Wordless Wednesday: Kins

NOTE:  I had another post drafted and ready for today.  Then I heard the news. Damn.

What's on the Tube Tuesday

Since we are in the doldrums of the baseball off-season, I'm finding myself with all kinds of free time these days. I've been able to run in the evenings, which is good, since I've got a few races on my schedule. I could spend time doing useful things like cleaning out my closet, or organizing my Christmas card list, or learning to knit... But instead, I've been catching up on my DVR, and adding a few things here and there to fill out my couch time.

Following are the latest things we've been watching this off-season:

The Walking Dead - because Daryl Dixon, y'all.

Sleepy Hollow - Revolutionary history, plus supernatural, plus this guy? I'm SO in.

Hello, scruffy 18th century guy with an accent! How YOU doin'?

Comic Book Men - a bunch of nerds sitting around talking about comics, superheroes and other random geeky stuff. My people.

Castle - Still have a few Season 5 episodes to watch, but how can I pass up Captain Tightpants when he's so "ruggedly handsome"?  And the best bromance on TV in Espo & Ryan?  I can't, that's how.

Parenthood - simultaneously the most uplifting and yet depressing family show on TV. I think it's impossible for all the Bravermans to be happy at the same time, and yet hope springs eternal.

Almost Human - we got inundated with the promos while we were binge-watching Sleepy Hollow, so we had to watch the premiere.  Only two episodes so far, but looks promising. Plus, HELLO, Karl Urban!

Top Chef - yummy!  and with it being set in New Orleans this season, it gives us a chance to relive our summer vacation every week.

American Horror Story - we missed last season, but this is another series that is set in New Orleans, so we had to get drawn in.  I've missed a couple of episodes, so I'm behind, and it is a bit gory, over-the-top and, well, weird, so it may drop off soon, but it's a juicy guilty pleasure so far.

We never have gotten into a couple of other shows that are regarded as "must-sees" like Sons of Anarchy, Mad Men, or the Good Wife. But, there are a lot of empty nights to be filled before Opening Day, so what's on your DVR that you think is must-watch TV? Any other shows we should catch on Netflix/Hulu?  Help a bored baseball fan out!

Man Crush Monday: My One & Only

Okay, we all know I loves me all most some baseball boys (mostly catchers, yes, I'm looking at YOU, Kelly Shoppach!), and Russell Crowe makes my heart go pitter-patter, and OMG, I absolutely am in love with both Kevin Costner and mostly Robert the Bruce from Braveheart... BUT...  

In the real world. at the start of each day, and at the end of all my days, the one & only love of my life for the last 26 years has been this guy. He's seen me at my worst, he makes me want to be my best, he's a great dad and an awesome husband. I can't imagine going through my life without him at my side. He makes me laugh, out loud, several times a day. He tolerates my shenanigans and my moods, and I hope he's helped me teach our boys what true love looks like. 

Through fire

Or sometimes just across town for a chat & a hug. 

It was a good day

A very good day indeed. 

Friday Five: Hey, Diamond Dawls!

So, I spent a lot of time at the Ballpark this summer. No, really. A LOT of time. More than 20 games, the most since we gave up our season tickets in 1996 after having the boy. And most days, I had great company, usually one of the Diamond Dawls, or the Baseball Savant, and almost always our personal photographer, Mr Dewberry. There was one amazing day that I went on my own, and had an absolute blast. I caught some minor league games, too, in Austin, Fort Worth, and even all the way over in Vermont (we won't talk about them being part of the Stoopid A's organization).

We almost always took group pics when we were at the game, and usually included a silly group selfie. This week's Friday Five showcases my favorite of these photographs.  Looking through my photos from this summer remind me how much I love this game, and how much fun I have with my friends at the ballpark.

Exhibition game vs. Mexico, the day we finished shooting The Commercial. 

Opening Weekend.  Rangers lost, but Ham struck out. 

Sporting the powder blues with #twitterlessIrene

Boston series. My sweet baboo was in town, and I was there to cheer him on. 

Girls' Night Out vs. Twins. We missed Joe Mauer but still had a great time! 

Throwback Thursday

I believe the occasion was my confirmation at the University Catholic Center, circa 1992. I'm not sure what part of this photo I love the most! 

Wellness Wednesday: Nature Walk

Take a peaceful 45-minute walk, with friends and / or family members, in a park, hiking trail, botanical garden, green belt, etc. Record and describe in your journal the feelings that this action evoked in you.

Well, we intended to take a nice leisurely walk around the Fort Worth Nature Center last weekend, but the early sunset and park hours foiled our plans. We did get to hike a tiny bit, enough to get a feel for the place and decide that we want to go back and explore more and spend the day there. 

I love hiking in the woods, and while I don't think I will ever run a trail race again, I definitely plan on spending as much time as I can on the trails. I love the smell of leaves on the ground, the feel of a dirt path under my feet, the sounds of animals rustling in the brush and birds chirping in the trees. I didn't  even mind the croaking frogs at the water's edge, even though we couldn't ever find the little guy and that normally creeps me out. 

Best of all, I was lucky to experience the trail with my husband and two of our really great friends, who are always up for an adventure and fun, and are willing to let us tag along. It's always a good time when you're with people who make it a fun time, even when plans don't pan out. Plus we now have something to look forward to next time! 

Sense & Sensibilty

I had miles to run tonight. It is without a doubt the coldest night of the year so far. I didn't go as soon as I got home from work, choosing instead to have yummy turkey meatloaf & risotto, then snuggle with my sweet baboo for just a bit before we retrieved the Nerdlet from theatre class. By the time i got back from that, I was out of excuses. I had to do this. I grumbled & whined. But I went. 

And it was glorious. 

I saw: clear black skies, with a fat waxing moon and pinpoint stars up high. 

I heard: the sounds of my breathing, and my footfalls on fallen leaves, interrupted only by the beeps of my HR monitor keeping me to my prescribed pace. 

I smelled: crisp woody smoke as my fellow suburbanites fired up their fireplaces throughout the neighborhood. 

I tasted: the sweet hot chocolate waiting for me when I got back home. 

I felt: alive. 

Man Crush Monday

Act surprised. 

Edited to add: 

Please come back to Texas. 

Edited again: 

Because I need this in my life again.