Friday's Fences

The Snake Rail Fence history goes back to early America. Traditionally they were made from American chestnut. Today, most newly constructed fences are cedar.

During the American Civil War, they were a major source of firewood. Because there were no nails or hardware used in the construction, they could be easily moved.

Now For The Rest of The Story......

I pass this fence on every trip I make into town. It is located in a Rest Stop maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Wouldn't you like to take a rest here and have lunch?

Meggie Mac

Today I'm joining with Jan n' Jer's Fridays Fences. Be sure and check out their blog.

What A Show Off....

Daylilies, at the farm, are making quite a showing. They are one of the easiest of flowers to grow in Texas.

The color range is almost anything you might image. And each year new colors are on the market.

You can enjoy looking through the catalog where I order my daylilies, if you click on Oakes Daylilies.
If you love flowers, you will not be disappointed in exploring all the colors.

One color extends the entire front of the farmhouse. I started with just a few, dividing them each year as they multiplied.

I couldn't resist taking this photo while I had the water sprinkler on.

Don't you agree, they are quite the Show Off.......

Meggie Mac

Low Calories...I Don't Think So !

You are looking at what is left of my Coke Float.

It all started with my trip to town, on Saturday, to photograph the Railroad Depot Museum.

As I sat in my truck, parked by the museum, I looked across the parking space and saw the Dairy Queen sign. The longer I sat, waiting for the museum to open, the louder the Dairy Queen sign called out to me....."Lunch, lunch, LUNCH!

They make it so easy with a drive-up window. If you have one in your town, you know what I mean. Well...that's my story and I'm sticking to it !

You may be familiar with the Dairy Queen, because in 2008, there were over 5,700 locations, in 19 countries.  What is the slogan, on the bag, in your town?

Having a light breakfast Saturday morning, I decided to splurge and have a DQ Dude Burger....French Fries, of course....and top it off with a Coke Float. If you are not familiar with a float, it is Coke poured over a generous helping of  Soft Serve ice cream, made in the store.

Trust me when I say, "Calories should not be counted when eating here" ! And, yes, I did eat it in my truck as I was waiting.

Temptation is everywhere !

Looks like I wasn't the only one, tempted to have lunch, at the Dairy Queen....

Meggie Mac

Symbolism in the Passion Flower

In my flower garden grows a volunteer vine with the most amazing bloom.... the Passion Flower. I often use the term "volunteer" for plants that like to pop-up in the walkways and other surprising places, without any help from me.

The story goes that the name was derived from the Christian crucifixion story. The 10 petals represent the disciples of Jesus, excluding Peter and Judas, The five stamens represent the wounds Jesus received while on the cross, and the knob-like stigmas are the nail heads. The fringe is the crown of thorns he wore. If you will click on the photo, you will see the amazing details of the flower.

If you are not familiar with this flower, click on Passion Flower. This is a wonderful website that gives so much information about Texas Wildflowers. You will not be disappointed with the photos and range of information.

Meggie Mac

Discovering the Railroad Depot

It is a short drive from the farm, to reach the The Town Square, and then go one block over to the Railroad Depot Museum. The depot, part of our community's heritage, is one of the few remaining depots on its original site. Even today, trains travel the tracks beside the old station.

The first station, built in 1880, was destroyed by fire in 1887. The same year the station was rebuilt by Taylor, Bastrop, and Houston Railway Company.

Passenger service continued until the 1950's.....

Allowing plenty of room to wait inside for the scheduled train.

It continued to receive and dispatch freight into the 1970's.

The historical building has the original pot belly stove....

Another highlight of the museum is the original stationmaster's desk.

I asked the museum docent about the unusual wooden "Y" attached to the wall. He explained this was how the trains would receive their messages before telephones. Do you see the rolled paper message tied to a string?

If you look closely at the photo (sorry for the reflection) you can see two loops. The one up high was for the engineer while the lower loop was for the conductor who rode in the caboose. Whatever the speed they were traveling, they would reach out and take hold of the message that was tied in the loop. Inside would be the latest information and directions for the train.

This was a time in history before cell phones, computers, and i-Pads.

Every wall of this beautifully maintained historical station, is covered with memorabilia.

Looking outside, I see an original caboose.

And the powerful wheels that rolled along the miles of track...clickety-clack....clickety-clack.

In 1911, President Teddy Roosevelt, traveling on a special train, made a stop at this very train depot.
 Click on the photos to bring them up in a larger format.

I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse from the past, of a small town in Texas.

I could have stayed another hour, talking to the friendly docent, listening to his endless stories about Texas Train History.

But it was time for me to follow these tracks and head for the farm....

Enjoy your week end
Meggie Mac

Friday's Fences

When I was photographing Brewery on the Bluff this past week end, I saw this opportunity for today's post.

The vintage fencing is called double-looped wire fencing. If you have any stories on this type of fencing, I would like to hear about it.













Today I'm connecting with Jan n' Jer's Friday Fences.

Meggie Mac

Thursday Show and Tell

Have you ever stored away a box and forgotten about it? That is exactly what I did, until yesterday. Inside, my unlabeled box, were these items I have for Show and Tell today.

The vintage cranberry opalescent hobnail art glass vase was made by Fenton. If you are interested in learning more about the American company and the artisans who produce today's glass, click on Fenton Glass. The company has a rich history that continues to thrive today.

Looking at the vase from the top, you can see the beautiful ruffled edge of the design.











"Today, eight Fenton family members work together along with over 100 employees in Williamstown, West Virginia, creating new colors, patterns and handpainted decorations that result in handmade glass artistry that is loved by collectors around the world..", quoted from their website.

The skating boot, with diamond point on the upper top, was also produced by Fenton. I photographed it beside the vase, to show you how small it is. The boot measures 4" tall by 3" long.

The boot sits atop four wheels that appear to be ready "to roll". True for Fenton's workmanship, the details are exquisite.








I guess the only thing left to do, is to find a place to display them....

Meggie Mac