Grabbing the bull by the horns...

The day after Christmas we decided to head off to the Fort Worth Stockyards because that's all Lorne's been talking about since we've moved here. He's wanted to see the cowpokes drive the longhorn cattle through the town.

I could hardly contain my laughter when less than twenty cattle were trucked to a spot the herded down
a quarter-mile stretch of street and proudly paraded in front of the anxiously awaiting crowd. What a let down for him, but I laughed my saddlebags off. 

We did get these lovely shots of our kids riding the bulls. 

Christmas with Batman

Our family had a wonderful Christmas. John, our soon-to-be twenty-five year old, drove down from Minneapolis for five wonderful days. This was the first Christmas we shared since he went off to MCAD for his first year of college in 2007.

One of the gifts for our children were matching hoodies. Are my children are batty, or what?

       

Oh, Christmas Tree(s), Oh, Christmas Tree(s)

We wanted to keep up our Christmas tree tradition and replant our live potted trees in our new yard. The only problem was, we couldn't find any potted trees the size we were used to in California. So we settled for three little ones--the tallest being 42".

Unfortunately, none of the branches are strong enough to hold any ornaments. But I love our little section of Woods (pun intended) just the same.

I wouldn't make a good arsonist...

Being from California, I am not used to a real winter. I was also not aware that North Texas would get below freezing cold. Eee-gads! And turning the heater above 60 degrees is out of the question due to the fact I still haven't found a job and TXU is the most expensive electricity carrier in Texas.

When we first looked at our house, we were excited for a fireplace. In the back of my mind, and coming from an insurance background and fearing the effects of fire damage, I only thought I'd use it as a mantel for displaying nick-nacks and hanging Wilbur--I'll introduce you to him later.

Anyway, I quickly changed my mind after the first frost and agreed we should use the fireplace as intended by the builder and any smart homeowner. Unfortunately, with my wonderful hubby not here to keep the embers burning and my butt warm, making a fire was up to me.

This is something I truly suck at and, as hard as I try, all the logs do is smolder. If I wasn't so cold, I'd peal off the four blankets, find my cell phone and post a photo of my pathetic fire.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

One of the first friends I met in Texas, Jennifer, has two children. On my last trip to California I bought two Micky Mouse suckers and for her two oldest children. Here they are enjoying their treats.

Recently, Jennifer went in for some tests because the doctor is worried about a possible serious illness. Please join me and keep her in your prayers. 

I love the website goodreads

I didn't realize I could create an account of this wonderful website. I feel it gives me a better opportunity to share all the wonderful books I've read and love. Below is a link to my list of favorites:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25100986

Dear Editor Contest

Deborah Halverson, author and editorial professional extraordinaire, is having a contest on her Dear Editor website. I suggest this website, along with Deborah's book Writing YA for Dummies, to any would-be, wanna-be, and already-are writers.

Even if you don't enter the contest, Deborah's archives offer a plethora (I learned this word from The Three Amigos and use it whenever I can) of information, so take advantage of her knowledge and read the posts on whatever topic you may be struggling with as a writer.

Here's the link so click on it: http://deareditor.com/2013/11/04/newsflash-free-critique-giveaway/

NOW!