Who DID shoot JR anyway?

I was in Dallas this weekend. Well, specifically, I went to Canton, Texas, and its infamous "First Monday Trade Days," but I got a little Dallas time in as well. I love Texans. I love the women and their big hair and flashy jewelry. I love the way everyone is anxious to help ya—from the moment we got off the plane in the Big D to the minute we boarded our flight home, folks were so nice. It's heartbreaking to think someone shot Gustavo, our Thrifty Car Rental Shuttle Driver. The man at the Thrifty counter told us all about it after we told him how helpful Gustavo had been. Then the couple at our hotel in Terrell—recent immigrants from India—went above and beyond the call of duty. I think they actually came to our room three times the night we checked in, bringing a rollaway bed (I'm not one to sleep in the same bed as anyone else, even my momma), then extra blankets, then an extra pillow. It was unsolicited, but appreciated.

I made friends with the man who checked me in at the airport this morning, as well as one of the security officers. People in Canton couldn't believe we'd come all the way from Albuquerque for a shopping trip, but seemed honored to have us. If I weren't a New Mexican, I think I'd elect to be a Texan.

In other news, I still am on an upper… big time. Not to get overly-religious on anyone, but I will say that God delivers on His promises—in a major way. I could list all the reasons I feel so blessed, but then maybe things would be really sappy and y'all wouldn't read my blog anymore because you'd think I'm little Miss Braggy Pants. Just know that I'm especially grateful these days for a LOT of things.

The well is finally in at my house, by the way! Something is done! This weekend I picked up some cool things for the house—fabric to reupholster what will become my dining room chairs (garage sale treasures courtesy Aunt Sylvia) and pillow cases from Pottery Barn (marked down to $7.99 each-- originally $53 each, thank you very much), but it's going to be a mighty while before I actually get to use the stuff. Still, it's all good. The only thing making me a little jealous is there is a house going in across from my parents' place, and it zooming. The whole thing was framed up in about a week, so it looks like a house. But mine will be up before I know it. Living at home is really good, and I can't believe how busy I am. It all works out.

But life is fantastic all the way around. It's autumn, and I'm happy. In just over a week, I'll be on my way to visit Sokphal in London (HURRAH! That's not to be confused with hooray, by the way), and stepping foot in Wales and Espana for the first time. Should be a good adventure. And I love this time of year—the crisp air, raking leaves, the hayrides, the start to the holidays. Could life get any better?