Buescher State Park and Smithville

Do you remember Hope Floats starring Sandra Bullock? It was set in Smithville, TX which is only about an hour from Austin. We were out camping a couple of weekends ago at Buescher State Park and drove into Smithville (next door almost) to eat dinner and then breakfast on Sunday. 

We noticed Main Street was blocked off and had all these old cars and a bunch of 'models' and photographers practicing their "skill sets".  It was fun to walk around and watch...plus it is just a cute little old Texas town decorated for fall.

We spent Friday and Saturday nights in the R-Pod over at the park. So far, my favorite. 5 stars for easy access from Austin, clean restrooms, miles of hiking AND paved cycling roads, NOT affected by the Bastrop Wildfires a few years ago.

We tried out hiking all day in the rain. It was...uhh...WET. And MUDDY. What can I say. We did it. We are trying to convince ourselves that we can hike part of the Colorado Trail next summer (about 100 miles out of 485?) The next big hurdle is to see if Sue can actually sleep in tent on the ground. Last time I did that was 10 years ago and I think I said very loudly, "Never again!"

William is very persuasive, though.

I keep seeing this plant all over our area this year. Have no idea what it is.

restraining myself

Have you ever noticed how happy and sad run along parallel tracks? Maybe it's to balance things out? It's been a strange few weeks since we returned from Durango, but we really are glad to be home and looking forward to this season of fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Told Wm this afternoon I was actually 'restraining' my decorating for fall...He did not exactly agree, but since I did not use thousands of fake berries and fall leaf branches and garlands and gobs of pumpkins and candles sitting in the middle of candy corn or better yet REAL corn kernals...I call this restrained.  I'm not super happy with the wreath. I love my red door, but fall colors seem to really fade into it. BUT I already had the wreath, so that was a win. I really thought about it last night and realized that most of all I enjoy the scents and textures of fall, so that is the direction I headed.  

 a fall wreath I "inherited" along with the yard pumpkins....

 I love this orange chair I 'borrowed' from Wm's office last year, or maybe it was the year before.

 "inherited" pumpkins smiling at me from my back door.

 unscented white candles all year long

 yep, a metal pumpkin...

 pot pourri pinecones that are NOT cinnamon scented!!! more citrus and apple scents

 the candle is called 'autumn moonlight'...love it.

some tall grass and more pot pourri

Happy Fall!

Who are we kidding?

Yeah, it's September in Austin, supposed to be starting to feel like fall....but NOT YET! It is good to be back home, though. Labor Day we got together over at Patrick and Katherine's for Maudie's fahitas. It was just the thing to help us feel welcomed home. Spending time with each of the kids through out last week was really nice. Tamera and I are doing yoga together one night a week and I will continue to help Kristen with Nana days one day a week. 

This year, Tyler and Annie are both signed up for soccer. We enjoyed Tyler's first game ever this last Saturday morning. He looks so big!!! #21 on the field.

A couple of sideline fans, of course... Papa and little sister

Last Friday was also 'Grandparent lunch' at Annie's school. We took Torchy's tacos and Annie was pleased! When she asked, "Will you stay and go out on the playground?" my heart just melted. 

 On totally randomness notes...I've decided to 'go gray or go home'. Anyone want to join my personal challenge? I am just sooooooo DONE with the whole hair coloring thing. I actually just want to be whatever I turn out to be.... I have been thinking about this for about a year. So, it's been 3 months since I saw my hair colorist. This picture is actually about 3 weeks old, so I'm really getting that nice 'definition' of gray vs. blonde about now. 

It's a bit scary, but I'm committed. I think. The hair is very white at the side of my face and crown of my forehead. Kinda curly, too. Everyone has been very kind and 'encouraging' (from my daughters to my husband to my dad) I just hope I can make it. Maybe a short haircut in a few weeks will help.

Come on, FALL!!!!