600 Miles and a Longhorn

Longhorn Wrangler (aka: Ben)

Having not visited Bandera since August, we were suffering collective withdrawal. I received a phone call last week telling me about a special event at the development where we own some property. Even though this is deer season, which doesn't affect me but involves most of the rest of the family, we decided to squeeze it in. Kregg and the four youngest left on Friday around noon to drive to Sonora to hunt. The plan was for me to meet them there early Saturday morning and we would then drive on to Bandera. I will do almost anything to avoid going deer hunting, so I happily agreed. 

As part of the event in Bandera, there was going to be a chili cook-off, complete with prizes. Not known for my culinary craft, I wasn't planning to enter anything. But, one of the men helping to organize it talked to Kregg and begged us to enter a pot. He was afraid no one would enter. And they were giving away really nice prizes! So Friday after Kregg and the kids left, I cooked two big pots of chili, one for the cook-off and one for lunch on Sunday. 


Kregg called me Friday night to tell me Elizabeth had shot a deer. She was so excited! Daddy was awfully excited for her. They are so cute!

I got up at 5 Saturday morning, loaded the chili, filled up the Suburban and headed south. Now, any of you who know me or have read about my complete lack of direction need not worry. I actually had a map and written instructions, not to mention the fact that we have driven this route dozens of times. 

It is not often I spend several hours alone. I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful time I had. Cranking up the ipod, I worshiped for the entire way to Sonora. The only problem was when the weeping interfered with the driving! :)  


The terrain where we live is pancake flat, but as you travel south a few hills begin to appear. There is one place where the road drops off the caprock and you descend into a little valley. The very moment I came to the edge of valley, the sun peeped up over the far horizon.

Sunrise in route

It was so beautiful, I started weeping again! Can't help it. It just overflows the old heart and runs down the face. 


By the time I reached Sonora, Kregg and the kids were packing up at the deer lease and we met in town. A gourmet breakfast from the convenience store was enjoyed by all and we "lit" out for Bandera.

After a total of 300 miles, we arrived. Can't explain it, but there is just something about this little town of 900+ that captured our hearts.  Each time we cross into the city limits, it's as if a collective sigh of contentment escapes our vehicles. 


We drove out to the ranch, and the festivities began.

Joshua on Oreo

Rebekah's Turn

Elizabeth

Buckboard Rides

Would've been such a fun Christmas Card if only the other kids were there.

Rebekah wants one for Christmas

Monkey #1

Monkey #2

The boys have the boniest little behinds, I just cannot imagine how uncomfortable their perches were!

Next, it was time for a trail ride.

Then we went over to visit our land. Someday, maybe . . .

Outstanding in their field! (Caption suggested by a sweet comment)

This is a momentous occasion: our street is finally paved!!

Last, but not least: a short ride in a hot air balloon!!!

Inside from the top of the balloon

The poor Texas Flag needs to be ironed.

Kregg and the kids ready to board

Lift Off!

I rode next

Oh yes, the Chili Cook-Off! I won 3rd place out of 5 pots. It is definitely the height of my culinary career. I think it is time to retire from the kitchen. Definitely an epoch.  :)

We loaded up to head back to Midland. Ugh! But since we wanted to be there for church Sunday morning, off we went. As we were leaving town, Kregg was ahead of me and called to say one of the headlights was out on the Suburban. Double Ugh! We stopped in Kerrville to buy a replacement, but once he looked inside he found that the wires had been CHEWED through! Of course, my first thought is, "BY WHAT????!" Then we asked, "Now what??" 

The auto repair shops were closed by this time and there was no way he could fix it in the parking lot, so we decided it would have to wait until we arrived back home. That meant about 275 miles with one headlight. Kregg, being the wonderful man he is, offered to let me drive the truck and he would drive the Suburban. But I told him it was okay and we would simply make the best of it.

Things went along fine until we rolled into the edge of Midland at 11:15 that night. Sure enough, a Highway Patrolman whipped around and zoomed up behind me. Could not even believe it. 

He was a perfect gentleman, but I think I must have been really exhausted because I started crying!!! He told me he was only going to write me a warning. But, it didn't help. I kept crying. 

Then he felt badly. 

He explained to me that it wouldn't go on my record. 

There wouldn't be any fines. 

He knew we had tried to take care of it. 

I just kept quietly crying. And he kept trying to make me feel better. 

"We're just trying to keep everybody safe. It really is okay. You're not in trouble." 

I patted him on the arm and told him he was doing a fine job and I really appreciated him. That's probably not the best idea. I don't think they want you to reach out and touch them on the arm. But under the circumstances, he didn't haul me off to jail or anything. Bless his heart. 

He tried so hard. Giving up, he said, "God bless you," as he walked back to his car with his head down. 

I really didn't mean to upset him. I promise.

Boy, was I glad to pull into the garage. 

Kregg repaired the wiring and replaced my headlight IMMEDIATELY after church the next morning. I think I scared him, too.