Last night I did something I haven't done often over the past few decades: I sang Happy Birthday to my big sister, Brenda. In person, mind you, not through the cell phone.
There were presents, pizza, cake and ice cream, and most of the immediate family gathered around the kitchen table, which is about all you can hope for these days.
Years ago we had all of our birthday celebrations around that kitchen table, with cake and ice cream and a favorite food. But as we all got older, with kids and jobs (and Tom and I moving four hours away), the celebrations got fewer and fewer between. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate with her again yesterday. This was the second time in three years and I hope the trend continues.
Afterward, Brenda and I sat at the table with Mama reminiscing, looking at old photographs, and pumping her for information about her life. I know I've heard these stories before, but I'm over 50 now... the memory is going! (Note to self: write them down this time!)
By necessity it was another quick trip, but at least we made it! I'm trying to stick to my New Year's resolution of a visit a month to see Mama and Daddy. I think July got skipped, but if I just miss one month of this year, it's the best-kept resolution I've had in a long time!
Some favorites shots of the weekend...
This image of Sam Houston on a Highway 225 tank is the epitome of Pasadena, on the route of the "Runaway Scrape" ... the past and the present coming together. Strange, but I don't remember them ever telling us about that in school. I just found out about a potential project to paint more historic murals on these tanks - click here for more info and to vote.
Me and my "big" sister...
Party time!
Niece Christin...
Daniel feeding the (spoiled) squirrels...
Party at the Pole as usual! (Mama and Daddy spoil the birds, too.)
Daddy had to refill the birdfeeder...
...because the Parakeet was coming (he shows up about the same time every day!) Supah-Stah!
Tom sat out back with the camera for awhile to get some more of the Super Star Parakeet and was lucky - he got this one of the elusive Woodpecker! Daddy hadn't seem him in a while... what a surprise and a lucky shot for Tom!
Before heading back home, we visited a restaurant we've eaten at since before I liked Mexican Food (now that's a long time!) I would eat a Whataburger while everyone else chowed down on enchiladas and refried beans.(Mama and Daddy spoiled me, too.)
I love Whataburger... but when I think about all that Mexican Food I was missing... !
Back then it was called Monterrey House; now it's Little Mexico. Whatever the name, it's still delicious!
Now we're back home with a zillion highway photos in my camera. I've discovered that the way to stay awake on these drives when Tom is at the wheel is to take pictures out my window! I hate sleeping in the car, so you can imagine all the shots I snapped. Some actually turned out, um, not bad! I'll eventually post them on the photography blog if you're interested...
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and Monday is nice to you!
