THE CIVIL GOAT

By

Gypsy Rhapsody

(a 1977 Airstream that loves to sing...

"Row, Row, Row, your Goat."

Stop looking like that, Folks...it's a joke...Geez.)

Vannie and Dave kept sending me these messages

about loving The Civil Goat.

I didn't get it, until they finally explained...

The Civil Goat...

a coffee shop in Austin, TX

(Bee Cave Area)

that serves coffee any way you like it...

and pasties to die for...

and healthy stuff...

and has it's on real live goat named Butter.

Vannie said that Butter is very friendly,

but will try to eat your pastry,

 fiber bar hidden in your purse,

or your plastic spoon.

Soooo...beware!!!

Dave informed me that The Civil Goat is

right around the corner from

their housesitting gig.

The employees are very friendly,

and there is always a bunch of people 

there eating, visiting, doing work,

or talking to Butter.

704 Cuernavaca Dr.

Austin, TX

78733

Drum Roll, Please...

Introducing Butter, the Civil Goat...

well, Vannie says he is civil most of the time.

Should be a goat.!!!

Cha Cha Chia Pudding and Coffee

Chia seeds, coconut milk, fruit, maple syrup...YUM.

Healthy Snack...

...and then there is the not so healthy snack...

Gotta Love those hearts...

Dave says that there outta be a law about having donuts by the checkout.

This guy is such a pusher...of those donuts...arrest him!!!!

They even have their on personal coffee.

All this "goat" talk, makes me think of a story.

Vannie and Dave's grandkids, Maddie, Vincent, and Cooper,

love stories...so here's a "goat" story just for them.

BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS DO

Once upon a time, in the land of Cuernavaca, there was a delightful and playful goat.

His name was Butter.  Butter lived on a farm in the great state of Texas.  He had several friends…

Bobby the beautiful brown horse, Jennifer the black and white cow, and Tommy the big red rooster.

Butter was always getting into trouble.  Sometimes he ate Bobby’s food, or stepped on Jennifer’s hoof, or fell over on Tommy.  His friends would always tell Butter to STOP, but Butter would never listen. He thought it was funny.

One day, Bobby, Jennifer, and Tommy had a meeting.   They could not allow Butter to go on eating their food, stepping on their feet, or falling over on  them.  Butter needed to realize that to HAVE friends, you needed to BE a friend…and to BE a friend, you have to LISTEN to your friends.  They would have a “civil” meeting with Butter and discuss their issues.  They would LISTEN to what Butter had to say, too…because that’s what friends do.  

 The next day the three friends invited Butter over for a visit.  Butter loved his friends, so he was so

excited about this visit.  He could hardly wait to play his tricks on them…eating Bobby’s food, stepping on Jennifer’s hoof, and falling over on Tommy.  Butter thought these tricks were so much fun. When Butter arrived to meet his friends, he immediately ran over to eat Bobby’s food.  Bobby said, “STOP.” Then Butter headed over to step on Jennifer’s hoof.  Jennifer’s said, “STOP.”  Butter noticed Bobby and Jennifer were NOT laughing, but he went ahead and tried to fall over on Tommy.  Tommy said, “STOP.”  Butter was laughing and laughing, but his friends were not laughing.  They were just staring at him.  Bobby, Jennifer, and Tommy all said together, “Butter, we have to have a talk.”  Butter just stood there.  He was confused.  What was wrong? 

One at a time, each friend told Butter why his tricks were not funny.  Bobby explained that

when Butter ate his food that meant that Bobby got very hungry before his next meal.  Jennifer said

she would trip when Butter stepped on her hoof, and she might really get hurt one day.  Tommy crowed that some of his beautiful black and white feathers would break when Butter fell on him.  Butter LISTENED, because that is what friends do.  Butter really loved his friends, and he wanted to BE their friend. 

That day, in the land of Cuernavaca, Butter learned a valuable lesson.  To BE a friend, you have to

LISTEN to your friends, and learn from them.  You have to not hurt your friends, or play tricks on

them that they do not like.  To have friends, you have to BE a friend.  That is what Butter wanted most in all the world.  He was very grateful to his friends for calmly explaining to him what was

bothering them, and then LISTENING to him, as well…because that is what friends do.

That was the best day EVER.!!!

THE END

Now, go have a great day, and do whatever floats your GOAT.!!!

AUSTIN ADVENTURES WITH MADDIE AND VINCENT

By

Gypsy Rhapsody

(a 1977 Airstream that love adventures with Maddie and Vincent,
but she is stuck in Hillsboro)

Yep, I'm stuck in Hillsboro,

because Vannie and Dave are experiencing

a house-sitting gig in Austin...

So, they are getting to have all the fun with Maddie and Vincent.

Vannie sends me updates periodically...

which means whenever she feels like it.

That explains why I haven't written since the

middle of March.  

Looks like they have been having some great adventures.


Peter Pan Putt-Putt is always a must...
especially this time of the year.
Vannie said it was just right...not to hot...not to cold.

Vincent has a swing like a pro.


WHAT???
Is that T-Pop down on all fours.
I think a ball got stuck under one of the 3 Little Pigs.
T-Pop to the rescue.

Score...Vincent first place, Maddie second, Vannie third, and T-Pop fourth.


Mt. Bonnell
elevation...775 feet above sea level
Named about George W. Bonnell, who came to Texas
with others to fight for Texas independence in 1836.

There are 106 steps to the top.
Maddie and Vincent couldn't wait to get there.


Vannie said the kids were not even breathing hard
when she and T-Pop FINALLY made it up.
But...Vannie and T-Pop needed oxygen...

There's an old story that the popular song of the 1850's,
"Wait for the Wagon and We'll All Take a Ride",
was inspired atop Mr. Bonnell.
I think T-Pop is "wishing for that wagon".


She made it.!!!


Oh my goodness...What a view!!!


Dave said there were lots of trails on top....
and, of course, the kids wanted to explore them all.
I can just hear V and D now...
"Wait, Vincent and Maddie, Wait for us.!!!


Vannie said springtime was showing it's face on the mountain.




Thank goodness for that fence...


OH, NO...No fence here.
...And there goes Maddie...
"Move over, Maddie...Don't go too close to the edge."


Texas Military Forces Museum
Fort Mabry...Austin
V and D said they were amazed at how interested
the kids were here.
The museum provided a scavenger hunt clipboard.
That was a huge upper.  An actual prize at the end...


The flight simulator was so much fun.
Vincent was really getting the feel of power.


Maddie was getting the feel of cuteness..


And Vannie just had to give it a try, too.


T-Pop provided a history lesson.
Both kids were mesmerized with the 9-11 story.

V and D and the M and V loved the collection of military toys.
This little guy at the typewriter reminded Dave of his dad.
At the end of WWII, his dad (Caldwell Harris) was an office clerk
for a high ranking official in the Air force in Linz, Austria. 
V and D actually got to visit Linz 2017.   


Maddie and Vincent had a sleepover with V and D
after all those adventures.
Before they had to go home,
Maddie came running into the house and said,
"Vannie, you didn't tell me you had a bunch of clover here."
Then she handed over the fistful of clover.

That little bunch of clover
was a bright spot on the window sill all week.

It's the little things.!!!!

AUSTIN AIRSTREAMS

By:
Gypsy Rhapsody
(a 1977 Airstream sittin' in Hillsboro, but dreamin' of Austin)

Let me just start off by saying that I LOVE Hillsboro and NTAC.

MinnieG and I are sittin' pretty...
talking to our neighbors and enjoying the beautiful full moon.
...but we can't get Austin off our minds

My people, Vannie and Dave, are in Austin
house-sitting for their Airstream buddies, Paul and Cecelia.
I got a text message yesterday
 telling me all about their fun times.

Vannie: "Gypsy, you are not going to
believe the Airstreams in this city.  They
are everywhere...big ones, little ones,
shiny ones, not-so-shiny ones. 
People use them to sell food, shoes, and
booze.,,and more."

Me:  "OK, Vannie, I want to see some
of their creations.  Send pics."

The following are some of the pics Vannie sent.
I think you will enjoy the menagerie of trailers.




























Vannie:  "Gypsy, these are just a few of the incredible Airstreams in Austin.
FYI, I did not take any of these photographs.  I pulled them all off the
Internet.  It was a lot easier for me than having to drive around town
and take my own pictures.  The traffic is terrible and no where to park.
We miss you girls.  Tell MinnieG that we love her, too."

Message from Me (Gypsy)...
Sorry it's been so long since my last blog.
I think it was Christmas.
Good Grief.!!!
Guess I just needed a little time off.
Well, the vacations over...Blogger on board.!!!

COZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS 2018

By

Gypsy Rhapsody

(a 1977 Airstream that is still singing Christmas songs.)

OK...its over...
Christmas, that is...
So why am I still lovin' that Katy Perry song,
"Cozy Little Christmas"...

It's just makes me want to sing and dance,
and that's pretty hard for me to do with my "big self".

Sing it, Vannie...
"Everybody's in a hurry, in a flurry
Shopping 'til they're droppin' in the snow
Kids are cryin', dogs are barkin'
Catching up with folks we barely know
Sure it's madness, but it's magic...

Soooo, since we are talking about Christmas,
I'll let you on a little secret...
IT WAS GREAT.

I hung around the Airstream Park
 (NTAC...North Texas Airstream Community)
 in Hillsboro, TX while Vannie, Dave, and MinnieG
headed to Louisiana.

Some of the first pics are from the Airstream Park.
I'm lovin' living here with all these nice trailers and their owners.
A nice mix...some Yankees,
Texans (they are definitely in a group all by themselves),
Southerners, and us...
There are even some folks from Switzerland and Germany...
Guess you could say we are an international group.



Our metal sculpture from the Juneau's in Lafayette, LA
was a hit as part of my Christmas decoration.
A warm red scarf and a bright green tree made my little
Christmas as cozy as could be.


Check out inside MinnieG...can't get much cozier than that.


One of Vannie and Dave's first Cozy Christmas' was
the Ladies Tea in the Rally Room at NTAC.
Ladies from the Hillsboro Community are invited
and look forward to this event every year.


This was one of the table decorations.
Those guys look very cozy.
Vannie said every table was absolutely beautiful.


Another cozy camper...


Who's cozy here?
These are the guys that helped with the parking and opening car doors.
Check out that cozy little elf in the front.
Too Cute.!!!
Someone is having a super good time.!!!


These handsome guys were the waiters for the event.
They are listening to the instructions and are ready to head out to do their job.


They place was packed, even though the weather was not cozy at all.
It was rainy and cold, but inside it was toasty warm.


Cozy Little Christmas #2
First Methodist Church, Hillsboro, TX
Dave loves singing in any choir that will have him.


I told Vannie we needed to buy him some platform shoes.
You can barely see him...back row... right in the middle.


The Chrismon Tree at church
Traditionally this tree is decorated with clear lights,
and the Chrismons are made from white and gold material. 
The Chrismons depict ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ's ministry.


Dave said that the children's Christmas program was wonderful.
Baby Jesus was cozy as could be in the manger. 


Cozy Little Christmas #3
Here We Come A-Caroling
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wand'ring,
So fair to be seen...

The Airstreamers caroled their way around
our park laughing and singing to beat the band.
See the guy on the right...loves to sing.


Cozy Little Christmas #4
Ladies Wine Tasting Party
The NTAC Ladies know how to have a good time, for sure.


Yep...a fun time is going on...


Sip Sip... Watch it ladies...3 sips is enough.


Cozy Little Christmas #5
OK...you've been seeing a bunch of V and D's friends.
Hey, I've got some, too....
and they are all decked out for Christmas...


Bright...


Lights...


Twinkle...


Sparkle...


Shine...


Dave say..."Come on, Vannie, it's time to hit the road.
You've got the presents, groceries, clothes, and a bunch
of other stuff.  I'm ready for our cozy little Louisiana Christmas."



Cozy Little Christmas #6
Vannie said when you've lived in South Louisiana for 40 plus years,
you are going to know what this is...
And what is it, Vannie???
A Sugar Cane Truck...this one is not loaded, but it's headed to get loaded...
and I mean with sugar cane...lots of it.


This #6 couldn't have been cozier...
Paul Breaux Band Christmas Concert...
starring Cooper Harris on the Baritone Sax.
Well, he was definitely V and D's star.
(He is right in the middle)


After the concert, we all headed to the Olive Garden to celebrate a cozy concert.
Ash, Diane, Coop


Cozy Little Christmas #7
This get-together usually happens at New Years,
but Vannie and Dave were not coming back to Lafayette for New Years...
sooo the group got together at Alesi's Pizza (their usual place) to eat, visit, and laugh...a lot.
Jim and Nancy Underwood
Jan and Chester Baudoin
V and D


Cozy Little Christmas #8
Emmilee Green's House in Harrisonburg, LA
This is Emmilee giving her grandson, Finn, a great big hug.
Finn Brady, son of Kathryn and Jay Brady, is moving
to Oregon to enroll in the College of Nursing.


Vannie said that this handmade quilt was a Christmas gift for Finn.
It was created by his mom, Kathryn. 
It depicts so many upcoming experiences for Finn...
New beginnings, the beautiful sky and water of the northeast,
nature and life, the universe in all its glory.
And what could be cozier...a quilt especially made for you by your mom.



Cozy Little Christmas #9
Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA
Wow...I can feel the coziness looking out of MinnieG's window.


Hey...is this a painting?
And that duck...does he have a pom-pom on his head?
Or is that a Cozy Little Christmas ornament?
Or is that some extra feathers all tangled up?
Or maybe it is a light bulb...HELLO...where's the plug?
This is getting out of hand...moving right along...


When D and V were walking around the lake...
this blue heron silently stepped out from the marsh.
It's Magic...or cozy...or Louisiana, no matter the season.


"We are following stars what cross the sky...
Round an old yellow moon"
Sing it Emmylou...
Dang, it's so cozy I can hardly stand it.



Cozy Little Christmas #10
Darbonne State Park, Farmerville, LA
V and D and MinnieG just waitin' around till all the folks arrive.
Very cozy in those pine trees.!!!!


...and inside was the smell of Christmas...
Vannie is baking pecan pies and some cookies on the side.
That's some COZY smells, for sure.


Then they started arriving...
Cabin #6...right on the lake...
4 cozy bedrooms, 2 cozy baths, 1 cozy fireplace,
an extra cozy kitchen, a cozy living room, and a cozy little porch...
Bring it on, Santa


Dave always like to give the place a look of home...
and a cozy one, too.
This was a table runner that Vannie's mom made around 1962.
She had just received a new Singer sewing machine from Vannie's dad.


 V and D purchased this Table Cloth on a long ago mission trip to Mexico...
and the Vintage Christmas sweaters belonged to Dave's mom, Pearl.


December 24, 2019
The Bernice Crowd...Vannie's side of the family
Back Row...left to right
Amy and John Pesnell, Vannie and Dave, Julie Honeycutt, Lisa and Richard, Ashley Harris
Front Row
Diane Harris, Cooper Harris, Brandon Honeycutt with Hailey and Spencer, Roy Salvagio with Vincent and Maddie in the back, Emilie Salvagio


Vannie is wearing a vintage apron made by her mom probably in the 50's.


Hailey is digging in, but Maddie looks a little skeptical.
She is not sure if she is going to eat anything or not.


Santa needs cookies, and he is one lucky fellow, because
Hailey and Maddie have that job covered.
More cozy smells...


The Salvagio's
The beginning of a bunch of presents


After opening presents and grubbing down on some great gumbo made by Amy...
everyone headed down to the dock for the Chinese lantern lift-off.

Ashley gets it just right
and away it goes.
Check out Emilie's phone screen in the first pic.


Excitement
Warm, cozy Lights...light the Christmas night sky...


Time for Bed...
Santa's Coming...
Let's get cozy.


And he did come.!!!
Someone must have been very good.!!!


...and someone else...


...and someone else.


Cozy Little Christmas #11
The Harris Bunch...Dave's side of the family
Back Row
Micheal/Brooke Hill with Stella Claire, V and D, Cooper/Diane Harris, Rusty/Stephanie Welch
Middle Row
Ashley Harris, Emilie Salvagio
Seated
Judy Harris, Roy Salvagio with Maddie

We were all wearing one of Pearl's Vintage Christmas sweaters.


Stella Claire Hill
Stella is the newest member of this bunch...
and she stole the show. 
Just Precious.!!!


She's reading...well, almost.


Everyone wanted to hold her, especially Maddie.


...and Emilie.


Vannie and Ashley were getting things ready in the kitchen.
Vannie has on a pair of Pearl's red pajamas.  Pearl may have gone to Heaven
a few years ago, but her spirit was definitely around for this year's festivities.
Stephanie even made her chocolate pie...yummy.


When things slowed down, you could find Emilie and Diane
at the kid's table coloring.  #foreveryoung


Then Dave got out the keyboard...
Let the music play on...


Come on and sing along...


We're going to parti', karamu', fiesta, forever...

Name That Tune
"2 Notes"


"Jingle Bells"

Come on and sing along...


"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

All night long...All night long...
Come join the fun...Come join our party...
Let the music play on...
(Vincent and Maddie seemed to know every word...
and they sang LOUD and CLEAR.)

Stephanie and Michael ..

"One more note, please."

Cooper, Diane, and Rusty..."When does the next game start?"

Time for some yard games...

Just a little outside, Vincent.

No time to change clothes when Santa brings you a scooter.

Another cozy comfy delicious delightful Christmas

The sun's coming up over the lake,

presents have been opened,

food has been eaten,

friends and families are still speaking...

even the smiles are still there.

Our Cozy Core Group

Emilie, Ashley, D, V, Cooper, Diane, Maddie, Roy, Vincent

The Salvagio's head out for Roy's family Celebration in Benton, LA

Ashley and Dave are sending them off with waves and shouts of good-byes.

Signs of Love in Nature

Signs of Peace

May we all of Love and Peace for 2019

Cozy Little After Christmas 

V and D, Jo Tatum, Cousin Bill and Mary Lynn

Jo was a high school friend.

Bill and Mary Lynn are Jo's cousins.

B and M live in Youngsville. 

 Vannie and Dave can't want to visit them the next time they are there.

Another visit with old friends from Lafayette...now living in Dubach, LA

Fran and Richard Roberson

Packing up and leaving this cozy little spot in Darbonne State Park...

Heading to Hillsboro, TX

V and D stopped for lunch in Jefferson, TX.

I guess this picture of bathtubs was a "wishful thinking" kind-of-picture.

No big bathtubs in me or MinnieG.

They stopped at a rest stop somewhere in east Texas.

The sun set was magnificent.

A Cozy yellow/orange sky... 

Back together again.

The Christmas table cloth is hanging on the line...

getting all spruced up for next year.

Hope your Christmas was as cozy as ours.

And always remember that first cozy little Christmas...

in a land far away...

but now can live in our hearts year round...