Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway

We went on a family bike ride yesterday, and today.... ouch! 

The place where my bike seat and my body meet is kinda sore!  So are my legs, and my arms from riding on my brakes the entire time.  It's the price you pay for bike riding with a four year old. 

But it also feels good, like I got even with all that Halloween candy from last week!  At least, I got even with a few pieces.     

We rode the Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway in Jacksboro.  It's a little over 9 miles, and winds around the city of Jacksboro, Fort Richardson State Park and Lost Creek Reservoir.  

 

It's a very pretty ride, with some nice scenery along the way.  This is the remains of an old Flour Mill, and the trail is one of the only ways to see it. 

A mixture of grass prairies, with a few gentle rises makes for a very nice ride for most all riders. 

However, the gravel terrain throughout most of the trail is unsuitable for training wheels...

 

unless you have a Dad who will tow you!

 

 We also visited Fort Richardson for their third annual Civil War Battle Reenactment

It's the second time my oldest son has gotten to participate in the reenactment.  He was a flag bearer for the South during the battle.  He absolutely loves it, and it shows by his 99 average in his Texas History class.

Marching into battle....

because there was never a Civil War battle fought at Fort Richardson (or in Texas except along the Gulf Coast), the reenactors are not forced to follow a predestined script.... which means that sometimes the North wins, and sometimes the South.  As spectators, we don't know, and sometimes the participants don't know, either.  The South looked like they were set for victory early in the battle, then the Northern troops brought out their Gatlin Gun....

The Gatlin Gun belongs to a Fort Worth boy scout troop that came out to participate.  It was the first time I have ever seen one used, and very exciting! 

The guns used by the reenactors do not have a ball (the prelude to the bullet), but they do have gun powder, producing lots of noise and smoke!

Participants are either dismounted calvary or mounted, depending on it you have a horse.  There are lots of horses at these events, and it's amazing how well they handle dispite the sounds of the guns and cannons.  When the four cannons were fired together, the ground under our feet shook!

During the battle, I continued to explain to my four year old that although it looked real, it was pretend.  He didn't understand and kept asking who was fighting who, and why, and who were the good guys and the bad guys, and "Was Spiderman coming?"  War can be a hard concept for the young and innocent. 

While my four year old was still seeking to understand, one of the young boys portraying a flag bearer with my oldest fell, pretending to be dead.  We all laughed at his overdramatization, until he jumped back up and got back into rank.  Then, with a look of wisdom beyond his years, my four year old exclaimed, "Oh, I get it, they are fighting zombies!" 

 

The Yankees defeated the Southern boys that afternoon, but once the battle was over, much like the zombies, they all rose again.  Following the battle, a demonstration was given of what techniques the medics would be performing on the battlefield, with each amputation (and there would be hundreds) expected to take no more than 3 minutes, and the injured receiving nothing for the pain. 

 

Want more information? 

Read about our visit last year, We Crashed the Civil War Reenactment at Fort Richardson.

 

  

 

 

Danielle's yummy mashed potatoes

I'm a firm believer that that my children MUST spend Thanksgiving with me when they are grown and have their own families..... I apologize now to my future son and daughters in laws, but yes, I'm going to be that kind of MIL. 

And I have a plan to make this happen.  My older children have a "can't have Thanksgiving without" side dish that they are responsible for preparing.  In this way, I can say to them in my golden years, "but what's Thanksgiving without YOUR mashed potatoes?"  Yes, I'm evil. 

My daughter, Danielle, is the genius behind our Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.  And I have to tell you, they are amazing!  Like so much in our lives, they come with a story.  Shouldn't everything have a story? 

So, we are going to have to travel back to the Summer of 2010.  At the time, I was obsessed with learning to make Chef Kent Rathbun's famed Lobster Shooters, and he was doing a cooking demonstration at an HEB grocery store.  We made a girl's day of it, going with my MIL and another friend. 

Chef Kent Rathbun is a superhero in the Texas culinary world, with his Dallas restaurants, Abacus and Rathbun's Blue Plate Kitchen, and Jasper's with locations in Plano, Austin and The Woodlands.  He and his brother Kevin became national superheroes when they defeated Bobby Flay in an Iron Chef competition!  His brother, Chef Kevin Rathbun owns Rathbun's Steakhouse in Atlanta, where I have never had the opportunity to dine, but my dear husband sent me a picture of his steak once while on a business trip! 

Anyway, after the demo. I got my girl to pose for a picture with Chef Rathbun.  He asked her if she liked to cook, and what.  She said mashed potatoes (Which is true, although she doesn't eat potatoes - weirdo!)  He then gave her the golden secret.  He said to take some green onions (which she proudly told him she that we had them growing all over our yard) and puree them in a blender or food processor.  Then mix it with some heavy cream, and add the mixture to the cooked potatoes, mashing as usual.  He jokingly told her that if she becames a famous chef,  she had to share the credit with him.  She beamed.  I beamed.  Superman! 

And the next day, we made them with dinner.  WOW!!!

They are a peculiar light green color, and awesome, and not for anyone concerned about watching their weight!

 By the way, the Lobster Scalion Shooters were amazing, too! 

MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SEE BALD EAGLES IN TEXAS

Have you ever seen a WILD BALD EAGLE?  Once you see one up close (and by that I mean up close enough to determine that it is a bald eagle through your binoculars), it's a thrill you will never forget!  Because not only are they the symbol of the United States, but they are truly amazing, native American birds! Add to that the fact that they were almost extinct because of OUR carelessness, and that they are RECOVERING, they're just an amazing!

 

Bald Eagles migrate to Texas each winter, and usually to the same area.  They build huge nest in trees for their eggs, and raise a family. Immature bald eagles do not have the recognizeable white heads, and are often mistaken for hawks (at least by me).

 

Here are some of my favorite places in Texas to see wild Bald Eagles:

 

1.  Vanishing Texas River Cruise

One of my favorite spot to view Bald Eagles is the Vanishing Texas River Cruise by Canyon of the Eagles on the Colorado River and Lake Buchanan in Burnet!  You can choose to sit in the all enclosed air conditioned/heated (because in Texas you never know!) cabin or go up top to the open air deck for viewing!  Reservations are highly suggested, and tend to sell out quickly!  They have recently added NEW Freedom Flight Cruises in conjunction with Last Chance Forever wild bird rehabilitators.  On these amazing cruises, you can witness as birds are released back into the wild!  For somone who wants to get a little closer to nature, enjoy one of their Kayak Rentals along Beaver Creek.  Enjoy a 2, 4 or all day excursion to Falls Creek Falls.

2.  John Bunker Sands Wetlands  

A man made wetland just south of Dallas, the East Fork Wetlands Project was created as a natural way to cleanse reclaimed water, and is the largest in the state.  Migratory shorebirds and waterfowl have claimed the area as their winter home, as well as juvenile Bald Eagles, and a mature mating pair.  The John Bunker Sands Center provides an educational opportunity to view the wetlands along their boardwalk, and hands on activities for schools and organizations in their leanring center.  They are open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, and weekday visits are scheduled by appointment. 

3.  Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Hagerman offers a wonderful opportunity to view wildlife from your car, or you can get out and hike the trails around the refuge.  On our visit last year, we spotted several young Bald Eagles as we drove around, although that trip was all about the SNOW GEESE!  Want to read about it?  The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico. 

4. Eaglefest

Each winter, the town of Emory celebrates Rains County's designation as the Bald Eagle Capital of Texas with a 2 day festival, Eaglefest.  Barge and Bus tours take festival goers out to see the eagles, as well as self guided walking tours.  In town, enjoy festival activities, food booths, and educational presentations by conservation groups. 

5.  Lake Texoma

If you have more money than I do, you might want to schedule a bald eagle tour aboard an air boat!  This is the only one we have never done... but I sure want to!!

6. Fairfield Lake State Park

Each year people flock out to Fairfield Lake State Park to see the returning Bald Eagles that winter on the lake, no doubt dining on the lake's supply of stocked red drum (redfish)!  Park rangers will suggest better viewing sites.  This is a great park for family camping, too! 

7.  Mary Manor Preserve at the Katy Prairie Conservancy

 This 200 acre preserve, West of Houston, is made up of wetlands and old rice fields.  It offers a perfect opportunity to spot Bald Eagles, as well as many other sought after Texas migratory birds. 


Want more locations?  Visit Bald Eagle Information to learn about eagle sightings around Texas, and post your own sightings!  Good Luck! 


My Mommy Tips

• Most of these locations are "kinda out there".  Be sure you fill up your gas tank before arriving, a wildlife refuge is a lousy place to run out of gas, albeit a beautiful one. 
• Pack a lunch and plan to spend the day.  Take sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes for walking the trails.  Bring along a book to read under a tree, or a frisbee to make a playful day!
• You and your children will enjoy birds so much more if you can recognize even just a few.  Purchase a field guide to take with you. 
• Don't forget a pair of binoculars.  They don' t need to be expensive to help you sight these Big Birds!! Take a kid friendly pair for your younger children, too!
• If you spot one, you will want to remember it!  Take your camera!  My four year old has a Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera he loves.  The photos aren't great, but I love that he is learning to appreciate what he sees when looking in the camera! 

If you want to see a BALD EAGLE up very close, visit Grace at the Texas State Aquarium.  She is a stunning bird who was found injured in Alaska, rehabilitated but not able to be released. 

NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY

I'm a little late on posting my November give-a-way, but I wanted it to be something special, and reflect something about Texas for which I am THANKFUL. 

I think the holidays are all about memories, and I am very thankful for the memories I have of growing up in Texas.  Like many people, the Thanksgiving meal defines these memories for me.  My Dad would smoke the turkey until it was the most beautiful copper color, and the low heat would mean that juicy, clear fluids ran as he cut it!   My mother made the most delicious cornbread dressing, with large chunks of celery so I could pick them out (I love celery now, what was I thinking??!)  I was an adult before I ever tasted cranberry sauce, Dad preferring to open a jar of Mayhaw Jelly that he made each year.  A rite of May, we would drive to East Texas for a Saturday spent picking the wild berries in the forest, which are hard to find, and watching out for snakes.  Dad would tell me about his childhood, growing up in those same woods, and picking berries with his mother.  "There use to be alot more of them", he would always say.  The berries are tart when picked, and so I never ate them from the pail, preferring to look for early dewberries that could be picked and immediately eaten.  We would return home and he would spend Sunday afternoon cooking in the kitchen, while my mom and I worked out in our garden.  That little mason jar of jelly, slightly tart (but Dad used alot of sugar in all his jellies), held so much more than just the reddish condiment, it held a lovely part of my childhood.

Brazos River Provision Company

This summer I was given a jar of Mayhaw Jelly from Brazos River Provision Company.  It was amazing, and did it ever bring back the memories.  It had probably been over ten years since I last had some, spread thick on a homemade biscuit, I still remember it!  Brazos River Provision Company is a family owned jelly maker in Richmond, run by Jelly Man Mike.  They also sell Texas Salsas, rubs and some novelty items.  They have an online business as well as a store in Historic Downtown Richmond. 



The Giveaway

Now I know that no matter how much I brag, some of you may not want to try the Mayhaw Jelly, so the giveaway this month is for a $30 gift certificate to Brazos River Provision Company!  It doesn't matter where you live because they have a great online shop! I love their Texas shaped Jalapeno cooker!  It's super easy to enter, just make a comment below on this blog post and wha-la (Texan for voila), you're entered!  The contest will run through November 16th. The winner will be chosen by a random drawing, and announced on November 17th.    Good Luck to Everyone! 

Michelle

P.S.   Blogger can be a bugger to leave comments.  Here's an easy how to without needing to take any computer classes...
1.  Click on "Comments" down below.
2.  Type in your comment, then when it ask for you "Comment as", choose Name/URL. 
3.  Type your name and leave the URL blank - unless you have a URL. 
4.  Click on publish!  Good Job!  Thank YOU!!

My Top Texas Destinations for November

I love November in Texas!  The hurried pace of October is over, leaving only time to watch the leaves fall and dream of Thanksgiving dinner.  These are some of my favorite places to visit in Texas, and I would love to hear about some of your favorites, too!

 

1.  Fossil Rim, Glen Rose Texas

Amid all the exotic animals at this huge, drive through animal park, my favorites in the fall are the native ones!  Beautiful white tail deer come up to your car alongside the antelope, and wild turkeys can be seen throughout the park.  Visit the park, spend the night in one of their "safari tents", bunkhouses or for a more luxurious stay, The Lodge.  Don't miss their Murder Mystery Dinner and Tour on November 10th.  On a previous trip, we stayed in the Bunkhouses, and had a wonderful time!  Read about our visit last year; Fossil Rim in November, Glen Rose. 

2.  Lost Maples State Natural Area 

For a look at beautiful fall foliage, you can't beat a visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area.  The native Bigtooth Maples in their autumn colors last about two weeks in November.  Take your camera and a sense of adventure, hiking throughout the park is exciting and a little strenuous due to the rocky terrains and hill country topography.  The camp sites are limited, as are the number of cars allowed in the park at one time, and lines can be long, so visit early or on weekdays if possible! 

3.  Take in a Texas Thanksgiving Day Parade -

Many of our major cities host Thanksgiving Day Parades, making them Turkey Day traditions.  The El Paso Sun Bowl Parade is celebrating it's 76th year, and the HEB Holiday Houston Parade has been a tradition for almost 60 years!  

4.   Texas Citrus Season

Beautiful, red grapefruit grown in the Rio Grande Valley is in season!  Purchase some and enjoy, or find new recipes to make that highlight the official Texas State Fruit, which was designated in 1993.   

 

 

5.  Nine Flags Festival in Nacogdoches

Celebrate the season in Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas, at their annual Nine Flags Festival!  Unlike the rest of Texas, 9 flags actually flew over the city since it's inception in 1685!   The charming town has daily (and nightly events), and on November 24th is the much anticipated Wassail Fest! 

6.  The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Not all events in Texas are to be celebrated, but should be remembered and memorialized.  The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas chronicles the death of President John F. Kennedy, and the people involved in that sad day in American on November 22, 1963.  We visited the museum last year after I finished reading, 11/22/63 by Stephen King,  http://havingfuninthetexassun.blogspot.com/2012/03/sixth-floor-museum.html. 

 

7.  Horseback riding in Caprock Canyons State Park

Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery as you ride along on a guided trail ride!  Arrange to go horseback riding through the canyons and rugged countryside with Quitaque Riding Stables.  Explore the amazing land of Caprock Canyons State Park, which also offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and a chance to view the 80+ free roaming bison of the official Texas Bison Herd that call the park home.    

8.  Sweet Potatoes, Bright Star Farms in Alba 

Take a drive to East Texas and visit Bright Star Farms.  Purchase some Texas grown sweet potatoes for a pie or Thanksgiving Dinner.  I love sweet potatoes served everyway, baked, in casseroles, pies, fried crisp (with a little sugar sprinkled on top), but my favorite is mashed with heavy cream and mixed with a small can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce!  Whew, these are spicy, but with a GREAT flavor!!

 

 

9.  Texas Youth Hunting Program

Hunting is big in Texas, and if you would like the opportunity to take your child/children hunting, the Texas Youth Hunting Program offers workshops, information, as well as safe and affordable hunts for Texas Youth and an adult caregiver.  Not sure about hunting?  Why not let your child participate in their Texas Youth Outdoor Writing Competition? 

10.  Texas football 

TCU plays Texas on Thanksgiving Day, for the first time, replacing the longtime rivalry of Texas A&M and University of Texas!  Dallas will also host the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving Day, too! 

11.  Fishing

You just can't beat fall fishing in Texas!  Texas Parks and Wildlife knows this, and host plenty of opportunities to get your gear wet.  From fishing derbies to fly fishing instruction, check out their Calendar of Events.  November is also a great time to plan an offshore fishing trip, consider chartering a boat, some specialize in family fishing trips!  YUM, Fresh Red Snapper!!  

12.  The 2012 Marfa Home Tour and Symposium 

Experience the beautiful adobe structures and architecture of Marfa for this Special Event being held the first weekend in November. 

13.  Big Bend Ranch Special November Ranch Thanksgiving Dinner

Visit the Sauceda Headquarters at Big Bend Ranch State Park for a special Thanksgiving Dinner.  Reservations are required, but only $15 a person and include park entrance. 

 

 

 

 

14.  Learn about the Native Americans that called Texas "Home"

Although the Wampanoag Indians, with whom the Pilgrims shared their first Thanksgiving, lived in far to the North of Texas, November is still a wonderful time to learn about the Native Americans who called Texas home.  The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas in Livingston host the Bulls and Arrows Bull Riding event, and an Indian Arts and Crafts Fair in November.  Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto is a wonderful place to learn about the indigent Caddoan Indians   Fort Martin Scott in Frederickburg is a restored United States Army Outpost.  Learn about the Meusebach- Comanche Treaty, and their present day fight with the Former Texas Rangers Association!   Or take the Fate Bell Shelter Tour at Seminole Canyon State Park, as guides take you to see American Indian Rock Paintings, estimated to be about 12,000 years old. 

15. National Take a Hike Day, November 17th

There are so many wonderful places to explore in Texas, pick a trail and go!

16.  Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids Meteor Shower should peak on November 17th, offers a good view in a nearly moonless sky!  Visit Franklin Mountains State Park for an evening of Melodies Under the Milky Way, as a local musician plays and after the concert enjoy a presentation about the night skies. 

17. Visit a pecan farm

Pecans are ready for your pies, so why not visit a local pecan farm?  The Frio Pecan Farm is the perfect Texas Hill Country getaway, and they even offer overnight accomodations so you can relax, sit back and peel a few! 

 

 

 

18.  Veterans Day

Veterans Day is November 11th.  Take some time to recognize this important day to your children.  Hang your American Flag, get down some old pictures of family members who have served, or visit one of the National Cemeteries in Texas. 

 

 

 

 

19.  King Ranch's 22nd Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast

Each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the legendary King Ranch host a Ranch Hand Breakfast!  In addition to eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, they also serve up a big helping of life on the largest ranch in Texas!  Watch team roping and old-time cow camp cooking demos, plus much more!  Spend the entire weekend in Kingsville, and enjoy "Historic Kingville Celebrates the Ranch Hand"!

Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center, Midlothian

My oldest son, who is twelve, has had to run for a lot of things.  He has had to run after his little brother, who is always taking off.  He has had to run for his life from his sister.  He runs to dinner, even if it's still two hours away.  That kid is ALWAYS hungry!
 
This school year, he is also running for the cross country team.  It's his first year, and he's really enjoying it, even if he's not the fastest runner on the team.  If a cheeseburger was waiting for him at the finish line, he might run faster.

His last cross country meet was an all district meet, and they raced at Camp Hobiltzelle in Midlothian.  I had heard about Hoblitzelle before, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to go there.  I wasn't prepared for how big, and how beautiful it was! 

Camp Hoblitzelle, which is part of Salvation Army, offers summer camps, retreats, family camps, and even a nearby working guest ranch, Hi View Ranch.  The property, which is about 1,200 acres, was originally part of the Singleton Ranch, owned by John Hawkins Singleton in the 1800's.  According to their web site, Singleton "served under three flags of Texas during conflict: Texas Republic vs. Mexico, United States vs. Mexico and the American Civil War".   I love Texas history!

I cheered loudly during the race, but I couldn't wait to explore when it was over!  A lovely and scenic lake sat just out of my reach, with a rack of canoes that, I swear, were calling my name!!  Bridges and even an amphitheatre flank the lake.  Were fish jumping in the lake?  Is the Texas sky blue?  We wandered around the recreated Fort Tejas, and were about to head over to the horse stables when everyone started  leaving (Dang you fast runners!) .  We didn't have nearly enough time to see everything that Camp Hoblitzelle offers,  a swimming pool, sports fields, rope course, paintball, fire pits, putt putt golf and beautiful trees to rest under while getting lost in a good book.

I read all about their Family Camp, and it sounds great!  There are activities for kids and parents to do seperately, and together, including outdoor activities (Did I mention horseback riding? ) and even financial planning workshops!  So, I'll be visiting their website for more information on it, and their other events.  IHere is the link if you want more information.     http://www.hoblitzelle.com/index.asp

How to make a scarecrow

My four year old has outgrown his 4T jeans and cooler weather clothing, and while the majority of them are going to find new homes at our church's Mission Center, we decided to recycle of a few of them and make a new friend, a scarecrow! 

Scarecrows are old.  They have been around for thousands of years.  The Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all used them to protect their crops from hungry birds, although they have not always been made out of hay.  Even native Americans used them!  To read more about the history of scarecrows;  http://www.spfdbus.com/thanksgiving/adopted-scarecrow/history_of_the_scarecrow.htm

If you want to stand up your scarecrow, you will need to make a frame out of wood.  If you are going to sit him on a bench or hay bale, you can skip this part.  We purchased the wood at Home Depot for $.92.  Because I wanted a preschooler sized scarecrow, I measured my little boy.  He is 42 inches tall and he is 41 inches from finger tip to finger tip.  Since I am planning to "plant" the bottom 12" of the frame, to make our scarecrow stand up, I need a stick that is 54" tall and one 41"  to secure his arms.  I used a screw to secure the 2 sticks together. 

As we are leaving the home improvement store, I'm thinking how cute my little guy is, carrying the wood and telling everyone he is going to make himself a scarecrow and use the wood to "hang it".  I think it's so cute that I'm trying to get a picture, and thinking how I wish I had let him wear his little Bob the Builder yellow hard hat, when he quickly turns around, and in a move right out of The Three Stooges, hits me on the nose with that 8 foot long piece of wood.  Instantly, the orange smocks are flying as admirers of my boy are ducking and taking cover as he twirls around to see why I'm shreiking, sending the wood swishing through the air.  My nose is now bleeding and I'm trying to grab the wood, and him.  We are a circus act, a sad, pitiful circus.  Learn from my mistakes... 

Once we get home, and I get cleaned up, I gathered a pair of his favorite jeans and a button down shirt.  We aren't really trying to scare away any crows, and I want it to look more like a scarecrow than a little boy. I like the way the hay looks sticking out of the holes of a button down shirt! 

We purchased a bale of straw at our local feed store for $8. Ask for straw instead of hay, because it's less expensive, and your scarecrow will never know the difference!    Stuff the jeans and shirt.  Again, I want some of the hay to show, so I overstuffed and pulled some down the arms and legs of the jeans.  Then using twine, tie them off so it doesn't fall out. Use tacks or a staple gun to secure the shirt and jeans to the frame.  I also used safety pins to attach the shirt to the jeans. 

The head is the most complicated part of the scarecrow.  The first jack-o-lanterns were made to adorn scarecrows.  You can also use a pumpkin and paint a face on it. (it will last much longer than if you carve it).
When I was a child, we had a scarecrow every year, and my mom would use a small, white pillowcase and paint a face onto it.  It's lighter and will stay in place much longer.  I outlined the face, and since this is a project for my little one and he WANTED to paint, I let him fill in the eyes, etc.  I probably could have done a better job, but the project is about him, and for him, not me. 

Every good scarecrow needs a hat!  My little guy wasn't about to share one of his baseball caps, but he was fine letting me use one of his brother's knit hats.  Be sure and stuff a little extra straw under the hat for hair!