Parks and Paths

It's been a great run, Parks and Paths signing off!

2024-05-20T09:27:00.001-05:00

The dream to one day travel in an RV began a long time ago .

We have had so much fun and made so many friends during our RV travels. We have also shared some adventures with our kids and grandkids. Wow, have we seen some interesting and beautiful places. Yes, there have been ups and downs, just like the rest of life, but we did it, and we did it together. We truly were 'Living the Dream!'

We stayed in all 48 of the lower states.

We visited all National Parks in those 48 states.

We hope you enjoyed our travels and we encourage you to see our great country. Most importantly, we hope that you reach for YOUR dreams, whatever they may be.

Pat and Ann

I wonder what we'll find in here? And how much of it I really want!

Our 1st National Park

We made lots of improvements, including solar panels, lithium batteries, new slide systems, and more!

A favorite of both of us.

The one and only time we encountered snow.

Pat was the BBQ king.

We drove nearly 66,000 miles and put that and more driving miles on our TOAD.

All National Parks are worth visiting but this was our least favorite.

Cousin Eddie

I enjoyed the same things: jigsaw puzzles, quilting, reading, hiking, and spending time with Pat.

We enjoyed Space X.

We tried new things.

I conquered some fears.

I did not become more graceful.

Wineries were fun.

45th in Napa Valley!

They did cook on the dash.

Definitely our last backpacking adventure and our last of the lower 48 National Parks, Isle Royale.

Our lives are like quilts – bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love.

2024-04-29T06:49:00.002-05:00

Debbie and I went to Paducah Kentucky this week for 2 days of AQS Quiltweek, along with approximately 30,000 other people. We last went in 2014 and previous to that in 2009. It is a week filled with lectures, classes, 128 vendors (this year), and award winning quilts. Over $127,000 in prizes were awarded in 2024 and there are quilt entries from all over the world. It's always fun to meet other quilters and see the sites of Paducah. Not a quilter? I think everyone would appreciated the varied quilt-art displayed, whether it's large or small quilts, contemporary or traditional. They are just beautiful!

Of course it was really nice to catch up with friends from Palmyra. I even got to see Texas neighbor!

Best of Show winner, "Serenity," received $20,000.

Best Hand Workmanship Award, "Fullness"

"Presidents" exhibit

A 20x20" textile challenge

The National Quilt museum opened in 1989. It houses quilts from all over the world and has special exhibits.

A wooden quilt carving hangs in the entry.

"Roaring 20's" exhibit

Dr. Nyberg talked about NASA and her life-long love of quilting. During her 6 month stay in 2013, she became famous for quilting in the space station. While she quilted her block in space NASA requested quilt blocks from people on earth. 30 quilts were made with those blocks, with several on exhibit at the museum. She now has her own line of fabric.

Dr. Nyberg's square she quilted in space.

Dr. Nyberg's husband, Doug Hurley, was the pilot on the last space shuttle flight.

In the past we had had taken a class. With so much to see and do, this time we just went to one lecture and an evening program.

We attended a lecture entitled Convergence and Cool Kaleidoscope by Ricky Tims, a musician and contemporary quilt maker.

Thursday night we attended a program hosted by Alex Anderson, Fabric, Friends & Fun Night. In groups of 8 we had a lot of fun with a trivia challenge. We were treated to a candy and popcorn smorgasbord.

We took a shuttle to Hancocks, a massive store of fabric, precuts, patterns, and notions. It was packed.

Friday evening in Palmyra.

Where are the Piepers now? Grain Valley, MO.

Kansas City is the birthplace of the candy coating on M & M's.

2024-04-13T22:24:00.002-05:00

Kansas City is known for its BBQ!

We are on a short stop in Lee's Summit for Doctor visits. Not much time to do touristy things, however...

Kansas City's Parade of Hearts is a non-profit organization that brings a unique art experience that celebrates diversity, unites communities, and supports local non-profits. They have provided 5' heart sculptures for local artists to create an art experience. From April to August of 2024 these hearts will be displayed throughout Kansas City to show the world why KC is known as America's Heartland.

The big reveal was Saturday where, for one day, you could view all 100 hearts in one place before they place them out in the community. Besides the hearts you could visit with the artists with some having artwork for sale. Live entertainment, interactive activities, and lots of people made for a nice morning.

As much as I like to drive around and search for sculptures this appeared to be a much more expedient way to see them in a short time. Check out some pictures and some views of KC below. All 100 hearts (they had designs on the front and back) were amazing. The following link has pictures of the hearts and if you click on each heart you will find links to the artist who created them, as well as the inspiration for their design: Parade of Hearts.

I can't imagine someone actually designing this.

One night we stayed at a Harvest Host in Peck, KS.

Elderberry Concentrate (just a teaspoon a day I think) is suppose to help with your health. We'll see.

It was almost dark when I went for a walk in Grain Valley Friday. We stayed in Trailside RV Park for the first 3 months 5 years ago.

This was one of my favorites just because there was an older lady (yes older than me) who was SO excited to tell me about how she rode this trolley.

The artist had 3-D glasses for this design. So cool!

Every year we stop at Hawg Jaw Que and Brew, one of our favorite BBQ joints. We also stock up on enough of our favorite BBQ sauce to get us through another year.

Another yearly stop to check on what we have left of our former life in our 5 x 10' (Pat insists that because of the door its only 4 1/2 x 10') storage unit. It doesn't seem to have as much in it as I remember although as you can see it's pretty full. I wonder, when we get a place again, how much of it we will actually want. I also wonder if I will be surprised at things I've forgotten about. We got rid of a couple of things Sat. and had a few things that we've carried around unused for 5 years to add.

Where are the Piepers now? Grain Valley, MO

Cloud cover predicted, did we or didn't we?

2024-04-09T19:48:00.002-05:00

Let the show begin!

Eric, Alexa, and Clara from the Houston area and Chris from Iowa joined us this weekend at Freedom Lives Ranch RV Resort, located near the town of Buchanan Dam, TX. We were dead center in the middle of the eclipse path with 4 1/2 minutes of totality as long as the clouds didn't get in the way. Clouds were projected for all day with severe weather late afternoon on Monday. Positive vibes paid off and the clouds parted in just the right spot at just the right time of day. What a great view! It was amazing!! Also, clouds after, but no storms or even rain.

Toni, Emma and Lilah were in Houston and saw the partial. Josh, Zia, Cyrus, and Samira stayed on the east coast where the weather was predicted to be best. They drove about 4 hours north for a great viewing and it took about 9 hours of heavy traffic to get back home. Eric and the girls headed back to Houston right after the eclipse and had some traffic, which added a couple of extra hours to their travel. We left Tues. morning for Dallas where we will spend the night and Chris flew back to Iowa. No sun on Tues. just clouds and very heavy rain. Probably means we'll have water inside somewhere.😞 P.S. We did.

Everyone at our small park was hopeful Sunday. Some had multiple telescopes, binoculars and cameras set up the day before. We all were excited for and impressed by the eclipse!

I can't thank Machelle from Freedom Lives enough! We made reservations a year prior. They were so accommodating through the whole process and went to a lot of trouble to make this weekend special for all of us at the resort!

This is one of Eric's pictures which shows some solar flares.

Eric sacrificed his head to keep the camera cool. Pat did offer him another hat.

When totality passed and it started to get light again I heard a rooster crowing.

Pat and I left San Antonio Friday. It seemed like we spent a good portion of our time just going through San Antonio. It was a beautiful drive after. Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower, were in full bloom along with Indian Paintbrush and other spring flowers and they lined the roads as well as filled many fields. Burnet, TX, about 15 miles from Freedom Lives, hosts their Bluebonnet Festival next weekend. 35,000 people attend this annual festival in a small town with a population of 6,000. It's on my list of to-do's!

Dam on Buchanan Lake

Freedom Lives (there's history behind its name) is a small, peaceful park. They probably had 60 hook-up sites and then a field for dry-camping. In between the two was a path that took you past the donkeys, very sociable horses, and barn.

Cisco would trot over to the fence whenever people walked by.

...and Patches.

The church next door was going to offer horse rides but the person doing it got sick. Of course the girls were anxious to ride amd disappointed. Machelle really went above and beyond on this. Thank you to Lisa who boards Cisco and Patches at the ranch for making two girls very happy!

A belated birthday celebration for Eric with 'Shirley Gorsuch's Brownies." The RV must not have been quite level so one side of the pan was like Brownie jerky Pat said (not burnt though). The other side was a little dry too. It's the thought that counts, right?

Cross and Spurs Cowboy Church

A cowbell started church services and can you see the baptismal font (trough) on the right on the platform.

The girls were captivated with the 6-week old kittens in the barn. I think they each had a favorite. Hopefully none got stashed in their suitcase!

Lisa said Patches is a gentle old horse but she rode him first to get any 'wiggles' out.

Lisa explained everything to a captive audience as she put the saddle on Patches.

Alexa getting ready to go. This was not the little ride around the arena I expected. They got a full horseback riding lesson today from an excellent instructor. It was fun watching them hold on to the saddle horn for dear life when they mounted and by the end both were holding just the reins and guiding the horse by themselves with confidence.

Sunday night we went to Kingsland, TX for dinner.

And fun!

Sunday night entertainment at the park.

Concluded the night with Mario Kart. ♥️
Where are the Piepers now? Alvarado, TX

Synchcronicity:

2024-03-31T20:25:00.000-05:00

Another Farley Boat that I somehow missed.

the occurrence of meaningful coincidences that cannot be explained by cause and effect alone. Were they just coincidences or was the universe trying to tell me something?

Staying in a small RV Park in Port Aransas, TX and finding out your next door neighbor was actually your neighbor in the town in Iowa where you grew up, but hadn't seen in 50 years. Later finding out you both spent a month together in another small RV Park in Galveston two years ago but didn't meet. Another person knew your college roommates. And yet another is in a quilt guild with a friend from a Missouri town where you raised your family. 3 coincidences from 3 different times of your life, all in one park. Certainly food for thought!

It certainly took me back to my youth. Brent and I both agreed we had the idealistic childhood. A time when things were different, simpler, and safer. Your days were spent outside. I could go to the pool or library (on my bike, alone), go out in the morning and play till lunch or the bell hanging in the garage rang for supper. You and your parents knew your neighbors and everyone looked out for one another. We could play various versions of hide 'n seek or tag after dark, hiding in neighbors yards, without fear of being kidnapped, shot at, or chased away. We were cared for, loved, and guided, yet responsible for our own entertainment and our actions.

We seem to have made it through Covid and isolation. Our final week at Port Aransas.

I just can't get over this house.

Dylan's Coal Fired Pizzaria is located within its own community in Port Aransas, Cinnamon Shores North.

As well as restaurants, Cinnamon Shores has a full line-up of activities and events.

We picked our Easter menu and headed to Robert's Point Park to watch the Dolphins, ships in the Channel, and lots of fishermen (and women).

No longer, we leave Monday!
Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

In an RV we share---EVERYTHING!

2024-03-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

Brown Pelican

Last week we visited the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Inside the Patton Center to the right were aquariums with local sea life and to the left displays and interactive activities.

Sheepshead have several rows of powerful teeth. Someone here at the park said they look like human teeth.

Oyster Reef

Trash turtle

Maybe a whale bone???

The Aransas Pass Lydia Ann lighthouse, near the Lydia Ann Channel, was a ferry ride away in Aransas Pass. Located on Harbor Island, the only way to get closer is by boat. It is privately owned and not generally open to visitors however.

Completed in 1857 the Confederate and Union forces battled for it's control. In 1862 Confederate troops, under General Magruder, blew up the upper portion. After the war, like many other Texas lighthouses, it was rebuilt but often suffered damage from Hurricanes. It was deactivated in 1952 when a new light was established at the Port Aransas Coast Guard Station. It was purchased by Charles Butts, CEO of the H-E-B grocery store chain, in 1973. He restored it and in 1988 it was relit. Today it still has live-in caretakers and is the only manned lighthouse on the Texas coast.

On a clear night the light from the Lydia Ann Lighthouse can be seen 15 miles away.

We've had some beautiful weather this past week.

A busy week in the park. On Weds. our rv park treated us to The Hot Dog Lady. Friday night was a Mexican carry-in.

We always knew that if one of us gets sick with anything it's likely the other one would too, 1 bathroom, maybe 300 sq. ft. We have been pretty lucky. My son said that statistics indicate that a very large part of the population has had Covid whether they know it or not. I guess I've bragged one too many times that we've not had it, to my knowledge anyway.

Well, the tides have changed. Covid hit both of us Sat. and we're stuck in that 300 square foot space together, but at least we don't have to worry about infecting each other, lol.

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~~Maya Angelou

2024-03-20T21:31:00.002-05:00

Pat told me to stick my head in. I had no idea what was on the other side. Do I need to fear for my life?

Just a side note. We were told there are two weeks of spring break, this being week #2. I don't know if it's the cooler and damp weather or there aren't as many visitors but so far this week is a lot quieter.

It was a beautiful, although breezy and chilly, day to check out the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas. Well, ok, chilly for here, 65°. We're used to visiting bird sanctuaries and seeing one bird, if we're lucky. At the National Butterfly Center in Mission, TX we saw maybe TWO butterflies. What a delight to see so many birds on Monday. It was a beautiful preserve.

The Birding Center has a pollinator garden and large trees in the front followed by two boardwalks with viewing platforms. At the end of the longer boardwalk there was a trail connected to the Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture South Trail (1 1/2 miles). We didn't have time today but I hope we can go back and follow the trail. There were so many birds including a Green-Winged Teal, Great Heron, American White Pelican, Stilt, and more. We even saw their one alligator. Wooly worms were populous.

Lots of wooly worms.

If I had this lens I would get some really cool pictures.

This house was soooo PURPLE!

I have found approximately 153 Farley Boats. I'm not searching any more but occasionally I come across another one.
Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransus, TX

Happy St. Patrick's Day!☘️

2024-03-17T22:28:00.002-05:00

None the worse for the wear! Our sign was run over by a "spring breaker." Cameron came right to the door and felt terrible. Pat straightened the frame, replaced the flag, added a coat of spar urethane (needed that anyway) and as good as new.

My goal is to spell the town we are in correctly, Port Aransas, Port Aransas, Port Aransas.

Sat in on a great jam session at our park. My Ottumwa connection (in the red shirt) is a great musician and song writer. Fun way to spend the evening.

Sad that we didn't see a Space X launch when we were staying in South Padre Island but we still enjoyed watching it on TV Thursday.

Pi day!

The Port Aransas museum had displays on Farley Boats, jetties, and more.

A trip to the Farley Boat Works.

Chapel on the Dunes

Pat got to use his new word: apiary.

St. Mary, Star of the Sea was a small Parish in Aransas Pass with a great lenten fish fry.

Coffee Waves was a fun little coffee house. It was a cool way to beat the heat Thurs. afternoon. Pat had pistachio ice cream and I had blood orange sorbet. Turns out it's one of my favorites.

A St. Patrick's Day gathering. Corned beef and cabbage, shepherds pie, side dishes, and lots of good friends. What a great park!

Irish soda bread and Irish apple cake

You're never too old to play the "telephone" game.

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

It's spring break...

2024-03-12T22:25:00.002-05:00

The beaches, city streets, and highways are busy with cars, rvs, golf carts, and kids everywhere! The population of Port Aransas is just over 3,000 but Pat heard it had 80,000 beds. Pretty sure most of those are full this week and next!

We are in the best RV park. Everyone is so welcoming. An inside joke, these signs are everywhere.

We took the ferry over to Aransas Pass to do some shopping Mon. With the ferry it takes about the same amount of time as going to Corpus Christi but the distance is shorter. We had no wait going but about 30 mins. on the way back.

I love walking around Port Aransas. There is so much fun stuff to see.

The beaches are busy with cars, rv's, golf carts, and kids everywhere. The population of Port Aransas is just over 3,000 but Pat said it has 80,000 beds. Pretty sure most of those are full this week and next!

We decided to drive further down the beach to get a better feel for spring break. Around marker 33 it was wild. They had a flat bed and kids everywhere! Some interesting signs, let me tell you. We had to continue several miles down the beach to find an exit because a fire broke out (not from us) and we couldn't go back the same way we came.

A group of alumni?, with their respective school flags, watching the festivities.

We missed open mic night at The Gaff.

Oh my, the brownies!!

This pod house was so unique. We actually saw another similar one. There were connecting sections and each section had only one center post holding that section up.

Portable internet tower to accommodate the large number of people here this week and next.

On our area of the beach it's mostly families on spring break but there are still more people here than our first week. I've been staying away from the beach this week but tonight I took a walk down there. It was in the 70's, sunny, and a nice breeze today. It made for a beautiful evening.

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

Thanks to our Granddaughter Lilah for leading us to The Coffee Mugg

2024-03-10T15:38:00.001-05:00

Last week we went to Corpus Christi to do some shopping. We started the day at a fun coffee shop, The Coffee Mugg. Pretty sure Lilah knows everything about Harry Potter. I do not, but I have read the books.

Red star was me, blue star Pat.

We enjoyed our drinks in the Slytherin area.

HUGE jackfruit at HEB

On our way back, after acrossing the bridge to the island, we found a fun beach store.

On Saturday the beach area across from us may have had a few "spring breakers," but mostly just families and us old people

It was a little chilly. In the mid 60's, maybe, but at least the sun was out. Notice the difference in old people dress above and those celebrating spring break.

On the area around us the lifeguard stands, with lifeguards, were out.

Past the posts, marker 20, vehicles are allowed to drive anywhere on the beach and this is where you start to find "spring breakers." Haven't gone down to #35 yet but that is supposedly where the heavy partying starts.

I've found over 100 of the Farley boat planters now. Pat drove me around to some areas today but the majority I've found on my daily walks.

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

"At the beach -- time you enjoyed wasting, is not wasted." ~~T. S. Eliot

2024-03-09T18:56:00.000-06:00

San Josè Island is a barrier island on the gulf coast of Texas. It is 21 miles long and 5 miles wide. It is privately owned by the Bass family of Fort Worth. The family has a home and compound, runway, cattle herd, horses and game animals. The beaches, up to the high tide line, are open to the public but no vehicles are allowed. You can go swimming, surfing, shelling and it is known for its great fishing. The ferry is only a 5 minute ride from Port Aransas.

We boarded the ferry Weds. Now, we went Weds. because it was supposed to be cloud covered most of the day. There are no trees or other respite from the sun on St. Josè Island. It turned out to be sunny most of the time! We were given advice before leaving on finding shells about 4 miles in.

We arrived at 9:05 and began our 4 mile walk down the beach. Sure enough there weren't hardly any shells until we hit that 4 mile mark. The beach had a little more depth here with some tide pools that were dry but some shells could be found there. I didn't find anything exciting, it just wasn't a great shell day, but all I wanted were a few shells from the island. Just ask Pat, I DO NOT NEED ANY MORE SHELLS. We saw some interesting things on our walk. It wasn't Pat's thing but so glad he was there to share it with me. We were back at the dock around 1 to catch the 2:10 ferry back to Port Aransas. I told Pat maybe when we go back we could take our bikes. He said, "We're going back?", lol! Walk along with us below.

Speckled Swimming Crab

Several coconuts

Lots of shoes and sandals only they were singletons.

Well if we got stranded...

Pat found a chair buried in the sand.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Bingo tonight and I won the early bird game. Taking Pat out tomorrow to a neat coffee house in Corpus Christi.
Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

Starting to see some flowers around town!

2024-03-06T21:29:00.002-06:00

In case you hadn't noticed I enjoy finding local art in the places we visit. Some towns may have a local art museum. Many showcase art in the form of murals or more unique displays, and it's usually FREE. Some have maps and some make it a little more challenging. Often they utilize local talent and the artwork may tell about the town/area or it's history. A side benefit is seeing areas of a town that you probably wouldn't have seen otherwise. I've searched for turtles, tree spirits/carvings, murals, metal sculptures, and even boll weevils. Port Aransas has something, pertaining to it's history, that I haven't seen before.

Farley Boats were made by 3 generations of the Farley family from 1915 to the mid 1970s in Port Aransas. Farley Boats, 16-28' in length, were open cockpit boats having no significant vertical structures designed specifically for Tarpon fishing. I don't know a lot about fish so I looked up Tarpon to discover it can be a large, hard-fighting, gamefish, not usually eaten.

As a beautification project, and honoring the town's history, the Port Aransas Garden Club began selling smaller concrete replicas of the early Farley Boats as planters. They weigh 1,800 pounds and currently cost $525. 175 Boats can be found throughout Port Aransas at businesses and private homes. Most of the boats appear to be used as planters, but it's still a little early to plant I guess. Some of the boats have other displays and/or include artwork. I will share a few as I find them but no where near 175 of them!

Thursday we walked across town to Robert's Point Park (about 6 miles round trip). We had fun watching the tug boats guide and help the large ships as they left the the Port of Corpus Christi. Some had a tug tied to the front, the ones we saw had a tug tied to the rear, and a tug with big rubber bumpers (looked like a bumper boat) on each side toward the front of the ship all helped the ship turn as it exited. A gentleman told us that each ship, as well as the ship's pilot is required to have a port pilot go out with the ship. As a bonus there were several dolphins swimming around the bay. Tacos at Fins for lunch was delicious. I was able to spot a few

more Farley Boats too, bringing me up to 40+ boats.

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

Sometimes the strangest things happen!

2024-03-05T21:02:00.002-06:00

This time it was a good thing, actually 3 good things. We arrived last Friday in Port Aransas and are staying in a small RV Park (45 sites), Surfside RV and Resort. A nice park about 1/2 mile walk to the beach and out of the busy part of Port Aransas.

1)Sunday night I was checking the distance from the beach to our park and ended up walking back with another RVer from here. They live in Oelwein, IA and she ZZdid gymnastics, just a "few" years ago with one of my college roommates.

2) Monday afternoon a lady stopped by with a cat stroller. Quilting was mentioned and come to find out she is in the same quilt guild in Hannibal that a friend of mine is in.

3) Then this is the biggie! The neighbors next door, from Minnesota, were chatting with us. Not sure what brought it up, but he graduated in 1971 from OHS in my hometown of Ottumwa, IA. Next question I always ask is which side of town were you from. Quite a rivalry between north and south sides! South he said and his wife just happened to mention he lived on Friendly Lane, where I lived. Hmmm! As soon as I asked his name I said we don't live catty corner anymore we're right next door. Then it hit him too! Although he was closer to my brothers age we grew up on Friendly Lane and our parents were friends. They moved before I hit high school age and, although our parents remained in contact, I probably haven't seen Brent since he moved.

Three wonderful happenings that fall into "it's a small world!"

Pat said SALLY should have seen "Seashells by Seashore."

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

"There is always something beautiful in a foggy day, even if it's just the absence of everything else." ~~Atticus

2024-03-04T11:56:00.000-06:00

What a foggy morn!

Sunday we drove 14 miles to Mustang Island State Park. So named for the wild horses that roamed this area for several hundred years. They aren't sure how they got there but by the late 1800's they were all gone.

Next week begins college "spring break." Not sure how much that will affect us but I'm sure it will. This island, with a bridge on one end and a ferry on the other, has 18 miles of beach.

Pat said Palm Beach is missing a number!

Pelicans are big birds.

We went a little further up the beach and had lunch before returning to the state park.

A view of the campground from the Mustang Island Visitor's Center.

Feels hotter than it says! Notice how close the highs and lows are.

The Yuccas pink flowers were ready to open.

The fog was starting to lift as we headed the other direction on the beach after lunch

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

On Friday I was prepared for any stress Pat might throw my way on our trip from Galveston to Port Aransas...

2024-03-03T21:53:00.003-06:00

...a stress relief squishy (pawprint) from Emma and my favorite donuts (cake with powdered sugar) from Homecut Donuts in Galveston, lol.

Something you find in Texas stores as hurricane season approaches.

Surfside RV & Resort, our home for March.

These are tight spots. Pat said you can almost see in your neighbor's bathroom.

"Trailer Trash" mural on the building housing the park dumpster.

Saturday evening we drove on a short section of the beach. We saw a very interesting truck/RV, tents, boondocking RVs, groups gathered around fires, and people walking the beach. The posts lining the beach separate the driving area and the part closest to the water where vehicles aren't allowed. Signs remind RVs that they must park perpendicular to the water-line on the driving sign of the posts.

Interesting RV

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransas, TX

A quilt for a girl just who just loves sharks!

2024-03-02T20:20:00.002-06:00

This was a fun project. The sharks were not appliqued and there were LOTS of little pieces. Alexa chose a soft "Cuddle Minky" fabric for the back. Missouri Star Quilt Company did a great job quilting it.

Farewell Galveston. It's hard to say goodbye to family and friends but it's time to move on.

Several of the 35 tree sculptures did not survive but I think during our last week we saw most of the ones that did. What a great way to remember the trees, many of which were planted after the 1900 hurricane, that did not survive the saltwater of hurricane Ike in 2008.

Rosa came out to share some history with me when I stopped to see the tree sculptures at this house. I hesitate to say she was an elderly woman because she was so full of life. Originally from Louisiana she moved to Galveston and worked as a nurse for public health. She planted the tree below when she and her husband moved to Galveston. The tree was still small when it was killed from the saltwater from hurricane Ike in 2008. In memory of her husband she had it carved into a lighthouse. When she came out of her house I was afraid she was going to tell me to leave. Turns out, just the opposite, as she invited me into her gated yard. I was so lucky to meet Rosa today and hear her stories!

Next door to Rosa was her church, St. Augustine's, the oldest African American Episcopal church in Texas (1884). Rosa is historian for her church and her community.

The dog is chasing critters up the tree.

We found the Abraham Lincoln sculpture at "The George Manor," a bed and breakfast. The Edward T. Austin house was built in 1851 and, although there was 3' of water inside, it survived the great 1900 hurricane. Edward was a first cousin of Stephen Austin the founder of the colony of Texas. I really enjoyed see the magnificent homes in the historic district. So many have been restored.

The figurehead from the Tall Ship Ellisa.

The tree base is gone but they were able to save the squirrel.

Missing, but only temporarily.

Despite their being very little dunes and sand left it was windy enough a little blew up on the board walk.

Finally a shark siting, lol!

Where are the Piepers now? Port Aransus, TX

"Try and leave this world a little better than you found it..." ~~Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts

2024-02-27T19:35:00.000-06:00

I have no idea what this is and I don't think I want to know!

Instead of shells we've been picking up a bag of trash, some quite interesting, each day!

Thanks to Lisa I have another set of sculptures to explore in Galveston. In 2008, following the saltwater storm surge from hurricane Ike, 35,000 trees had to be cut down. Many of these trees had been planted after the devastating flood of 1900. They gave the trees a year to try and recover and then began planting replacement trees, but they wanted to do something to preserve the memory of the trees that were lost. Three artists began carving sculptures in 27 of the remaining stumps of downed trees. Many of the sculptures are on private properties, some pay homage to local heroes, and others have personal significance.

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

My big TV apearance was on Romper Room with Miss Joyce. She asked us how we could make money. My response? Rob a bank!

2024-02-25T18:10:00.003-06:00

We made it out with some of the money before the police arrived!

Thanks to my sons' mother-in-law I found this wonderful shop. I would say it had a little bit of everything, quilting, felting, beads, embroidery, and yarn, but at least in the quilting section, it had quite a bit!

Friday night we picked up Emma and Lilah and headed to "The Escape Room" in Kemah. A new experience to all but Lilah. We used up all of our clues but got out with $440,000, which we felt pretty good about. Most importantly it was fun spending time with the older two girls.

Lilah had a softball game the next day but Emma spent the night.

The Texas Crew, minus Lilah, came down to Galveston Saturday to hike at Galveston State Park, followed by a trip to The Strand, a must stop on any trip to Galveston. It was a fun day all around!

We've had some pretty nice days here in Galveston, and all have been better than up North, but I think this was the best. It was in the 70's, the sun was intense, no trees, and it got hot quick. Toni went tbe furthest and even did some jogging. Aunt Sally joined us for the hike too.

We ate lunch at the Shark Shack, walked The Strand, did a little shopping and concluded the day with ice cream, chocolate, and popcorn at La Kings Confectionary.

By evening it had cooled off so we sat around the fireplace, with the full moon, visiting with the best friends! So happy to have Sally/Mike and Lisa/Terry at Dellanera with us.

Alexa with the Memorial to the Eskimo Curlew, not seen in over 50 years. The last picture of one was taken in Galveston in 1962 and the last confirmed sighting was in Barbados in 1963.

The Carnival Jubilee was in port for its christening on Saturday. We weren't present but you could see the ship and hear a little from the stand. Capacity of 6,631 people, 5 swimming pools, a roller coaster, 18 passenger decks, 21 restaurants, plus weighing 183,500 gross tons, it is the largest Carnival cruise ship. Most important to Texas is it sails out of Galveston. Lots of dignitaries on hand, of course the president of Carnival Cruise Lines, the mayor of Galveston, and the Jubilee's ceremonial godmother, Gwen Stefani.

Lots of people on the beaches today. At 5:30 p.m there was still a long line of cars on the vehicle-allowed beach section near our park.
Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is the rarest species of sea turtle and the world's most endangered.

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"Rovin Rotarian," by Kathy VanDewalli was located at the Joe Jamail Bay Park.

We kind of found "Coach," by Tracy Van Horn Reed at Shield Park. The base was there but the turtle was not. Maybe some vandalism?

We found "Lady Gem's Tea by the Sea," by Jane Young French, at the Turtle Island Restoration Network.

"Sangha," at Island Salt Air Yoga was created by Catherine Stroud.

Any idea what these are for? We had to find someone at East Beach to find out.

Fort San Jacinto Historical Point was constructed in 1901 and was decommissioned in 1959. Hurricanes have destruction everything except for one gun emplacement.

Honoring Guy Taylor, a marine Corp veteran, who played taps from his balcony for 5 years for friends he lost in battle.

"Wiggy," Jane Young French

"Unamed," by Kristie Baker-Barlow.

"Mystique," by Janovi Mahimtura Folmsbee

Serenity Now," by Loretta and Jeff Uzick. The last turtle for now. We are just missing two turtle sculptures that were vandalized!

When we traded our couch in for theater seating we did temporary flooring under it. This week Pat put in LVP to match our dinette floor.

Oops! I fell last week. I wasn't sure if the pain in my foot might be related to the toenail they removed a week prior so I went in. Nope, I rebroke my little toe right at the bottom, right where I broke it a month ago. She did pretty much what I did the first time, splint it and stabilize the foot.

Thursday night the La Porte, TX middle school band performed a practice concert for an upcoming contest. Alexa is the blonde clarinet player.

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

It was all about Clara!

2024-02-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

What a rainy and very cold weekend. Except for returning some shells, not beach weather.

SATURDAY

The Pear Tarts were very good. Extra puff pastry was topped with some cinnamon and sugar.

Dishes, dishes, and more dishes this weekend!

Peasant bread to go with the Pumpkin Soup we made from Clara's cookbook.

Clara was the winner. She promoted herself to banker.

Rita's Italian Ice and Custard.

Grandpa received a twisty heart from Clara.

Two of the eleven new turtle sculptures since we were here last. These sculptures showcase the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles that live on the coast in this area. "Torte," by Therin Edward and Kara Ward.

"Wheels," by Alexndra Krontimas

Pat wanted to play in the splash pad!

Clara wasn't bothered by the cold, but we were!

FRIDAY

Raspberry Crumpets with homemade raspberry jam. It was a LOT of work.

Our weekend menu with head chef Clara.

Wash-up art sculpture. Please don't litter.

"Queen of the Sea," by Lenexa Juliet Frances Morais was located at the aquarium.

"Pointedexter," by Point West Community

Clara's first game of Monopoly and she was the winner!

This book was purchased at a garage sale by my Mom when our boys were little. A favorite of all 3 of my boys and all 7 of my grandkids. Clara, the youngest, read it to us this past weekend!

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

Galveston has a lot to offer!

2024-02-20T08:42:00.001-06:00

The Bishop's Palace in Galveston.

"Smitty" by Elizabeth Punches

Originally, the Peanut Butter Warehouse stored coffee, peanut butter, and candy. It has been transformed into lofts, an event center and boutiques.

Washed Ashore sculpture 'Stanley the Sturgeon" on Pleasure Pier.

"Brody the Adélie Penguin" located at Moody Mansion

"Rosa the Bald Eagle" found on Pier 21

I've posted this before, but the $150 million yatch with a pool, 7 state rooms, and a helipad deserves another post. It is owned by Tilman Feritta, businessman, author and TV personality who is a Galveston native

Which reminds me we were behind this $85,000 electric car!

The Carnival Breeze was in port.

Sunday was only in the 50's but no rain and sunny.

Despite the cooler temperatures the beach was busy and even had quite a few sunbathers.

This guy must have been a Boy Scout. He set his tent up back by the dunes unlike a few others.

On Monday Sally and I took an audio tour of

the Bishops Palace, originally Gresham's House. It is a 19,000 sq. ft. Victorian-style house built from 1877-1892. The house is three stories high over a raised basement with 52 rooms. Made of stone (23" thick walls) and steel it survived the great hurricane of 1900, where hundreds of survivors were welcomed.

Marble fireplaces, from all over the world (two were purchased after becoming World Fair winners), different woods in each room with no expense spared in building this ornate home.

It was built for Colonel Walter (also an attorney, legislater, founder of the Gulf, Colorado and Sante Fe Railroad and an entrepreneur) and Josephine Gresham (an accomplished artist) and their 9 children, 7 of whom survived to adulthood. In 1923 it was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Galveston for the bishop at that time, and his two sisters. After the diocesan offices were moved to Houston in 1963 it was opened to the public with proceeds going to the UT medical school's Newman Center, located in it's basement. In 2013 it was purchased by the Galveston Historical Foundation for $3 million.

It is recognized as one of America's finest examples of Victorian and Gilded-Age extravagance. It is cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most important buildings in America. Built for $250,000, purchased in 1923 for $40,500, it is currently worth over $5.5 million.

Windows open from the top to let in air, but also from the bottom so you could walk outside to the many balcanies. There were interior windows that allowed air to flow through the house.

In the mirror noticed one of the hand-painted ceilings.

The shutters fold back into the wall so they won't rattle in the wind.

Walter Gresham

Mrs. Gresham's postcard book.

The main kitchen is in the basement which we didn't have access to. This was originally a warming kitchen that was expanded when the Bishop moved in.

One of the few houses of its time with indoor plumbing and electricity.

The main floor had a large bedroom for each of the two Gresham daughters. When the Bishop moved in he took one for his bedroom and the other was converted into a chapel. The boys rooms and Josephine's art studio were in the attic, which we didn't have access to.

3 of the 4 stained glass windows of the apostles in the chapel. Many of the original stained glass windows were destroyed by hurricanes.

Bishop Christopher Byrne

There are 3 stained glass windows on the grand staircase landing. The one on the right is on an interior wall and was back-lit.

Texas star on the landing "pulpit."

There are ornate designs inside as well as out.

Mr. Gresham's bedroom on the 2nd floor.

Across the road is Sacred Heart Church one of six churches that joined, after hurricane Ike in 2008, under one "Holy Family Parish" with 1.7 million parishioners.

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

My Valentine❣️

2024-02-15T08:30:00.003-06:00

No matter my mood, which is often not the best, Pat's ALWAYS there for me!

Lisa and Sally picked Trattoria La Vigna, downtown Galveston, for a wonderful Valentine's Day lunch.

The bear at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory was in the Mardis Gras spirit.

Please put your trash where it belongs!

Beach fruit-of-the-week

We took a morning walk on the sea wall Valentine's Day.

Guessing the county is expecting strong winds.

Tuesday we returned to the Bolivar Peninsula in search of sea glass.

All walls were filled with pictures and posters.

Beignets, a great way to remember New Orleans on Fat Tuesday.

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

Family time!

2024-02-14T09:12:00.001-06:00

A fun night at the La Porte Mardis Gras Parade and Mardis Gras on Main. So many venders and food trucks, free activities for the kids, entertainment and LOTS of fun.

2023 Pasadena Strawberry Festival "Dutchess."

A little fog on Super Bowl Sunday and a beautiful sunset. We watched the Chiefs win with Pat's sister, her husband, and our friends from Wisconsin. Nice enough to begin the evening outside. Chili, cornbread and brownies enjoyed by all.

We had little cakes from Rum Cake Escape. A vanilla rum and a cinnamon/banana whiskey. Very, very good and each had a little baby baked inside just like a King Cake.

Boy did we have strong north winds Sunday night and with that came some treasures on the beach Mon. morning. I have been collecting these shells for a project but I found two different sets that were still closed with something in it. I tossed them back out into the sea.

This sea star was so pretty.

Erosion from the dunes, or rather, lack of them.

A hotel next door has protected it's dunes with a cover.
Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

It was all about Alexa last weekend!

2024-02-12T20:15:00.000-06:00

Pizza and Bingo at Clara's school Friday night.

Alexa came back to Galveston with us for the weekend. Multiple smoothies, beach time, monopoly (she won), and most importantly, time together!

When a 12 year-old gets ahold of your phone.

She said, "the cold doesn't bother me anyway," and in she went.

"Sharks are cool." Just a girl who loves sharks.

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX

"No friendship is an accident." ~~O. Henry

2024-02-09T22:34:00.007-06:00

Even Pat was checking out the goodies at LaKings Confectionery and Ice Cream Parlour on The Strand in Galveston. I limited myself to a "few" pieces of sponge candy.

Thursday was near 70 and devoid of the rain that's on our way so we took the ferry to visit some friends on the Bolivar Peninsula. The ferry is on the west end of Galveston and is about a 15-20 minute ride with plenty to see. No dolphins today though.

We were the last car in our line crossing to the Peninsula and the first coming back. They carefully load us to balance the cars, semi's and RVs.

Looking back at Galveston.

The sunken concrete ship S.S. Selma.

The Carnival Breeze was in port today.

The 1872 Bolivar Point Lighthouse. In 2023 her crown was removed for phase 1 of its restoration.

Craig, I really think you import all of your sea glass. Check out my sea glass below.😞

We met Glen and Craig in Dellanera on our first stay there. Two of the nicest, and funniest guys! We had lunch at Stingaree. Great fish tacos.

There were many RV parks on the peninsula ranging from small to large, no amenities to full resorts. Thought these looked quite festive.

Looking for shells and sea glass.

I found ZERO sea glass in Boliver but to be fair it was high tide. Just means another trip back!

On the beach in Galveston.

A "schoolie" from Canada.

Earlier this week we headed to "The Strand," the entertainment district in Galveston. The fencing from the previous weekend's Mardis Gras festivities were down but went back up today, Friday, for the final Mardis Gras weekend. I was a little disappointed. Thinking back to New Orleans, I expected more Mardis Gras decorations especially on the balconies, where for an additional fee, people can partake in parties and view the parades from above. It was unusually quiet and deserted but I always enjoy The Strand and its shops.

Last Sunday Eric invited us to the chili cook-off at their church. We took Pat's sister Sally and her husband Mike. Eric and our granddaughter Lilah were two of the 17 participants. It was a nice evening with lots of good chili. Lilah was proud to recieve the "peoples choice award." We finished the night with ice cream with Eric's family and his in-laws at La Monarca.

Sally, Mike and Pat

We all made it to Galveston, Sally and Mike from Iowa, Lisa and Terry from Wisconsin, and us. We met Lisa and Terry last winter in Florida.

Where are the Piepers now? Galveston, TX