Cooped Up
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Finish-It February
I’ve officially declared this month “Finish-It February.” Like most people, or at least those of us with ADHD, I have approximately fifty unfinished projects going at any given time. That’s normal, right?! I’ve lived this way for 30-plus years of my adult life, but for some reason, in 2026 it’s suddenly giving me hives. I…
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Happy 80th Birthday, Dolly!
I started Texas Master Gardener training this week, which is an ALL. DAY. commitment every Thursday for 12 weeks. The first class was several hours of talking about plant sex. Stamens. Pistils. Pollination. I giggled like a seventh grader. When this is over, I’ll be certified by Texas A&M to go out into the community…
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Five Trees & A Lot of Grace
Merry Christmas! And also, sorry I for going completely dark for the last month. Between Todd being out of town on an extended work trip, us leaving town for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving being so late this year and then hopping a plane for our German Christmas Markets riverboat cruise (more on that in a bit), it…
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Dolly Sent Me A Warning
Last weekend was Black Tie Dinner, the big LGBTQ fundraiser here in Dallas. It still amazes me that it started about 45 years ago as a small dinner among local leaders who wanted to support the groups that keep our community going. Now it fills Texas’ largest ballroom, supports nearly two dozen charities, and raises…
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Let’s Make Mamoo’s Mashed Potatoes
Every holiday, my grandma, who we call called Mamoo, made these garlic mashed potatoes. And now I make them for all family gatherings. They’re creamy, slightly garlicky and just plain perfect. This mashed potato recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any weeknight dinner. The evaporated milk makes them extra creamy without turning them soupy,…
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From Wichita Falls to Christmas Balls
My niece Logan got married this weekend on a ranch near Wichita Falls, Texas, and it was the sweetest ceremony straight from every country girl’s Pinterest board. Think cowboy boots, string lights and a light breeze off the lake. The reception was pure joy, and I especially loved catching up with my aunt Lois and…