I recently zipped up to Oregon to visit my best friend Lisa. We headed out to the coast for some much needed relaxing girl time. We were pleasantly surprised as the weather cooperated (mostly). The mild temperatures combined with a minus tide made exploring along the coastline an absolute pleasure. As an added bonus I was able to hang out with my Lincoln City friends (and made a few new ones). Reminded me of all that I loved about living on the Oregon coast last year.
Grain Sorghum Fields Near Tivoli, Texas July 2019
Drive inland from the beach a few miles and you are surrounded by fields. Interspersed between cattle pastures the main crops are cotton, corn, and grain sorghum. Of the three, grain sorghum (aka milo to the farmers) is by far the most eye appealing.
I can see why milo is a preferred crop out here, it’s drought-tolerant, cheaper to grow than cotton or GMO corn, and works as a good rotation crop (increasing future cotton yields by 26% according to a recent Texas A&M study). Milo is one of Texas’ top ten agricultural commodities and it is the 4th most produced cereal grain in the world, with the US leading in output. Sorghum is super!
I recently met Shelby at an outdoor venue where my friend’s band was playing a gig. Shelby started out looking pretty put together but as the night wore on Shelby’s do started to slip. By the end of the night she was akimbo and things were askew. Come on, fess up, we’ve all had a night like that, right?
Mural on Side of Taco Bell, Rockport, Texas July 2019
I really like this mural. Didn’t expect to find it on the side of a Taco Bell. Kudos to them!
Maserati Levante, Shiner, Texas June 2019
While I admit the unusual emblem caught my eye, the overall design of the car failed to impress me. I mean, if I’m gonna shell out over $76,000 on the base model I want the design to scream outrageous. The body of this Levante seemed kinda ho-hum to me. Though I really liked the way it reflected the clouds after a passing rain shower.
Tired Little Man, Rockport, Texas July 2019
I know Mondays are rough, especially after a long holiday weekend but seriously, don’t try this. Asphalt is hard on the knees!
Relaxing In My Hammock, Rockport, Texas July 2019
Can’t think of a better way to wrap up a busy weekend. Sunday is a day of rest, is it not?
Or, as it’s known in my weird little circle of friends, Happy Dennis Day! No matter how you are spending it, I hope everyone has a relaxing holiday. Stay safe out there!
Sand Art, Rockport Beach, Texas June 2019
Stumbled upon this bit of sand art at Rockport Beach last evening. I admire their creative use of seagrass to make the wildly flowing locks. It’s what my hair looks like after spending hours in the breeze. Though thank goodness for that breeze, otherwise the heat and humidity down here would be tough to handle.
As I mentioned yesterday, I had a good reason for my roundabout way home from New Braunfels. My impetus was the Spoetzel Brewery in Shiner, proud brewer of Shiner Bock (which is the best selling bock in America, according to the brewery tour). I’ve toured quite a few breweries across the country, so I figured I’d add another one to my tally. Yes, I’ve even toured the original breweries of the big three, which, regardless of what you think of their products, are worth visiting, if just for the historical perspective.
Spoetzel is celebrating its 110th year in production, making it the oldest independent brewery in Texas. After struggling in the late 1980s, the company was purchased by a San Antonio businessman who turned it around. They are now producing 1.2 million barrels a year which is distributed in all 50 states (they just added Hawaii), and they are continuing to expand.
As the largest business in tiny Shiner, the brewery had to innovate. They sell their spent grain to cattle ranchers, the used yeast goes to dog and cat food manufacturers, and they recycle their own wastewater (using the methane produced to heat the mash). As usually happens on these tours, I was able to sip special beers that aren’t bottled. A free tour with free samples = a great way to spend an afternoon!
