COUNTRY ASIAN INVASION: PART 1

Okay, I said I would come back today with the beginning of our trip, and then I miscalculated a dinner with friends, so of course here I am at the very end of the day. Ever do that?

BUT, here I am anyway! :)

Thought I'd start out with a look around the country home and its lovely mammals.

This is the first turn before the windy street leading to the home. Look at all those gorgeous, poofy trees! We were all just in time for the spring bloom.

This is such a country house. Very Texan-inspired, indeed. Wrap-around porch, rocking chairs, metal stars, and slate floors included.

At this home, horses roam free and walk right up the the windows daily. See the little miniature horse in the right photo? This particular little guy took the time to come up to me while I was crouching to get a shot to nibble the top of my head. Try not to laugh when THAT happens!

I'm not kidding when I say the horses walk everywhere. It's amazing how sociable they are.

Adorable, frail dogs also make their way outside with human assistance. This is Chili. She's like over 100 in dog years. Poor, sweet thing!

I'm so in love with it all...

The feel of the warming sunbursts...

The details of the prickly cactus...

...the sound of the horses' hooves as they make their way toward you, and the sight of the trees slightly swaying in the sunlight.

I seem to slip in and out of a relaxed coma when I see sights like this. Be still my heart.