NEW BRAUNFELS, TX- DINNER & A SHOW.

Had dinner at The Liberty Bistro which is in the basement of  New Braunfels old City Hall...circa 1929. We had a nice little private dining room. Good friends and good fun! Scott, Mike, Janet, Gene and Alisa. Scott & Alisa live in Wimberley and Mike and Janet live in Kyle. Before that we had drinks at McAdoo's Seafood Restaurant which is in an old post office. New Braunfels has lovely old historic buildings. It's like a mini Fredericksburg.

McAdoo's. The inside has many of the post office's original characteristics. It has a pretty courtyard out back.

We said Good Night to our friends (because nobody stays up late anymore..including us) and headed over to the Phoenix Saloon to hear Scott H. Biram...that dirty ol' one man band that we like so much. The Phoenix has alot of history. It was established in 1872 and had beer for 5 cents a mug or 10 cents a schooner. At different times it featured a pen full of deer, an alligator pit and badger fights (ew). There was also a parrot on the porch asking "Have you paid your bill?"...in German.

Scott singing "Whiskey" which always makes a drink of that nasty liquor appear.

Scott's guitars. You can hear him and find out more info at www.scottbiram.com/ He's very talented and loads of fun.

A bullhorn usually features largely in many of Scott's songs. He has to sound like a semi truck driver on the CB ya know.

I think this sign outside the Phoenix is hilarious. As the years have gone on everyone we know shuns South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin.

You can Google Phoenix Saloon in New Braunfels Texas to find out lots more history about the Phoenix...do it...it's really interesting. Look for Willie's Dream...he was Willie Gebhardt and in 1984 invented chili powder...also known as Tampico Dust. He had a cafe in the backroom. The Phoenix was the first saloon to serve ladies but since no self respecting woman would dare enter a bar they had a beer garden on the side of the building and had electric push bells in the trees to summon a waiter to bring e'm some brewski.

A parting shot of Scott playing his guitar and harmonica...he has a bass "foot stomper". A couple of his songs have been featured on T.V....Dog The Bounty Hunter and Sons of Anarchy. He tours the U.S., Canada and Europe and does about 200 shows a year. If you go to his website play the "Open Road" video...my favorite. He's also on wikipedia for more info.

FLOWERS FOR JANE.

I'm pretty proud of this Gardenia I bought last year. It has doubled in size and had over 50 blooms on it.

This is the Cecil Bruner rose that Jane & Michael sent me last year. It is getting big and blooming well. My Mother and Grandmother grew Cecil Bruners. We see you back there Bennie!

These are 2 long stems that recently shot outta the rose bush. We still see you Bennie.

ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL aka EASTER IN AUSTIN.

Somebody smells fried chicken. Three of these dogs are Kay & Jim's- the other two belong to Mitch and Valerie and are frequent guests. The 2 boys with the collars are Blaze and Gus. The girls are Pie, Blossom and their Mother Ripley.

There are small creatures inside this box...namely a Mother Screech Owl is sitting on her eggs. Couldn't get a good picture of the Daddy owl who keeps constant watch from a nearby branch...unless he's out at night catching and then bringing Mama some food. They come every year and raise a family.

Paladin is the King of The Wayward Pony Ranch. He is in his 20's and loves to steal alcoholic drinks of any kind...from Martinis to beer. Do not leave your drink unattended! And don't leave the door open either or you'll find him in the kitchen.

This dog is a movie star and is wanting some sun glasses. It's either Pie or Blossom...I get them mixed up.

Where's Waldo? Another small creature. I need a better zoom on my camera. He was very timid. It's a big, beautiful roadrunner that was going from one side mirror on the truck to the other...pecking at his reflection. It was great entertainment.

This is Lola...and Jim. She belongs to Kay's Mom...Maxine. She is a frequent visitor and guest.

Look at all the pretty show dogs!!!

Mitch rather "hypnotized" Bennie for at least an hour. He was in love! At least it kept him from scratching & biting himself for awhile. I did not stop to take pictures of any wildflowers and that's a crime. Also apologies to our dog Willie and Kay's cat Suki and her pig Nadine for not getting their photos. Thanks for a great time Kay & Jim. We sure had fun as always!!!