It's all about Music and Friends

July 17... So every year but 2020 Brenham, TX has this thing called Hot Nights Cool Tunes every Saturday in July. They close off the the streets around the square and they have a difference band come in and entertain. Tonights band was the The Rocket Brothers Band out of Austin. They were really good. I think they my new favorite band that we've heard so far at Hot Nights Cool Tunes Concert Series.  You bring your chairs and a small ice chests and listen to the music. They also have a car show, food vendor trucks and a shop that sells beer on the square.  Prior to the show we went to dinner at Las America's with Mark and Kathy. They serve Latin cuisine and it was good and so was the company. 

David said he thought this was the most cars he's ever seen at the show. I didn't walk down the street to see them this time. Our friends Mark and Kathy were with us so Mark went with David while Kathy and I talked away. David and I booked a room at The Ant Street Inn.  A really cool vintage hotel. Now I did have to manage the stairs. I made it slowly. 

There's no elevator. So it's not a place you'd want to go if stairs are a big no no. They do have one room downstairs but it seems to always be booked but it's okay I made it up and down. We were in the Natchez Room. They have complimentary individual containers of Blue Bell  in their fridge and sodas in the common area of the 2nd floor. Our stay also came with complimentary breakfast tickets to the Brenham Grill located in the lobby. So darn yummy too. 

The concert ended just after 10pm and we thought why aren't we driving home. We could have but it's hard to pass up a night at the Ant Street Inn.  LOL

Sunday Morning we got up and had our breakfast and checked out. We decided to go to the Antique Rose in Emporium. This place is so pretty. 

Lots of Roses of course and their landscaping makes it nice to enjoy. Today was no different. The were two little kittens that followed us from the front to the middle of where most of the roses are displayed. The black and white one let me pet him/her. But gray and white one had kept going then realized his sibling stopped and called for him. They found each other and played all the way back to the front scooting through all the plants. 

Check out this big beautiful butterfly. Love the coloring of it.

I thought I'd get a picture in the flowers but my knee wouldn't let me bend low enough and it's for sure if I got down I wouldn't get back up. David was off paying for the roses we got so I didn't try.

July 23.. Friday evening.  I got car sick while driving over to pick up Mark and Kathy. I feel like a kid again. I used to get motion sickness a lot as a kid but it's back. We're double dating with Mark and Kathy in Kenny TX at the Kenney Store. I felt fine once we stopped.  We had dinner there at Kenney Store before the music started. It was good. From Hamburger, to steak nachos, to steak street tacos and the catfish basket.  The night started out listening to Blake Harlow. He was pretty good. The only song he sang that I wasn't impressed with was Purple Rain. It just didn't work for him but all the other songs he sang were great. He was the opening act and then came Max and Heather Stallings. We love listening to them. They were actually in Bryan just the night before but we decided to go try out the new outdoor venue at the Kenney Store. It was great. It was shady and the weather cooperated and it was breezy and comfortable. 

As always Max and Heather rocked. During one song Heather started jumping around on the stage and Max started laughing. A grasshopper had jumped up on her leg. I knew how she felt but it was funny to those watching. Poor Heather.

It was a late night for us. We dropped Mark and Kathy off at their house and we got home at 1am.  I think the car sickness took it out of me we were both sluggish the next day. I actually slept a lot of the day away. 

July 24, Saturday we were supposed to hang out with the other Kennedy's but they had to cancel and it's a good thing because we would have had to cancel on them. David and I just couldn't do it. But we have a double date scheduled for Friday the 30th with them so it's all good. In fact we may find time to go eat lunch at the local hang out 4C Brew Barn this week. Ya never know.

Until next blog...“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.”

 

The herd keeps growing & Another quilt and yummy food.

July 12 Monday was a quiet day. I meant to work on a quilt most of day and then can some more salsa but I kept getting side tracked. Senior ADHD maybe.

I did manage to change a couple doctor appointments and figure out how the water company determined my water bill cost and prepared the binding for the quilt I'm working on. I still need to make a label for the quilt.  I even made some temporary labels for my canned jars of jelly, salsa and spaghetti sauce. My friend Kelli gave me a website to go to to create some labels that will fit just right and maybe even be cute.  

After dinner we had adult beverages on the front porch. The day is done.....

July 13 I was getting ready to leave for my PT appointment when David hollers at me to grab my camera and come out front. Our #8 Cow had her first calf which makes 5 so far for 2021. She made it easy to take pictures. She had the calf right up next to the front fence. I love the little calves. They're so cute when they first get up and then once they get their land legs they're playing with the other calves, running and butting heads.  Momma didn't want me to get any closer to her baby which I couldn't since I was on the other side of the fence.

Right after this one of the little calves born last month tried to get a peek and it's new playmate but Momma ran to her baby and kept looking back at the intruder on her bonding moment's.

I was taking a picture of David's new garden sign and caught the red dragon fly too.  It's called a Red-veined darter or Nomad. Google said they were rare to see. Pretty cool looking. I had never seen one. And if you do the Red is a power color 

When I looked it up it said the Japanese thought it to be sacred offering courage and strength.  I also red they are a predator of mosquitos. We have lots of dragonflies around so they better get busy and eat. With all the rain the mosquitos have been out. 

July 14 Kevin J. came in from Austin to pick up David and they drove to Houston (Taco) Bell Gang Luncheon. All the guys had worked at Taco Bell at one time or the other together in high school and the stories they could tell. Nothing bad about the food, honest.  It was about being robbed and the fun they had together. I think it's so cool that these guys still get together at least once a month. They are a great group of guys.

So while David was in Houston I called Kelli Kennedy, our friend up here with the same last name and we went to lunch.  We went to the local hang out for us called 4C Brew Barn. They're a Harvest Host. They serve lunches and and they make their own craft beer and seltzers. And you'll find eggs, fresh meat, dairy, baked goods and other items. Vernon and Melissa are the owners are great people. 

I was surprised when I drove up and saw all the cars. It was like the town of Gause came for lunch that day.. 

I got their Wagyu burger with the cowboy caviar. So tasty good. Yum. The burger was juicy and crisp around the edges like my Grandmother used to make. I had a strawberry Lemon Seltzer.

July 15 I ran into Houston for a book club meeting. I figured I'd just drive home but my friend Barbara said No and that I needed to stay with her. So I did. Lauren chose the book Kabul Beauty School to read back in May and she chose the eating place. It was Debbie Rodriguez's story of going to Afghanistan to start a beauty to help the women to become more independent and help support they're families. She wasn't the first to do this but she told her story not theirs. It's a great book. So since it was based in Afghanistan she chose a restaurant that served Afghani food.  I can't lie I wasn't sure about the choice but it was great.  The foods we tried and service was great. I got what was called Mantoo, a dumpling filled with beef. 6 of us showed us to discuss the book and had fun.

July 16 I spent the night with Barbara and the man in her life, Les. He was a great guy, easy to talk with and entertaining. He made breakfast for us that was really tasty. He and his daughters had a meeting so I grabbed Barbara to go with me to take some pictures of my finished quilt and run it to my Niece Jessica and Nephew Phillips new home. Oh and Mathis went with us. LOL He has separation anxiety when Barbara leaves him. My new niece, Jessica and my nephew Philip are expecting their first baby and it's a boy. When I asked about colors and themes she told me Batman & Peanuts. This batman fabric was the fabric I ordered online back on June 3rd and on June 5th I received 4 yards of solid tan fabric. Re-ordered a 2nd time and it took almost 9 days to get it this time but I got the quilt done and all before baby Patrick arrives.  This was quilted by my hair stylist, yes my hair stylist who quilts in his shop between customers.  Thank you Gene Stork you did a great job. With the extra fabric I made a burp rag. 

On the label I added "Even Batman has a bedtime".

Dropped off the quilt and took Barbara and Mathis back home.  While I was inside the house seeing the baby's nursery Barbara was ordering lunch for us and Les and his daughter.  Really appreciated their hospitality. Once I finished lunch I needed to head back home. Thank you again Barbara and Les.

Well that's it for now. Of course there's more to come. LOL. May the fun never end.

Until next blog... .Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.

Quilt, Wreck & More Canning/Cooking

A former neighbor and long time friend told me her youngest daughter was having a baby. That meant it was time for me to get busy making a quilt. So I texted her sister, Rhonda, who was going to be helping her little sister, Megan with the baby's room. I think I even texted Megan at one point. I wanted to know a color scheme and if she had a theme. I got green, blue, brown and wild life. 

Wouldn't you know it the wild life fabric I had in mind is no longer available so I had my daughter, Pamela helping me search for a cute wild life fabric and success.  The coordinating colors for the wild life fabric never came off the back order list so I had to shop in our local shop Lone Star Quiltworks for the coordinating colors. I decided on a square in a square pattern and alternated the colored squares. Once it was all sewn together I sent it off to my sweet friend Donna @ Donna's Lavender Nest to quilt it for me.  When it came back I couldn't decide on the binding color and decided to do what is called a faux piping binding using both bright colors. I kinda forgot how to sew it on. I ripped that binding off the quilt 3 different times until I figured out what was wrong. 

Well I might have done a little cheating getting it on but I think it came out pretty good in spite of myself. I stuck in the mail last Thursday and Megan received the quilt on Saturday. And her sister Rhonda and her Mom Joanie were there to see.  Got texts from each that they all loved it and it went well in Mr Barrett's room.  Yahoo! Makes me feel good when it all works out right and the recipient likes it.

When I left that day around 11:45am to go to the gym and post office I had to pass by a major wreck. It happened at 5:30am and the visibility was zero. It was basically behind our neighbors house/property.  Apparently one car was pulled over on the shoulder and a truck was there trying to help. Then an 18 wheeler apparently drifted onto the shoulder due to the visibility. The Milam County Emergency crew was on sight and worked for like 9 hours. Sadly there was one death. So my pictures don't do anything justice 

but that 18 wheeler cab is straddling the RR tracks and his trailer load was perpendicular to the cab of the truck.  I couldn't just stop and take pictures so I help my camera up and snapped and hoped to capture something. I could only see the smashed up car on the wrecker bed but never saw the other vehicle involved. I understand there was only the one fatality and the others were in good condition.  Thank God a train didn't come through during the fog! There was a train waiting at our road entrance for the truck to be cleared. My prayers go out to the families involved.  

 When I got home in the afternoon everything was cleared out. I decided to get busy canning some more homemade salsa. The recipe called for a pound and 1/2 of peppers to the 3 pounds of tomatoes. I used Jalapeno, serrano, hot banana peppers and a 1 habanero.  I only used jalapeno last year and it wasn't very spicy but I think this batch should be a little spicier. Actually we've already ate a jar and I think it is spicier and maybe better. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. LOL

Next I decided to make some zucchini bread from a recipe from my long time friend and fellow blogger, Linda Chapman. My bread came out just fine. I told David I needed to cook it a few minutes less and I would have been happier but not bad for my first time. The recipe called for 2 loaves but I didn't have 2 pans so I made the rest of the batter into 12 muffins.  Well they came out a little crustier so for sure I need to bake them for less time. Oh and I added some cinnamon chips into the muffins. Anyway I put one in the microwave later to warm it back up and it helped soften the muffin and it did taste good. Even David gave the muffins and the Bread a thumbs up.  I have one more big zucchini so I guess I better make another loaf and more muffins.  If you click on Linda's name above it will take you to her blog. It's a fun packed read.

We had a house guest Thursday night. My best friend Janet from high school has a sister, Donna who lives in Bryan and asked if I would mind driving her to the Baylor Scott and White in Temple for a procedure and I said sure. I had her come stay the night here at the Rock'n K because it was a shorter drive. We talked all the way up and back. 

I had no idea that I'd get to see quilts while sitting in the clinic waiting for her. I was walking the hall waiting area looking each quilt and sign next to each one when I saw a familiar name as the quilter. Small World. The quilter was Lisa Martin and she belonged to a bee I go to in the area but a couple of weeks ago she moved to Tyler.  My pictures won't do the quilts justice and especially since they were behind plexie glass.  Donna told me they had quilts on most all of the floors I believe.   With the glare it's hard to see the details but they were nice and I enjoyed them.

Donna took me to lunch for being her escort and chauffer. 

Sunday (7/10) Our friends the Kennedy's from another mother came over to help us load a bull named Stormer into the trailer to take to Freezer Camp. I was anxious on how this was gonna go. I wanted to take my camera out but I was supposed to be helping the best I could, not take pictures. But to our surprise only one cow went down the chute that we released easy enough by a side gate. Well actually two. Stormer's momma came in and then Stormer.  We couldn't release her by the side gate in fear Stormer would knock Kelli down trying to get out behind his momma. They both got in the trailer. Awesome. Not a perfect situation but at least we only had to sort out those two and not 18 others too. After a few head butts and kicks to the trailer and sometimes to Stormer the Momma came out. Whew!. This all took about 30 minutes. I was expecting longer so YAY.   This bull hasn't grown much in it's 2 1/2 years of life and didn't show any interest in the girls so off he went.  

That evening David and I went to 4C Brew Barn (they are a Harvest Host) to have a couple of drinks. The other Kennedy's couldn't join us but that didn't stop us. We hung out with the owners Vernon and Melissa for almost 2 hours. They're great people. David got their Bock beer and I had the frozen Sangria. Yum. I took a picture of my drink and texted it to Kelli to show her what she's missing. LOL That's Vernon in the background. David couldn't leave without buying her Lemon Blueberry loaf. He's ate most of it already. 

And that is how we ended our weekend. Y'all take care and stay safe.

Until next blog.... May your bobbin always be full!

Long Time Friend & Canning

 June 30th.. What makes me proud... First my husband with his determination to finish all the projects the farm provides him, he strength in his every day activities, his ability to care for me and especially put up with me. Second my daughter and the things she's achieved and the goals she has set for herself. 

This was a awesome day! Today my friend and fellow blogger Linda and her husband LD came to the farm. We haven't seen each other in almost 6 years. We lived in Houston and she in Dallas and it just never seemed to be in the cards for us to get together but today broke that trend. YAY!

She even came bearing gifts.. Fresh honey that she helped make and tended the bees that made it. And she had a bag of fresh black-eyed peas. Haven't tried either yet but it will have soon. Wonder if honey is good on Zucchini bread. I hope to make some real soon. I hope the bread will be good period since I've never made it before. LOL

Linda snapped a great picture of the front entrance to the sidewalk to the front door.

She snapped a great picture of David's garden. She and LD were happy that we shared our harvest with them. Even sharing we still had an abundance of veggies left over. I'll be making  spaghetti sauce and salsa, pickled peppers, zucchini  chips and bread. Oh and I'll be making some Lemon Vodka Pepper Jelly from a recipe my friend Diana D.  It's gonna be a busy kitchen to say the least.

Of course Linda wanted to meet Jerry and he was quite willing to get his nose rubbed for a carrot or two.

David snapped this picture and it looks like Jerry has an orange cigar.  

Linda also snapped a great picture of Jerry. He was quite willing to pose.

Linda caught a picture of me & David on the porch as they left to go back to their home away from home.   

A few days later I decided it was time to try my hand at making a Lemon Vodka Pepper Jelly. My quilting friend Diana shared her recipe. It tastes really good with just a bit of a bite of heat. But I think I may have cooked a tad to long. It's more like jam but that's okay. Again I'll know better next time. 

How was your 4th of July? We stayed and babysat our grand fur babies while Pamela went to Cypress to hang with friends there for the weekend. I made some salsa that afternoon. Had my tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and 5 different kind of peppers in that pot ready to cook and down, then I used my emersion blender. Poured the sauce into jars and put them in their bath. And pop pop pop went the tops. All sealed up.  

Later that evening I was trying to sew up a quilt so I could get it in the mail to it's new home but I had help.  They were a little concerned over the fireworks going off near by.  Sophie made it very difficult when she got between my feet and sewing machine pedal. Bri was concerned but she guarded the door so no one would get me.  LOL

She baked her tasty Apple cobbler to share with her friends.. Sure wish I had an apple cobbler. sniff sniff. LOL

Looks like the boys were ready to entertain auntie Pam. They're so cute.

Pamela took the picture of Connor. Look at those lashes. Gorgeous.

She also posted a snapchat pic of herself and I screen shot it. Besides being an awesome picture of her beautiful self it said Happy 4th of July.  She informed me I was biased when I said she was beautiful. Maybe but I don't think so.

Tuesday the 5th of July I headed into Bryan to the Gym. I'm using the exercises the Physical therapist gave me trying to strengthen my knee(s). 

To leave though David had to open the gates because Jerry and the cows were in the pasture I had to drive through. As you can see Jerry thought he would get next to the car and we wouldn't notice him walk out with me.  We have a cattle guard so I don't think he would do it.  LOL

I went out again on Thursday the 8th and I had a quilt in my possession that I had finally finished the binding and I wanted to take some pictures of it and drop it in the mail to send it on it's way to it's new home.  I'll have pictures on my next post. 

But I'll stop for now.

Until Next Blog post.... “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”

- J.K. Rowling