Ol' Abner and I usually travel to the Lone Star State this time of year. Two very important birthdays easily justify the ride, but bonuses include wildflower viewing and a fun weekend down on the Llano River. The latter two were sadly disappointing this year. Drought conditions have made the bluebonnets sparse and a bit anemic, the crawfish was over salted and brisket was rubbery at the big cookout. We didn't get to camp in our usual spot, so everything was just a little out of sync!

Son and Daughter in law have their house on the market. Their house was beautifully decorated in a style that boasted of both personalities in a most unique way. To stage for the sale, the entire house was repainted in soft neutral shades and the "hot rod room/office" became just an office...tasteful, but with little personality. The kitchen cabinets no longer display the vines and lovely heirloom pieces passed down from generations before. The table leaves have been removed to make the dining area more spacious. The back deck is the only place that remains as it was...tranquil and inviting in the morning breeze.

The four legged kids clearly had to make a statement this morning. D-in-law awoke with two shoes shredded beside her bed. Unfortunately they were the right foot side of two pairs of flip-flops. She sadly lamented that she has two shoes now missing their "sole mates", someone suggested that they were just recycling in honor of "Earth Day". I guess we will watch the yard for signs of the recycled remains.