Happy Birthday Youngest!

You inspire me as you are now reaching for your stars. Watching you bloom is a joy to behold. Best birthday wishes.

Daily Photo #30!!

I have wondered about the dirt piles that are barely visible from the street between Youngest’s home and mine, so Knuckles and I went exploring through the back way. From a distance they look like art – a bulldozer’s work of Zen. I can’t determine any reason for them but they are interesting. I was going to climb the first one to take a photo of the rest but a mama goose had a different idea. I hadn’t noticed her there so it gave both of us quite a start. I thought that geese always had their nests near water so they could get the young ones paddling before they can fly. The neighborhood ponds are all a long distance so now I worry about her babies. I used my camera’s awesome distance feature to get the goose maternity shot so I would not disturb her any further.

And that brings us to end of the Thirty Day Daily Photo project. I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I.

Daily Photo #29 - Dinner with the Queens

Belated report – late night

Yesterday (Sunday) I attended the Hootersville social event of the year. With such a target rich environment, there are multiple photos posted here.

My buddy P’s family hosts a Spring Social every year timed to peak with the blooms. The Big House (a grand Victorian mansion) served the food, sweet tea, and had seating on the west lawn. Wine and witty repartee were served at P’s bungalow in the back. They recently built a large veranda for the grand-daughter’s upcoming wedding. The entire estate takes up over 70 acres which they are developing section by section. Despite the risk of snakes, I really enjoy the bamboo garden featuring dinosaur statues (sorry – forgot to take a photo). P and the Queen collect dolls – a common hobby down South. There are buggies and china cabinets here and there about the house, each filled with dolls. There is a doll dedicated room that holds the majority. While I did not get shots of all the treasures, I will be a repeat customer and will show more later if you are interested in continuing the photo feature.

All in all, I met many fascinating people, enjoyed the weather, seeing friends P has already introduced to me and had a blast. Now the town sucks again until next Spring.

Daily Photo #28 - Everything and the Kitchen Sink

Today I cancelled Pilates so that Youngest and I could hit a few Garage and Estate Sales. We’re still developing our skills to secure the best goods (for the most part, ignore any garage sales that are not part of a group and stick to Estates). My neighborhood is going to have a group sale next month so part of the mission today was to gain insight on pricing. But you can’t, really. It’s all over the map and not correlated to the actual value of the object. We missed out on a baker’s stand that went for $20. I missed a chair that I wanted to design for the GC’s room in the new house. I did, however, hit the Jackpot with the purchase of the theater chairs (circa 1955 – 57) in the above photo that had been used by a church. Several years ago I saw a similar set on one of the designing channels and wanted those funky seats for myself. Today I was able to do so. These definitely belong in quirky Austin and not Nowheresville. I’m really excited about them!

Daily Photo #27 - Local Vet

Hope there is a time grace period for posting…

This photo is of the front section of the local vet. The building goes quite a bit back to the left to house the surgical rooms, boarding area and grooming services. It is that time of month when Knuckles needs to get his heartworm and flea/tick medicine. I purchased the heartworm box last month because it goes up to 100#. The flea/tick covers 65# up to 95# so I felt safe to get that too. Now we are all set at home.

Knuckles weighed 68.2# at 6 ½ months. Next anticipated doctor visit is when Knuckles gets fixed at 8 months.

I met our Doctor’s daughter who told me she is going to take over the family business from her Dad. She was serious and helpful which tickles my funny bone. She gave me advice on keeping Knuckles’ teeth as white as they are now without brushing. Too bad we won’t be around when Shannon becomes the second generation vet.

Daily Photo #26 - Happy Tax Day!

Tax Day was happier this year than most. I paid my expected taxes on time, and we took advantage of the free offers of a Starbucks coffee with your own travel mug and BOGO foot long sandwiches at Subway. Two of my favorite magazines came in the mail today and a client got their first promises of federal money this week (one today). I’m going to stay in for the rest of the night so nothing can go wrong and ruin this great day.

Daily Photo - Come to Jesus

In the parking lot of PetSmart.