here's what you could do if you come to houston

before i had misplaced our camera behind the cushion of the chair, i took some photos of our family vacation in our own home.  Two saturdays ago, we wanted to do something fun as a family, but also wanted to sleep in.  So between the hours of 10 and 1 we packed the morning with some things we love to do and some things we have always wanted to do.

First stop: Catalina coffee.  This must be the best coffee shop in the entire city.  Not only is the coffee amazing, but that morning (and maybe it is daily - i am not sure) every person who worked there was dressed up.  All the girls had on cute skirts and shirts and the men had on vests and hats.  I so wish i had had my camera inside.  the pastries are beautiful and the coffee truly is handcrafted.  here is a link to their website.

Second stop: David Adicke's studio.  

frank is winking here.  George Washington is his favorite president.  Anyone know who the one behind him is?

Third stop:  the farmer's market on Airline.  it is always a treat.  I am forever wishing i spoke better Spanish when we travel to the back.  Frank wanted some peanuts so we asked for a scoop.

I got a cold Topo Chico and some mangoes as well.

Fourth Stop: Beer Can house. 

Unfortunately we arrived 15 minutes prior to it opening and the precious one in the back of the car was starting to fade, so i have still never been inside the fence of the beer can house.  But it was a sight to behold.

Fifth stop: Wabash feed store - again.  This time just to find out what to do about my ailing Norfolk pine.  Apparently all we can do is pray at this point.  Which i did.  because i love that tree.  It belonged to the elderly, crazy haired lady down the street before she died.  I love that it was hers and that it reminds me of her home and how she was a hoarder and how michael got to go inside.  I'd like to think that all the stupid stuff i hold dear will one day be a treasure to someone else when they have my estate sale.  Like my folder of unsent mail, it is always growing an maybe someone will be interested in my unsent thank you notes for people who's addresses that i couldn't find.  but anyway, i digress. 

next was home and some housework, but we all got cleaned up in time for watching the Kentucky Derby.  I just barely made it out of the shower in time so i threw on the first hat that i could find.  It is not proper attire, i apologize.  Have i mentioned that Michael makes the best mint julep known to man?  

i'd take him to contest if they had mint julep making contests.  he would win.  unlike my horse Noble's Promise, who did not win.  But frank's horse won - of course.  Have i mentioned ever how my son has a freakish ability at winning games and contests?  He beats me in marbles every single time we play.  I find it annoying.  Why can't i shoot a marble straight, anyway?  I have never won contests or games.  Why?  Is there a genetic component to these things?  Michael is a winner and overall good performer, too.  Congratulations to all of you who thrive during competition, and to all of you who can guess the number of jelly beans in the jar.  All i know is that if losing is character building, then i should be darn close to shakespearian by now. 

With that, i will go to bed and try to think of more fun activities to either make you thankful for or jealous of living in H-town in the summer.  It's hot.