“From the virgin prairie, they built a town but their spirit filled it with life. Their traditions, costumes, mores and beliefs imbued it with faith, pride, industry, and laughter. We are what we are, today, because of them.
Let us carry on their spirit!” Everett Anthony Fey

I love this quote from Mr. Fey.  He has written many books but I have really enjoyed the New Braunfels: The First Founders, Volumes I and II that can be purchased at Sophie's shop at the Sophienburg Museum. 
You can also immerse yourself in the settlers journey to Texas at the http://www.sophienburg.com/.


Take the journey to Texas at the Sophienburg Museum with Prince Carl and his group of German colonists in 1845. Follow them as they endure a two-month ocean voyage in the cargo hold of an immigrant ship and make their way into Central Texas. Admire their courage and determination to establish a new colony at the edge of Indian Territory. Live their dream of freedom, adventure and prosperity.

Never to Old for Cut Outs - Lighten Up!

 Let me reintroduce my dad - Thomas.  He passed away a few years ago but he left me with so much great material; you will see him frequently. 

There wasn't anything he wasn't game to try at home or on vacation.  He was never too embarrassed to wear the funny hats with me, touch rather icky animals, ride the teacups, or peel out in our Volkswagen pop up camper to avoid the rhino spearing us at Lion Country Safari.

As father's day approaches, I will think of him and the greatest gift he ever gave me - the experience of  "peanut butter" style travel.  Nothing fancy - always fun! 

Find a way to travel . You and yours will cherish all of it!

Thanks Pop!

Hunters, Gatherers, Keepers

Recently as I was trying to track down my Octogenarian mom; she was obviously out and about. I discovered her with her sister and my cousins making a day of it at Round Top. She was "treasure" hunting in "paradise". Now, part of those quests always include "the mouse". Having grown up thinking that all telephones were Mickey Mouse and that all toast had Mickey's head burnt into it as the toaster played "Who's the Leader of the Band" - I think this is normal. The entire brood; adopted, inherited,  or otherwise are naturally on the look out for additional "finds" to add to her collection.

The two sisters crack me up!  One day I go by her house and WHAM there are two giant curio cabinets they had found at a garage sale in the living room.  Thought: how did they get them home and in the house?  Well, of course, the nice young man at the garage sale they bought them from delivered them.   

She is a woman of serious patience.  My dad had to practically drag her out of the Diamond Mine in Arkansas and she was not a happy camper.  She can walk the beaches for hours in search of the perfect shell.  We have gathered  rocks and fossils from all over the country.  Some of us are hunters, some of us are gatherers, and some of us are keepers.  She is all three.  



http://www.chickendancesisters.com/

Long and short of it -  if there is a market days, flea market, antique show, festival ,etc... in Texas keep your eyes open for her, she will have a list, be ready to haggle, she might have on face paint and/or a funky hat, and if you make eye contact - you just might be delivering to New Braunfels, Texas.    

Kickball & Bouffants

Watching an adult kick ball game is probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen.  All of us little guys that finally got some meat on our bones are out for retribution. 

 It made me think about my own elementary school PE teacher - Mrs. Reimer, the kickball queen!  She was amazing in her double knit shorts of the '70s and her "done" hair do.  It was a true miracle of construction and always perfect.  She was my idol.  Athletic and feminine at the same time with a way of making the smallest child seem the biggest. ( I can't find a picture of Mrs. Reimer but if you have one I would love it.)  

How to segway to travel - remember being at that campground watching the big kids play volleyball or baseball and you were too little?!

At your next outdoor adventure find a way for the little guys to be front and center and add a bouffant to yourself for some spice!           

Small Achievements & Life Paths

 I love that there are no "benches" in swimming - except a "ready" bench. (As in get ready to achieve.)

Young competitor gets encouragement at meet at Landa Park this past weekend.

 Swimming started my "thirst" for adventure. The coach pictured above was a big part of that. Unbridled encouragement I think describes him best.

Swimming took me to Mexico City, West Coast, East Coast, regional teams, state teams, national teams, college and more.  It introduced me to sign language so that I could communicate with my hearing impaired competitors.  Introduced me to lower oxygen in Colorado,  to Olympic Medalists, met  President Johnson, met Gov. Dolph Briscoe, English Channel swimmers, and an amazingly diverse group of athletes and coaches across the country.    

 How the smallest happenings in our life shape our sense of confidence and thirst for adventure.  

So, starting at age 3 traveling to swim meets across the country became a part of my journey. 

Next generation of leaders at the pool this past weekend - it takes courage to step up to the starting blocks.



 My daughter with Olympic star - Josh Davis



Often times we just think about the responsiblity and independence that a sports experience brings to your life.  We overlook the other doors it opens.  It led me to travel, to jobs,  to soak up other cultures, to live abroad, and  of course, to crow about my own community.  Who knew that would lead me to where I am today.  Still traveling, still swimming,  and still singing the praises of New Braunfels, Texas.  

All from a dip in the pool... New Braunfels, Texas - Jump in.   

(Many photos are from our Lisa on Location - check her out!) 

  

River Road Dreams and Turtle Afternoons

Recently I was traveling down River Road outside of New Braunfels, Texas and enjoying myself immensely do a car solo with my radio at the top of my lungs.  I noticed what looked to me to be the perfect way to spend a Thursday afternoon.

A woman, let's call her Velma, had one of those older tri fold lawn chair loungers in the middle of the Guadalupe River, completely relaxed with a giant hat on and no one else around.  Here's to enjoying some of our own "Turtle Afternoons".

Blocked, Spammed, and Busy Signal

Avoiding tech overload is becoming a life skill.  In my life there are 4 voicemail boxes, three text message boxes, three email addresses, three junk mail boxes, ebills, epayments, autodrafts, online registrations, ....

Help!

I haven't posted in a while because I just didn't have it in me.  But, then I realized I need to take my own advice and GET OUT OF TOWN or at least GET OUTSIDE!

So as a handy resource for those of us that want quick, fun opportunities to unplug - here we go:

 http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=4974 - You will find one local vineyard and one local wine outlet having won two gold medals in the recent 2011 Lone Star Wine Competitions.  Visit Dry Comal Creek Vineyard and Winery on the Gruene.

For a walkable, wonderful experience in downtown New Braunfels visit their new guide for the next two months:    http://www.downtownnewbraunfels.com/images/uploads/images/june-july2011.pdf

Dabble your toes or jump in the river as soon and as often as possible.  Don the swimwear and soak up the fun at my fav part of the Bahn - The Castle toob ride at the original part of the park. 

How about an "easy button" outing sitting at the beach at the Texas Ski Ranch watching those crazy folks cut flips on their wakeboards --- no skiing required!  Fish Tacos at Wahoos, sand, scenery, and the kids think you rock for taking them!

Dry Comal Creek Vineyard

Back in the Groove - see you on the water or tasting wine- Jump In!