My favorite flower has always been roses. After our annual staff retreat, Denise and I took off into Tyler to see their rose garden. Apparently, this town hosts an annual rose festival. We weren't sure what to expect, but when we drove up the grounds were spectacular. The gardens were quiet, cool and peaceful. Cool air with the sun shining brightly on the petals.

Hasta la vista Mexico - ola mi casa!

Gracias amigos - We are back from beautiful Playa Mujeres (beach of women) which is located approximately twenty minutes north of Cancun on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The resort was beautiful, remote, quiet and relaxing. Excellence Playa Mujeres opened at the beginning of 2008 and the service from the locals was superb. Everyone on the property was friendly and very accomodating.

We were greeted at the front doors with wet cool towels and a glass of champagne. We went on this vacation with Jack's brother (Matt), his wife (Sandra), and four other couples from Sandra's family. Sandra and her family are from Columbia, full of fun and energy. There was a lot of laughter, laying in the pool, hanging out, eating, eating, and more eating. But the eating was good. Fresh fruit, ceviche, shrimp cocktail, seafood. All yummy.

The property was full of pools. Our was on the ground floor with a walk-out to one of them. We floated by the spa and hammocks sagging in the water. The beach was just a few steps farther. White soft sand with a cool blue ocean. Across the water was Isla Mujeres (Island of Women). History of this island begins with the Mayan culture who claimed the island for their fertility goddess, Ixchel. The Spaniards discovered the island in 1517. Over the next three centuries, the island was uninhabited used only by fisherman and pirates who left their women on the island for 'safekeeping.' The island now has a village and is a tourist attraction.

Playa Mujeres resort also included an ecological preserve. The property was home to two jaguars, an alligator, macaws, a boa snake, lemur, Aztec dogs, and many iguanas and geckos. The owners of the resort, who are spanish, plan to expand the ecological preserve to include many other endangered species. In addition, the property just northwest of the resort has been claimed by the government as an archeological dig. During construction of another property, they discovered mayan ruins and are in the process of uncovering what that property has kept hidden for centuries. Because of this discovery, the Playa Mujeres area will be home to only four resorts which will keep the north end of the peninsula from becoming a busy loud touristy area like the Cancun hotel district. So if you want a vacation away from it all, but includes the beauty of the Caribbean, then Excellence Playa Mujeres may just be for you. Please note that the resort is for adults only - no children much to the dismay of our son, Christopher.

We are fans and definitely would choose this resort if we return to Cancun.

Here are some photos from our room, around the property and of us. Enjoy!

On the Denton Rail Trail. It calls my name everyday. It is a gravel trail that runs behind houses and through trees, winding through Corinth and up toward Denton. There are creeks and birds and bunnies and squirrels. And sometimes, an occasional snake. IKES! But what I love the most are the Cardinals. These beautiful red birds remind me of the beauty that God has created and given to us. As I run under the shade of the trees, the Cardinals flirt around chasing each other. The brilliant red ones are the males while the more brown shade of red ones are the females. They usually come in pairs and today I saw three pairs. I hope the spring time next year brings lots of baby Cardinals with more pairs to watch hop and fly to and fro.

It is on this trail that my dog and I both find peace and joy. My dog, Bubba, is so happy when I lace up my running shoes. I think he smells the dirt on the soles. He licks my face and practically knocks me down because he can't wait to get out to the trail. Once out of the car, he waits patiently for me to tie my key onto my shoe and head across the street. Over the years, I have trained him to run off leash. Ninety percent of the time, he's pretty good. He responds well to key words that require him to run by my side while others run or bike on by. As soon as they pass us though, he's off and sprinting down the trail. In the cool of the morning or the evening, the unsuspecting bunnies and squirrels get a surprise or two. Their hearts are racing as they try to hide in the weeds as Bubba goes passing by. But when he sees them, he's off. Just like a bird dog, chasing them and hopping up and down. It's hysterical. I swear he comes back with the biggest &#!+ eatin' grin on his face! Hee hee.....

I too come off the trail with a smile on my face - shortly after the final grimace that comes from running 5 or 6 miles. My body is feeling better and so is my mind. The peace I find on this trail is insurmountable. The outdoors, exercising, being alone, runnin' with my dog all remind me of the beauty in Creation. The Creation that only comes from our great and glorious King. Thanks to Him for these gifts that He has chosen to give to us. Take a moment and enjoy the peace.

In the wee hours of Saturday May 10, 2008, my grandfather, James Junior Hoffman, went home to be with the Lord. A quiet respectful man, he recently suffered from breathing problems. He had spent the last two years of his life in and out of nursing homes, but close to family. He got to spend time celebrating birthdays and Christmas, watching baseball games, and listening to our family chatter.

When it came time to tell stories about grandpa, we struggled. We struggled mostly because he was such a man of quiet resoluteness. He held his convictions and his loves close to his heart. He loved to read. He loved history. He served in the military during World War II as a communications soldier. He celebrated his 66th wedding anniversary the very day before his death. He told my grandma that he didn't want to pass away on their wedding anniversary. He has two grown children, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchildren. He loved Jesus and attended/served in their church faithfully.

I guess in the end, the story to remember about my grandfather is His Legacy. His Legacy is us, his family. How we treat one another is our legacy to him.

Love you grandpa. I will see you one day in Heaven!

As I drove home Wednesday night (August 6th) from my very last graduate school presentation, project, homework, etc., I realized that I love to eat dessert first. You may be wondering what the two have in common. Well, in May, I 'graduated'. I ordered and mailed announcements. I attended the school's ceremony. I had a fabulouso party with family and friends! I ate my cake first.

I knew in May that I would have three classes to finish in the summer time. It seemed so far off, but like it would be tomorrow. Well, tomorrow has come on and gone. It's official now - I've completed my last project, written my last paper. I am waiting on one last grade from the presentation that I gave on Wednesday night. The teacher left us with the parting words of "you don't have anything to worry about." I called my friends and family to let them know that it was now time for dinner.

Actually, it's time for the long lazy Sunday afternoon nap after a huge meal and dessert. I hope I don't talk in my sleep......