days go by

My cousin finally had a c-section and delivered her baby today. His name is Trevor. I think she and Eric must be very relieved that he's finally out of her belly.

My other cousin Rob is graduating from high school this week. I can't believe he is eighteen already. I like to think of him as the charming child who dumped a bucket of toys over my sister's head on a family visit to my grandparents' home. He made one of the highest scores on his senior project, and he's an Eagle Scout. I don't think I've seen him in about ten years, come to think of it. I hear he is very tall. In 2007 we are supposed to have a big family Christmas, so I guess I'll have to wait until then.

My mail brought me two postcards from Canada! Thanks Jason. Sunsets and Mounties totally made my day.

love me, faster than the devil

The meal tonight was at Mesa Ranch, a fine establishment in my town. If you ever have the chance to eat there, you must. The online menu doesn't have some of the latest additions, such as the divine BBQ pork ribs, and the bison steak. Seriously, this place is really fabulous and so inexpensive for the fabulous service and amazing food.

I am stuffed to the point where I want to lay on the floor and not move. We started with the fried cactus, served with white queso and tequilla ranch dipping sauces. They are like fried pickles, only better. The house salad is best with the creamy avocado cilantro dressing. They make excellent bread, and the cornbread is cactus shaped. My father had the filet with roasted asparagus and potato au gratin. I had perhaps the most delicious roasted whole quail with grilled vegetables and yet more potato au gratin. The chef sent us some of the spicy smoky ribs and we gorged ourselves on perfectly done meat. For dessert I could only manage a bit of the house made carrot cake. Dear lord, the food was so good. I could die happy now. Add a couple vodka tonics, and you have one of the best meals I've ever eaten. The service is so good.

Support local businesses Austinites, eat Mesa Ranch people.

My father says the rest of you are on notice. Try and top that for my actual birthday. Mwuahaha.