Happy Thanksgiving 2009

I am thankful for God walking beside me through my valleys and guiding me through my faith journey and maturity. I am most thankful today for those serving to protect our country and pray for them and their families while they are away from their families each and every day.  Chris, Staci, Blake, Camille and Pierce, you were missed during all our festive activities.

As most of you know by now, Hal & I like to get a head start on a weekend, vacation or holiday. So we started our Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday at lunch. One of Pierce’s favorite foods is Chicken Satay. So in honor of Pierce we went to Mango’s for lunch.

Thurday we headed to College Station for first, the Cowboy game and them A&M vs Texas.  What an awesome game Aggies.  You made us proud!

Friday was an R&R day. Took a stroll in the neighborhood, took a nap and went to the Rocket's game. Had   a lovely dinner and wine in the suite prior to the game. Elysse the pinball queen.

Love that Yum Yum!

OMG! Seats and feet on the FLOOR

Tony and Eva just a few seats away!

The bad seats, three rows up .

K&E having fun

H&J have a great time!

Cute Lauren and John

I was so thrilled that Cindy could meet us for lunch on Saturday before we left Houston

 Love ya Sister!

Tim & Cindy

And sweet Grace who just loves having company

Thank you Julie and KW for a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Fun Friday

Last night we met the gang, less Kat and Jerry, at Urban Crust in downtown Plano.  Who would have thought that downtown Plano had such a place.  We arrived around 5:30 as they don't take reservations.  The food was very good and the company as usual was excellent.  The resturant has 3 levels.  On the 3rd level is an ice bar and so pretty.  The pictures really don't do justic.

One of they many things I love about Hal is his spontaneity. I go to they gym at 5:30, work at 8:00, home at 5:15, bed at 9:00. You just never know what he’s up to! We had been invited by Gared and Shawna to join them for some C&W dancing but thought it would be too late. But when you go to dinner at 5:30???? From Urban Crust we headed to Red River for an evening of C&W dancing.

 

I think this is a great pic of us after a very long week, day and dancing!  Love you babe. 

Thanks for all the surprises.

Beaujolais Party

Many years ago, George and Liz hosted a Beaujolais party. This became a tradition for them. Things have changed over the years, but the anticipation of the evening and the pure joy of the fellowship has remained the same. Just look at this beautiful table.

Not only is the table beautiful...., look at my gift and I had another gift in my chair.

In every direction, there was food and wine. All beautifully displayed

Liz, John and Rod

Hal, Herb and David

Rod, Susan and Mollie w/a glass of wine????

Holly and John

Liz, Kate and Su Anne

Isn't David cute with his ribbon and bow?

Having a wonderful evening!

The evening isn’t just about wining and dining……Here Liz is setting up the scene for the show we are getting ready to watch…How to Prepare A Five Course Meal that includes Hersey’s chocolate in every course…yum!!!

That of course sets the stage for our dessert. Make your own sundaes…..John thinks he’s gone to heaven.

We can’t just sit around and eat…..so Liz gives each of us a National Geographic magazine from our birth date and year (or as close to it). George’s grandfather collected the magazines. What a great idea for conversation (like we needed one!)

Thank you God for such a dear friend.  We love you Liz!

Santa Workshop

There's nothing like cold weather and a fire to put you in the mood.  Hal and I have been working hard to get our Christmas shopping done early this year.  We have had Santa's Workshop the last couple of nights and Kitty just loves it!

The Best Weekend!

I had a GREAT weekend! Thank you friends and family! Friday night Susan hosted a "Girls Night Out" which was so much fun. We sound like the “View” and this was early in the evening….

Mollie and Kathy G.(deep conversation)

Me and Liz

Margaret and Linda

We (Susan, Mary, Mollie, Linda, Jeanne, Kathy, Margaret, Liz) gathered for our hordeours and then had a lovely dinner

followed by Pictionary. When was the last time you played Pictionary? I never knew we had such competitive players! On the other hand, it would help if you can draw your thoughts (Mollie!). You really needed to be there to appreciate this.....


On Saturday Susan had made reservations through her PEO group for us to take some cooking classes.

Best of Brunches w/Mynetta Cockerell, Executive Chef at Milestone Culinary Arts Center
 ( I have recipes to share)

Fancy Finger Foods w/Janice Provost, Chef of Parigi Restaurant (recipes to share)

We had a class on Food Presentation and Styling that was so funny that I didn't even get a pic of it.

We had the joy of attending Gared and Shawan's Engagement Party Saturday night.  WOW! 

I was so tired from the GNO that I didn't get any pics, but what an evening to remember....

Sunday we had breakfast with my dad and Chris (sorry you are sick Staci, we missed you)

Dad and Chris (warms my heart)

Chris and Me (Pure Joy!)

Our Travel Friends met at J&S Sunday evening to pin down the dates and times for our trip to FRANCE!

I'm sure Rod will join us????

Fun Weekend

This weekend was a “FUN” weekend. Hal was off on Friday and did all our errands and chores, so by the time I got home on Friday, it was time to enjoy the weekend. No pics, but John, Susan and Mary came over and we cooked burgers on the grill. Just a relaxing night with friends.

Saturday afternoon we met up with Keith, Elysse, Taylor, Casey, Michael and Jill at Kelly’s East Side to watch the A&M game. It was good until the 4th quarter. Poor A&M.

Later Saturday night Hal and I went downtown to Swirll Wine Bar. K&E had given Hal a gift certificate for his birthday and we thought it was the perfect night for us to cash it in. We got there at 7:00 (old folks time) and had the place to ourselves, therefore we were totally catered to. A very nice and relaxing evening.

Sunday afternoon Elysse invited me to her Junior League Mad Hatter Tea Party. We had a nice time. Elysse worked the registration table and I found a table with a really nice group of women. If you purchased a raffle ticket for the 1 carat diamond give away, you got a glass of champagne…I purchased 2 tickets but didn't win.

Sunday night K&E invited us, and others, over to watch the Cowboys WIN and for a delicious meal.  Elysse's dad, Bruce, sent them a care package with steaks, crab, smoked salmon and fresh salmon.  We had a feast....thank you Bruce!