Miscellany Monday - Family, Friends, Fun & Football

This past weekend was spent in Dallas, Texas.  Let me share some highlights with you.

Carissa for Miscellany Monday

Grandparent's Day

Friday morning, we enjoyed Grandparent's Day with our littlest grandchild, Ava Grace.  She is in the First Grade at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano.  We are so grateful for the wonderful Christian education they provide.

Again this year, we were impressed, after visiting her classroom, with the quality of education Ava Grace is receiving.  The classes are small and lasting friendships are built between students and teachers.

Thank you Mrs. Mitchell for instilling spiritual principles and laying a strong educational foundation for these precious children.

Northwest Dallas Skyline

Friday afternoon, we went to Downtown Dallas to see our friend's new office.  The view from this vantage point was amazing.  We were so surprised to see so much green space in this overly populated area.

Then, we took the DART down to the Texas State Fair, which is definitely the way to go.

Welcome to the Texas State Fair

 Last year on the last night of the fair, the 52 ft. fair icon, Big Tex, was consumed by fire.  The crowd was glad to welcome the new and improved replacement.

 There are some beautiful buildings built for various exhibits and housing the history of this renowned state fair.  This is perhaps the largest state fair in the country covering a 277 acre city park in downtown Dallas.

 Security was definitely there.

 The Blue Grass stage with bagpipes was one of the favorite performance stages.

 Randy and Cele outside the Chinese Lantern Festival Display.  There are 24 different lighted scenes.

 The path wanders through a garden of giant tulips.

A stately hall of enormous lanterns

 One of my favorite displays was the walkway of huge Chinese vases and Geisha dolls. 

 A massive fanciful castle

 This Porcelain Pagoda's nine towering spires is 53 ft. high and was inspired by a Buddhist Temple in China.  But, this structure is made from 68,000 pieces of porcelain dishware - plates, bowls, spoons and cups - all hand-tied using a traditional technique.  Absolutely unbelievable!

In the center of the lagoon was the Imperial Dragon Boat - 120 ft long.

As reflected in the water and the country's highest Ferris Wheel in the background.

From the opposite side of the lagoon.

This amazing display was certainly worth waiting until dark and the press of humanity.

Our Indiana Family

Grandson started for Western Michigan University against Ball State this weekend and played the whole game.  The family was there to cheer him on and Dad said he did very well.  Mom and sisters are excited to see him play.

 

Mary- Elizabeth honored the memory of her Grandmother Mary this week by making these whirly-gigs to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Week.  Her Mamaw Mary died, after fighting valiantly for two years, shortly after M-E was born.  We celebrate all Breast Cancer survivors and victims.

Miscellany Monday: Where Do I Go From Here?

 As mentioned in my last post, I spent this past week helping Daughter and family move into their lovely new home in Dallas. It is in an older, well established neighborhood that seems to be very family friendly.  There will be no sharing of pictures however, out of respect for Daughter, and the lack of interest in packing boxes.

After driving in on Friday night, Hubby and I planned to get up early on Saturday and visit the local Shreveport Farmer's Market.  That was a great idea until I tried to get out of bed that morning to find I could not move without excruciating pain in my lower right back. There went the plans for the day. So, my Saturday was spent trying to find any position or movement that didn't elicit a scream and wondering which box I shouldn't have moved. Fortunately, Sunday brought some relief and we are now looking forward to the Farmers Market this week.

Tomorrow is Grandson Jackson's BIG day!  He heads to Western Michigan to enroll for the last Summer Session and begin his conditioning regime for the Broncos Fall Football Season.  We are so excited for him and this new adventure in his life and that of his family.

With that in mind, I want to share a link Son sent us today, written by Lewis Hamilton about the new WMU Coach Fleck. I think you will find it very interesting and inspiring. You will for sure see why we feel blessed to have our grandson mentored by this fine young man.
Row the Boat

As for "Where I Go From Here," I'm trying to decide which direction, if any, my blog needs to take. I feel like I'm floundering without much direction and focus. I would appreciate any feedback you might have to help me think this through. Maybe it's just the funk mood I find myself in right now and will seem all better tomorrow, but here's where I find myself today.

May you have a great week and remember to "Row Your Boat" wherever you are, and I'll keep reminding myself to do the same.

Miscellany Monday - Dallas & Mary Kay

Monday at our house is pretty much synonymous with Carissa and Miscellany Monday.  It is always fun to join this group of lovely women who share their thoughts and lives with us.  Thank you Carissa for getting us together.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

This past weekend I went to Dallas, Texas for a Mary Kay Career Conference.  May I just say that Mary Kay women can be some of the loudest and most enthusiastic women I've ever been around?  I'm trying to decide if it is a natural trait that helps make them successful, or if it is the being together with other beautiful, successful women that brings it out, or if I'm just getting old and everything seems louder and more raucous these days.

Regardless, it was a great weekend of motivation, inspiration and education.

We stayed at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas which adjoins the Convention Center.  The location and accommodations could not have been better.  Our room was on the 19th floor and I just have to share with you the view of the city from that height.

View looking north at 6:00 P.M.

 View at 11:00 P.M.

 View at daybreak

The whole end wall of our room was glass which gave us an unlimited panoramic view of this huge Texas City.

Mary Kay
has just introduced some wonderful new products.  If you are interested, I would love for you to visit my website:
www.marykay.com/libbyday

Back Porch Update

We are making a wee bit of progress on our porch enclosure project.  Hubby took the mosquito curtain down this weekend, and power washed the walls and windows.  The cabinet maker has our plans and the windows should be in this week.  The painter is ready and waiting for the call that it is his turn.

So, stay tuned.

  

Don't forget to join me on Friday for "Elegance - Part 2 - Beauty!"

Have a great Monday, my friends and remember,