FALL UPDATE!!

Well, we had a busy summer and fall.  

We (and the rest of our neighbors) ran out of water this summer. No rain, too many people and too many wells and tanks being constructed.  We had to drill deeper and put in some new pipe.  We have added some more collection barrels to the property but probably need to add some serious collection equipment for the future. 

It looks nice and tidy now.  It was a royal mess while the big trucks were here for three days! But that wonderful cool hill country water is flowing freely now. 

We took a trip to Cozumel in August. Didn't scuba dive but we did snorkel with the whale sharks.  These creatures are unbelievably huge when you are next to them in the water!!

Finally, our really big trip was the 9 days we spent at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October.  We have always wanted to go. This year we volunteered in exchange for free camping.  It was great even though it rained frequently and some events were cancelled.  On the two days prior to the start of the Fiesta, we worked on constructing the arches that covered the entrance gates. That was very hard work. OSHA would have been dismayed at us being on scaffolds and ladders with no safety equipment, training, etc! 

In return for our volunteer work, we were able to camp for free.  It was camping in a parking lot with no facilities.  We we parked extremely close to where the fireworks were located.  They were stupendous!

I can't say enough about the balloons and the many nice people we met.  The balloon pilots and their crews were friendly and loved to talk about their balloons.  These are just a few of the millions of pictures we both took!

                    This one actually had a cute little VW horn that honked just like the real VW buses.  

                                 Until you stand under these, you have no idea how really big they are.  

Now, back to real life.....

  We participated in the Huffines Art show in Arlington in October.  Then we took a quick trip up to VA to see the youngest daughter and her family.  Thanksgiving was held here at home with our oldest and her family.  Now... we are busy getting ready for Christmas orders!!

 HERE WE COME!!!!!!!

 ROCKPORT ART FESTIVAL 

This is the 2022 Art Show Poster 

The show is July 2 &3 (right around the corner). We are busy making bells and loading up the truck. It looks like the weather may be wet and not as hot as hell.  But then, this is Texas, so who knows what Mother Nature will bring. 

We will be in our usual spot, so be sure to stop by. If you need a large bell (5 or 6 dot), call or email Philip and let him know.  Although we will bring several of each anyway, if we know you want one, we will set it aside for you. 

Here's the link for you to find information about hours, parking, ticket prices.

https://www.rockportartcenter.com/artfest

 WELL........   

                 things could have been worse.  But for a week, things seemed pretty dire.  No rain in ages, too many people moving in the area building houses, barns, swimming pools and ponds finally caused the eventuality we knew was coming.  Wells began to run dry up here on our little hill two weeks ago and we were no exception. This is happening all over our county.  We had to BUY a truck load of water to put into our tank to see us through the week while we waiting for the wonderful, overworked well companies to rescue us.  

Our county entered stage 3 drought conditions. We began all our personal conservation strategies.  Short showers, saving shower/dishwashing water, saving water from the dehumidifier and the air conditioner and buying HEB drinking water. Only our trees get watered by hand in early morning or evening.  There are six people who live on this property and everyone did their best to conserve.   

We now have a new and deeper well. The well companies here are so very backed up with constant calls from desperate land owners.  These are wonderful men and women who worked in the 95 + degree heat for several days.  We now have several new storage containers on the property too.  We only have one roof with a gutter, but will be adding more.  We are continuing those conservation strategies mentioned above because I guess we are afraid our new, deeper well might still not be enough to counter this situation long term.  

Being without water is scary. 

Two different well companies worked with us, plus we had advice from the Cow Creek Conservation organization.

..... and there it is, new and pumping 

                                 Spring has sprung..... 

and we are on our way to the King William Fair on the last weekend of Fiesta!!

Mermaid society entry in 2019 parade!

Join us on April 9 downtown San Antonio for the King William Fair. Dress up, wear you biggest hat, dress up the kids and dogs and come on down. 

         We will be in booth W202 on Washington St near the corner of Turner.