Home, home on the ranchette

With the husband creeping closer to retirement age, we've decided it's probably time to flee the big city and head for the hills to establish our nest for retirement. Texas hill country, that is. Swimmin' holes and feral hogs. 

I grew up in a tiny little town in southeast Texas, so I'll have no problem leaving behind the 2.5M folks in the greater metropolitan area where we currently live. Our goal is to become ranchette owners. Unlike a ranch that requires a lot of work, these smaller versions are typically located within driving distance of a major metropolitan area on approximately 40+ acres with a house and some sort of outbuildings. Maybe run a small goatherd or a few cows on the property for an ag exemption. These set-ups are very popular in this part of Texas.

We spent most of yesterday touring raw land. I've been praying for the Lord to lead us to where we're supposed to be, that I would leave the timing of our move in His hands. Trying to stay in His will. Not get anxious about it all as properties are often scooped up as quickly as they hit the market. Thanks to the pandemic and low interest rates, the housing market continues to be white hot. Of the six properties we told the realtor we wanted to see on Wednesday, three of them were already under contract by Friday when we were confirming our meeting the next day.

Our realtor Kelly is a real sweetheart and we soon connected with our faith. When she called a listing agent to inquire about one of the plots of land we wanted to see, she was told it's already under contract. So when she asked him if he was aware of any other land coming to the market soon, he shared with her about a big ranch recently purchased that he and his partner (from the southeast Texas town of Buna) are developing. It hasn't received final approval from the county and been platted yet, but they had cedar cleared from most of the 500 acres and lots had already been marked. 

Yesterday afternoon we hopped into the developer's mule, seen above for those of you who aren't familiar with this ranch necessity, so he could take us to tour several of the plots with the best views. The first one was great and I was impressed because it had a mix of city lights and rolling hills. But it was mostly west facing and I'm a sunrise girl. So he drove us over to another section. It was more southwest oriented for the views, but it was all rolling hills. I've gotta admit - there's something about city lights blinking on in the distance as night falls that I find picturesque. That's what led us to the third plot that faces mostly south and a bit east. At 1900 ft elevation, the views were almost 360° so that I could see both city lights twinkling in the distance plus miles and miles of hills. The husband and I were sold, and thrilled that we are the first folks to secure 50 acres within this development of ranchettes.

Because the weather was so overcast and icky, I didn't get to snap any decent pics of the views. Therefore, I pulled several off the interwebs from this area that resemble our property. We're at least 2+ years away from finishing a home to move in and enjoy these views, but I'm excited to start the process of building our retirement home in the hills.

Cardinals

Part of the reason we live in our current house is because it had a guesthouse for mother. Having her so close, seeing her in the day-to-day, was when I noticed her fascination with cardinals. They always seemed to be on our property, lighting in the trees where she could see them. She'd tell me it was her mother, my granny, visiting her. That was the first time I had heard this old folklore saying about cardinals as angels or departed loved ones.

She'd cheerfully say, "Hi, granny!" when she spied them. Cardinals became a favorite of hers and she used them as the theme of her Christmas decor. She had cardinal figurines, a cardinal cookie jar, cardinal shirts, and an entire tabletop tree decorated with cardinals. I bought her a cardinal necklace, a vintage broken china creation I found in a shop on Etsy several years ago. 

A very good friend has been going through a tough time the past week, and it's a messy situation that breaks my heart for her. I've been praying for her, and making a concerted effort to be supportive while trying to mirror a more Christ-like approach to her situation. Worrying that I wasn't saying the right things. Wasn't letting the Lord lead me in this matter. 

We were texting back and forth this morning while I was working on my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) lesson for tomorrow. I prayed once again for the Lord to show me the way. To give me the right things to say to her that reflect Him. Right after, I made a great connection with a passage and God was revealing more of the big picture with this lesson and I was so thankful. No sooner had I written down what I was thinking, and feeling buoyed by His revelation, I heard a loud noise on the front side of the house. Figuring it was the sprinkler guys working to repair our system after the septic install since they were on my calendar for this morning, I got up to go take a look. I cast my eyes to the window beside the front fireplace and there was a cardinal perched on the windowsill. It turned its little red head as if to get a better look at me. I tried to snap a pic, but it flew away too quickly. And then I teared up at this wonderful reminder. 

This side of heaven, we'll never know all of the ways God is leading us. Directing angels to help us. Sending cardinals as reminders of loved ones. I like to think mother knows what's happening here in my earthly life. I knew she would have some wonderful advice for my dear friend because mother had gone through the same situation years ago. Maybe the cardinal was letting me know that I was making some great connections as I seek to learn more through God's word. It could have been a call to thankfulness that He allows the Holy Spirit to work in me. Maybe it was just to strengthen my resolve on the importance of praying and being open to these signs and messages that speak to our hearts. Whatever the case may be, I'm grateful for this reminder of God's love and care as He watches over me.

We should seek GOD, reach out for Him and find Him, for He is not far away from us.  Acts 17:27

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Deuteronomy 31:8

Done and dusted with fresh topsoil

Praise the Lord, our new septic system is hopefully one day away from being complete. Once we get past the city's final inspection tomorrow, I can shift my focus to having the sprinkler system repaired and our landscaping redone.

On Thursday, the septic company destroyed and permanently buried our old system. I heard this bang-bang-bang sound and went to investigate. Sure enough, the guy on the backhoe was demolishing the old concrete tanks and then back filling that area right behind the outdoor fireplace. 

The dogs have enjoyed getting off leash and back into the yard to investigate the changes. Now I need to figure out how many pallets of St Augustine grass it's going to require to cover all of the fresh topsoil they put down. With a chance of rain later in the week, it won't be soon enough to keep the dogs from tracking mud all over my house!

 

Getting the jump on spring

On Sunday, the husband and I were out in the workshop to gather things to get to the curb for bulky item pickup that started yesterday. While we were out there nosing around, I decided I might as well bring in the bins of Easter decor I planned to put out in a couple weeks. I unpacked the first container and noticed a theme, see below. Lots and lots of silver.

I've recently gathered up some more bunnies from local decor stores as they've started putting out spring things. I've also nosed around on eBay and found several good deals on used Easter decorations. I'm glad I've been focused on the porcelain Easter pretties since it seemed as if the metal bunnies from years past have been multiplying like RABBITS while in storage.

Another teapot arrived yesterday, but unfortunately it got damaged during shipping. Good news is I got a refund from the seller. Even better news is that I think I can use some gorilla glue to reattach the spigot that got knocked off. It won't be front and center, but will surely be fine sitting in a grouping where the boo-boo won't be so noticeable.

I still have another large tub of Easter decor to unpack. However, I've decided to wait until the coed arrives home this weekend so she can ooh and aah over it with me. I won't be ready to decorate until the table runner is finished anyway. I had this image in my head of a long skinny runner that would be a sort of green grass for the tablescape I want to create. Unfortunately, I was unable to find anything in stores or online that really fit the bill. So I went shopping and purchased some fabric to have one made.

Stink, Stank, Stunk

I've been holed up inside our house much of yesterday and today since the new septic system install started... a couple days late. Our yard is perfumed with the aroma of eau de decades old septic sludge, which I'm sure our neighbors are not appreciating either. Oh, the joys of home maintenance.

To quote redneck sage Cousin Eddie from the Vacation movie franchise, the shitter was full. Or to be more specific, we think the field lines collapsed and that caused raw sewage to back up into the master bathroom on Christmas night. And no wonder since it's our understanding we're still using the original tanks and field lines from the 1950s that got an upgrade in the early 1990s when the square footage went from 1800 to 4300 with the new addition. So yeah, it's undoubtedly waaaaay past time to get a new system. We started having troubles with it in the fall and figured it was on its last leg. Sure enough, it went belly up at Christmas time. Here we are, a solid six weeks later, finally getting a lovely new aerobic septic system installed.

I had no idea we'd have to hire a licensed septic engineer to design a new system that the city would have to approve before we could even get a quote for the install, but there ya go. I've been not so patiently waiting for all of this to be resolved, but whatcha gonna do since fretting doesn't make the wheels turn any faster. We were exceedingly grateful to have the guesthouse on a completely separate, and thankfully newer septic system that accommodates its full bath and kitchen over there. Back in late December, the husband dug down to the top of the old septic tank and popped the lid off it so that I was still be able to use the washing machine every week for several loads, but that was pretty much it. We couldn't send any solids down the lines, if you get my drift.

The husband messaged me about an hour ago that the workers hit our water main when they were trenching the new septic lines. No surprise there. The younger me would have been a basket case, dealing with septic issues while walking with my mother through the last month of her life. The older, wiser me realizes I'm being challenged and thus refined to grow my patience in the storms of life. To trust in God's perfect will and timing. I'm not saying I won't ever run around like a chicken that just had its head lopped off. Or be tempted to fall on the floor and have some sort of conniption fit. Praise God, that in His grace He's still working on me. I find strength and peace when I remember that He's bigger and mightier than any crappy situations I find myself facing. Backed up toilets, sewer gas and all.

Here comes the sun

After a plunge into the deep freeze last week, we've warmed up nicely and have enjoyed gorgeous sunny winter days recently. The accountant daughter's chorkie likes to soak up some rays on the outdoor furniture over near the fireplace on the back patio. It gives our girl dog Pepper a nice break from his daily hassling her to pay him some attention.

I was at our neighborhood HEB stocking up on a few things yesterday and spied these seasonal dish washing soap offerings that are unique to San Antonio and its annual Fiesta celebrations. I was thinking these soaps were put out a bit early since Fiesta is usually held in late April. But then I checked online and Fiesta kicks off March 31 this year. Who knew?! After being postponed in 2020 and scaled way back in 2021, I assume this earlier date might be related to the pandemic. If you happen to be out San Antonio way and are up for some cascarones, cool collectible medals or chicken-on-a-stick, you should plan to attend one of the many Fiesta events scheduled over the course of about ten days when the locals welcome everyone to their city-wide party.

Hibernating 2022

Encased in my cozy velour robe and furry house shoes, I've resembled a bear the past couple days with our recent cold snap. With temps bottoming out in the mid 20s and windchills in the teens, I've stayed huddled indoors. Even the dogs, who love to cavort outside and typically have to be lured back in with the promise of treats (or threats) came hustling back to the door on their own as soon as they took care of business. Then they scampered onto the bed, all three of them, where they sit and wait for me to hit them with a couple minutes of blow drying time to warm them up. Spoiled is their middle name. And it's obvious who the trained one is in this family.

Yesterday I made a big pot of chili and some oatmeal scotchies. When I was at our local HEB the day before the cold front hit, you'd have thought we were about to suffer through weeks of polar weather. The parking lot was teeming with cars and many folks had shopping carts filled to the brim. There appeared to be a run on toilet paper again, which baffled me. Do people use the bathroom more when it's cold outside?

Once the sun came out near lunch time and the thermometer crept up to around 40 today, I started hearing ice falling off the trees onto the slate of the back patio. I know my sister and teacher friends enjoyed a couple days off from classes. These dark days of winter were always soooo long back when I was in the classroom. Luckily, I got to spend my usual volunteer time on Tuesday with my kindergarten and first grade girls. I enjoyed reading a couple valentine books to them, and then we journaled to work on their summarization skills. Near the end of our time together, we just had fun starting work on some valentine cards for their moms. 

My poor fountain is looking decidedly worse for wear today. The wind that ushered in the cold temps blew leaves into it. And part of the water has iced over. So I'll undoubtedly be busy over the weekend getting it presentable once again. Oh the joys of home ownership and its ongoing maintenance!