Thursday, October 29, 2009

Vegetation

If you've known me for any amount of time, you know I love plants. Each year, I purchase new plants to add to the plants I already have. It's a strategy. If I buy only a handful a year, Bryan won't realize they are taking over the house and yard.

Yesterday, I experienced fall in full force. When coming out my backdoor, I saw leaves raining to the ground. Ah, it was beautiful. I love plants, even when they're molting.

Here are some pics of our garden; it's near the end of its cycle (although we have a tomato plant that's exploded with fruit). The marigold pictured was planted in the spring. It is the largest marigold plant I have ever seen in my life. Notice the other flowers in the background compared to the one in the forefront. So huge!


You can also check out the before and after of my new flower garden. Let's just say the sweet potato vines did well. The latter pic was taken after the plants were cut back at least ten times--no lie.
Now, time to buy more winter pansies. . . .

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fall on Wabash


While Halloween is not quite upon us, we have our fall decor out, ready for the weekend. Hopefully, we'll get to the nursery before all the pumpkins are gone so we can carve one! Other than that, we're all set.

Most of you probably care less about fall at the Yourees; this post is for my sister. She likes to know how we decorate! :-) Enjoy!



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

"Hello Emily, I'm George."



As part of our anniversary week celebrations, we stayed one night at the Rough Creek Lodge. Truthfully, it was a bit less glamorous than that. Bryan had a physicians' retreat to attend. It just so happened to be on our anniversary week. So we made the most of it! The Lodge and area was breath-taking and so very wonderfully quiet.

The biggest surprise of the weekend, besides the incredibly comfortable, California-king-sized bed, was meeting former president George W. Bush. We knew a couple of days in advance, he was going to be a keynote speaker; but had no idea we'd get to meet him and strike a pose! Now, no matter your political leanings, you have to admit, meeting a former president of the United States is VERY COOL.

Tom Daschle was also a speaker the next day. Alas, his session was too early and I've already mentioned how I felt about the bed . . . so I didn't make it to the session. But, my sweet husband got him to autograph a book for me. Thanks, Bryan!

Here's the view from our room . . .

Monday, October 26, 2009

Derek Webb, What Happened?

One of the things I miss about Nashville is the opportunity to see/hear good live music almost any night of the week. In DFW such opportunities occur, but are few and far between. Thus, you can understand my excitement to hear Derek Webb in concert last night.

My "love affair" with Derek began in high school when I discovered Caedmon's Call. Forty Acres sustained me through college. And even in the infamous break-up of CC, I stilled supported Derek, while maintaining my CC loyalties. Solo release after solo release, I have enjoyed Derek's music and lyrics more and more.

And then the concert.

He was promoting his new project--the Stockholm Syndrome. I confess, I have not purchased it, mainly because I wanted to hear it live first--get an unadulterated first taste of the music. Sadly, all I could hear of this techno-driven new work was the bass. Now, don't get me wrong, I applaud and champion musicians to grow in artistry and expression; but when I cannot hear the music, not to mention the lyrics . . . .

Derek, I'm disappointed.

However, the 20 minute set he did of familiar, acoustical pieces was well worth the $12 I paid. So, it wasn't all a wash--just confusing.

We left after the second set. And we weren't alone. The group of five walking out in front of us were saying, "Um, do you know what that was? Anybody else confused? Did we really just see Derek Webb?"

Please, Derek, don't make me break-up with you.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Perils in Homeownership

While the recent days have been full of fun and treats, "real life" has peeped its head into our celebratory world. Let me explain.

On the way home from the airport on the 11th, we noticed some funny business with the car. The next day we, er, Bryan toted the car to the dealership. Thankfully the tab wasn't too devastating; annoying, but not devastating.

Cue cable collapse. Of course, Charter DVR isn't a necessity for life . . . but when you are on a staycation, one does have dreams of vegging on the couch catching up on missed shows. Alas, the cable repairman had to make an appearance at the house.

And then the refrigerator . . . the ice machine and water dispenser decided to dispense on the floor instead of its proper location. Thus, the appliance repairman made a visit too. That project is still out of commission until a part makes its way to Texas. You know it's bad when you hear phrases like: "I've never seen anything like this." "This type of part goes on a car. Why is it in your fridge?" "Uh-oh, I think that broke." Ahem.

And the apex of "instances" occurred last night when I was tidying up for dinner guests. As I dusted in our formal living room, I noticed two . . . then three . . . then five wasps in the window sill. Since we had a wasp infestation last fall thanks to a motherly wasp who fancies our chimney as a perfect nesting area, I quickly killed the pests and searched diligently for just-hatched vermin. Bryan, at my request, started our gas fireplace to kill any remaining wasps. Just as he closed the flue, we heard a crash; the nest fell to the bottom of the fireplace. Thirty wasps or so swarmed into our living room.

I screamed.

Bryan began fly-swatting as never before seen. I quickly snatched the wasp spray, only to stand in the hall yelling, "There's one. Ooohh, by the door. On the ceiling . . . [scream] on the couch . . . " Once the initial impact was ore, Bryan asked for our hand-held vac, along with its super long drapery attachment. Making all ghost-busters proud, I carried in the vac into the infested area for my husband to bravely catch and kill every wasp . . . we thought. At dinner, a couple hours after the fiasco, one lone wasp nosedived into my HAIR at the dinner table. Imagine, just imagine. Thankfully, my husband again saved me. And just to be doubly sure, we're running a fire again tonight. Adios, wasps!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Our Anniversary


On October 13, 2009, I celebrated two wonderful years of marriage with my wonderful, handsome husband. We celebrated all week with time off work and lots of fun things to do. In keeping with our tradition, we exchanged gifts based on our "year," that is, what you buy someone for each particular year. The second anniversary is the year for cotton. I gave Bryan two t-shirts: one OU shirt for football season and one UK shirt for basketball season. He surprised me with a beautiful arrangements of flowers (reminiscent of our wedding flowers, pictured above) with a lovely black/gray cotton scarf wrapped around the vase. He also gave me another bouquet (pictured below)! :-)

For our anniversary date, we stayed at the Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek. It's the only 5 star, 5 diamond hotel in Texas . . . and it was WONDERFUL! The service is beyond belief! We were greeted with an anniversary card when we checked in. Just a few minutes after we reached our room, a friendly butler delivered fruit tea and chocolate-covered strawberries to our room. The hotel staff also checks your ice bucket regularly--no joke. They make sure your ice never melts. So wild. We enjoyed a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant, where we also received an anniversary card from the chef. Not to mention, all the staff knew our names and were aware of our big day. When the waiters brought out our desserts, the chef had caramelized Happy Anniversary on both our plates.

On Wednesday, we enjoyed our day in Dallas with shopping and more dining. That evening we went to the Stars vs. Predators game. Sadly, the Preds lost terribly. Oh well, win some and lose some!

Friday we traveled to Rough Creek Lodge, which was amazing. We never knew it existed until Bryan was invited to this NTSP retreat. The time there was full of surprises; I'll share more about that later!

Saturday evening rounded out our anniversary week celebration. We took a dessert cooking class at Central Market. It was stretching for me, but a lot of fun. In two hours, we baked lemon pudding cake, creme brulee, lava chocolate cakes, and berry shortcake. I learned a lot and would love to do it again (hint, hint).

Overall, the week was great; but the best part was spending time with my great man. He impresses me everyday with his integrity and compassion. Bryan, I love you! Thanks for asking me to be your wife!


Monday, October 19, 2009

The Memorial Service

Last Sunday, October 11, most of my family converged on Washburn, Tennessee to pay respects at my father's memorial service. Since then, several people have asked how it went. And I'm not really sure how to answer that. It's not exactly something that's good or fun; so what do you say? It had a few hitches, but what event doesn't? And a few disappointments, but again, nothing's perfect. Overall, it served its purpose. So, I guess that's good enough.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Star-Telegram

After 10 years in publishing, my list of career "firsts" is lengthy; however, I know there is still a lot of road to travel and always plenty to learn. Today, I had a career first, one I am through-the-roof about! My first article appeared in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram! With curriculum, books, and magazines all in my corner, I never dreamed I'd get to write for a paper--and one that's reputable for a large city! You can read it here.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Obituary

For those of you interested, dad's obituary will run in tomorrow's (October 4th) Knoxville Sentinel and Wednesday's (October 7th) Grainger Today. I must admit it was somewhat surreal writing his obituary . . . something you never think about doing. But alas, it is written and submitted. You can also access the Sentinel obituaries online; his will be available at midnight tonight.

Mom is doing well. She had all her stitches taken out this week and a good report from her surgeon. Her general practitioner did put her back on antibiotics to make sure all infection is out of her foot. She also went to the eye doctor and will have a follow-up visit next week. Please still keep her in your prayers.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Where Have I Been?

Oh, the places I've been since my last post. Mostly, in my office trying to dig out of postponed work. :-) Thankfully, I'm close to recovered!

We also had many fun occurrences in the last two weeks--a welcome sight given the events of last month.

First, my good friend Mary came for a visit. We had a lovely time chatting, "lunching," and hitting nearly every Fort Worth museum. She's my art enthusiast friend--and a talented artist herself. Come back soon, Mary!

Second, the D6 Conference landed in Frisco. It was great working, attending, and catching up with old RHP friends. I can't wait until next year!

Third, we made a trip to Nashville--one of our favorite places on earth! It was so nice to be around my sister and her family sans hospitals and "administration mode." We watched Kristen play her last two regular season volleyball games (Go Cane Ridge!); and dined with both Kristen and Kullen at California Pizza Kitchen. All I can say--yummy. Of course, meeting Isaac was a highlight! He is so cute, even if he has a rather interesting reaction to my holding him. (You had to be there.) And as always, we so enjoyed visiting with old friends. Nothing tops it.

I should post pics, but, alas, I didn't take any! Who's surprised????