Our waterways are running at full tilt and spring buds are beginning to burst forth. How long must we wait to play in the fresh water rivers and creeks?  How many garden centers must we bypass waiting for the proper time to plant?   I can just taste the fresh lettuce, spinach and radishes that I plan to serve to my guests this spring!  While we wait for the waters and soils to warm, there is still plenty we can be doing.  Now is the time to plan and prepare our kitchen gardens and to clean kayaks and tubes.  It is the perfect time to think about what can be done to get our outdoor environments ready for warm weather fun!

The winter months were harder than usual on our outdoor living spaces, with winds whipping juniper pollen here and yon, and temperatures varying wildly.  Our furniture and fabrics have taken a beating, and many usually winter-hardy plants have been horribly damaged.  All in all, some action is definitely necessary before company comes!

Cleaning and shifting things around will work miracles in outdoor areas. Take the space down to bare bones, removing clutter and faded pillows. Put all pots off to one side and nurse or replace the damaged plants.  Be sure to prepare at least a few containers that could be used handily indoors when needed.  Clean everything from the top of the porch to the ground, then stand back and take a long look at the area.   Shift the furniture, even a bit, to give a fresh feel.  Look at your colors and freshen your fabrics.  Where would a blast of blue or another new color be a blessing?  Haul it, pot it and place it!  

Now that you have done your part, sit back and let nature do the rest; spring should be cherished for the sheer simplicity of it all.  Without any direction from us, the Hill Country blooms and this year may be a doozy!  Invest in some lovely teas, grow a little mint, and get ready for the magic of spring!

Do you have charm bracelets tucked away?  Well I do:  Mine, my mama's and my grandmother's.  I thought that collecting charms was a thing of my distant past, but as my oldest granddaughter approaches her teen years, I have occasion to think again!   Looking around, I am impressed by the innovative cable bracelets and bead charms on the market today (SilveRado is my fave) in sterling, gold, Morano glass and crystal.  They are a quieter and less likely to snag fabrics than the bracelets of old- huge plusses!   With my interest reawakened, I also became curious about where and why charm collecting  began.

 

Considered a necessity by the people of ancient Egypt, charms were collected and worn as protective talismans during life, and served as identity markers in the afterlife.  Around the world, people of different cultures have followed similar practices for health, religious and social reasons.  But during the Victorian era, as the public became more educated and superstition waned, charms began to be used in another way altogether- as decoration!  Queen Victoria herself set the style by wearing multiple charm bracelets laden with photo charms of her children, Prince Albert's watch fob, etc, and the fashion took off!  As the trend gained momentum, charms began to be mass produced in more affordable materials and were attainable by the general public in 14K gold, sterling silver and gilded pot metal.  During the wars of the 20th Century, soldiers searched for bracelets and commemorative charms for their sweethearts back home. Cities, vacation destinations, special events and popular icons commissioned charms for sale to the public, and collecting became a heartfelt pass-time for millions. One at a time, carefully chosen- what fun!

 

My original bracelet is loaded with charms signifying my birth, my teen loves and my early travels.  I love it.  Now I will collect for my new bracelet and for my granddaughter (yes one for you and one for me).  How fun is that?  Thank you, Charmed! 

Now that River House is well into Christmas, I turn my attention to my home - yikes - " the cobbler's children . . . !"  After looking the holiday décor in my retail store for several weeks, it is hard to think about more.  But grandchildren are coming and it's time to persevere! 

 

In an effort to rekindle enthusiasm for decorating at home, my mind wanders back to the family gatherings of my childhood.  I recall my childish awe:  the meaning of Christmas, heartfelt and warm, which still enfolds me every Christmas season. The beauty of it all was splendid  to my young eye!  Decorating began one week before Christmas, and the metamorphosis was astounding; I could not believe that so much effort went into something just for us!  Then there was the food: chili, spice round, divinity and fudge; what could possibly be more wonderful?

 

Now I know that to transform one's home into Christmas can be done with less fanfare than I imagined. Wreaths, tree, ribbon, and stockings are musts.  Keep everything else simple.  In your main room, select one color (red,white, gold, silver, copper, green) to mix lightly Into your regular décor.  Tie ribbon on candlesticks and tray handles - just enough to look festive.  It does not take much to transform the room when a beautiful tree is the focal point. 

 

Make a good pot of chili (put chopped garnishes in baggies) and some spicy pork posole a few days before Christmas, and save it at the back of the fridge.  After the tree, Christmas morning, a big breakfast of eggs, posole, sweet rolls and fruit is appreciated by all; good coffee and hot chocolate rule. Lounge out for the rest of the day, having chili and rice sometime midday, and enjoy all things Christmas!

 

PS - We are very grateful for our loyal patrons and friends, from near and far, who have called and/or come to shop with us at River House this year.  Thank you!

Summer is the time when many of us are apt to cut loose and seek out a little adventure.   I am no exception, and this summer’s adventures were full of surprises!   First, I found that I was scheduled to be half way around the world in Indonesia; yep, Jakarta, two days after the most recent hotel bombings.  I know it sounds crazy, but my youngest son (26), his sweetheart and friend were waiting for me- so what’s a mama to do?  My second surprise came at 3:30am at the San Antonio airport when I found out that the airline had not received payment from Expedia- so after a grueling bunch of phone calls and a day late, I began my journey.  Not knowing how we would be received on Java, my group took sensible precautions and stayed in locally owned, modest hotels. We were pleasantly surprised by how genuinely gracious the people were, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist alike, and how clean and welcoming the hotels and public areas were everywhere we went. The bazaars, great (insanely inexpensive) savory meals, and the beaches of Bali made for a delightful adventure in spite of our initial concerns.

Back in Texas, I squired my granddaughters to the annual Wynne Family Reunion held at a lodge on Lake Buchanan.  On our first evening there, while milling around with her cousins and listening to a Cowboy Poet perform, granddaughter Kelsey (9) was struck by a rattle snake. Yes, bitten by a rattle snake, right there on the patio with 40 other people.  We raced to the hospital where anti venom was administered, and were medivaced to Dell Children’s in Austin.  Kelsey is a rock star patient, making a full recovery . OK, terrorist bombings, and rattle snake bites make for a bit too much adventure, even for me!

 Being raised a good Texas Woman, I believe that it is an honor to welcome guests into my home for a drink or a meal. However, many of us, who have moved from bustling big cities where entertaining was a more formal proposition, may now find ourselves on shaky ground when faced with the prospect of hosting friends in our new homes.  "My house is not.......", " I want to wait until I have............",  " I am not confident enough about my cooking".  Do any of these fears sound familiar?
 
Living in the Texas Hill Country affords us a new perspective on entertaining at home.  First of all, having friends in for a meal is a way of life here- not a rare opportunity to be scrutinized.  The purpose for getting together is friendship and conversation.  I have attended a small dinner around the kitchen table, innumerable tasty potlucks, picnics, drinks on the porch, dessert and coffee, dinner for anywhere from 3 to 25 people, seated and buffet.   I even had the pleasure of going to a party where you had to swim across the creek to the cooler for a soda or a glass of wine! 

The most important rule of hosting in one's home is to keep it simple (by your own standards).  Start with something familiar: make a beautiful cheese tray with pears, salty nuts and dried apricots for drinks on your porch; prepare an old family favorite served with a salad and a Wimberley Pie Co pie a la mode; put something beautiful on your buffet or new napkins on the table- something small that pleases you.   I find that the setting, simple or grand, is wonderfully satisfying when the host is in his/her comfort zone. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

Don't forget to check out all the fab items at our new webstore, RiverHouseWimberley.com!


www.RiverHouseWimberley.com

Current events have caused a great deal of concern and uncertainty across our country.  The airwaves are swollen with yea and nay sayers, pitching their opinions in loud high pitched voices.  With two wars and the financial debacle, even the steeliest nerves get rattled.  We cannot  let the uncertainty of our times rule the day, freezing us in our tracks; it is time for action!

Let yourself be gratified.  Turn off the tube! Life gives us many tasks that are MUSTS, so take care of these first, and quickly. Keep things simple and forward moving.   Put the things that you like to do least at the top of the list, dispatch them with haste and feel great about it.  Tidy up the house, file those papers away and move on. Success is the ticket!

Let yourself be relied upon.  Offer a few hours each week to others.  We are told that "getting out of ourselves" by helping others can bring great rewards, and I agree.  Our community offers myriad opportunities to keep things moving In a positive direction.  Helping at The Village Store on behalf of  the EmilyAnn, for example, generates real dollars to the heart of our community.  Sign up, suit up and show up.   Just do it - every little bit truly does help.

Let yourself go for a dream with gusto! I am watching for the sun to show me the perfect spot for a kitchen garden- a small plot on which to build  small raised gardens (and I mean a few feet off of the ground) that I can fence against the deer.  I have been thinking about this for a couple of years, but somehow right now seems perfect. A little victory garden, something doable, and I do LOVE having fresh herbs and vegetables at my fingertips.   

What actions would make your heart sing?  Just do it - we'll all be glad we did!

 

 

 

 

 

Current events have caused a great deal of concern and uncertainty across our country.  The airwaves are swollen with yea and nay sayers,  pitching their opinions in octaves high and low.  With two wars and the financial debacle, even the steeliest nerves get rattled.  We cannot  let the uncertainty of our times rule the day, freezing us in our tracks; it is time for action! Let yourself be gratified.  Life gives us many tasks that are MUSTS, so take care of those first, and quickly. Keep things simple and forward moving.   Put the things that you like to do least at the top of the list, dispatch them with haste and feel great about it.  Tidy up the house,  file those papers away and move on.

Success is the ticket!

Let yourself be relied upon.  Offer a couple of hours per week to others.  We are told that "getting out of ourselves" by helping others can bring great rewards, and I agree.  Our community offers myriad opportunities to keep things moving In a positive direction.  Helping at The Village Store on behalf of  the EmilyAnn, for example, generates real dollars to the heart of our community.  Sign up, suit up and show up.   Just do it - every little bit really does help.

Let yourself go for a dream with gusto! I am watching for the sun to show me the perfect spot for a kitchen garden- a small plot on which to build  small raised gardens (and I mean a few feet off of the ground) that I can fence against the deer.  I have been thinking about this for a couple of years, but somehow right now seems perfect. A little victory garden, something doable, and I do LOVE having fresh herbs and vegetables at my fingertips.    What would make your heart sing- just do it - we'll all be glad we did!

About this time, things around the house are usually looking a bit dull, and we are getting restless.  It is time to count our lucky stars and designate our home as the place we most love to be! A flurry of cleaning is just what the doctor ordered to lighten and brighten our homes and our spirits. We need to give in to Spring fever with gusto and let those creative juices flow!   Scoop out the fireplace and arrange some good-looking candles or something leafy green in the hearth. Replace your winter comforter with something light and airy.  Step back and divine a fresh look for your most frequented rooms. Shuffle your décor around a bit and add a textile with refreshing spring color (a runner , a throw or a couple of pillow cases?); it is amazing how much the eye loves even the smallest changes.  Ain't it great!

Any excuse to be outside will do!  Take your spring cleaning out to the porch to give your walls and screens a good going over. Consider what can be affordably upgraded; fix, plump and get ready for company!  "Plant, plant, plant" is what this wonderful season yells at us, but we need to remember to plan our gardens with this draught in mind.  Mulch really well this year, and set in a few small groupings of annuals that can easily be watered by hand.  We need only enough to add a few splashes of color as we await the glory of our native plants and wildflowers.

While the weather is still cool, have a few friends over to enjoy your freshened environs.  Serve wine and spiced tea with a fresh leek soup, green salad, garlic bread and a spicy turkey/vegetable lasagna. Have decaf and  warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla to top off the evening. Enjoy the great blessing of being at home!

With anxieties brought to bear by the recent economic shift, we need to be diligent about nurturing our spirits and celebrating love wherever we can!  Valentine's Day just reminded us of how many good friends warm our lives, invigorate our minds, and welcome us so willingly into their homes.  But it does not have to end there.  With plenty of uncertainty surrounding us, we need to take time to turn off the TV, get out of our chairs, and love a little!

Schedule fun with determination.  It doesn't have to be expensive, and it's good for our souls.  If you stay home too much - go out.  Our spirits and minds are nurtured by the human connection.  Accept invitations. Find a neighbor to walk with a couple of days a week or go out for mini adventures in our fabulous Hill Country parks.  Invite a friend to walk the shops with you or to see a movie.  Clifford's Wine Bar on RR 12, the vineyards, and other local establishments offer cool movies, classes and other affordable events that are well worth checking out.

Of course, sharing one's home can be seen as the ultimate valentine, givable year round!  Living here in the glorious Texas Hill Country, we have more opportunity than most to extend this gift and nurture the spirits of others.  Keep hosting as simple as you like. Come for coffee and pie, a fire and some fun.  How about pulling out that Risk game, or sorting out those poker chips on the spur of the moment?    A simple home cooked meal is always wonderful and much appreciated.  For me, Book Club where we rotate homes, eat, laugh and exchange ideas is invaluable.

Whatever expression of camaraderie you chose is sure to spark the spirit, ward off demons and make you happy.  What is not to love?

Prepare to gather with “family”, whether made up of friends or kin, for the most wonderful of holidays- Thanksgiving.   Crisp weather, fall color, turkey, veggies, and lots of love- what could be better?  Dreaming of Thanksgiving, read through the family and online recipes (Epicurious is my favorite site) to settle on delectable selections to thrill loved ones’ taste-buds.   Be practical, and select a menu that will not over tax or over tire.  Relaxation and conversation is an essential Thanksgiving ingredient!

Now consider the visuals of Thanksgiving.  It takes only a glance outside to thank our lucky stars that the Texas Hill Country is HOME. Bring the colors that are so prominent out-of-doors into your table- oranges, yellows and rust. Add a complimentary color to make them ‘pop”; dark purple or turquoise candles and napkins could work well.  Pull out your beautiful oven- to- table stoneware, dinnerware and serving pieces to be sure they are ready to go. 

Preplanning tasks that you would like to pass on to helpers definitely makes Thanksgiving day more pleasant for everyone.  If you are organized, it will be a breeze! Pre-prepare any recipe that can be made in advance, and refrigerate.
Remember that guests LOVE help themselves to a leisurely morning!  

Weather permitting, start Thanksgiving Day on your porch or patio- your house guests will love it!  Decorate the patio table (or your coffee table in front of the fire) with berries.  Be sure that the insulated coffee carafe is ready for company and that the breakfast rolls are in the warmer. At  noon, orchestrate the setting of the table; 12:30 pm, set out some good locally made cheeses, pears, apples and nuts, served with chilled wine or icy spiced tea.  At 1:30 carve the Turkey and lay out the feast. And at 2 pm, count your blessings and enjoy!