Pick Your Shoes Wisely!

Today I just want to take the opportunity to remind people to wear proper shoes when venturing out on longs walks. Let me explain…

Over the weekend, my adorable little nieces and nephew came over (along with the rest of the Blevins clan) for a bit of Fourth O’ July swimming and barbequing. In efforts to protect their delicate skin and keep the babes cool throughout the 100-degree-plus day, the gang brought along some inflatable pool toys with optional sun shades so the little ones could float comfortably in the water. Now mind you, they were pretty darn cute, and I did ask if they made such contraptions in adult sizes. However, somewhere along the line while I was inside cooking up a storm, the original idea of utilizing inflation power from their parents’ vehicle diverted to using my car. Little did I know... All I knew was the day was most enjoyable—a holiday, the family, pool time and sunshine.

Jump to Monday morning… Heading back to work after a holiday weekend is never easy, but I awoke determined to make it a pleasant day. However, when I attempted to start my car and head to work, my car did not respond. Apparently those inflatable devices from the weekend activities sucked all the power out of my car battery, because there was none left to energize my means of transportation. Delightful way to start the week, eh!?

When no jumper cables could be located, Casey drove me over to work and left me car-less. And me being me (who doesn’t like to inconvenience anyone), decided since the temperature was peaking only in the mid-eighties that I should take the opportunity to get some extra exercise and walk home. It’s only a few miles, and I thought I was wearing an acceptable footwear choice. Unfortunately, my feet and the forming blisters soon told me otherwise. Eventually I went shoeless, which was quite pleasant in the grassy areas. I did still wish I had tossed a pair of flip flops or running shoes in my bag though. When I finally made it home, I went directly to the pool to soak my tired appendages. And then I discovered not one, but two long blisters on the very bottoms of my feet. Who knew that was even feasible? And while it wasn’t the best walk home, I think there may be future such meanderings—but only in proper shoes!

All I know is I hope those little cuties loved their inflatable floatation devices and pool time at Aunt Jilly's!

Happy day, friends....

Summer Updates!

Perhaps you can take a clue from my previous post…way back when… I’m apparently on summer vacation! Ahh, how I long for the days when such a break was a three-month reality…

While I’m not necessarily enjoying regular time off, I am fitting in getaways and guests here and there. If you haven’t yet visited Casa de la Blevins this summer, schedule your weekend now! The incessant Texas heat combined with our refreshing pool waters have proved to be a draw as we all look to escape the rising temperatures.

To update one and all, here is a brief recap of some my summer highlights thus far:

1. VISITORS: Becky finally materialized that delightful fiancé of hers, as she and Jason spent a relaxing Labor Day weekend with us in Texas. We were so excited to see Boo and finally give our obviously much-needed approval of this permanent mating choice. Yes, we give Jason a resounding endorsement! And we’re looking forward to seeing you both soon!
   
   Mum and Dad also ventured south for a quick visit in June. Since Iowa is much too far away, I always appreciate our limited time together. And Mom discovered that a floating device, a big hat and some cold lemonade were the keys she was missing all these years. Now we have ourselves a water bug on our hands! Come again, ‘rents!
   
   
2. RTR 2009: Last year my darling husband decided he needed to celebrate his milestone birthday memorably. So we did a little research, rounded up some adventurous friends and ventured west to conquer the Grand Canyon. There would be no hitching rides with mules, sending packs or food down with supply trains or staying in some lofty cabins. No—this trip required packing everything in and out, pitching tents and navigating the terrain through our own power with just the six of us. Starting on the south rim, we trekked down into the great canyon, through the box and up to the north rim. We covered more than 25 miles and tackled greater than 10,500 feet of elevation change. It was a workout… But memorable? Most definitely, mission accomplished!
   
   
   
   
3. SANDI PATTY II: Some of you heard last year that Sandi Patty kicked off her Christmas concert tour at our very own FUMCR, with the Chancel Choir as back-up. Not only did Sandi apparently enjoy our show, she thought we did well enough to repeat the occasion. Therefore, in the middle of the hot June summer, our church was transformed into a Christmas scene with the new addition of more than a dozen versions of cameras, recording equipment and crew. As you may have guessed, this second concert was recorded—for a 2009 holiday television special and Christmas DVD. How exciting to be part of such a unforgettable production!
   
   
4. ANNIVERSARY: And finally, Casey and I celebrated two years together with a relaxing getaway to Lake Whitney. It was a most peaceful and rejuvenating excursion and a perfect time for the two of us to focus on us. As you can imagine, there was lots of cooking, hours in and around water, books devoured, music enjoyed and exploration of our natural surroundings. Thank you, thank you to our generous friends for allowing us the opportunity to hole up in what I now call the Whitney Compound!

That’s all I have for today. Y’all have a wonderful and festive Fourth of July weekend!