A SMALL TOWN 4TH OF JULY

This year was the year -- the one where we finally decided that our Little Goobs was old enough to take to Wimberley's annual 4th of July parade. Probably the most popular event of the year here in Wimberley, it draws quite the crowd -- and not just the locals, but lots of visiting friends and relatives as well. They close the streets off an hour before the parade begins, and you have to get there extra early if you want to nab a choice spot in the shade. But then, how do you entertain a three year old for more than an hour, while you wait for the parade to start? I surveyed all my friends on everything from where to park and what to bring, to the best viewing spots and exit strategies. I made a detailed plan of attack, and before we'd even left the house, my plan was blown to smithereens. Thank Goodness!

Our first stroke of good luck was that, for the first time in my memory, it wasn't hotter 'n Hades here in Texas on the 4th. In fact, it was almost COOL!

Because we were late leaving the house, the streets had already been blocked off before we got there -- even further out from the town center than we were expecting -- so it was a good hike from our parking spot to where we'd hoped to meet up with friends. About halfway there our little Calvin was done with walking! So we ended up stopping right in front of Blanco Brew, the coffee shop where the Muses and I usually meet up. Which wasn't a bad location, as it turns out. For one thing, it was much closer to the beginning point of the parade, so we wouldn't have to wait as long to see anything. I went inside to nab some iced tea, and when I came back out, I discovered this.

Now THIS is how you entertain a kid while waiting for the parade to start!

I don't know who the couple was who thought of putting this in the back of their truck, or whether they had grandkids nearby that they were doing it for, but we were ever so grateful that they invited Calvin to join in on the fun.

Plus, the Blanco Brew had restrooms, and tables set up outside selling lemonade, and cookies!

Then it was finally time for the parade to start...

Y'all Vote!

By the time he had seen the fire truck and his favorite instruments, trumpets and tubas, he was done, and ready to go back to Mimi-Papa's house to play with Uncle Austinootie and Aunt Areej, A.K.A. The Noonies. Which was fine with us, since it meant we were able to avoid the huge traffic snarl when everyone leaves the parking areas at once.

All in all, I don't think his day could have gone any better, regardless of blown plans and schedules. Which, come to think of it, is usually the case with us.

WELL, THIS IS A SWITCH!

I have planted many, many gardens at many, many houses, always starting with the smallest plants available to save money. However, I have rarely, if ever, been around to see them fill out and come into their own.  So, imagine my surprise when I realized that these gardens here didn't just fill out and reach maturity, but actually went well beyond that point. In fact, they've gone kinda crazy, and someone really oughta get out there and try to rein them in!

Our big oak trees have already been trimmed back multiple times -- to keep their limbs from scraping on our metal roof -- and ere long, they'll need it again.

We thought these two Will Flemming yaupons, which we framed the house with, were never going to make it to the top of the porch rail but, before you know it, they will have reached the top of the house!

American Beautyberry

This Crossvine, above, started out as a tiny little sprig at the base of a beautiful metal trellis in the shape of a dressmaker's model. Not only has it completely obliterated the trellis, it's taking over the porch railing as well. Plus, I didn't even plant some of these wild mystery vines, below. They just showed up on their own and started filling in all the empty spaces.

As for getting out there and trying to rein it all in, well, I'll think about it -- when the daily temps drop about 20 degrees, and the mosquitoes have all gone to meet their maker!

CALVIN AND THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT ADVENTURE

 
Our daughter and grandson came and spent some time with us last week, while her hubby was away at his big annual hackers' convention in Vegas. While here, we decided that perhaps Calvin was finally old enough to go on some real adventures with Mimi and Papa. First up? Aquarena Springs! Well, what used to be Aquarena Springs. Back in the day there were glass bottom boat rides where you would see mermaids and swimming pigs, but by the time Lex arrived at college there in San Marcos, it had fallen onto hard times and was in serious disrepair. Luckily, Texas State University saved the day by purchasing it and turning it into an educational facility -- renamed The Meadows Center -- where the public can still take boat rides and visit their little aquarium. Alas, the mermaids and swimming pigs are a thing of the past, but there is still plenty of fun to be had!

"A tree tunnel!", Calvin yelled.

The former hotel, in the background, now houses offices, classrooms, and the aquarium.

Abandoned Bits Being Reclaimed By Vegetation

A Most Unusual Fish That Swam Beneath Us

It was so fascinating to me, to actually see the water boiling up out of the ground, here at the beginning, the actual source filling all the aquifers for miles around. The basic 25-minute tour was just about perfect for our toddler, though there is a longer one for those who want to learn more.

We followed this up with lunch at Ivar's River Pub, which also fell on hard times and was closed for a long time, but finally reopened this summer.

Then there was this...

followed by this.

All in all, I'd say it was a mighty fine adventure!

A COLOR-MAD HEAT-BEATING PLAYGROUND

So what's a grandparent to do when it's Little Goober day, the temps are due to reach the triple digits, and he's not old enough to sit through a movie yet? Why, you go online and search for other air-conditioned possibilities. Just imagine how excited we were when we found an excellent option about ten minutes from their house, which only charged $4.50 for kids two and under, and nothing for the adults accompanying him! Welcome to iPlay. 

The even have a nice little gated area just for toddlers.

If only he'd been content to stay there.

But then he spotted this little bouncy space just outside the toddler area...

and from there it was on to ever bigger and better things.

Fortunately, it only took one top speed slide, with a bit of a tumble towards the end, down  this big bertha below, for him to decide that maybe the smaller slides weren't so bad after all!

He also liked this little room where they project ever-changing images on the floor, once he finally caught on to the fact that you could touch something and make it shoot away, or, even better, stomp on pumpkins and make them go splat!

I have a feeling he'll be spending lots of time here, with the way our summer has been going down here in Texas this year!

OUR FAMILY FOURTH

Hope everyone had a happy holiday yesterday. We sure did! Our town goes all out each year with a wonderful parade, free hot dogs, and then the rodeo with fireworks. We weren't sure, however, if Calvin was quite old enough to appreciate standing out in the blazing sun for several hours, so we opted for a small celebration at the house...

followed by Blizzards for all! (Papa John's idea, of course)

It was a very good day!