Fredericksburg is the wonderful German settlement in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
We didn’t stay long enough. In fact, we stayed just long enough for me to feel the great need to return to the Hill Country of Texas as soon as possible. There is so much more I want to do.
Here is a glimpse of our short excursion.
I have never seen fields of yucca, but that is what we saw on highway 281. This was a little field compared to other fields we saw. (Ever-Lovin’ found this large shoulder so we could pull off the road and not get run over.)
We stayed at the Baines House Bed and Breakfast in Fredericksburg. It was once owned by the maternal grandparents of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. You could bring a crowd to stay in this B and B. We had the entire bottom floor to ourselves -two bedrooms, a den (sofa bed), and a bath. 
At the gate, friendly puppy welcomed us. She had a both a stick and a frisbee in her mouth, and she was ready to play. I believe friendly puppy would play catch forever if we were up to it.
There are serious antiques in this home.
How interesting is this? This little rifle that shot 22 shorts (whatever that means) was given away in feed sacks. Later the company that produced this rifle became the Daisy BB Gun Company. (“You’ll shoot your eye out.”)
LOVE this sombrero. The taller the crown, the older the sombrero.
Chris, the owner, is an interesting man. He is a climber who loves the Big Bend country. He also goes around with his father giving living history talks to schools and other organization. They dress up in authentic costumes to tell their stories. 
Chris is so knowledgeable, plus he is a good cook.
Loved the blueberry pancakes and also the French Toast. Fresh squeezed orange juice each morning was a nice touch. Yum!
The National Museum of the Pacific War is relatively new in Fredericksburg and very well done. It is connected to the Nimitz Museum, and also the Combat Zone Museum. When we got there at three o’clock, we asked the man if we had time to view the museum before the five o’clock closing time. He replied, “No, but the tickets are good for 48 hours, and you can return tomorrow.” Sign us up! Ever-Lovin’ was in his element. He knows about WWII. (He has viewed World at War so many times, that the boys would tease him, “You know dad, we won that war last week.”) To be able to see the planes, tanks, artifacts, pictures and descriptions of these conflicts was amazing. What our soldiers endured was touching and humbling. As predicted, we closed down the museum. There was way more to learn than my feeble mind could absorb, but I am glad we went. We did return the next day for the hour long guided tour at the Combat Zone Museum. Plan to go if you visit Fredericksburg.
For dinner we were invited to my cousin’s home outside of Fredericksburg. Be still my heart! It is so wonderful to be in their (Dan and LaNell’s) home. (I will give you a home tour soon.) There are million dollar views, and their home is beautiful and comfortable. Best part ever – As luck would have it, we were able to have a mini-family reunion. I guess you would say there were first, second, and third cousins in the group. In all, there were eleven of us. We laughed and ate and laughed and ate. It was so much fun, the food was delicious, and the company outstanding. They live the good life!
These are my dear cousins Janette and LaNell.
Next morning we went to the middle of town to the Marktplatz for a reunion of Former Texas Rangers. Ever-Lovin’s father was a proud member of the Texas Rangers, and they had a memorial service honoring those who died during the past year. These are good looking men. Starched shirts, slacks or Wrangler jeans. O-o-oh. You know what I mean! Plus they are some of the finest men you will ever meet. The Former Texas Rangers will be breaking ground on a museum in 2013. It will house artifacts from Texas Rangers and serve as an educational tool for students of Texas history. It is sad that the students in the state of Texas do not have the opportunity to learn of the contributions the Texas Rangers have made to our great state. Without the early Texas Rangers, there might not have been the state of Texas.
The Miller’s Bar-B-Que from San Antonio was excellent. I especially liked the vinegar cold slaw. Clayton Jansky provided the entertainment. Go see him if you ever have the opportunity. He is an excellent Christian cowboy singer that never misses an opportunity to witness for Jesus Christ.
Would you believe that our dear friends of over 35 years have been volunteering at the Johnson State park all spring. They parked their RV at the campsite, and work at the park three days a week. The rest of the week, they travel the Hill Country. What a life! Ann is at the welcome desk. Did they ever luck out when they got her. She is the perfect person for that job – friendly, loves people, and knows all the sites. I’m here to tell you that Ann has more energy than a hundred other people. Bob does light maintenance and mowing on his work days. We got to have dinner with them at Friedheim’s Bavarian Grill a German restaurant on the edge of Fredericksburg. Ann ask for us to be seated in the back room. Great atmosphere. Why didn’t I take a picture of the antique bar? I’m a dork! Plus there was a humongous fireplace in this room. See, these are the types of things Ann knows – the best places to sit in restaurants. Amazing.
The best part of the meal was the red cabbage. I didn’t order it, but wished I had. So, I just ate half of Ann’s. We visited for three hours. Where did the time go? What a blessing to be with those you love.
Next morning after the yummy, yummy, French toast, we were on our way. I didn’t get to shop, or visit the Pioneer Museum, or visit the LBJ Parks, or see the fort, or hike at the Enchanted Rock, or see the bats, or visit the wineries, or eat peach cobbler, or eat peach ice cream, or eat all that I wanted to eat. See why I need to return soon.
PS By the way, Rather Sweet Bakery closed. This might not mean anything to you, but I loved this little restaurant run by Rebecca Rather. I even bought all three of her cookbooks. I heard that two of her former employees have a restaurant at the old location now. Will check it out. Rebecca Rather might be cooking breakfast at another location. At least, that is the rumor I heard. I need to go back.
Blessings to you and yours,