Monday Musings

Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday greetings. It was a good celebration. Feisty was so cute. She kept asking me, "When's your birthday, Grandma?" I kept telling her it was going on as we spoke, but I finally realized she was talking about my party. It's just not a birthday without a party - or a cake. She asked me, with her big brown eyes looking so concerned, "Is Mommy getting your cake, or are you getting it yourself?"

It turned out that Kristen brought lunch over for us, and then decided to fix us dinner as well. Then DC took me out to On the B*rder Friday evening. They have a healthy section on the menu - but it's those chips and salsa before the meal that are diet killers! We didn't have cake - fine by me.

DC wanted to buy me something after dinner. I am truly a terrible shopper. We didn't find anything that worked for me - or for him! I am a firm believer that they make mirrors in dressing rooms especially to make one look the worst possible. I can't understand why, but it seems that it would do for anyone what it does for me - makes me run screaming from the store! Give me a catalog any day.

I received the most lovely card from Denise at Sentiments by Denise. She does the best work! There is so much detail that doesn't show up well on this photo. She should go into business!

Today we had a lovely gourmet dinner at Wendy's with a bunch of friends from church. Wendy was even there taking orders! Kristen has so much homework (you know the professor who thinks his in the only course that counts?!) so after lunch, Grandpa took the big girls to a new park and I took the babes for the afternoon. We took a little ride and a nice walk.

I drive by this property frequently, just a few blocks north of our neighborhood, but only recently discovered the horses that live there. I knew it was a feeling of country in the midst of the growth of our town - somebody had refused to sell their last bit of property for the almighty dollar and more houses.

This guy (or gal?) came over to greet me.

It's not a large area, but it's their own.

Directly across the street to the north is this fancy housing area.

The corner to the northwest - open area ripe for more houses.

To the southwest - lots of houses and room for more!

We headed back south and parked the car by the lake. Remember the dry lake bed a few weeks ago?

I'm not sure where the water came from, but the lake is back again in all its beauty.

People were having so much fun on this late September afternoon - perfect weather - who knows how soon the snow will fly?? They were fishing --

Water-skiing and relaxing on a pontoon boat --

Jet-skiing --

Feeding the geese -- who are really fun to watch and feed, but who then wreak havoc on our sidewalks! They have begun flying overhead and honking - definitely a sign of fall.

The American Coots were bobbing around on the water --

There is a nice large family of pelicans who call this lake home, but today this lone pelican was resting on the lake - joined by a little Coot. Earlier in the day we saw one in very graceful, beautiful flight, make a perfect five-point landing - unfortunately we were in the car, so couldn't get a shot.

I'm pretty proud of this shot~~

Then I happened upon this lovely sculpture --

And this one - I love this one. I felt like I was interrupting story time and had to be quiet.

I especially love the title and memorial plaque on this one --

This is in front of the fire station by the lake -- it is entitled "Under Control"

I wish I knew the story behind the bouquet of roses someone left --

Speaking of fire stations - did any of you happen to see the movie "Fireproof" this week-end? Oh, my goodness - I don't go to movies and I rarely rent them, but this is one you don't want to miss. I only saw it advertised within the last week and had to drive 30 miles to find it, but it was worth every mile and every penny. The message of the gospel comes through loud and clear, and beautifully.