Living the Good Life in Texas

I am blessed to be able to still maintain a friendly relationship with my ex-husband's family. This past week my SIL flew in from Decatur, AL to spend some time at her mother's house...my former MIL. Gwen, a cousin, lives close by and has a real knack for decorating. I was SO happy when I was invited along to see the progress of her home renovations. Gwen and her hubby have lived in this house for 2 years but have made many changes. They added a stone path and flower bed; as well as stripped local cedar timbers that are now porch posts.

This is a view of their backyard (10 acres) that contains a small pond. There are even deer that come to feed in the evening. This is a goose that adopted them last year and is named AFLAK.

A patio was poured outside of the back door so they could sit and enjoy the view.

The previous owners owned hogs and that shed is still up. Gwen wants to start raising goats.

Off to the side of the house is a two car garage with a work bench but they don't park their vehicles in the garage....it's a gameroom. You can see the flat screen tv; as well as a much need fan to cool things off. Remember...it IS South Texas!

What bird wouldn't like to live right outside of this party palace/gameroom in the cute patriotic birdhouse?

Here's a little closer view inside the garage. This window opens right up to the barbeque pit so they can pass "the vittles" right through the window. Gwen re-cycled this formica countertop (seen above) after it fell off a flat bed truck and then no one came back to claim it. It's about 12 feet long so it provides a good place for friends to plop down and watch the billiard game. Notice the posts she added to hold up the countertop

Here's what the room looks like when the neon lights are switched on. They must have at least 75 or more neon's they've collected over the years. The whole room and ceiling are lined with them.

Isn't this interesting Yard Art? I was told it was once a piece of farm equipment. They THINK it was some sort of planting device but were not sure. Do YOU know?!??!

Since it was a hot, Texas afternoon we opened the ice chest and found them to be full of ice-cold longnecks! AHHHH....a great way to cool off. And of course, Ms. Gwen always likes to add her southwestern touches by adding the steerhead about the cold beer.

And THIS is what's called a Cowgirl Swimming Pool. It's actually a watering trough for livestock but every weekend they fill this "pool" with water and then sit and soak in the shade. I THINK the blue plastic pool is for the dogs.

This place wouldn't be complete without a fire-pit...because, yes....sometimes it does get nippy in Texas. And see the cute little shed in the back....it's for disguising the Well/Septic system and for a bit of yard machinery storage.

Well....that a tour of the yard...check back for pictures of the inside. Gwen is super talented and has a really cool "leather" look wall, she faux finished with paper bags. Ya'll come back now...ya hear?!?!?