Back from the Hill Country

I survived the Thanksgiving madness at work and even escaped before the worst of it last Wednesday. We were too tired to drive down to Austin that night but made it just in time on Thursday for dinner. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I think there is a lot less pressure than Christmas, I love to cook (and eat), I love that my whole family is together and I love a good after dinner nature walk. This time it was up to Mount Bonnell in my cousins' neighborhood.

On Friday we all went down to Camp Lonehollow where a dear family friend lives and works. We toured camp, rode horses, walked at sunset, enjoyed the animals and soaked up the Hill Country views. The trip wasn't relaxing but was definitely fun. I feel blessed to be able to visit such a lovely place.
 

I'm back to work today. I have been thinking of all of the Christmas gifts that I want to make and how little time there is, as always. This time of year becomes so hectic and I never plan ahead like I should. I will do what I can and enjoy the season. Who needs extra stress? Not me!

Hello 37!

Birthdays are awesome. I sure enjoyed mine!
My sweet husband surprised me with flowers Sunday. Including my favorite Sumatra Lilies. I went out for a jog and when I came home he had them here.

We went to the Japanese gardens, one of our favorite spots in Fort Worth. It was beautiful, as always but we were a little disappointed that the leaves weren't changing yet.

I made the S'mores cake recipe into cupcakes. They were divine, possibly the best cupcakes I've made so far. I did a graham cracker bottom and put a little on top of each one until I started running out of the graham part. Next time I will double that portion of the recipe. I topped them with ganache and the marshmallow topping and torched them, that was fun!

We had dinner and drinks with friends Sunday night and it was just perfect.

These Days

These are my days. My favorite weather in my favorite month in my favorite season. These days are fleeting and won't last long. I'm spending as much time outside as possible, basking in the golden light of Fall. The days are growing shorter and the leaves are falling faster. These days are too few and far between.  I suppose that makes me love them more.

I grew up wandering through the woods and creeks behind my parent's property. We built forts and spent hours out there. I feel at home outside. I don't know why it took me so many years to start running outside because now that I'm doing it it just makes sense. I feel grounded and more like myself when I am out in nature. I have a long list of things I want to do this weekend for my birthday. Wandering through the woods is at the top.

This song has been on reapeat in my head the last few days. It is so beaustiful, if a little depressing.