A lovely night

Not a bad week here in Houston. Hot and muggy — the norm for this time of year — but sunny and pleasant all the same.

And I was busy — or what for me counts as busy. I was a parent reader for the first grade. Attended the Night of Stars grade school open house ("And we're the stars!" said Sylvia, with great excitement). Received excellent mid-term reports for two of the girls. Went to my first small-group ministry at the UU church. Attended a band concert. Met with the landscaper.

Went to the Friday neighborhood happy hour. And I'm glad I did. It was at a house with a new pool, so the girls swam while the other moms and I shared our frustrations about the pool process — and I am not the only one to feel put out by the homeowners association. Solidarity at last. They are like the neighborhood Gestapo, and many others share these same sentiments.

I also chatted later with another neighbor who helped me understand some of the neighborhood dynamic. She had been hesitant to tell me all of this when I was brand-new (wanted me to form my own opinions) but I think I have a much better feel for what is going on. So I feel better, less excluded.

And to top it off, Gary and I went out to dinner in the city. We went to the Heights to a restaurant called Shade, a sleek modern restaurant whose "globally inflected comfort foods radiate freshness and joy." It was very nice, the perfect Friday night. I even whipped out one of my favorite black dresses to make the evening special — and to feel good about all my efforts at working out.

It rained last night — poured — so we probably won't go to the newly opened neighborhood pool. Instead, we'll spend today tidying up around the house — time to take care of those final details. The last of the pictures will go on the wall, and the office bookcases will be bolted into place.

We'll feel all moved in, at last.