Spring Pilgrimage

Every year about this time we make our annual pilgrimage to a little piece of heaven on earth, the Frio River. Butch and Joyce McCaleb Weston are our gracious hosts at Camp Live Oak just north of Leakey. It's that special time that the migrating birds are abundant in the area. You mix that with the mystery of the Frio and its cypress giants, and it serves as a relaxing tonic. Enjoy a few pics from our Spring Pilgrimage.

Every day Butch Weston holds forth from his deck overlooking the grounds of Camp Live Oak. If you sit there long enough, you'll see pretty much every type of bird on the grounds at his feeders. Well, I guess the Green Kingfisher probably has not visited there, but pretty much all the rest! I'm enjoying visiting with Joyce while Butch poses for Wes.

 There is no shortage of hummingbirds and bees at the Camp Live Oak feeders.

Wes let me borrow this pic of the Golden-fronted Woodpecker getting his fill at Butch and Joyce's bird bath. This is the loud one.

Sunday Jimmy and Aggie joined us at Neals' Dining Room for lunch. Those hinged windows used to be screens only, we remember when! The food is always great, and it's always good to see the familiar faces from our past.

A Neals' tradition, the hummingbird feeders stationed around the exterior of the Dining Room.

This pic is especially for Ginger. Her family used to spend some family gathering time at the little cabin on the left, just below the 'Seven Bluff'. The new unit next door changes the neighborhood a little, but the view of the river hasn't changed.

I took this shot crossing the river at Seven Bluff. I'm working on adding sound!

Wes captured this unusual thistle bloom at Camp Live Oak. It's called a Musk Thistle.

I'm just in awe of this relic. It is huge, and hard as stone. Apparently a live oak that broke off nearby, and formed a bridge across the ravine. The intersection with the ground to the left is about 40 feet from me.

We think it's the most beautiful place on earth. This sanctuary is on the East Frio near where it joins the West Frio. God's glory revealed in His Creation!

Good Times with the Grands

Our precious Grands from Midland, Morgan, Emma, and Viola, are moving to Boise, Idaho. So you can imagine this Spring visit is extra special, and we gave it a go to pack in all we could.

 A favorite activity is exploring the woods. So we got in plenty of exploring, discovering such treasures as Papa Wes's junk pile and a deer skeleton. 

 The tree saw is used to mark the path. They are still getting plenty of mileage out of their dad's old 'fort'.

 Yes, parents, we do load test the old nylon rope before letting them on it!

 Explorer buds.

 Though I will say the pond is so low that you really don't swing out over the water at this point.

 While Papa Wes escorts the explorers, GG hangs with Viola in the safety of the yard.

 Another rope their dad attached.

 One night we got to hear the Mwangaza Children's Choir from Uganda. It was a treat and a learning experience.

 They really put on a show. It was exhausting just to watch. And powerful testimonies of God's grace in their lives.

 Next mornin', Papa Wes is makin' WAFFLES! And I'm wearin' my Easter Bunny apron!

The Happy Waffle Chef.

 This day we made a run to Georgetown to the large playscape at San Gabriel Park.

 It was hard to catch them long enough for a pic.

 Like I said, it is a large and impressive playscape. A LOT of custom design with historical and cultural references.

 Yes, they were having fun!

 After our picnic lunch at the park, we headed to the square in Georgetown, and took a quick visit to the restored County Courthouse.

 Someone was overheard saying, "Nothing more dangerous than a grandmaw with her grandchildren in a candy store." We visited the Toy Store and the Candy Store, and everyone got a treat.

Morgan and Emma enjoying their lollipops after a nap.

 With the sun sinking, we took the opportunity to get a bluebonnet picture.

Our hearts are full, and so very thankful for our kids and grandkids!

Easter Blessings

We were blessed with a surprise Easter visit from the Ryan Hopkins family. That and my sweet hubby showering me with 'acts of service' for my birthday have helped make it a wonderful Spring. Enjoy viewing my Easter blessings.

Wes knows the path to my heart, and it started with a week-long flurry of honey-do projects that blessed me. This project will be completed with a crushed granite walk, and stone surround for the fire pit.

Papa Wes in hog heaven, with Pooter on the porch.

 Mercedes in the Easter dress GG got for her.

 Evangeline was some kind of excited about her breakfast.

 Mercedes and Evangeline are ready to hunt eggs!

 My beautiful granddaughters visiting from Wichita.

 Evie got the hang of it quickly.

 Another find!

 Mercedes needed a bigger Easter bucket.

 Sweet Kate and her girls, Evangeline Rose and Mercedes Noel.

 Let's go see what's in here!

 Walking to the car at Monument Cafe in Georgetown.

 I love my girls!

Thanks again to our kids for making our Easter even more special!