Innermost Aspirations: The Rest of my Trip

Aug 20, 2009

The Rest of my Trip

I've been wanting to post some pictures from Texas trip...These pictures were all taken at my

Grandparent's. They live in Luling, Texas, which is a small town located about an hour south

from Austin, and an hour north from San Antonio. Grandpa owns several head of cattle and

plenty of acreage for them to roam. It really is a whole other world out there on the ranch.

Temperatures were in the 100's every day and the evening cool would get down to a low of 80 degrees. Nights were my favorite, you could stand outside and strain to hear traffic noises, such as semis, sirens, or speeding vehicles, and you would hear nothing except for the chirping of crickets and the gentle breeze in the trees. It was so very peaceful; no city lights or headlights going by. The only thing that lighted the outdoors was the bright beatiful stars in the Texas sky. Yes, I know it is the same sky as in Indiana, but something was different; it was so open and

for lack of a better word...big. Grandma and I would sit out under the stars in their hot tub in the evening and not say a word; both of us being content to sit in silence and listen to nature and appreciate God's creation. I am definitely not a country girl, but being there always makes me

think that I'd be able to adjust to no Walmart for 60 miles in exchange for the big Texas sky at nights!

Grandpa took me out back one afternoon and showed

me how to shoot. I shot a 17 HMR (pictured), a 9mm, and

a 357 magnum revolver. It was so awesome, and Grandpa

told me I was a great shot! :)

Uncle Jerry lives in an addition that was built on the

ranch about a year ago. I was glad I was able to visit

him every day while I was there.

Grandma and me!

Hanging out with the cows!

Besides relaxing on the ranch, I was able see many sights and do many enjoyable things in Texas. Our activities included: going to a museum in Austin, celebrating Aunt Stephanie's 40th birthday by being moral support as she tandem jumped from an airplane, swimming, shopping, getting pedicures, going to a Mexican market and my favorite-the Riverwalk!