Not-So-Lazy Summer Days

Last night we rolled in from a long July 4 weekend in Houston. Had a great time with our friends, the Giesens (as usual; see photo from past experience). With temps topping 100 in Texas every day, I especially loved slipping into their pool and planting myself there for a few hours daily. Bliss.

With Will and Lisa Johnston (Will's a DTS-Houston prof) added to our group, we visited the Tabernacle Experience, a life size replica of Moses' tabernacle, the portable one that the Israelites used in the wilderness. We went unsure about what to expect, and we found ourselves pleasantly surprised at how meaningful it was. The exhibit had seven interactive stations, including an altar with a burning fire and another with incense, making it easy to imagine the actual smells. (Check the link to see if the exhibit is headed toward your town.)

We also checked out the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Now I know why it's one of the USA's top ten most visited museums. We stayed three hours and didn't see half of the place. Nor did we feel wiped out. What we did see, we all found fun and educational. We watched a 3-D IMAX movie about marine reptiles (think: underwater dinosaurs). My girl loved the Native American stuff. And I especially liked the rocks and gems.

One evening we hung out with cool chica Leigh McLeroy. If you don't know her, check out her site.

On two afternoons while Gary and our girl trekked off to hunt down antiques, I wrote. And I met my dissertation goals for each day. Woohoo!

I also discovered a new flavor of Ben and Jerry’s: flourless chocolate cake. Y.e.s.