Back Yard - Stage 3 Complete

After record rain fall and busy summer schedules, Stage 3 is now complete on the back patio. Stage 1 was removing the deck. Stage 2, staging the grill. Step 3, laying the stone.

Still to come: #4 decomposed granite between stones, #5 countertops, #6 stone siding on the grill area.

One question: at dinner tonight, we ran into a couple we know trying our favorite restaurant for the first time. When our waiter offered them a complimentary appetizer as our treat, they refused. Isn't that RUDE? First of all, they already had drinks so we didn't want to buy that. And since it was their first visit (and we are sure they are not vegetarians) we wanted to expose them to the greatness that the menu has to offer. So when they refused, we bought them the lamb lollipops, paid the $16 tab, and didn't say goodbye. Snobs.

We just spent our last week together with the kids for the summer vacation. I cant believe how fast the summer has passed. I am finally through with Corporate Tax. I believe that I successfully earned my first C in grad school. Bummer. BUT - at least I don't have to retake the class. That would be awful.

We were able to escape for the weekend to Barton Creek. Our first day, Saturday, we drove to San Antonio to visit SeaWorld. The only good thing I can say about it was that the Shamu show was pretty impressive. I don't have anything positive to say about the rest of the experience there. That may have been our first and last trip to SeaWorld.

The second day was great! We had a yummy breakfast at the resort and spent the rest of the day soaking up some sun (literally -we're all a little red) at the pool. On our way back home, we stopped at the Inner Space Caverns. E and I have stopped there before, but this time we brought the kids. They were a little hesitant at first because of the possibility of a bat encounter. But that wore off in about a minute. Very cool stop to make if you're heading down I35 and have an hour to spare.

And now it's back to work for me. Yea!

El Scorcho

I made it. I didn't make my optimistic time of 2:30, but I think I finished under 2:50. The first three laps were a breeze - the fourth was a challenge - and the fifth really took some effort. Thanks to my husband who rode his bike by my side encouraging me the last three miles, I made it through! I had a great time and am really impressed with how everything turned out at the race. You could really tell that alot of work had been done and it was a great success.

I'm taking a vacation from work this week. And the kids are back as well, so we'll have some serious R&R time together. We started out the 'vacation' with a trip to Six Flags. It was surprisingly pleasant - we were almost able to forget the near 100 degree temps because the park had so few people in it. There were no lines anywhere!

Tomorrow we may try to see the cousins. Spend some time by the pool. And there were talks of taking a quick trip to Palo Duro canyon or San Antonio.

I'm getting ready for El Scorcho tonight. 15.1 miles I think. I planned to take a nap but really don't think I can sleep. I haven't done enough today to make me sleepy. It doesn't look like it's going to rain after all. Less humidity is better for everyone.

I just finished my new iPod playlist, packed up some power bars, water, gatorade, change of clothes, bug spray. That should just about do it. I think I'm ready!

Eric's been working on the house again. The walls are coming down. He ripped out the entrance to the dining room and the walls dividing the dining room and living room. Next is half of the wall between the kitchen and living room. We'll be putting in a small counter area there and replacing all of the existing countertops at the same time. Thank Goodness!



Last weekend we visited the Lightcatcher Winery for their Jazz night. It was such a good time that we are going back next weekend with some friends. They had a great jazz band, tasty menu, as well as wine to top off the breezy outdoor setting. I recommend it even if you are not a big wine fan.