SUNDAY IN LANGTRY W/ FRANK.

Seems like whenever we have guests we always end up in Langtry. It's a good day trip with pretty scenery. SPRING HAS ARRIVED IN THE DESERT...and the cactus is blooming...sort of.

This is an ugly Ocotillo that presents pretty red/orange blooms in the Spring. There's alot of it everywhere...we had alot in Pecos too.

I took these pictures at the Visitor's Center/Museum in Langtry. We've been so many times it's hard to find anything new to photograph for my blog.

This is the prettiest Yucca I ever saw.

Seems like any 'ol thing will bloom..even out of a rock.

Gene and Frank went to high school together and have stayed in touch all these years. He lives in Iowa, Wisconsin and Austin.

I was shocked and so sorry to find out that this store across the street from the Visitor's Center has closed permanently. I'd buy it and live there. Langtry only has a population of 20 folks...but it's an hour from Del Rio. It's about a half mile off the highway. We were told not enough people stopped at the store to keep it open.

This is where we always picnic. The Pecos River is down to the right...Mexico is right "over there" a little ways. This Border Patrol agent is looking for something/someone with her binoculars.

So, Frank goes and chats her up. She said the boat ramp down below is seeing alot of activity with hired boats dropping off illegals down there. They try to keep it under surveillance 24/7. Frank is facing Mexico. Of course we went down there after lunch...looked O.K. to us.

Gene and Frank face Texas and look at the Pecos River. It's down 30 to 40 feet....but we finally had over an inch of rain in Del Rio last night so Langtry got some too. We are always glad when Frank comes for a visit. It's the same drill with every guest: Pecos River, Eagle Nest Creek, Visitor's Center in Langtry and then picnic above the river on the way back.

WHAT IS IT?

I made this out of thrift shop wood pieces that I bought. Gene says it looks like a city from a Sci-Fi movie. It reminds me of a chess set. Now I don't know what to do w/ it.

It has four small square areas inside...maybe I'll put some tiny succulent plants in there.

Some "people" can fall asleep anywhere....as long as their favorite toy is nearby. We call this "flop-butt".

ONE NIGHT IN AUSTIN. 2/7/2012.

The drive over was about the same as last week...but there was more rain, more wildflowers and more fun....and scary traffic. I saw blankets of yellow flowers w/ herds of goats frolicking about...baby goats sure are cute. The bluebonnets are out! Every time I drive thru Uvalde I have to shake my head and wonder why this particular house STILL has 2 Christmas wreaths on the house. Weirdos.

 I met up w/ C.J. who was in Austin from Dallas for business purposes. She was staying at the Omni Southpark. We ate at Second Restaurant on 2nd St. and it sure wasn't all it was touted to be. We can mark that place off the list...O.K. but not great as we'd heard.

Then we went to Jovita's on S. 1st. St. to hear The Lucky Tomblin Band. Their daughter (Amber) went to school in San Marcos w/ Jamey from K thru 12th grade. I hadn't seen Becky & Lucky for at least 12 years. Check out the band at www.luckytomblinband.com/  If you know Austin...then you know Marcia Ball...she was there and got up to sing a song w/ Lucky.
I love "The Honky Tonk" song. Go to the website and you'll hear it playin'. Lucky has some real "heavies" in the band. There are 6 or 7 folks and they all sing (except the drummer) so their range and variety is most excellent. All together the band members have played w/: Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Ray Price, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Omar & the Howlers, Joe Ely, Doug Sahm etc.etc.etc. CHECK THEM OUT!!! I don't go out to hear live music much so I really enjoyed myself.
The Becky said we just HAD to stay to hear some of the next band. They are The Vendetta Big Band and play old fashioned jazz/big band/swing music...VERY entertaining!! There are 13 to 17 pieces in the group. A great time was had by all.
I headed back to Del Rio the next morning.
The mesquite trees are out here in Del Rio now, so according to legend, I guess the weather is done freezing.  I hope so since we hauled all the potted plants out of the garage and around to the backyard today. The hummingbirds will be here soon so I better get my feeders ready. I expect them to arrive early this year.
Gene started his Spring Break yesterday. 
A Bennie Update- He isn't much better...a tiny bit I guess. The vet called last Wed. and said the cultures have grown 4 kinds of organisms...not sure what exactly that means since I was driving in heavy rain & traffic when we spoke. Anyways he is now on a big, fat human antibiotic to be taken twice a day for between 30 & 60 days. The baths, antihistamines, antiseptic swabs and ointment continue. Still waiting for more test results and he has another appt. on April 4th. Stand by.
Anybody can post on my blog now if they like. I made some adjustments. You no longer need to have a Google account to comment...so please do...comment.

The Vendetta Big Band.

Marcia Ball singin' w/ Lucky.

This Omni Hotel is right ON IH 35 North. It was O.K.... C.J. usually stays at the Omni downtown on 8th. & San Jacinto.