The Lucky Winner

We celebrated the 4th of July weekend at a friend's lakehouse on Toledo Bend Lake.

I think the lakehouse is Dozer's favorite place in the world.  He spent the entire time swimming in the lake and rolling in the mud.

We had a blast hanging out at the lakehouse.  I relaxed in the hammock, read a book, went on a boat ride, and kayaked.

Of course, the main event was the cookout!

In addition to Beer Can Chicken, Jerk Chicken, and Beef Tri-Tips - we also had a Grilled Pig.

The guys used a nifty roasting box called La Caja China - to cook the pig.

I didn't eat any of the pig; it hit a little too close to home considering I had a pet pot-belly pig for 15 years of my life.  Austin and I neither one eat pork, actually.

It was a fun weekend, but it was too short!  Unfortunately, I had to work on Monday - so we left the lakehouse on Sunday afternoon.  We still watched some fireworks from our balcony, though!  Dozer was not a fan of the loud noise - poor baby!

Were your pets afraid of the fireworks?
Our friends' dogs at the lakehouse barked everytime the neighbors set off a firework!  Dozer didn't bark, but he got really scared and wanted to stay near us.  He's also afraid of thunder and other loud noises.

Giveaway Winner
And...the lucky winner of my Birthday Giveaway is #29 - Heidi at Basil Vodka!  Please e-mail me at redheadreports at gmail dot com with your shippping address to receive your Gym in a Bag.

The Ring

I've been holding out on a surprise for a few weeks now.

I finally have pictures to post of my engagement ring, so I can make this announcement: Austin & I are getting married!

Austin proposed to me on June 21st, a Monday night.  I had just gotten home from the gym and started making dinner when he called to see where I was.  He was at the gym trying to find me, so I told him I was at home.  A few minutes later, he walked in the door while I was eating dinner.  He asked me to come here for a second, so I got up and gave him a hug.  He asked me how my day went.  Standing there in the dining room, his eyes got a mysterious glint in them and I had no idea what was about to happen.  Suddenly, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!  :)

Here's my ring, a family heirloom that my grandmother proudly wore.

Wedding planning has begun, and let me tell you - it's not easy!

A Day in the Life of the Redhead

My typical day starts with a hearty breakfast.

In this particular case, my first meal of the day was migas and hashbrowns with OJ.

After a long day of work which includes a packed lunch, I head home and walk in the door to be greeted by my pup.

He is a ball of energy.  He also believes that the reason we buy him toys is so that he can destroy them.  He takes this job very seriously and can go thru an "indestructible" toy in less than 3 minutes.

I usually take Dozie on a walk to get the mail, then Austin & I head to the gym for a nice evening workout.

Then it's time for dinner.

Austin loves to grill, so on nights like these - dinner is particularly easy for me!  I just kick back and relax while he takes the reigns.

Beer Can Turkey. It was out-of-this-world delicious: moist and flavorful!  I recommend you make this pronto.

All you need is a turkey and a can of beer. 

This recipe would work on the grill or in the oven, whichever you prefer.

After dinner is cleaned up and lunches prepared for the next day, I like to relax and read a good book.  This week, I've been reading Marley & Me.  I've already seen the movie, but I definitely recommend the book as well!

Do you have a daily routine, or are you more of a spontaneous person?

I enjoy a bit of spontaneity every now and then to spruce up my otherwise typical routine.