Summer came and Summer went...

Fall has begun. After watching Jackie's two boys (Josiah, 12 and Levi, 8) for 5 days, I started the Fall semester of 2010. I cant believe it has been 3 years since beginning this professorship journey. Tenure is just around the corner. Scary. But alas, this semester is filled with too much to do to sit and wonder where the time went. Since this last summer began with a picture montage, it seems fitting it would end with one too. Here goes! These pictures act as the conclusion to the summer.

The "new" apartment TOUR!

Summer Speeds by

There is no time to write, but here is the update. Been teaching all summer, day in and day out. Classes are good, but full. Grading is out of control. I move on Wednesday and my little brother is going to man the house while the movers do their thing. Thankful. The girls are going to Austin on Tuesday while the move happens. Below, are some of the fun things I've slipped in here and there including visiting the missions (where Levi lit a candle for Mitzie's health).

The family photo shoot goes awry.

More animals saved by the J&L Rescue Society: Riley, Scooby and Gidget

My mother came to visit!

We had a great time. She arrived last Thursday after a very short visit with Eric in League City. When she got here we immediately headed out to Pico de Gallo for dinner from which we both had margaritas, chalupas y una sopapilla. Yummie! After dinner and a drive around downtown, we headed home for TV and chatting. She fixed a dress for me and I graded. The next morning we ate Mexican sweetbreads and readied ourselves for lunch at the Guenther House. I adore the Guenther House. The area is manicured and the old home vibrant with flowers and history. It used to be the home of the Guenthers who owned the Pioneer Flower Mill. The mill is still producing flour. Mom had chicken salad and I a soup and salad and mango tea. Because the place closes at lunch, by 3pm we were practically the only ones there. It was nice to sit with her and talk, although now I am not exactly sure what we talked about! We then headed to my new apartment, Sunset Ridge. Sounds a bit like an old folks home but is where I will be residing in August. She loved it and said it looks a lot like my house now. I sure hope so as it feels really sad to leave my house! Then we came home to rest and get ready for dinner on the riverwalk at Casa Rio with Anita and her mom. Her mom, Esperanza, cares for an elderly mother and formerly owned a flower shop. I figured they would be perfect and they were! A margarita later and wonderful seats right next to the river, the heat has subsided and our table was full of food. Such fun, especially as we searched for Loretta who was also at the riverwalk but with her crazy family from Fort Worth. It was surely crazy family day! hee! After a wonderful meal, we were dropped off and slept so soundly. On Saturday mom and I went to the San Antonio Museum of Art which was having a Psychedelic Art Installation. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE pop art, art from the 1960's and those arts that energize a canvas. We walked through the building and I loved it! I was surprised to find out that my mom doesnt really have a favorite art genre. I thought everyone did and I certainly thought someone who is an artist would! She said she mostly liked portraits, but not in a certain style. Huh. After the museum and a brief stop at Wal-Mart (oh God yes, mom needed Wal-Mart even while away for only a week!), we were tired and mom said she wanted to stay home for dinner. I cooked chicken and veggies and graded while we watched TV. Calm and cool. The next morning Loretta stopped in on her way back to Austin and had coffee and toast which allowed mom to follow her to I35 and insure her journey to Dallas. So far, my mother's visit has been the big summer news. I just wish my grandma would have been able to come. She would have loved it too.

Zoey summer 2010

Mitzie Summer 2010

A picture update

Mitzie Mouser-Update

She certainly is a trooper. The eating is up and down. We happen to be in a down right now; she hasnt eaten much in two days, a bit here and there, but not much. She is really skinny looking-no fat at all on her spine or her back hippers. She wears a shirt most of the time because the hair on her back is so thin. Right now though, she is also struggling with her sight and hearing. Sometimes she gets turned around and will just stand and pant. She seems lost. Others, I find her laying in an odd place, facing towards the wall for example, and I just know she couldn't find her bed and was discombobulated in the room. Recently her hearing has gotten so bad that when I call her, she looks the wrong way or doesnt recognize the sound at all.

The roles seem somewhat reversed as Zoey is now telling Mitz if it is a good thing and she should turn circles or not a good thing, a tails should go down. All I can say is Mitz taught Zoey everything she knows! Tonight Mitzie was so turned around on her late night walk that she stopped walking and wanted me to carry her. Those that know her know she NEVER lets me carry her on a walk. It was a bit disconcerting. It must be incredibly scary to lose your sight and hearing while your body falls apart as well.

My poor baby girl. She needs prayers. Heck, I need them about her too. I keep telling myself that all I can do is love her today and be happy that she is here with me today. I live with her by those words, but, it is too hard sometimes. Tonight, after fighting her to eat a piece of string cheese and about 1/4cup of dry food, I am sad and distraught about her, about those old creatures in my life. It is too hard tonight, right now. Hopefully, in the light it will be better tomorrow. Im sure she will have a hankerin' for Gerbers Graduates then. Poor Mouser, my baby Mouser.

My Fiesta Girls

SandFest with Jackie and Anita

We headed out to Port Aransas for Sandfest 2010, a time when these amazing sculptors make sandcastles and the ocean was windy and cool. The sand creations were simply amazing: mermaids, castles, and shells. We ate and drank and were merry!

Easter Bunnies

The 10 Best Parts about Losing a lot of Weight

10.Being able to wear a regular sized t-shirt
9. Being able to wear clothes in the regular-sized women's department
8. All clothes fit, just some look better than others
7. Feeling comfortable in jeans (no squeezing etc)
6. Seeing yourself in pictures is fun
5. Catching a glace at yourself and you look smaller than you imagine
4. Clothes are cheaper and you have more of a selection
3. Seeing your clavicle
2. Crossing your legs is comfortable and you do it without thinking
1. Because you actually followed through on something you wanted to do for forever!

J &L Underground Animal Rescue Strikes Again!

Animal #7 has been taken from the streets of San Antonio and rehomed in Austin. Her name is Juicy and she is a fuzzy-wuzzy doll. Next one up? A black lab named Sara needs a new home too. She will be #8. Woosh! Donations can be made to Animal Trustees of Austin, or to Jenny Wilson's Tooth Fund.