Crazy Little Game Called Golf...

There is a tradition in our household that frames most of our gatherings. It is revered by all (well, almost), and enjoyed by most. This sacred ritual seems rather simple at first glance. The name is only one syllable....only one simple holy ball is used (at a time)....and only one person has to play. But, the rest is rather complicated....Tee Times, Equipment, Where to play, etc. consume most of our get together conversations. Because it is so beloved, GOLF has to be discussed, demonstrated (in our living room), laughed about, stories exchanged, practiced (in our living room),....and even played on the Wii (in our living room)!

Well, we now have a grandson. He is 2 years old.....So his parents and his grand dad decided it was time to introduce him to this tiny one word, sacred game....

Darlin and I went to #1 Daughter's house to spend the night and experience with them the Little Man's introduction to this Crazy Little Game called, GOLF.
 Dad-Dad (Jax's name for Darlin') was so excited...Tee time was made, no nap was taken....This was going to be interesting!

Jax first examined the carts.....several of them, before he landed in the right one.

Then Dad-Dad began trying to guide him throughout the course...and we all know who was guiding whom!

The Little Man watched Mommy and Dad Dad as long as he could....

Until he had to join them....

He has a better view holding Mommy's hand....

Using Dad-Dad's new toy to be a good caddy.......Even looking through the wrong end is fun!

There was so much to learn and to explore....

Little Man is a natural at keeping his eye on the ball...








And he understood the importance of becoming familiar with the course...ALL of it..:)

Instructing Dad-Dad on his approach...

Sometimes a guy just needs to sit down and think about it... 

Walking/running the course is part of the game....












Looks like Dad-Dad will have a new golf partner before too long!

The Family Tradition of the Crazy Little Game called Golf  goes on forever and the games will never end.....

Me? I'd rather be shopping!

RELAXED AND REFRESHED

This weekend was such a wonderful time of renewal and relaxing. Steve's (my husband, and the man I call Darlin') sister (and mine....at least that is what we call each other!), Janice,  came to visit from San Antonio. It has been a while since she has come to see us and we really loved having her.

One thing Janice and I have to do when we get together is shop til we drop and eat mexican food in between stores (not necessarily in that order). I made sure we were able to check both of those items off our "To Do" list. We ate at Coronas's here in town and piddled around in some gift shops. Then I took her to one of my favorite stops, a store called Violet's. It is a trendy place, geared mainly for the younger crowd. However, I can always find some things I like and the prices are very inexpensive! Besides, I'm not ready for the double knit and the orthopedic shoes yet!!

Yesterday, we enjoyed getting facials at the Woodhouse Day Spa. What a treat!! For a woman, this is close to heaven. I think when Darlin' plays 18 holes of golf on a beautiful sunny day, it must compare to a spa day for me.

Darlin's  college roommate and his wife came by today. They live in San Antonio also.  We had fun remembering and sharing the news of our families. The four of us have spent many sweet moments together.  Today, we had lunch at The Gin and sat out on the patio to enjoy Nolan creek and some Texas sunshine.  It was so renewing to be able to laugh and reflect on the separate, yet similar journeys we each have taken. As they were heading for I-35, we agreed through hugs, we needed to get together more often to celebrate the strong ties of a treasured friendship.

And so here I am, staring at Monday morning with a smile on my face. My heart, my spirit, and even my face, have been wonderfully renewed and I am ready to tackle the week.

Hello, Monday......:)

Happy Happy Valentine's, Y'all.....


Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. I'm such a romantic, and I love to tell those I truly love how very much I love them. Enough Love in the House for ya'?
Here are some reasons this Valentine's is especially warm and fuzzy:

1. I awoke after the BF/Hubby had gone to work. He left the coffee pot already prepared and ready to brew for me, along with a sweet Valentine card and gift.


2. I went to work and was blown away by the "sweetness" in the air! These kids know how to show the love to their Sweeties!!

3. My friend, Anna Jenkins, helped design and set up this new blog! Happy Valentine's Day, and thanks so much!!






4. And at the end of the day, I glance over at the LOML, feelin' the love and sigh as a slow smile creeps across my face. Man! He's still got it!!

 5. So, I feed him one of his favorite desserts....

             
             Peach Icebox Pie!!




And for the rest of the evening? Well, we'll just play it by ear......

Playin It by Ear is a Way of Life

Not too long ago, I told my younger brother if I ever owned a production company, It would be called, Playin’ It By Ear. I grew up in a home with 3 brothers, a Baptist preacher for a dad, and a mom that collected  (loved on… ministered to) all kinds of people. Our home was a bustling, loud, hub of activity, and laughter. We were surrounded by the unexpected. Unexpected guests, unexpected family dilemmas, unexpected church situations.When this would occur, my mom would always  look at us, smile and say, “Well, we’ll just have to play it by ear.”   What a powerful influence this philosophy had on us as we grew into adults. To me, this simple phrase has remained refreshing in a world defined by schedules, time lines, and agendas. Having the ability to laugh when things go awry and rest in listening to your gut has brought an added dimension to everyday living. When many people are fretting when things don’t go according to plan, we learned to become problem solvers, flexible, and comfortable living with what is. So, now you know the reason for my blog title. I hope it will continue to be a reminder how little we actually have control over. The unexpected becomes something not to be avoided, but embraced with a chuckle and a curiosity not present in days run by calendars and alarms. So, come join me on this journey as we Play it By Ear. Look for  the unexpected, laugh spontaneously when it happens, and see how Playing It By Ear becomes a wonderful way of life.