Peacocks anyone

The peacocks have been eating the cat food. They actually like it better than bird seed. Seems like the lady at the end of the road has about 6 or 7 males and maybe 4 or 5 females.

Building Plans Begin

I have officially moved up to Austin. Morris will be on his way soon. We are going over our building ideas and plans at the moment. Amazing when I started this Blog it was just a way to keep Cactus Ridge in my mind and Heart. It came true in a very short time. I always believed it would - I just made it happen sooner rather than later. In a years time we should have our house up on our Ridge built and hopefully moved in. I am so happy and also feel so fortunate. Good things are all around me and it makes me smile.

Namesake

This is how Cactus Ridge got its name. There were so many little patches of cactus everywhere when we first bought the property and the flat part on the top is where we decided it was a ridge - hence - cactus ridge. The sign does not hang where the picture shows permenently but I stuck it there to take a picture. We have since mowed down a lot of the cactus because they are thorny little creatures and if and when the grandchildren come over, we did not want them to get stickers. Also, that little plant looking thing was everywhere also. I like those, they are really soft on the interior leaves - kinda fuzzy feeling. Won't be long now. We are taking our first load of stuff up there tomorrow.

Getting ready for the move

As you can see by the photos we are getting ready to slow down and enjoy life more. We plan on doing more swinging, more laying in the hammock together and enjoying life to its fullest. Time to move out of the city and live a wholesome country life together. We are planning to move in August and hope to see all of you before we leave. We will miss all of you but you can always come up for visits. Dig the garden boots - I love them.

How to have fun on a Saturday afternoon

This may sound silly but this is so fun. I love riding around on the small tractor/mower. The land is a bit uneven so you bounce around and up and down. You can change the speed to really fast or really slow. You can also go in reverse. I don't mind volunteering to cut the grass when I can do it on this mower.

Been Away

Well as you can see I have been away for awhile. So much news to share. First of all I want to say Happy Birthday to my dear sweet Kalila. She is two years old today and as cute as can be. Here are pictures of our new and improved driveway. We had it regraded and crushed stone put on it and it has packed down hard just like concrete. The stone is called Kalechi and I am sure I probably spelled that wrong but you get the drift. We are moving to Austin by the end of the summer. So excited about that and can hardly wait. We decided to rent a place up in the woods to decide if that is really what we want. We found a place 2 streets down from Cactus Ridge and we are going to lease it for a year. After about 6 months we can decide if we want to build on the land or just buy another house in Austin and keep the land as our get away. That way if we do decide to build we will be close enough to supervise the contractors and make sure things are being done right. Lots to do. We listed our house last Thursday and we will see what the market brings. Send all qualified buyers our way.

Tag your it

Instructions:
Remove 1 question from below and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag 8 people in your list, list them out at the end of this post.

1. What do you really really want right now?
To move to Austin and get the heck out of Houston.

2. If you can turn into anything, what do you wish you can turn into? A successful inventor.

3. How are you feeling now? Sore throat and I want to go home.

4. Where is the place that you want to go most?
A return trip to Gatlingurg Tennessee, visit Italy, Switzerland and Ireland.

5. If you have one dream to come true, what would it be? Living closer to my grandchildren and being able to have them over on week-ends.

6. Do you want more children? My days are over for that. I'll take all the grandchildren they want to send my way though.

7. What matters more - money or love? Love hands down.

8. What cheers you up for the rest of the day? Spending time with my family and a good belly laugh. I love to laugh - it just feels good.

9. If you meet someone you love, would you confess to him/her? Absolutely

10. List out three good things of the person who tagged you.
a) She loves her children immensely.
b) She is very adventurous.
c) She has wicked sense of humor.

11. What are the requirements that you wish of your other half?
Romantic, outgoing and friendly, ability to survive my weirdness, likes to explore and travel, loves hugs.

12. What type of person do you hate the most?
People who talk out of both sides of their mouths or lazy people. There is a difference between being lazy and just chilling.

13. What would you do if you won a million dollars? Quit work, move to Austin, buy a small home in England and spend half of the year in one place and half in the other.

14. What would you wanna be remembered for after you're dead? That I was a fun Nana and a good wife.

15. If you have a chance, which part of your character would you like to change? My addictions.

16. What would you most want to achieve right now? Getting a job in Austin.

17. What do you think is the most important thing in your life? My Family.

18. If there's one thing in your life you wanted to do but yet unable to, what would it be? Travel more.

19. What do you see yourself as in the next 10 years? Out of Houston, maybe a hot air balloon pilot :)

20. If you were an animal, what would you be? A pampered cat

OK Chris, Delynda, Renee, Debby, Deb, Christy, Gary, Lesa - tag your it.

Texas Chainsaw Tree Massacre

Never mess with a man when he has a chainsaw in his hands. Don't make hand motions as his hands will follow his eyes and then whack there goes another limb. Don't hand him a nice cold drink because as he reaches for it zip there goes another branch. Don't walk up behind him because eekkkk you could lose an ear. The offer still stands - anyone wanting to stack up on firewood is welcome to come an haul off all they can handle from the driveway.

Seriously missing the kids

We arrived home safely after a really long journey. We are so missing everyone though. The kids were so much fun and we really got to play grandparents big time. The trip to the Lake District was fantastic. So pretty and we even had snow on Easter which I adore. The easter bunny even visited us. I sure wish we lived closer - this 2 times a year thing just plain sucks. Of course, the kids would be spoiled rotten. The last night there we were laying in Tosha's bed and the kids were snuggled up next to me and we were watching Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and I was in heaven. Nothing beats their cuddles. Now I will just go and have a cry.

Yippee Yippee Yah Yah

We are off tomorrow to see Tosha, Nik, Digi and Kalila - can't wait - we are all so excited. We arrive there on Saturday and then on Sunday we all leave to go to the Lake District for some serious fun and games. Can't wait to see the kiddos. Digi said today on the phone today - don't forget the chewing gum Nana and also bring some sweeties. Little does he know they are all packed and waiting for the plane. See you all soon.

Mrs. Always Right

You can see our lovely pillowcases that I think are so accurate - just kidding - but it was worth a try. Also you can see we have a real bed and we have started putting up our paneling. Today is Mr. Right's birthday, so I wish him a very happy day.

Blanco in Bloom

Here is an example of how pretty the flowers are in the Spring time up in the Hill Country. Back many years ago Lady Bird Johnson established a wildflower program where the state went out and spread wildflower seeds all along the Interstate, Bluebonnet, Indian Paintbrush, and assorted over ones I can't name. It is a sight to behold while traveling up to the land in the Spring. Last year as you can see by the pictures was an outstanding year. The colors were so bright and vivid. We have spread some seed on Cactus Ridge but I guess if anything bloomed the deer and goats ate it because we never saw any flowers. I truly believe they would even eat onions if I planted them.

He trained them well

As you can see Life imitates art - so to speak. Now if we can just find a gnome riding a lawn tractor and one cooking steaks, the village would be complete. We had a fishing gnome that Tosha bought for Morris but he came to a Humpty Dumpty fate unfortunately. He was on top of the aquarium and we have these 3 super huge goldfish that like to jump out of the water and they hit the top of the tank, so one day one of them jumped up hit the top and Fisher gnome was no more. AHHHHHH.......

Scrub a dub dub

Scrub a dub dub - well - not exactly two men in a tub as the nursery rhyme goes - thank goodness- but we can have a shower. We can always go down to the state park about 9 miles down the road where we have a annual pass that we keep up and have a shower. Sometimes though we are too tired from working all day and I just wanted to be able to shower there. Sooooo Morris got a bucket, cut a hole in the bottom and glued in a piece of pipe and attached a piece of garden hose with a sprayer type nozzle. It works really well. He can heat up water with a propane tank and one bucket full will give you a complete shower and allow you to wash your hair if you turn it off while lathering up. We also now have a screen around it for more privacy because I got really spooked one night when a racoon was creeping around and making noises. I usually only have a shower after dark up there but it is a bit spooky. I make Morris sit over there with me and pass me my towel when I get water in my eyes. I know where my grandson gets that gene from as to not liking water in his eyes - me neither. This all works well in the summer but I don't think I will try it in the winter. Also, picture one shows we now have complete privacy for the potty - such a relief - literally :)

Namesake

This is how and why Cactus Ridge got its name. When we first bought the land these little patches of cactus were all over the place. About the third year we owned the property, a big storm came and we had a terrible freeze (for Texas) we lost many patches of cactus and one really pretty tree that Morris had worked so hard on. The one in front of the barn to the left. He shaped and pruned and babied it because when we look out the front door that is what we saw. Ahhhh - but when it froze it cracked down the middle and split the tree into three parts on the ground. It was sad when we saw it but the good thing is it was a Cedar and not one of the grand old Oaks.

Trees

We have the most beautiful and unusual trees on the land. This view was taken while I was relaxing in the hammock. I love to lay there and just stare up in space and imagine shapes with the tree limbs and clouds. Just look at that sky. Gorgeous! That is my idea of a very relaxing day.

Does a Tiffin poop in the woods?

Nuf said?????

Just a swangin

As you can see I like to swing. Everywhere I can I have Morris hang a swing. We had this glidder at the house for ages and I decided to take it to the land. We have probably used it more there than anywhere. When it gets cold, you just wrap up in the blanket and snuggle.

Miniture things

Little stove, well hotplate really, little frig, little microwave but no sink. We have power but no water. Notice we do have the essentials coffee and cookies. I have not got around to staining the cabinets but I will - the counter top is a lovely green color. When we first starting saying over night we were sleeping on the sofa that made out into a bed - well - I guess you could call it a bed. It quickly grew very uncomfortable, so now we have a bed. I will take a pic of it on the next trip and update you.

Ole McMomo's Farm e i e i o

How beautiful it is to wake up to bright sunshine open your door and have this view. Sometimes there are 7, 8 or more out grazing in the field which is our front yard. We have goats, scorpions and tarantulas which are not as nice but we do love our deer - and no - they are not what's for breakfast.

Waylon, Willie and the boys....

Luckenbach, Texas is only a hop skip and a jump over the hill from Cactus Ridge. It is the smallest little town I have ever seen but very popular and well known in Texas. In the general store which was established in 1849 everyone is encouraged to carve their name on the walls. The post office is also located in the general store -truly small town America. They have a dance hall and huge concerts all through the year. The blacksmith shop washed away down the creek one year in a freak rainstorm. In 2002 the floods came again and took the cotton gin. If you have never heard the song - I'm going to Luckenbach Texas with Waylon, Willie and the boys, you just must not be a texan. Everybodys somebody in Luckenbach!

Shall we make a sacrifice

Well, I don't really think that this particular area of the land is a past sacrificial area but a few other people do. One person would not even go in the fenced area. It is a strange little area though. There is a chain link fence then you go down and there is another little fenced in area out of barbed wire with a picket gate and then inside that is a 4 sided little area built out of rocks with an old hammock tied up and the top of a deer stand to one side. It is a bit erie even to me but I truly think it is either a) where someone had a pot field growing and put all that up to keep the animals out or b) part of the old school house that used to be there from Payton Colony. Payton Colony is the whole divide area as to what I am told. It was given to freed slaves and they lived there after the civil war. Now I have not verified that but it is the folklore up in those parts. Tex and Ashley put a tent in there one night and were going to sleep out there but a huge storm came thru with huge lightning and they came running up the hill and slept on the floor in our cabin.

Gnomes

Gnomes - Gnomes - the Gnomes come marching in my friend. The definition of a gnome is a group of dwarflike beings believed to inhabit the interior of the earth. Well, ours inhabit the exterior. Fairly soon after we got the land the gnomes came marching in, only 2 or 3 at first but now we have 88 at last count and they still jump into our basket at any store we visit. With so many of course they needed shelter hence the rock houses were born. Shane, a dear friend who is now serving in Iraq built one and Morris built two. They have a cannon, a chimenea, a box of gold, flags, a latrine and probably other stuff I can't recall. Some even came from England. They are multi-cultural these gnomes. They are the guards against the sacrificial area of the land. AH interesting topic - I will have to explain the sacrificial area in the next post.

How do you spell relaxation?

These are pics of early on when we were working extra hard to clean and clear off big parcels for use. We would be so tired by late afternoon that we had to have some relaxation. I think this particular day we had cleaned out the whole area over by the barn. I use the term barn very loosely as it is a shack bascially that either goats or pigs lived in. Now it is full of Deer Poo because we feed them every time we are up there and they reward us with poo pellets. Oh well, we don't mind because we love to watch them early in the morning or right at dusk they also come out. I wish I had a picture of the day the herd of wild goats chased me down the hill. I heard them coming but when I saw them they were charging and there was about 15 of them with the leader being quite large and he had a long black beard. Needless to say I took off running and got out of their way.

Got Wood - Got Rocks

Everytime we go up to the land we have so much wood to cut and Morris always brings back tons of rocks. We have so many rock decorations, and rock gardens, and rock walls at home sometimes I wonder if we are there or here. I have to admit though they do look lovely after he creates his designs. Just yesterday he made an entire new flower bed in the front and put miniture azalea bushes in. If you need firewood or rocks for decorating - come see us - take truck loads - free of charge - you cut - you haul. :)

Gazebo

The day we had the cabin built we also put together this lovely gazebo which we thought we would have many wonderful hours enjoying. Mike, Renee, and I were the main ones who screwed about 5000 nuts - bolts - and screws into this crazy thing and at the time, we did not have a ladder up there. After the first couple of trips we noticed the winds were picking up and kind of moved around a bit. I tried to secure it in place with big rocks. Big joke because the next time we came up it looked like this........

Before I forget

OK I have to admit the whole reason of doing this is so I don't lose the details but I am going back 3 years to the beginnings - so if I jump back and forth please read on. Well, the flower beds took Mo the entire day to build and he worked extremely hard because it was hot hot hot in Texas at least 99 but w/100% humidity - if you have never lived here let me tell you, it is the most horrible heat I have ever known. I think we live in Satan's Hell. The next trip we were able to make made him sad. The deer had eaten all his plants. How terribly sad for him. Even though Mike and Kathy had given us a deer feeder which we always stock with corn - they still ate all his lovely planted garden ring around the massive tree. He put out tons of Aloe which he is known for cultivating, his plants grow extremely well - he has a 3 foot wide aloe - but they ate every nibble - they also ate all the new plant I introduced him to which spreads - the wondering jew. A purple lovely plant that you can't stop from multiplying. I don't know where the name came from - I did not create it. Don't write me hate email because of the name. We learned that you have to put a fence around anything that you do not want eaten. We also came up w/the plan of having an outdoor bathroom. I truly believe we will develop this - sounds weird but we do have a plan. Texas does not have seasons, only hot, cool and a sweater. The only reason I say this is because of my husband - he is a born and bread Texan and loves it. I love to explore and that is why we have Cactus Ridge. I could live in cold climates - he could not. He complained about 45 degree temps - ah poor babe - just wait until we move to cactus ridge and you have to feel the colder winds - see that is why I love it - sometimes you actually have to put on a jacket and I have been advised by people that have lived there for years - the winds are fierce - I believe this because I have seen the damage - remind me to tell you about the gazebo.

The Color Green

I knew right away that I wanted to paint the cabin green. I wanted it to blend in as much as possible with the surroundings. Do you know how many different shades of green there are? We finally settled for a spring time new grass color and had it mixed. When we were putting it on though it came out more limey and bright than we expected. Now you have to remember we are up in the sticks. There is not a Home Depot or a corner hardware store to run to. So we both agreed we would put it on and talk ourselves into liking it. It has faded out a bit and I guess I can live with it for now. However, I think one day it may change. We decided on white trim - so creative I know but it works.

Morris made a lovely fire circle and a couple of flower beds. Tomorrow I will explain the how the plot thickens with the flower beds.

Walls appear

Well, the week-end finally came to have the cabin built. We went up the night before with several friends and stayed in the Fabulous Blanco County Inn. Next morning it is pouring down the rain. Our newly dug driveway was just washing away faster than speedy gonzalez can run. We go on up there anyway and sit and wait for the builders to arrive. We made fun anyway by running back and forth to each others cars with trashbags on our heads. They finally arrive but can not make it up the driveway because it is just to slick and wet. I was getting very worried and almost teary thinking we would not be able to have it built. It had stopped raining at this point and our friend Mike suggested we unload everything from their trailer to the bed of his four wheel drive truck. So they started doing this load by load and we all held our breath as he slipped and slid and with spinning tires each load made it to the top. Everytime he made it, I let out a huge sigh of relief. They started working around 11 that morning. It was going along pretty smooth and fast until it was time for the 2 workers to raise the walls. Oh my, we almost had a squished man when Morris and all the guys ran over to help them. Mission accomplished. We decided to have a Bar-B-Que in celebration. It started getting dark and the workers pulled out these huge flood lights as they were almost done and just had to finish the roof shingles. They finally finished around 8 or 9 that evening and we invited them for the Bar-B-Que. They ate and we all laughed and were so amazed that it only took one day. We walked into the cabin that evening and although it was unfinished on the inside, I felt like it was home. Next comes choosing paint colors. Details tomorrow.