Off to see the "Weiner of OZ"

The Weiner of OZ is the theme for the 13th annual Weiner Dog Race held in Buda, TX. 

This is the Official TeeShirt.

Weiners, (in case you are living in a cave) are small, low-riding, log-shaped dogs known as dachsunds.  The Festival is a Big Deal and dachsund-loving owners come from all over the US to enjoy the dachsund LoveFest and buy dachsund-designed accessories.

Here are some of my favorite tee shirts.  

Before the races began, I sniffed out the location of the Roast Corn.  As you can see, Cassie came along to this dog-friendly event, playing the part of the pampered princess that she is.

She got a lot of attention because she was NOT a weiner.  Apparently, even weiner-lovers suffer from weiner-fatigue.

Except for this pair; they were in the rescue booth and were trying to find homes for weiners.

Weiners everywhere!  Even the WeinerMobile was in attendance!

At 2pm, registered weiners excitedly gathered with their hopeful hoomans and the first race began.

Owners gathered at the finish line with toys, treats, shouting encouragement to the wee contestants.   Some weiners never left the gate, others decided to find a playmate and some just wandered.   About half the dogs in each of the preliminary races never got to the finish line.  Maybe next year...

Winners were documented with a Photo Finish.  This is serious!

This one's a clear weiner!









 


The races were a lot of fun, but my pals, Hal & Cheryl were'nt done wearing me & Cassie out yet!  (Last time I visited, we must have walked 27 miles along the Riverwalk!)  We went over to New Braunfels, had a ridiculously-delicious snack from a local bakeshop, toured the nearby college town where Hal oogled the young coeds lying on the riverbanks wearing minimal swim garments and then drove on to Landa Park, which was holding an annual Earth Day festival.

These Texans LOVE Festivals!

We took the miniature train to tour the park; Cassie was allowed to ride the train (that's her white head). 

All the little kids waiting for the train came over to pet Cassie and the parents took cell phone pics. 








The park is the prettiest park I have ever seen with many shallow streams, rivers and pools that are crystal clear.  The water comes from an aquifer that is icy cold and only baby-fat encased children can tolerate being in the water.  The entire park is shaded by old live oak trees.  

The scent of the many picnickers charcoal grilling was tantalizing.  So, we stopped on the way home to get a Texas Juicy Burger with amazing onion rings!

A Texas-sized Thank You to Hal and Cheryl for taking me into the Hill Country for the fun experiences and special sights.

I took this picture before I left because I was impressed by Cheryl and Hal's gardening in their back yard.  Cheryl gathered up 3 kinds of different lettuces to go in our salads and also some fresh herbs to dip our olive-oiled bread in for a wonderful spaghetti dinner (Cheryl, you outdid yourself!).  They also had two grape vines (one red and one green) growing that were heavy with grape clusters.



After a wonderful breakfast of sweet potato pancakes at LaPeep, I departed San Antonio.  I am sitting in the Sealy TX Walmart that has cheap diesel fuel.  It's about an hour west of Houston.  I'll leave at the "right" time to drive through Houston tomorrow morning--hopefully I'll hit a lull in traffic. 

Fun 'n fiestas are over but it was a wonderful visit with family and friends in Texas.  I should be back home late next week.

Don't mess with Texas Cowgirls!

Parade night was perfect for an outdoor, waterway parade!  Before claiming our waterside viewing table, we stopped at a bistro and had several drinks above the Riverwalk, providing a good observation point for watching all the preparations.  All entrances to the Riverwalk were barricaded and strictly controlled by the handsome Cavaliers. 

We finally were permitted to enter after our reservation was confirmed.  Spirits were high and decidedly silly. 
Parade-goers were eating inside pieces of tortillas to create faces and then hurling the face-tortillas at parade floats.   The river was littered with face-tortillas with every imaginable expression!  The parade was colorful and full of music and high energy.

We ordered a Texas-sized margarita (quart?) and enjoyed a leisurely dinner of Texas rolls, fajitas and choc/caramel pecan crusted cake.

What a pleasant surprise to open our door to the sunshine the next morning!  All the weather talking heads were forecasting very iffy weather.

So, we decided to go have some cowgirl fun!

Took a Day Trip to the "Cowboy Capital of the World"--Bandera, TX.   It was a beautiful drive through Hill Country; the road was lined with a carpet of flowers of every color--red, orange, yellow, lavender and, of course, the Texas Bluebonnet.

Cruised the "strip", alert for Cowboy sightings.  But it was quiet, so we stopped in the local Cowboy Saloon for lunch. 

We ordered Texas Chili Fries and the cook presented our lunches (one of which had a very ornate sauce design) and took our picture.

The wooden table was littered with graffiti and we added our own (actually Marilyn and Sharon did it).

While waiting for our lunch, we thought it might be fun to shoot some pool, but the pool table required coins.  The cue ball,  however, was FREE, so we improvised by setting up their condiments to shoot at.  This pic is Sharon aiming for the ketchup.

Strengthened by mass quantities of carbohydrate energy, we began walking and exploring the shops, which had the usual tourist souvenirs.   We especially like the CowGurlZ shop (Tee shirt says "What happens with the Girlfriends Stays with the Girlfriends").  There were also some very famous shops, one of which had been featured in the TV series "The Simple Life" with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

We had a blast in the Cowboy/Girl Hat Shop and Marilyn found the Perfect Hat. 

"You look SOO cute, Girlfriend!"

Alas, Sue's head was discovered to be too small for anything in inventory and she was counseled to find a hat shop for kids.

We met friends Hal & Cheryl for dinner on the way back from Bandera.  The restaurant was on top of a hill with a commanding view of north-east San Antonio and the weather was so nice we sat outdoors.  We giggled a lot.

Next day, the weather wasn't so  hot, but the Cowgirls were!  We were prepared with DVD movies, cards and poker chips and a deluxe Scrabble board.  Neither Marilyn nor Sharon had played Texas Hold'em so they quickly learned the game, much to Marilyn's delight!

After a few margaritas, we began to invent variations of the game.  One can only imagine the penalty to the loser...













Today is Departure Day and fortunately, the weather is OK for now, though there is a huge severe weather system bearing down--creating tornados and other mayhem just north and west of our location.  It will not delay flights.

All the Cowgirls will return home after discussing the destination choices for next year's gettogether!

Looks like Las Vegas is a frontrunner.

Cowgirls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Texas Soup!  That's the weather predicted for the entire San Antonio area during the Fiesta, with overcast, rainy skies producing flash floods and traffic accidents and cancelled outdoor Fiesta events.   Not a pleasant scenario for the Cowgirls who collectively have travelled over 4K miles and spent a couple thou to enjoy the entirely outdoor Fiesta!   

Cowgirls, however, just wanna have fun and vowed to find a way.  

Knowing that it might rain on our parade and following my two day "Sit-Stay" in Luling  (due to the horrific weather and hazardous road conditions) I stopped in Seguin to stock up on cheap, fattening snacks and booze.   While there, I was witness to an attempted break-in of a car in front of the liquor store; as I was exiting, 2 boys ran by me with a group of people following in hot pursuit yelling for Police!    So, I made my own quick getaway and cautiously approached the schizophrenic San Antonio road system around noon, hoping that traffic would be calm.  I found my RV site and set it up in the driving rain.  An hour later, the sun appeared and I dashed outside for a pic, not knowing if I would see the sun again during my visit.

My sister, Sharon and our friend, Marilyn, arrived at the airport and drove right to the RV and we happily giggled and drank until 1am.   

The next day it was very stormy so we hunkered down inside the timeshare and went into "stealth mode" to bring Cassie inside with us---which is strictly against the rules!  In order to keep Cassie quiet, Sharon had thoughtfully brought some "doggie downers" which was a much stronger sedative than the natural herbal one I have been using.   However, it was necessary if we were going to be able to keep her quiet with us.

That day, we watched DVD rental movies gotten from the local McDonald's and drank mass quantities of tequila.  I did take a photo of the three of  us drinking margaritas but it is an unpublishable picture.  I passed out on the couch with Cassie who was already zonked...

Yesterday dawned sunny and gorgeous, so we drugged Cassie and stowed her in the RV while we went downtown to the Riverwalk and enjoyed our day.  It was so much fun.  We started out with a gondola ride.

The Texas Cavaliers, sponsors of the fund-raising parade, were setting up the Riverwalk with folding chairs for the special river parade.  These were all young, strong males in their 30's and 40's and watching them was a special treat!   This is the first time they have brought everyone down to the rivers edge to view the parade.

The Cowgirls stopped at a Riverfront refreshment establishment and rehydrated after the arduous gondola ride and cowboy gawking.

While there, we had some delicious Texas-sized margaritas.  

We also booked a table at the eating establishment from which we would have a complete dinner with appetizers, drink, entree and dessert, as well as an excellent seat for the parade!  This is a pic of our table area and the parade will float within feet of our view.  The ducks come right up the ramp for handouts and are very friendly.

After walking on our various aching joints for hours, we decided that it was time for a treat to get our strength back.  So, we stopped at the Marble Creamery, listened to a mexican-type music troupe while enjoying our ice cream.

Marilyn enjoyed her treat with a special zest and one wondered what added candy bits were blended into her chunk of ice cream.








Today is our "parade day" and the weather is holding.  They have predicted "Mostly Cloudy" but no rain.  And that is fine since the Parade is held at nighttime!

Trippin' to Texas

The MovinSueMobile is on a Road Trip!

It was a relatively easy getaway from Saddlebag for the first leg of my trip to San Antonio, TX.  I secured my stump lid, closed off the water and hid the blue reflector light (alerts the Trash Guys to presence of trash in the stump) and dashed off a Bon Voyage email to the Community Association.  Off I went!  And back I came!  I forgot to lock the sliding glass door and pull the window treatment shut.  OK, so off I go--again.

An hour later, I remembered that I had forgotten my cell phone charger.  Darn, but thank goodness it can receive a charge from my laptop while I have it tethered for internet!  Whew!

I always check my route carefully and even jot a note or two so I don't have to worry about going off route.  Unfortunately, I missed an exit, there was NO return exit and I had to go 5 miles to the next exit, turnaround and proceed 10 miles to the preceding exit.  So, 20 miles out of my way and 40 min later than necessary, I arrived at my friends, Barry and Sue and the kids, Cody and Leah.

And then it occurred to me that I had planned to bring something for my sister and our friend to enjoy in San Antonio but...forgot it.  I know exactly where it's packed.  I also know where my firearm is but forgot it too.  And I'm even legal to carry it since I just got my Concealed Weapons Permit in the mail!  Guess I'll use my finger...

Wow.  Am I losin' it or what?

I am presently in my RV at a FL rest stop near Tallahassee to walk Cassie, have some breakfast and watch the Sunday morning talking heads.   When I stopped, I saw that I had forgotten to strap my TV down and it had swung out over the cabover.  And, I didn't close the Fuel Door after I filled up last night and I guess it was just blowin' in the breeze for 100 miles.  Geez!  I hardly ever forget these kinds of things!  BTW--diesel fuel all over the map with prices-I have seen $3.31 on I-75 and I paid $2.96 at Walmart.  Seems to be averaging $3.09 and they are now charging 5 cents/gal to use credit.

I-75 was a parking lot yesterday until Lake City.  Florida's Turnpike was also a parking lot.  And you had to PAY TOLLS to sit in traffic on the Turnpike!  There was no accident or construction--I checked 511.   It was just...congested.

Thank goodness I was rested and well fed for that tedious drive.  My friends, Barry and Sue, fed me like royalty.     They are both creative gourmet cooks.  Sue made homemade chicken 'n dumplin's and  Disney waffle faces for breakfast and some of the coolest desserts "kid-style" .

Barry made an awesome paella (sp?).  It had gobs of lobster, shrimp, scallops, mussels and clams.  He used smoked turkey stock for the rice and it made the dish truly special.

Leah, who was kinda hidden in the dinner pic above, did her Betty Boop pose.

We also had pina coladas, wine and I had a new drink made with coffee tequila with splash of Half 'n Half.  It is called Padron and Sue bought me my own bottle for the trip.  Thanks, Sue!   Cody sent me off with snacks for my trip, including some organic fruit juice boxes and my favorite Sunchips.  He also wrote me a lovely note!

While there, I tried once again to fix my fresh water connection.  Without going into a lot of detail, it is a poor design but it is a common one with Class C mohos.   As a result, it is difficult to connect and water runs out constantly.  So, I have been cranking my brain to try to fashion a fix.  Barry came up with the answer!  He put a metal quick connector on the RV end, modified the door with a Publix plastic measuring tablespoon and VOILA!  It connects like a dream for a leak-proof connection.   And, the door locks to keep my water supply secure and keep road dirt out.

I am thrilled not to have to fight with the water thing anymore.  This is my access door locked with my little doggie RV key ring (doggie face & feet with an RV body).  Thank you again, Barry!

Guess I should git along down the road.  I Wallydocked last night and there was an RV nearby with 2 women selling or giving away puppies .   She had a poodle, a dachshund and 3 puppies I couldn't identify.

I may boondock again tonight; I have plenty of water, the weather is cool and there's a nice Cracker Barrel near my landing spot.  (I love CB's; they are always quiet and have lots of clean grass for Cassie to mess up.)  Since my cell phone gives me internet access, I need campgrounds even less than ever--however, I will  probably need a campground for my reality shows on Mon & Tues (24, AI) and will probably need fluid management.

Snifflin' and Snortin' in Lake Wales

No sooner did I sign on the dotted line to close on my house than my nose started to run...  but before that, I managed to graze a bump entering the driveway of my closing agent and bent up my electric entry step on my moho.  I forgot that nothing around here is flat.  I asked Pete if I could borrow a sledge hammer to beat the step back into place and, before I knew it,  Pete & Donna arrived on their golf cart with portable welding equipment and fixed my step good as new!

Wow-major thanks to Pete!















The flora native to the area--southern oaks, orange trees etc, are unknown to my immune system and my white cells are running amok.  I have spent the last few weeks trying to breathe and NOT breathe--and hacking uncontrollably.  In desparation, I tore into my packed boxes looking for my magic cough syrup which is so strong it has the ability to stop not only your cough but all other life processes.  It is a special doc-combo preparation originally written for Frank who always got the BEST drugs from the doctors!

I am otherwise happy and comfortable in my new digs.  I have found unexpected benefits of my little house, including a covered landing where I can simply stand and let Cassie out on a leash for her tinkles when it is raining.  She gets wet and I stay dry under the awning.   The money benefits are astonishing; my annual taxes are $148 and my insurance is $446.  Vehicle insurance rates for auto and motorhome have been reduced.   Water & sewer is a flat fee of $50/quarter.  My lot rental for my motorhome is $8/mo.  However, I do have to buy Western Brown paint for my stump and utility pedestal (hard to see in photo at bottom right)--one is known by your stump ID (mine is 4 Stone Fly) and residents are expected to have their stump and pedestal in good cosmetic condition at all times.

Cassie is thrilled with Stone Fly Circle (Stone Fly is a fishing lure) and all her new dog friends.  She has started playing with toys again.   She "almost loves" her childhood doggie pal, Molly.  Molly is extremely territorial about her home and humans and Cassie has become possessive of me, so these two have some issues to work out...

I have been very busy since I arrived--even whilst trying to breathe.  The entire home needs a deep cleaning and paint job inside.  I am finishing the kitchen & bathroom cabinets now, which were a tired-looking, chipped and worn greyish color and are now a glossy white.   However, as Sarah says..."You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig". (That Sarah sure knows how to turn a phrase.)  The entire popcorn ceiling needs a coat of white paint to refresh the dulled, yellowed color.

I have been wearing paint for several weeks; despite frequent showers and vigorous personal scrubbing, am unable to get all the paint off my parts.  After all the painting is done, the flooring gets replaced which I am not doing myself!

The day of my house closing was an American Idol night and...Gosh--I had no TV!  So, I went to Walmart around 6pm and treated myself to a new Vizio 47" 120htz 1080p Surround Sound LCD TV!  Had it set up in time to watch AI at 8pm, glass of merlot at my side.  I am on an antenna that has a digital aiming mechanism and I have an excellent high def picture since all the networks are broadcasting in high definition!

On arrival, my biggest immediate problem was internet.  Because I am in the boonies, there is no provider for Saddlebag.  Brighthouse won't even consider being here until 2014.  So, in order to get online, I had to lug my laptop down to the Saddlebag library.  I visited a nearby Verizon store and for $30 extra/month, I tether my cell phone to my laptop for respectably fast, unlimited data!  So far, it has worked very well and my only complaint is having the extra cord to deal with. 

In between painting, showering and breathing and solving my technological problems, I have been going to the many social events which occur in the community including Friday night Bingo (I won once!), weekly koffeeklatches, a stage show featuring a hilarious comedic variety act, a Songbird concert, an art show both in the community and in Lake Wales, a chicken BBQ, a parade and a flea market excursion.  Today is a luncheon out with friends (Velma & Basil pictured) and later this week, a beachside potluck.  Soon, organized activities come to a screeching halt as about 80% of the residents go back north.

Next Tuesday, I will be leaving Lake Wales for San Antonio, where I will meet up with my sister, Sharon and our girlfriend, Marilyn.  We all had such a great time tasting (!) wine in Lake Tahoe that we decided to have a MargaritaFest at the Riverwalk Fiesta in San Antonio this spring.  Before leaving Florida, I will stop off to visit Barry, Sue and the kids in Orlando for a few days of frolic.

On my return trip from Texas in early May, I plan to go down to Bonita Springs/Cape Coral for a visit with my friends there and also to get my hair colored by my cosmetologist friend.  I also have identified a suitable used golf cart for sale that is being held for me (significantly cheaper to buy in the Ft Myers area) which I will trailer back to Lake Wales.  One MUST have a golf cart to get around the community!

Signing off for now from Stump 4 Stone Fly!