2010 here we come!

One thing I am glad ends with 2009 is Project 365. For the most part, taking a photo every day became more of a chore than enjoyment. I'm sad that it turned out that way, but for that reason I will not be taking a photo every day in 2010. I'm sure I'll take plenty of photos anyway. :)

I haven't scrapbooked in several months now, but with the 4 day weekend, I thought I'd relax and make a page this afternoon.

Hello 2010!

It has been a busy couple of weeks, but I think most of us are happy to bid farewell to 2009 and welcome 2010 with open arms.

Although we wish we could have spent the holidays with family, we still had a wonderful Christmas at home in Houston. On Christmas Eve, we went to see Avatar in 3D at the IMAX theater. While the story line was a bit predictable, visually it was amazing! Here we are sporting our "cool" 3D glasses.

My second attempt at cooking a full sized turkey was a success!

And last Monday I started a new job at ClydeUnion Pumps. So far, it has been great! :)

Wishing you and yours a very happy and prosperous 2010!

if you ever go to Austin, eat here

We drove to Austin last weekend to visit Dan's friend Judy, who he worked with while we were living in Portland. It was a great time, which included a trip to Cabellas, and unforgettably delicious BBQ at this place:

The Salt Lick doesn't look very fancy on the outside, but just wait until you taste the bbq!

This nice big smoking pit greets you as you walk in the front door. That's when your mouth starts to water...

Here's our crew. All of them related to Judy, and all were very welcoming to us outsiders. :)

The meal was served all-you-can-eat family style. This is one of 3 huge plates of meat that we consumed. Definitely the best brisket I have ever had. The sausage and ribs were excellent, too.

So if you ever find yourself in the Austin area, be sure to take time and eat at the Salt Lick - I know we'll be back!

all is bright

Why is there always one strand of lights that doesn't work?

Snow Day... Houston Style

Holy smokes, it's snowing in Houston!

And it's "real" snow, too. Light and fluffy, just not sticky. It was rain when I left work work this morning, but by 8:00, it was snowing, and it hasn't stopped!

I thought we moved to Texas to avoid this white stuff....

Fall.

It seems like fall has arrived to Texas almost overnight. Just a week ago, it was sunny and warm, and then one night it decided to get cold. Well, colder, anyway. I have been enjoying the cooler temperatures - especially at night. It's nice to snuggle up on the couch with blankets! The temperatures have been dropping into the high 40's overnight, and by the morning, the floors are very chilly on bare feet. We have dug out slippers and flannel pajamas. Mmm! I love fall in Texas!

The puppies have been spending less time outside these days (I guess we've all gotten soft with the mild Texas weather!), but we were outside taking our Christmas photos last week and they happily join in the fun.

It amazes me that half way into November the grass is still green!

A few leaves have started to turn. Nothing like the gorgeous color changing that happens in the north, but I'll take what I can get. :)

Enjoy your fall!

After & Before, and other such nonsense

Warning: this is going to be a very unorganized and picture-heavy post.

It's been a busy fall for us. We are finally enjoying some cooler weather (read: upper 70's) with sunshine!

To celebrate, I baked my first-ever-100%-from-scratch chocolate cake. The recipe comes from The Pioneer Woman, who incidentally has a new cookbook hot off the presses. You can find the recipe right here. And while it was a little more difficult than opening a box of cake mix, I have to admit the result is worth the effort. This cake is delicious!

This past weekend found us with no pressing obligations, so we took advantage of the perfect weather and headed out in the NSX. Top off weather and I didn't even need a jacket (although I did bring one just in case). I'm not very good at taking photos like this, but you get the idea.

Dan had today (Veteran's Day) off. What do you think he did?

I meant to post that photo last, but I am having a heck of a time getting blogger to allow me to rearrange photos. For instance these next ones are supposed to be "before and after" puppy haircuts, but instead you must bear with me with the "after and before"...

The dogs were long due for haircuts.

Here is Bentley's "after":

Isn't he cute?

And here is Bella, chillin' on the couch. She doesn't look too happy, does she?

Here's her official "after" shot:

They are so furry and cuddly right before a haircut.

Reminds me of when they were baby puppies. Hard to believe that they turn 4 years old this month!

Happy Autumn!