We weeded and mulched the front bed and it looks so much better. I trimmed back the rose bush, and pulled a huge chunk of dead stuff out from around it. I think it will be a lot happier. The pink jasmine is blooming, and smells so good. The confederate jasmine is robust. They both survived the drought very well. I deem them both hardy and will grow them elsewhere in the yard.

I weeded the bed with the bird bath in it. I picked up a rock to get the stubborn crab grass, and there was a Texas Blind Snake underneath. We startled each other.

(before I forget)
Items planted within the last several weeks:

Ornamental:
Alyssum
Dianthus
Bachelor Buttons
Marigolds
Red Penta
Texas Star Hibiscus
Firecracker Plant

Herbs:
Chocolate Mint
Variegated Pineapple Mint
Corsican Mint
Spearmint
Purple Sage
Greek Oregano
Lemon Thyme
English Thyme
Tarragon
Sweet Globe Basil
Cinnamon Basil

My Mom bought us a load of beautiful compost and a shit-ton of mulch. She and Molly helped me get the beds in the far corner pretty much under control. I got after the Johnson Grass this morning. The ground is wonderfully soft because of the rain last week.

My plan is to get the last bed cardboarded and mulched next week. Then we can put the cinder block bed where the mulch has been for the last several weeks. Huzzah!

Veggies to grow:
Yard Long Beans
Crooked Neck Squash
Zucchini

For the front bed:
Cast Iron Plant
Turk's Cap
Giant Turk's Cap
Bamboo Grass

I'm very pleased with how everything is shaping up. I'm trying to do it smarter this time. I'm following all the rules so far, so yay!

PS, Rosco and I fished a dead rat out from underneath the ramp to the Little House.

One night this week Chuk dreamt that we had a camel living in our basement. I told him that the camel was probably pretty sad to be living in our basement. (note: we do not have a basement)

A few nights later he dreamed that he let the camel outside. But in that dream the camel could talk. Chuk could only make one word out of the sentence the camel was saying..."San Antonio". He let the camel outside and showed him what leaves were good to eat. The camel was very grateful to be outside and eating leaves.

Last night, during my many dreaming adventures, I kept saying a word over and over to myself.

Perspicacity. Perspicacity. Perspicacity.

Over and over.

I woke and began my day as I normally do. I made coffee, fed the dogs, (pooped) showered. The dreams from the night before tugged at my memory. What did I dream? What was it?

While drying my hair, it came to me. Perspicacity. wtf? Where did that come from?

When I got to work, I looked it up...

keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration.
Archaic. keen vision.

My new, old favorite song.
I think this will be my new karaoke song. I hope you enjoy...

God particles, y'all!

Our TENTH Annual 4th of July BBQ & Extravaganza was a rousing success. You know it's a good party when you finally get everything washed and put away two days later, because the day after the party you only had the strength to eat popsicles (coconut & lime rum-infused popsicles that a guest brought - YUM) and feebly high five each other.

It dawned on me at some point Thursday night that not only was this our TENTH Annual BBQ&E, but ten years ago on July 4th, I asked Chuk to be my boyfriend. He said yes! Later that night, he blurted out to me "I love you!!" and I threw my arms around him and exclaimed "I'm so glad you said that, I've been wanting to say it too! I love you too!" And the rest is history. Our history, ten years of it.

Looking around at all our friends old and new in the back yard Friday night, sharing food and drinks, filled me with such joy. We've made a lifetime of this together, Chuk and I. It's impossible to name anything that we love more than throwing a huge bbq and celebrating life, love and friends. It's how we fell in love.

Every time I am reminded that it's been ten years, it stops me in my tracks and I just marvel at how it seems like forever and just a little while. Time bends and stretches and it's as if it always has been. I love the home we've built together, and I can't imagine living any other life than this.

Last night some wicked storms barreled through the area. Spring in Texas brings volatile weather, and I love watching it happen - I am fascinated by weather systems. It's thrilling and scary to watch the reds and purples on the radar as they creep ever closer. The storms hadn't reached us yet so we watched a movie, but stopped several times to see what was up (and also because Mission Impossible 3 was just AWFUL - Tom Cruise is the only person on the planet who runs annoyingly). Several tornadoes touched down in towns to the north of us. Some areas saw softball sized hail.

These kinds of storms are not to be trifled with. They spawn tornadoes, killer awful tornadoes, the likes of which you never want to witness. The town of Jarrell, TX was all but obliterated on May 27, 1997 by an F5 tornado. F5s have winds from 261 mph to 318 mph. A category five hurricane has winds in excess of 155. That tornado killed 27 people and devoured an entire subdivision.

That storm hit Austin afterwards, I remember that day very clearly. I was off work, so I went to Deep Eddy Pool to hang out. Just as I settled on my blanket under the giant cottonwood trees, the sky suddenly darkened with roiling greenish clouds. There were flashes of lightning, but no thunder, it was extremely eerie. I decided to pack up and head home pronto. I lived five minutes away from the pool, and by the time I got home, it was pouring. The amount of water coming out of the sky was unbelievable. It was like being under water.

I had no idea what had happened to Jarrell, or what was going on elsewhere in the city. In North Austin, a tornado ripped the roof off a grocery store. The store manager had all his customers huddle in the meat locker while the store disintegrated around them. An F4 hit a lake community to our East. All I knew was I had never seen the sky look that scary, and that water was pouring into my apartment from the air conditioner. Literally pouring from the vent, like a water fall. It was raining so hard, and the wind was blowing so hard that it was pushing the water down the air vent from the roof. I had never seen it do that before, or again.

My Dad called. He was freaked out and wanted to make sure I knew something serious was happening. He said to gather my things - purse, keys, anything that I would need with me and get ready to bug out if I needed to. The second floor of a rickety apartment building was not the best place to be in a tornado. I distinctly remember him saying "You have a situation here, girl!". He spent a lot of time worrying about my well being in those days of living on my own.

I didn't see a tornado that day. I've never seen one, and I hope I never do. Yet, I can't help being completely fascinated by tornadoes, and the weather systems that spawn them. The terrible maw of nature is both horrifying and beautiful to behold. The sheer power of air, water and the right conditions is mind blowing. Winds that can lift a car and move it a quarter mile are both terrifying and awesome.

The storm line finally reached us about 10pm last night, bringing lots of rain, lightning and pea sized hail. The thunder upset the dogs and they insisted on getting in bed with us. I could hear thunder for hours after the storm swept to the south of us. It sounded like distant kettle drums, and I knew the counties to the south got a worse pounding than we did, but no serious damage.

We'll get to repeat this late tonight, early Sunday morning. We're in the middle of a weird pattern. Last night a cold front came through, slamming into warm gulf air. Today, a warm front is coming from the south, bringing more gulf moisture. Another cold front is expected to come through again late tonight, starting everything all over again.

My weekly horoscope says:
Aries
The exercise in All Signs above is an excellent thing to explore this week. So many people are discovering your talents this year. It's almost as if you were in the closet. People with influence and power are suddenly impressed with what you can do. This is encouraging and thrilling. You're prepared to work hard now, but at least, your rewards seem to be at hand! This weekend when both the Sun and the Moon are in your sign, please think about what you can do to further enhance your image, your appearance, and your style of relating to partners and close friends. Hey -- when Noah built the ark, it wasn't raining.

Go read yours:

http://www.georgianicols.com/weekly/

Come here, let me hug all of you ...... mmmmmmmmm

Oh, bitches, so much has happened. So much is happening, right now as we speak.

I saw BATS!! tonight. That means Spring is really here. Which means the heat is right on her heels.

Anne Sexton says it best:
http://www.americanpoems.com/poets/annesexton/9322

Stolen from Polly
(sorry, I don't know how to do cuts)

Where did you begin 2007?
My backyard with friends and fireworks

What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Married

Were you in school (anytime this year)?
School of life

Did you have to go to the hospital?
No

Did you have any encounters with the police?
Nope

Where did you go on vacation?
New Orleans, stayed in town

What did you purchase that was over $500?
Oral Surgery

Did you know anybody who got married?
Went to a sweet garden wedding n March

Did you know anybody who passed away?
My Aunt. Had to put my old cat to sleep.

Did you move anywhere?
No

What sporting events did you attend?
None. But I watched lots of college football

Describe your birthday:
We were in New Orleans, had a fancy dinner, then went to see a brass band

What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2007?
Played live on stage with my band.
QUIT SMOKING

What has been your favorite moment(s)?
Spring was particularly fun - hanging out with old friends at SxSW.
Surprise visit from my best friend who lives in Dallas.
Hanging out with friends in the backyard drinking margaritas.

What's something you learned about yourself?
It's been a pretty introspective year for me. I'm due for some self realizations.

Any new additions to your family?
Made some new friends!

What was your best month?
March/April

What music will you remember from 2007?
My band's music

Made new friends?
Yes!

New best friend?
We'll see

Favorite night out?
C's birthday dinner the other night was really good

Any regrets?
Nope

What do you want to change in 2008?
I'm going to get a new job.

Overall, how would you rate this year?
Much better than last year

What would you change about 2007?
Nothing I can do about it now.

Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Um, this is sad...work

Have any life changes in 2007?
Quit smoking!

Change your hairstyle?
Several times

Have any car accidents?
No. Knock wood, spit, etc.

Buy a new car?
No

New BF/GF?
N/A

Get a new job?
No :o( - NEXT YEAR

Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I don't do resolutions.

Do anything embarrassing?
I don't want to talk about it

Buy anything new from eBay?
I've never purchased anything from eBay

What was your favorite purchase of 2007?
Art! I bought a painting from my friend and a sculpture from a 14-year old artist. Also, I discovered some great jewelry on Etsy. C's birthday gift was a big hit - Microbrew Beer of the Month Club, he loves it.

Get married or divorced?
No.

Get arrested?
No.

Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
I'm not allowed to watch "bad tv"

Did you get sick this year?
Other than hangovers, I don't think so.

Start a new hobby?
No new hobbies

Been snowboarding?
What is snow?

Drank Starbucks in 2007?
I can't help it, I like the gingerbread lattes

Are you happy to see 2007 go?
I'm not happy with how fast time slips by, so, no.

Current Mood: thoughtful

1. When I'm drunk, I tend to.....
Talk a lot, get bossy(ier)

2. Shots or beers?
Wine!

3. Do you have a drinking buddy?
My husband and a few others

4. Do you get angry?
Not really.  But I can be a little outspoken.

5. Do you puke?
No, thank god. 

6. After 7 drinks who are you?
I'm telling you what you should do with your life!

8. Tequila does what to you?
Makes me happy!

10. Vodka makes you?
In excess, will make me insane!

11. Do you smoke when you drink?
Two weeks ago, the answer would have been yes.  I quit smoking, so I haven't had a chance to try drinking excessively without smoking.  Wish me luck.

12. Do you pass out?
No.  I'm always last man standing.  Always.

13. Do you drink girly drinks?
Ick. No.  But my dog likes them!

14. Do you drink alone?
Doesn't everyone? 

15. Worst drink you have ever had?
Hm.  Nothing comes to mind.  I try to stay clear of stuff I know I won't like.  Like weird herbal liqueurs.

16. Do you play drinking games?
No.  Drinking is fun enough.

17. Favorite Beer?
Dos Equis

18. What is your favorite shot?
Cowboy Cocksucker (sweet, but sooo good)

19. What will you NOT drink?
Gross heavy beers, weird liqueurs

20. Are you a lightweight when it comes to alcohol?
Hell no, I'm a professional.  Many years of practice.

22. Do you ever drink Bacardi Silver?
Not on purpose, I prefer Cruzan

23. Do you like frozen drinks?
If they're not too sweet.  As a matter of fact, here, let me do it.

24. Do you drink liquor straight?
Bourbon

25. Do you ever drink out of the bottle?
Of course.  I remember drinking champagne straight out of the bottle at our wedding.

26. Are you drunk right now?
Sadly, no

27. Do you consume more than 2 alcoholic beverages on daily basis?
Not on a daily basis

28. Do you drink a lot of wine?
It's my poison of choice at the moment

29. When's the last time you drank?
I had *a* glass of wine last night

30. Name someone that will repost this drinking survey-
no idea

31. Ever been streaking while drinking?
Not to my knowledge.  I did dare my husband to run out in the middle of the street naked to prove his love.  I learned two things about him 1) he loves me very much 2) do not dare him to do crazy things at 1am while drinking!

32. Hot tub/pool naked because of alcohol?
Yep

33. Failed any college courses due to alcohol alone?
Nope

34. Ever woken up & said "Dude where's my car?"
No

35. Ever carried someone up & down the same flight of stairs due to their drunkeness?"
No, I'm a if-you-can't-walk-then-I-ain't-dragging-your-drunk-ass-around kind of drinking partner.  Fair warning.

36. Puked in a friend's car?
No, but I threw up on a girl on 6th Street once, and my friends pretended like they didn't know me.  Bitches.

37. What is the last alcoholic beverage you drank?
Wine