Sunday, March 31, 2013

A little bit of country


Being tourist guide is always fun, particularly when you too, are seeing things for the first time.  So with my Mum visiting, I have been busy playing guide, historian, shopping consultant, chauffeur and porter.  
Eva's Haus, Fredericksburg
The first of our trips took us west into the heartland of Texas to cowboy country, wine country and the hill country.  Fredericksburg is considered the cultural heart of this area.  Its an old and very quaint town that was founded in 1846 and apparently named after Prince Frederick of Prussia.  Its a German town and is notable as the home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who supposedly refused to learn English.  Its also, interestingly, the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. 
Becker Vineyard
More importantly, it is the centre of Texas' wine country with numerous great little vineyards dotting the country side.  So between pottering around some wonderful antique and arts/crafts shops, we also availed ourselves of the wine tasting opportunities.  However, its fair to say my Mum wasn't up to the challenge, being a 'cheap drunk'.  Only a couple of tastings in and she was giggling and looking for a tree to lie down under!
Mum at the pub
Following our tastings, we wandered into Luckenbach which is today essentially a ghost town except for its pub. The pub however is famous for its live music and dances, and is great weekend pit stop for touring bikers and car rallies.


Luckenbach Pub/Post Office



Mum trying to find where she parked her Harley






Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Silver Linings

Twenty five years ago, I was luxuriating in a bubble bath contemplating my life and the next big step I was about to take.  You see, 25 years ago today at about 1030am, I married my soul mate, my 'split apart'.

Those 25 years have disappeared in a heart beat and in their wake I find a myriad of memories, good and bad, some bumps and bruises, and some scars.  But not one of those would I give back, as every single mark on our souls and bodies comes together like a fabulous recipe to create who we are today.  And there is no better decadent chocolate cake on the planet than that!


The journey I have been on with C has been completely unexpected.  Every turn has surprised me, many have challenged me.  The stars willing, I look with anticipation towards the next 25 now for what this new box of chocolates might have in store.

I wish for everyone the kind of relationship I have found in C.  I feel incredibly blessed to have someone in my life who allows me the freedom to fly and nose-dive from time to time.  A person who can pick me up when needed, listen to my woes without judging, put up with my idiosyncrasies (of which I have many) and make me laugh so my sides split.  He supports me, challenges me to see the alternatives, gives me confidence, and reminds me to be true to myself.

And of course, he loves all my bits...even the cranky and scarred bits.  He is truly my best friend.