We wrapped up our Mardi Gras weekend by marching in the Barkus & Meaux Pet Parade in Galveston. As ambassadors for Greyhounds everywhere, the kids walked our hounds (plus a few that we borrowed) down the Seawall in gorgeous 80-degree weather, throwing hundreds of Mardi Gras beads, and introducing everyone they could to the Greyhounds....Continue Reading
For our family, the end of February has always meant Galveston Mardi Gras. Every one of us laissez les bons temps in a different way: I love huge parades with high-stepping marching bands, Mike likes the beer and soul food, we all enjoy seeing old friends and the eclectic crowds. Nate and Sam come for the...Continue Reading
We were in Galveston again this weekend to do some work on the beach house, to relax, and to eat donuts. Galveston is home to the best donuts at a little shop called Home Cut Donuts. That link is to the glowing reviews on Yelp. Home Cut donuts is a no-frill, locals’ spot that will probably...Continue Reading
It’s only Monday morning, and this week is already wearing. me. out. For real, y’all. All the volunteer commitments and kid nurturing, wifing, housekeeping, writing, speaking, email-answering and befriending have clustered up into BIG DEADLINES this week. I’m not complaining, but as I look at this week, I’m seriously wondering… Who will do all that...Continue Reading
Last weekend, our family was walking down Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, looking like we had just stepped out of that website, Stuff White People Like. Mike and the kids were outfitted in outdoor performance clothes and New Balance shoes, while I wore some heavy-duty Yoga wear. We were staying at our house by the water. Our daughters...Continue Reading
My friend, who is a vet, calls me a breedist and cringes every time I stereotype dog breeds. She insists that each dog has a unique personality and stereotyping breeds makes people overlook the individual animal. Maybe so, but I think most people are breedists. It’s just sort of conventional wisdom that Golden Retrievers are...Continue Reading
Seventeen days of vacation together gives you family stories. Family stories are those memorable little tales that happen when you least expect it. They are the delight and surprise of life not going according to plan. They are the stories your family will tell the next generation. Hergenrader Family Stories from 2013 Christmas Break 1....Continue Reading
Walking through downtown Galveston, on almost the last day of the year, we spotted this cute, handwritten sign. Even though we were all somewhere on the Virus Train of Death and not feeling very well, this stenciled sign made our family smile. Thank you, Charles Dickens, for the poetic words. They have named my blog,...Continue Reading
Visiting Galveston in the summer is like sitting at the popular table in junior high. Although it’s fun and exhilarating, it’s also crowded and loud. You might find yourself looking around, thinking, “There’s gotta be more than this.” You would be right. During the winter, the crowds thin out, the pageantry fades, and Galveston becomes...Continue Reading
Fall is in full-swing here in Texas. The temperatures dipped into the 70s this week, which is still not cool enough for these kids to wear outfits. You know, with shirts and actual pants. But this cooler weather has invigorated our family. With shorter days comes the promise of holidays, tastes of pumpkin-everything, and s’mores...Continue Reading