Strip Burger

Nathan with a sweet potato fry that escaped

I went to Square Burger for the first time in a million years last night. God knows I got plenty of grief from the owner, Brandon Horrocks, for not being as regular as I once was. The truth is that I still see Brandon on a regular basis, but just haven't bellied up to the bar like I used to until last night. A friend of mine from Colorado came into town and there was nothing else we could do but go to Square Burger. He'd read enough about the place in my blogs. It was a must, so Larry and I, along with Tammy, bellied up to the bar in Square Burger last night.

Nothing like a Square Burger pickle



So, the first thing I had to do was introduce Larry to Square Burger crack, better known as popcorn, as only Craig and Gnoc can make it. After finishing off several bowls of that, he had to test drive the fried pickles. They must've been to his liking because he ordered another batch along with the sweet potato fries.

Sweet potato fries

Brandon (left) and Larry (right)

Now you're just going to have to take my word for it when I tell you that the above picture shows Brandon and Larry talking to each other because it's hard for me to even decipher their identities. No flash on the phone camera and that's as good as it gets that late at night.

So, the topic of conversation was that Brandon contends that Larry is the reason I'm moving away from McKinney. I have told Brandon from the beginning that it's not true. I do not move for men, any man. And, now I'm not moving back to Colorado. I'm stopping first in Santa Fe for a tour, and I don't know how long that adventure will last there. However, that being said, it proves that I am not moving because of Larry. I am moving because it's the right next step for me. It was Larry however, who spent 3.25 hours at $450/hour consulting fee, telling me why I was making a mistake by choosing Santa Fe over Evergreen, CO. (Good thing I wasn't paying....) The conclusion my boys came to was that I really was moving because of Larry because number one, I was protesting too much, and two, because according to Larry you can track the switch in my blogs from writing about McKinney to Colorado right after he'd sent me a picture of Evergreen.

What's the truth? The truth is that I'm making my decisions according to how I feel. Right now it feels right to move to Santa Fe with Tammy and begin what we consider to be the first of our healing facilities. Our intention is to eventually land in Evergreen, but right now the energy takes us to Santa Fe.

The other truth is that I will miss Brandon and Square Burger and everyone else there so very much. Brandon's made a home for me there at the bar. Brandon has become one of my dearest friends who I love very much. It's always a better day for having seen him and hugged him. Since June 14th this year I've looked forward to seeing his face and wrapping my arms around him every single day.

 

So, Brandon, just so you know, wherever I go I take my memories of you with me. You are part of my family, and there will hardly be a day that goes by that I won't think of you and wish I was sitting at your bar. Larry wants a Strip Burger in Evergreen.Since there's no square and only a strip in that town, that's the name of the restaurant he wants to put together with you and Craig and my big check I hand over to him to get that party started. See, Brandon, I'm not leaving you; I'm taking you with me.

a little brew

Tasting Paradise

I have no sense of taste or smell since inhaling a product like Comet Cleanser when I was a baby. Chemical burns took care of taste buds and whatever's needed in the nose for smelling. That being said, if I don't write about my lunch yesterday at Square Burger, I'm going to explode.

I ate the turkey burger and COULD TASTE IT! If you've always been able to taste food, this may not have any significance to you, but for me, it opened up a whole new world. It gave orgasmic experiences a new flavor for me. I've never eaten so slowly in my life. I didn't want it to end. The texture of the meat with the taste of its juices rendered me speechless, but I have to say, I tingled from the top of my head all the way to my toes with every bite I swallowed.

I found out that the meat offered at Square Burger is grass-fed beef and pastured chickens. Now, I'm not sure where they get their turkey or salmon, but if they do that for beef and chicken I can just imagine how well loved and nurtured their turkey and salmon are. Let's just say that my taste buds can tell the difference between drugged animal meat and drug free. There's a huge party in my mouth when pulling an organic carrot out of the ground and snapping off the tip with my teeth, and there's just no one home when a store-bought nonorganic anything is eaten.

And then last night we had a business meeting at Square Burger with my daughter and her partners at RejuveNation LifeSpa. First thing we tried was the smoked salmon blinis. Oh my god, the chef should be knighted for sainthood! The description on the menu read: waffle fries with yogurt cream, smoked wild king salmon, salmon pearls, red onion, chives. I ate a masterpiece of culinary sensations that exploded in my mouth. Not only could I feel the round smoothness of the pearls and the dips and curves of the fries, but I could taste the salmon! I don't have words for what it tastes like, and I'm not sure I could get that explicit about how it made my body feel, so let's just say that it's an experience I would love to explore again.

Smoked Salmon Blinis

The Fifth Element

Everywhere I look in this town I see one beautiful porch after another. Every walk I take I want to capture at least a dozen images of these porches. This is a fairy land here with rows of cottages. My friend Cindy introduced me to the Fifth Element today, and I believe that's what McKinney is. Cindy pointed out to me in the book, B is for Beer by Tom Robbins, exactly what the beer fairy calls the fifth element.

"...That's right, another basic component of reality, one that's as nourishing as Earth, as shifty as Water, as invisible as Air, and as dangerous as Fire."

The beer fairy continues with: "I'm only labeling it an 'element,' understand, because it doesn't fall into the category of animal or vegetable or mineral. It disobeys the laws of physics and it moons the rules of logic, just as the two of us have been doing today, actually, although you seem to have taken it completely in stride. What is it? Some people call it transcendence, some used to call it magic...before that word got used up.

"It's a mixture of pure love, unlimited freedom, and total, spontaneous, instantaneous knowledge of everything past, present, and future--all rolled up in a kind of invisible ghost-sheet enchilada that can be periodically smelled and occasionally tasted, but rarely chewed and never, never digested..."

"There are those who regard it as a blast of divine energy, originating in Heaven, maybe, or in Another World. There're also people who are content to refer to it simply as the Mystery, and that's as good a term as any, I guess, although I'm rather fond of the jazz musician who, in a different context, once called it hi de ho."

"...they (people) are unconsciously pulled toward it, they hunger for it, they yearn to connect with it, to get next to it, even to merge with it."

"...adults still thirst for that connection, that alternative to the unsatisfying reality men have constructed for themselves, and which they feel locked into like a dungeon.

So, they resort to all sorts of things--a few enlightened, many destructive, most ineffective, some just plain silly--that might allow them even a breath or two outside the prison walls. To a certain extent, that explains the appeal of beer.

"Beer, if it's just the right amount--not too little and definitely not too much--may on occasion transport one through that crack and carry one close enough to the gates of the Mystery that one's granted a quick but entirely rapturous peek inside.

'"What's it look like?'

"The fairy smiled and rotated her wings. 'Everything. And nothing. Both at the same time. What does the electricity inside your atoms look like? What do forever and laughter and liberty look like? It's the face everybody shared before they were born and the joke they'll finally get after they're dead. It's the meaning of meaning, the other that has no further, and the which of which there is no whicher.'

"Be warned. When considering beer as a vehicle, one had better bear in mind that it's hardly reliable transportation. It's a very old cart, in fact; a wagon pushed and pulled by forgotten forces, by agricultural spirits, the ancient spirits of grain and the land. It's a wagon, my dear, that can easily swerve and run off the road."

So, therefore, dear readers, I am in the Fifth Element here in McKinney, Texas. It's the epitome of transcendence and magic! And especially at this time of the year when all the flowers are in bloom, including the magnificent magnolias. Fairies abound. I'm house sitting for some friends on vacation and while watering their hydrangeas this morning, I noticed a new subdivision of fairy condos. They are everywhere, my friends. Ah, relax and enjoy the magic that surrounds us all!

What's Not to LOVE About McKinney?

I've just had the most amazing day of my life right here in McKinney.

It started when I was driving my car out onto W. Virginia from my daughter's office, RejuveNation LifeSpa and two police officers on horseback pulled me over into a parking lot. Looking out of my rolled-down window high up to the face of the sweetest looking police officer, and I mean that in oh so many ways, I told him I knew why he pulled me over. Expired registration and expired inspection. Two citations later, they asked me if I had a driver's license because it wasn't coming up on the Texas site. Well...it's still Colorado, not even Steamboat Springs, but Longmont, where I lived another lifetime ago. Hey, listen, my license says it expires in 2012, why do I need another one? I didn't leave the country, just the state. I've lived in Colorado most of my adult life. I've had a Texas license for the two years I drove in Texas and ever since it's been Colorado. Oh lord...

So, after not being hand cuffed or arrested for a felony, which is what bribing a police officer is in this state, I spent my afternoon getting my car legal again in Texas. The people that work here are extraordinary! Lesleigh at the registration place was nice and friendly and just wonderful enough to hug if it weren't for the plate glass that divided us. And then there was Heather at the place I had to go to pay the citations. She apologized for the wait and then let me know she couldn't take care of me today because the tickets hadn't been processed. So, she's going to call me after they are and I'll give her a credit card number so I don't have to come back in! How nice is that???

Let's not forget the guy at FastLane who engineered my inspection. He made sure we were in and out of there so my daughter could get back to do her surgery at 2:15. She's a chiropractor and surgery with a scalpel wasn't on her list to do today, but it sure did hurry up the inspection and I did get her to her office for the next patient.

And then I went to the Department of Public Safety to get my license. When I handed the clerk my driver's license, she was floored that it was a Longmont one. She used to own a shop in Longmont. She told me which one. I told her where it was located because I was one of her customers!!! Right then and there we bonded like long-lost sisters.

And to think, it all started with the mounted patrolmen. They are also the ones in my daughter's photograph that hangs in her spa. These women tried for at least a half hour to just get their rhythm down, and they just couldn't do it. That is, until the two horses and the riders stepped across W. Virginia. It was a proud moment for all.

And even after receiving the tickets, I told the officers to come see my daughter for massages and chiropractic adjustments on the house. This time though my offer was not considered a felony. The citations were already in my hand.

McKinney Porches

I have never lived in such a beautiful community like this one. I am mesmerized by the houses as I take my morning walks. And there is truly nothing like wondering the streets at night with lights on inside the houses and seeing the gorgeous rooms of the most magnificent homes anywhere!

Hm...am I just a tad bit partial to my neighborhood? Could be, but just take a look at some of these pictures I've captured and see for yourself. It was a bright day so the pictures are a bit washed out, but still you cannot deny the beauty these people have put into their homes. To each and every homeowner, I say thank you. What a privilege it is to call this town my home!!

Who doesn't want to rock away the morning on this porch. Give me a mint julep on this bad boy and I could wile away some hours in deep pleasure!

You've got to admit how sweet and inviting this is. I wish I could show you all my pictures and all the houses. They each have something to shout to the world. Look at me. Just look at me. And more importantly, stay awhile...

I couldn't resist this one. I just love the little bistro table and chairs. I've begun a series of fiber art depicting some of these porches. I'll post my artwork on Jill Luigs Art as soon as I get all the pieces done. These porches have been such great inspiration for me.

And to my Colorado friends, you would not believe the prices of houses around here. They're selling for less than what we would consider a down payment!

I call this one the Alice in Wonderland house. What a gift to be able to call this neighborhood home. I am so very, very blessed. Thank you, McKinney!

Also, click onto ExpressiveHart (a blog by a dear friend of mine, Silky Hart Michero) to see more front porches in McKinney.

magical, miraculous McKinney

I moved to McKinney, Texas for many reasons, but one of the main ones was to get away from the snow, the feet of snow I had shovelled in Steamboat Springs. I grew up in the Dallas area, and I knew that snow didn't last but a few hours here. Not so this time.
Just a couple of nights ago here's what the downtown looked like.

There was no getting away from being outside at 10:30 at night to start a snowball fight with the only people brave enough to play in the snow. Let me just say that those were by far the hardest snowballs I've ever encountered. They might as well have been paint balls shot from guns.

It was romantic and juicy, so beautiful and alive. The air crackled with every breath. It was everything I ever thought snow could be, even though I'd been living in a state for 34 years that got plenty of it. There's nothing so magical as receiving such a gift when it's so unexpected though, and this truly was unexpected.

And, of course, it wasn't real until a snowman was born. Okay, maybe "man" is an exaggeration, but it was at least something made of snow that held twigs for its arms. It stayed vertical until morning, so that in itself qualifies as a miracle here in McKinney, Texas.

Days later, the snow is still on the ground, along with tree limbs and bush twigs. The sun has finally come out, and I plan to open a bottle of red wine, pour myself a glass, and toast to such an amazingly magical place that I now call home.

Start spreading the news...

I always use this blog for showcasing pictures of what goes on around the square in downtown McKinney, but today there are no pictures because my computer is on the fritz and I don't know how to download and upload pics on my daughter's computer. So there.

That being said, I have to write about my life in the square this weekend, particularly last night.

When all the patients from RejuveNation LifeSpa had left last evening, the place just felt a little too quiet for me. My daughter had a date for the weekend, and I chose to spend the weekend on the square. I poured myself a cup of wine, enjoying the night breeze. I hardly had a chance to get comfy in my chair when along came a dear sweet friend, Sonja, the streetwalker that she is. She joined me in some wine and then we were joined by Michelle and her husband. The conversation took place in RejuveNation on the comfy couch in the back talking about quantum physics and Michelle's magic machine.

Sonja and I eventually made our way down to Landon's Winery and thoroughly enjoyed the live music outside. We had a glass of Yellow Rose and basked in the cool night air. And then Jim joined us.

We walked down the block to Cadillac's to listen to Quentin Hope. He was playing with a guy named Alan who ripped a mean electric guitar. The drummer and bass were exceptional. I apologize for not getting their names because I highly recommend listening to these guys any chance you might get. It was pure magic.

After more wine and beer, Jim, Sonja, and I went to the new Churchill's where I met the new owner. What an absolute sweetheart! Maria Britton, I believe is her name. She gave me her card, but somehow I didn't have it when I got up this morning. Keesha was the exceptional bartender who took great care of us, and we got to talk with our friend Lorenzo. What I learned about Lorenzo a few weeks ago is what a mean bongo drum player he is. I'm sure there's a more accurate term for that, but at the moment that's the best I can do. I'm still feeling the effects of all those lovely glasses of wine I had last night at all those fabulous bars I went to. What I learned last night is that there are no strangers here. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and willing to add to our fun level exponentially.

Back at the Spa, Jim, Sonja, and I sat for a while outside before calling it a night. Apparently bar hopping in the square is not uncommon. I just hadn't done it before. I loved meeting new friends and picking up "old" ones along the way. The music...what can I say? I love the music here in this town. You can't beat The Caddy for the best musicians. And Landon's had a female phenom playing last night. She even sang "New York, New York" or whatever the title is to that song. You know which one I mean. Who knew that I'd hear that song in a small Texas town? One of my favorite old songs, and one of my favorite places in the world.

However, McKinney, Texas is ranking way up there to be the most favorite place to live and love. For me, this town is not only a great place to live, but the loving comes so easily. My cup truly runneth over...

Coffee 'n Cream

Another day in McKinney, Texas. Woo hoo! Love those times on the square. This day started out at Coffee 'n Cream. It had to. We needed some refueling.

Now for the truth. I feel like I'm writing this as if it happened today, when in actuality, I don't remember when it did occur. I've had these pictures downloaded on my computer for a while now, and I decided this morning while doing the laundry and cleaning out the closet, I will also blog.

And why am I cleaning out the closet? Because I moved into my daughter's one-bedroom apartment that was already full and crammed my clothes and art supplies into her already cramped closet. When I came home from a day full of meetings yesterday, I found the remains of the earthquake that hit. Luckily, it erupted only in the closet, but now a shelf needs to be put back up and holes in the wall need to be repatched. Now's the time I'm so grateful for not being a homeowner still. The solution to the earthquake aftermath is just a phone call away.

The next thing I need to do is apologize to Alan Schmoyer, owner of Sign-A-Rama. Oh my gosh, as soon as I looked at this picture this morning, I realized that you can't see his sign above the awning. So, here's the thing. Everyone needs to not only go to Coffee 'n Cream for refueling, but also look at his sign above the door.

Okay, now back to Coffee 'n Cream...

Well, sort of...

That's my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey, sitting in the chair at Coffee 'n Cream. She's texting as usual. I've never seen anyone who can text like she can. I'm a fast typist, but give me a keypad that my fingertips actually fit on!

Do you just love the artwork behind her? The decor changes on a regular basis, so if you haven't been in for a while, you might not have seen the latest works of art.




The artwork I do is with fabric, threads, beads and paints. I blog about it on http://jillluigsart.blogspot.com. I've been doing it since the '80s and did commissioned work almost from the beginning. I've been working with a NYC company for years now doing art for them that they give to women who they're honoring. I've got a piece to do for them now for a Native American woman, Henrietta Mann. I've never done one for an American Indian before, so I'm sooo looking forward to it. I've got my books of American Indian art and am immersing myself in it. What a great joy it is for me. Give me my writing and my art, and you will not find a happier girl anywhere! There are some major events occurring right now that will be combining the two plus having a place in the square to do it, so as soon as things take form, I'll let you know. I am so loving the possibilities right now, that's for sure!

One of the books I've been reading described how the Algonquians made their wigwams where the men bent the saplings to form the structure, and the women did the rest. And the women did the rest. Hm...I have nothing more to say about it, except that it sure would make a great t-shirt.

And here's one amazing woman who also does the rest, the barista of all times!

Coffee 'n Cream is located on Louisiana just west of The Grand Hotel, Rick's Chophouse, and Landon's Winery. You can't miss it.

Dr. Alyssa Summey

If I had her baby pictures on my computer, I'd upload some of her adjusting her dad and her stuffed animals when she was two and three years old. Everybody had to get adjusted before going to bed at night. And yes, I knew that was her way of delaying going to bed herself, but it was just too darn cute to not let her go through her ritual.

This is my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey. When she was in trouble, I called her Alyssa Michelle, and it wasn't in a very endearing way, I might add.

She was extraordinary from birth. The first time I looked at her I saw a very wise old soul, and she's proved to be just that throughout the years. She has been one of my greatest teachers, and I am so grateful we chose to play together in this lifetime.

These pictures were taken at her new office at 120 W. Virginia behind the photographer's studio just west one block from the square. There's a side entrance from the alley, but I think most people come through the studio.

Alyssa was born and raised in Colorado. I was raised in Texas. Never in a million years did I think she'd end up coming back to the state I fled from after high school. And seriously, I never thought I'd be living here again either, especially after living in Colorado, but McKinney is a land of enchantment. The people here are warm and friendly. It's a place to come to when you want to renew and rejuvenate, to grow with like-minded people, and to enjoy the company of the friendliest people on earth. People here want to help others become successful. They love to network and grow businesses. I've just never seen anything like it. The Chamber of Commerce is the most amazing one I've ever witnessed. McKinney rocks like no other place on earth! The downtown square is quaint and inviting. Alyssa and I never get around the square quickly. There's just too many people to speak with.


Alyssa's coming up on her first year anniversary of practicing in McKinney. She convinced me to come and visit last October. I ended up moving here in November. I want to thank Alyssa from the bottom of my heart for sharing her life with me and to those in McKinney for opening your town to me. It is so precious, and I don't take the privilege of living here lightly. I treasure my time here, and am so excited to see what every day has in store.

Also, don't forget to vote for Dr. Alyssa Summey as your favorite chiropractor at http://www.mckinneyliving.com/.

Lavender House on the Square

Welcome to Lavender House on Virginia just east of the main square downtown. Look at the opulence in this decor. No matter what your circumstances, once you enter the doors here you feel like a million bucks. Pull up a seat on the couch or relax in the chair in the lounge for a free cosmos during happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights.

How gorgeous is this place! And how gorgeous is the owner -- Marsha Yarbrough. She's posing with my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey, McKinney's very own spectacular chiropractor now on the square at 120 W. Virginia.

Marsha has a spectacular staff to help her with the ambiance and incredible food.

Whoever doesn't make it to Lavender House is doing a huge disservice to their own palate!

Jennifer Piercy of Hair Options Salon with her brand new blonde hair!

Maggie Cooper of Jeunesse Medical Spa

and

the amazing bartender who did not want his picture taken, so I'm not leaving his name in case he's hiding from the police, FBI, CIA, or his mother.

One of the singers of the night with Alyssa -- Jud Leonard who sang with his wonderful wife, Elizabeth. I highly recommend them. Elizabeth has a voice of an angel and Jud can play a mean guitar!

And again my daughter, the chiropractor who just moved to the square. She loves it there. She's lived in McKinney now for over a year. She even enticed me here after a 34-year hiatus from Texas. I graduated from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas back in '74. She told me that McKinney was a must-live place. I didn't believe her because I'd been to McKinney many times during my youth and I saw no reason to stop there, let alone live there. She proved me wrong though. This is an exceptional place with the most wonderful people in the world. So, to my daughter, the best chiropractor in the world (vote for her at http://www.mckinneyliving.com/ through July31st), thank you for convincing me to come visit last fall. I am so grateful to be able to call this home, and to have these wonderful people as my friends!

And yes, I did get to share her cake!

And drink the amazing margarita that the incognito bartender made. Wow, can he pack a punch with his drinks!

Lavender House

207 E. Virginia

McKinney, TX 75069