Cameron Park Zoo 10-5-2008

We had an un-eventful drive up to Bryan the night before this outing and that is a good thing. The weatherman promised superb weather and he did not disappoint us. I’m not sure how the story goes but someone in our Texas Old Farts Sports Car Club met some one with the Still Creek Ranch Boys Home and it was arranged that we would get to take eight boys for this cruise up to the Zoo in Waco.

As I understood it the boys had been quite excited about this outing, as were we. It was such a pleasure for us when we saw their eyes shimmer and I could just image the dreams that raced in their minds as they examined the cars we had lined up at the usual meeting place, Jack in the Box in Bryan. They were all calling the car they wanted to ride in. There was even one young man that knew exactly how to do it. He licked the door handle. And as you all know that is a sure way of marking your spot. We women folks rode with the House parents Evelyn and Wes and their son and nephew. Thanks again to Evelyn our most wonderful chauffer for letting us ride with them.

Unfortunately we had more boys then we had cars, 8 boys 6 cars, but that worked out ok because we stopped at the McDonalds in Marlin and traded and swapped boys and cars and front seats and backseats. We also had lunch and got to know them a little better. What a great bunch of boys with good manners and smiles that would light up any dark room. If we get to do this again maybe next time we will be able to have more cars for them to choose from.

We all made it to the zoo with no problems, although Mike tried ~wink ~ wink. I for one thought the Cameron Park Zoo was really nice. It was clean, not too crowed and like I said the weather was wonderful. About mid-way through we came across the refreshment area and like average country boys with hollow legs, they ate again. We saw lots of critters, some colorful and funny and some sleepy and fearful. Lions and tigers and bears, OH My! And don’t forget the otters AND photos here.

On the way back to Bryan we stopped at the Marlin Mickey Ds and the boys ate again. Growing boys need food-lots of food. Especially when they were expecting to have to load up some eighty plus bales of hay onto a trailer once they got home. But as it turned out they got a reprieve. Thanks to the girls at the Still Creek Ranch Girls Home, who like all girls like to… how do I say one up the boys without sounding like a feminist? No not really the girls have chores and responsibilities around the ranch and are glad to lend a hand when needed.

All the Old Farts would like to say thank you to Evelyn, Wes, the boys and everyone at the Still Creek Ranch for letting us spend an awesome day with this group of young men. We hope to be able to see you all again.

For those of you Old Farts that couldn’t make this outing be sure to join us next time. Until then…buckle up, drive safe and keep an eye in the rear view mirror.

See ya!

Ball Ranch Run 9-7-08

I know, I know it has been almost forever since I last posted. I won't bore you will my million excuses.
We did make it to this run but I understand it was great. Our thanks to Mr & Mrs Ball for opening their garage to us. You can find photos over here.

The Old Farts Meet The Dark Knight

Well it’s been a while, vacation will do that ya know. So it’s hot, hot, HOT in this fine month of August and for that reason we opted to stay outta the heat and in the A/C.

And this is how the story of the Texas Old Farts Sports Car Club and the Dark Knight begins, we drove just as fast as the speed limit would allow. Top up protecting our precious skin from the horrid blast of heat and bright light beaming from the August sun. Do ya get the picture about it being a chilly day? NOT!

We arrived at the Silverado 19 IMAX screen in Tomball and dashed between the shade of the light poles in the parking lot until we reached the sweet cool sanctuary of the theater. We bought our tickets online so we would not have to wait out in the heat with a bunch of folks that don’t know what movie they want to see. How nice that is, our tickets were waiting at the desk inside.

Once there I was amazed at the size of the concession counter and the shear number of refreshments available for purchase. I opted for Ice Cream, coconut to be exact, a bottle of water-large please. We made our way back to the waiting zone. We found the carpeted floor somewhat comfy and sat down to await our show time. After a bit an usher came by and hollered at us to “Get your tickets ready!” he shouted this down the hall too, where thousands of millions of people waited. We were lucky to be near the front of the line. Then the usher shouted for us to “stay in line” as we entered the darkened theater. We found our seats and enjoyed our view of all the people that came streaming in, in what appeared to be a never-ending procession. Finally after the usher told every one, very sternly, that seats would not be saved after the movie started the milling about subsided, the lights dimmed and the music started.

Batman the Dark Knight was his usual beautiful hunky Bruce Wayne self. I will not tell you anything of the movie other then it was Worth the Price of IMAX Tickets to see and it is two and a-half hours long.

It stormed while we were watching the movie but it was over when we left and then we drove up the road to Goodson’s Café. Well some of us drove up, some of us had to get a jump start cause we left our lights on. Thanks to Don who had cables. But I won’t tell any other names cause you all know how Barbara’s husband is. You may not know this but our fearless leader once left his lights on and stranded us at Moody Gardens-Thank God he had Triple A.

Anyway we only had to wait a little bit, they do not take reservations but they did expect us. Does that make sense?? Thought not. We were seated and some of us got to color a lovely picture of a cow- a blue cow to be exact. Makes you think of ice cream huh? Oh and you can find photos over here.

Our waitress bought out huge plates of even huge’er rolls with bowls of gravy-yummy. OMG can y’all say southern food. At our corner of the table the Dukes and us had a funny conversation about unusual names and the spelling of those names by the younger generation. Too much hootin and laugher, I think someone may have even snorted, but it wasn’t me, not this time. At one point I had to excuse myself for the little cowgurls room and took advantage of the situation to reenact the theater experience with the pardon me excuse me Buggs Bunny bit, complete with chair bumping and thumping. Sorry about the tea y’all. But all the food was good and very filling, oh the desert don’t’ forget the pies yes they too were way good. Our thanks to our nice little waitress Lakyn. Yes this is her real name and it is spelled like this. See prior mention of unusual names and spelling above and the laughter erupted all over again.

We missed those of you that couldn’t make it. And remember that on a hot August afternoon a movie followed by good food and conversation can be lots fun. Hope to see y’all next time.

Huntsville 6-1-2008

Ah the month of June in all its warmness greeted us bright and early Sunday—thank God for Air Conditioning! There was a Texas Old Farts Sports Car Club trip to Huntsville to see the Prison Museum and the Sam Houston Memorial. We had a prior engagement and could not make the Museum visit, but we were able to meet up with the Old Farts at the Sam Houston Memorial. You can check out a prior trip to the Prison Museum here. This was my first trip to the Memorial and what a nice place it was.
Now don’t confuse the statue of Sam Houston up on I-45 North in Huntsville with the Memorial, as that is a separate place to visit with its own Visitors Center. I will give you some brief but interesting information. The giant Sam Houston stands 67 feet tall he was designed and constructed by David Adickes and it was dedicated in 1994. When you are driving north on I-45 you can see the giant Sam come into view. He appears to be walking right across the freeway, but the closer you get the road curves and he is actually standing beside it. We came across some of Adickes other statutes earlier this year you can read about it here if you like.
Back to our regularly programmed post… The grounds at the Memorial are beautiful, there are tons of photo opportunities, just ask some of the ladies with the cameras growing out of their hands. There are lots of homes and outbuildings to see on the grounds. Suring his lifetime Sam was a District attorney in Nashville, elected to Congress, Governor of Tennessee, married and divorced twice, Commanded the Texas army, 1st President of Texas, Senator, and Governor of Texas. Sam, thus far, is the only man to have been Governor of two states. He married for a third and final time to Margaret, 20 years younger than him. I highly recommend you to visit the Memorial and the statue when you are near, that means within 50 miles, of Huntsville. All Texans should take the time to learn a little bit of the great history that has helped to build this awesome place we call home.
Of course it goes without saying that we Old Farts like to eat and this outing was no exception. We loaded up and drove through the Sam Houston National Forest over the lovely Lake Conroe, to Montgomery (birth place of the Texas Flag) and onto highway 105 headed east to Vernon’s Kuntry Kitchen. They always treat us right. If you look at the photos over here, you will see the huge tray of drinks that our waitress, Brittney, carried to the table. Of course there are a few other photos there too. It was a good day and a great outing!For those of you Old Farts that didn’t make it… you really should have been there. We hope to see ya next time

Scarborough Faire 5-4-2008

It was a bright beautiful and spring like day, and just plain ol’ lovely. On our drive up to Waxahachie there were fragments of wildflowers all along I-45 North the Indian Paintbrush was interspersed here and there by Black Eyed Susans and a few late blooming Bluebonnets. The further north we went the more tufts of cotton candy colored Primrose there was lacing the edges of the freeway. We arrived a bit earlier than the other members of the Texas Old Farts Sports Car Club as they were coming up from Bryan.

We got our tickets and made our way around the Scarborough Faire grounds. Let me tell you right up front how clean this place was including the restrooms. It was clear that the folks in those parts Don’t Mess with Texas!

The paths were lined with Fullers Earth, that’s cat litter for you non-rock hounds, very walkable and wheelchairable. My hats off to the planners that set up the layout for this renaissance festival, the paths meandered about all the wonderful shops of hand crafted items. There were plenty of places for children to run and hand cranked rides to be ridden on or in. Costumed folks entertained us around every bend and many hawked their wares. Beautiful pottery and glass items reflected smiling faces that admired and purchased the lovely pieces. Just so you know the word piece makes any item increase in value. Although a great many of the items I looked at were priced fairly. Myself being an artist of sorts, understand the skill and enormous amount of time that goes into hand crafting unique designs as do some of y'all. Have I mentioned the gold and silver jewelry that glinted in the sun beams? No. Well there was plenty of that to be had and handy dandy walking sticks to. And there is a creek of sorts that wanders through and under a couple of bridges, making for some pretty views for those that want to stop to look.

I was pleased that there were so many shady places to sit and rest or people watch or both. When it came time to feed the dancing belly there was plenty of good stuff to choose from fish, fruit, steak, potatoes, pizza, pork and yes Ye Old Turkey Legs. Needless to say, but I will for your benefit, there were all manners of grog to drink and yummy sweets to treat those tasty buds on your drooling tongue.

Of course by that time we had already met up with other Old Farts and enjoyed watching a Falconers show and we had the pleasure of seeing an American Bald Eagle up close. Sad to say the majestic bird had been injured and therefore was unable to be in the wild anymore. It was said that some people had moved into a new house under a tree in which the bird lived. Their little dog came up missing and they assumed the big bad bird did it, so they shot it. Fortunately it was not killed but was severely injured loosing part of one of its wings. We learned that Eagles don’t pick up little dogs they are fish eaters, maybe even fish tacos so Kathy and Mike hold yours close.

You can find photos over here. When you go out there be sure to keep an eye on the entertaining events happening all around because you don’t want to miss any of them. They offer comedy, belly dancing, exhibits and learning about birds of prey, knife throwing, jousting and fairies that play the double flute just for you, glass blowing and a number of other fine, neat-O pete-O things.

Alas after only a few hours we had to be on our way as we had a 3 hour trip home ahead of us. I would recommend Scarborough Faire over the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville any day of the week on the basis of cleanliness, family oriented and propriety of the performers and other visitors. We had a wonderful good time and missed those of you that couldn’t make it this time.

So til next time see ya

Texas tidbits

Last time I told y’all about the Texas Pledge and the state song. Today its gonna be our Motto

Friendship

Adopted by legislature in 1930
On accounta the Caddo Indians that lived here called the place Tejas which means friend and ally. Our history has shown over the years how the great state of Texas steps up and lends a hand to others in need. A recent account was hurricane Katrina that hit our neighbor, Louisiana. We really came up to bat for that one as well as a few other states. We had lots of folks go up to New York after 911, the worst American tragedy in my lifetime. I remember the many hurricanes that hit Florida back in the 90’s the hordes of Texicans that went to help. It sure made me proud. The Tsunami a short while back, remember? Yes, I’d say the Caddo were right in our name.

On a lighter and tasty note the state tree, the pecan. More then one mighty good pie has come from that tree. Not to mention pralines and pecan rolls. Yummy Yummy.

Now as far as an official state drink there is NONE. Dr. Pepper claims to be the state drink. I was invented and made in Waco. The Old Farts Sports Car Club had a Cruise there in July 2007. Hum interesting you know, there aren’t that many states that even have an official state drink, you can check out this web site here if ya want to for more infomation on state drinks.
Till next time...See ya

Burton Cotton Gin 4-6-2008

The day started out a bit foggy but not to worry clear skies were on the menu for today and oh what a day it turned out to be. Johnny and I had been in downtown Houston Saturday night and we had to meet up with the Old Farts Sports Car Club at the Gin. But first let me tell you about our drive.

Wild flowers were in full bloom lots of delicate pink flowers grew in bunches and appeared like ruffles and lace around many a sign. One type of wild flower the bright yellow ones reminded me of yellow eyelet, you ladies know what I mean, just peaking out from the edges of woods or creeping up from ditches. The burning red-orange of Indian paintbrush was just staring to color the waysides. Another yellow flower, sort of a deep golden sun colored one, was just popping up here and there. Bluebonnets were non-stop all over the place. We had to be careful of the many cars that had pulled over to take photos. Folks were everywhere as were the police, but I don’t think they passed out as many coupons as they wanted~~oh well. Having found our way to the Burton Cotton Gin, about 10 miles west of Brenham on highway 290, we were warmly greeted by the gang.

This original Cotton Gin began as a CO-OP by farmers in and around Burton, the last of its kind and a historical landmark. The engine that powers it is about the size of a large SUV maybe a Yukon. They show the actual running gin on the 3rd Saturday of the month in the mornings. I found out so many interesting things, from our great tour guides Linda Russell and Jerry More, about cotton and the cotton industry. I mean stuff you, well me any way, have never given a thought to. Do you know how they squeeze that little seed to get to the “oil”? What about the numerous items that “leftovers” are used for? —- No I didn’t’ think so. Any who we got to watch a short movie about the gin and some of us-Silvia- got to play dress up. Yes photos can be found over here. There were display items to see in the Museum even a bowl weevil or two, stories were told and a souvenir gift shop waiting for a visit.

Linda stayed at the museum while we followed Jerry out to the gin, where he gave us {no not Gin the liquor} an informative run down of its intricate workings and nuances. It smelled like, well like, ok imagine if you will an old barn and a junkyard. Yes it smelled like that, sorta familiar and friendly. He explained the growth of cotton plants and how to grow them. We even got to take a couple of seeds to plant at our own homes. You see it's almost plantin time, just a couple more weeks then its knuckle deep for the fuzzy little seeds, in well drained sunny dirt. {yes dirt can be sunny).

This was a very fun learning experience and well worth the gas to go, not to mention seeing the awesome beautiful Texas countryside covered in wild flower blooms. I’m sorry for those of you that couldn’t make it... Eat your hearts out cause I so know you are green with jealously. Y’all have got to see this place! And the time to go is April 18 – 20, that’s when the BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL is. And when you get there tell ‘em you heard about all the cotton pickin stuff going on from the Texas Old Farts Sports Car Club.

See y'all