Author: townadmin (Page 29 of 45)

Hey Ladies!

It was a fun group that gathered to laugh, eat and visit at Maudie’s in Davenport Village – CarolynD, Jacque, JanB, JanetFB, JaniceB, JennyF, LindaF, and SandyO.  We did indeed laugh a lot about recent TOWN activities and shared recent experiences.  Food at Maudie’s was excellent and even the two vegans were pleased with the available choices.  We all agreed however, it was very difficult to hear with the restaurant packed so full.

And… most of us had desserts and no we did not split with anyone.  Miles of Chocolate with raspberry sauce (a gluten free choice), Sopapillas, and Tres Leches cake were all good choices.

Time to burn some calories and we headed to Mount Bonnell to walk and enjoy the view.  Beautiful, cloudless afternoon and bunches of folks there too to enjoy it.

We all agreed it was so good to see everyone and visit. Jacque

Hi all,

It was a small but great group  with Debbie,  Sara, Ann and Marsha with Abby the Wonder dog and Bella the Majestic dog. 

We heard birds and the rushing of water as we breathed in the crisp air, so delicious.

Until next time….. Marsha 

Beverly, June, LindaBW, Gloria and I drove over to Luling to “pedal” the Pump Jack Tour.  It consists of 16 art-decorated pump jacks around the town.  Typically the up and down movement of the pump jack contributes to the theme of the art (see the fish photos). 

The traffic was heavy on highways 183 and 80, and crossing them was exhilarating to say the least, we focused our attention on the pump jacks along smaller city streets.  Some were pumping, others not; but they were all a “treat” to see — especially the DQ Dude, visible from the drive-thru window lane! 

My mother’s family lived in Luling, and I spent some time there each summer with my grandmother, who had a love of nature and a knack for teaching.  The ladies were kindly attentive as I related some of my memories and pointed out landmarks along our pedal. 

We then rode to Zedler’s Mill Museum and Park, located where the San Marcos River crosses Highway 80.  It’s the site of a grist mill (1874), cotton gin (1883) and saw mill (1885), which used a water wheel at the dam to produce power.  The land on both sides of the river sloped elegantly downward; the grass was green and lush, with wildflowers already making an appearance; and the river was flowing nicely and a beautiful blue-green.  The mill is quite large and in the midst of a beautiful restoration.  FYI: It’s the take-out point for the six-mile Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail.

We then made our way over to Uncle Wiggly’s Weiners — an adorably-restored gas station run as a cafe by a family of women — and tagged up to more TOWNies for some frito pies and chili dogs.

Thanks, SandyB

What a great time once again at Palmetto!
On Thursday we began the TOWN invasion at the park with Marilyn, Gloria, Flo, Jacque, Eola, Susan, SandyO, Beverly, June and myself. Friday brought LindaKW, Carol, JudyS, Carrie and guest Aaron , Sara and guest, and Janet to the camping loop with JackieD and SandyB at the cabin across the river. The weather was absolutely beautiful for trail hiking and birding Friday so that’s just what we did. Spring is in evidence already in that beautiful park! There was also the annual lockup at the Gonzales Historic Jail followed by DQ. Sadness stepped in though when we learned that DJ, one of our favorite camping pups, had passed. We will miss having him near!

Saturday morning started off a lot cooler, but that didn’t stop SandyB’s enthusiasm as she led five TOWNies on a bicycle tour of the pump jacks , Zedler Mill and some of her family memories in Luling. Other members shopped and met us for a yummy hot dog lunch.

Saturday evening was our chicken enchiladas Dutch oven dinner. A huge thanks to everyone for all the food contributions and help with cooking and cleanup. Once again master chef Susan did her magic to make the enchiladas taste perfect! Of course…also….a huge thanks to Gloria for keeping the libations flowing!

Three of us spent Sunday evening with one more campfire after a harrowing off road incident. Thanks Sandy O for the rescue!

I hope some of our birders can supplement this report with any special sightings of birds this trip. (Word has it that there are no fish tales to be heard so we don’t need to hear from that group:)

As always, I count my blessings when I’m with this group; you are all such an integral part of my life….so Thanks!

See you outdoors soon! LindaBW

Hi all,

It was another nice day on the Greenbelt for a quick 4.7 mile hike today with 7 brave women, Jacque, Carolyn, Effie, Kim, Debbie, Lisa and Marsha, along with 3 scout dogs, Junko, Abby and Sheba the Diva, who forged ahead of the women to scout out territory, declaring it all safe from wolves and New England Patriots. The day was humid, but that is only a whisper of what will come as the days lengthen. 

We were entertained by swift rapids and singing birds. A squirrel tormented Junko but the peace talks ensued and both went on their ways. It was a a nice hike as we shared hiking stories and plans for future adventures.

Happy Trails, Marsha

Pedernales Falls State Park January 24-27, 2019, recap put together from my camp chair in the sun.

Thursday was a gorgeous day for those of us lucky enough to break away and arrive early. I counted 11 around the campfire that night.

Friday another great day as others rolled in and set up camp. Before the night’s campfire burned down, we occupied most of one bend of the campground – 15 campsites of Townies I do believe! 

Saturday morning dawned bright with sunshine for our delicious brunch. The chance of rain held off all day for 10 of us to hike parts of Wolf Mountain Trail. Clouds circled, sky darkened, and the sun set with our spectacular pot luck dinner under a drop cloth instead of stars. Those forecasted raindrops put an early end to the evening but didn’t dampen spirits one little bit!

If my headcount is correct, with a few friends, guests and a couple of brave hubbies coming and going, we had a group of 24 join us at one time or another, along with 6 dog friends. Plenty of chill time, hiking, biking, birding, eating, and visiting.

Hosting an outing with this group of independent, capable women requires little more than announcing “I’m going.” So many helpers, but special mention goes to MariaM for graciously serving us smoked chicken & veggies for Friday night dinner, LindaBW for bringing her nifty firepit, SandyO for the best camp hashbrowns ever, and my own personal hero, JenF for being the finder of lost things!

Thank you ALL for another memorable Townie weekend. CherylC

We had a  small, but muddy group, Sunday for Barton Creek Greenbelt hike: Adia, guest who plans to join, Kim, Lisa with Junko,  Effie and Marsha. We were able to hike 4.5 miles with muddy boots and were able to listen to birds awakening in the morn, serenading us with delightful  tunes to calm our souls. The clean air after the nights rain seemed so light and crisp,  making the mud seem like no inconvenience for the joy of the morning. 

Until next time…

Marsha 

Dear TOWNies,

This year’s holiday gathering was thoroughly enjoyed by all at McKinney Falls State Park.

We had campers, hikers & bikers. Marilyn Fowler even brought her foster kitties. 😻

The weather was amazing and the food was fabulous. If you didn’t get a piece of Eric’s epic cheesecake, I am sorry. It was the best one yet. SandyO gained the perfect cowgirl hat during the White Elephant Gift Exchange and Linda BW lost hers. LOL.

A great time was had by all.

Please save the date, we will do this again January 9-12, 2020.

LisaMcM

Hi all,

 We had a nice but cold heights today with 6 brave TOWN women and 3 crazy dogs. Jacque,  Lisa, Kim, Effie, Carolyn  and Marsha  were joined by Patches,  Junko, and Sheba the Diva,  who all doubled the mileage that we went with their crazy antics and chases in the cold  morning air.

We went 4.64 miles but the pups had to travel at least 10. But, then again,  they are 4-wheel drive  running machines. 

 The only wildlife that we saw was a squirrel who quickly ran up the tree and then we heard several birds as the morning warmed up. The last 2 miles of the hike was a quicker pace as we had been trying new side trails earlier and began to run out of time for church. Over all, it was a delightful hike with delightful women and dogs.

Happy Trails, Marsha 

Hey TOWNies!

Super successful hike at Bright Leaf Preserve this morning!  Thirteen of us [CarolynD (& her sister SusanJ), CarolynH, DawnK, DebbieB, Effie, Jacque, KayS, LisaS, LoisK (with husband Steve), MarshaK, and SarahA] met at 9 am and hiked for about two hours.  Temps were cold and it was indeed windy, but after all we are TOWN women (except for Steve) and everyone hiked well.  The preserve is currently is good condition – paths are excellent shape with few water crossings.

What we saw/discussed:  Ms. Lucas, Dry Creek, Lindheimer Silk Tassels, Golden-cheeked Warblers, Ashe Junipers, Cedar Choppers, Balcones/balconies/steps, Nostoc, Star moss, Devil’s Fingernails, dye and the Cochineal bug, Twist-leaf Yucca, Georgia Lucas’s home, Kitty Condo, Eagle Scout project, and Bracted Twist flower.

And regarding questions asked:

Galls or cecidia, are a kind of swelling growth on the external tissues of plants, fungi, or animals. Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to benign tumors or warts in animals. They can be caused by various parasites, from viruses, fungi and bacteria, to other plants, insects and mites.

The grave site location of Ms. Georgia B. Lucas is not given on the websites visited.

Why Cedar Choppers cut trees in the Bright Leaf area?  The Ashe Juniper in that area is more acidic and therefore longer lasting than other cedars.  Source:  Central Texas Gardner on PBS during lunch today!

The life of Ms. Lucas:  As a girl Ms. Lucas “had an artistic bent and loved wandering in the woods.  Her family would escape the swelter of summer in the city at their hilltop cabin near Mount Bonnell.  The shaded paths, birds songs, wildflowers and creek were a life-long inspiration and became her refuge and home as an adult.  …  Lucas was a savvy businesswoman, amassing 216 acres of undeveloped land west of downtown.  Lucas lived in her home in town, managing residential rental properties across the city, but she visited her private nature preserve almost daily, spending time with her cat companions, dabbling in watercolors, and strolling the grounds.  (quote from Austin Community Foundation)

Thanks so much to each of you for joining me today!

Jacque