AC Woes in Texas.

 Well… I woke up around 1:00 a.m. thinking, “Goodness gracious… am I having hot flashes?” 🥵🤣

Nope.

Come to find out… our air conditioner had quit working! 😳

Oh no, no, no! Texas heat and a broken air conditioner just do not go together.

By 2:30 this morning, I was seriously considering jumping in the swimming pool just to cool off. Then I remembered… I’m not a fan of creepy, crawly things that come out at night, so I quickly talked myself out of that idea! 😂

You know what? Everyone needs one of these portable air conditioners! It vents out a window and will cool a 20’ x 20’ room in no time.

This is a portable air conditioner...This thing sits on the floor just like any box fan and it really cools.  

Guess what?

We already have one! 🤦‍♀️ We bought it last year and have used it a few times.

So why didn’t we use it last night?

Because I had it packed away where it wasn’t easy to get to! It didn’t take me long early this morning to dig it out, get it hooked up, and get some cool air blowing.

I’m happy to report the service technician is here now, and it was a simple fix... $134.00 later and we have a cool house. 

Have any of y’all ever had your AC decide to quit in the middle of a Texas summer? 😅☀️

Hope you all have a COOL day!! 

Shug....🪭

Meet "HOOT"

Let me introduce you all to "Hoot."

I shared his picture for Wordless Wednesday, but the truth is, Hoot has quite a story to tell.

 Hoot… our trusty plastic owl who has been standing guard around our home for the past 25 years!

10 Things About Our Faithful Plastic Owl, “Hoot”

● Hoot has seen more Texas sun, rain, wind, and storms than most people would willingly stand through.

● He may be made of plastic, but he’s become part of the family.

● After 25 years, he’s beginning to crack in several places, but aren’t we all showing a few signs of aging?

● Every spring, he takes his position to convince the birds that someone is watching.

● Whether he actually scares birds away anymore is still up for debate. They may just wave as they fly by!

● He has survived countless mowing seasons, flower bed makeovers, and more than a few curious squirrels.

● Replacing him has crossed our minds… but it just wouldn’t feel the same.

● There’s something comforting about looking outside and seeing Hoot faithfully standing in his usual spot.

● He’s a little faded, a little worn, and definitely weathered, but he’s earned every crack and scratch.

● Hoot isn’t just a plastic owl—he’s a tradition  for our family.

It’s funny how certain little things become part of our lives. A plastic owl that cost only a few dollars has somehow become one of those familiar sights that makes our home feel complete. Seeing him outside each day gives us a sense of comfort, almost like he’s quietly keeping watch over everything.

One of these days, Hoot may finally retire. His cracks are getting bigger, and time has definitely taken its toll. But until that day comes, he’ll continue doing what he’s always done—standing proudly, watching over the yard, and bringing us the sweetest memories.

Do you have something around your home that has been with you for years? It may not be worth much to anyone else, but to you it’s filled with memories. I’d love to hear about it! 

Shug.....🦉

 

Wordless Wednesday...

Wordless Wednesday:

 

Shug...

Christmas in July...

 Last week Trista and I stopped at a local restaurant for lunch, expecting nothing more than a quiet meal together. We most definitely were surprised at the scene we saw as we sat down.

In the dining room sat nearly thirty women celebrating Christmas in July. These ladies were impossible to miss! Bright red shirts, Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, jingling earrings, and enough holiday spirit that made both of us excited to see what was really happening...

I wish I had taken a photo of how cute they looked, but I was too involved in watching their excitement... 

This is Texas! The temperatures have been hovering around 100 degrees, and just looking at those sweaters made me start sweating! I honestly don’t know how they managed to wear any kind of sweater without melting into their chairs. But not one of them seemed to mind.

🎄This would be the Best I could do......

The room was filled with loud cheers, and each time one of the ladies would open their gift, there would be a burst of laughter.  Loud? Yes for sure, but it was so fun watching them. Even Trista and I could not wait for the next package to be opened so that we could see their excitement.  

This was a first for both Trista and myself to see a Christmas in July party....but it reminded me that we don’t have to wait until December to celebrate the season of giving. Nothing wrong with a little Christmas spirit in the middle of a long, hot summer.  It breaks up the routine, and I suppose it gives friends a reason to gather.

My brain was thinking the entire time about what fun gifts one could give for a Christmas in July party...  And the good thing is (😂) you could find plenty of Christmas wrapping at Hobby Lobby..

Do you think that this is why this store puts out the Christmas paper so early in July?  just kidding!!

Who says Christmas has to be snowflakes and fireplaces? This party looked like sunshine, fun Christmas wrapping and some really neat homemade Santa hats!

While watching those ladies, I realized that joy doesn’t necessary belong to a season. It belongs to the people who choose to create it. These adorable ladies were not waiting for December to celebrate friendship. Instead, they made an ordinary summer afternoon feel like a holiday.

Maybe that’s the real lesson of Christmas in July. Celebrate often. Laugh loudly. Gather your friends. Exchange a few thoughtful gifts. Make memories whenever you can.

Have you ever attended a Christmas in July party? If so, I’d love to hear about it! What fun gifts did you exchange, and do you think you could survive wearing a Christmas sweater in the Texas heat?

Shug....🎄🎅