Becoming Texans

For our anniversary, we decided to visit a part of Texas we hadn't seen before. We have a book called "Off the Beaten Path, Texas" by June Naylor. The book divides Texas into eight areas and suggests places to visit, eat and stay. The book was a bit spotty regarding information about attractions--some didn't live up to the hype in the book and the information regarding hours places were open was often wrong. But the book does give some ideas about things to see across Texas. We'll use it again, but we'll be more careful about checking the information in it next time.

The highlight of our trip (for me at least) was a stop at Washington-on-the-Brazos where Texas independence was declared in 1836. Here are some photos, including a reconstructed Independence Hall, where the declaration was signed.

We also saw some old oak trees that Susan really liked.

Our Granddaughter

One of the real benefits of living in Texas is the time we get to spend with our granddaughter. She visits often (her mom and dad come some, too). She and Ginger get along very well. Each likes to play with the other's toys. Last week our granddaughter decided to get in the crate we used to train Ginger. She teased Ginger with some of the toys that were inside. Ginger was very confused to have someone else in her crate. Here are some pictures.

Queen of the Household

Readers of my blog know that we got a puppy last fall. Ginger is almost a year old now and has turned into an exceptional dog. She is the sweetest puppy you've ever seen and is very well trained in the things that matter most--she's perfectly house broken. She's a little willful, but obedient most of the time. She pretty much runs the house now. Here's a picture of Ginger resting on her favorite spot--our bed.

You may have seen the commercial where the dog lures his master out of bed so he can take his place. Well, that happens around here, too. Here's another picture of her just after I got up one morning. She didn't waste much time taking my place.

One morning this week we couldn't find Ginger anywhere. We looked high and low, but she was nowhere to be found. We hadn't been outside, so we knew she had to be somewhere in the house, but all our searching failed to find her. Finally she poked her nose out from under the ottoman in our bedroom where she had been sleeping. Here's a picture.