Saturday, April 3, 2010

Road Trip into Wildflower Country

It's that time of the year when you get the 'urge' to explore the vast country roads of Texas--road trip time! Time to look for those spring wildflowers. When you first spy a few patches that pop up in your neighborhood, you know it's time to pack up and head out. We are heading into Hill Country--destination Fredericksburg, a once sleepy little German settlement but now a thriving and lively location. Before we hit the road we have breakfast at our favorite haunt-- Bob's Taco Station in Rosenberg. Destination onward--a few sparse viewings along the busy interstate highway but off to the south near Luling, we see fields of blue. Yes, can it be? Must be--bluebonnets. We'll stop for those on our return journey. Our schedule for the evening includes dinner (in German Beer Garden) and theater. Not just an ordinary theater, but music theater at RockBox Theater a fun filled, toe tapping, hand clapping good time! The following morning we enjoy an interesting breakfast at The Rathskeller Basement Restaurant . This is gourmet food in an unusual setting, the basement of the once local hospital. Food like whole wheat pecan pancakes, topped with bananas or German Crepes or Hill Country Hash featuring duck breast--all mouth watering good!
A walk through some of the art galleries that line Main Street gave us a first hand opportunity to speak with some of the artists. We stopped in Artisans at Rocky Hill Gallery which features work from Texas artists, many local. We had a chance to visit with Rex White, a fine woodworker who has won numerous awards for his workmanship. There were few textile artists but one that really caught the eye was the work of Mandi Ballard. Take a look at the website to see all the artists featured in this gallery. A short walk off Main street to San Antonio street you can see the spiraling tower of St. Mary's Catholic Church, one of the -- Painted Churches of Texas . Keeping our fingers crossed that the doors were unlocked, we ventured up the stairs. Yes! we quietly walked inside to a breathe taking view! all the archways are painted in splendor colors and designs.
It looks to be stain glass but at a touch you can feel the paint on the window. The sound from the pulpit will carry throughout without an aid of modern equipment. When we walked inside we heard voices that were coming from two women seated in the front pew. They were speaking softly but we could understand their conversation.
The cross was decorated for Good Friday with red cloth. To be there Sunday for Easter service would be quite wonderful and to see the color change on the cross to say --He is Risen!
On the outside of the window--no colored glass. Amazing! Our journey continues to the out skirts of Fredericksburg as we drive along Hwy 290 E and the wine country! Coming next post!

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