Summer Sundays at Las Islas Ranch

This past Father's Day was full of fun and as they say... South Texas Sun! We have a hunting lease and whether you are a hunter or not, you might just appreciate the more desert-like beauty that surrounds us. Some of our closest friends are also on this lease. We spend more

weekends out there just keeping up with the repairs and making sure that the feeders

are full.

Summer Sundays and the whole weekend for that matter are also spent at the "cement pond". It is actually an above ground cement tank once used for water storage for cattle. When the land was leased by earlier hunters, the pond was turned into a pool. The water is crystal clear since it has a filteration  system. It provides a cooling-off opportunity important in nearly 100 degree weather, especially for those who have been working under the sun. Once in awhile there will even be a midnight swim, especially if there is a full moon.

It's very deep so almost everyone uses a "noodle" for floating. As you can see there is a little pink object in the pool. That is one of our resident "mascots", Ella Grace. She loves the water and many of the folks take turns holding on to her.

Ella Grace with her daddy as he enjoys his

very first Father's Day!

This is one of the ways we enjoy our

Summer Sundays.

To contribute to Summer Sundays visit

The Tablescaper at

http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Several people commented on "Mrs. Baker" in my little story below. Believe it or not, Mrs. Baker's Boarding House was real... only it was not for just women. My mother-in-law lived there while she was a young teacher recruited to teach in south Texas. Karen

Oh my gosh! I just came from Debbie's blogging and blabbing... You must go there to see her video. She's so much fun!
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2010/06/debbies-blogging-and-babblingvideo.html

Bloggerette Sorority - An Evening to Remember

It was almost time for the dance to start. Elsie, Maude, Clara, Mattie and Edna

were running between each other's rooms borrowing a little pink rouge and  powder to enhance their young and already beautiful faces.

They picked at their "rats" and carefully tucked them into their hair to add a bouffant appearance that was so popular.

All teachers at a school nearby, the young women were thrilled to have been invited to a summer dance by five young male teachers at a boys' school not far away. Living at Mrs. Baker's Ladies' Boarding House,

certain rules had to be followed.

"NO MEN - NO SMOKING - NO DRINKING - NO PROFANITY"

A large sign greated the women as they walked in daily from school.

Mrs. Baker was strict to say the least.

Maude yelled for everyone to be at the front door in five minutes.

The young women all ran down the stairs, stood, looking at the mirror that hung by the front door, took a deep breath and gathered their composure.

Edna opened the front door and the stream of fashionable young ladies made their way down the steps.

It would be a night to remember!

It was only a half - mile walk to the civic building where all town functions

were held. The night was pleasant and as they had walked

people turned their heads to enjoy the sight of the young women.

Entering the building Clara was the first to see the group of  men

they were intended to meet.

"Don't act too anxious," she whispered to her friends.

Mattie thought it a good idea to make their way over to the punch bowl

and enjoy a cool drink before "being discovered".

Carl, Earl, Stan, Nick and Arthur spotted the young women they had

been waiting for. Two of them were slicking their hair down

and the other three were straightening their bow ties.

The ambled over to their "dates" and greeted them, presenting them

with tiny pink roses to pin to their dresses or put in their hair.

The music was just starting and everyone was anxious to try out their

new dance steps they had been practicing.

It was an evening of fun and even a little romance.

It was agreed that a Sunday picnic by the town lake was

in order for the next day.

As the young women made their way back home, being careful to

stay in a group, they shared little tidbits of conversation.

Stars were in their eyes and as they fell asleep that night

dreams of love and sweet kisses in their future left 

smiles on their lips. 

Join us for the fun!!

http://somedaysarediamonds-karen.blogspot.com/2010/06/sorority-is-born.html

Oops! Forgot that I was supposed to add my picture with my

"rush project"!

Greetings from "Tejas"!

I've had a facelift - on my blog that is!

Thanks for stopping by to see my new "face". Karen Valentine has given me a new look, which I needed desperately. As you scroll down here you will see her little icon, so go check her out. What a joy it will be seeing more of a personal look here on Ladybug Creek. Thanks, Karen!
(Don't you just love all these "Karens"??)

A White Haze for a White Wednesday

This picture was taken early in the morning at the ranch in

deep south Texas. There was a white haze and that coupled with a "chilled" camera produced this picture.

Not that I would recommend storing your camera in a

cold room before taking

pictures, but it took several minutes before I could get my camera to

take pictures normally. Oh well... it was an interesting effect.

It sort of boils down to me keeping our casita at the ranch

COLD !

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/

Scoot over to Faded Charm Cottage

and enjoy some true whites!

"Molasses, molasses, icky, sticky gooey...."

September 1, 1954

My first day of school.

This little girl loved... and I mean craved molasses. Still does! It seems that when I need a "cure" for most anything, molasses is what I want.

That means it's time to take out my handy, dandy

Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys and Girls...

which I have mentioned several times during the life of

Ladybug Creek.

Today is no exception. I have the start of a cold.

My grandmother, Mother "B" would call a summer cold,

a "fresh cold". They're about the worst!

Out has come my cookbook and I've just prepared the

batter for gingerbread.

The aroma is heavenly.

I think I can smell the molasses with its tangy

sulphur flavor. Hmmmm!

(I think the bottle says it is "unsulphured", but I smell it!)

And here is a serving for my "sweetie".

He loves it when I bake for him.

Why, how did I know he had a hankerin' for gingerbread?

Gingerbread

Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys and Girls

ca. 1961

Heat oven to 325 degrees

Grease and flour a 9" square pan

Mix thoroughly:

1/2 c. soft shortening, 2 Tbps. sugar, 1 egg

Blend in:

1 c. dark molasses, 1 c. boiling water

Stir in:

2 1/4 c. sifted Gold Medal Flour, 1 tsp. soda, 1/2 tsp. salt,

1 tsp. ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat until smooth.

Pour into prepared pan.

Bake about 45 - 50 minutes (mine usually takes less)

I serve mine with applesauce on top.

Feelin' better already!

I've decided to link up over at

http://crazyjayzplace.blogspot.com/

Happy Father's Day, David!

You are one terrific dad and granddad!

Our sons are good men due to your fine example.

The time you have spent with our grandchildren

have shaped their outlook on people, animals and the world.

Taking time to have fun with them and to teach

them songs and games is priceless.

We love you!