The Sounding of Two Canons

The Preview Party for Christmas at the Mansion 2009 at the Museum of the Southwest was this last Saturday night, November 21.  Preview Party is the only night during the entire year during which ticketholders can enter through the formal entrance in the front of the old Turner Mansion.  We think the Museum is never more beautiful than when it is decorated for Christmas!

Christmas at the Mansion is an annual fundraiser for the Museum of the Southwest.  Completely run by volunteers, the event involves trees, rooms, and mantles which are decorated by volunteers from local non-profits, associations, and other local businesses.  Preview Party was last Saturday night, and the Public Open House was Monday night, with Santa in attendance and Christmas goodies served.  Hundreds of children and adults visit the Museum every year during the holidays to see the Christmas decorations.  CATM is a can’t-miss holiday activity for the kids!  Now through December 30^th.  Click below to see some of our favorites, we couldn’t include them all! 

P.S. Just for fun…. see our pics from 2008 here:

http://livemidlandtexas.com/the_sounding_of_two_canons/2008/11/24/walking-in-a-winter-wonderland/

Three girlfriends and I (Cory) went to the new Cigar Frogs Downtown on Thursday night, November 19th, for a Wine Tasting, and we had so much fun.  We got to taste four wines for $15, served with cheese and other snacks.  We sat on the back porch, and we had our very own fire pit at our table!  We really enjoyed the place, and we wish it lots of success. 

Whew!  We’re behind on our posts!!!  Pics from last week’s Party on the Plaza, November 13th.  Booths included Gerardo’s, Taste of Chicago, and others, and a lot of people enjoyed the Plaza for lunch!  Hope they have more of these events, it was fun to get a picnic outside at lunchtime. 

Join fellow West Texans and show your support for our U.S. military service members.  The annual Show of Support Hunt for Heroes will take place on Thursday, November 19th.  Mark your calendar and plan to attend a parade honoring the 25 combat wounded and injured heroes from different branches of our armed forces.   The parade will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Midland Hilton in Downtown Midland, traveling west on Wall Street to Garfield Street. 

Please visit http://www.midlandtexas.gov/pdf/showofsupport09.pdf or www.showofsupport.org for more information about the Show of Support.

Centennial Plaza Grand Re-opening Celebration Friday, November 13th @ Noon (Lunch)

The community is invited to help celebrate the grand re-opening of Centennial Plaza during a lunch celebration Friday.

Midland Chamber of Commerce official Pam Welch said hot dogs, Mexican food and soft drinks will be sold and musical act Loudfinger will perform during the lunch hour (noon to 1 p.m.) to begin getting Midlanders accustomed to using the plaza.  Hope to see you at lunch in the park!

Don’t forget - PLEASE BRING YOUR CANNED GOODS FOR THE FOOD BANK!  Collections of canned food also are being taken at the plaza in hopes of filling the area’s needs during Thanksgiving. Food will be donated to the West Texas Food Bank.

Today is perfect time to visit ‘new’ Centennial Plaza

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/13/news/opinion/editorial_friday_11-13-09_txt.txt 

Downtown area gets boost with renovated plaza

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/10/news/top_stories/doc4afa22c09bcb8184131087.txt

UPDATE: Video of Gary Vandergriff on redesign of Centennial Plaza at the Rededication

(Architect, Centennial Plaza Renovation)

http://www.mywtxchatter.com/video/gary-vandergriff-on-redesign

Last week, I (Cory) was fortunate to meet a certain new female obstetrician to town, who also happens to be a very awesome Midland native who recently returned with her husband to make Midland their home.  I was happily surprised when she told me that last year, when she was thinking of returning home to practice in Midland, she began reading our blog.  She said she was glad to read what was going on in Midland in the months before she moved back!  Chris has known her for years, and I was so happy to meet her.  We are both just thrilled that she is here. 

SEE – we knew there had to be at least ONE PERSON besides Chris’ Nana who reads our blog!!!!   Great news!  Welcome home Dr. McBrayer, and thanks for reading.  (You too, Nana).

Very few times have we deviated from Downtown news and events, but every once in a while certain new places or events in Midland, whether Downtown or not, just have to be discussed!  Like…..  the new Gigi’s Cupcakes.  We haven’t gone yet, but that’s only because we haven’t had the chance.  Can’t wait though!  UPDATE: We went.  Wow.  Evidently they sell out at the end of most nights, so get there early for best selection.  The cupcakes are awesome.

Midland first Texas site for GiGi’s Cupcakes

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/01/business/oil/top_stories/gigis_cupcakes_-_11_1.txt

Need a way to burn off those cupcake calories?  There are 3 upcoming 5Ks in Midland in the next few weeks, all supporting good causes:

November 14th, Saturday: “Face the Race” 5K

Presented by Junior League of Midland @ Midland College

More information at: http://www.jlweb.org/midland/npo.jsp?pg=action5

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/08/news/top_stories/face_the_race_weekend.txt

November 21^st, Saturday: Race for Wishes 5K benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation

5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk @ Scharbauer Sports Complex

Register at: http://westtexasraceforwishes.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=322042

December 5^th, Saturday: Jingle Bell Run for Junior Achievement 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Fun Run

Downtown Midland @ Illinois and Loraine

http://pbrunningclub.tripod.com/jbr2009form.pdf

We are hoping to have some news on the Drafthouse soon….  once we receive confirmation or concrete details, we will post here first.  Also, the dedication of the new Centennial Plaza and the first anniversary event for Live Midland is happening soon…. but we have not received any details on that yet either!  We’ll keep you posted! 

C&C