Golf Balls in the Wind

If you don't live around here, just know the wind was ridiculously high yesterday! But Rick and the kids had planned to play golf, so the game was on. I'm not sure about this, but it could have been the first time all three had played together. I took my own car to ride around with them for awhile. I was having so much fun though I stayed for all eighteen holes. After all, I was needed...well, not really. It's not like Rick couldn't drive his own cart. But then it wasn't about that; it was about being out there with them.

(I'm so glad Jenna didn't have a tee hanging out of her mouth.)

Brownie/Cookie Dessert

I had seen this dessert recipe floating around different blogger sites (not sure where it originated). I could not wait to try it. Today was the day!

One Betty Crocker Brownie Mix 
One Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie mix


Prepare both of these as directed on the package.
Pour the brownie mix in a 9 x 13 pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough into the brownie batter. Bake at 350 degrees until done.


Top with Chocolate Ganache.


Chocolate Ganache


12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels.
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

6 Tbsp butter

In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just before the boiling stage. Pour over the chocolate morsels.Let stand about 20 seconds and stir until smooth. Pour over brownies and let set before cutting.

Oh my goodness!  It was AWESOME! 


Definitely a keeper......

Sun, Sonic, and Smiles

Justin and I were entertained watching Glory have some fun this afternoon. Check out that cute little bracelet she was wearing....

Zucchini Cake Bread

This is a family favorite recipe. Naturally, when I got my first cute little zucchini yesterday out of the garden, I couldn't wait to make it. I'm taking it to a friend who just lost her mother.

For the recipe, go here!

Camping in Rusk

Rick and I took the trailer to Rusk Thursday afternoon. When we arrived, we discovered we didn't have to battle many for that perfect campsite at the Texas Railroad Campground. We were the only ones there that night. Friday evening Justin, Keelie, Jonah and Glory joined us.

Everyone seemed to be tired so we bedded down pretty early. Didn't make it far into "Thomas and the Magical Railroad.'

Saturday morning we were so excited. Excited that Glory had slept 7 hrs. That's great--strange bed, strange surroundings, etc. Excited that we got to ride the train.

About 10:30 we boarded the Texas State Railroad train. (We had taken Jonah two or three years ago on this same one.) It took us from Rusk to Palestine where we had boxed lunches Rick had ordered. Good deal, Rick! The weather was a bonus, too.

On Saturday evening, Justin and Keelie cooked us an amazing meal of grilled chicken and loads of veggies.

That second night in Keelie's words...."Glory decided to have a slumber party." She woke up around 2:30 a.m. and was up for quite awhile.

I think everyone proved to be true campers---rolling with the flow and taking it as it came. Papa and I enjoyed our camping time with them!

Camping with the fam!


Hope you have a great weekend, too.

Broadway, Bakeries, and Bridges

Two very different Broadway shows that we saw proved to be nothing less than entertaining!

We had at least three trips to two different bakeries, hit two different pizzerias that Justin and Keelie had recommended, and indulged in two different kinds of ice cream.

One of the ice cream places was the fabulous Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory near the bridge.

Hope NYC is on your list of places to visit some day if you haven't been there yet!

NYC ~~ A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Marilyn, Greg, Chad, Jenna and I returned from NYC late yesterday afternoon. Everything was great -- the apartment-style accommodations, the weather, the food, the sites, and most of all the company.

Marilyn did a great job planning our itinerary for the entire trip. And...as usual...we did wear the kids out. (They are 25, 26, and 28 years old.) It's a joke that when they are on a trip with us they usually need another vacation to just go off and rest. But time was so precious, and there was so much we wanted them to be able to say "Yes, we saw that. Yes, we did that." 

Texas Blogs!

We did it. We just reached an all time high of 606 fantastic, Texas blogs!!  If you have not been over to my other blog, Texas Blogging Gals, you've been missing out.

 Each week I update the list of Texas bloggers who contact me wishing to be added to our growing list. The list contains bloggers from all over the State. We've got blog types for all of you; I just know you will find 10, 20, or 100 that will grab you! All ages of women are represented who share their thoughts through different kinds of blogs---family life, crafts, cooking, weight loss, photography, Christ-centered, decorative, etc.

So.....hop over and say "HOWDY" to some new Texas friends!

P.S. The very first post can be found here.

Jeep Journal

This week was a big one! Lots of progress for sure. Rick now has the jeep not only running, but it has brakes to stop it! He took it out for a run. How do you like that temp seat?