And if it's Friday, it's Turkey & Dressing at the Sante Fe Cafe

So, how do you describe one of Brenham's true treasures, the Sante Fe Cafe? Monday: meat loaf; Wednesday: fried chicken; Friday: turkey and dressing. Yum

Try a little of the ambiance of the Whistle Stop Cafe in the book/movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Throw in some of the camaraderie of the bar in Cheers, and the good home cooking of Paula Deen. That's the Sante Fe.

They are famous for breakfast: served early, with lots of fresh coffee and if you're lucky, home made biscuits. Waitresses Joyce and Linda will notify you right away about the biscuits (and to see if you want cream gravy on them). And to make the meal even more complete, sometimes you have the excitement of the Santa Fe railroad passing by that requires you to hold on to your plate and/or glass, but always brings a smile.

Did I mention our cute town has a railroad track separating it in two? That railroad also brings some old fashioned sounds at 2 a.m. when if heads north.

Today is another warm bright day at our farm. The Bluebonnets continue to get brighter - and we are having the watch our Pekingese Bella closely because she's decided they taste better than they look! Adding a trip to the Texas Hill Country too witness these amazing wildflowers is something everyone should do.

Yellow Roses of Texas

First, meet Bella Dickey. She is our third Pekingese. Her sweet sisters Valentine and Ivy lived good long lives and Bella continues a tradition of being the best friend a family could have. She is a "parti" in color - that means, white, tan and black. You'll see more pix of Bella who is 9 months old right now and still growing.

Then, here are some beautiful yellow roses my sister Sherry sent me for my birthday. And that warm Texas sunshine coming in the windows only makes them prettier! I have three great sisters (I'm the oldest of 4 girls and 1 boy): Sherry who lives in San Francisco, CA; Jean who is a Rincon, GA gal (near Savannah); Mary who lives near our farm in Brenham. And I have a great brother, Elliott, who lives in Houston.

If it's Thursday, it's art

Today is a wonderful springtime day in Brenham, Texas. Brenham is often referred to as "half way between Houston and Austin", but we think Houston and Austin are each an hour from Brenham! There's so much to do, and not do, in our beautiful town. This is a photo of my pretty French inspired study from which I blog.

The Texas bluebonnets are starting to put on their show. Some folks have said "no bluebonnets cause of the drought" but that is not the case here. A few Indian Paintbrush are rearing their heads as well. We are looking forward to friends joining us in our guest cottage soon. Bluebonnets are meant to be shared.

Thursday is my painting day with friends at the Brenham Fine Arts Guild. We gather in a historic building in town and share techniques, but mostly friendship. I am very lucky to live in two artist communities - Brenham, Texas and Lewes, DE. It's nice to share ideas with friends from both places. When I tire of painting ocean scenes in the summer/fall, I come to Texas and enjoy expansive landscapes and skies.

Life is indeed good!