trips and things.

Ron and I just got home from a weekend in Dallas, but we didn't have the camera!

We went up for a family wedding (shocked that we could make one of Ron's cousins' weddings, but the bride's from Texas!) and had a wonderful time. A couple of his cousins live up in that area, and we are now determined to get connected with them better. I didn't even realize one of them was still in Dallas. They love the Lord, and it was refreshing to visit with them and all the other family we ran into--people we haven't seen since our wedding! The wedding was beautiful, and even though I hadn't met the bride and barely knew the groom, I could tell the way you just can, that they loved the Lord so much and each other (of course). Those weddings are the best. 

We also stayed the weekend for a little romance of our own. The bed and breakfast we stayed at is owned by the bride's grandparents (quite a coincidence), and was pleasant. We enjoyed a long chat with them on the porch this morning while they fed us the best quiche I've ever had in my life. 

We also took in downtown Dallas, saw some rather historical items in the Dallas Library, including one of the first copies made of the Declaration of Independence. We went to the Dallas Aquarium, which was really fun. It had birds and monkey (including tiny little bitty monkeys, which I loved) and lots of fish/sharks/etc... I wish we had the camera with us to show you the bird that was sitting on the side railing, letting all the visitors pet him. He was a small and exotic little thing, just crooning for attention. I wonder if I'm not a bit like that at times :) sorry Ron, I guess I'm high maintenance to a degree!

I am sorry I don't write on this blog more often, for those of you who want to read about the Goodmans. I don't always have a story to tell, or I just don't make time. I actually will make time to tell you about what God has been doing in our lives. I'll tell you tomorrow morning! I know this will take a bit and my husband is wanting to play checkers with me.

But it is good things. and He is Good. We are being renewed and refreshed. 

Joie, you have also inspired me to be more transparent here. I love seeing the real you, and want all of you reading this to see the real me. A work in progress, and lately... even more and more grateful for a loving God. 

Fun in Buda and Jo in her bus :)

A girl in Buda, TX who loves her dog. I think they came from near and far for the wiener dog races we happened upon when we visited some friends of our from college. It was a good weekend. We also went to Austin and took a long walk around downtown. I love the country now, but it made me miss Milwaukee a little bit. I did love living downtown for a while :)

and there they go!

what would the wiener dog races be without one of these?

For all of you who have been requesting it (and especially for Will). This is Aunt Jo in her bus!

Just to prove it's a good long bus! Yes, I drive that!

Branson Trip

Ron and I at the Eiffel Tower... in Paris, TX. Yes, we just had to.

One down...

Traveling... Ron did most o the driving this trip. And I was sick! 

But kept up with my drugs, and still had a great time :)

At the Hollywood Wax museum. I mean, being rescued by Indie in a scary cave!

Ron, chatting up 007 with an imaginary drink to match.

Well, we headed to the deep south. Sort of. Branson, MO, actually :) Andy's show choir was playing there and we got to go see him (and surprise him and mom!) which was a lot of fun. Along the way we found an old friend. Yes, we own several seasons of the good old Dukes.

Family in Branson! 

Fire and water show put to music down on the Landing. It was fun to watch, Ron was mesmerized by the fire :)

me and my favorite man. 

Our first impression of Arkansas, which we'd never been to. We missed the gas pump the first time. The lady inside was really friendly and we liked this small town of Chester, pop. 99. Ron was chatting the lady running the mercantile, and she said that have of that population was dogs :)

for the India Burchells

Just talked with Nate and Joie and Will and Annie. It was good to see their faces and chat for a bit. Just wanted them to know again how much I wish I could be a part of their daily lives. They appreciate the simple things, the most beautiful things. I know that Ron and I would love to stroll up to their cottage and make some chai tea with them, play with Will and Annie and their blocks and tractor... Let Nate read us some poetry or sit around the kitchen table telling stories, watching the kids... I love you India Burchells. I'm glad to be able to see your faces and we should skype a bit more, I'm thinking. love, love, love.

turtles.

Yesterday I was driving to work and swerved to miss hitting a big turtle who was casually trucking himself across the highway. I thought, wow... I don't think I've ever nearly hit a turtle. About two miles down the road, I swerved to miss hitting a little baby turtle that had inherited the same bad instincts about highways. 

I ask you, has anyone, in the course of a few minutes of highway driving, nearly hit two turtles? Now I can count myself among the few. They were adorable, and later when I was on my way home, I watched the road carefully. I think they made it safely across. Go turtles. 

can walk photos

This is one of the houses we pass on our walks. We like 

how the trees are allowed to grow through the roof :)

Texas Longhorns

Ron on one of our can walks. He looks like a sweet little farmer.

Ron with one days' take from the can walk. He is proud.

Another proud picture. After my mixer breaks, Ron saves the day!

date night

Is happening right now, we just got back from the Red Lobster. Ah, yes. The memories. We had a lovely time out today with a few friends (or people that are becoming our friends) from Ron's work. We went bowling with them and then parted ways to spend quality time with each other and some coconut shrimp. It was all delicious, but even more delicious is this next bit of news. Ron would not want to brag on himself to everyone, but I have to say how proud I am of him. Some of the people that Ron works closely with at the site, some of the craft, have noticed how hard Ron has been working. He puts in some long hours and goes into work on Saturdays sometimes even when he doesn't have to. Oh, we work it out at home and still get time together :) But they gave us a gift card for the dinner tonight, they all pooled in for Ron because he does so much for them on the job. So, while dinner was great, it was really great knowing that Ron is doing all the right things around the site and that it is appreciated. We are blessed, and I am blessed with a hard working husband (who also know when to come home).

Back to date night, I think I'm about to destroy Ron in checkers.