Visit to Llano - Part Three

(There was quite a delay between blogging about Visiting Llano, part two and part three;  all because my little laptop was recalled by the manufacturer.  It is back now, and I am happy to have her back! )

On my day trip to Llano in March, 2012,  after touring the "railroad" historic area, we crossed the Llano River bridge and soon arrived at the Courthouse Square. 

Llano Bridge

 The Llano Courthouse,  is a lovely large old structure with a clock on top which was rebuilt in 1893.  The previous courthouse was destroyed by fire in January, 1892. 

Llano Courthouse Tower & Clock

Built of Brick, Granite, and Sandstone in 1893.

The old oak tree standing near the courthouse must be very old.  If we could only see the town grow as it has.  Imagine seeing the cowboys gathering for the cattle drives to Kansas, the saloons and town streets of the 1800's, and the ladies of the Woman's Culture Club attending their meetings in 1901. 

The beautiful tower and clock can be seen throughout the Llano town area.  The courthouse is built of granite, sandstone, and brick. 

The history of Llano is interesting.  It was the home of American Indians for centuries prior to the Spanish arriving and finding silver near Llano at Riley Mountain in 1756.  Llano County is a treasure-trove of minerals including crystals and according to some old sources, possibly the home of lost gold mines.  In 1838 a Mrs. Webster and her children were taken by Indians and she lived with them for two years before escaping.  She quickly reported gold and silver mines belonging to the Indians which resulted in many prospectors coming to seek the "lost" Spanish-Mexican mine and Indian gold which have never been located.  Some say silver and gold are located inside granite pockets in this Llano Uplift region of Central Texas.   Near Llano you can see rare brown granite with sky blue crystals and pink feldspar which can be found nowhere else on earth.  Rare pearls have also been found in fresh water mussels along the Colorado River which have been valued from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.   

Llano was settled by Germans beginning in 1844.  Cattle-rustling was a huge problem until the 1870's.   
Many early buildings remain such as the historically significant 'old jail', a solid looking beautiful old building - probably not so beautiful to those who were forced to reside inside.  The old jail, now known as "Red-top" because of its red roof, was built in 1895 of local granite at a reported cost of $11,500.  The first floor was the home of the "jailers" and the four cells and two drunk tanks were located on the second floor. Prisoners reportedly slept on the floor on cot mattresses, and there was no electricity on the second floor.  Their meals were prepared by the jailer's wife.   There is no third floor, and the top of the jail is where the gallows was located.  A hole in the floor allowed bodies to fall down to "hang".   Reportedly no one was hanged from the "gallows" although skeptics say there were hangings.  It was last used as a jail in the 1970's and was used as a "Headstart" building in the 1990's.  It is reportedly being restored by the Friends of the Llano Red Top Jail.   

Some old structures surrounding the town square are now home to restaurants, little intriguing shops, a jewelry store, and other businesses. (see below)

 Buildings on Llano Square

I was fascinated by the historical sign near the courthouse which tells about "The Woman's Culture Club"  which was founded by Jennie Clopton, local music teacher in 1901, originally called the "Woman's Literary Society".  This club established a public library, worked on beautification projects in public areas as well as other projects. 

Woman's Culture Club of Llano

                                

My friend and I ate at The Acme Cafe, a restaurant in an old historic building on the square, where we had a delightful lunch.  She ordered crab cakes and I had a vegetarian sandwich and soup.  Here is a picture of the inside of the Acme. 

Acme Cafe

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The Acme Cafe

There are several interesting restaurants in Llano and it is difficult to decide where to enjoy your meal. I look forward to trying breakfast or lunch next visit at The Berry St. Bakery (http://www.berrystreetbakery.com/) which is in an older home and has an outdoor eating area, on the corner across from the square.

During our visit to Llano, we also visited Jim's Jewelry on Main Street on the Square, a gift shop and Charlie's Furniture and Gift Shop. 

Llano is known as "The deer capital of Texas" and the density of deer in the Llano Basin is greater than any other area in the United States. 

"Phebe - Cottage Dreamer" blog would be incomplete without at least one cottage picture from Llano.  This little cottage, near the old jail, intrigued me.  The "Llano resident" that came out to greet us on our visit April, 2011 appeared to be part of the "neighborhood watch program." 

Small Llano Cottage

Chicken in Llano in April, 2011.
Note:  Many readers may be surprised that chickens are allowed in some Texas towns.
However, they are even legal in the city of Austin, which boasts some amazing chicken coops.

Finally, a visit to the granite yard shows this granite "outhouse" with Dish Network receiver on top.  They boast they can build anything out of granite - and this shows their sense of humor. 

On Rt. 29 near Llano, hundreds of people each year stop to photograph and enjoy a "Bald Eagle" pair and their offspring.  The adults have nested for the winter for several years beside the Llano River close enough for visitors to view the baby eagles growing, eating, and learning to take flight.  Last year the couple had one baby eagle; in 2012 they had "twins." 

 (Last year's bald eagle in the nest (above photo) -I'm guessing this is mom or dad sitting on the eggs - I visited several times last year and enjoyed watching "Junior" grow and fly.  It is a thrill to see the parent sitting over on another branch or tree as "Junior" begins to leave the nest and spread his wings.  Babies do not develop the traditional white head until they are older. Eagle couples reportedly mate for life.)

Parent in 2012 Watching Baby Eagle from Afar.

Until next time, Wishing you happiness and hoping you visit a small town near your home!  Hugs, Phebe

(My thanks to the Llano Chamber of Commerce, and three websites for information about the Llano area.  http://www.texfiles.com/llanotexas/aboutllano/yesterdaytoday/index.htm and
http://www.truewestmagazine.com/jcontent/living-the-dream/living-the-dream/true-western-towns/4254-llano-texas, and http://www.llanomainstreet.com/Redtopjail/Redtop.html.

Note:  All photos in the Llano blogs were taken by Phebe and may not be copied without permission.)

Visiting Llano (Part 2) - North side of Llano River

Llano is 65 miles northwest of Austin and 102 miles from San Antonio.

The Llano River, flows through the middle of the town of Llano. According to the website, llanoriver.com. the Llano River is one of Texas' few remaining wild rivers, and is located more than 100 miles from any major city.  It originates as a spring-fed river and therefore its clear, clean water is great for fishing and canoeing.  

Above, the Llano River's view of the dam in Llano. 

                                         

 

The Dabbs Hotel in Llano

The Dabbs Hotel, (above) located on the north side of the Llano River bank was built in 1907, and is the last of the railroad hotels.  It is still open and it may be rented for weddings or family reunions.  It also has a sleeping porch that sleeps six in twin beds that may be rented for #365 a night. Reportedly Bonnie and Clyde visited this hotel in the 1930's.   (Information from the hotel's website:  dabbsrailroadhotel.com.) 

In the same area there are other renovated homes, and a small log cottage that has been moved to the site which sits near the museum. 

The plaque at the steps tells a bit about this very old cottage.

                                            
I've seen lots of log cabins in several states and the chinking in this one is unique, at least to me.  It contains some stones, wood, and other items.  Another room, made of boards and batten, is apparently a later addition to this cottage.  

Another very small cottage sits near the train tracks.  It appears to have only one room and doesn't appear to have a bathroom.  It had a "For Rent" sign on it.  (below)

The third part of "Visiting Llano" will cross the bridge and visit the shops and buildings on the "South" side of the river.  Until then, please do find some ways to put a little fun in your life.  

Hugs, Phebe........................

                         

 

Day-Tripping in the Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country abounds with small towns that are wonderful places to explore one's love of cottages, to see what local life is like in the "Hill Country," and to sample the fun events of each town.

Today, March 16, 2012 was such a trip for me.  A friend and I went to Llano, the county seat of Llano County, west of Austin.  Many of you know about Llano and have been there.  Those of you from outside of Texas may not know about Llano.

  Llano, A Main Street City

                                                                *************

Before I tell about my trip, let me share with some folks who are local about tomorrow's fun
event in Llano.  Tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. in the historic business district there is an event: 

"Sample Delectable Desserts and Enter to Win a Gift Certificate" . 

This event is sponsored by the Llano Main Street and the Llano County Journal. 

You may:

Pick up a ballot at LanTex Theater.

Visit each of the 9 restaurants and sample a dessert. 

Have your ballot initialed at each location. 
Choose the ONE restaurant whose dessert you liked the best.

Return your ballot to the LanTex Theater by 3:30 pm. on 3/17/12.

At 4 p.m. a drawing will be held for a gift certificate.  You don't have to be present to win.

 

This sounds like great fun on a Spring day.  Hope some of you are able to attend.

Below is the "Berry Street Bakery" one of the "sample sites".

                                                                ****************

Today the spring flowers were wonderful:  miles of Texas Bluebonnets on Rts. 1431 and  29, and spring trees, flowers,  and bushes in full bloom in Llano. 

Beautiful Bridal Wreath

Blue Bonnets near the Museum

Our first stop was at the Llano Visitor and Tourism Center housed in the Railroad Depot Building. 

Llano residents appear to have an appreciation for their town's history and they have preserved and re-purposed many of the early buildings.  

Nearby the Railway Depot Building  is the museum, some renovated homes, a "Hotel" overlooking the river, and a rustic cabin, all on the Rt. 29 side of the Llano River. 

Over the next two blogs we will look at some of the quaint buildings, businesses, and the Llano Courthouse Square.  

Hope you enjoy the tour of Llano half as much as I did today.

Remember...Allow a little fun into your life.

                                                    Until Next Time, 

                                                    Hugs, Phebe    

Spring Project - Bathroom

Finally, I have my  Cottage indoor spring project finished - new towels and other accessories for my bathroom.

It was planned as a simple and inexpensive redecorating in which I just changed out some accessory colors. 

I reported last blog that I had chosen two colors that make me feel really happy this year - Robins Egg blue and brown.  To those, through this process, I guess I've added a third, cream.  Things change as decorating goes along, doesn't it?

I didn't have a lot of money to invest and thought a change of colors might help.  My bath is fairly new - my house was built in 2005.  The cabinets are dark alder wood, counter tops, tub and shower walls are cream marble, and walls are an aged golden color - finished in a rough plaster over drywall with rounded edges throughout the house.  The house was built and designed to look like an older English cottage. 

Amazingly, it has been fun to choose towels and other accessories.  I found textured towels appealing this time.  (Last time I chose all white towels - pretty bland). The covered containers on the large vanity are in blue and brown print.  One container has birds on it so the cute little ceramic birds begged to go home with me from "Tuesday Morning."   Use of such containers to place bath items and makeup limits clutter on countertops and makes them easier to clean. (from "Circle of Moms.com.-see below for link) 

These photos below are of my smaller second vanity showing the new towels - the towels are hanging on the heated towel holder (from Bed Bath & Beyond) - one of my favorite luxuries that has become a necessity for me over the 4 years I've had one.
 

Not only is it wonderful to grab a warm towel when getting out of the shower on a cool morning, but the heated towel bars also dry your towel and washcloth

and are great to dry delicates, sweaters, and other items you have laundered or scarves or mittens that  were rained on.

I wish you could feel the texture of the bath towels and washcloths.  I fell for the beige bubble design ones and had to have them although they didn't really go with my color scheme. 

(They were also purchased from "Tuesday Morning." )

My commode cover and rug are in Robins Egg blue - (purchased from Wal-Mart).  I'm still looking for some wall accessories, including a picture to hang in the "water-closet."  I have a shelf over the large vanity which you can partially see in the first photo,  which has remained totally empty during my five years here.  I plan to put my collection of teal "Blenko" WV hand-blown glass on the shelf and in the window over the whirlpool tub soon. 

My few new items have made taking a shower and using my bathroom much more enjoyable. 

The striped step-out rug is "Better Homes & Gardens" brand from Wal-Mart.

This morning I enjoyed one of the "bubble" washcloths.

Until next time I'm wishing you soothing, enjoyable bathing experiences also.

Phebey

for some good cleaning tips:  http://www.circleofmoms.com/article/5-tips-keeping-bathrooms-clean-03068?trk=digest_editorial_3068&email_enc=lsOqzdecp8zcpsLVzZTEoqY%253D&email_src=1331338849bcfe0024d770baf84db8ab670c042eed&template_name=digest_weekly_2&subject_id=950f1561cb53014b243b26db9f35227b%3A0&has_fb=1#_

I've Chosen My Colors For My Spring Project! Have You?

I chose two of my favorite decorating colors for my bathroom towel and accessory colors....Robin's Egg blue and brown...................................................................

Because I don't want to see  makeup and other clutter on the white marble countertop, I plan to use decorative boxes for storage.

The boxes and towels are from "Tuesday Morning". 

The Romanesque brand towels, washcloths and hand towels are Robins Egg blue and white of long staple combed Turkish cotton.  Bath rug and commode cover were made in the USA and were purchased at Wal-Mart. 

My Choice for Spring

My Spring 2012 project is to perk up my bathroom.  It has been a hodge-podge of towels and rugs since we moved here in 2007.  I had other things to do, and really couldn't decide on a theme or colors that I really liked.  


Also, towels seem to last "forever"!  It hurts me to dispose of towels that have become faded and even softer.  Also I have an aversion to products "made in China" and finding acceptable others is growing more difficult.  (My problem, I admit).


My bath is painted a rustic gold color - the plaster appears old and aged.  It has been difficult for me to decide on a color that appeals to me and also matches the walls.  


Long ago, in another home, I designed the perfect bath for me.  It was all white - white fixtures, white walls, white floor, a mirrored wall, and a skylight that my husband added after our home was built - over the bathtub.  I dearly loved decorating that bath, adding colors that appealed to me.  One of my favorites was to use bright green towels on a white background with fern leaves.  I hung live ferns above the tub, and the bright light always made the bathroom a happy and bright place to be.  The ferns flourished with the moisture from the tub/shower.


I again wish for an all white bathroom.  However, such is not to be, unless I paint, and that is more than I want to do, living here by myself, with very tall ceilings and walls.  It is also unachievable because I have dark wood surround on the tub, dark woodwork, and dark floors.  


I am hoping for a quick makeover; some towels, rugs, and accessories in a color or colors that make me happy.  Now, deciding what color is the challenge.  Finding attractive storage is also a goal.  Bathroom clutter can be unsightly.  Surely there is a way to organize it and make it attractive, yet easily available.


What are some color combinations that make you happy?  I've walked for several hours through linen and bath shops, and have decided my colors.  They make me happy and remind me that Spring is almost here.  I will share them next post.  


Happy planning and sharing!  I am waiting to hear what your decorating project will be.  Also, tell me your favorite colors at this time.  


Enjoy!  Phebe

Spring Fever! Do you have it? What do you do with it?

Hi, All,

It has been quite a dry spell for me, writing on this blog.  There IS a good explanation,

- the terminal illness and death of my dearest male friend.  

After recovering to some degree from the  death of  my dear husband of 47 years in 2009,  I became best friends and sweethearts in late 2010 with an acquaintance of ours.  We shared a lot of laughter, fun times, and closeness. Closeness turned into love.   Losing him has been one of the harder times in my life. He suffered a short illness, hospitalization, and died in early February.  It has taken me a lot of work trying to get back to doing something constructive.  (You may read more about this on my other blog.)

However, today, Feb. 27, 2012, I'd say Spring Fever has hit me with a burst of fresh air and enthusiasm.  

I dearly love Spring projects for my cottage!  Last year I planned and designed a wonderful backyard project - getting rid of all the grass, and making a "backyard" room.  It has brought me great joy since it was finished in April, 2011.  

This year, I am starting to experience Spring Fever a bit early.  What about you?  Has Spring Fever hit you yet?  

What project would you most like to accomplish this Spring?

Let's work on ours together...if you will join me.  I need the friendship and anticipation of doing a new project for my home....and I'm sure you can think of one or two things you might like to undertake also.  Let's have fun, most of all.  


Best wishes!  Let me hear from you, please.  Phebe


View the entire blog at - 


Phebe-CottageDreamer@blogspot.com. and take the latest poll.  

Organizing My Worst Clutter Spot

I attended a Ladies Club Christmas party in December.  There I overheard one lady ask the hostess what she kept in the shallow drawers in the small chest beside her favorite recliner... was it her sewing or craft items?  The hostess hesitated and then responded, "No, I've given up crafts - it's just stuff."  She opened one drawer to show that her telephone book, her TV controls, and various other items were in those narrow drawers, at her fingertips.  She opened another drawer to show stamps, and writing supplies. 

I was impressed with her small chest holding so much out of sight.  I came home to my portable computer stand, which sits beside my favorite chair.  It never has room for my portable laptop computer because I always have it full of "clutter."  I also have spread out to the raised fireplace hearth, and to the window sill, where my address book, camera, and cell phone sit, along with various other items that are handy to my needs in my favorite chair. This "clutter" has regrown since the holidays, when I had it fairly well cleaned up.   I'd take a photo for you, but I'd be too embarrassed.  Let's just say that my computer mouse fell off the computer stand for the second time today with batteries and cover scattering in various directions, and from which other items fall frequently. 

Our hostess' organizational skills remained a source of fascination to me throughout the holidays and I looked at Walmart and other  stores for a couple of weeks, hoping to find a sewing or craft table that would be similar. 

Finally, with the many on-line catalogs that arrived with the New Year, I received a catalog from Home Decorators.com., a Home Depot company,  and was pleased to see a cart that would work beside my recliner.  The Stanton Storage Cart I ordered has six drawers and is 26 inches tall by 20 inches wide.  It is delivered "fully assembled" with the exception of 4 casters which were easily installed by me, the least handy woman in the US.    I had a choice of finishes and choice of sizes.  Mine cost $152 and there was a $10 coupon so the actual cost was $150.88 including tax, with free shipping on storage items for a limited time. 

It arrived within days and the delivery man offered to put it inside for me.  It weighs approximately 50 lbs. and I happily accepted his offer.  I opened the very well wrapped wooden cart and installed the feet in approximately 30 minutes.  I have yet to fill it, other than to put my television remote and telephones inside, but the manufacturers suggest that heavy items be placed in the bottom.  I ordered the cherry finish cart, although I fell in love with the blue one but it didn't come in this "wide" size.  Mine came in a choice of dark cherry, black, white or oak.    The cart is made of solid "Rubberwood", grown on a plantation, renewable and thus production doesn't endanger the environment.  Mine has a nice, smooth finish and is very sturdy.  Country of origin is Thailand.   Since the nice finish may be scratched or damaged by my drinks and other items, I put a square granite chessboard on the top, with a  protective mat underneat but a tray or cut glass top would work.

I will blog again soon about this wonderful cart that is sure to improve my degree of organization if not improve the quality of my life.  I am amazed at my "Logitech" red cordless computer mouse, because it has been dropped at least twice daily for at least six months and continues to work.  Maybe now its life will be extended.

Happy days!!! Tonight and tomorrow I will figure out where to put my 3 piles of clutter. 

See you soon!  Phebe

Interesting Thought Regarding Lack of Organization

I'm still excited about my New Year's resolution of becoming more organized in 2012. 

How organized are you?  Are you happy with your home's organization?
---------------------------------------------------------------
Did you know"The average American spends 1 year of their life looking for misplaced items." 
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( DIY Network's 10 Best Space Saving Solutions on Saturday, January 7, 2012)

Are you "average", above average, or below average in organizational skills?

 What area would you like to be more organized in?...or are you one of those few very organized people?

January Dreaming: A Organized Life

Good January, Cottage Dreamers:

Many of us try to jazz up our holiday let-down with New Years resolutions and planning for spring.

I had a fabulous Christmas season enjoying my little lake cottage with family, including two of my children, my teen grandson and friends. Too busy to blog through the last part of December, although I had good intentions.  

Now, I, too, am making New Years resolutions that will make my life better in 2012.  I aspire to better organization this year.   

At my age it may be too much to hope for me to become a totally organized person,  : (  but it is a fine goal and for me, any movement toward that goal will improve my life.  I spend a lot of time "looking for things."  Currently I've misplaced an important check;  often each month I spend a lot of time around the 15th looking for my postcard water bill.  Oh, how I wish for a system where I put things in their proper spot.  Maybe, soon, I will be able to do that.

Cottages often do not have enough storage, and that is true for mine.  As homes go in my neighborhood, mine is considered small by neighbors.  So often, when asked where I live and I tell them, they reply, "Oh, the little house."  Because it has soaring ceilings, I do not think of it as small, but it actually is. 

I started planning late last year to improve my life by creating a mudroom area in my house.  I envy the mudrooms seen in home improvement books or new home design books that show lockers for each family member to store outside gear, shoes, etc.  I thought of what my greatest needs are and realized I don't really need a traditional mudroom.  We seldom have a need for cold weather boots, lots of gloves, and down coats in my area of Texas.  If I used those items, I would surely want a place to stash them. 

My storage needs include a place to stash pet supplies and a place for my two cats to sleep and eat.  They have been garage kitties at night, but they enjoyed sleeping on the top of my van so much they created long scratches on the hood, and after it was recently painted, I decided I had to find a better place for them to sleep.  For three months, the car has been in the driveway and the kitties have slept in the garage. 

The January-February 2012 issue of This Old House magazine offers some great storage tips.  Immediately I was drawn to the cover which says:  "Same house, more space, and lots less clutter!"  This perfectly states my resolution for 2012.  

One suggestion in this issue, page 106, is a "mini-mudroom" (see below).

I imagine most homes, even small condos and apartments can create a "mini-mudroom" if that is something the owner desires.  A mini-mudroom also may be located in a converted bookshelf, armoire, coat closet or cabinet near the entry door.  Doors or a curtain will hide the clutter. 

I have a very small laundry room and I have stored cleaning supplies, the sweeper, brooms, and mops there.

My double car garage is extra-wide, and I decided that a mudroom in the corner of the garage would meet my needs nicely. My son, bless him, built me an 8 by 8 room over New Years weekend. I will use this for my cat sisters' bedroom, as well as for storing my cleaning items that now clutter my laundry room.

Although not yet finished, my kitties and I have moved in. Haven't decided wall colors yet, but have picked up some Martha Stewart paint samples from Home Depot.

Here is a photo of one of my kitties, Ellie, happy in her new home.  (The rug is an indoor-outdoor one from Home Depot.) 

Her sister, Annie, (below) likes to eat and sleep on the computer desk I placed in the room for the cats to eat on so that my family dog can't easily eat too much cat food.  My cats enjoy eating up high, and the old yellow bathroom rug I placed on the table makes a comfortable bed, although they also have a heated electric puppy pad on the floor.

When the room has been painted I will post more photos. The walls are wooden  unfinished beadboard  4 by 8 panels.   Organized life, I'm on my way! 
 

Happy Cottage Dreaming!   Phebe