Texas Weekend

A bittersweet weekend in Cleveland, Texas. Jerry, Stephanie's boyfriend, is headed to Iraq for a year of deployment. His going away party was hosted by his daddy, Smokey Stover. what a great name. Smokey. So, we gathered at Smokey's lakehouse where i was able to finally meet the infamous Auntie Margo and her husband John and children Pete and Deb. Auntie Margo has adapted my nickname due to my new dark red haircolour. Up until now everyone has called me Sweet Laura, except the kids who call me Miss Sweet Laura and Ashley who calls me Auntie Sweet Laura. i love that so much. Deb's husband, Pat, upon questioning from Auntie Margo said that he thought my hair colour was sassy. So Auntie Margo started calling Sweet and Saasy Laura, then just dropped the Laura. Now i'm simply "Sweet and Sassy". Another reason to love life. If you are constantly called "Sweet and Sassy" you can't help but love life.
In this picture to the left I am wearing Pete's hat. As the night of the party wore on we, in true lakehouse style, started to dance drunkenly on the dock. Being a fan of the two-step, yet not too proficient at it, I danced with the men who boasted the best abilities. As Rex and I danced on the dock Pete said that the only thing I was missing was a hat, and gave me his. ahe was right. It completed the look for the picture. Those Texas boys are gentlemenly dancers. It sure can sweep a girl off her feet.
Quite literally. I was thrown into the lake not once, but twice, by guys who are too old to punch you and run away and haven't come up with anything else yet. Once i had my pants on still over my bathing suit. Once i was in my pajamas. But it was fun. The lake is so beautiful, despite the icky, mucky bottom that makes you want to tread water even thought it's only 5 feet deep.
I tried my hand at waterskiing. Or my feet rather. I was so scared. Everytime i got up I panicked and let go or fell over. But i'm glad that i didn't wuss out. plus, i was told that wouldn't be very sassy. They wanted to see me put some sass into the waterskiing! They were so sweet to me. Until Stephanie mocked me for being too small for all the lifejackets and remarked that perhaps i should try the barbie lifejackets for the girls (who are 6!!) and then Pat burned me all afternoon about being Barbie. Despite the roast, it was the best time i've had in a long time. The kind of weekend that's all about family and friends and enjoying each other's company and just relaxing however you want to relax. I was perfectly happy there for a few moments. perfectly. the kind of moment that is so easy to miss if you don't relish it at precisely the right time. Jerry took Steph, Jenny, Steve and myself out on the boat, just around the lake and into the inlets. it was so peaceful and i felt contented in the way that you only can when you are surrounded by people you love unconditionally and who love you and in a beautiful place with no distraction. Again, i realize how fortunate I am in the uniqueness that is my life. and i am happy.