Texas Whitehouse

No wonder President Lyndon B Johnson wanted to get away from the hectic Washington political scene and enjoy his ranch. Such a peaceful, tranquil place. BIG SKY. Texas style. Although he brought the politics with him most times, entertaining foreign heads of state, Congressmen, Movers and Shakers. Anyone he could influence with this majestic 2000 acre ranch was treated to a backyard BBQ by the river under the 300 year old Oak trees.

Herefords graze under hundred year old trees

LBJ Texas White House

Impromptu Happy Hour in Fredericksburg, TX

With two hours between Fredericksburg history and Luckenbach guitar picking, we decided on a Happy Hour with whatever we could find in the hotel lobby. Always lots of memories with this group!

Seated: Norma Jean Coulter, Lee Rogers, Julie Moore, Mary McMahon, Zona Lorig, Mary Parker, Susan Dale.
Standing: Dianne Linthicum, Nancy Evans, Bonnie Newhoff, Ruth McLeod

Zona Lorig, Mary Parker, Susan Dale, Ruth McLeod, Lee Rogers

Lee Rogers, Ruth McLeod, Zona Lorig, Mary Parker bursting into song, “Between Hank Williams’ pain songs / Newbury’s train songs / and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain” / Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain.”

“Between Hank Williams’ pain songs / Newbury’s train songs / and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain” / Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain.”

Read More: Top 10 Country Songs About Texas | http://theboot.com/songs-about-texas/?trackback=tsmclip

“Between Hank Williams’ pain songs / Newbury’s train songs / and “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain” / Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain.”

Read More: Top 10 Country Songs About Texas | http://theboot.com/songs-about-texas/?trackback=tsmclip

Oral History conference April 27-29 in Tempe

The Southwest Oral History Association (SOHA), includes Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico, and is affiliated with the national, Oral History Association.  The annual conferences rotate among the states; April 27-29 will be in Tempe at the Doubletree, Priest and Broadway.  Oral history is not only used for academic research, but also for community, personal and family history.   The conference is an excellent place to learn from and network with oral historians.

An introductory workshop is offered, which will train attendees in accepted practices: legal and ethical, as well as preparation and techniques for interviewing and transcription.  There will also be a mini-workshop on digital oral history.  Of the 13 sessions, a few highlights are: oral history without an institution, several panels on Latino/a and Native American topics, dance at Taliesin West, and another on legislation and policy.  The full conference registration fee includes a reception buffet and two lunches, as well as two films.   The early bird rate ends April 12.  To see rates and to register go to www.southwestoralhistory.org/conference.  For questions, contact Sarah at 480-962-6227 or sarahemoorhead@centurylink.net.

Luckenbach, TX and backwoods BBQ

"Backwoods BBQ for dinner since no visit to Texas would be complete without a BBQ and unique evening entertainment." reads our itinerary.

Jan Murray sums up our appreciation to our tour leaders Linda Fritsch and Lindy Isacksen, "What a fantastic trip you girls planned.  You had it down to the minute and that is not easy with a large group.  We were like herding cats. I really enjoyed my first league trip and getting to know more league members. Looking forward to future functions. I admire all the work you did to make it such a success.  Thanks again."
The evening entertainment included roosters in the trees!

Stroll through history at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas

Donna Esposito and Clede Gorrell

Amazing stories of German relocation to this area in May 1846 are told at the Pioneer Museum. With photos, videos, refurbished homes, schools and farm equipment, we learned about the trials and tribulations of 120 German men, women and children who began the last segment of the long and dangerous journey to their new home in Texas. Hope of a freer, more prosperous future for themselves and children strengthened them to endure the miseries of the trip and the hardships yet to come.  It is a definite MUST SEE when you are in the Texas hill country.

 In Fredericksburg, traces of the past are all around you. A quick glance suggests the German heritage of the town - the limestone constructions of its buildings, the names of its commercial buildings, the celebrations and festivals.

Susan Dale at the Pioneer Museum entrance

Barb Ziehler, Susan Howard, Jan Murray

Donna Esposito, Jan Murray, Clede Gorrell

Susan Howard admires the limestone buildings

Flowers Everywhere at Wildseed Farms

Day 2 of the tour brought us to Wildseed Farms, located outside of Fredericksburg, Texas. The iconic Bluebonnets have bloomed and gone but the red Poppies are brilliant now. One of the largest producers of the Red Poppy Seed, Wildseed Farms brochure states, "We are honored to represent our wonderful veterans and we also realize that Freedom is not Free!"

In 1915 John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and teacher, wrote this verse which remains among the most memorable war poems ever written.  The poppy has stood as the official symbol of Canada's Remembrance Day since 1921. Many of us raised funds for veterans as children selling poppies in schools.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row, 
That mark our place; and in the sky

Julie Moore, Donna Esposito

The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Artists come daily to paint, sketch, watercolor

Nancy Evans, Ruth McLeod, Julie Moore

Nancy Evans, Pam den Draak, Julie Moore

Somber Memorial at Fort Hood

Our tour guides, Linda Fritsch and Lindy Isacksen made sure we saw as much as possible in three days. Staying at the Shilo Inn in Killeen, TX we walked to the touching memorial dedicated to the 13 victims from the November 5, 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood.
It was a somber time to reflect and respect our military.
More information at
http://www.kwtx.com/content/news/-Dedication-set-for-memorial-to-victims-of-Fort-Hood-shooting-rampage-371799602.html