Hitchcock Birds

Going anywhere lately has been like driving through the set of Hitchcock's The Birds. This is a really bad picture (you may have to click on it to see it better) but at this intersection all the high wires, trees, bushes and business roofs are covered with birds. It's quite strange and actually very sad. I think all the new building around here has wiped out their regular resting spots on their journey south. It's crazy loud too. Anyway, I took this picture on the way to work one morning around 6:45 hence the poor light. The wires are usually more densely packed than this and all around too. Every direction you look there are birds. It's creepy getting out of your car in the HEB parking lot because the birds are there too; lurking in all the trees. You can only imagine the mess they leave behind.

Well, the wind was really gusting the other night. Scott and I were stopped at the red light in this intersection having a deep conversation about something I can't even remember now because suddenly the car sounded like it was being pelted with those huge, Texas-summer raindrops. Oh, lovely birds. I'll try to get a better picture before they leave.

old friends are the best!

Saturday a few of us got together to celebrate Molly's 33rd birthday. We had lunch and then went to the pedi-spa for pedicures. I had a great time being pampered and catching up with the ladies. But today I was thinking that we should start having birthday parties like we used to when we were younger. I vote for a Soda Saloon-esque party for 34 or maybe a 50's dress-up party or even a slumber party with splatter painting T-shirts? Who's interested?

Here's to you Molly, I hope you had a happy one. I'm so glad we are still celebrating together after all these years!

the magnolia tree

Last weekend I was working in the yard pulling up all the summer flowers that froze during the last cold snap. After I had finished I wandered into the backyard and started picking away at the magnolia tree.

Here's a little background...When we first moved in we had a huge pecan tree to the right of this view and another magnolia tree right to the left of this one. There was no sun at all back here. The grass would hardly grow. After we had the two trees removed we never really did anything else back there. I concentrated on the front yard and Scott's been working on all the remodeling we've been doing. So the backyard, including the huge weed that had turned into a tree, sat as the neglected step-child.

I couldn't stand it any longer. I took to trimming the uneven magnolia that's been casting it's shadows on the "flower" beds below it. I finally trimmed as much as I could without a ladder and using only my pruning shears. Scott came out of the garage...he was about to leave on a business trip, and saw what I was doing. I guess he had finally had enough of the tree too because next thing I know he pulls out the ladder and the saw. We hacked away at the tree for about 45 minutes creating a huge pile of branches. It's not perfectly shaped now but it looks soooo much better than before. Now at least I can get to the beds underneath. I want to clean them out this spring and start over.

where's the hamster?

Teaching first grade provides a ton of laughs on a daily basis. Today was no exception. We were looking at a map of the United States this morning as we discussed the difference between a state and the United States and especially about the shape of Texas as compared to the shape of the USA. I then pointed out Florida (Disney World), California, Colorado and then Mexico. One of my boys raised his hand and very seriously asked, "Where is the hamster?" I, of course asked him to repeat the question. I then realize that I heard him correct the first time and replied, "I'm not sure I understand your question." He then goes on to say, "You know, the new hamster, I want to know where the new hamster is." I had quite a hard time keeping a straight face. The look on his face was priceless when I told him what the name of the state was actually New Hampshire. What a cutie. I will have to stand next to him in the morning when we say the Pledge, there's no telling what he's saying during that.

When looking for the hamster picture above I stumbled across Hamster Heaven. Check out Syd, he's hamster of the week. There's even a webcam of some poor, caged-up rodent. Seriously, you can "check out the antics" of this guy's hamsters.

splenda

Sunday after watching Food Network all morning Scott and I decided we wanted Paula Deen's

Magical Peanut Butter Cookies. I love Paula Deen. I adore her and I have never gone wrong using one of her recipes...although yesterday I had my doubts. Sunday she did a show about cooking healthier (if that is possible for her) and she had this recipe for peanut butter cookies using Splenda. I had never baked with Splenda before but had bought some to have on hand just in case.

I was very worried when I took the cookies out. They were a weird consistency and had an odd flavor. I was a little disappointed. I even tried adding chocolate chips to the last batch. They tasted very off. This evening I decided to go ahead and try one for dessert and to my surprise they were actually quite good. They must be like pound cake; tastes better 2-3 days after you bake it. So, yeah for Paula and yeah for baking with Splenda.

getting organized

My new favorite gadget is the label maker. I was going through all my sewing supplies and fabric the other night and had a Martha Stewart moment. I went out the next day and bought a ton of clear plastic containers, organized and labeled everything. It is so great. Whenever I want to cross stitch I just grab the cross stitch bin and everything is there or whenever I want to crochet I just grab the crochet bin. I'm so excited. I can't wait to organize my scrapbook supplies. The other day, on one of the many Martha Stewart shows, I saw her organize/make a craft armoire. I have just the piece of furniture to do this. So, once the Christmas decorations are all put away I am going to tackle that project, of course with the help of my trusty label maker.

Lola

Lola is one of our cats. She is of the fat and whiny type who loves to be held. This particular night I was not interested in holding her but she managed to work her on to me anyway. The picture is so misconceiving...she is not the tall, thin cat you see here.

New Purse Pattern

I must say that I have never blogged before. I have been completely inspired by Molly and Bridget and their cousins. I love checking their blogs daily and seeing what they are up to. So here I go...

Just finished a new purse last night. I love the pattern and fabric. They are both by Amy Butler. I had never sewn using a pattern before and it was easier than expected. I also bought a nappy bag pattern when I got this one so I think I will try it next.