New Hobbies

Amber and Josh gave me the most thoughtful gifts. They know that this empty nest is sometimes..... well, empty. Mom's gone and Ryan is doing what God has called him to do. So I find myself looking for things other that work to fill my spare time.
I now have a new set of art supplies: watercolors, oils, sketch pad, and brushes. I used to do this a little but growing up with "real" artists was intimidating. Mike's been drawing comics since he was 5 and my uncle made a living as an artist. He even gave lessons at the Smithsonian in Washington. I told you it was intimidating. Anyway, at Amber's request here is a blog with my first two attempts. I'm not planning on doing anything but have fun.
To make sure that I'm well rounded, Josh gave me piano books. I said I wanted to play piano when I retire but I'm not in any hurry to quit teaching so I guess I'll play piano now. My fingers are more that a little rusty. It will take more that WD40 to loosen them up. I think its called practice...... and good old Hanon scales.
Well, so much for being bored and lonely.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Oh, Christmas tree. Oh, Christmas tree

Ok, it's official.  I'm putting up a Christmas tree next year.  Yeah, I know.  We aren't at home for Christmas but decorating this dusty, fake thing is ridiculous!! Ryan told me how stupid it looks.  I admit its something my mom would have done but hers would have looked good.  Oh, well.  I'm willing for the blog readers to see my pathetic attempt at Christmas spirit.  WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR!!

Grandchildren

Grandchildren are wonderful. The safe arrival of Frank Murphy made Thanksgiving very special.  When I looked at the pictures there's not one picture of food.  I'm glad to say that I think we know what's important.  I'm thrilled to have a grandson to go with the best granddaughters on the planet. 

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving.  I love that the focus is on being thankful, not presents.  Families are together and of course there's the FOOD!  I've learned over the years that the fun for me is to cook with the people you love.  The eating is just the extra.  

A blog about Thanksgiving isn't complete without a mention of my mom.  She spent Christmas in Phoenix and Thanksgiving with me.  I'll miss her terribly.  Ok, Mom, for you, "GO COWBOYS!!"  It was always a balancing act to get the food on the table either at half time or just as the game was over.  Mom would always come in for a little taste during a commercial.  I've got to assign that task to someone.  Any takers?

I'm thankful for family, friends, and the abundance of blessings that God gives each of us.

Fall pictures

Here's a picture of me driving around looking at fall and some of the pictures.

Fall IS fantastic

Fall is my favorite season.  I love everything about it.  The smell of chili, the cooler weather, those first fires in the fireplace, and the color of the leaves.  I decided to spend a little while just enjoying the beauty of the season.  I literally drove around Albuquerque taking pictures.  It made me think about being a little girl and going on a Sunday afternoon drive.  We did it for entertainment just to look at the scenery, not to go some place.  

I didn't leave town but the more pictures I took the more beauty I saw.  I was going around the block in downtown neighborhoods to get another picture.  In our busy lives we sometimes don't bother to slow down or go around the block to see all of the beauty God has created for us right before our very eyes.  Today I did that and I think I'll try to do that a little more often.

Ryan's Fall Break

I was really glad to have Ryan home for the weekend.  He has gained some college maturity and I think the rules have had a mostly positive effect.  I'll be interested to see if they notice the little bit of purple he put in his hair.  It's very light but he loves to push the rules.  


The dogs and cat were all glad to see Bubba.  We think Buster was especially glad to see him.
It was nice having ryan home for his fall break.  Texas is having an effect.  He was wearing an OU hat when he got off the plane, OU pajamas, and he watched an OU football game on Saturday.  Texas and football go hand-in-hand but he's rooting for his roommates team, Oklahoma.

Great Weekend

Chris suggested that I take a picture of Ryan's room.  I'm sure he wouldn't recognize it this way.  These are a couple of pictures of our empty nest.



Chris came over for the weekend and we had a great time.  We went out to eat, went shopping, refined a recipe for cherry angel food cake, and talk about reading A LOT!!!  It was great.  

Paul's Newest Masterpiece

Paul has finished the bowl he's been working on.  He says this is his best bowl yet.  You know how good it is if he says it's good.  I of course think it is wonderful.  Unfortunately it's not for me.  He's made it for a neighbor.  He might get paid!

New Bowls

Paul hasn't had to go out of town for a while.  He's found time to make two new bowls.  I love both of them.  He's getting to be so good at this.  

This and That

Cathy is swamped at school but found time to prime out the AWFUL burnt orange ceiling. What was I thinking?!? Does a new hair style come with empty nesting? I'm sick of short,short hair so I'm trying something new.

Ryan goes to SAGU

The campus is beautiful, green, and not too spread out - A wonderful place to live and learn.

Even the bushes say SAGU.

This is Bubba's roommate, Patrick from South Carolina.

A statue of the Bible and the world in front of a building that we know isn't a dorm.

Ryan is in one of two new dorm buildings. It's very nice.

Bubba in his room doing his "thing." He's already signed up to audition for the worship band.

This is a fairly new building with the chapel, cafeteria, and other things that I don't remember. It's beautiful!

Water towers are important in our family and this one is cool.

Ryan poses with the Lion, the school mascot.

Bubba has been safely delivered to Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

Taos was Terrific

On Sunday morning we went to the Taos Art Museum which is housed in a beautiful home built by Nicoli Fechin from 1927-1933. We loved the art and the house.


We both loved all of the wood that was hand carved like this door.


We had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant outside of Taos. It overlooked the Taos valley. The view was breathtaking and the food divine.

Here is a picture of Paul with Sunflower. We watched her finish painting this plate so we bought it from her.


Paul and I had a great weekend in Taos. We went out to the pueblo and looked around. Paul had read about Kit Carson and knew all about the old church. We went into every shop and bought a few things.