Fall Festivities

Don't get me started on the weather here. It's unpredictable, to say the least. What I do know is that when it's sunny with a high of seventy five (did you hum along?), you don't complain and you don't remain indoors.

I've lived through twenty-four eighty-five-degree Octobers in Orlando, so I offer no apologies for my enthusiasm about experiencing this phenomenon called autumn. Even if I am a little over-zealous. 

Look a him go!

I was on fall break Monday and Tuesday this week, so I decided to take Brooklyn to a dog park Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, those plans were never realized, but not for lack of effort! I arrived at three different dog parks, only to discover all three were closed for various reasons. Poor Brooklyn finally realized we weren't getting out of the car....

After that nice detour (on the toll road, no less), we went home and made our own "park" in the backyard. I enjoyed a cup of tea and a book on Soviet music while Brooklyn chewed on sticks and old coffee tins. We were thankful just to be outside.

It's taper week, so Brooklyn and I have been taking it easier on our runs.

"Can we go faster, please?!"

Strolling through our neighborhood on a lazy Saturday

I had an appointment at school yesterday, which I realized was unfortunately scheduled during the SMU football game. Honestly, I don't know how people manage such enthusiasm for a team who is predicted to lose every game this season. The football team's record definitely hasn't dampened the tailgating scene. The main drive of campus is covered in red and blue on game days. Because of this, parking is always terrible! Yesterday I took advantage of our proximity to campus and walked. The weather was perfect, the football scene was hopping, and the friendly policemen stopped traffic for me at the crosswalks.

Saturday has become our weekly date night, and last night was exceptionally adventurous and fun! We drove to Ennis, Texas (about 30 miles south) to a drive-in movie theater. They offer double features at each screen, and you can choose from six different screens.

We saw Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (Naturally, I slept through the second film.)

The theater was packed! Our screen was the most "family-friendly," so there were vans full of soccer teams and trucks with dogs and kids alike. The "regulars" were easily recognizable with their trucks backed in and camping chairs in the truck bed. Our wagon worked just fine, and I made a comfy blanket bed in the back.

The theater provided us with an FM station, so the sound came right through our car speakers. They also had the old-fashioned speakers staked in the ground next to each parking spot. We tuned in, rolled down our windows, grabbed some snacks, and enjoyed the show!

During the first movie, Brooklyn stood watch over the wagon and alerted us to any activity. Since she wasn't barking, we let her fulfill her role as watch dog. During the second movie, she and I both conked out!

And now, some shots from our relaxing lake walk/run this morning. Again, no apologies. Please come visit. I'd love to take you there.

Following a much-needed church service (have I mentioned what a blessing King's Parish is in our lives?), we had some friends over for lunch. Hospitality is so much easier when I don't stress about everything being prepared and perfect ahead of time. In fact, I just put the ladies to work today, peeling potatoes and washing lettuce. The men tended to the grilling. It's always more fun to cook together anyway.

Missing Hannah in the photo, but we had fun with these folks!

We're reaching that point in the semester where things speed up at an alarming rate. Paper deadlines approach, performance dates loom, flu germs float through the hallways, and bed times shift to a later hour. In the midst of all that, I am grateful for time to feel human. I love Sundays, and slowly I'm learning to love rest.