adjective lack

 Cute.  Precious.  Darling.  There really aren't words to describe the yumminess of a charming child.  (And yes, I had plenty of indoor walking time while he screamed, but overall, he is enchanting.)  I didn't really miss not doing historical and touristy things--found that I pretty much just wanted to sit and stare at JJ.

But we did have one outing into the barely autumnal Virginia countryside and found a marvelous antique shop.  The sis scored a dressing table and I found a pile of Scrabble tiles for art projects and ESL teaching.

 To celebrate his seven-week birthday,  'Phew decided to try this walking thing.

Snuggle time with Mommy.

introduction

 Baby's first Target!

He pretty much slept through the entire visit, but he kindly let us pile stuff into his carriage; it certainly helped limit our shopping!

And as the baby daddy introduced me to this liquid gold, it was lovely to find these nice gifts in my shoes.  (and we'll draw a veil over the TSA agents who tried to remove these from my possession...)

absorbtion

still working on how to absorb this much cute

 

and this much love; 

I wasn't prepared to be so bowled over by such a little person.

bon voyaging

almost a Harvest moon glimpsed over the wing; this was obviously prior to our wild ride into Chicago via t-storms.

 Cool over-my-shoulder photo op at 1 a.m. at Dulles.

 The frogger getting ready to go to Wegman's!  I was super excited to revisit this grocery chain--as I used to shop at one during my grad years.

Re-thinking the outing.

And now, really regretting being left the sole male among women.  We laughed far too long at the tufted hair.

who could ask for anything more?

'Phew 1 and his first attempt at cinnamon rolls; love the M&M embellishment!

I get to see this sweet little face in person tomorrow!!!!!!

and yes, while life has been rolling right along--between the dying computer and the rather chaotic stress of work (we're going through accreditation the first week of October), haven't posted for a bit.  But there have been pennies found, and tango orchestras heard and yummy diners/cafes explored and good conversations with colleagues and alumni.

And me and my mini-potions are all ready to fly for the first time in several years.

new corners

Still having fun, exploring new Austin places and occasionally finding pennies.

Finally got to experience these cool Texas lights at the very fun Cherrywood Cafe.

going Wilde

daily dose of cute

 Nephew 3 still figuring out what he thinks of this strange planet.

 Nephew 1 'baking' Grandma's birthday cake.

Nephew 2 delighting in the sunshine and the swinging.

new hairs

 So happy that Austin has an Aveda school.

It's been that kind of day.

Where's Demille?

amen

miles to go

 & miles gone; if I've estimated correctly, these shoes have traveled over 3000 miles!

That's a whole lotta livin' and interesting city streets seen--from Alameda to Princeton to Seattle to Austin.

My shiny new pair--looking forward to the new miles ahead.

things I say in my head

while smiling, ever sweetly.

splendor, sartorial

Some fluff for today.

nourished

Last night, I zipped downtown to meet up with a long-time friend from undergrad years.  It has been decades and many miles since we saw each other, yet we fell into easy conversation as though it were just yesterday that we strolled out of Honors English together.

Her conference/presentation were at the elegant Driskel Hotel.

 We walked a couple of blocks to a FABulous tapas place I had seen earlier and spent hours feasting--both on food and catching up.

Then, as with any proper meal, there was sugar and chocolate and cream involved.  A marvelous evening, all round.

being present

Laguna Gloria

 Indulged in the tasty peanut-butter shake from DQ for a late lunch today.

 And finally made it to Laguna Gloria which is part of the AMOA.

The statute of Autumn in the Four Seasons garden.

 Gorgeous grounds; I escaped two determined docents because I simply wanted to wander around.  On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I really could care less about history and art appreciation.  Just want to meander in the sunshine.

 The only part I absorbed from their tailing me through the doorway was that the original owner was determined to grow palm trees, something I no doubt would have gathered as I saw many species on my walk.

 Built in 1916, this Italianate villa, blah, blah blah.  Isn't it pretty??!

 Was hoping to see the frog spit, but we're having a little water conservation going on at the moment, so all fountains are off.

 Wishing well for my lucky pennies!

 Disappointed that the miles of white lights strung above the paths don't show up in the photos.  I must get myself to some evening soiree at this sight--it would be elegant and Gatsbyesque.

 Even the Italianate design couldn't escape the star of Texas!

You can see the lights here, every so faintly.