Homecoming, of sorts

Friday (11/30) we were at Texas State University in San Marcos for a symposium on water. I was the keynote speaker. My speech -- River Memories, Native Plants and the Nature of Texas -- connected our experiences as students to the mission of our business. Slide after slide illustrated ways we are making positive changes in our community through teaching others to conserve, preserve, restore and celebrate Texas' natural beauty.

We always appreciate the opportunity to share our knowledge and enthusiasm with others. This event was particularly meaningful; it is a great honor to be invited back to one's alma mater. Thanks to Gene Bourgeois, Ellen Ermis, and Ron Brown for joining Diann McCabe, and the rest of the University Honors staff and students, to welcome us "home".

Saturday we checked on Schroeder Park at Golden Age Home in Lockhart. Of course we picked up lunch from Smitty's BBQ and had a picnic under the gazebo at the center of the garden. The project looks amazing, though it needs a bit of grooming. It's just that time of year when perennials reach the end of their bloom cycle and grasses change from greens and blues to tans and coppers. We took some pics for our portfolio -- stay tuned!

After lunch we dropped by their Dickens' Christmas festival on the square. Local student choirs performed. Funnel cakes and other holiday food were available for purchase. Vendors peddled handmade jewelry, blankets, honey and other wares. A snow machine at the entrance to the event sputtered and spit white into the air. The sky was overcast -- it looked like a chilly winter day. In reality, however, it was HOT outside. Clad in shorts and sandals, everyone still maintained happy holiday spirits.

Sunday the temperatures were even higher. It was my birthday and I never complain about the weather being too hot on my special day. Making matters worse, I can no longer fit into my summer wardrobe. So I roughed it in maternity jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. I walked around on South Congress in Austin for as long as I could stand the heat...Monday we picked up plants for a couple landscape contractors.

Folsom is exhausted. Saturday he played at the San Marcos Dog Park, Sunday at the Austin park and Monday at the nurseries. Whew, we will back in the office tomorrow.