April 1st Funny

We played a little trick on our neighbors--on April Fools' Day. Hee, hee. The last week of March we place these classy pink, plastic flamingos in our front yard. Then, on April 1st, we eased our neighbor's fears with the signs. Hopefully they got a laugh because we sure did!

The DL on DC

Only three days ago, we were sitting at the airport awaiting our flight to return to Fort Worth. Where were we? You already know--Washington D.C. And we had such a fun, memorable time.

The trip occurred because Bryan attended a conference in the Georgetown area. We arrived Thursday evening to find our hotel--the Fairmont Washington. It was really lovely. After unpacking and checking out the room (I love going through all the drawers, cabinets, and paperwork on the desk), we ventured out M Street to Georgetown. The streets are so clean, the row house are shut-up cute, and the shopping/restaurants are heavenly. Sigh. We ate at this great pizza dive--Pizzeria Paradisio. If you ever go, eat there!

Friday morning ushered in the first day of workshops for Bryan. I had lunch with my good friend Jackie, who surprisingly worked next door to our hotel. Cue Twilight Zone music. All that aside, we had a great visit! It was great to see you, Jackie!

That afternoon Bryan and I tackled the subway, making our way to the National Archives. It was definitely surreal to view such important documents: the Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, among other weighty, almost mythical papers. Next, we jumped over a few blocks to the National Mall. Again, it was overwhelming to realize all this history and monuments and building of national importance are within view--360 degrees! 

Back in Georgetown Friday evening, we enjoyed a very tasty meal at Benihana's with Bryan's good friends Mark and Jackie (yes, we know two Jackies in D.C.; however, none with the last name Onassis). I also shopped a bit--a little disappointed in the selection at H&M and Zara. I was so excited to go . . . and so disappointed not to find much. Boo.

While Bryan was in classes Saturday morning, I headed out on my own. Thanks to the Metro subway, I made it safe and sound to the (drum roll, heavenly angels singing, misty fog rising, and spotlight shining) Library of Congress. Mecca, at last. The building was GORGEOUS. I also sneaked back to the LOC building behind the main event to secure a library card from the LOC. I am totally getting it framed. Once leaving the LOC, I entertained my second love--flowers. The National Botanic Garden was only a few blocks away. Although smaller than I hoped, the plants, especially their orchid display, was breathtaking. I did track more of the National Mall, adding the Capitol and the Reflecting Pool to my conquered list. I briefly browsed the National Portrait Gallery before meeting Bryan at Clyde's for lunch. And what a yummy hamburger it was! I so needed the energy after all that walking! 

Number one on Bryan's "to-see" list was the National Portrait Gallery, which we saw that Saturday after lunch. It was really amazing. I could have stayed for hours and hours. 

Tired from all the walking and sight-seeing, we ended our Saturday evening at Hudson, a restaurant I do NOT recommend. The best way to explain the dislike? Hudson's tried to be trendy, formal, and a sports' bar all at the same time. It so didn't work. However, the dessert in our own hotel lobby was wonderful . . . chocolate cake with apricots . . . glory be.

Sunday Bryan finished up his meetings and we were soon on the Super Shuttle for the airport. All in all, it was a GREAT trip; one I want to take again. There is still so much to see in D.C.

P.S. We did spot someone of note in our hotel--Robert Reich, Clinton's Secretary of Labor!

This and That

It seems like years since I last posted something on the blog, but realize it has only been a handful of days! So much has been happening, it is easy to lose track of time! 

Since the last post, Bryan and I celebrated our dating anniversary--three years. And thanks to my friend Caroline, Bryan and I enjoyed the Fort Worth Symphony's performance of Tour de Force. It was a nice, relaxing evening, which was a refreshing change from the career decisions and remodel dreaming of late. Our days have also been filled with garden preparation. As all exciting, young couples do, we took a gardening workshop at our local nursery one Saturday morning. (Smile.) We learned a lot about the thick, sticky Texas soil and how to manipulate it to grow veggies. Now we need spring to stay put, and we'll plant something!

The remodeling plans are progressing slowly, but progressing. Two Saturdays ago, we hit the home improvement shops--tile, lighting, appliances, etc. I soon realized that was too much to process! We did, however, find a lighting store we love . . . and tiles for the floor and shower. (Thanks Karen!) One down, 693 decisions to go. But hey--it is fun.

In humorous news, Bryan and I had a startle a few nights back. We were in the bathroom doing the nighttime routine--brush the teeth, wash faces, etc, when we hear--clear as day--one of the doors loudly close in the house. It sounded like a door to one of our spare bedrooms or something. Yeah. I grabbed the phone in case a 911 call was necessary. Bryan crept out our bedroom door for the utility closet, where he pulled out a wooden bat I didn't even know we owned. So, here we are, Bryan and the bat bravely checking every room, with me trailing four feet behind with phone in hand. Thanks to too many episodes of "Law & Order" and "Snapped," I asked him (nicely) to check the whole house two more times. Thankfully, no intruder was found. But you can guarantee I'm NOT watching any episodes of "Ghost Hunters."

This last weekend Bryan was on-call. Although no cake walk, we are thankful it wasn't as horrific as some call weekends have been. Amazingly, though, he did see nearly 120 patients in two days. Impressive, isn't it?

More posts will arrive soon. We are scheduled to visit Washington D.C. in just a few days! Yay!

Crawling

Just so you know, big things are happening in Texas. Our favorite Fort Worth gal started to crawl! Lucianne, wait up!

What's Going on with the Yourees?

I know you've been wondering that, right? Staying up at night, pondering, What's new with those Yourees? (chuckle, chuckle)

At last, your wait is over. I'm finally getting around to blogging! Bryan and I have both been busy with work. I'm swamped with freelance work--no complaints. Bryan is embarking into new responsibilities and achievements in his work. But all is good and growing!

Speaking of growing, the unusually warm temps prompted us to clean behind our garage and finally set up those garden boxes. Just call me Martha--I'm planting a garden! You'll notice all the irises in the other pics. Those iris bulbs were all pulled from behind the garage. The previous owner had more than 100 iris bulbs squeezed in the ground. We gave away eight bags of bulbs and still had this many to plant! Of course, none of these projects would be completed without the help of Bryan's parents--Gary and Elaine.

They came for a few days last weekend. We had the BEST time. And they were such big helpers--fixing our light switches, helping Bryan with the garage improvements, building the garden boxes (thanks Gary!), and helping with the great iris removal! Besides all the hard work, we ate at some great restaurants (my new fav, Gradys . . . mmmm), shopped, and played fun games. And how could I forget, the Chieftains performance at the Bass Hall. We hope they come back soon . . . but we promise no projects next time!

Say Cheese!

Thanks to my generous father-in-law, I'm borrowing one of his fancy, smancy cameras. I'll confess--all the buttons and knobs intimidate me a bit. Slowly, but surely, I will master this beast! Included are my first attempts of fancy smancy camera pictures.

Yes, I know, it's the zoo again.

Busy is . . .

Us. We are busy. And I hate it. No one it to blame; it just happens during some seasons. Bryan's practice is picking up; that means later days and tougher schedules. My work is staying consistent too. After a couple of years in Texas, we are securing that social network, which means there's a thing to go to here and someone to meet for that. Not that I'm complaining. I appreciate jobs and friends and everyday life. It just that lately all that has been compounded by career decisions, remodeling queries, and learning of friends in marital trouble. Maybe what I really need is to sleep in on Saturday. . . . 

Nonetheless, we have good things ahead to help us stop the busyness and relax. For one, Bryan's parents are coming to visit this weekend. While the arrival of the in-laws may be a stressor for some, I'm one of the lucky (or weird) ones who snagged the great in-laws! My parents are the problems! Ha! And two, we are going to D.C. next month . . . nothing like a few days off. 

Yes, we are busy, but we are thankful. Thankful God gave us each other. Thankful we enjoy being married to one another. Thankful we can bless others with the blessing God gives us. Thankful for good health and sharp minds to make it through the days. Just thankful . . . and busy. :-)