We left home Saturday afternoon heading south on I35 for the ranch.
On the way out of Dallas, we stopped at a Cheddars for a late lunch.
It was DELICIOUS!!! The food was fresh and perfectly cooked and Louis Dean said that his steak was one of the best he's had lately!
It was good to arrive at HEB without being hungry!!
We filled our cart with all the makings for an old fashioned cookout for Sunday.
It was dark by the time we got to the ranch. After unloading and setting up house, we poured a glass of wine and sat out under the stars with our SWEATERS on visiting with Dean and Grandson Robert.
Ah, it's good to be back!
We are coming more often and not staying as long - a win! WIN! for both of us.
It was a lovely Sunday here at the ranch today!
We slept so well last night - as we usually do when we are down here - with the windows open and blankets to snuggle under.
After morning coffee, Louis Dean rustled around and hung up a bird feeder he bought at the HEB and we have been watching all day to see if it would attract any visitors. So far - only ONE!
I love it down here in our little camper.
The yellow flowers are growing right by the camper door - my own personal bouquet - compliments of Mother Nature!
We got busy getting food ready for a family get-to-gether.
Chairs were all out on the deck, two pitchers of tea made, menu prep underway!
We were looking forward to Roy and Ruth Ann arriving around noon.
Robert was so happy to see his aunt and uncle!
This was their first visit in SEVEN years!!!
We snacked on cheese and crackers washed down with glasses of iced tea while the food cooked.
Hamburgers, smoked sausage and hot dogs! A traditional cook out!
I made stuffed peppers and Ruth Ann had brought her mother's recipe for potato salad plus baked beans, a fresh fruit bowl, chips of every kind, and German Chocolate Cake!!!
We pulled the picnic table up on the deck under the awning so we could eat in the shade.
Father and son enjoying themselves with their feet up.
This is a special photo of Ruth Ann and Robert.
They had a lot to catch up on.
Amazing how time can slip by until you realize it's been YEARS since you've seen each other!
Ruth Ann was the cutest thing in her clever little hat!
This was her first visit to our camper!
She says we are 'Glamping' instead of Camping!
The girls gathered inside the camper putting finishing touches on the food prep while the guys visited out on the deck.
I love this little snippet of the guys talking and the girls chatting.
The soft drone of conversation was one of my favorite sounds of this day.
I glanced out the kitchen window and smiled to see Robert and his aunt and uncle deep in conversation!
Ruth Ann is the sweetest lady and my very best friend!!
Roy went on back home but left Ruth Ann to return with Sherry,
He knew she had not got her visit out!
Late this afternoon, Ruth Ann, Sherry and I walked up to the big tank and looked around.
Sherry got the ducks and geese from the McKinney Animal Shelter.
She also got some of her goats from there.
I like to look across the property and see our little camping spot!
We are ever so grateful to Dean and Sherry in providing a place for us here.
It's beautiful.
Full of country charm!
Being with family just made it even better!
We closed out our evening with a campfire - a perfect way to top off this perfect country day!
The absolute best kind of day. I hope the weather is perfect for your visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good day! Would love to help myself to the food and the conversation. Glamping, eh? Well that's the only way to go!
ReplyDeleteIt is gorgeous! Especially the pond with the ducks and geese. You guys should not let so many years slip by again.
ReplyDeleteSounds like so much fun! I know you enjoyed a little cooler air and the evenings are so beautiful lately. Your dinner looked amazing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a little slice of heaven! The birds will come, it just takes a little time.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine the great time you had with your family...heck, I don't have to imagine, your words and pics said it all! The food and company, wonderful. Family is everything. I'm so glad you have this wonderful spot to come in and settle down in with LD. Sleeping with the windows down in the cool air is heaven to me.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post, Linda! :)
Jane
Such a lovely day in a beautiful place with a good company!!! ☀️
ReplyDeleteWow--what a lively and lovely time. Ruth, and Sherry and Dean and Robert---all at one time! I know you love it there!
ReplyDeleteWhatba beautiful post Linda. Your great gift seems to be bringing family together, and just spreading love. What a wonderful gift you have X
ReplyDeleteWe have done a lot of camping lately and I must say that it has been wonderful! So thankful for the opportunity to go.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I forgot that Ruth Ann was family also. How wonderful that she and her husband came to be with the family on the ranch. I am so happy for all of you. Nice to know Robert got to be there also. Just a great time for all. I know you love going to the ranch. I think you and LD totally relax there. Blessings for all, love, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteThe next time you have a cook out, I will be glad to come. Everything looked so yummy and what a pretty place to rest and relax.
ReplyDeleteSpecial memories were made tonight.
ReplyDeletelet me say first you KNOW my favorite thing here is the FIRE.. love it. so true about time flying, I have not seen my brother since 2008 or my son in TN since then, we all met in Augsta and that was the last time.
ReplyDeleteso glad Ruth Ann got to see Robert, they look so happy. I love the word glamping and would gladly do that, I would not do camping as in tents and stuff. but your little glamper is amazing and just like home.
Hi Linda...What a great set of pictures to share your family time at the Ranch. Loved them all. Still trying to get back in our routine after our trip, but it seems other things pop up...a memorial service this weekend, a baby shower and a wedding in a couple of weeks. But I'd rather be busy than sick and unable to do those things.
ReplyDeleteYour family looks like so much fun to be with.
Wow, my kind of day, Linda.
ReplyDeleteGlamping is the only way to camp! So happy for your time at the ranch and that Ruth Ann came for a visit! So special!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure exactly what smoked sausage is! Glad you are having a good time. Have a great week. Cheers from Carole's Chatter
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of the campfire. Think I could smell
ReplyDeletethe smoke! The cookout sounds GREAT!
Lovely lovely place! So glad yall got to go--- i know How much you love it there and how it renews and refreshes your soul
ReplyDeleteFun times! Isn't it wonderful to reconnect with family and/or friends that you haven't seen in ages? It's not even 6 a.m. and I'm starving seeing all that food!
ReplyDeleteRelax and enjoy ~
xo
Pat
Love how you so enjoy your country outting. Maybe you should move to the country. Interesting tidbit ... they got the ducks from the animal shelter?... We want to get ducks for our pond. Never thought about the animal shelter.
ReplyDelete