I am going to be visiting my son in Austin soon, and I can hardly wait. It has been difficult since he left town. We are a small family and this is the first time one of my children has moved away.

I have been packing, unpacking, repacking ordering new clothes and making lists of things I need to take. I haven't been on a plane for many years and with all the new restrictions I am constantly calling the airline to find out what is ok to bring.

One of the first things I plan on doing with my son is have barbeque Texas style.
My son has several restaurants lined up. Yum.

The next place we are going to visit is Lady Byrd Johnson's Wildflower Reservation.
I wonder how Texas wildflowers stack up to Ohio wildflowers. My son is sweet enough to go with me, poor thing.

I will post pictures of their wild flowers when I get back.

Fun Things to do this Winter

Winter can be so long and cabin fever can strike early. Well below is a list of things to do that might help you make it through the winter months.

1. Throw a pot luck party.

2. Read that novel you've been putting off.

3. Buy a sled and feel the wind in your hair as you race down the hill.

4. Gather some children together and have a snowball fight.

5. Make some hot chocolate, adding some Bailey's Irish Cream.

6. Winter is the perfect time for a project. Try something new; bake some bread, painting on

fabric or a new computer program. I always have a project I am saving for the winter

months.

7. Watch an old movie. Go through Hitchcock's movies.

8. Set up a bird feeder outside a window so you can watch the birds. Just be sure to keep

it full of food.

Garage Sales

I have been having fun this summer going to garage sales. The thrill of the hunt, but less violent than actual hunting. Although some people who go to garage sales can be quite aggressive.

Today was an exciting day. I found an Underwood Typewriter. They were asking $25.00, I asked them if they would take $15.00. They agreed. I told her I was an artist and I had intended to use the keys for a project. She said she was at an art show and someone had made earings out of the keys. Very clever. Well, I told her I could not possibly take it apart. The Underwood is in mint condition. She was pleased. Apparently it had belonged to her brother.

When I go to garage sales I know what I'm looking for and what I want to do with an item if I find it. What happens then, I simply cannot use it, cannot cut it up or take it apart. Does this happen to you? I'm curious, how many times have you purchased something in a garage sale, had plans to use it and just could not bring yourself to change it into something else?