Friends Luckenbach, San Antonio, Dec. 31-Jan 3, 2010

We were surprised with a visit over New Years from our friends, Bill & Becky, from Pennsylvania. On New Years day we took them to the little German town north of us called Fredericksburg. A lot of the shops were closed but we were able to see the Christmas Pyramid in the park in the center of town. This is a traditional German decoration with its roots in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) of Germany and is believed by many to be the predecessor of the Christmas Tree. This pyramid was hand crafted in Germany and dedicated in Fredericksburg in November, 2009.

Leaving Fredericksburg, we drove over to the town of Luckenbach, made famous by Willie Nelson and Waylan Jennings in the song that says "Let's go to Luckenbach, Texas, with Waylan and Willie and the boys..."

Luckenbach is an out of the way hill country hamlet preserving a rich piece of Texas history representing the periods of the 1880's, 1920's, and 40's - providing entertainment while promoting music, history, folklore and humor. This building was the U.S. Post Office from 1850 to 1971.

Luckenbach was established as a Trading Post in 1849 and now consists of a Dance Hall, Beer Joint and General Store on 10 acres surrounded by huge oak trees and two creeks.

Luckenbuck became a favorite of Texas entertainers after the late folk humorist, Hondo Crouch bought the place in 1970. In 1971 Luckenbach hosted the 1st (and 35 thereafter) HELL-HATH-NO-FURY LADIES STATE CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP.

The summer of 1973 Luckenbach held its 1st Great World's Fair. But it was Willie Nelson and Waylan Jennings who brought Luckenbach to its ultimate worldwide fame with their hit song "Luckenbach, Texas", # 1 on the Country Charts for 6 weeks!

On Saturday we went to San Antonio. This is a night picture of the Alamo. The beautiful blue tree is in the Alamo Square.

Of course we took a walk along the River Walk and enjoyed the thousands of beautiful lights. We didn't realize the the Alamodome had a bowl game that night until we got here. It was packed with football fans and there was a 45 minute wait at the restaurants so we opted to get a bite to eat on the way back to Kerrville. There were horses and carriages lining the streets, all decorated with Christmas lights. San Antonio goes all out for Christmas. What a beautiful city.

Finally it was time for Bill and Becky to head west to Mesa, AZ where they will be spending the winter with their son. Bill was hauling their motorcycle in the trailer and they are hoping for lots of good weather this winter to enjoy their bike. Happy trails and safe travels.

Christmas Day Dinner, 2009

CHRISTMAS DAY

We held a pot luck Christmas dinner in the Barn. The Barn was open at 2 pm for appetizers and games.

At 4 pm we ate our Christmas dinner. As usual there were lots of fabulous dishes as everyone brings their "best".

Even the dogs enjoyed opening their presents. We are "dog sitting" Schuster (right) while his "mom" is in Alabama for Christmas.

Friday found us outside at Toddy Time with fellow workampers. We meet most days between 3 and 4 pm for snacks and "talk".

Sunday Meat and Greet

Sunday afternoon at Buckhorn Resort is "Meat and Greet" day. Everyone is invited to bring their own meat to grill and a dish to pass. Monte, left, has the grill ready, as Sam and Bill watch.

As you can see, there is a variety of meat grilling.

We eat on the back porch of the "Barn". What a beautiful, sunny day!

Here's my tray with a variety of salads and hot foods and a hot dog. I had to go back for the desert table! What a wonderful way to spend Sunday afternoon. Good food and good friends!

Merry Christmas from Buckhorn Lake Resort-Kerrville, TX

Merry Christmas from Buckhorn Lake Resort, Kerrville, Texas, our winter "home."

Looking out across the campground from the main road into the resort.

The windmill.

The "Barn" housing the Social Room, Main Dining Room, Movie Theater, and the Road House (small dining room). Complete with John Deere tractor and wagon in front!

The Barn and windmill.

And to all a "Good Night".......

San Antonio River Walk, Dec. 13, 2009

On sunday, Dec. 13, the Buckhorn Bus took us to San Antonio and the River Walk.

Our first adventure was a tour on one of the river boats. That's Judy, another workamper, with Bill and me.

A view of the river from under one of the bridges.

There are many cafes along the river. This one has colorful umbrellas over their tables.

We opted to eat by the river at this Italian Restaurant with Guy and Judy. The food was delicious, especially the bread and herb dip.

By the time we finished dinner it was dark and the lights were twinkling everywhere. It was so enchanting.

Everyone should experience the San Antonio River Walk at Christmas time at least once in their life!

Christmas Party, Dec. 11, 2009

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at Buckhorn Lake Resort in their 5th wheel and parked just across the street from us.

We had our picture taken in the "Barn" in front of the fireplace.

Our Christmas tree is gorgeous, about 20 feet tall. It stands in one corner of the Barn by the fireplace.

Dee, far right, and KC, second from the left are the owners of the Resort. Their daughter, left and son-in-law, middle, also help out with just about everything. (Jen and Marlin). Second from the right is Julie, our social director. She's a workamper and her husband helps her and also drives the Resort bus on our outings.

Dee and KC opening their gift from the workampers, a new fireplace set and wood carrier for the Barn.

Each of the workampers received a lightweight fleece shirt with the Buckhorn logo on the front.

It was a really fun evening, with a pot luck dinner and gift exchange.

What a great place to be!!

Camp Verde, Bandera Texas, Dec 12, 2009

On Saturday, Dec. 12, we visited Camp Verde General Store. In 1856, with $30,000 appropriated from the government, the army secured 73 camels from Egypt to experiment for army transportation and military purposes. The camels passed every test as pack animals by traveling longer distances and carrying heavier loads than the mules and horses used in this area. After the civil war, the war department didn't have the funds to continue operation of Fort Verde as money was needed for reconstruction. In November, 1869 the fort was deactivated.

Nestled in the foothills, 3 miles from famed Bandera Pass, on the banks of Verde Creek stands the old Camp Verde General Store. Outside on the patio there was a band, wine tasting, appetizers, and deserts for everyone to sample. It was a beautiful fall day. Inside the store you can feel the old charm of the pressed tin ceiling, old wood floors, antiques, and many old time and hand made products.

Here's a young Texas cowboy giving Santa a gift. Wonder if he asked for a pony or a new saddle. He already had the hat and boots.

Leaving Camp Verde, we drove to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World. It is common to see a horse tied to a hitching post, as the cowboys ride into town for supplies or a drink at the local bar.

Walking around town, we found this Texas longhorn just waiting to have his picture taken with me! The horns must have a 6-8 foot spread.

Just before leaving Bandera we spotted these cowboys and cowgirls Christmas caroling, Texas style, on horseback. What a neat little town. We enjoyed walking through the little shops and the General Store on Main Street.

On the way home we stopped in Medina at the (No kidding) Adam's Apple Farm where we found some wonderful Apple turnovers for breakfast tomorrow.