falling into fall

Since I was in college at Lipscomb University, I have started falling in love with Fall. I used to think of myself as a summer girl, but lately I can't get enough of the fall. This week we had our first fall-like day and Alex and I took advantage of it. We explored Crockett Park and tried not get lost. I'm not from Brentwood, so I'm learning my way around the parks. We love to run the trails at Edwin Warner Parks which remind me of my home park-Montgomery Bell. I used to take Alex to Montogomery Bell when he was a puppy. That is where he learned to swim by chasing ducks. I bought my first mum of the fall and can't wait for the pumpkins. Our fingers are crossed as we entered Alex and Moli into a photo contest at Vanderbilt. Every year, The House Organ Magazine February edition is dedicated to the Pets of the Medical Center. I have been at Vandy for 2 years now, and always wish I had entered them. Basically, it is pages and pages of employees' dogs and cats. There are thousands of employees so who knows if they will get picked.

bringing the ocean in....

While we were in Sandestin, David decided it was time to start a saltwater aquarium. He couldn't wait to get home and buy a "nano cube" aquarium. Which I must admit, is a cute aquarium as it is a cube with rounded corners. I started to get nervous as he filled up the aquarium with spring water from Kroger's. I am terrified of having more water damage....what if the aquarium sprung a leak?? David reminded me if it occurred it would a minimum amount of water. I am new to this and had no idea you had to get the pH, sodium, calcium, and nitrates just perfect before you can add corals, anemones, or fish!!! If anything, this fish tank is teaching me patience! David has loved going to fish stores and picking out what he wants to buy. I had a minor (okay major) freak out when I wandering into a section looking at rocks and realized 3 feet in front of me were countless Rubbermaid containers that read "boa constrictors." Oh, needless to say I left and went to Sally Beauty Supply and waited for David to finish shopping. Anyhow, we now have 2 "live rocks" and 2 domino damsel fish that are starter fish. They are named Polka and Dot as they have, you guessed it, dots! We will have these 2 fish for 6 weeks until the water will be ready for more unique things like a chocolate chip starfish and clownfish. The aquarium has two types of lighting: lights that mimic both the sun and the moon. David amazes me at how much he knows about sea life. Sometimes I think he missed his calling as a marine biologist. But hey, who says you need a degree to do what you love? We will post more pictures as our aquarium grows.

Sandestin

We made our annual trip to Sandestin this year. We slipped down there between tropical storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav. Just one rainy day and the sun came out! Of course, we took Alex & Moli with us! They were great in the car ride down. My mom and Mike met us down there. We spent our days on the beach and our nights either sitting on the porch swing or visiting the local restaurants. Our favorite is the Red Bar. We heard from a waiter that Paula Dean loves their bread pudding. I've never seen so many dolphin on beach before. I believe they were chasing the fish the storms brought in. Jellyfish were everywhere this year, but that didn't keep us out of the water. The flag was purple all week meaning, dangerous sea creatures. Luckily, no one got stung badly. David thought it was fun to catch them. I was thankful the dangerous sea creatures didn't include sharks. We returned home to wrap up the summer with a day on the lake with friends and UT Football.

Mom and Mike

Alex swimming The pool and Crystal Lake

Alex and Moli snuggling in the car