Thursday, May 13, 2021

May 2021 Tweener Time at Brazos

 9th - The first session of retreat has ended and we are in "Tweener Time" - a much loved and anticipated break of the hustle and bustle of a full room.  We've been inside most of the weekend and I looked up a couple places in the area that may be interesting to visit.  Jen and I are itching to get out a bit and off we go.  The first stop is the "Outlaw Station" - otherwise known as the Ed Young Station.  It is very easy to get to and sits right off of old highway 67.  How cool is this?  The station began in the 1920's during prohibition.  They sold gasoline and other items but it was really a front for moonshine distribution.  The building is made from petrified wood and colored brick.  History shows petrified wood was enjoying popularity during this time and Glen  Rose was dubbed, "The Petrified City."  As we drove the area, I saw many instances where it is still in place and used.  The last time this particular building was actively in use was as a legitimate gas station/grocery store in the 60's but it has stood empty since.






Our second stop was at the Big Rocks Park on the Paluxy River.  It is a city park filled with super fun rocks to climb on and you can wake in the river or slide down the dam if the water is flowing, which it is today.  The rocks are easy to climb on and not rough or jagged at all.  What a great spot to cool off, sit in the river with a book to read, or just take a quick walk on the rocks.  So much fun.  Come along and play --- we had a great time although it really did get quite warm by the end.







Blurred, but shows the size of the rocks.


There is beauty is so many places.  This is one and it has the added benefit of cool water on a warm day.


Now to REALLY cool off.  Even though it is Mother's Day, the soda shop in downtown Glen Rose is open and PACKED.  We locate a couple of seats at the counter and settle in.


It's just so good.  There is also a little shop inside and a quick walk around nets a few gem sayings to share.



Yep!


Meanwhile, back at the house people are actually sewing.  Janet has a TA-DA


I've pulled out the fabrics for my Round Robin activity.  They are pressed and ready to work with.


10th - We are out and about again today.  With Linda and Ramona along for the fun, the plan is to visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  It's a car tour and our cameras are ready.  Trying to get a selfie while driving is challenging, to say the least.



I'm not going to comment much in here unless a story took place --- just enjoy as we did.  The wildflowers were beautiful too --- although the animals are simply wonderful.



At first she thought she wanted to leave as we drove up.


But then, she thought again and decided to pose.


Look close in the brush behind her --- the family waits.




Emus!!


They were curious but not at all interested in being fed.




Right on the road as we drive up.


Look at those velvet covered antlers.  So cool.  Oh, yes, they are interested in us AND our food.




On the other side of the car, we are being watched.



Hello there -- do you have treats?



Lounging out of the sun.



Well, alrighty then.  We'll yield the right of way.



Wait, wait.  I may want a treat too.




Zebras right close enough to touch -- but they weren't interested in the food either.  








Hey, are you listening to me?  


Giraffes.  I love these gentle giants, but today they were not interested in us at all.  So sad.



However, this guy more than made up for it.


He was VERY interested in Jen and would have come right in the vehicle if he could have.  She went from, "this is uncomfortable" to loving it.




Linda watching in the back.


An overlook view.




So, we come and see this guy.  He's definitely alone and nervous.  He's doing a perimeter check and we can tell he's not familiar with the location.



As we drive a bit further down, the cheetahs have also taken notice of the lone soul.  They are watching with deep intent and walking their own line to match him.  They do not even notice us one little bit.








As we leave this area there is a truck parked outside the gate.  A keeper is watching all that is happening and apparently the one animal is checking out a new habitat that will hold his species.  He was new to the cheetahs, thus the interest and his nervousness.


Another overlook - 




There are even rhinos here.





And after almost two hours, we have returned to the entrance and locate the rest of the herd that our lone fella belongs to.  Hopefully they won't be apart too long.


Lunch!  I want lunch.  The decision is to go into Glen Rose and fill our tummies at Sugar Biscuits.  While waiting for the waitress, we spot these and they just send Ramona into giggles.  BUTTFIRE -- that's hot.


Food is great, as always.


Some downtown walking -- a stop at the ice house.


Oh yeah, I bought a hat at the restaurant.  Happy Mother's Day to me!!


Back at the ponderosa.


But, only for a bit.  Paula has returned as she left Saturday evening.  Our afternoon schedule has Jen, Lydia, Paula, and I off for pedicures.




So much stuff.


Base coat is on.


My request prompts a training session.




Even more stuff.


Pretty toes all around.


What was so special about mine?  Something Jen picked out.


Even with all the coming and going, I did get the parts cut out for my project.


11th -  The plan is to stay put today and just hand at the center.  Goats are running amok.


I've discovered that my wonderful cutting from yesterday was inaccurate and I'm having to use 1/8" seams to make it work.  ARGH.  At any rate, these are the smallest flying geese and half-square triangles I've ever seen.  I will never complain about Bonnie's small pieces again.


My center is TA-DA ready though.  Time to get it in the mail.  


I have my pillowcases done as well - 


And Janet has a TA-DA.  She really is productive, unlike some (cough, cough, me)

12th - On the road again --- just can't wait to get on the the road again.  Jen went home last night and well be bac today and meet us at our destination.  Janet, Lydia, Val, and I are in one car.


Ramona and Linda are following behind.


We are off to Deb's Flying Needle in Stephenville.  They are closing the store and Val and I had talked about coming here this week way before that was announced.  Come along and check it out, although it's closed now, I think.








Shoppers in masks and finding treasures.


From there, it's lunch at Hard Eight BBQ.  Val and Lydia returned to the center, but the rest of us are starving.  This place is amazing and they bent over backwards to take care of us.  Seriously --- go there.





Upon our return, the billy goat is out now too.  He dang well better stay away from my car.  We tell Stan, and he has him back in the pen before too long.




Inside --- we are building stacks again.  More pillow cases, pretties on the design wall, and some folks have returned.  Kelly and Amy have arrived and Gwen is back from leaving on Sunday.  Tomorrow, the house will be full once again.



Yep, Debi has been here the whole time, but had to work so no extracurriculars for her.


Jen's Tisket/Tasket TA-DA


13th - Well, this morning is the end of Tweener time and we're crazy busy getting ready for more arrivals.  No new pics, but such a great interim week.  Onto weekend two.

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