Texas Ranger Day and a Big Star Texas Night

Just in case you did not know, I live in the small country town of Burton, Texas.  It has a population of about 269 people and I am the florist.  About 3 months ago myself and a few other business owners re-formed the Burton Chamber of Commerce.  The town had one in the past, but it fizzled out in the 70's. 

 (little history here: Burton was bi-passed in the 

50's or 60's just like Radiator Springs in the Cars Movie, pretty much drying up the town)

The first thing the newly formed Chamber of Commerce needed to do was sign up members and raise some funds.  So we decided to have an old fashioned street dance with Gary P. Nunn.  Burton is also home to the late legendary Texas Ranger Captain McNelly.  So we joined forces with the Burton Heritage Society and together we created the first annual " Texas Ranger Day and a Big Star Texas Night". 

I helped to create a Logo for the town, which was then put on shirts and this big sign, 

thanks to my Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Gail.

We made a Lil Ranger Town out of boxes and wild mustang saw horses to rope with hula hoop lassos,

 thanks to Susan and Kim and George.

We strung lights and bunting made from bandannas across the street to hang over the crowd as they danced under the Big Star Texas Night,  thanks to my brother Wyatt.  

There was a fajita and bean cook-off and Texas Ranger reenactments at the old Train Depot.

Here is one of our local Artisans, Blacksmith Ricky Wegner.

He's my third cousin and makes the most amazing utensils out of metal objects such as

 wrenches and railroad spikes.

I know they look like torture devices, but when you are barbecuing, 

 a man might need one of these utensils.

Here is one of the history markers in our town, I have my florist and home in the drugstore building.  

We would love  for you to drop in for a visit, there is plenty to do in see in and around the Burton area.  

To find out more information, check out the Burton Chamber of Commerce website at: www.BurtonTexas.org

and the Burton Heritage Society's website at: www.BurtonHeritageSociety.org

All images on this post are via, me.

Willow Nest

Time to take my new camera out for a spin.  I went over to my neighbors, Linda and Ludmil of Willow Nest, to see what they were up to and boy was I in for a treat. Right now they are getting ready for the big antique show coming up at the end of March in Round Top / Warrenton.  They will be set up in the Marburger Farms Tent. Ludmil, a Bulgarian architect, is a master artist-upcycler.  I am amazed everytime I see his newest creation.   This bird aviary has just been finished and inside are the doves he hatched last year, we named them Jill and Jule.

This bird house is so cute, it looks like a little old man with a mustache. 

He gave it a name, but I can't remember now what it was.

This one hangs and is one of my favorites.  It didn't get a name yet. 

Perhaps you readers could help Ludmil name this birdhouse?

                                    This one we named Oscar, since it is made from a small trash can,
                                            just like Oscar the grouch lived in on Sesame Street.

                      This pretty white one is made from an old milk can.  It too did not get a name. 
                                   Come up with the perfect name for this fabulous bird house
                                                     and I will re-post the out come.

This is a to die for shelf he made from a grate that was used in a rock quarry.

So clever, that Ludmil.  He has 3 of these made up.  Perfect for that old world French look.

They are taller than me, perhaps 7 feet tall and around 4 feet wide.

This arbor is what greets you when you first come upon Ludmil's potting shed. 

It was a sight last year covered in morning glories. 

I stepped inside their shop, which is mostly used for storage and also occasional shows and this is what I found.  Hee Hee,  I love the deer with the pretty collar, that is Linda's touch.  She is the glitter, ribbon, paper queen.  She has been up-cycling, painting things white and adding magic to object that were normally tossed for 30 years now.  Way before it was the thing to do. 

What a clever pair and how fortunate Burton is to have them.

On March 6th they will be having a Spring preview party at theire Burton Location from 10:00 to 4:00.

March 11 & 12 they will be in Fort Worth at the Dolly Johnson Show, celebrating Texas's 175 Birthday.

Starting March 29th they will be set up at Marburger Farms in Warrenton, Texas.

Click here for their website and also to contact them for more information about their art and wares.