Home Home on the farm where the cows and the donkey roam

See what happens when I move to the country you get pictures of the farm and the critters.
After spending the weekend with David the girls needed a good grooming. No grass and lots of sandy dirt makes for some dirty pups. And to top it off while David was tossing grass seed out in areas that got washed away with wind and rain Brianna would jump up trying to catch each handful. She probably has grass growing in her tummy by now.
As left and was heading down the driveway I caught one of the cows stretched through the fence. I guess she decided the grass really is greener on the other side.  Crazy thing! I'm surprised she didn't get caught. But twisted and turned her head back thru the fence without incident.  

Sophie

So our groomer takes photos of the dogs after they're groomed and there's always a theme. This grooming session was Easter. The girls were tired but I'm not sure they gave a flip about the photo shoot. LOL

Lilley

 and last but not least. Brianna who looked I'm not sure,

I think she was too tired to care. I had to laugh at all there different expressions. But Brianna looked like she had just had enough.

After we pick up the girls  and go back to Pam's house we find the Easter Bunny has come a week early.  What the heck!? Pamela and a couple other neighbors had plastic Easter eggs thrown in their yard. They even had candy in them. When she went to open the front door she found a realtor's card mentioning the eggs and Happy Easter or something to that effect.  Too funny. 

You have to understand that playing all weekend outside and getting groomed is hard work and very tiring. Lilley could hardly stay awake in the car on the drive home and when I picked her up and put her in bed she took two steps to the end of the bed and was out.  She never moved. Well not until 6am the next morning. Pamela said her two were not better. They were pooped. LOL

Wednesday (4/17) we received more rain and it got pretty noisy by about 1:05 am and the lightning show was bright and continuous. Doesn't make for a happy puppy and we both get no sleep. I was also crossing my fingers that I would be able to get out so I could go to a doctors appointment. On either side of the house the road to left tends to have water come over it and stands for a while and on the right the water flows over the road from a little pond next to it.  

The rain stopped around 5ish and I was able to get out mid morning Thursday (4/18) but the water was flowing across the road swiftly. I should have taken a picture but I just wanted to get through it. 

Then at the neighbors gate the horses were standing so nicely just asking for their picture to be taken. And then the silly thing tried to eat the concrete post.  I guess it wanted to sharpen it's teeth.

I had to stop taking pictures and get to my appointment but I saw plenty of standing and high water.
So we've had our share of problems with barn swallows building on our porch in Tomball on David's outdoor speakers but we have a new little friend here at the Rock'n K. It's not a swallow or at least I don't think so. The structure is different. What do you think this little brat is? I'm thinking it might be an Eastern Phoebe but who knows? You?

I'm not happy with them. They are making a mess on my patio with the nest building and pooping! I removed the nesting and in 30 minutes it's rebuilt. One of us is gonna give up.....

On a happier bird note. Our Eastern Bluebird has babies. Every time momma flies into the house you can hear all the baby chirping. That means more bluebirds to watch. Can't wait.  This is Momma bird hanging out in the doorway.   She was pretty active this day flying in and out.  In the next picture you can see the blue in her feathers. Like the peacock the females don't have the vivid blues like the males.

Not fair. Momma should have more color too. LOL

Here's Daddy Bluebird hanging out. They seem to take turns when coming to the house. Only a couple of times have I seen them there at the same time. 

  Just stopping in to say 'Hi Babies, Momma will be back shortly with food'




Wow more rain. At least there was no hail this time. Wednesday (4/24) But there was tornado warnings all around and in my county. Thank goodness I saw none. They were too close to Pamela's house but didn't get close enough to her to cause damage. The storm that went through on Saturday 4/14 was as nice since we had hail 2 times that day. And the tornado path went through the town of Franklin and the governor declared it a natural disaster. This time they were on warning again but was spared another strike.
Our poor new calf was born in a hail storm on the 9th and about the time it gets dried off and warm here comes another storm.

With a break in the storm I slipped out on the front porch to see where the cows were. It's still raining in this picture but not as heavy.
Silly cows you're standing in the lowest spot in the front pasture and in water.
The calf is in the group somewhere.

And when I looked out back at the pond I could see the water on the left which is low spot that looked like a pond had water flowing to the pond.  Don't worry we were in no danger of flooding. That is at the bottom of the hill and like I've said if we flood then the whole world is in a world of hurt.  We sit on a hill up high. The road coming in might flood but our house won't.

Today Thursday (4/26) it's a beautiful day and I saw all kinds of wild flowers in the pasture. Really pretty and colorful.

And of course there were Indian Paint brushes. We never saw any bluebonnets on our property.

I would say I had visitors but I know the real reason they came is because of Jerry. He's the main attraction.  Oh I have to share this.

Ashley: We're going to Carla's farm. She has a donkey and cows.  

Aria: "STEAK"

Too funny. Kids.

Jerry was his usual charming self. When he saw my former co-worker and friend Ashley with her daughter Aria and I walking toward the fence he came a trottin.  He was checking out Aria. And he wanted his nose and jaw line rubbed and the carrots in the bag I had.  LOL
Aria wasn't real sure of him but she did feed him a carrot or two. Even Ashley kept her distance for a while, then she finally patted Jerry which he rolled his head to the side so she could reach his jaw line. 
Our next adventure was walking out in to the back pasture to hunt for Blackberries. I knew I had seen some vines a couple of weeks ago but hadn't seen them flower like I did last year so went to check them out. 

We found for sure over 24 ripe blackberries and Aria ate every single one of them. LOL  Ashley and I found a couple for ourselves before Aria ate them. LOL This child loves fruit. There was lots of red and green berries so by next week end I should find more ripe ones. Cross your fingers.

It was great day.  Thanks Ashley and Aria for visiting the Rock'n K. Told Aria the next time maybe she can go fishing.  

That's all folks.

Until next blog...We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.  ~Ray Bradbury

We saved some wine, It was trapped in a bottle(s)

Okay so it's Saturday (4/13) and today we won't just be saving wine. On Saturday's when Fredericksburg is full of tours and people we stay on the Kerrville side of I-10 to miss most of the crowds well usually.
We woke up and moved slowly waiting for the rain to clear out and then headed to one of my favorite places in Kerrville.... Creations the quilt shop.  Pamela allows me this interruption of wine fun because she tends to benefit sometimes. Like her whole guest room. LOL
There is sew much eye candy and soft furry fabrics to touch and fun stuff/quilts to make. There's just not enough time for all the quilts I see to make.
This is a pattern I wouldn't mind trying one day. Right now I need to get busy on the ones I have started and the ones I need to start and finish.
But instead I was satisfied with buying a couple of bluebonnet fabrics to incorporate into a quilt my one of my quest rooms that I call the Texas Room. I hope to start that quilt in maybe June the latest.
I also found a quilt panel with a red truck. Pamela actually found it and said I should get it for the Texas Room. It didn't take much coasting.  I have some ideas on how I'll finish it off but I'll have audition the ideas with Pamela's help.
After our shopping trip we went to lunch at Cafe on the Ridge. A place David and I found by accident when looking for land a couple of years back.  Great food and after you eat you can go wander the grounds and plant nursery but like last year the weather had turned off cloudy and chilly but this time we were prepared and brought our jackets.  But didn't care to wander around in the cold, the wind, or the sprinkles.

So we drove back down the road to Kerrville and made out next stop at The James Avery Family own Shop/Head Quarters.  It's dangerous in there. Too many pretty charms, rings, etc. Pamela has her eye on this little ring.

I have the smaller version of it that I wear on my pinkie sometimes.
Everyone in the shop is very friendly and helpful. Of course they're helpful they want you to buy something.

I walked out with nothing. Whew! It was tough. Maybe next year.



After spending some time here we headed to our next location. We could hear the wine calling from Comfort, TX about a 30 minute drive away.
We stopped at Bending Branch another winery with great views and the wine ain't bad either. This is David's favorite winery. We did have a glass on the patio and listened to music. They had blankets ready for anyone who wanted one. That wind was a little nippy sitting outside. I accepted the blanket quickly when offered. Wine wasn't warming me up enough. LOL Pamela discarded her jacket, I didn't
for the picture on there deck patio. As you can tell by out hair the wind was blowing.
 After we left Bending Branch we headed for Singing Waters. Only when we getting close we saw bunches of cars. More cars than we'd ever seen there. They were having an event so we decided to pass this year but that's okay because we decided to drive to a new winery that finally opened up it's tasting room.

 The sommelier from Bending Branch that we really liked went to 1851 Vineyards to help plant vines and start it up so we were hoping to catch up with her this year... Well darn she had moved on to another vineyard. Oh well we took time to taste the wine and I actually found some I liked. I didn't think I would because they tend to be on the more dry side that my taste buds just haven't acquired yet.

Hopefully I can get David by there when we go in June.

Speaking of David. He's at home with no electricity and 3 dogs and nasty weather. This tornado was just miles down the road. Someone by last name of Hodges took this picture in Mumford, Texas and not much further away another tornado devastated the small town of Franklin. That's where our builders dad lived. Come to find out the whole family was there working when the tornado came through.
They were very lucky and didn't suffer any injuries and the house was spared. Unlike some areas. That's a lot going on while we were gone.  David lost power he said early morning Saturday and didn't come back until Sunday at 2am.

All very scary and sad.




After getting all the news updates from David and Pamela started getting news from friends who live in the area of Franklin we headed to The Hill Country Distillery in Comfort. It was pretty crowded but we found a parking place. They had food trucks and music outside but it was too chilly for my blood so we went inside and was greeted by James the owner who was doing tastings for the newbies.  We already knew what we wanted. My first drink of choice was a bloody shiner aka bloody Mary but made with Jalapeno moonshine and Pamela got a Signature Mule with a kick. The girls behind bar were celebrating their birthday's. They were sisters. They even shared a birthday shot with us. They remembered us from last year and before. Had a really good time there. We decided to have another drink where I got the Bushwhacker which is like a Mudslide but better and Pamela got a Key Lime Pie. It tasted like Key Lime Pie too.  While there this guy came up to the bar and was giving the girls a bad time and teasing with them. We started laughing because he was feeling no pain and cracking some funny comments.

Come to find out he was a doctor in a hospital in Fredericksburg and San Antonio. He kept us entertained each time he came inside to order drinks.  Pamela had me strike a pose like she did last year with my last drink of the evening.

It was getting time to get some food and I sure didn't want to get drunk on these roads. Wait I was driving down I-10 back to Kerrville. NO NO I don't want to drive drunk on any roads. When we got
 back to Kerrville the idea was to go to this Pizza place called the Pint and Plow but all the sitting was outside and that didn't sound like fun so we stopped at this place called Sera Bella Italian Food. It wasn't bad.

Our trip was almost over.
When we get up Sunday we take off down the twisty winding Hwy 16. Motorcycles love this road.
We were head to the Apple store in Medina. But before we get there we found the perfect spot to stop and take some pictures by a section of the Medina River. 

Found this little guy resting and getting drink of pretty water.The water was running swiftly and the sound was soothing.  Someone even had a tire swing hung over the water on the other side of the bridge but the water didn't look deep enough but it could be deceiving.

After our picture taking we headed on down to the Apple Store where we bought apple turnovers to bring home and share with David. They're really tasty. Plenty of cinnamon and apples. Then we drive back down Hwy 16 all the way back to Fredericksburg.

We do stop for one more selfie.  It doesn't do the view any justice because you could see forever. The weather today was great unlike yesterday that was cloudy and chilly.
We didn't take time for breakfast so by the time we got into Fredericksburg it was lunch time and surprise there was front row parking at the Sunrise Cafe. The parking lot is so small but they still have a crowd.  They added a cover over the outside area this year. David and I sat out there last year and the tree didn't provide any protection from the sun so this cover should make a big difference.
We normally stop at the Wildseed Farm for some pictures in the Poppies and bluebonnets we decided to forgo because Pamela needed to stop by Fat Ass Winery to pick up another T Shirt for another nurse friend. She needs to charge them a personal shopper fee. LOL

Our last stop before getting home was at one of her former nurse co-workers. Her husbands job moved them from College Station to Llano and Pamela had a birthday present for her. Bet you can guess on of the items in the bag. Yep it was wine. LOL
From there we had a 48 minute drive to a town about 15 miles from the Rock'n K. I texted David and told him what time we'd be in Rockdale if he wanted to meet at Julio's for supper.
He thought that sounded like a deal.
After dinner we headed to the Rock'n K where Pamela moved her stuff from my car to her's and grabbed her 2 pups Sophie and Brianna and headed another 30 minutes down the road to her house.
I unloaded my stuff and went inside to prep food for David to take with him when he left for work on Monday morning for the week.
Then I sat down on the couch and visited with him for a while.

Another great Mother-Daughter trip is done. Now it's back my life at the Rock'n K a some contract work I've signed up for.

Until next blog....

Oh Look it's Wine o'Clock

Minor correction from my last post... My sister (the proud Grandma) reminded me that my newest great nephew lives in Kansas with his Mom and Dad not in Missouri.  I knew that. I was just testing to see if she was reading. LOL  Is he a cutie? Tate looks a lot like momma but I see daddy in there too.









Last Wednesday I had a visitor! My former co-worker and friend Samara. I had to work for a bit so

she had to entertain herself and I knew where she would head first.  LOL Jerry of course.

Jerry came right up to the fence to get her attention. She was able to pet and talk to him. No treats even.  Once I finished up some things I needed to do I went out to give Jerry some attention too and then we went to lunch at Madden's Casual Gourmet back in Bryan. Pamela and I really like this place.

After lunch she still had some time to kill so I drug her to the grocery store with me. I mean I really know how to entertain my visitors. LOL So glad she came up to see me.  Other than doctor appointments and grocery store visits I don't tend to leave the farm. I'm content doing so.


Upon arrival back home I caught this picture of our new calf and posted it on FB saying "Okay this doesn’t seem like a good place to be. If you know what I mean"
I know/understand she's hungry but standing behind the Momma and reaching between her legs could get a little messy.  I got several interesting comments..like.. "Could name her Cow Patty" or "Could be a crappy situation"  LOL I love it.

Happy ending was she stayed clean.






So the fun began on Thursday (4/11)  but first things first. The girls need a good bye treat and extra hugs.

They were so cute all sitting pretty waiting for that special little Scooby snack. They know how to be good sometimes.
Pamela always takes her selfie before we take off. She's kinda cute too but then I'm prejudice.
 About 45 miles into the trip I have 3 sensor lights pop up on my dashboard. Not good!.  But with a little bit of delay not knowing whether my car was good to go or not. Dang car had 3 sensor lights pop up as we drove down the road. But after a couple of phone calls to David we determined I should be okay to continue mine and Pamela's Girls weekend trip to the Hill Country.
Since I live closer to her  now we decided we'd try a different route and make new stops. One stop was supposed to be Deep Eddy's Vodka only I managed to pass it up and decided it wasn't worth turning around. In prior years we'd make a stop at a quilt shop in Dripping Springs called Val & Kim's but unfortunately they closed last year. Sad. So down the road we drove on to Bell Springs Winery to make our 1st Stop.

They are located down a hilly, winding road. The property is really pretty and makes for nice outdoor sitting if the weather is right. And today was sunny and just right outside. We had our first glass or two of wine for our trip leisurely and just enjoyed the surroundings.
This is an annual trip we take for Mother-Daughter Time. We drink wine, moonshine, enjoy the views and landscape, find good food, give each other a bad time and just have fun.
From here we went to the other side of 290 in Driftwood to check out Driftwood Estates Winery.  Pamela went there with some of her friends and wanted me to try it so we did. We sat outside and the views were just awesome. Miles and miles of greenery. Our photos don't do it justice.  See that stone wall .... you don't want to trip over it. It's got very little slope it more of an almost straight down. But it's purdy.

Pamela got comfy

Instead of going 8 mile back to 290 we headed toward Wimberly and took some back roads and ended up going past Luckenbach up to 290. It was a really pretty drive.

We stopped in Fredericksburg for dinner at Mamasita's. No drinks just food.
Then we headed to Kerrville to our hotel.




We walk up Friday (4/12) for another day of adventure and exploring. We go to Fredericksburg on Friday while most people are still at work and the wineries aren't overly crowded. We take a leisurely drive back to Fredericksburg admiring the wildflowers and the sights and stop for Lunch at the Peach Tree Tea Room on 16 in town.  Thanks to a friend who mentioned the place on her face book page we started going here. Thanks Pam B.
Food is always good and there's plenty to eat. Service is good too.

I got the Quiche, salad and a piece of garlic bread.  I forgot to take a picture before I took a few bites. Oops.

Everything was so darn good I couldn't wait to dive in and eat.




Then we went to Barons Creek Winery. Most of their wines are to dry for me but I found a couple I liked and would drink. I think David would really like this place. We'll see if I can get him there on one of our trips to Fredericksburg.

Then we drove to the Blue Lotus Winery, then Horn Winery-Distillery-Brewery. We tried their whiskey, rum and vodka . I think that's it.  They haven't started mixing drinks yet but they're working on a menu.  Spent quite a bit of time here while Pamela and our server talked. Next we stopped at Fat Ass Winery where we got wine swirl slushy's. Yum.  

Pamela pulled out a list on her phone with wine orders from her nursing friends so she walked out with several bottles of wine and T shirts.    Our last stop of the day was Fiesta Winery where we picked up our wine club box of wine and sat down outside to enjoy a free glass of wine. Privilege of being a member in most clubs.  With all those stops I was ready to call it a day besides the fact it was almost closing time for all the wineries....   We decided to that we'd head to Alamo Springs Cafe for dinner. Going the way we went this time didn't seem like the place was in the middle of no where. The first we went from Comfort and thought Siri navigation was taking us out into the middle of nowhere and dumping us. LOL  This year we got there in the day light and left at dusk. We also got smart and shared a hamburger and onion rings. You get a lot for the money and we knew we couldn't each each a whole order.  This is a whole order and we split it. Oh and Pamela ordered us grilled garlic. We still didn't finish the whole shared meal. But it was damn good.  

After dinner we headed back to the hotel.  I know it's sad but we were back to the hotel each evening by 8:45 or 9. We couldn't handle no more. LOL What can I say.  Between the alcohol, the food, the sun and the driving we were ready to stretch out and watch a little TV and fall asleep.  Besides we had to get up Saturday morning and start all over again.

I'm going to save the rest of our trip adventures for the next post.  

Until next post.... We almost never met a wine we didn't like.