stunned

By the sun.  Have no idea how much rain/hail/winds we got on Saturday night, but Sunday?  Sunny and in the 80s.

While I think that the autumn colours 'pop' a bit more on a dreary day, there is nothing like that November blue as a backdrop!

Where diamonds grow.

The return drive was a much more pleasant experience~winding little country roads are best enjoyed dry.  Stopped at Fredericksburg on the way home just to make sure that apple strudel was still in season.

 

And, as it's a fairly major touristy spot, they were already decked for the next holiday.

re-treat

Kicked off vacation with a gift for teacher's from my fav pie place!

Drove hours through wild rains, but oh!  This park lived up to the reputation.

Excited to discover the teensy town of Utopia had a miniature labyrinth to walk.

Tree urchin?  (They were covering many of the wires as well~must be some kind of moss.)

This was truly out in the Hill Country and not many dining options~the delight of finding this gem was serendiptious.

As the chef only does a set menu, was happy that not only did she come out and chat, she created a vegetarian entree, just for me!

wandertag

It's time for my annual retreat/mini-break and in a few moments, I leave for Lost Maples.  Despite the predicted t-storms, I am looking forward to seeing some foliage and to having no alarm and NO STUDENTS.

spoiled

My marvelous Lower School music colleagues.

One of my best b-day gifts yet~Monsieur Le Chat, hogging the bed.  I s'pose, after 15 years, he'd earned his cosy spot.

Birthday breakfast.  Before.

 After.

Birthday lunch (provided by the above colleagues) before...

And after!

Flowers delivered to school.

 

Our lovely main admin (I call her Keeper of the Gates) insisted that I open the box, because she KNEW it was flowers.

As it reverted to Texas weather this week (i.e., it was in the 70s), I went for another exploratory walk of my hood and found a penny!

Came home to find more flowers on my doorstep!

Today's post brought marvelous original artwork from the Cali 'phews.

Fun mosiac in the parking lot along my walk.  The cards and wishes continue to pour in.  Feeling very wealthy at present.  Thanks to all of you!

regardless of the shell,

This is still how I feel inside.  Most days.

scenes from the new hood/lazy weekend

A California package arrived on my doorstep~complete with those delicious olives which my Dad cures.

So glad to see greenery out my windows again.

My little Italian coffee pot is ecstatic to have gas burners upon which to percolate.

Spanish coffee made in my Italian carafe, served with Texas cream and Greek baklava in my ceramics made in California~with Caribbean spices lurking on the candle holder.  All enjoyed without leaving my jammies or my cosy bed. 

Set out on a walking tour of my new hood and was amused by this tree art. 

end of the first trimester (no, not that kind~read my sister's blog for that)

Survived my first 12 weeks at this new gig.  To celebrate, my 6th grade planned a Swing Party.  The menu was heavy on the sugar, but they burned it off well.

Wish this had turned out as these little guys can cut quite the rug!

flashes of joy

A happy little cardinal chomping away at juniper berries outside my classroom window.  I truly do have the most gorgeous view from my desk.

It is SO much fun to unpack when you have room~haven't truly unpacked since my first apartment, so it was delightful to have all of my Grandma Dunston's dishes out again.  And of course, we're thrilled that pomegranates are in season.

a break from boxes and such

Rebelled at staying inside with cardboard and lists on such a gorgeous Sunday.  Went back to one of my favorite (do I say that a lot around here?) outdoor venues~Laguna Gloria for some fresh airs.

There was a groups of artists from LA doing some kind of....installation/sound art that was interesting.    Nothing really to photograph~just lots of sounds.  Not sure how to describe it~sometimes one just wants to experience something and not analyze it.  That was one of those times.

Then, off to the newly discovered Balcones Ridge Park for a picnic perched over the river.  (And as I'm typing this and it's 28 degrees, I am SO grateful that I went on this toasty warm day to be outside!)

after

 While this move took exactly two hours (!!), the unpacking is taking a bit longer. 

I liked my sister's suggestion that U-Haul have one of those frequent customer cards~am sure by now, I'd qualify for a free truck rental!

before

A few shots from the day I signed my new lease~I have FOUR closets~three of which are regular size and this above beauty.

 

Gorgeous Spanish tiles (although, with the temps dropping into the low 20s, some carpets need to be found!)

Such storage!

welcome, favored month

A proper breakfast is an important start to the day.