It's All in the Details

My neighborhood is a wonderful mix of old cottages sprinkled with newer architectural styles. I think the word eclectic best describes it. People here seem to relish individual expression in their homes and yards. Pristine bungalows circled by picket fences sit next to yards filled with seemingly unedited collections of every sort. I suppose "beauty IS in the eye of the beholder". In any case, I took a few snaps of some of the architectural details I spotted while walking through the hood.

I Took the Bait

It was a nice Saturday to do some exploring, and my friend was game to drive with me out to Canyon Lake to check out a place called Franks Bait and Tacos. I have to admit that I was curious about the place.  After all, you never hear the words bait and tacos used in the same sentence, let alone as the name of a restaurant.

As it turned out, the owner wasn't Frank, but Eddie. The place was abandoned when Eddie saw it, but he liked the location right on FM 306 and decided to turn it into a family run Tex Mex restaurant. 

Eddie warmly welcomed us, pointing out some of the memorabilia that fills the restaurant. Every square inch of space is covered with kitsch given to him by his adoring customers.

As we looked over the menu, Eddie warned us not to be in a hurry because this was not fast food.  His wife does all of the cooking fresh to order. While waiting for lunch to arrive, Eddie gave me a peek inside the bait shop and sure enough the tanks were filled with all kinds of live,wiggling bait. Not exactly an appetite booster, but it wasn't going to stop me from trying the enchiladas.

   The portions were generous but I managed to make

   a serious dent in those cheesy enchiladas-mucho gusto, Eddie.

Robin's Nest

This new year has gotten off to a great start. Last Tuesday I was invited to lunch with friends to see the log cabin that our friend Robin had recently built. What started out as a poolside cabana turned into something entirely different.

As we pulled into the long drive at Robin's Dripping Springs home, we were greeted by the horses grazing in the front pasture. The cabin sits just behind the pasture, between the house and barn looking as though it has been there for hundreds of years. Built of antique chestnut square logs with chinking, it has all the charm  you can imagine. The rooms are filled with rustic country antiques and equestrian memorabilia collected over a lifetime. Robin and her daughters have raised and shown horses, competing at the national level and winning enough awards to fill a barn.

   When it came time to add the fireplace, Robin was away at a
   horse show, so her husband Joel had to step in as designer.
   Robin admitted to being a little apprehensive about delegating
   to Joel, but I think you'll agree he did a splendid job. I love the
   antique wooden carrousel horse suspended above the fireplace.

Seeing the upstairs bedroom made me want to check
in for the weekend!

Robin's creative touches make the cabin so welcoming

Shrimp and grits prepared on the vintage Chambers stove-
heavenly.

Robin's clever version of a dumbwaiter- to haul
late night snacks upstairs from the kitchen.
 Great job Robin