Tyler Azalea Trails

Last weekend Smitty and I along with friends B & W headed east in hopes to get a look at the dogwood trees and azaleas. We timed it just right in that the Azalea Trails in Tyler opened that Saturday. We were not disappointed at all. The weather was perfect and the blooms were gorgeous. Driving and strolling through the neighborhoods lived up to our expectations. I couldn't put all the pictures on the blog, but enjoy some the few I have attached below.

Dallas Blooms

Supposedly, I am on spring break this week, however, I worked all day Monday, several hours on Tuesday, and got a text message from my superintendent that will require me to make a quick trip back to the office on Thursday. However, B and W took pity and invited me to go with them to the Dallas Arboretum to take in some of the beautiful spring blooms--the first of the season. Tulips were the main attraction on this particular day. It was an absolutely gorgeous weather day-- warm with a slight breeze and plenty of sunshine after cold and wet last week. There were lots of people out and about on this beautiful day and strollers with babies and toddlers were too numerous to count. I wish pictures did justice to what the eyes really beheld, but hope the pictures below give an idea of the beauty of the gardens. It is worth a trip!!

The Pajama Game

It has almost become a tradition that I receive as a Christmas present from Smitty tickets to some musical or play. This Christmas was no exception. Tickets were presented to see the musical The Pajama Game at the Majestic Theater in Dallas this past weekend. I remember as a preteen girl watching the movie version of this musical starring Doris Day. I couldn't remember too much about the musical except that it took place in a pajama factory with lots of singing and dancing. Saturday night was a very entertaining evening with a lot of songs that I haven't heard in a very long time. Thanks, Smitty. I really do love those musicals!

House Decorating Cont'd.

In the past year, we have done major redecorating to our kitchen, TV room, living room/dining room and guest bedrooms. Many friends and family had the opportunity in December to see the major changes that we have made to the house since purchasing it in July of 2006. Since Christmas we have added just a few additional touches that have the rooms complete. (at least Smitty thinks so!). My decorator found this framed artwork to complete the newest reading vignette in the living room. It is in my opinion the finishing touch.

See below the completed look with the

goose-neck arm chair, skirted table

and reading lamp next to the beautiful

bookcase.

Another addition in the "Cottage Guest room" is the newly upholstered wing back chair that was my grandmother's. If I recall correctly this chair had actually belonged to my grandfather's sister who gave it to my grandmother. When Grandmother Strickland moved in with my mother the chair was reupholstered and used in Grandmother's bedroom. After Mother passed away, the chair was one of the things I asked my siblings if I could take. It has been glued, tightened, and reupholstered to look brand new. It makes a very nice statement in this nostalgic bedroom. It is a very "sweet" little bedroom chair that holds a lot of special memories for me.

Study of Esther

On February 2 I started attending a women's bible study on the book of Esther. We meet on Monday evenings for a time of discussion of the week's homework and then view an hour-long video with Beth Moore on the study. Many years ago I did several Precepts Studies with Kay Arther. They were very in depth and sometime difficult studies, but very rewarding. After going back to work I missed the opportunity to attend these week morning studies. This particular study, Esther: It's tough being a Woman, just captured my heart. Meeting on Monday nights sometimes causing concerns due to my responsibilities at monthly school board meetings, but God has blessed the times I have been in attendance as well as through the daily homework. I recommend this study!