A Creek, or the Moon?

The dry creek bed shown in this photo from a few weeks ago is now flowing swiftly, thanks to some rainfall that just broke a long drought. Walking up and down the creek-wanna-be while dry was an odd experience, since we were seeing things that it just didn't seem like we should see. Like the shattered carcasses of countless crayfish, who were made easy pickings for birds when their hiding places went dry. There was a normally underwater metal grate secured over the entrance to a cave to keep divers from trying to explore it. Dried up water plants, and every rock covered with crusty stuff that used to be algae. I'm anxious to get back and see the revived version of Wimberley, the version where the grass is green and burn bans are not constant. I'll settle for the drought being just a memory, with just a few photos like this left behind to show off and get stories started about the great drought of 05-06.

Practicing Relaxation

A short distance from our Wimberley property is one of the best B&B's I know, a place called the Inn Above Onion Creek. Perhaps it's best feature is that it is miles from anything, built in the middle of a large ranch with great views all around. In this photo my sweetheart is getting some great practice "enjoying the moment", hanging out before breakfast on our room's balcony. Places like this do so much for the soul. The Inn, and similar places out in the country, make me feel as close to my creator as any man-made, conventional place of worship can. Maybe it is partially just the change of pace itself that makes such a big impact. Maybe if I was there all the time it would lose some of it's magic. Maybe I'll have to try it for a 30 years or so to really find out.

Backside

Here is the view from the back:

Wimberley House Drawing

The plans are starting to come together for a weekend get-away cottage in Wimberley. Here is one of several trial elevations for the front side of the place I'm designing. The back side has large amounts of glass to take advantage of the view, but this front side is a little tougher to make look decent since it needs very little glass. I'll get it right eventually, and luckily I have plenty of practicing architect friends who can add their two cents worth (or more) to help me get there!

Long & Winding Road

That big pile of crushed limestone shown on an earlier blog posting is now spread out, extending the driveway close to the spot where a garage will one day stand. Further up the driveway you can see Buzz the wonder car, perhaps the world's only hybrid road compactor. After spreading the stuff, I drove Buzz back and forth over it to get it good and firm.

Now all we need is a home for the driveway to actually lead to! I've been working away at those house plans and will post some of them sometime soon. Meanwhile, I can drive down the long and winding road and pretend...