February Birthday Divas

The Texas Divas met to celebrate the February birthdays and indulge in a little Mexican food. That's a great combination.

The Birthday Divas for this month are Deborah, Patty and Cathy. Our waitress had them stand while singing to them. They were good sports. But then, we're all crazy!

Again, Paula made a delicious treat for the birthday girls. This time she plied us with pecan pie caramel bars which were to die for. As if that wasn't enough, our waitress brought out three brownie sundaes for the ones having birthdays. We left with our sweet tooth satisfied.

Darlene was our Diva-in-charge for the month and we thank her for making the reservations and setting us up for a great time. She also presented the birthday girls with mirror compacts with DIVA appropriately lettered on the top in rhinestones. Sweet.

Thank God for sisters! We are so blessed (at least I am, not sure about Donna).

Happy birthday to Patty, Deborah and Cathy! The next birthday will be for the baby in the group who hits a real milestone. I'll play it up big!

Happy Birthday to Me

Birthdays have never depressed me. Even though the numbers are increasing, I'm always thankful that I've been given another year of life. And besides, it's not like I'm the only one getting older. I joked this morning with daughter Angela that I was turning 39, and told her that probably sounds old to her since she hasn't reached that age yet. She agreed that 39 sounds old. To me, the years behind me suddenly seem younger than they used to.

The Texas Divas met for breakfast at the Gaylord Texan to honor the birthday girls, Claudia and me. The park-like setting was perfect for our celebration.

We were happy to finally meet Paula's beautiful daughter, Jennifer, who just so happens is celebrating her birthday today, too. I think she'd make a good Texas Diva. Bravo to Paula who made another delicious birthday dessert. This time, we feasted on peach cobbler. This girl can bake. Seriously. Thank you, Paula!

Having special time with family and friends is not a shabby way to spend a birthday. I love these ladies and always enjoy our monthly meals and conversation and laughter.

Mother and daughter - another excellent relationship and reason to celebrate. If my other two children could have been there it would be a perfect day.

My friend and traveling buddy, Patty, as I tried to capture some of the beauty of the area.

This picture is blurred and I started to delete it, but decided you all might like to know how I see you without my granny glasses on.

I ended the lovely day with Robin and dinner out. I feel so blessed to have all of you in my life.

August Divas - Celebrating Jan!

Busy, busy weekend with family and equally busy Monday back at work, but highlights of our August Diva outing are now posted.

We celebrated Jan's birthday, complete with a special surprise. Her daughter, Shelley, drove a great distance to spend this time with her mother and our group. It was wonderful having her there and I know her mother was thrilled and excited. We just might have to make Shelley a real Texas Diva! She is welcome any time! The proud mother and birthday girl looks happy in this picture with Shelley, as does cousin Allison.

Our dear Paula P. always brings a homemade goodie to share with us when it's a birthday month. This time it was a delicious soapapilla cheese cake that had us all salivating. She is a master - or is it mistress - baker. And while the rest of us might forget about a birthday dessert, faithful Paula always saves the day. Thank you!

We missed Darlene who was on vacation and unable to attend her friend's birthday celebration. Also missing this time were Deb, Paula F. and Jeanne. We hope the next outing will include everyone.

Happy birthday, Jan, and we enjoyed having Shelley there to celebrate with us. No more birthdays for a few months, but the group will still be having fun. See you all next time!

June Divas - Celebrating Paula P's Birthday

When Paula told her friends that the Texas Divas were treating her to a birthday dinner at a gas station, she received some weird looks. But that's exactly what we did. Since Paula is such a dear member of our group, what better way to celebrate her big day than to serve up some yummies inside a gas station. However, we didn't feast on hot dogs or pre-made Blimpie sandwiches. We dined in style. From appetizers to the main course to the final dish of bread pudding, I think everyone enjoyed their selection.

Paula made a haul on the birthday gifts. She really received some nice things. One very special gift came from Cathy who had just returned from a trip abroad and brought back a rosary for Paula. It was beautiful. But then, Paula is a beautiful person.

We planned to snap a picture of Paula in front of one of the gas pumps, but it was raining when we left the restaurant. Still, she can tell her friends that we did, indeed, treat her to a fabulous birthday dinner in a gas station. The food was excellent. The company was even better.

May Divas

Our May Diva outing included celebrating Allison's birthday, the only estrogen-pumped female in our group. I don't know that I miss the estrogen, but happy that my daughter is still young enough to have it. It dates me a little younger too.One of her gifts from Jan and Darlene was this pair of glasses, which has her posing as a believable schoolmarm. Always the good sport. I hope she hangs onto them because they might come in handy in a year or two.

We so missed Cathy who would be celebrating her one year anniversary as a Texas Diva. Unfortunately, a family emergency called her away and we understand, even if her presence was missed. But we did have a bonus. Paula F. took time away from her busy schedule to visit with us again. It was wonderful to see her and we hope she makes it a habit. Nothing like a good habit.

We happily indulged in chocolate flan, compliments of Paula P., the Diva Baker. She can put together some sinfully delicious desserts. Her birthday is next month in June and I'm wondering what possible creation could top the chocolate flan or the carrot cake. Thinking caps on, ladies.

Thanks also go to Paula P. for sharing pictures of our night together. Only one of mine turned out due to my camera's refusal to focus. I'd admit that I'm just not good at photography, but the truth is several others used my camera and with the same blurred results. I love that it's small and metallic pink, but will have to resort to the bigger black one from now on.

Thank you to everyone, for without YOU, the Texas Divas just wouldn't be any fun at all.

Texas Divas - April Outing

There's an affectionate saying among the Divas: It's all about Donna. Actually, she is one of the most unselfish people I know and I'm sure everyone will agree. However, this particular Diva post is "all about Donna."

Donna was the Diva in charge this month and selected a wonderful Mexican restaurant for our monthly dinner. She also had a drawing and I won. Her sister. No, it wasn't rigged, but I left with some handy kitchen tools for being the winner. I thought her idea was a good one, and would think so even if I hadn't been the winner.

Donna also had a horrifying story to share with us. Last night she went outside in her bare feet to call for her dog. She stayed on the sidewalk, in the light from the porch, knowing to be careful since they have seen more than their share of rattlesnakes. So, she called the dog, then turned to go back inside. A rattlesnake blocked her path. And her feet are bare. She'd just polished her toenails and, ladies, we know you don't put shoes on after doing toenails. Not even if you live in a rattlesnake pit.

So, she hopped over it, ran inside, and alerted her husband. He was able to find the snake and put an end to its scare tactics. And, I might add, we all saw Donna's toenails this evening and they were no worse for the wear. My suggestion to my sweet sister: The next time you do your toenails, do not go outside until they dry.
We forgot about pictures until we were leaving the restaurant. By that time, Paula and Trish had already left. But here are the remaining wind-blown Divas.

What a fun group! We missed Jan, Darlene, and Jeanne, and hope they will join us for our May outing. We'll be celebrating my beautiful daughter Allison's birthday with Diva Deb in charge. Great job, Donna! You and your toenails done good.

Texas Divas' March Lunch

We had a great showing at our Diva lunch today. The more the merrier, right?These lovely ladies are Trish, Paula and Cathy.

A big Texas Diva welcome to Jeanne, between me and Deborah. She tried us out today and we're hoping she liked what she saw. Actually, we made her one of us before she even met with us. That's Texas Diva hospitality.

Darlene and Jan missed our last lunch and we were happy to have their smiling faces back among us.

My beautiful Sissy and Patty. Patty may kill me for posting a picture of her eyes half closed but she looks better than I do. My face is gray and looks like another heart attack on the horizon. Maybe it's the lighting. Or maybe I don't know how to apply make up. Or maybe I'm a Doomsday-ist.

One picture was blurred and I left it out. It had my beautiful daughter in it and I apologize to her for being blind as a bat and not catching it.She looked adorable as usual and I know all of you will take my word for it.

Fun times! Every time!

Texas Divas are a Crazy Bunch!

I love this picture. Can't have fun without a little insanity. Our group has that in reserve.

Texas Divas Birthdays!

Wow! We celebrated four Diva's birthdays today. Two turned 60 and two are turning 57. A polite person wouldn't even venture a guess which ones they are. The birthday Divas are Deborah, Cathy, Patty and myself, who hasn't tired of all the celebrating.

Feast your eyes on this cake! It was huge! Paula baked this masterpiece carrot cake and it was the best one any of us have ever tasted. The cake pan is so big that she had to bake one layer at a time. We almost forfeited lunch so we could enjoy dessert first. We had some happy husbands when we got home with Hungry Man portions of this delicious cake. Thanks, Paula. You've just been designated Texas Diva Baker of the Year. The title includes supplying rich desserts for each Diva outing. Sorry. You brought it on yourself, girlfriend.

Deborah, Paula - Texas Diva Baker of the Year, and Cathy.

Patty and I are pictured with Trish, Paula's sister, who has officially joined our crazy group. Welcome, Trish! You fit right in.

My beautiful daughter, Allison, and equally beautiful sister, Donna, always add so much humor and fun when we're all together.

Here we are. This picture looks like trouble about to happen. Never a dull moment when the Texas Divas meet for lunch. I'm honored to have each one in my life.

The Divas' Christmas Lunch

I'm finally getting around to posting the fabulous time the Texas Divas had with our Christmas lunch and gift exchange. Let's just say I have been steadily going crazy with shopping for a husband, 6 kids, 9 grandchildren, Robin's 2 kids and his twin grandchildren. I see the fear in Robin's eyes when he dares to say a word to me. This, too, shall pass (I hope).
We had three special guests join us for our Christmas lunch. This is Leslie, Donna's step-daughter from her former marriage. We were so glad to see her again and marvel at how she has grown up into such a lovely young woman. I hope she will join us again.

Deborah and Cathy were in the Christmas spirit and shared many laughs with us.

Paula P. brought her sister, Trish. We were excited to have her with us and hope she will make it a habit. There's always room for another Texas Diva. Welcome, Trish!

Cathy brought her childhood friend, Shar, who was visiting Cathy at the time. She was a real hoot, just the type we need in our group. She lives further away but we hope she will want to get crazy again with us whenever she is in town.

Patty and I are great childhood friends too. We had a special advantage since it was slumber party weekend. We shopped, wrapped, and laughed a lot. We missed three of our Divas: Jan, Darlene and Allison. Allison was on her way to Missouri for Christmas with her in-laws. Too many absences aren't allowed! Merry Christmas to a group of ladies who save each other a lot of money on therapists. I love you all!

Texas Divas' November Lunch

The Texas Divas made a beautiful showing today with only one of our group missing. We miss you Paula F.! We had a fabulous time and so much to catch up on. Let's face it, a lot can happen in one month among 9 ladies!

I'm so proud of our group picture, thanks to our lovely server, Sara. She fit right into our craziness and is even a Twilight fan, which is even better. This is such an awesome group and we have so much fun together.

We were thrilled to have Deborah back with us. She is not allowed to take any more reprieves from the Texas Divas. She always adds her brand of humor and is definitely one of us! These three Divas were in school together as friends.

Donna and Deborah met in the 3rd grade so they go back a ways. I'll be kind and not tally up the number of years they have been friends.

New best friends Jan and Darlene. They had to miss our last lunch and we were so happy to have their smiling faces back in our midst.

This is our server, Sara, and Donna's new BFF. We plan to look for her on Facebook and we've given her my blog address, and hoping she will join our ranks. We need another boost of estrogen since Allison is carrying us all through on her own. Welcome, Sara, and be sure to leave a comment here. We've adopted you. Donna has captured you.

This picture of my sister and daughter just warms my heart. I love the touchy-feely emotions I get when I look at those who are so deeply planted in my soul.

I got to share the spotlight with two dear friends. Patty and I have been friends forever, and even though we only met Paula almost two years ago, she is the type to make you feel that you have been the best of friends for a long time. We just love her to pieces!

We are planning our December lunch for the 19th if all goes well. And Sara, if you're off, be sure to join us instead of serving us.

You are all so special and loved so much!