SAME OL' SAME OL'

Not much has changed since I talked to you last -- part of the reason I go so long between posts. We're still staying hunkered down here at home, other than a couple of doctors appointments and a couple of trips to the garden center by Dear Hubby. He's very good about wearing his mask, however. The only problem now is that it's getting a whole lot harder to stay upbeat about doing all this, and not getting to spend real time with our kiddles, when the rest of the world seems to be running amok! But, all the more reason to do it.

I'm still sending pen pal cards to my little grandson.

And though I don't get many in return, I always get an immediate facetime call, with him jumping around and waving the card in the air, to tell me how excited he was to get it.

We're still doing puzzles too, and getting totally obsessed with them. Hard to believe, since we never did them at all prior to quarantine. This has been our favorite so far, since it brought back so many great memories.

Barcelona

This next one was pretty nostalgic as well, since my sister put herself through college working at Kip's Big Boy in Dallas, and we all spent a good bit of time there.

I'm still getting my monthly art lesson subscription from Lucy Brydon. This month we took all those tips we learned about glazing and layering leaves and put them to use making floral wreaths.

Loved this lesson. I am not good at particular and precise, and with these wreaths, it seems that the looser and messier you got, the better they turned out! Next up? Fun, funky little birdies.

The one thing I never tire of, however, while being stuck here at home, is the view from my windows.

Even when the little rascals sneak into my garden and nibble my plants!

GONE TOO SOON

We almost had it -- enough fall color to impress our northern relatives who arrive next week, and who are forever going on about their dang maples when they come to visit!

But then, this dang arctic blast came barreling through our little town like a runaway locomotive, and took most of our newly-turned leaves with it!

It just isn't fair...

IT'S FINALLY FALL Y'ALL

Although, in typical Texas fashion, we more or less jumped straight from sweltering summer to freezing winter temps without much of a transition. But, there were a few brief moments...

It was nice while it lasted, but now it's 32 degrees out, and our little kiddos are going to be trick-or-treating Minnesota-style tonight, with big heavy jackets completely covering their cute little costumes!

A HINT OF WINTER

What happens in Texas, when the temperatures outside suddenly plunge down into the 60s? This!

We grab our fuzzy blankets, brew up a pot of hot tea, and totally ignore the fact that our thermostat inside the house is still reading a cozy 75 F.

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

This happened not long ago, and I just had to share it, for it is one of my favorite things about living where I do. 

Early Morning Fog Hovering Above The Creeks

Good thing I'm an early riser, huh?

THE BUTTERFLY FANDANGO

After more than 10 years of hearing about the amazing Butterfly Festival that happens every year here in Wimberley, at the Emily Ann Theater, we finally got to see it for ourselves. Why did we wait so long, you ask? Well, this is something best shared with a pint-sized explorer!

 So much to see and do, plus butterfly releases every half hour.

Butterfly Bait

Waiting For Release

He Caught One!

Plus there were lots of fun crafts...

Making Caterpillars

 train rides...

and Sno-Cones!

So much fun, in fact, we wore the poor kid to a frazzle.

Now it's Mimi's and Papa's turn to head off on a little adventure of our own. Catcha on the flip side!
 

TIME FOR A BIT OF MAGIC

Now that our Little Goobs has finally entered the magical world of make-believe, I decided it was time to add some inspiration out in the garden. We already have a few whimsical things scattered here and there...

but I think it's time to ratchet it up a notch. So, in the last few weeks I've been on the prowl! This is what I've found so far.

A Couple of Good Books About Magical Garden Sprites

A Giant Floor Puzzle Featuring Many Local Garden Critters (no bears here, just wild hogs)

His Very Own Mailbox To Mount Outside, In Which He Can Leave Notes and Surprises For the Fairies and Gnomes

And, while I was gathering all of these, Papa John has been gathering a few trinkets which the fairies and gnomes might leave for Calvin in return, as a thank you for his gifts!

It would be hard to say who's having more fun.