Scenery and other descriptions

San Saba, Texas is about in the middle of the state and Austin is the city it is closest to. The orchard is in a riparian environment, which means it is near a river and the pecan trees grow along the riverside. The roads are windy and hilly and cow farms and orchards run along the country roads. Everything is really green and all of the wild flowers are blooming in the fields. There is a particularly beautiful aster flower known as Indian's Blanket that covers the fields in small, red flowers and when the wind blows it looks like a quilted blanket flapping up and down.

The organic orchard where I am staying is set next to a hill side and the grounds are rolling. It's very peaceful and quiet and only a few cars pass by the house each day. I am living in a small field house right next to the main house where John and Jimma live. The field house is a 1 floor, 3 room house with a kitchen and a common room and bathroom. We have sheets running across the common to make a small bedroom, so it feels not quite like a bat cave, but more like living in a giant fort! We share the house with a mouse who has decided to live under my bed. Fortunately, the two of us operate on different schedules so I have not seen too much of him.

A dirt road runs in front of the house and branches off to a few smaller dirt/gravel roads that eventually wind down to the San Saba river. The river is wide, may be about 200-300 feet across where I have seen it. I jumped in with all my clothes on and went swimming a couple days ago when it was really hot. Coqueta came with me and we had a great time playing together. Some areas are very shallow and it is possible to wade in the water, and other sections are much deeper. Apparently there are some water snakes to look out for, but so far I haven't seen any. Living out here in the country is great because it forces me to get over my fears of snakes and spiders. They are all over the place and there is nothing to do but to accept it and go about your business.

Jimma grows a beautiful garden full of zuccini, brocolli, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, garlic, and a whole bunch of other wonderful vegetables. We have free range of the garden and have had tons of fresh vegetables with every meal. I have been cooking dinner every night and also lunch most of the time as well. I really enjoying making the meals for everyone and it has been a nice way to relax and unwind. Liz said I should put cooking on my next resume :-) I have been experimenting with a variety of stir fries and quesadillas. All we have is a camping stove and a toaster oven, so I have had to be very resourceful. Dan brought flowers to put on the dinner table and right now we are enjoying "cookiewhiches": butter pecan ice cream smashed between two homemade chocolate chip cookies (thank you mom!).

Today has been wonderful. I woke up late (3pm), repaired some nets, and went into town for food supplies. It was nice to get away from the orchard for a bit. I had a really funny run in with a native Texan in the grocery store today. I was taking my time in the deli section trying to find the perfect cheese ,when an older man joined me and started perusing the various food items. He started up small talk and I couldn't help but notice his strong Texan accent. I have a tendency to pick up accents very quickly and since arriving in Texas I have already noticed that my twang has become more pronounced. The man commented on how expensive cheese is these days and I surprised myself by responding with a very decisive "I know" in a thick Texan accent. I think I looked shocked and the man looked a bit stunned since it was pretty apparent to him that I was not a local. I found myself looking around to see where the "voice" had come from only to realize that it had been me. I was really embarassed because I think the man thought I was a rude out of towner mocking him. Oops! Hopefully my next encounter will go better.

I am actually siting in the house right now and we have mistnets setup outside. We are going to a school tomorrow to give a presentation and decided to take a quiet evening in and just mist net for a couple hours outside of the house. I just extracted a Tadarida brasiliensis (Mexican/Brazilian free-tailed bat) from one of the nets!! He is so cute and very calm. Y'all should goggle a picture of them, they have really adorable wrinkly faces and cute ears.

I think I am going to take a shower during one of our 15 minute breaks and head to bed soon! I miss you all! Zoe, Christine, and Patrick please be sure to let our friends know about this blog...I don't think everyone knows about it and I don't think I have everyone's email. Much love!! I hope all is well with everyone :-)

Love,
Lauren