The Bitch Is Back.... Hopefully

As difficult as the last few weeks have been for me, I have had an epiphany. I can live without the computer and life goes on. Who knew? I thought that perhaps this all happened to me for a reason. I was getting far too dependent on my computer and whatever the forces were, I was compelled to come to the realization that there is more to my life than hovering over my computer day after day. It doesn't rule me and I do still have a life in The Real World. Lesson learned.That said I'm damned glad to be back! I have missed everyone and although I may have learned a valuable lesson, I've also realized that all of you mean a great deal to me, but I have things here that I need to take care of as well. Time management is now one of my main objectives and it's probably something I should have incorporated into my everyday life long ago.

We went to Austin last weekend to meet up with the kids and had a wonderful time eating and drinking our way through our mini family reunion. Snooty Daughter flew in from L.A. for her birthday, so it was cause for celebration. Since our son's birthday is also this month, it was a double celebration.

When we left here, the winds from Hell were blowing, which made for a particularly difficult drive, so I was exhausted when we finally reached our hotel. The winds were blowing in Austin but not nearly like they were in West Texas. We didn't play golf this time because of the high winds, so our son drove us around his college campus one day (St. Edwards University), which is really beautiful.

There weren't as many Bluebonnets along the way this year, due to not enough rain in the fall months. However, there were other colors, although not near as plentiful as we've seen in the past. Austin is suffering from severe drought, as are most areas of Texas. We're used to it out here in West Texas (the desert), but Austin usually gets plenty of rain.

I wish I could say I've been busy moving, but things just don't work like that around here. Mr. Snoots is far too frugal to buy one house before selling the other. I'm sure we'll have to talk & think about it for a few years before we ever take the jump. Remember, we've been in this house for 23 years. We never just jump into anything. Ever.

We had several amazing meals while in Austin, but you'll have to refer to my cooking blog to read about those heady experiences. We did eat lunch at one of my favorite spots... Trudy's. It's nothing spectacular but they do have excellent Margaritas, Tex-Mex food and attentive servers. They also have a lovely outside eating area, so we sat outside as we drank our cocktails and feasted on a delicious lunch.

Today the winds from Hell are blowing again… up around 40-50 mph. I'm so glad that I didn't bother to clean anything up outside… It would have been a completely futile act.

We also ate lunch one day at Hut's Burgers which is another Austin favorite. They have amazingly delicious burgers. Unfortunately, I was so crammed in to a tiny booth that I was unable to reach my purse for my camera. Being close to the University of Texas and downtown Austin, it was literally packed for lunch.

Five Days Of Thanksgiving... Part Two

Leaving the Driskill Hotel, SD and I drove out to Westlake Hills for the party at her friends' parents home, which was interesting and fun, as always. I was lucky to get a picture of the three former roomies, together again.

This house may not look like much from the front, but it is just amazing. The parents of SD's friend own something like seven bar/restaurants on 6th Street and have been successful with every one of them. Now, the sons are getting in on the act, so it has become a family affair of sorts.

When it was time for everyone to head out for the stadium and The UT vs. Texas A & M game, we headed in that direction as well. As it turned out, SD's other friends' parents were not tailgating this year, so we missed out on that. However, I was able to manage a few (somewhat blurry) shots of the various locations where there were tailgate parties, while SD screeched past them driving my car. "Hurry up Mom! Take the shot!" Yeah. Thanks SD. I now also have a slight case of whip-lash...

Next, SD and I went to her old hangout, Cain & Abel's where we waited for game time and got in some really great *girl talk*. SD was meeting friends for the game so I dropped her off as close to the stadium as I could possibly get, then headed back to the hotel.

Now, here is where the real drawback to eating out for Thanksgiving lies. Mr. Snoots and I were then faced with the fact that there was NOTHING open Thanksgiving night, we had no leftovers, and we were both starving. So, I went in search of something, anything. We were desperate, I tell you. After 30 minutes of searching in all directions, I finally gave up and went to Jack-In-The-Crack, where they told me they are open 364 days of the year. They are closed Christmas Day. Somehow, that just didn't make me feel any better. It was a sad, sad moment for me. It got even sadder, later on that night, when the grumbling volcano in my stomach began to erupt again.

Anyway, I got us each a sirloin burger and fries. Yes, I abhor fast food and claim to never eat it. However, I was starving and desperate. There were no stores open anywhere, so I had no choice. I ate about a quarter of mine and threw it in the trash, mainly because I'd gotten cheesecake for us as well, which I intended to devour. Then, the gymnastics going on in my stomach went to a whole new level of performance and I suddenly realized that it was going to be a long night. Unfortunately, I was right. Next year we are having our own Thanksgiving... because I really miss those delicious leftovers. Truly.

I never left my room or the hotel on Friday. It's like Friday never happened because it's just a blurry memory. Mind you, the hotel has no pay-per-view movies, no rentals, and only one movie channel. If that wasn't bad enough, the Internet went completely out on Friday and by the time we left on Sunday, it still hadn't been restored. So, if I'd actually had the strength to sit at the computer, it would have been a no-go. How special is that? So, I laid in bed and moaned. And Groaned. And Tossed. And Turned. In between trips to my nice little private bathroom. At least I had that. It saved my life not having to share. Really. You have no idea.

Friday night Mr. Snoots stayed with me (Yes, there was a college football game on. Yes, we were in separate rooms.) and gave the kids money to go on to Sullivan's without us. Wah! Wah! They didn't even bat an eye, then they were gone before I could get out of bed to say anything (you know, like bring me some food.). So, the hubby went to Panda Express and brought me some questionable egg drop soup. He had also gotten some Cheez-Its at CVS Pharmacy, which I gagged down along with the egg drop soup. It was way better than not eating anything at all, which was my alternative choice. Soup and Water. Sounds like punishment of some sort, doesn't it? Well, it was...

Saturday morning I got up feeling something like 85% better than the day before, so I announced that I was indeed going to The Draft House to see "Twilight" with Mr. Snoots and SD. I just figured "Hey - the relapse is over and done with. Yeehaaaaw!". So, in my usual Devil-May-Care attitude toward illness of any kind, we happily entered The Austin Draft House at Noon. When you go into the theatre you take your chosen seats and peruse the menu. Before you know it, a waiter appears to take your orders, which you give him on the piece of paper provided. SD and I ordered a Bucket of Coronas to start.

I ordered the "Love At First Bite" pizza, which featured slices of ribeye steak, red onions and garlic, but I was only able to eat one piece. Mr. Snoots got the chicken wings and SD had a cheeseburger. The lights then go out and the trailers and other interesting films begin. You don't want to miss the the trailers in the beginning, as many are made in Austin and are very entertaining. I'm hoping this explains the lack of pictures. I'm pretty sure if I tried to get in a picture then, we'd have been tossed out of there, with no refund.

I could almost swear they bought all of the seats in the house from old theaters that had once provided loges or smoking lounges. They were wonderfully comfortable and then you have a low wooden table that runs the length of the row, where you place your food. The waiters are so nice and didn't seem intrusive at all, yet they were always nearby when you wanted them. It was truly a treat for me. I am so short that in a regular theatre, I always have difficulty seeing over or around the person in front of me. Not this day. It's the way the theatre was intended to be... for short and tall alike.

On a side note... I must tell you that the youngest *Vampire Cullen Son* Jasper Hale (Jackson Rathbone in real life) is from our town, which I was completely unaware of until SD reminded me. I can't believe they only gave him one line, because he's very talented. He's been dating a childhood friend of SD's who is drop dead gorgeous and practically lived at our house throughout elementary school. However, I don't know for sure if they are still dating. Anyway, I thought he was just yummy in the movie (I mean... if I thought kids the age of my own were hawt). Maybe he'll get more lines in one of the sequels. But, throughout the movie he had the most adorable look on his face. I think it was supposed to be sexy to teenage girls, but I thought it was just cute. The kid definitely has appeal.

So, we all enjoyed the movie then returned to the hotel afterwards. I had to run over to the University Co-Op to get a couple of presents, which actually took less than an hour, then went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

Which is when the dreaded grumbling volcano began orchestrating in my guts again. I laid down for a while to see if it would pass, but it refused to go away so I announced I wouldn't be going out, which was okay with Mr. Snoots because he wanted to stay and watch the OU vs. OSU game anyway. Outstanding way to spend yet another evening. Thank God we had our own bedrooms or I might have gone stark raving mad. However, Mr. S was kind enough to go to Panda Express again, to get me some more egg drop soup. Which I ate with the weird Cheez-Its. Again. I think Mr. S went somewhere else for his dinner, since it smelled a damn lot better than mine. Did I ever mention that I detest egg drop soup? I may never eat it again. Ever.

Five Days Of Thanksgiving... In Pictures - Part One

We had a really great drive to Austin and when we arrived, we checked into our suite. Before long, we were on our way to Kyoto Japanese Restaurant to meet up with both of the kids. For appetizers Mr. Snoots and SD ordered sushi, while SS and I stuck with the cooked foods, like Tempura Shrimp and Tempura Veggies. I ordered hot sake' while Mr. S and SD ordered cold sake'.





For my entree I had the most divine salmon fillet and SS had a chicken dish which I can't remember the name of. Of course, the two daredevils had yet more sushi. Does anyone else remember when some people got worms in their hearts from eating sushi? It was back before sushi had really gained much popularity, in this country anyway. Well, that right there cured me of ever wanting to eat raw fish, right? My stomach has been so sensitive lately I'm petrified of eating... especially anything that is uncooked. Ewwwww... I'm immediately reminded of our cat Trouble and all of her outdoor sushi fare. Or whatever you call raw, freshly chased down roadkill meat. No Thanks!








Anyway, we had a lovely dinner and it was sheer Heaven being with our children for the holiday. We were all deliciously satisfied and while Mr. S and I went back to the hotel, the kids went out with mutual friends to see some local Austin band. I was too exhausted to go anywhere but bed. Little did I know what was laying in wait for me....







The rooms here aren't quite as nice as they used to be, which I suppose I should expect. However, they were clean in spite of the fact things are getting visibly worn and the deadbolt lock on the front door was missing. It didn't exactly afford me the quiet security I've had there before.



Still, it does have a full kitchen and two bedrooms with a private bath in each. That alone, was worth the ridiculously low rate we got. I mean, it even has a fireplace, which is unusual in these types of suites.








We made plans to meet the next day (Thanksgiving Day) at the historic Driskill Hotel, where we had a Noon reservation for the four of us, for an elegant Thanksgiving Dinner. Snooty Cousin had called the night before to say he wasn't coming. Apparently, he also had the dreaded stomach virus.






Believe me when I say that dinner was more of a culinary experience than just merely Thanksgiving Dinner. It was completely over the top, in every way, shape, and form. There were something like 18 different food stations offering every kind of delight. I took some shots here and there but didn't want to spoil the experience too much, especially for the other diners.




There was also a very talented pianist who was accompanied by an equally talented sax player, playing Christmas jazz tunes. What a treat! Oh, and I just had to steal a quick shot of the lobby of The Driskill Hotel. I wanted to get shots of their opulent Christmas decorations but everyone was bugging me to leave, not caring if I got the shots I wanted for the blog. So. Not. Fair.




To Be Continued....

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig... Can I Tell You How Elated I am To Be Home?

Whew! I'm not sure I've ever been so happy to be home. The first couple of days of the trip were outstanding... until I got smacked in the kisser (I mean the ass) with the same stomach virus I'd had before. I then spent almost the entire remainder of the trip in bed, afraid to eat anything at all. Mr. Snoots tried to get me to go to the hospital, but just the thought of having to wait for hours and hours in the Emergency Room, made me scream "No!". There was no way in Hell that I could possibly be even be more than a few steps from my own personal private bathroom. No Way! Huh-Uh! Not doing it.

So, both Friday and Saturday nights, we sent the kids out to eat without us. Actually, on Saturday I felt much better and decided I could go see "Twilight" at The Draft House. When we got there I decided that the most edible thing on the menu for someone with tummy troubles would be the pizza, which I only ate one slice of, along with my Corona beer. Still, I was feeling fine and loved the movie.

Afterwards, I had to run over to the University Co-op (over by UT) to grab a few quick gifts, which went fine. By the time I made it back to the hotel, the deep grumbling & pain in my tummy had taken up residence once again. By the time it was time to go to dinner, I was once again locked in the bathroom telling everyone to go without me. Since the OU-OSU game was on, Mr. Snoots said he'd stay with me. Uh-Huh... Exactly. He wanted to watch the game.

So, he went out and got himself some dinner (some kind of carryout) and stopped to get me some soup, which I was very grateful for. I then took enough Immodium AD to stay plugged up for the next month, at least. Hey, don't judge me. It worked.

Today, before leaving, we met the kids for breakfast at one of our favorite Austin spots, Polvo's. Snooty son had to work today and SD was leaving on a 7:00 PM flight back to L.A., so we met at 9:00 AM for breakfast and were then on our way home. I drove all the way home, but I still haven't eaten, for fear of another relapse. I'd rather die than eat fast food or any resemblance thereof, thank you. In addition, the hotel lost all internet on Friday and by the time we left, they still didn't have any service. I am soooooo glad to be home and back to my own wonderful internet provider. I'll never complain about them again. I swear!

Anywhoo... I have wonderful pictures from what little we were actually able to do and as soon as I get them uploaded to the computer and all, I will make that post.

Signed,

Snooty, The Picture of Health (I used to be! Really!)

Okay, Here's The Plan.... And Happy Thanksgiving To All

I think we finally have everything secured as to our activities while in Austin until Sunday. We are probably *on the road* as you read this, so wish us well. I think it's going to be very crowded out there on the roads that lead to Grandma's. I'm just thankful WE aren't going to Grandma's House. What a nightmare Thanksgiving with The Brown Recluse would be. Whew! I'm definitely glad we don't have to endure that (as if I'd ever subject my children to her antics again). We have nothing but happy holidays now and life is good. Knock On Wood.

When we get into Austin and get unpacked and settled, we're going to meet Snooty Daughter at a great place down by the Capitol, on Congress called Kyoto Japanese Restaurant that is to die for. What's better is that they have more than just Sushi, since Mom requires her food to be cooked unless in same location where fish are caught. Snooty son has his meetings, which he unfailingly attends, so he can't join us this time. We totally understand and are so proud of him for his perseverance. He has become very serious and focused since deciding to become a lawyer.

Our Thanksgiving will, as usual, be the four of us with the surprise addition of a cousin the kids grew up with whose Mom died of cancer when they were all in high school. She had battled it for many years before succumbing to it, rest her soul. I am so thrilled he has made plans to be with us. I always wanted three kids anyway, so he fits right in. He practically grew up with us anyway, since I usually had him with us for summers at the lake. He was always just as much of a pain in the ass neck as my own two kids, so yes, he fit in like another brother.

However, there is one little, itsy bitsy glitch. Thanksgiving Day is a home game for The UT Longhorns and they are playing his Alma Mater, Texas A & M. Their chant is "Gig 'Em Horns". Not bloody likely this year against Texas (who is now ranked No. 2, Thank You!). Whoot! We should be having some interesting discussions at the historic Driskill Hotel, where we're having Thanksgiving (Lunch actually) Dinner.

When we've finished our dining experience at The Driskill Grill, Snooty Son, Snooty Cousin and Mr. Snooty are going back to the hotel. I think SS & SC are going to the actual game. Our son is a HUGE fan of the Longhorns. Snooty Daughter and I are then driving out to Westlake for another Thanksgiving gathering at the parents of a college roomie of hers, where we are lucky enough to be invited every year. It is always an amazing layout. The old roomie has asked Snooty Daughter to be her maid-of-honor in her upcoming wedding next Summer. Anyway, I will take as many pictures as I possibly can. You will not believe their house. It is seriously crazy fabulous and overlooks the Texas Hill Country!

Once we leave Westlake we'll head toward the UT stadium for a tailgating party with some more parents of daughter's college & high school friends. They stay at their RV and have chairs and TV's and great food, so this promises to be fun as well. I'm not sure how close we'll get to them for parking, but we can always hike or hail a bicycle taxi. I'll be wearing my favorite Cheetah flats. I'm not insane.

It is always, always fun partying with this crowd, so I expect this year to be as great as always. I'm sure by the end of the game, I'll be screaming and whining for a hot bath and my lovely bed.

On Friday we plan to have lunch at one our favorites, PF Chang's. I'm not sure what surprises the afternoon holds, but my guess is a nap. Am I showing my age? That night, we have dinner reservations at another Austin favorite Sullivan's. Snooty son and his cousin will probably take Mr. Snoots back to the room while SD and I stay for whomever is scheduled to perform at Sullivan's Ringside, which is an amazing venue for local musicians.

So far, we plan to go to The Austin Draft House on Saturday to see "Twilight". All five of us. You can even drink beer (they have a mind boggling selection) and eat a great meal. They actually have a chef. Yes, I'm quite serious. It's absolutely the best movie venue in Austin or anywhere, for that matter. You just have to check out their Menu. This wonderful, independently owned theatre is located like 5 blocks from where we always stay and is in the same shopping center as my favorite Stein Mart. I do just love it in Austin. There's never a lack of anything interesting to do and you can take that to the bank.

The place we always stay is also locally owned and they are like apartments, only with all the amenities of a hotel, except room service. They offer a full breakfast in the mornings and have cocktails by the pool in the evenings, weather permitting. It's the only way to go if you spend as much time there as we do, these days. They have full kitchens with a nicely sized living room and each bedroom is separated by a door, on either side of the living area. We're getting a two bedroom this time because SD is going to stay with us. The dressing area and closets are huge, as are the bathrooms. We've been staying here for as many years as the kids are or have been in Austin. I think that is now six years, total. I'll try to take a few pictures before we trash it. It's a perfectly nice, adequate place, at more than a fair price, and it's always very clean.

So. That's our plan for Thanksgiving. What's your plan? Whatever it may be, I wish you nothing but the best during our time of thanks this year. I have so many things to be thankful for and it makes me well up with tears when I think about it. Having said that, I'm sure no one will want me to say Grace this year, since it's probably a sure-fire bet that I would cry for happiness. The kids just hate that. Oh Wait! I think that paybacks are still in order. Uh-huh! Heh heh heh heh...