Bark for Peace!

I’ve only been there twice.  And even if you’re an Austin native, like me- it’s highly likely you’ve never heard of Thorndale, the sleepy little town that time has pretty much passed by.  If you saw the 2002 film “The Rookie” starring Dennis Quaid, you saw a bit of Thorndale.  As an aside: “The Rookie” is based on a true Texas baseball story and both Quaid and director John Lee Hancock are native Texans. Thorndale is on HWy 79, past Taylor and before Rockdale, about an hour from Austin.  There’s one signal and three gas stations on the highway stop.

Steve's Place- just over the RR tracks, 1/2 block off Main Street Yes, it's a real bar (and a pretty cool hang, I hear)

My first visit was in 2005, to the pound, to meet “a high-dollar blue heeler,” aka Clementine. Although she did not deliver as advertised on the blue-blood status, she delivered more than promised in fun, laughter, frivolity, mischief, and learning.  She’s a great dog who has once again done what the dogs who find me do- rocked my world!

A dog in her natural habitat, guarding the farmhouse (and posing for a picture! she always seems to offer a profile or 3/4 angle!)

Anyway, last week we spent 5 days in a friend’s charming 100 year old Victorian Farmhouse.  (which is going on the market shortly, if you’re interested) It has been lovingly restored and was a wonderful, healing, restorative get-away from the hustle and bustle of city-life.  Windows open, fresh-air, birds singing, deck out back with rolling hill views…aaahhhhhhh…..  They don’t call it “vacation” for nothing!

100 year old restored Victorian farmhouse (dog not included)

Raggamuffin red terrier, “Murphy”, became the object of Clementine’s affection (unrequited, sadly) and my unsolicited bed warmer (appreciated on the cooler nights).

while on an afternoon walk... Initial Reaction (argh...)

At last, civility.

And poor kitties Paddy and Tigger earned their food and shelter the good ‘ol fashioned way- around the farm, since Little Miss Mischief decided that our tour of duty meant a “No Cats Allowed” claim on the farmhouse.  Funny how they came back around as I was packing up the Forester- I’m sure they were delighted to see us go.  Murphy pouted, and we felt the pangs of withdrawl as well.

Why did the Guinea Hens cross the road?

Same reason the Rooster did, the dogs were coming!