Hill Country Birthday Weekend - Day One

A couple of weeks ago, I asked Mister where he wanted to go for his birthday.  To explain -- we have opted for trips in lieu of gifts to each other for quite some time now and although he has received small goodies each day of the birthday season, no single item over $10.00.  Now back to my story.  He chose Austin at the time but then switched it up a bit to a wonderful drive through the Hill Country.  We haven't been down that way in several years and never using the back roads as our main route.

It is now VERY early Saturday morning and we are on our way.  The first town that catches our eye enough for a photo stop is Hico (pronounced hye-ko) and we absolutely have to stop and drive through the downtown.  What a fun, well-kept little slice of heaven.  We are definitely going to make this little town a destination all it's own.  Looks like some fun antiquing too.

We always get a kick out of spotting places that have names of people in the family placed prominently on their signage.  Here is one for my sister.  It's funny to me cos everything I glance at this sign, I see saloon - not salon - and have to take a second look.

We pass a statue of Billy the Kid and I also spot a Billy the Kid museum.  Hmmm --- oh, I remember now.  There was a fellow here that claimed to be Billy the Kid.  Is there truth in it?  We may have to return and do our own investigation.

Don't you just LOVE buildings like this?  No matter what is inside now, the history remains.

It's time to get back on the road and wouldn't you know - we find another name to send north.  Now it is my sister's last name.  Too funny.

I try and capture photos of the old courthouses in Texas.  I love them and the history along with each one.  Here is the Hamilton County Courthouse in all of it's splendor.

We almost pass Goldthwaite, do a little turn around and head into the town.  It's another county seat with a majestic courthouse.  Oh doesn't this just feel so southern?

A quick peek through San Saba provides me with another photo for my collection.  Love the red and white.  Stately but what the heck is with the palm tree?  Shoot the landscaper.

Yes indeed - I love churches, courthouses, cemeteries, AND old jails.  This one in Llano is currently undergoing loving restoration.  I housed inmates as recently as 1982 on the second and third floors.  The main floor was living quarters for the sheriff and his family.  Love the red roof.

Now for the courthouse.  Oh my.  The clock tower is incredible and the marble, sandstone, and granite exterior almost glimmer in the daylight.  Simply beautiful to me.

We finally make it to Fredericksburg around 11:30 and are starved.  Our first task is to find a parking spot and head for the brewery for lunch.  When here, one must eat German food for at least one meal.  We are not thrilled with the service -- at all -- but the food is good and so is the beer.  Much needed since we skipped breakfast today.  We split a sausage sampler plate and are always amazed at how much food one meal provides.  It's not that he or I can't eat the whole thing ourselves, it's more that we shouldn't.  We are both trying to lose a bit of weight --- oh I know, the beer doesn't help.

Now that we have given ourselves some sustenance, there is a walking trail here in town to check out.  The sun has come out to play and it is warming up quite a bit as we set out.  Trying to grab a picture of the town between cars is challenging, but I manage to get one side.  Look at the lovely side of this building -- my brain wants to picture whatever wonderful moments took place on that balcony.  How fun.

As we are walking, Mister stops to give someone a lesson in photography.  He is always spotting someone in need and helping out.  What a sweetheart.  It's time for a church!  Woohoo.  This one is Zion Lutheran Church built in 1853 and the oldest Lutheran church in the Hill Country.  As we take a peek inside it reminds me of the simple churches in Iceland.  No frills required.

One of the beautiful stained glass windows and a quilt that was near the entrance.

As we exit the building, I read a sign that explains that the wall around the courtyard is still the original one.  Oh -- and this bell that is on display.  Pretty cool -- the current bell tower was added in 1908.

Look at this original building.  Wouldn't it make just the cutest quilt shop?  Oh, I covet.

Our next church is St. Mary's Catholic Church and there are two buildings on site.  The newer and larger one is currently holding a funeral service so we cannot just barge in and take pictures.  As a result, we spend our time in the older one and I am instantly in love with the blue hue that is everywhere.  This is serene and wonderful.  The building dates to 1863 and has withstood the sands of time well.

It is now quite warm out and we are ready to find some shade.  Without leaves on the trees, it seems a bit hard to come by.  Ah, a fountain out in front of an amazing library - both still in use.  Heartmelt.

Just as we are about to leave town, and yes I did stop in a quilt shop where they were incredibly rude to me, I spot one more church to check out.  It is the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church which is still operating on it's original site.  As we enter the chapel, there is a group practicing for a performance tomorrow and we listen in for a few minutes.  The acoustics are wonderful but for some reason they are using very strong mics as well -- not the best plan.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stained glass window.  Ah, Mary and Martha --- always one of my favorites.  Dang wires in my picture below.  Ugh.

Now what to do since we really don't do kitschy tourist shops very well.  There is a trade days going on just out of town so we head there.  It's huge and we wander the grounds and the barns for a couple of hours - no treasures come home with us but a good time is had.   Look at this lovely wall of handcrank sewing machines.  Dang but I want one of these.

Remember when I said it had gotten quite warm.  I have NEVER seen Mister tie anything around his waist.  He MUST be warm.

We are now going to visit our friend Benjamin Calais in the Texas Wine Country.  There are vineyards all around us and he is working at William Chris Vineyards until his winery is up and running.  We need to catch up with each other as we haven't seen him since July.

The evening is beautiful and while we sample the wines here, we get a chance to chat and look around a bit.  He is working until 6:30 and then going to show us around his new place so we can see how it is coming along.

The light is pretty cool right now so Mister catches a few moments perfectly then heads outside to do his thing.  One of my favorite things to do is watch him while he photographs.  I always wonder just what he sees in the lens and am thrilled when developing is over and I get to see too.

Beautiful work Mister.

The winery is closed and we are en route to Benjamin's "cave" winery that he is building himself with help from friends and family.  As we approach, we can see the roof just above the ground.  Rounding the corner we walk down the path to the entrance and as Benjamin flips a switch, we are enveloped with light and able to see how the inside is coming along.  It's getting there.  Won't be too much longer now and he will be happily tending to his own customers.  Keep an eye out for Calais Winery.

With a box full of wine in our trunk, we say good-bye to our friend and make the drive back into Fredericksburg for the night.  Mister has requested Thai for dinner once again and we are fortunate enough to find a nice little spot. Yum.  It's time for bed though -- we have been going for a long time and are both very tired.  See ya tomorrow.