Happy Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday. We celebrate every year with a Halloween Party. Clearly I'm a blogging newbie, because I only have a handful of party photos. I'm hoping to get better at that. Happy Halloween. I hope your day is spooky.

Lola. Dog

My dearest blog readers,

Halloween Fun!  Halloween is just around the corner and we are hosting our second annual Halloween Party.  I'm slightly frustrated that the woman has procrastinated everything and I am left to make all the last minute preparations.  But, that's okay.  I am nothing if not a gracious and prepared host.  I put together the menu earlier this week and went over the grocery list with the woman.  I pulled out all our old decorations and placed online orders for some new gems I came across.  I've been cleaning house all week.  Hopefully all the decorations will be in place this evening.  Then I'll get up early on Saturday with the woman and start baking.  She did manage to pick up my Halloween costume and I am thankful, but not too thrilled.  She had her own ideas about what I should be.  Not good ideas, either. I'm hoping that all the effort I've put forth will pay off and our guests will have a good time.

I would love to stick around and continue to chat, but I have a party to plan. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Until next time,
Lola

2 Years!

I've been married to my husband for two years.  It really seems like it has been a lot longer than that.  I feel like I've always been with him.  I found the following pin on pinterest.

Source

If you are good friends with me, you know that I truly believe this about my husband.  My life has definitely been filled with ups and downs and next to my Grandma, my husband is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  It's true.

Happy Anniversary to my sweet Husband.

Weekend Wrap Up

I can't believe how fast this month is passing us by.  Or this year, for that matter.  I had a really busy weekend.

On Friday I met up with some friends and we had dinner and then did a group paint type of thing.  Painting is surprisingly calming for me.  I say surprising, because if you ever sat in a class with me, I freak out the entire time.  I may or may not be a perfectionist.  Art is not perfect.  So, I fight that battle the entire time I'm painting and in the end I always feel a little lighter.  It's weird.

Painting is serious business.

We are amazing!

On Saturday I watched (and yelled and cursed) college football.  It was a very intense game and went into triple overtime.  I was very proud of my Red Raiders and happy that we won the game.  I also did a little shopping.  We are hosting a Halloween party next weekend, so I stocked up on some Halloween goodness.  I also snagged a rug on clearance at Target.

Halloween loot.

Clearance rug!

On Sunday I went to a Stella & Dot party.  I was so mesmerized by all the pretty jewelry that I neglected to take even one photo.  But, when my order comes in, I'll be sure to share some pictures. 

I hope you had a great weekend.

Lola.Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I'm officially ready for the election to be over.  I feel like I've been battered by those that want to lead our country.  "I'll do this.  I'll do that.  He does this.  He does that."  "Romney's ahead, Obama stepped up, etc."  I am just tired of it.  Can you imagine if we lived in a swing state?  I mean, I've seen a few ads on TV, but I bet citizens in swing states are absolutely bombarded!  Now, I know politics are important.  Electing the leader of our country is a very big deal.  But, I am done.  I know who I am voting for (if I was allowed) and it's too late to sway my vote.  So to that I say, shush it candidates!

So, on to other things that are happening around here.  The area we live in is under construction.  This does not affect parking, but it does affect traffic flow.  Plus, with all the construction equipment, it's so loud all day long.  The big ones don't understand this, because they are gone all day.  The noise stops by the time they get home.  I am excited to see what changes they make.  We are also getting new restaurants in our area.  Not that I'm allowed to go to restaurants, but I like to look at the buildings and smell the food.  Sheldon appreciates it, too.  The front of our building is getting a face lift, as well as several of the retails shops.  I can't wait to see what they do.  I'm also very ready for the breezeway to not be blocked off.  I hate that it funnels people in to the walkway.  It gets so congested and I'm so claustrophobic.

Anyway, the big ones brought me back absolutely nothing from their travels.  They came home with mounds of dirty laundry and the man brought home a cold.  Do you see why I am always against them traveling without me?

Until next time,
Lola

Walking Around the French Quarter, Day 3 & 4

We had a great two days at the Royal Barracks.  Our next stay was at the Inn on St. Peter.  Our room was bigger and there were more windows.  It did not have quite the same amount of character, though.  It definitely didn't offer the amount of hospitality that the Royal Barracks did.  The "continental breakfast" was comprised of pastries and coffee.  But, whatever.  We enjoyed our stay there.

 The Inn on St. Peter.

 The view from the balcony outside our room.  

The entertainment found on the streets of New Orleans:

 He sits as still as a statue.

 He gets in this position and stays that way for long periods of time.  I mentioned before that this our second trip to New Orleans.  We visited two years ago for our honeymoon.  This guy was doing this two years ago, as well.  He was the only person we recognized from two years ago.

 He juggles knives while balancing on that little slab of wood.  It's crazy.  He's very entertaining.

There's no shortage of musical entertainment on the streets of New Orleans.  There was also a couple that was dancing.  It was a great show.  

Halloween is a very celebrated holiday in New Orleans.

 Bubbles. 

We also ate a lot while in New Orleans.

This little diner is on Bourbon Street.  We had breakfast there and it was wonderful. 

 One of my favorite restaurants in the French Quarter is Red Fish.  My birthday fell on Tuesday, but since we were traveling back to Dallas on Tuesday, we celebrated my birthday over dinner on Monday evening.  I ate entirely too much and even enjoyed some dessert.  The grilled red fish here is excellent.

This is how we ended our vacation.  I'm not sure if you are able to read it, but it says that there was a main water break and that the city of New Orleans is unsure if the water was contaminated or not.  So, to be safe, don't shower or drink the water.  We got up on Tuesday sans showers and headed home.

Good bye NOLA.

Walking around the French Quarter, Day 1 & 2

SG and I headed to New Orleans on October 5th.  We woke up early and headed out, in order to beat morning rush hour.  We were in New Orleans by 3:00 and sat in minimal traffic.  We stayed in two different places during our stay.  Mainly because we bought an Amazon/Groupon type of thing for two nights, so we needed to stay at another place for the other two nights.  We started out at Royal Barracks.  I would describe this as a Bed and Breakfast, but without the breakfast.  We stayed in the Peacock Room.  This is actually what is known as a "guest house".  So, the entire place is a converted guest house.  Our room was small and pretty dark (one window).  But, boy did it have character.  It had a small court yard and we had our own entrance.  It really felt more like staying at a relative's home.  The hospitality was definitely a major part of the experience.  Kelly is the innkeeper and she is fabulous.  She is the friendliest person I have ever encountered in New Orleans (this was our second trip).  She's one of those people that you feel like you have known forever.  On Friday evening she hosted a small party for all of the guests.  There was wine and light appetizers.  We met lots of interesting people from all over the country.  We even met another couple from Dallas.  Kelly has a cute little dog, Sugah B, who is also a wonderful host.

The entrance to our room is through the gate on the right.  This looks like a small, little house, but it's very deep.  I believe there are 5 or so rooms in this "guest house". 

This is a photo of one of the streets in the French Quarter.  The houses are very narrow, but very deep.  There are different styles and different colors. 

Kelly also told us about an area just outside of the French Quarter that we had never heard of.  In fact, in the past we were told to not leave the French Quarter.  It's called Frenchman Street and it is really awesome.  This is a street where you will find less tourists and more locals.  It's a street of pubs and restaurants.  There are live bands in each one playing jazz, blues, country, and rock and roll.  There is also an alley full of local vendors, local artists.  We spent our first and second evening here and really enjoyed every moment of it.   

 This is a not so great photo of the Sweet Street Symphony.  They are performing on Frenchman Street.  I wish I would have captured a better photo of the guy sitting down in front of the bass.  He was wearing a black speedo and ruby red slippers.  He is incredibly talented.  We really enjoyed this band.  There is so much talent in New Orleans.

Of course, we also did some of the very touristy things, as well.  We love the fact that there is so much to do in New Orleans.

 The Gulf.

How can you go to New Orleans and not get some beignets and a cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde.  There is also Cafe Beignet, that makes fabulous beignets, as well.  And they are not cash only.

 We found this really cute little restaurant close to the Royal Barracks.  It's called, Eat.  They have fabulous food.  I had the chicken and dumplings, and they were amazing.  It was served in a small cast iron skillet.  The chicken, vegetables, and broth were topped with three gigantic biscuits.  Delicious.

This is actually a group of wedding guests.  I had no idea, but apparently if you get married in the French Quarter, then you can participate in this "tradition".  I seriously have no idea if it's a tradition or not, all I know is what I saw.  Several times.  A police escort leads the party and shuts down the street.  The bride and groom lead the group, the bride with a white, lace umbrella.  The wedding guests follow and they wave white dinner napkins in the air.  They are all dancing and cheering.  It's very interesting to watch.  

This beer is made in New Orleans.  SG tried it and he really liked it.  Once we returned to Dallas, we discovered it is easily found here, as well.

Come back soon for Day 3 and Day 4.

Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

As promised, my post today is about my stay with the Big Dog. Honestly, I was pretty scared at first. He's big. When we first approached each other, I may or may not have snipped a little at him. It was only to show him that I may be small, but I'm not a pushover. I received quite the lecture from the woman about it. Something about manners. Anyway, after she left I tried to sniff around, so I could get a better grip on my surroundings. In the end, I was truly worried for no reason. The Big Dog is the sweetest dog. Now, we didn't become best friends or anything like that. I like my space... and his (he has the coziest bed!). But, we are better acquaintances. We watched the rain together. We took naps together. We watched college football together. All in all I had a fabulous time. He is quite the gracious host. Sheldon even enjoyed his time there. Below are a few pictures of my trip to the Big Dog's house.

Until next time,
Lola

I've been away...

Hi!

I've been away. SG and I went to San Antonio for a work conference. Then, we were back for two days and then we left for a four day trip to New Orleans to celebrate my birthday. We just got back yesterday. I'm at work today and I am very tired. I plan to blog about our NOLA trip either tomorrow or Monday. Lola's post will go on as planned on Friday. 

Bye!

Lola. Dog

Dearest Blog Readers,

I'm pretty upset today, I mean I know the big ones are going to New Orleans this weekend, but I didn't realize that meant I would be dropped off at the boarding facility. On Thursday.

1. I do not care for the boarding facility.
2. I was not given enough notice of said drop off time.

I recorded the presidential debate to watch at my leisure on Thursday, but now I will have to wait till next week. I am pretty upset that no one asked what is convenient for me. But, I digress, next week I plan to tell you about my trip to Big Dog's house. I just didn't have enough time this week to get my thoughts together for that post. We are not allowed to blog at the boarding facility so I have to go for now.

Until next time,
Lola

Checking In

Hi Everyone.  Sorry I have not been posting lately.  SG and I have been in San Antonio at a conference.  We learned a ton, caught up with some friends, and even had a chance to catch a few of the sights that San Antonio offers.

Here's our view from our hotel room:

We also made some time to tour the Alamo:

That's all for now.  We are headed to New Orleans on Friday to celebrate my birthday.  It's a big birthday for me, so I'm excited to return to one of our favorite cities to celebrate.