Wanderings Near – To Create Sunshine

Spring is Upon Us in Tapatio Springs

Published on March 12, 2018April 27, 2019 by Gerri3 Comments

Fall may come late to Texas, but Spring typically arrives early and we are thrilled with the warmer temperatures and blue skies! My husband and I have just returned from our semi-annual trip to Lubbock to visit our daughter. After a fabulous visit with her sweet family, we headed over to Boerne, in the Texas Hill Country, to see my brother-in-law and his lovely wife. After what seemed like a rather frigid winter, ( at least for Southeast Texas ) it was perfect time of year to schedule a little getaway and enjoy the warming temperatures.

The drive through central Texas was fabulous with rolling hills and so green after all the rains. Although the trees were still mostly bare and brown, there were some Flowering Pear and Redbud trees scattered along the roadside that signify in Texas that Spring is truly on it’s way!

Visiting the Texas Hill Country is always a delight for me. I have been captivated by it’s rustic beauty ever since I was young and I always look forward to returning for a visit. The rugged, rolling hills covered with live oak and cedar trees never fail to soothe my soul and allow me to wallow in the joys of nature.

Of course, while visiting in Boerne, my husband had to play a round of golf at the amazing Tapatio Springs Golf Course. Tapatio Springs is on 220 acres in the heart of the hill country. Several years ago an investment group which includes country music star George Strait purchased the resort community and have been making improvements on the property ever since. You can read more about Tapatio Springs here. Sadly, the newly renovated club house burned to the ground in early November, but the golf course and other facilities are open and they will be rebuilding the club house in time.

Although I’m not much of a golfer, I do enjoy riding in the cart and taking in the beauty of Tapatio Springs. I always take my camera along with me so I can snap a few shots of the lovely golf course and the amazing homes surrounding it.

To Create Sunshine Tapatio Springs, Texas Hill Country — View from the golf course of Tapatio Springs.

A visit to the Texas Hill Country never disappoints me. There is so much to see and do in this region of the country. The Hill Country has something for everyone from antiquing in one of the charming towns such as Fredericksburg, to enjoying the music scene in Austin, or taking in the beauty of one of the many rivers that meanders through the rustic, rolling hills such as the Guadelupe or the Comal.

As always with out visits to the Hill Country, too soon it was time to make out way back to our home in Cypress, but I look forward to another visit to the amazing Texas Hill Country soon!

Sending many blessings your way today! – Gerri

Magnolia Market at the Silos

Published on January 3, 2018April 27, 2019 by Gerri16 Comments

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If you are a fan of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, chances are you’re already familiar with the Magnolia Market at the Silos. It seems that everything that Chip and Joanna Gaines touch turns to gold, and the market is no exception. If you happen to be traveling anywhere near central Texas, and you are a fan of shiplap and farmhouse style, the Magnolia Market is quickly becoming a definite must-see in the heart of Texas.

For our visit, we arrived around 11:00am on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and there were already crowds buzzing around the grounds. However, there is so much more to see than just the market, the crowds really didn’t bother us.

The first place we headed was the large grassy field with artificial turf that is perfect for tossing a soccer or football, ( which are provided with a few other games.) Since, we were traveling with a two year old, it was a great place to allow her to run a little energy off! It’s also the perfect spot to drop off Dad or Granddad with the kids while Mom shops at the market.

Surrounding the play area are plenty of food trucks providing everything from crepes to pizza and hot dogs. There are plenty of picnic tables, lounge chairs and over-sized swings for a picnic lunch or just relaxing while the kids play. Of course, the decor is in Joanna’s sweet style filled with hanging baskets of flowers and plenty of reclaimed wood.

The market itself is a shoppers paradise filled with everything farmhouse that you could possibly want for your own home. There are lots of Joanna style vignettes displaying the goods which makes the store itself a bit unique. Although the store was extremely crowded, the line to purchase moved very quickly which was a present surprise.

I have to admit, my favorite part of the Silo’s was the Magnolia Feed and Supply filled with live plants, seed packets, garden style decor and even a section for your own personal fairy garden! The garden area is truly an inspiration even to the most novice of gardeners. The raised bed are filled with Snapdragons and Sweet Alyssum. The gardens were so sweet and charming that I was eager to get home and add some more flowers to our own garden!

Most importantly, Magnolia Market is more than just a place to shop. With the large grounds, seed shop and bakery, it truly is meant to be a fun stop for the whole family!

If You Go …..

Waco, Texas is located in Central Texas about a 90 minute drive from either Dallas or Austin. About twice that if you’re coming from Houston. It’s best to get there early when they open or after 3:00. The lines for the bakery were quite long the day that we visited. We opted not to wait. There is free parking in the back by the food trucks. You will see signs to pay for parking, but check the back first. There are usually spots available. Check the Magnolia Market website for store hours for they may vary seasonally. They are always closed on Sundays. There are lots of cute vignettes for photo ops so make sure your phone is charged!

Hope you enjoy your visit! xxoo Gerri

The Peaceful Banks of the Medina River

Published on August 10, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri4 Comments

August is upon us, often known as the dog days of summer. In the southern United Stares, August can be uncomfortably warm with relentless heat and humidity. Southerners are growing ever so tired of the heat and yearning for the slightly cooler temperatures of fall.

The best place to spend these warm summer days is at the beach or the lake…. or at least in a cool refreshing swimming pool. Another option is to visit one of the many rivers that wind through the Texas Hill Country. The water can be quite chilly and many rivers offer the cool relief of tubing or rafting.

While we didn’t get away to the beach or lake last weekend, we did stumble across this pretty spot on the Medina River near Bandera. It was peaceful and quiet, the perfect spot to take a moment to relax and take in the quiet beauty of the river banks. Huge Cypress trees lined the banks offering plenty of shade from the hot Texas sun. Actually, we were quite lucky that the recent rains had brought cooler temperatures, a huge improvement to the mid nineties of most August days.

I couldn’t get over the amount of birds that were wondering the banks and frolicking in the water. I did a little research and to the best of my knowledge they were Graylag and Swan Geese with a few Muscovy Ducks mixed in. (Thank you RH for your assistance on this!) I went crazy trying to capture as many photos as I could of these amazing creatures.

We came to the river after having a late breakfast in Bandera, also known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Why it’s called that I’m not really sure, but I did find some hard to resist western boots in one of the local shops. Another interesting tidbit about Bandera is that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie visited Bandera while taping their reality show The Simple Life. If you happen to be a country music fan, Bandera was once called home to country musician Robert Earl Keen.

We stopped for breadfast at the OST Restaurant in downtown Bandera. O.S.T. stands for Old Spanish Trail, a route that was designated to improve highway access back in 1915. The OST Restaurant opened in 1921 and today is one of the last original restaurants along the route. It features a John Wayne room which features, of course, a plethora of John Wayne memorabilia.

No trip to Bandera is complete without visiting the General Store. If you want to experience a bit of Texas history, this is the place to be. The store is filled with local treasures and there is even an authentic 1950’s ice cream fountain. we did not sample the ice cream as we had just finished breakfast, but I’m sure it would be a delight!

Overall, I really enjoyed out quick trip to Bandera, Texas and the Medina River. Bandera is filled with a rich Texas history and left me with a desire to return and explore a little more. As they say in Bandera…..

When Life Gets Tough,

Cowboy Up…..

Maybe next trip, I’ll wear my boots! – xxoo Gerri

The Hills of Tapatio Springs

Published on April 9, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri2 Comments

If you are a lover of rustic charm found in nature, the Texas Hill Country is the place to go. A few years ago my brother-in-law and his lovely wife moved into the exquisite resort community of Tapatio Springs. This was a double blessing for my husband and me because not only do we get to visit with them more often, it gives us more opportunity to explore one of our favorite regions in Texas.

Tapatio Springs hosts the perfect mix of Texas nature with deluxe resort. This awe inspiring golfing community is nestled in the heart of the hill country, just outside the charming town of Boerne. I have to tell you the brief ten minute drive on Johns Road from I-10 to get to Tapatio Springs is just as sweet and charming as the lovely community itself. Once you exit I-10, the road twists and winds through the rustic and hilly countryside that gives the area it’s name. As you drive be sure to keep your eyes open for deer, sheep, goats and various other wildlife you might see as you drive.

As you take one last turn around the bend at the top of the hill you get your first breathtaking view of Tapatio Springs. The resort was bought several years ago by the country/western singer George Strait and a group of investors and they have been making improvements to the resort ever since. The 18 hole golf course has recently been renovated by architect Tripp Davis and Associates and features an amazing panoramic view of the rolling Texas hills that surround the golf course.

I’m honestly not much of a golfer, but I do enjoy riding in the cart and taking in the beauty of the surroundings. I also enjoy photography so this seemed the perfect opportunity to practice my amateur photography skills while Dear Husband practiced his amateur golfing skills.

As you tour the golf course, you get an amazing view of not only some of the highest hills of the area, but also some of the beautiful homes surrounding the golf course.

The 18 hole golf course offers a spectacular venue and is filled with auspicious live oak trees, rolling terrain and abundant with water features. This serene Hill Country Resort offers both a photographers and a golfers delight!

As always, when it’s time to pack up and return to our busy lives in the city, I’m thankful for the opportunity to have spent some relaxed time in the serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country!

Until Next Time – xxoo- Gerri

Rustic Charm in the Texas Hill Country

Published on February 26, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri7 Comments

I know that there are many places of awe inspiring beauty in the world. Colorado has the most majestic mountains I’ve ever seen. I am enthralled by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. I have been astounded by the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii. Thailand fascinated me with it’s exotic culture and charming people. I long to visit and see more of these amazing places. However unique and fascinating those places are, they are far from my home.

So, when I need a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, I escape to the Texas Hill Country. My husband and I load up the Tahoe, along with our schnauzer, Bear, and head west until the flat lands gradually turn into rugged, rolling hills covered with live oak and cedar trees. Nestled between San Antonio and Austin and encompassing 25 counties, the Texas Hill Country boasts of a rustic charm filled with a a rich Texas history, charming architecture, and a natural beauty that soothes my soul and brings me peace and serenity.

I have to admit, the weather was less than desirable the weekend of our last visit. After our arrival the fog and rain set in, and temperatures dropped into the 30’s. No worries though. We loved being there no matter what the weather.

The Texas Hill Country is known for it’s numerous small town venues, restaurants and antique shops all filled with quaint, rustic charm. One of our favorite hidden gems is the Welfare Cafe. Located off IH-10, between Boerne and Comfort, the Welfare Cafe is an out of the way kind of place that is not too be missed.

The Welfare Cafe began as a General Store way back in early Texas history opening around 1848. The local post office was later established in 1880 inside the General Store. Welfare became a railroad shipping point and the small town thrived. By 1892, the town of Welfare consisted of a whopping 275 residents, along with a schoolhouse, saloon, hotel and cotton gin.

In 1916, the original general store and post office burned down, but was rebuilt that same year. As time passed, the small towns population dwindled and bad times haunted the small community. The boll weevils destroyed the cotton crops, and of course there was the great depression. The population dropped to a mere 25 residents. Through it all, the post office and general store continued to be an important meeting place for the community. A place to collect your mail and exchange stories, borrow books and talk about the weather. Over time as the population of the small town dwindled, the local school closed and the few students that still lived in Welfare would take the bus to the school in Comfort. At the end of the day the bus would drop them off at, where else, but the general store. In 1966, the trained stopped running past Welfare and it wasn’t long after that the post office closed, followed by the general store in 1978.

Today, the fascinating history of the small community of Welfare is being revitalized by Gabriele McCormick and her husband David. In the early nineties, Gabriele and David were looking for a change from corporate life in the city and fell in love with the charm of the hill country, as so many of us do. They purchased the general store, post office, and various barns on about 150 acres. Slowly, they began to restore the old buildings and began the transformation to what we now enjoy as the Welfare Cafe. The restaurant has thrived, and over the years, Gabby and David have continued to make improvements on the land.

In 2005, the Goat Barn was built using reclaimed wood from the original barn. There is now an intimate wine bar in the loft. The Welfare Cafe frequently offers special events and is the perfect venue for a rustic, but charming hill country wedding.

As mentioned previously, the weather was dreary the day we visited and the charming, rustic gardens were showing the effects of the recent freeze. I have to admit, I enjoy wandering the grounds almost as much as I enjoy the fabulous cuisine which has a touch of German influence. The day we were there, we enjoyed a delicious Sunday brunch complete with German sausage and strudel, croissants, an assortment of fresh fruits and cheeses, quiche, pancakes and so much more. Of course, what Sunday brunch is not complete without Mimosas!

The Welfare Cafe is a delightfully charming venue filled with nostalgia and relics from the past. This is a delightful spot for a lovely lunch or dinner. Be sure to check out their website and calendar for special events. They offer special holiday celebrations and often have live entertainment.

The charms of the Texas Hill Country are endless. If I had my way, I would spend my days wandering the many small towns and visiting all the lovely shops, restaurants, historical sites, and possibly a winery or two.

I hope that someday you have a chance to visit the Texas Hill Country and explore the many fascinating venues that the area has to offer.

“Texas is a State of Mind.” – John Steinbeck

xxoo – Gerri

* I would love to hear a comment from you have visited or plan to visit the Texas Hill Country or the Welfare Cafe and Goat Barn.

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Estes Park Beauty

Published on October 30, 2016April 27, 2019 by Gerri2 Comments

After being home in Cypress for two weeks, I am still reveling in the delight and memory of our Rocky Mountain getaway. Today I am sharing photos with you from the town of Estes Park.

Estes Park is nestled at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park and is surrounded by the most auspicious views everywhere you turn. Mountain Peaks rising around you range in height from 8500 feet to 14,000 feet. Mix this backdrop with the beauty of changing fall colors and you have a recipe for beauty that is hard to beat. The town hosts numerous cabins, condos and hotels all sharing amazing views of the glorious Rocky Mountains.

Estes Park offers an abundance of shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants to enjoy during your visit. Main Street has a small town atmosphere where you can enjoy the beauty of the Riverwalk while browsing the many shops and local artists galleries. You can even throw a line in and try your hand at fly fishing.

One of our favorite dining spots while visiting Estes Park was Ed’s Cantina and Grill. Although we had a bit of a wait ( they do take reservations ) the food did not disappoint. The menu is diverse and flavorful with plenty of fresh ingredients featuring items such as Squash Stuffed Poblano Chile and Bison Tacos. My personal favorites included the Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas and the Veggie Taco Salad. The diversity of the menu satisfied both the vegans and carnivores traveling in our group.

When you step outside the backdoor of Ed’s Cantina, you are greeted by the surprising beauty of the riverwalk that meanders through the town. Here you can enjoy a stroll or simply sit and take in the peaceful beauty of the river. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating to take in the glory while you dine.

I have been fortunate to visit the wonders of Colorado a few times. Each time it has left me in a state of awe and wonder at it’s incredible beauty. There is so much more to see and experience in this great state that I look forward to hopefully many more trips!

Hope you are enjoying the beauty that surrounds you where ever you may be today!

xxoo Gerri

Rocky Mountain High!

Published on October 23, 2016April 27, 2019 by Gerri4 Comments

As an elementary art teacher, I rarely have the opportunity to travel in the fall. But when our dear friend’s daughter announced her wedding would be in Estes Park, Colorado, my husband and I jumped at the chance to share their special day and to visit beautiful Colorado in the fall!

From the moment we headed north on Highway 25 from Denver to Estes Park, the astounding beauty of Colorado began to fill my soul with a peace and serenity that is often difficult to find. The beauty of the fall colors mixed with the Rocky Mountain backdrop was everything and more that I had hoped to see.

Our friends recently bought an amazing cabin ( really it’s a beautiful home ) just at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. The views from their back porch are simply stunning!

The first morning after our arrival we were awoken by the sound of bugling by the “Great Prince” elk as he kept his “harem” together. Imagine walking onto your back porch to find some 50 odd elk passing by about 50 feet away.

My husband took this photo of a “Great Prince” elk in town. October is rutting season for elks. The male elk ( or as we like to call him the “Great Prince” ) gathers as many female elks as possible into his “harem”. The “Great Prince” is clearly in command and does not easily welcome any “competitors” near his “harem.”

Before the wedding, we had a day to explore Rocky Mountain National Park! The only word I know to describe the views is breathtaking! I have had the good fortune to visit this incredible place before and I promise it never disappoints.

Travel Tip: October is an incredible time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The air is crisp and the birch trees are turning a beautiful yellow gold. It’s hard to miss the harems of elk as they travel into town and inhabit the local golf course. The crowds of summer have begun to thin, but there are still many visitors to the park on the weekend. We arrived on a Tuesday and were able to take advantage of the park before the many weekend visitors. The weather was cold the day of our arrival, so pack you jacket, but warmed up to a very pleasant 70 degrees over

Many happy travels to you! Gerri xxoo

Beach Getaway at The Pearl South Padre

Published on July 19, 2016April 27, 2019 by Gerri1 Comment

There is nothing like a little beach getaway to renew the spirit and sooth the soul. On a recent family escape, I had the opportunity to do just that at the lovely Pearl South Padre. South Padre Island is a barrier island located on the coastal tip of Texas. On a clear day, ( and they’re nearly all clear days) you might see Mexico on the horizon line. It is a popular resort area known for its clear, blue waters and white, sandy beaches. South Padre is also the home of the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.

The Pearl South Padre hosts the largest hotel swimming pool in South Texas. Adults can enjoy a cool tropical drink from the swim up bar. Families have plenty of room to frolic and play in the curvy design of the 6000 square foot pool where there is plenty of room for floats or other pool toys. If you prefer, you can go under the waterfall to a more secluded swim area. For the youngest guest there is a separate kiddie pool with slide. Did I forget to mention there is also a separate heated spa?

From our ocean view balcony it would have been easy to simply spent the entire day merely gazing at the lush tropical landscape surrounding the pool with the Gulf of Mexico just beyond. The cooling breeze was ever so delightful even with temperatures soaring into the upper nineties. A perfect place to relax, read, even nap!

My favorite part of any beach getaway is walking the beach in the early morning. I adore watching the mesmerizing repetition of waves rolling into the shore. I crave the feel of the wet sand under my feet. I am excited as the waves rush up and splash my legs and then ease their way back to the ocean. Spending time on the beach is definitely the ideal place to relax and enjoy these warm summer days!

Summertime! Fun Time!

Published on June 17, 2015April 27, 2019 by GerriLeave a comment

Now that school is out and summer is here, I am trying to get down to some serious relaxing and enjoying life! Recently, my brother and his lovely wife were here visiting us from their home in Hawaii. ( I know, we should be visiting them right! ) For a fun excursion, my husband and I took them for a day at the Kemah Boardwalk.

Kemah was once a sleepy, little fishing town where Galveston Bay and Clear Lake merge. I remember as a child going to Jimmie Walker’s or the Flying Dutchman for a delicious seafood dinner and to watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.

Some would have called it a “dive” in those days, but we loved being close to the water and getting to watch the sailboats and trawlers cruising in and out of the harbor on their Sunday jaunt.

Later on, my dad, who was an avid boater, would keep his boat at Lakewood Yacht Club and we would be the ones on the boat waving to the onlookers as we gloriously breezed through the harbor.

Then, one day, Landry’s Restaurants bought the property and it became the infamous Kemah Boardwalk that it is today, filled with numerous restaurants, a ferris wheel, rides galore, shops, and a boutique hotel! You know, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot!

Well, that’s enough of my ramblings! Seriously, it really is a great spot to send the day!

We enjoyed an amazing brunch at the fabulous Cadillac Bar where we were able to sit and gaze over the harbor and wave to passing boats. We then boarded the FantSea Yacht for a cruise through the harbor and Clear Lake. Many beautiful homes and marinas line the shores of Clear Lake and it is quite a sight to see. It is also fun to visit the many shops, ride the train or any of the other fun rides at the amusement park.

For me, I enjoyed just being near the water again and having a chance to reminisce about days gone by when we would anchor out in the lake, swim by the boat, and then picnic off the back of the boat! I was also glad to get to visit with my brother and his wife. We don’t get to see them near often enough!

You never know, maybe next time we will get to visit them at their home on the lovely island of Oahu! When this happens I’ll be sure to send you a picture!

Aloha for now!