Peach Time in TX

We are just finishing up peach time in TX. We always talked about picking peaches in the orchards at Fredericksburg, but we always left to go west before they were ripe. So this was the year. Due to the extreme heat and lack of rain, the peaches this year were smaller but richer in flavor. They also had not sprayed, so they were a little mishapened and needed lots of tlc in preparing them. Unfortunately I didn't take the camera into the orchard to get shots of the trees etc. But when we were finished here is the result.

We went to Marburger Orchards. They have at least 10 different varieties that ripen at different times. They had red globe and majestic ripening at the time we went. We picked the red globe as we thought they had the better flavor. It was hot and dusty but as you finish picking a box, the orchard workers came around on golf carts and picked up the boxes to deliver to the shed for check out. Your name and type of peach was marked on the box. That worked for us... then we took our time walking back to the shed and did a little sampling. mmmm good!!
We got a better price by taking 3 boxes so we had plenty to share and lots to slice for future cobbler and lots of freezer jam. We have been eating fresh peaches every day on our cereal or in a fruit bowl. Oh my they are good.

We have 2 drawers full of freezer jam and the one deep drawer with the slice peaches. I hope that is enough for the year.... we will look forward to next year & I think we need to involve some others in our adventure..

We are moved in!!

I can't believe after so long, we are finally moved in. We have slept 4 nights in our new home now. Every day we make it a little more ours. You know all those finishing touches and putting out all those things that have been packed away for 6 years. Of course all the furniture has to be polished and the glassware washed before we can use it.

Here is the outside, all finished even the dead grass is in. Even after watering it every day for a week, it is barely showing a tinge of green. At least we don't have to worry about mowing it.
That is a live oak in the front yard.

Our two favorite realtors, Sharron and Val.That is a picture of Del Webb. This was after signing the final papers and we needed a little humour.

Then we went to the house to put the grout sealer on before moving anything in. I did the back splash in the kitchen and Bob did all the floors.

The truck ready to unload!!

The delivery men from Lowe's starting to install the washer & dryer.

The last load of boxes to come off the truck. We were blessed by our friends Mary & Bud, who helped us unload the heavy stuff. They also supplied us with 2 days of dinner. So now it is unpacking and going for more stuff still in the Montana. I can't believe what all we have in there. More later.....

Feb 25th Almost Done

There she is, painted, guttered, rock trim in place, clean windows and ready for the touch up crew and the sod crew.

Here is the big pile of dead looking sod!! You can see it in the neighbor's yard, the same color brown as the dirt.
The stove and microwave are in place. Supposed to be energy savers. I like the flat top on the stove and no burner cups to clean.

The dishwasher will be a welcome addition.

Looking at the kitchen nook and the clean windows. The open door is where the washer & dryer will go.

The shower stall is complete. The only problem will be reaching a towel from the way the door opens.

Trying to get a good shot of the rug to compare color with samples chosen. I think this carpet is darker and I am not too happy with it.

Inspection, walk thru and orientation is next wed. Then they have a week to finish any touch ups before the closing on the 9th.

This was a shot to show the gutters they put in.

2/18/2011 Looking Good

Such a nice feeling to come around the corner and see 524 all decked out in her new colors (bland as they are). I think the native plants will be a good accent. The stonework looks great. It is called rattlesnake. It helps to give it a little contrast. I hope we have good neighbors, because I think we could open a window and shake hands across the property line!!

The light fixture and house number are on and lit up. The garage door opener is installed.
Here is the front door light fixture. The window is in to the kitchen.

The tile backsplash is on, sinks installed, silver fixtures. Kitchen floor is tiled.

The entry way is all tiled.

Interesting light fixture in the dining room. I think I have a pewter oil lamp that will go with that.

The fan light above the living room.

Shower doors, sinks and toilet installed. The workers were finishing up the towel holders etc.

Light fixtures in the master bath.

Close up of the tile back splash. This is where the microwave will go with the electric stove underneath it.

Closing date is scheduled for March 9th, ready or not!!

Close up of some of the rock.

Happy Valentine's Day

Well our gift to each other was finally settling on a contract and locking in an interest rate. I am glad that is over. We went up on Sunday after church to check on things and Bob put down insecticide before they start on the flooring. The changes in the last few days were:

forms started for the sidewalk and driveway.
The stucco was drying nicely and hopefully the stone will go on this week.

Kitchen counter tops are on and the walls throughout are painted.

The grill for the air return is in place.

A little closer look at the counter top.

The a/c is in place and hooked up. The weather has improved and should be above normal temps for the next 2 weeks, so we expect some wonderful changes this week... Later....

More Progress 2/8/2011

It is hard to believe that they can get any work done when it is so cold, but the texture of the stucco is done. Now it has to dry enough so it can be painted. The outside looks more defined. Hopefully the stone will be added soon.

Inside the work is coming right along. Here are the cupboards on one side of the kitchen..
And looking the other way are the rest of them.

The master bath has it's base cupboard in and the doors are on.

The shelves and brackets are up in the walk in closet.

Also in the den.

The door for the den is on also and all the wood trim.

A closet in the hallway with the shelves.

There is also another 2 closets off of this hallway to store lots of goodies. There were workers in the house today, so it wasn't easy to get around to see things. Sure wish I knew spanish!!

SNOW

We have been experiencing very cold weather and yesterday they predicted winter storms for last night. Austin got more ice than snow and we got about an inch of snow. But they closed the schools and many of the offices were closed because of the weather. We have had over 70 hours of below freezing weather. Needless to say we are getting alittle tired of this, after all we are in TX. This morning I heard voices outside and was given the invitation to come take pictures of snow angels. Who could resist!!

Ben was the first to plop down in the driveway.

Here is his angel.
Of course Bobby had to be different.. face first he went. I think he just wanted to eat some snow!!

It really needed to be a little deeper, but they had fun. It did pack for some good snow balls.

The snow made our century plants a variegated variety!

We did get above freezing this afternoon, so the snow did not last. Currently we are back down to 26 and dropping. Later.....