A Hill Country Weekend

A vacation Day and we're off to the Hill Country. 
Our first stops are drop of the little guy at the kennel and kolaches for breakfast. Priorities. And we're on our way to Blanco. My sweet husband while looking to see what events were happening in the Hill Country saw that there was a quilt show in Blanco and asked if I'd like to go. Duh! Is the Pope Catholic?

Our first stop when we got to Blanco was for food.
We stopped at the Redbud Cafe on the square. They had a large selection of lunch items to choose from and I chose the tilapia wrap with mango salsa and cilantro cole slaw. It was a lot of food. I managed to each one half and just the fish out of the other half. Very tasty. David had a hamburger that was really juicy and he said his food was tasty also.

After lunch we split up. David found the quilt show but had no intentions of accompanying me. He walked the square and down to the river while waiting on me. I walked a block and half and paid my $5 to go to the Blanco Quilt Show. I will say this right off... This was the smallest show I have attended and it was very spread out. Upon entering there are about 5 non-profit vendors selling various items from fabric, crafts, jewelry and lotions. As I walked across the courtyard to go see the other vendors that were located on the 2nd floor on the building I saw this quilt....... A smart car cover.
Very cute but oh my goodness.
I went upstairs to find the vendors. I found 6 vendors. Selling a pretty cool cutting table, cutting mat, rulers by Martelli, a gentleman selling wood quilt hangers, another vendor was selling crafts/hand made items. The fourth vendor was selling various quilt books, patterns and a 1/4" guide that took some of my money and biggest surprise for me was I actually passed up buying fabric at the 5th vendor. I mean that's unheard of. The fabric was pretty but nothing just jumped out and said buy me. The last vendor was selling clothing and I passed.


My next stop in the Quilt Show was back down stairs and down the street. A new Quilt Store that was just opening. They opened their doors but were still unpacking all the pretty fabric, patterns and quilts. I did leave some money there by buying a pattern. That will go in my collection of a thousand projects I want and need to complete.
Now check out this quilt shop. Holy Cow. It looks like the Library of Congress.
All the pretty wood work and many many shelves that are just waiting for the fabric.

This is the pattern I bought. Big surprise since I love everything

western. Who knows when I'll get around to making it.. but I have so I can when ever that time is. 
And I didn't buy any fabric to add to my stash that's over flowing. Not sure I'd win the "most fabric" game if I were to die tomorrow but I'd be close.
I've been told there are other Fabric-ahol-lics out there worse than me.

My next  stop is to walk across Hwy 281 aka Main to the courthouse where the quilt exhibit was on the 2nd floor. I thought the lightning at my guilds first quilt show was questionable but these folks really had it rough. There were no over head lightning and very little natural lighting coming through. There were light sconces on the walls just ever so often.  
I had to laugh at myself I saw this quilt at a distance and thought someone had made a quilt with appliqued strapless dresses then as I got closer I realized... What a goof I am.... It's Sue bonnet Sue in something other than 1930's type fabric.


They had about 100 quilts maybe to see. All were pretty. One poor lady was having hot flashes she was so excited when she saw she got a first place ribbon and was calling everyone she know or helped with the quilt.


And imagine I found another boot quilt that I liked. I think it was called Andy's Boots.

Finished up the quilt show and found David relaxing in the car waiting on me reading a Land/home for sale magazine.

And it's off to Wimberly we go. David was talking with one of his buddies from high school and mentioned we were going to the Hill Country and next thing we know Billy and his wife invite us to stay with them at their place they just bought in Wimberly on about 10 acres or was it 12?! How awesome.
Before going to their house we did a little shopping in Wimberly and had mmm a couple of Margarita's at Ino'z Brew and Chew. Those were some good margarita's too. We sat outside on the patio that over looked the creek and park area. Before we knew it, it was time to travel down the road to find Billy and Cheryl's place. 
Now in my mind I pictured this old farm house because David told me that Billy said it was an old place but that's not what I saw. My pictures don't do the home justice because of one my photo skills and two all the trees but the house was really pretty hidden behind those trees.  
Between the house and the garage was a guest house that was really hidden and the garage you see in this picture had an apartment over it. It even had a balcony.

 This little guy greeted us at the front door.
A unique use of an alligator. Right beside him was the skull of a rhinoceros. They were left by the previous owners but I think Billy and Cheryl may leave them alone.

Billy cooked and served up some Green Chili Friday night. Can you say "YUM". It had pork, potatoes, carrots, onion, and just the right amount of all the spices. Oh my goodness it was good. And are ready for this.... 

The guys cleaned up and did the dishes. Well you know I can't really say too much about this since my husband does his fair share every evening at home when it comes to picking up the table but it was so funny seeing the two of them washing and drying the dishes. They looked like and old married couple.

Some views from the balcony Saturday Morning

The boys went for a walk down to the creek. I figure I could make it down the ravine to the creek but getting back up might be an issue. Isn't the view gorgeous though?It was getting late and we wanted to go to Fredericksburg to check out the Mesquite Festival being held at the Veterans memorial park.

And check it out we did because we sure couldn't afford anything. There was this entry hall table made out of mesquite that was really pretty but OUCH the price almost gave us a heart attack. Over 2000. 
Check out this solid mesquite wood rocking horse. Isn't it pretty. I'm sure it was over 8,000 but we never could find the price on it.



Breakfast was wearing off and we were all getting hungry. 
The first place we stopped at was packed and it was hot. I think their air was broke.
David and I mentioned a place we ate at one time called the Buffalo Nickle and that's where we ate. Another yummy and filling meal. 

Billy, Cheryl and David posed for me.

We walked through several of the shops looking for the deal we couldn't pass up. We managed to keep our money but found some really cool things and ideas.



David found me a camera for my collection. It was made of wood. This picture makes me think of Mr. Wilson off of the TV show Tool Time with Tim Allen. Did you ever watch that show? I would have loved to have that camera but I don't have a place to put it right now.
At one point David, Cheryl and I found a cool spot to relax while Billy did some looking and measuring some pictures he would like to get for the walls in their new place.

Got a picture of the hill country sunset Saturday evening before the rain came in.

Sunday morning I decided to wander around a bit and snap a few pictures. 

Snapped a couple of the back of the house. It was a pretty home. We had a great time and appreciated their hospitality very much.

Before we knew it it was time to come back to Tomball and work. Bummer. 

Cheryl, Our great hostess. Can't thank her and Billy enough for their hospitality.

As we were driving down the road toward Dripping Springs I had asked David to stop by this old truck so I could take a picture. We almost passed it up but David slammed on the brakes and slid to a stop. He's good at those kind of stops. It's now the header for my facebook page. Coming down the Hwy 12 and 290 we saw a few roads with water running across them. Thank goodness the roads we had to travel weren't flooded from all the rain that hit at around 3 that morning.

Traffic was horrible and we had to pick up Dexter before 6 but we weren't going to make it. It was 5:56 and it was another 10 minutes to the kennel. I called and they said they'd wait.

We rolled in at 6:05. I think the little guy was glad we did

Thanks Fur-less parents for picking me.
I didn't get much rest at the Kennel

So ends a great weekend.  

So until next blog... Good friends are like old quilts. They age with you but never lose their warmth.

Carla  

Quilting, Music and Drinking

Okay so I'm gonna squeeze a whole week in this one post like usual so so, so what. ;o/ 
I've tried 3 times to get something posted but it didn't happen until now..

Quilting, Music and Drinking.... Don't these three things go together? No? Ahh come on sure they do.

While quilting don't you listen to music? And when you're Quilting with a bunch of friends don't you sometimes find something to drink? Uh huh I thought so. Who said quilters are boring have never been around the quilters I know. So Janet if you're reading wouldn't you agree the 3 go together? LOL even though I know I do most of mine separately there are times when I've done all three. 

In November right after Quilt Festival I have organized a small group of gals to go on a quilt retreat in LaGrange at the Chicken Ranch I mean Retreats by Margie.

I have kept Margie entertained with my crazy clueless questions like "do you allow acohol?" For those of you who don't live in Texas the Chicken Ranch was a whore house in LaGrange that operated for yearssss. They were shut down by a local newscaster named Marvin Zindler. The movie The Best Little Whore House In Texas tells the story of the chicken ranch. 

For my quilty friends you might want to check out this link http://koolbeenz-blog.blogspot.com/. She's a quilter, just moved to Houston and every month she has a Fat Quarter Swap. I’ve taken part a couple of times and waiting for my email this month to see who my swap partner is. So if you’re interested in a Fat Quarter Swap give it a try plus check out her blog. For those of you going on the quilt retreat you’ll get to hopefully meet April in person because she may join us. Hope so anyway.

Oh and for you non-quilters we are not exchanging body parts. A Fat Quarter (FQ) is a piece of fabric measuring 18” x 22”. Lesson over.   ;o)

Last Friday I took a day of vacation so David and I could head out to Warrenton and Round Rock for the big Antiquing Show going on. I had been warned of the big crowds and lots of traffic but since we went up on Friday it wasn't too bad. There was a few jams in town but otherwise traffic seemed to move along and the crowds well there was a lot of people milling around the thousands of vendors. I wasn't feeling my best so I didn't take pictures. Again you know something is up if I'm not taking a picture when the opportunity arises but I'll share the couple I have. 
See the traffic isn't so bad in Warrenton. Not sure what Round Top looked like Friday the 27th.



For those of you not from Texas this event takes place along Texas Hwy 237 for 20 plus miles. For approximately 15-16 days in September and March this road is packed with vendors, shoppers and cars but other the rest of the year is quiet and all you'll find is cow pastures. It all began when three society ladies—Hazel Ledbetter, Faith Bybee, and Ima Hogg decided that Texas's early furniture was being over looked and contacted Emma Turney a antique dealer. In 1968 with only 22 dealers the Round Top Show Began. Ms Turney continued to organize the event year after year. Ms. Turney was 84 years old when she took on this task. 


It used to be strictly antiques but now you can find almost anything including the kitchen sink. 

I found these tie backs and bought 3 then we went back this past Friday to buy 2 more to hang a valance I'm
making for our den. Cross your fingers I know what I'm doing. When I actually get it made and hung I'll show you.  

Most of the vendors take credit cards and check but cash gets you the best deal if there's one to be had. It's okay to ask "Is that your best price?" If you don't ask you'll never know.

David bought several beer glasses and beer goblets for a collection he has started to put in the game room.

When we went back this Saturday he bought a few more.





Last Saturday the 28th the husband and I took off and visited the kid and granddog.

She's always coming to us so we went to visit her this time. We ran some errands with her and then we hit Mesina Hof Winery. Oh Yeah. 








Came home with some wine and another cork holder. I had been looking for a cowboy boot but hadn't been able to find one until now. Yippee. Fits our decor perfectly

Surprise Host for Wednesday nite at Puffabelly's...
while Davin James was out of town.....
.....One of my Favs..... 
Jesse Dayton and bass player Chris Rhodes

There was a small attendance but it was a great show. Jesse played a song from his Road King days, a George Jones song that was as country as he wanted to get. LOL 

Whatever he plays he does it well. 

Got David to take a new picture of me and Jesse. Well actually a couple. 

Thank you David for another fun night, good food, great music and taking my pictures with Jesse.
And Thanks to Jesse for stopping by and talking with us and taking time to let me take these pictures.
As mentioned earlier I decided I needed more than 3 tie backs for the valence in the den so we went back this past Saturday to get 2 more. We arrived around 8:30 am and things were already hopping. Traffic was definitely a little heavier than when we went up last Friday but still not too bad. We found a place to park and decided to hit an area we missed last Friday. MMmm not sure that was a good idea. LOL! David found more beer glasses, and metal signs for the patio/garage.  Didn't take pictures of all the signs but I'm sure they'll show up in other pictures later. He got several of the hung up already around the patio.

He bought me a new bird house to add to my collection that are placed around the house. To think it all started with the purchase of this house. 

And he found a Brownie Box Camera for my camera collection in my curio cabinet.

So after 3 hours of heat, excessive sweating and purchases of several beer glasses, metal signs, a bird house and old camera we headed home. 
As we pulled out onto Hwy 237 this is what we saw.

 










This line of traffic coming into Warrenton at a snails pace was almost 2 1/2 miles long. Okay so now there's traffic. Can't image what it's like in Roundtop. Glad we got up to get there early and missed this.

The rest of the weekend was quiet and restful.

So ends a Week long of activities. Wait until you hear about next weekend.
So until next Blog...Never let yesterday use up too much of today.-- Will Rogers

Carla