Rainbow over Lake Travis - POD - 08-27-09

We finally received some rain today. Even though it was a brief thunderstorm, it dumped a half an inch of rain in that short time!

I was lucky to be driving home when I noticed this rainbow. I found a place to pull over to get a great look and a few photos. I can't express how wonderful it was to be lucky enough to view nature, well naturing!

Picture of the Day....and Aphgan at 20% Complete

Here it is, 20% complete, the afghan that I hoped would be ready by the start of football season...did I mention the 2010 football season??? Thank goodness I live in Austin, TX where it may get down to 95 degrees by November and I don't really need an afghan! I am struggling with a couple of things...mostly it is joining the square as I go. Thanks to Ellen for pointing me to Lucy at Attic 24 on the directions for this. I thought I was doing it correctly until I see some big ole gaps in some of my corner connecting. I am open to suggestions...anyone??

I stopped by Mansfield Park (Lake Travis, Austin) on the way to work this morning hoping to catch some drastic low lake level shots. I went to the "Dam" side of the park and was AMAZED...by all the electrical WIRES!!! Needless to say, no lake shots but I did get this shot of the Texas Hill Country. Not an awesome shot...but hey
learning is half the fun right??? Same camera - D40x 18-55 lens

Grace in Small Things - 10/365

1. Old Friends that you don't have to talk to everyday, but when you do talk to them it seems like you just talked yesterday.

2. New friends that stop by to say hi, like Sunny..who takes the most wonderful and comforting photos...It's nice to catch glimpses of New England, another part of the country I miss.

3. Everyday friends, like the ones I see every week or so at dive club (and hope to see this evening!)

4. Mexican Martini's - 'nuff said

5. The sound of shrimp clicking when diving in the Carribean

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Grace in Small Things

1. My health, and finally feeling better after 2 and half days of the ickies!

2. Southern California (for the bloggers below)

3. The first blog I read EVER...Crazy Aunt Purl...She never fails to put a smile on my face..or tear in my eye

4. Ellen of L.A. is My Beat... A True Renaissance Woman (and expert at all things yarn!)

5. Woolanthropy...A fun gal, living life to it's fullest!

The three wonderful women above share their lives and their yarning and help me live in SoCal vicariously....


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Photo of the Day - Bilbo in the Morning

I am trying to find a way to be able to maximize my photo space here in the blog layout land, so please bear with me as I try and find a fun, yet practical layout ... I know, sounds like talking about buying a car doesn't it? If anyone knows how/where I can find or fix a layout, please shout out!

Anydoodles, I have started posting to a Photo of the Day group in Flickr . This is my 01 of 365..
Bilbo in the Morning

Bilbo is our 7 year old Llasa Apso who "believes" he OWNS us. So it was awesome to catch this "humble" pose...He very rarely grants me the opportunity to take pictures at all.

I am really enjoying the light in our upstairs den and downstairs in the foyer during the morning hours.

I have a Nikon40DX , using an 18-55mm lens at the moment. This was taken on the "portrait setting" with no flash. Any thoughts...constructive criticism on ways to improve (that don't involve asking the model to change poses..:-))??

Vintage Photo Friday

Photo by marlewis

I saw this picture of San Francisco circa 1941 while looking though Flickr stuffles yesterday. I reminded me of a couple of things...First, that a year ago (give or take a week) my husband and I were enjoying the sights of San Francisco and the joys of Northern California.

Next, I really enjoy the styles of the 1940s. The taylored fit...the less feminine, yet still flattering hats. The sturdy shoes...I could have sooo pulled off that look.

I'll leave you with the favorite San Fran Picture in my photo library taken in August 2008. I apologize to those of you have most likely seen it before...

Golden Gate Bridge

Happy Weekend!

More Vintage Photos

Grace in Small Things - 08/365

1. Having a toddler take his first steps in front of you

2. Families and friends celebrating the blessing of a coming child

3. Champagne Punch

4. Cute little baby outfits

5. A perfectly behaved dog just when you need her to be

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Babies...

Last weekend I helped host a baby shower for a good friend. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed decorating for a baby shower. It was Winnie the Pooh runs amok in my living room and kitchen.

I caught this shot as the sun shown through the front windows....

Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit.
Bill Cosby

Vintage Photo Friday

I come from a family of animal lovers. This is a photo is of my Grandfather with "unknown dog and cat" :-). I grew up in a house with no less than 3 dogs in the house not to mention the hamsters, gerbils, fish and a cat thrown in every now and again.

Things We Can Learn From A Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air &
the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps & stretch before rising.
Run, romp & play daily.
Eat with gusto & enthusiasm.
Be Loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent,
sit close by & nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention & let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water & lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around & wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded,
don't buy into the guilt thing & pout...
run right back & make friends.
Bond with your pack.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

-Author Unknown

Grace in Small Things 07/365

1. Friends that have moved away coming back for a visit

2. Scanners and Photoshop that can bring old photos back to life

3. Chocolate (I am thinking this should be an everday item to be thankful for!)

4. Paying less than $10.00 for a new Southern Living Cookbook to add to my collection

5. Oil diffusers to experience the wonders of aromatherapy

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Sunset Thursday

My hubbie and I ventured to the Oasis for dinner after a evening dive (scuba). The Oasis is a hot spot for us Austinites to bring visitors from out of town to enjoy the "Sunset Capital of Texas". The food is bar type fare with specials that are always nummy. Most importantly, they have awesome guacamole and thirst quenching margaritas!


Mmmmm...2 great tastes that taste great together!

I have no shortage of sunset pictures as I have been a huge fan of sunsets most of my life. My favorite time of day has always been twilight!


Sunset from the Oasis

Both of these were taken with my phone....Not bad for a Crackberry huh???

Love and Las Vegas

Romantic Summer Sunflowers at the Bellagio Gardens - taken in April 2009

Like many before her, my BFF and her fiance have decided to get married in Las Vegas! I was THRILLED to hear this. Many people may think that LV is commercialized and maybe not the perfect place for a wedding. Me? Las Vegas is the place my husband and I go to for a romantic getaway, I know how romantic and F-U-N Vegas can be.

Believe it or not, the reason that she selected Las Vegas was the cost factor. Seems it's just cheaper to fly to Vegas and get married than to have the ceremony/reception on the west coast of Florida!

Grace in Small Things - 06/365
Today's Thankful list

1. Old friends

2. Crafting the night away

3. Songs from the 70s keeping me company at work

4. A pretty pink journal to write my innermost thoughts

5. Surfing the net for wedding chapels in Vegas!!!

Morning Twilight

Texas skies always turn me on...

This morning as I left with Dory for our walk I slung my camera over my shoulder in hopes of some "kewl kitty shots" to use on Dory's blog...No kitties out this morning, but the morning skies were awesome!

Bird Condo Silhouette

Birdhouse Castle in the sky.....

Good morning, as you rise and shine
Another day in life is here
The hour has come to redefine
Your journey ‘cross the wild frontier
Beneath a sky, in cobalt hue
You’ll stroll along your merry route
While I hope all the best for you
As you continue your pursuit.

Good morning, as the moonlight fades
And you begin your daily chores
The dawn is bright; open the shades
Then, dream until each wish is yours
Throughout the day, you’ll move in stride
As I hold your heart in each prayer
Every time that you look outside
You’ll know that I am waiting there.

Good morning, as you greet the world
Once more, your life begins anew
A fresh beginning has unfurled
And brought your goals within your view
While you seek to embrace your dreams
I’ll wish you well, ‘til day is done
I’ll keep you safe, beneath my beams
Have a great day! Regards, the sun.

© 2007 – Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection

Grace in Small Things 05/365

1. A boss that is staying in his office so I can get this blog finished ;-)

2. Living in a state with such beautiful clear skies

3. Having a fur kid that walks beside me every morning and is patient when I stop to take pictures

4. A Janet Evanovich audiobook to laugh to on the way to work

5. Well worn SARK books that can revive my creativity

Sultry Day in Texas

Thank goodness for Crepe Myrtle's a wonderfully blooming southern bush that flowers even though we are on over 50 days with 100+ heat and very little rain!

Hot, Hot, Hot
by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

the heat shimmers forth,

eggs cookin' on the sidewalk,

this is texas heat.

Grace in Small Things 04/365

1. A clean, fresh smelling car with working air conditioning

2. Planning a Baby Shower for a good friend

3. Doggie Blogs that make me giggle

4. Slow Cookers

5. A fresh new week

Beauty of Nature

Still - in a way - nobody sees a flower - really - it is so small - we haven't the time -
and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.
- Georgia O'Keeffe

Grace in Small Things 03/365


1. Comfy Jeans

2. Scales where the numbers read less than yesterday

3. Digital Cameras

4. A bossy 7 pound dog named Bilbo

5. Coworkers and a boss you can laugh with

Staying Close to Home

San Antonio River Walk - June 2009

This summer has been spent close to home with small trips to areas close by. This picture of the San Antonio River Walk was taken on a road trip to introduce my niece and nephew to the Alamo.

Grace in Small Things - 02:365

1. Sudafed..on allergy days
2. New love...and the engagement of my BFF's niece
3. The ocean..and promises of blue water dives
4. 4 day work weeks...with 2 days down and 2 days to go
5. Making the final payment on your long weekend at Disney with our niece and nephew.

Blank Slate

I'm here!!!! I love blank slates, there is always so much possibility for fun!

Welcome to the home for my pictures and musings.
I will be striving to find 5 things a day to be grateful for and
a fresh picture every day.



Today I am thankful for....

1. Summer salads, gotta love fresh veggies

2. That my dog Bilbo has finally decided to take the rest of the night off

3. That my husband is wonderful enough to spend hours on the phone with my brother helping him prepare to buy a car.

4. Libraries...I can check out audio books instead of spending money buying them!

5. The Sleuth Channel, where I can DVR reruns of JAG to watch