2011 Bluebonnet Rally

I walked by the sofa today and there's Oscar in his "I'm really a cat in a dog-suit" pose, curled up on the arm, and giving me a disgusted look. He then proceeds to tell me it's about time I made an entry about the great Bluebonnet Casita Rally we attended in Bandera, TX. He's right, I've procrastinated too long, so here it is . . . Now hush up, you insufferable little dog!


One of the largest gatherings of fiberglass trailers is the annual Texas Bluebonnet Casita Rally, held each spring in Bandera, Texas. Seeing old friends and meeting new friends is what it's all about.



Ya gotta get there early to get a good spot. This is about what it looked like several days before the rally officially kicked off . . . EGGVILLE!


We set up camp, after arriving from our recent trip to Arkansas.



It's always interesting to see the different motifs proudly displayed on the trailers.


This one even came with a mother-in-law room addition. LOL


As we passed this one, Oscar said "Hey Pete, get a load of that rear window!"
Trying not to laugh at his unintentional wordplay, I distracted the little dog by guiding him towards some different types of trailers . . .



While Casita's naturally had the vast majority of participants, there were the occasional outliers, such as the Vintage Bigfoot, above, that came with it's own mascot, and the Oliver, below, with a St George's cross flying high on a uniquely flexible flagpole. (Its owners had a slight accent, of course!)



Oscar had enough of looking at trailers and got right down to making himself at home, doing what he does best . . . relaxing . . . poor guy looks a bit stressed out here, NOT!!!!!!!!


He managed to wrangle a dog biscuit out of a new BFF. "YUM!"

Oscar gave this yard high marks for the greenery and lighting accents.


Poor little dog, gets no luvin' . . .


Surrounded by all his gal pals, Oscar was one Happy Camper


Speaking of Happy Campers, this Casita appears to be a close cousin to The Wonder Egg, sporting a fine smiley face as it travels on down the road.


It's a unique experience to hang out a few short days with 140 other fiberglass trailers. Meeting, greeting, eating, fishing, laughing, and looking forward to the next rally. Life is GOOOOOOOOOD!

Jugfest 2011

April + full moon = JUGFEST! The Wonder Egg wandered up to Lake Greeson for some fun. It appears pretty small next to Larry & Betty's sunblocker, which they've named "SPF50" Almost looks like an Easter Egg in comparison.


The jugs are all arranged for the evening cast, where we toss live bait to lure out the catfish as they feed overnight. Click on this link to watch a brief video Larry took of a jug cast.

CASTING THE JUG!


Early in the morning, Larry & Betty await in their new, cool fishing boat to fetch jugs and see what sort of luck we've had. Actually, there is an art to targeting the right fish. Larry, aka Mountainborn, of Mountainborn Chonicles, is a pro at placing the lines in just the right spot. Betty supplies the Honey Buns which has become an early launch tradition.

Coffee -Honey Buns - Fish - and Friends - Woohoo!!


We ease up on the jug. Some bounce up and down, others cut a wake or disappear under water, this one simply played dead. It may still have a big one on the line, so we always anticipate a catch. Larry guides the boat next to the jug for the pick up.


Here are a few photos of some successful casts.




Oscar was confused why these cats had no fur and lived at the bottom of a lake.


Larry, Betty and Poco take a pose for the memory books.


Larry and Betty make a fine art of filleting cats fresh off the lake. When they're done with all the trimming, all that's left is succulent white meat. No fishy taste at all . . . pure protein and YUM!


Leftovers from filleting are deposited across the lake where the buzzards and eagles enjoy an easy feast. This young buzzard airs out its wings as it anticipates dinner.


You may wonder where The Smiley Dog is during this activity. He holds down the fort in the Wonder Egg, hanging out with Flat Weezul and Squeaky Squirrel.

How to Lower your Blood Pressure

STEP ONE -
Get your fishing gear and set up camp at Lake Greeson, AR.


STEP TWO -
Glide out on the lake early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise . . .


STEP THREE -
After a good day of fishing, tarry a bit on the lake and enjoy the sunset

Take a deep breath and be at peace...

Goin' Fishin!

Oscar knew our fishing trip to Arkansas was getting close, so he made an appointment with his "Personal Beauty Consultant, " Jessica. He asked her to spruce him up for the trip so he could look his best when he reunited with his pal, Poco, to go impress the ladies. LOL! Here, he's fresh out of the bath and Jessica is just getting started on his transformation from Scruffy Dog to Dapper Dan.


Our stop for the evening came with a nice surprise . . . Ya gotta love Texas Bluebonnets in the Spring!

OMG - Pete's Gone BONKERS!!!!

Help me! What am I gonna do with Pete, who has obviously gone off his rocker . . . JUST LOOK AT HIM!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAUUUUUGUGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


We have these really cool friends , Phil & Denise Underwood, who host the annual Hill-a-Palooza rally near Austin, TX. It sure is a fun time for everyone.

Take, for instance, this Casita from a coastal tribe of Texans, who get goofy after 5 o'clock, which seems to roll around any time they want - LOL. (I think they were still sleeping in when this picture was taken)

Then there's the U-Haul clan that always puts in a good showing at these get togethers.

Pete up and grabbed me for a family photo . . . I tried my best to wiggle away from his blacked out teeth hillbilly get up, but he was too strong for this small, furry dog . . .


At least I was able to enter my Flat Weezul Chilleee recipe into the competition. While not a prize winner, it brought tears to the eyes of those that tried it. (He, he, he)

We've been back home for a while. It looks like Pete's starting to get us ready for another trip. I heard him say something about fishin' in Arkansas, then joining 150 fiberglass trailers amongst the bluebonnets and then goin' out to west Texas to round up some javelinas. What the heck is THAT about? Please help me! Pete's gone really bad-like bonkers, as you can plainly see. What am I gonna do with him?