GONE TOO SOON

We almost had it -- enough fall color to impress our northern relatives who arrive next week, and who are forever going on about their dang maples when they come to visit!

But then, this dang arctic blast came barreling through our little town like a runaway locomotive, and took most of our newly-turned leaves with it!

It just isn't fair...

TIME FOR A BIT OF MAGIC

Now that our Little Goobs has finally entered the magical world of make-believe, I decided it was time to add some inspiration out in the garden. We already have a few whimsical things scattered here and there...

but I think it's time to ratchet it up a notch. So, in the last few weeks I've been on the prowl! This is what I've found so far.

A Couple of Good Books About Magical Garden Sprites

A Giant Floor Puzzle Featuring Many Local Garden Critters (no bears here, just wild hogs)

His Very Own Mailbox To Mount Outside, In Which He Can Leave Notes and Surprises For the Fairies and Gnomes

And, while I was gathering all of these, Papa John has been gathering a few trinkets which the fairies and gnomes might leave for Calvin in return, as a thank you for his gifts!

It would be hard to say who's having more fun.

 

WELL, THIS IS A SWITCH!

I have planted many, many gardens at many, many houses, always starting with the smallest plants available to save money. However, I have rarely, if ever, been around to see them fill out and come into their own.  So, imagine my surprise when I realized that these gardens here didn't just fill out and reach maturity, but actually went well beyond that point. In fact, they've gone kinda crazy, and someone really oughta get out there and try to rein them in!

Our big oak trees have already been trimmed back multiple times -- to keep their limbs from scraping on our metal roof -- and ere long, they'll need it again.

We thought these two Will Flemming yaupons, which we framed the house with, were never going to make it to the top of the porch rail but, before you know it, they will have reached the top of the house!

American Beautyberry

This Crossvine, above, started out as a tiny little sprig at the base of a beautiful metal trellis in the shape of a dressmaker's model. Not only has it completely obliterated the trellis, it's taking over the porch railing as well. Plus, I didn't even plant some of these wild mystery vines, below. They just showed up on their own and started filling in all the empty spaces.

As for getting out there and trying to rein it all in, well, I'll think about it -- when the daily temps drop about 20 degrees, and the mosquitoes have all gone to meet their maker!

JUST DO IT

I don't know about you, but the older I get, the less spontaneous I seem to be. So, when we got a call out of the blue Friday afternoon, from some long lost Mobil Oil friends, telling us they now lived on a little ranch less than two hours from here, and that they thought we should just hop in the car right then and there to head over for a visit, well, to tell you the truth, I thought they were just yanking our chains. I mean, who would do that, right? When I finally realized they were dead serious, we came to a compromise. We would head their way, but not until the following morning. Still, being someone who needs at least two weeks notice in order to get my house presentable enough for guests, I just couldn't imagine how they could be so comfortable with this impromptu visit.

Ben met us at the gate in his little golf cart to lead the way, but drove us right past their house and on to the little building they call The Lodge.

It was originally meant to be his office/man cave, but when he invited wife Debbie to help him design it, well, it turned into something altogether different.

Like us, they've lived all over the world, and made lots of friends in each place. Unlike the introverted Lanes, however, they love nothing more than having a house full of friends and family, and have turned it into such a fine art that they've ended up hosting a constant stream of visitors at this not-for-profit B&B -- one of the best we've ever stayed at!

One thing we always had in common with Ben and Debbie was a love of good food and great restaurants. I wondered how they were adjusting to life out in the country, after spending the last several years living in the heart of Houston -- a mecca for international cuisine.  Apparently, there is more available in that area than we realized. They took us to a great little place in nearby Columbus for lunch, Los Cabos Mexican Grill, where I had the best tacos al carbon that I've had since we used to go to the original Lupe's Tortillas in Houston. Afterwards, we drove around Weimar and saw their downtown area, first rate schools, and even more amazing baseball field (the smallest community to ever host a Babe Ruth World Series) then headed back to the ranch for the deluxe tour via Ben's zippy little cart.

Checking Out The Outdoor Cantina

The veggie garden and orchard are pretty awesome...

but I think my favorite spot on their place has to be this one, the back porch on the main house.

I could stay here all day!

After lots more visiting and catching up, we headed over to dinner in Schulenburg. My mind is totally boggled over the fact that a restaurant such as The Garden Co. exists amidst a great little garden center, in such a small town. Even more so by the fact that, when we drove up to it, Hubby blurted "Hey, I've been here!" Apparently his little photography group stumbled upon it when they were touring all the painted churches in the area.

Ahi Tuna Tempura

Steak with Chimichurri

The Three Amigos, Making John Think Having An Outdoor Cat Wouldn't Be So Bad

About 24 hours later, after the fabulous breakfast they'd prepared for us there in the lodge, we were back at home, wondering if it was all a dream, or if we had really had that much fun with someone we hadn't seen or talked to in years, and who, by the way, is on the opposite side of the political fence from us.

But, the thing is, everything we'd loved and enjoyed about them back when we were all young parents is still there, and we actually have a lot more in common than you would think if all you ever saw was what we posted online. So, isn't it time we stopped letting ourselves be polarized and radicalized by the media, and remember -- or relearn -- how to meet in the middle for some civil discussion?

My only real regret is that we got so busy yakking, we totally forgot to bring home all the fresh home-grown tomatoes they'd encouraged us to take. DAGNABBIT!

ALTHOUGH SOME UP NORTH MIGHT DISAGREE...

I wish to announce that spring has officially sprung, here in central Texas.

Mexican Buckeye Blooms, About To Unfurl

Agarita Shrubs So Thick With Blooms, The Honey Fragrance is Swoon-Inducing

Loropetalum/Fringe Flower

The First Asparagus Sprigs

The Grape Kool-Aid Shrub (Texas Mountain Laurel) With More Blooms Than Ever Before

Looking Like A Bumper Year For Peaches

But, to all of you who have just had yet another foot of snow dumped upon you, trust me. You will have your revenge come August, when all of these plants will have already bit the dust from too much sun and not enough water. Gotta make the most of it while we can!

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE...

Something right outta my childhood, only now it's being used as yard art!

Anybody know what carnival ride they are from? I'm guessing something along the lines of Tilt-a-Whirl, guaranteed to make me barf.
 

LET IT SNOW

For those of you who are already sick of snow, I hope you will forgive my giddiness. But, waking up to scenes like these? Well, that's a once-in-a-lifetime here in central Texas!

 
Hard to believe that, just a couple of days ago, it was 80 F. out, and I was wearing sandals!