed out, etc. So I have not actually fully breathed easily since all of this started.

Until, oh, surely early Wednesday---really, though, about late Tuesday.

My closing was scheduled for Monday afternoon. I had packed all weekend, then the packer (notice, that's singular. Ummhmmmm---was supposed to be more than one, but so it goes with moving) came early Monday to do the kitchen. He was very nice, but he was very slow. He even admitted he was slow because it'd been so long since he'd packed a kitchen. (Side note---an advertising ploy of the moving company is "Lady Packers." Hmph. But I'm not sexist. A man can pack a kitchen as well as---and quite often better than---a woman. Still, odd that they promote one thing but don't follow through. It's not a huge issue---as long as my china is still in one piece!) He's slow and not as experienced---again, none of this is a problem if my kitchen things arrive without damage.

Finally---he was done! I rush off to closing, calling to let 'em know I'd be fifteen late. Breathe. I signed my name a lot, reviewed my pay-off forms, and it's done! Well, not quite. The buyer wouldn't be there to close until 5.

No time to fret over that! I had to rush off to my doc to pic up my MRI films so I'd have 'em for a TN doc (no need to pay another $700 (after insurance) for that!), then to Home Depot for minor things, and then over to Hobby Lobby to look for yarn for Mom. Mom crochets and is in the middle of a great Aggie-maroon afghan for my nephew. (My grandmother made my Aggie afghan too.) And what else do you do when you can't walk? (when I was out-of-commission with my knee ten years ago, I actually crocheted a whole baby blanket for my best friend Melissa---the only completed crochet project I've made to date.) Whew! In the middle of the errands, I got a call that the sale would not fund Monday; it was too late.

Alrighty.

Tuesday morning, I had time for errands before the movers came. One of those was to my old and new banks. See, TN doesn't have my current bank, but Fort Worth does have a bank that's prevalent in Memphis. So I was able to go ahead and open a new account in that bank. In the meantime, I also ran by my bank and learned---the wire had come through! WooHoo! The sale was funded!

But wait. It wasn't really my money yet.

Huh? Umm Hmmm. When I tried to get money from my old bank to take to the new bank, I learned I couldn't get the money until the wire was "hard posted" to my account. Why? Well, in all reality, it seems the wire could be canceled in the same business day it'd been sent. So it wasn't totally there yet.

Breathe.

No worries, though. Wednesday morning, it was all there! And I promptly (after too many conversations about why my old bank didn't have enough cash to give me, the costs of wires, and finally a waived fee for a cashier's check), made my deposit into my new account. Whew! Now I'll have a bank in Memphis---with enough of a balance in it---where I can go to get the cashier's check I need to pay the movers!

It's official: I know longer own my home. Bittersweet, yes. But I can breathe!!! (And finally a massage therapist might have a ray of hope in working out the knots in my shoulders!)

Sushi & Saucers

I had to have it---the final night to say adios to James. He's been a rock for me for so many things and an incredible mentor as a person new to academia. I really feel fortunate and blessed to have met him when I did.

So Monday night, we met for sushi at my favorite Fort Worth sushi joint. Yes, Fort Worth has sushi! :-) Hui Chuan is, hands down, the best there is. And yes, I know the name is Chinese, but the owner prefers Japanese cuisine.

Anyway, Rodney joined us for dinner too. And I finaly got to meet Adrianna! He seems a bit smitten, and she's a delight. She's absolutely charming as can be and an true beauty. I hope they make it!

We enjoyed some great sushi and other delights (I, naturally, had my favorite: the rainbow roll), and the three of them (after James's lead) even had a quail egg shooter in sake! Ummmmm----nope. Not for me. Maybe one day. But as goofy as my poor stomach has been with stress over my move, a raw quail egg? I think not. ;-)

Dinner over, I bid farewell to Rod. He's really something special. Kathy (Tim's wife) always wanted Rod and I to go out, but we were good as friends. Still, whether it's Adrianna or another, he'll be grand for one very special and lucky woman.

Where else would James and I say adios (for now)? Of course---the Saucer! We shared a great (large) IPA--Twin Sister by Left Hand Brewery. We chatted a lot, and we just enjoyed a low-key few beers. But it was late, so we said good-night.

Good-night? not good-bye? Well, I know that I'm just about certain to see James in January. We'll both attend the AALS annual meeting in NYC. And we've already made plans to make sure we stay in touch to share fun times there! He's unique and fabulous, and once again, I'm counting my blessings for the wonderful people in my life---especially those like James whom I've really needed and have been there for me.

And so to James, I say: Super Scuba!!! :-)

Out with a Bang with the Gang!

Friday night provided my final night out with the Gang---those friends loosely built around associations with folks who work at Lockheed in Fort Worth. You might recall that I met Tim through the A&M Club in Fort Worth. And through Tim, I met Rod, who works at Lockheed. Ergo---I met the Gang!

We started off Friday night with dinner at Tres Jose's. (that's Three Joe's to you non-Tex Mex folks.) It was fabulous! I had some wonderful TexMex enchiladas and a taco with a wonderful margarita as the perfect accompaniment. We had about twenty folks there at dinner---a great crowd!






My friends were even oh-so-patient as I got a group shot taken of all of us.



After dinner, we headed off to Shamrock Pub. I introduced most folks of the Gang to the Shamrock several years ago when we had a birthday outing for me---gosh, must have been back in 2003! And it's served as a great place for darts, good talks and laughs, and great Guinness.

A few more folks who couldn't make dinner joined us there. It was a great night!
Specific good-bye was to my dear friend Heather---one of those tough good-byes; she's a dear, dear woman.



And it was a night of good-byes to many others, wonderfully celebrating our friendships and all the good times we'd been blessed to share together. (Special kudos to Susan for giving me the jump start knowledge of putting a slide show in my blog!)



They've been an awesome group of friends whom I'll certainly miss. As I said good-night, many said they'd come see me in Memphis. Absolutely!

Welcome to Bluff City!

We did it! We found my new house. And it's just what I was looking for.

Charla and I headed out on Sunday. We slept a little later than planned, then my back issues caused us to be even slower. I had experienced this same level of pain back in January, and after lots of PT and a while spent in a giant clanking metal tube, learned in March that I have two herniated discs plus another with light protrusion. Ah---add to that, degenerative hip arthritis, also diagnosed along the same time. The best the doc could say was that I'd have good weeks and bad weeks, and sometimes even really bad times like I'd had back in January. We'll watch it, and if it gets too bad to me, look into some spinal injections. (as long as I'm working out regularly, the hip's generally okay.)

Anyway, Sunday I awoke barely able to move without excruciating pain. I started trying to help, but once we took Howard to my friends' house, and I could barely get back in the van, Charla made an executive (older sister) decision that she alone would load all my plants. I, instead, spent time lying on ice.

With the van loaded, we were off. But first---a stop in Greenville for lunch with dad for Father's Day! It was a wonderful lunch, and a rare treat for my sister to be able to spend time with him while not being a mom herself.

Back on the road, it was another six-and-a-half hours to Memphis. And finally, just after 10:30, I saw my new home: Memphis, Tennessee. (The lead photo above is a shot of the Mississippi River from our hotel room.)

Up early Monday, we headed to the University. I met my new secretary, who seems like a true gem, and we got everything unloaded. My office looks much like a jungle! But fortunately, it has a couple of windows, and we gave the plants a good drink, so they should be fine. (My back was better, but I mostly guided the dolly with boxes on it while Charla still did most of the heavy lifting.)

And finally---time to look at houses. We spend all day, but it was quite disappointing. We found one with a huge backyard, but the house was tiny and just so chopped up into little-bitty rooms. It would work, but it'd be a squeeze into the place. I also, though, set up a time to look at another house the next day. The other one was more than I'd planned to pay, but I wanted to see what an extra $250 would bring.

Monday night, though, we enjoyed some Memphis BBQ. My friend Tim had told me about Interstate BBQ---a place started by Jim Neely. Tim did caution me that although Jim was part of the Neely family, his restaurant was Interstate BBQ---not Neely's BBQ. Oh My Goodness! truly, these were the best pork ribs I'd ever had!


The specialty was the pork sandwich and the ribs, so we ordered an order of each and split both. And it was also the best pork bbq sandwich I've had! The sauce was perfect---a fabulous blend of spice and sweet. Even the beans and coleslaw (I'd never had a mustard-based cole slaw before) were fabulous!

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and took the trolley down to Peabody---to find the Memphis Flying Saucer. What fun! Ad indeed---Monday nights are pint nights there too! While there, I sent James a text, and he was at the Fort Worth Saucer! Guess we can still go to the Saucer together---just in different states. ;-)





Tuesday we were up and went to see the other house. It was gorgeous! Built around the 50s, and it was totally refurbished and in great shape. But the owner still lived there. Could she be out by July 2? hard to tell. She didn't seem to have a clear plan; it seemed more like she'd make her plan once she found a tenant she liked. We spent a little time driving around the neighborhood, found another house or two to call about, then Charla dropped me at the law school---time for lunch!

Yes, I finally got to meet some of my new colleagues! Before I'd even gotten to Memphis, a fellow professor had invited me to lunch with him and some others. We had some great Italian food and just kinda got to know each other. They were so nice and very helpful. I think it's going to be a great year!

After lunch, Janet (one who was also at lunch) sat down with me and a Memphis map, X'ing out several areas, highlighting some desirable areas, and just kinda helping to get my bearings straight. I really wanted to be in this area called Midtown. It's an older area of town---just a couple of miles outside of downtown and between downtown and the University. It reminds me a lot of the area in Fort Worth near Camp Bowie and Montgomery---the cultural district.

A few more phone calls and emails, then Charla came back and we were off---driving around the neighborhoods I'd learned of. (I'd totally missed the Cooper-Young area before.) After a while, I was frustrated. I was playing telephone tag with one home owner, hadn't heard back from the Highpoint owner about when she could be out, and just generally down. I suggested we go back to the hotel, let me check the Internet, and we could make some calls. I told Charla later that I was also feeling quite ill---so stressed over needing to find a place and just not finding it yet. I feared I might lose my lunch. Time's hours felt like walls closing in.

I poored through online lists and emails, and Charla grabbed the phonebook. With one call, she had a list of five property managers. And she started dialing.

One of those said that yes, they had a house that hadn't even officially been listed as for rent; the property management company was just going through some make-ready orders on it. But we could call to see if we could see it. We called Shawn, and she said she could be there in thirty minutes. We were off!

On the way there, we set up two more appointments. Breathe. Things were getting better. First stop: Meeting Shawn at the Hawthorne house.

Okay, so the house needed a little love on the outside. But the neighborhood was wonderful. It's filled with all old homes---circa 1920s or so. Just off the main street, the homes are duplexes and a few apartment type buildings (not like suburban apartments---like ones that have been there for sixty years). But farther north up the street, and it's all gorgeous houses. We knew this street---a huge park (that contains the zoo and other cultural attractions) is just one street over! I held my breath as we went inside.

This was it! Hardwood floors (sure, they need refinishing, but that's no issue for me for a rental (and Howard)) , huge rooms---even glass door knobs. There was also an alcove in the dining room with seats and a window; I could envision Sophie purring contently at that window. Off the dining room is a huge butler's pantry--which is good because, granted, the kitchen has almost zero cabinet or counter space. We turned down the hall off the kitchen, and I opened a door, expecting to find a closet. Whoa! Stairs going-----huh? down? Huh? I had to regroup a second to realize---ah ha! A basement! Yep---that's where I'll be doing my laundry.

Okay, another down side to an older house (this one was built in 1926) is that it has only one bathroom---for three bedrooms. But hey! Why do I need more than one anyway? We looked in another closet (this one with a cedar-lined storage area) then opened another door. Once again, I was expecting a closet (no, I hadn't learned yet), and indeed---stairs! This time, they went up to a partially floored attic! Very cool space. And with stairs for access, how wonderful to be able to have such great access to boxes stored there!

I still had two more to see, but this house spoke to me. (not in a creepy Amityville sense---in a good way). Sure, it had some issues---repairs the leasing agent, Shawn, promised would be done. And the outside, well, it hadn't been loved in a long time. But I'd already mentioned making pies (noting that the kitchen counter was at least big enough to roll out a pie crust), and that seems to have won Shawn over. She called the management company and strongly suggested how badly the house needed to be painted. And she agreed to have the yard cleaned up---getting rid of all the leaves that had fallen last fall. I liked this house!

(and if all the work gets done, Shawn's getting a peach pie.)

As we were leaving, the neighbor to my north was outside painting his door. We stopped and chatted with him for a while, and I knew, this family was going to be my new neighbors. But first---I still wanted to see those other houses. Besides, it was after 5, and the property management office was closed. No one could rent this house before the morning, and besides, it wasn't even listed yet.

Off to see a house in the Cooper-Young area, and no---not my house. Off to see one more over in the same neighborhood as the Highpoint house. fabulous layout and a cute house. But the yard was completely bare. If you've ever been to Memphis, you'll know what I mean when talk about the HUGE old oak trees everywhere. How could I move to a town with all those fabulous trees and have none in my yard? Absolutely not.

Another drive by the Highpoint house. It's a cute house, but it's also more expensive than I'd planned. The Hawthorne house was right at my planned and budgeted amount. The Highpoint house didn't really have a back yard. but the front yard, which was gorgeously landscaped, was fenced. But it was right on the corner of a very busy street. If Howard ever got out and ran to that street . . . .

I asked Charla to drive back to the Hawthorne house. Incredible neighborhood. It was dinner time--the time you want to see a neighborhood before committing to living there. So many people were out walking their dogs. We drove around more. Cute old houses all over. And a street or two north, essentially McMansions. The park is less than two blocks away, with great looking trails that held joggers, walkers, and dog walkers. We talked again to the neighbor, and I made up my mind. This is my new house!

What's even better, I've wanted to live in an old house like this and in a neighborhood like this for years. And with renting for a year, I get to experience this without the commitment of buying! WooHoo! I have a new place!

Whew. Mission Accomplished. And we were exhausted---and hungry! So we ran by the hotel then headed for dinner and to see Beale Street.

While waiting for the trolley that night, two older gentlemen---Memphians---struck up a conversation. They were wonderfully sweet, and so excited I liked their city. Sadly, a younger man came by, pestering Charla and me for money. The two older gentlemen indicated to me to ignore him, and I did. (All this while Charla was on the phone with her sweetie and kiddos.) And as we got on the trolley, the two older gentlemen told the driver we were from Texas and we wanted to go to Beale Street as that younger man (who seemed not to be in a sober state) shouted horrible obscenities. The men apologized; the trolley driver apologized. You could tell they hated that we had that experience, and they didn't want us to look poorly upon all Memphians. I didn't, and I don't. Sad young people who've taken the wrong turns in life are in every city. But the other gentlemen at that trolley stop---they're the Memphians I'm happy to be sharing a city with very soon.

Ahhh---Beale Street. Amazing blues music. But we were so tired, the evening held only a walk down the street, enjoying hearing the live band from inside a plethora of little clubs, a visit into an eclectic gift shop (reminding me a lot of Earth Bones in Sundance Square), and finally dinner. It was a great night, and we turned in early; we had a long drive ahead of us the next day!

Wednesday morning we were up early again to go sign my lease. We took care of that and all my deposits and pet fees, and Shawn agreed to meet us at the house so I could get some pics and measurements. I've already now drawn a floor plan of the house, using scaled cut-outs of my furniture to figure out what's going where.

Here are a few shots of the interior of the house. More photos to come after I get settled in! But in these shots, you can see in the first two shots, the front door and gorgeous doors dividing the dining and living rooms, then shots showing the alcove in the dining room (Sophie's gonna love it there!) and the butler's pantry. This house is filled with such character!






And now, a day full of packing awaits me on Sunday. Atlas packers will be here Monday to pack the kitchen, and then Tuesday, the movers come load everything up! I cannot believe that in three days, everything I own that's not in my car will be on a semi----headed to Blues City.

Y Thai

Had lunch on Friday with some fabulous ladies from the Y. And it was a double good-bye---it was also Ruth's last day there. I had selected Thai Tina---a wonderful little Thai place not too far from the Y or my house.

Ruth works at the Y at the front desk. And her cheery disposition (with a slight sarcastic twinge---one I think works perfectly) is a treasure on days when you feel too tired to be there to face a kick-box, pump, or cardio workout. But she's not actually leaving the Y family---just our local one. Ruth's going to work at a different branch---this time, full time with benefits and in a more concentrated position.

Pam and Ha Li also came. Pam is one of the morning fitness class instructors whose kickbox and Y-pump classes have always been awesome. Pam's got a fabulous personality, and is a top instructor. She's friendly and gets to know her students, and she also always keeps an eye out for form---a must for an instructor in my book. Ha Li is a Y member like me---an optometrist. And we'vt gotten to know each other in Pam's and Kristy's classes over the last two years.

Unfortunately, Kristy couldn't make lunch with us. Kristy used to be the fitness coordinator at the Y but then took another job. She still teaches a couple of evening classes, and hopefully I'll even be able to make one last yoga class on Monday. Yep---Kristy helped introduce me to yoga---power yoga specifically. Who knew that a yoga class could be such a great work out?!

Anyway, it was a great lunch, chatting about the Y, working out, and even all of our sisters. We were in total agreement that shopping with your sister is sometimes the best because she'll always be honest about how something looks. We also laughed over how the differences between Ha Li and her sister mirror those between mine and me; her sister is also single, no kids, and she's even moving out of state this summer---to San Diego. As Ha Li puts it---more adventuresome. Charla and I keep talking about this move---my next adventure.

And by the way, Thai Tina's chicken red curry----yummmmmy! :-)

Moving's Tough on All

I can only hope that Sophie (my cat) will still recognize me when I finally make it to Mom's next week. She's been there for five weeks, and she's been grand. She loves Mom dearly---and Mom loves her. But man, I do miss my kitty!

Howard, on the other hand, has been around for the chaos of packing. Bless his heart! How insane this must seem to him---me putting everything I own in boxes. Things are coming off walls, everything's going in boxes, and no doubt, he's felt some of my stress lately too.

How do I know? Well, a lot of people I know remember that when they were little kids, any time they didn't feel good, the best thing they could do was snuggle up in their mom's bed---right where she sleeps. I remember doing that. I've seen my nieces do it. And yes, Howard occasionally does it too.

Yes, Howard pushed the throw pillows aside and first snuggled up in my spot before stretching out---but still being sure to keep his head at my pillow spot. And no, Howard normally does not sleep on my pillow! In fact, he's quite good about knowing he's supposed to sleep only at the foot of the bed. But not that night.

Poor thing. I know he's stressed. But I also know he'll love his new back yard. It's gonna have squirrles! :-) Okay, more about that in an upcoming post. For now, I'm exhausted. I finished packing all the exteriors tonight---storage shed, front and back patios, attic, and garage. It was a dirty (and humid) job, but it's done! More packing tomorrow!

Oh---and before I go, Mom's doing well. She and Emily went back to Mom's instead of to Emily's. It's easier to make follow-up doc appointments that way. My heart still breaks for her. I vividly recall that helpless feeling when you're immobile. Having to ask for every single thing is soooo hard! If you're hungry, no one can read your mind, but you feel like you've been such a burden already, you're slow to ask for someone to get you something to eat. But if you don't ask, you get nothing but a growling gut. But it's so hard sometimes to ask! And just the hard feelings---knowing the depressed moods that can hit, well, it all makes me sad that Mom's having to go through this. Charla's headed down there for the evening today, and I'll be there for two nights next week. It's not enough time, and Ihate the timing of all of this. But I am glad to be able to see her then. Regardless---keep those good thoughts coming. :-)

Sisters!

Friday finally got here, and so did my sister, Charla! With Mom being so wonderfully tended to by her sister Emily, my sister was able to come see---and amazingly help---me. But before we headed out for the bulk of the work, we had a fabulous couple of days in Fort Worth.

Granted, Charla and I lead such very different lives. She's been married almost seventeen years to a wonderful man, David. They have four daughters in their lives (the oldest is my sister's step-daughter, Jamie (whose mom is Laurie, a fabulous woman who's become an absolute part of my family too))----Jamie (20); Anna (13); Abby (12); and Molly (8). Charla is a full-time mom and wife but also manages to work part-time at Molly's school. With girl scouts, music and art lessons, sports for everyone, and seeing friends, family, etc., this is one busy family! (ahh---and two dogs---can't forget Muffin & Spanky!)

And me? Never married, no children, formerly focused on education and pursuing multiple advanced degrees and now career driven. Dating (sometimes), going out with friends, etc.

Compare Everybody Loves Raymond to Sex in the City. Or compare Bree & Lynette on Desperate Housewives to Meredith and Izzy on Grey's. Even the two sisters on Brothers & Sisters---Kitty vs. Sarah---give you a good picture of some of those differences. Okay, I think you get it. :-)

(For our road trip to Memphis, I took along a number of magazines I subscribe to that I just haven't had time to read. Toward the end of the trip, Charla commented how different our magazines are. And how wonderfully they fit each of us. After all, her magazines focus on raising kids, family life, and the like. Mine focus more on just women---fitness, activities, etc. Oh--and my Body + Soul, which addresses the environment, yoga, inner spirituality, and such as that. (skeptically accused of having a political agenda by my dear sibling. Well, sure, but one I support! recall---I'm the black sheep when it comes to such. Most of my family wants to complain such complaints as it takes too much energy to recycle things without realizing the true tree huggers would have done a complete cost/benefit analysis of such issues. At least so I'm convinced. Sure, maybe some recycling causes a little air pollution in the process, but it's offset by all the trees and natural resources saved. Anyway....)

Friday, we had a fabulous dinner at La Familia---a favorite tex-mex place in Fort Worth. We followed that up with a visit to Fred's Texas and just caught the end of the live jazz band that plays most Friday nights. It was a wonderful night---even if spotted with moments of nostalgia that threatened to induce tears. Charla made a wonderful point of how perfect it was that she and her family spent their family vacation in Fort Worth last year with me---the summer before I moved away from Texas. We had a great time last summer---visiting the Fort Worth Currency facility (I still love remembering Molly's expression when she finally realized---"that's all money!" upon seeing the huge stacks of one-dollar bills.), going to Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, and the circus. We also had a great time that first night having dinner at Joe T's---a place everyone should enjoy a margarita on the patio.)

Here's a shot of the band at Fred's and one of Charla and me there.















On Saturday, we ran lots of errands, taking care of just about everything on our list. We shopped, had our toenails painted, then went to a special preview of an exhibit at the Kimbell (The Mirror and the Mask: Portraiture in the Age of Picasso--"Featuring 80 to 100 paintings and a small number of sculptures by artists including Cézanne, van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Kokoschka, Beckmann, Bacon, and Dubuffet, the exhibition uses Picasso as a constant reference point, following the changes in his style in relation to trends in portraiture throughout Europe.") I also got to show Charla some of my favorite pics of their permanent collection. Next, we had a snack and martini at Michael's on 7th then finally headed off to Central Market---to gather our picnic supplies.

Indeed, Saturday night was reserved for Concert in the Gardens sponsored by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. And what a fabulous evening! Oh goodness--it was grand!

It had rained all day, but as concert time approached, the rain finally let up. And the sky even cleared before the orchestra took the stage. And what a wonderful show it was!
And the concert that night was "A Night at the Oscars"---a tribute to the fabulous music from the movies.

We had such fun! We started off with a bottle of champagne, toasting my new life and our relationship. We had a wonderful picnic too---fabulous cheeses, fruits, crackers, spreads, and such. And when the orchestra played the montage of all the major songs from The Sound of Music---well, Fabulous! They had just played Colonel Bogey, and the conductor not only invited the audience to whistle along, he directed them too! So with the Sound of Music songs, he invited us to sing along. And sing, we did!

See, our Mom did something wonderful by giving us a love of music. And Charla and I grew up listening to the Sound of Music soundtrack. We also excitedly gathered every year when the movie came on tv. It was even the first major play both of us saw---our grandmother took us to see it at Fair Park. (Shirley Jones played Maria.)

So yes, we had so much fun! In fact, after the show, the woman behind us asked if we were sisters. Then she commented that she was jealous---because we looked like we had had just so much fun with the show. She was right.

After the show, we headed on home to start loading the van. Mom had lent us her van to use for the trip to Memphis so I could take my office boxes and my houseplants. It was a long night, but a great one. And just the beginning of our journey.

More Good-byes: Chris & Bob

Last week found me meeting more friends for a little more time together to say good-bye. It was a low-key evening, but a wonderful one. I met my friends Chris and Bob at Buffalo Wild Wings for one last night to get together there and watch sports. (We got together several times last fall for Aggie games and such. And yes---the Spurs took the title on Thursday. Should have been the Mavs!)

Here's Chris, me, and Bob:

Chris and I met several years ago through a mutual friend, Wendy. We've since lost touch with her, but Chris and I remain good friends. We reminisced over old times---especially our 2003 trip to Florida. And we even made some tentative plans for Chris to join me in Florida this year. How great that would be! As of now, I'm set to be there on my own---I'll be there to moderate a panel at a conference. But it'd be nice to have someone to chill out with a bit during off-conference times.

The other friend who joined us last Thursday was Bob. He's just a dear. Bob is another friend I know through Chris, and he's been a lifesaver with the selling of my house. See, Bob is an electrician and so kindly helped out with a few outlet issues I had over the last couple of months.

Anyway, lots of fun, wonderful laughs, and just a fabulous, relaxed evening was had by all. Chris and Bob---I'll miss y'all! Come see me in Blues City!

Hope There's No Loose Screw!

It seems that Mom's surgery went well. The doc had to use a few screws (one of which must be removed in six-eight weeks) and a plate. No weight-bearing for all that six to eight weeks too. Egads---not the way Mom planned her summer! (And the thought of having surgery so soon before school starts back to remove that screw and then rehab...ick.)

Anyway, so as of now, a few days in the hospital then Mom's going to Emily's house SW of Houston. Charla and her husband did the trade off of Mom's van, so we're still set to go.

In the meantime, I've made a huge dent in my packing. More packing all day tomorrow too---then a little time with my sister. We have a couple of outdoor activities planned before heading out to TN---hope the storms don't dampen that too much!

But first---off this evening to see a couple more friends to say goodbye to Chris & Bob.

Prayers for Mom

After my marathon workout this morning (one hour on the elliptical and thirty minutes on the treadmill---ooh-rah!), I found a voicemail from my sister waiting for me: Mom had broken her leg. Actually, the message was that Mom was on the floor and said she'd broken her leg in half and was waiting for the ambulance. What?!

It took another couple of hours to get more details. Mom had fallen, pulled herself close enough to pull the phone down, called her dear friend Roberta and an ambulance, and then my sister. While talking to my sister, the ambulance was breaking into Mom's house.

And finally, Charla (my sister) called me with an update. Indeed---as Mom had originally suspected, she completely broke both bones in her lower leg---not too far above the ankle. (She's been doing major cleaning out of things at her house, and in the middle of it all, stepped on a magazine: ergo---Slip. Fall. Break.) One thing my sister mentioned was how calm Mom was on the phone when she originally called. As weird as this might sound, but that told us that indeed this was a severe injury.

Anyway, Mom's in the hospital, and after waiting for too long, finally got word that they'll do surgery Thursday morning. She'll need a pin put in, it seems.

I talked to her twice this evening, and she's as okay as can be expected. Her friend Roberta is there with her, and my sister and my aunt---Mom's sister---will be there in the morning for the surgery.

Do I go? I have struggled all day with that. I'm leaving the state, but right now, I'm near enough to be there in just over three hours. But I'm also leaving the state---with movers at my house in less than two weeks. And I barely began to pack yesterday. I am so pulled and so torn, so I asked Mom.

Mom said it'd be silly for me to drive down there. After all, I have to go to Tennessee this weekend to find a house. (I cannot tell you the stress involved in having movers coming to your house in less than two weeks and have absolutely NO idea as to where you'll be living after that! I can't even cancel utilities or anything---I have no forwarding address. Truly, in everything in the last two months, that's been the most overwhelming feeling so far.)

But that trip to Tennessee---it's supposed to be my sister and me. But Mom's hurt. We finally both admitted some selfish feelings (are we awful?) about being so worried about Mom and so sad about her pain---but, selfishly, this trip means so much to both of us.

Sure, yes, I need the help for this trip. Mom's letting me borrow her van to take up all of my boxes for my office and as many houseplants as I can. (They'd never make it living on a semi for week. and I have some gorgeous plants. And it's my mom and her mother that really gave me my love of houseplants and so many flowers. (I credit Dad for my love of perennials.)) And my sister was going to help with all that and with navigating a brand new city (and state----keep in mind that I've never---no, never---even been to Tennessee!) But even more so, this was about me and my sister having some very special time together before I leave the state.

Okay, sure, I've lived in north Texas and she in Houston for the last seven years, and we're not at each others' houses all the time. But me leaving the state---this makes it different. And us having an opportunity for a girls' road trip has been something we have both looked forward to ever since the idea blossomed. More importantly, as sisters, having a chance to "get away" together---it's been a huge focal point for both of us.

My Mom? Well, in all of this so far, she's never once mentioned us cancelling the trip. Admittedly, as soon as we heard Mom was hurt, we figured that was that---no trip for us. But nope. Maybe not. My mom called her sister, and Mom's already got a plan. Normally, it'd involve my sister or me at Mom's house or Mom at my sister's to recover and have help. But Mom didn't even go there---she told me on the phone tonight that she and her sister had already talked about Mom staying with my aunt once Mom's out of the hospital.

When I say that Mom's one of the most loving and giving people I know, it's no fib. That she would do this and try so hard to make sure Charla and I still have our time---well, wow. Kudos to her. And to my aunt.

(and yes, I see that one day, my sister's kids are going to need me to be there for my sister---and I will be. (or maybe it's because I was there for my sister in some way when all three of them were born?) Regardless, again, kudos Aunt Emily. Or in more current words: Emily---you rock!)

Okay, but my heart is still broken for my mom's pain and her being alone when this happened. It's so scary---to have your parents live alone and know what can happen.

(Heck---to any of us that live alone. When I fell a couple of years ago, sure, Howard and Sophie were here, and they both came running when I fell and screamed--Howard then even ran and brought me a toy (not sure---to make me feel better...or as a "hey, as long as you're on the floor, let's play!"?), but neither could actually call for help.)

But at some point, whether they know it or not, your feeling for your parents becomes almost parental.

And personally having had a bone in about fourteen pieces, Mom knows that I do indeed know her pain. And she knows I love her. I've designated myself the "call me absolutely any time during this ordeal" child of hers. I assured her my cell phone would remain at my side and charged, and even if it was 3am and she couldn't sleep, that she could call me to chat.

Anyway, please---good thoughts and all for Mom, 'kay? After talking to her, okay, so the conclusion is that my best thing is to stay here and keep packing----looking forward to the couple of days at the end of this month I've set aside to go see Mom. And it sounds like---as of now---Charla and I are still on. Granted, everything hinges on the report from the doc tomorrow. We know things can change, but we're so appreciative that it seems Mom really understands how important this trip is to the both of us.

Oh---and Sophie? She's been at Mom's house since mid-May. Roberta went by Mom's house and checked on her and fed her this afternoon. She's fine.

Blessings to all of them.

Julio's, Lucille's, and Buck's

I've been working out a lot lately. Sure, losing some pounds would be great. But in reality, I'm just trying to keep up with all the good-bye eats & drinks! :-)

Julio's:

After the fabulous festivities on Friday, I took it easy Saturday, just tending to a few things around the house. But Saturday evening I headed out to dinner with some former law school classmates at a wonderful Fort Worth place---Uncle Julio's.

What's there? Fabulous margaritas and even better fajitas---yummy! Shannon was there with her sweetie Raniel---we were also celebrating their expanding family; Shannon's due in October! And Jesse was there with his sweetie Rudeene.

About five of us, well, no, I guess it was originally seven----kinda formed some odd group during law school. See, your first year, you're with the same people for just about all of your classes. Laurel and I had met the previous spring during a visit to the school when they were trying to sell us on the place. We then also became friends with Shannon, Cherry, and Jesse---mainly because we sat within close proximity of each other. (Ashely & Todd were the others, but they both kinda faded out during our last year.) Who knows exactly why friendships develop, but they did.

So ever since graduation, we try to get together for dinner every so often, and my leaving gave us the perfect excuse to do so this month. Cherry, though, didn't make it; she left Texas last June for Seattle, and bravo for her---she seems very happy. Laurel had a family thing come up at the last minute, so that left Jesse, Shannon, and me.

It was a great night. We caught up on all the chatty things to go over regarding everyone we knew---who is practicing what kind of law and where---and just enjoyed the evening.

Oh! And it's Jesse and Rudeene who so wonderfully have taken such great care of Howard several times---and will again later this month twice with my moving prep. Howard loves it over there; although, their pups sure do keep Howard on his toes!

Here're the three of us---Shannon, Jesse, and me:


Lucille's:

Sunday I got up early and headed to my office. It'd been easy to procrastinate on the packing, but finally, I had to get it done. I spent a few hours in my office, boxing all that I could before I actually ran out of boxes! No worries; it was time for brunch anyway.

I met another former classmate David and his friend Brian at Lucille's---a favorite brunch spot. And yes, indeed, I savored the Santa Fe breakfast pizza. So yummy! It was fabulous catching up with David and Brian. They're both some great people, and they're so wonderfully supportive of this new adventure of mine--and so excited for me!

Here's David and me:

They also gave me such a sweet card. Guys like that deserve all the best!

Buck's:

After brunch, it was back to work! I went and bought more boxes then headed back to my office to keep packing. I was just about finished when I looked around and realized I had a much bigger job of loading than I'd anticipated. Fortunately, my friend Jeff had offered his help---if he wasn't still playing soccer.

Well, bad news for his soccer team, but good news for me! His team had lost in the semi-finals of the tournament, and that meant he was free to come help out. And how great he did! We couldn't fit it all in my car, but between my car and his jeep---everything! Odd, of course, to leave. Truly, now, that chapter has ended. But the most fabulous ones are ahead!

Anyway, so once we got the cars loaded then unloaded at my house (my house is indeed beginning to fill with boxes), I hurried through my fastest shower ever only to jump back in the car and head to dinner in Grapevine. This time the company was my dear dear friend Kristin, her sweetie Charles, and a mutual friend of us all (who originally knew Charles back in college), Chris. (yes, for those in the know, Chris and I dated briefly, but we're much better off as friends.)


Why Grapevine? It's Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse in Grapevine, so we went there for a few reasons. First, it 's conveniently located---Charles & Kristin live in Valley Ranch, me in Fort Worth, and come to find out---Chris is now in Dallas. Second, Chris has spent the last six months in London, and in an email announcing his return, the one thing he said he wanted was a good steak. And finally---it's a brewery that brews an IPA, and I'd heard it was fantastic. By the way---it is!


Anyway, while Tracy's my yen, Kristin's my yang. If that makes any sense. Kristin's an incredibly grounded woman. And she's of that group of friends who's nearly a decade younger than me. Odd, huh---the Arlington women are nearly a decade older, and the "gang" women nearly a decade younger. hmmmm---call me Goldilocks? No wonder I tell my colorist to always keep more blonde than anything else! ;-)


Anyway, no matter. It's odd, but in some way, Kristin and I are kindred spirits. I said this Sunday night---we may be nearly ten years apart, but it's as if we grew up the same. Seriously. Who else do I know who knows Peter, Paul, & Mary? Additionally, we both have older sisters, whom we love dearly, but we also both have lives very different from our older sisters---sometimes that's hard on everyone. And Kristin and I both get that.


But mostly, Kristin is one of the wisest women I know. Granted, I realize she doesn't always feel that way, but deep down---she is. And I have the greatest respect for her and how smart she is.

This wasn't a total good-by night---just for Chris. Kristin will be with me my final night in Fort Worth, and I hope to see Charles that weekend too. But for Chris, who knows, maybe we will indeed see each other in Madrid next summer!


Here's Kristin & Charles; Kristin & me; then all four of us together:

Good Times. :-)

A Gathering in Arlington

When I moved to north Texas in '95, I left behind a great group of friends in Houston. One thing we did there was played darts in a dart league. It took a little while, but eventually, after I moved to Arlington (where I lived before moving to Fort Worth), I found another dart league.

After playing for a couple of seasons with my team, several of us stuck around for the summer league. Alas, one week, though, we were short a player. Another team's player was up at Moose & Vinny's one night, and he agreed to fill in for us. (He wasn't on a team that summer.) That was Jim, and from that, a great group of friends came to be.

Here's Jim & me:

(That summer was the summer after my knee injury---after I shattered my kneecap. I was still on crutches, so while playing darts that summer, Jim and other teammates would so kindly go pull my darts after I threw them---saving me steps each game. I finally got off those crutches late that summer.)

Anyway, Jim and I formed another team that fall. Eventually Jim, James, and Monique were all on the team (along with Mo's then-sweetie Stu (they since split up)) and Tracy joined us most nights too---sometimes playing also. We got together each week for league night plus many weekend nights for fun---and to practice. Our place was Moose & Vinny's. We even became good friends with Moose. Mo's friends Darin & Laura and Dana often joined us on weekend nights when we would throw darts but also have tons of fun dancing to bands like Professor D, Incognito, Lookout, and other great cover bands.

We spent fabulous Halloweens and new year's eves together---creating great memories. And my thirtieth birthday was spent with this group (and with some of those dear friends from Houston who came to town for it along with all my family and others too) at Moose's where I even danced on stage with the band---that night, it was Incognito.

What keeps this group of friends so near to my heart? I've been thinking about it, and you know, it's that these are some of the most genuine folks I know. We've known each other for ten years now, and still, I feel blessed to call them all friend and to have had them in my life.

And so, once I knew I was moving, I had to find a night to see them all again before I headed out. Friday was that night. Here's the group from Friday night:
Moose & Vinny's has long since shut down, so we met at Sherlock's in Arlington. Everyone was there: Tracy & Jim (who finally married each other two years ago---and by the way, it was Tracy's birthday that night too. It was double celebration!); Mo and her new honey; Laura & Darrin; James; Dana; Tracy's son Jeremy; and me. Others friends joined us too. Sure, it's been ten years now, and yes, that means we're all ten years older, but that's something else about these great people---aging together.

These particular girlfriends were all in their thirties when we met. And me--almost there. And it was their grasp of life that really made me hit that milestone with a smile on my face and my head held straight up. They all raved about how wonderful their thirties were to them, and indeed; they were right! (What's fabulous, of course, is that these incredible women tell me that their forties are even better! WooHoo!! ;-)

Here the core group of those girlfriends---me, Dana, Laura, Tracy, & Mo:But having friends who are dear to you also means some tough goodbyes sometimes. And saying goodbye to Tracy was one of those hard ones.
Tracy is a truly remarkable woman. She has a hold of life unlike anyone I know in that she has a zest for living and fun and is able to see what's really important and what just plain isn't. Her wit is unmatched, and to say that she's a hoot would be the understatement of the century, but that also wraps up pretty nicely what it's like to hang around her.

Ah----hanging around with Tracy. She had several poor unsuspecting souls at Moose & Vinny's at times convinced that she was Vinny----and that she collected the fee to play darts.

Then there was Hawaii: Tracy and I (along with another one of the Arlington friends, Michelle, plus several of Michelle's friends) did a girls' trip to Hawaii back in January '99. And oh goodness--what fun! Tracy and I made fabulous traveling companions. We visited Pearl Harbor together---both being caught off guard at how emotional that would be. We also drove around the island, stopping at "hidden places" recommended by her guide book. Then there was the night at Moose McGillycuddy's. A running joke back in Arlington involved Tracy, Mo, and I as James's sisters---all from Georgia. And oh yes, the Georgia accent is laid on quite thick. (This all started from an oh-so-colorful joke about several women from Georgia talking to each other about men they'd met "Oh my stars!") And so, being out of town, naturally, those Georgia sisters had to make an appearance. Too funny---and fun!

Tracy meant so much more to me---and to the woman I am. Aside from the great fun that she is, she's also full of so much love. And she's one of those people whom I trust that I could call---at any time---and she'd be there for me. So yes, when Tracy & Jim left, it was hard to say good-bye. I'm gonna miss you, Tracy!

But back to the fun of the night----guess who the band was on Friday night? Indeed! Incognito! I had put together all of my photos of all of us from the past ten years into one album, and the band got a kick out of the photos I had from '98 when they played at Moose's that same night as my birthday blow-out. And of course, we girls had to hit the dance floor!
















Here's a shot of James and me and one of Dana and me then one of me with Dana, Laura, and Mo:

And then there's this pic of Darin and me:

Darin and Laura are a fabulous couple. I so admire what they have---and more importantly, the secure nature of their relationship.

I recall a night back in Houston---ironically, the week I was moving from Houston to move up here to north Texas---when my friend Jeff called me a flirt. What?! Me?! how rude! Absolutely not! I'm just friendly and outgoing! Yes---those were my thoughts and words that night. But since then, okay, maybe Jeff was right. But more so; so what!? What's wrong with being a flirt? (Although still, I'm not sure I know the total difference, but let's not get into a battle of semantics.) Okay, so I flirt. :-)

Back to Darin and Laura----here's two people I can see flirt, and it's totally harmless. And that's what's so amazing with their relationship: they are so secure enough, that it's fine. They obviously worked that out long ago, and things just work for them. And bravo to them!

Anyway, so Darin said the reason for our pic together was so that if some man in Memphis caused me problems, I just show 'em this pic of this guy back in Texas who won't stand for me being mistreated. :-) Yes---that's the other thing I have in these friends: three of the best big brothers a girl could ask for. I didn't really grow up with either of my brothers, so I never had that protective source from them. But like I know I could call on Tracy, I also know these Arlington men would be there for me, and if it ever came down to it, never let me be in a bad situation.

So what a great night!! Fun, dancing, a great band, and most importantly---a wonderful time spent with some of the most genuine and fabulous people I know. I love those guys, and I've been blessed to know them and to be able to call them my friends.

The Original Trio---Goodbye Dinner

On Sunday evening, my friends Tim and Kathy had me over for dinner---our chance to say good-bye. Here's the two of them.

Rod came too, fitting, as the three of us---Tim, Rod, and I---were the original trio of hosts.

I mentioned Rod and Tim before. I met Tim back in December 2000 at my first Aggie happy hour. Tim's a vice principal and had graduated from A&M around the same time as I did. He's a wonderfully sweet man, and bless his heart. but yes, just a little naive.

I clearly recall that birthday of that year when Tim brought Rod along and we all joined some other friends heading to Dallas for a murder mystery show. Tim and Rod came to my house to pick me up. As we were heading out the door, Rod noticed my Wolfard Lamp and asked what it was. I told him, and he replied, "Man, I thought it was a bong sitting on your coffee table." Tim's reply---"What's a bong?" Poor thing, I still tease him over that. (I'm almost always the one getting teased for saying things without really thinking them through (How much does that twenty-pound bag of potting soil weigh, anyway?))

Anyway, so yes, that's when I met Rod. And shortly thereafter, the three of us---probably late one night at the Pink Poodle---a truck stop diner that was perfect after a late night near the Stockyards---decided to throw a party. We had been reminiscing about parties from college days, and we mentioned how no one has parties like that anymore. Heck, all in our 30s, we can't survive parties like that too often! But we decided what the heck?! We can have a party like that! And plans started. And what a party it was!

The place---my house. I had thrown a small party back when I moved in around August 1999. It was my "housewarming/happy birthday to me/hooray I'm going to law school" party. And it was great! Not too large---mainly all my friends from Arlington (more about them later), a few from my previous job, and some family. But this 2001 party was something else.

We invited everyone! Of course, everyone from "the gang" was there, all those friends from Arlington, people from law school (I was now in my third year of school), neighbors, people from the A&M club, people from my Sunday school class (ummhmmm), poeple Rod and Tim had met at Razoo's, and even people from Bennigans--where I did a lot of studying. (yes, I studied for law school in Bennigan's. The Kettle and MSC got me through undergrad, but I can't read law for too too long without needing a break. If I went in and had a beer, I could read for a while then eventually I'd start visiting with someone else at the bar. And I'd put it aside for the evening. Sure, IHOP was right next door, but hey! I graduated top of my class, so it must have been just fine! :-) ) Back to the guests---I never did a head count, but everyone says that pretty much at any given time between the hours of 9 and 1, at least 100 people were at my house. Yowza!

But it was such fun! Everyone behaved, the house wasn't hurt at all, and most importantly, lots of people made new friends! Okay, so to be honest, the police did visit my street that night---but they were here to see the people across the street. Can you imagine? I have this huge party, and the police have to go across the street!

My neighbors Gina and Chris were getting married, and they decided---in hindsight, foolishly---to have the bachelor party and bachelorette parties on the same night. And it happened to be that night. The bachelorettes started off at my house then took their party to downtown Fort Worth to City Streets---a popular place for bachelorette parties at that time. The guys, on the other hand, headed to an establishment in Dallas. And yes, it was one of those kinds of establishments. But the different cities meant that the girls got home before the guys.

Gina's limo pulled up about 2:30. And yes, plenty of people were still at my house. Some of my guests reported that a cell phone came flying out of the car window, and many inebriated girls were across the street. Apparently, the bride-to-be was less than happy that her soon-to-be-groom wasn't home yet. What's more---she'd lost her keys at the club. Oh, and but of course, several of the single men at my house went to offer their assistance to the group of overly intoxicated young ladies. (They finally got in a window or something I think.)

What played out provided quite the voyeuristic entertainment for my remaining guests. The groom finally arrived home, shouting ensued, and eventually, the police came for a visit. Chris spent an hour or two in my kitchen, but finally went back home. Interestingly enough, they went ahead with the wedding. The divorce was final about fifteen months later.

The remainder of my guests (the ones who didn't spend the night) finally left around 4:30 or so. Rod and Tim helped me clean the next morning, and the Party I legend began.

(We had Party II at Tim's house the next spring---he'd just bought his house that winter. Then we had Dave join in hosting duties and had Party III at his new house in the fall of '02. He had a pool! And this time, still thinking college days, we had a theme: it was a toga party! Party IV was again at Dave's, this time focusing on the 70s. And at that point, we passed the baton on to others, but as I said, Party I is the original legend.)

I guess those college reminiscing issues that have directed a lot of Rod, Tim, and my activities together. In 2003 we went to South Padre Island for spring break. I had never been, and oh my. I can't say I'll go back. But it was fun! (I knew I should experience it at least once---in case I ever have a child begging to go.) But it was also the kind of think people in their 30s need do only once. :-)

The following fall, Tim and Kathy got married in a beautiful ceremony at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. (But a cold front came through during the ceremony, and the wind really picked up. I had to work hard not to laugh because Kathy's veil kept blowing straight out---and she looked like a Flying Nun bride. Still, it was a lovely ceremony.) Sam arrived around November of 2004. And Ben was born just a few months ago. The boys are such cuties.

And back to now---dinner Sunday night was great. We had burgers, grilled chicken, and some fabulous jalapeno sausage along with pasta salad and some yummy guacamole. As Rod and I were leaving, Tim gave us both some wine he'd made. He's really getting into making his own wine. His label? Tres Gatos--named for his and Kathy's three cats.

And essentially, Tim and Kathy are just good people. They are nice, funny, fun, and incredibly easy-going---good friends to have. And good friends whom I'll miss. (I didn't officially say goodbye to Rod; we'll see each other again before I leave.)

A Fort Worth Afternoon

Last Saturday was a fabulous day! James, Anthony, and I started the afternoon with a visit to Rahr Brewery in Fort Worth.



It was Saturday---free tasting day---and we even took a tour of the place! Along with the tour, we learned how IPAs got their name. An IPA is a fabulous style of beer that was first made in the 1700s. With British trade booming in the East Indies, there was demand for beer in India by those folks living there working for the trading company. Unfortunately, with the long journey by ship from England to India, beer didn't survive; it went flat and got sour---sorta moldy. Someone finally figured out that by adding more hops (and alcohol) to beer, the hops would prevent bacteria from growing. (Keep in mind that all of this was before pasteurization and refrigeration.) And beer arrived in India just fine! And thus---the birth of the Indian Pale Ale, aka, the IPA.

Storm Cloud is Rahr's IPA, and but of course---I got a shirt!

After the brewery, we headed to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Indeed, I had just been there the night before, where I had that super tasty Dirty Love burger. Saturday, though, was reserved for seeing the herd one last time and a visit to Risky's BBQ.

The herd of longhorn cattle is driven twice a day down the center of Exchange. The history of longhorn cattle and Fort Worth goes way back, and if you're ever around, I highly recommend the walking tour of the Stockyards. This history is quite interesting---the stories behind Texas keeping the good beef but sending longhorns (not as tasty) north; the fire in the Stockyards and the fire-safe doors that were built after that, and many other tidbits of info.

And how could I pass up this opportunity for a photo shot on a longhorn?!

More photos of the day include this shot of the Exchange Building---now converted to offices. Dispute Resolution Services used to office here. When I did my mediation training, DRS was located in the Exchange Building.

And here's James and me waiting for the cattle drive.

We also stopped to watch the gunfight. Silly---but fun to watch.

And another destination for the day---Risky's BBQ. Knowing that Memphis focuses on pork, of course, I went for the beef ribs at Risky's---yummy!

After dinner, we wondered around the shops, me trying on cowboy hats and looking for a fabulous sort of Texas something, and finally, we finished the day with some Bluebell ice cream. Now, that's Texas!