Left Austin after a delicious breakfast at Phoebe’s, a local restaurant near my daughter’s abode. Besides making the most delicious omelet I had ever had, Phoebe’s, even cures meat. What a combination.

Taking a different route home I found myself seeing more of rural Texas. Between farmlands with cows or fields of corn an occasional oil rigging was viewed. This gave me a better understanding of climate change and economy. However, if we want to save our planet we need to do things differently. We could always install wind turbines in those fields like they do in Europe or build solar panel factories…

When I found myself in Giddings, Texas I purchased fruit from a vendor who carried my watermelon purchase across the highway which was a dangerous plight and gracious of him.

I also obtained my last “fill up” of Texas tacos from a local Gidding’s vendor. Such nice folks in that town.

After “fill up” I found a mobile home park which specialized in small homes. I am fascinated by these and want one. In my first year in Florida there were 2 hurricane evacuations in 10 months. At this time I realized I needed another domicile for when Florida falls off the face of the Earth. A small home would be a perfect solution. Aren’t they adorable?

These homes made mostly of wood run about $70 to 80,000 installed. With a lot, electric and water hook-up the totals would run $125-135,000, depending on location. While compact there was ample closet room and some even had loft space. The interior captures much sunlight and the walls are wooden, therefore, no need for painting.

Then there are greenhouses to grow food in. Unsure of the prices for these.

Further down the road I found Brenham, Texas, a pristine town and the home of Blue Bell ice cream. Note how the government building is a perfect example of the early 1900’s with even a bandstand on its front lawn.

Blue Bell has a beautiful campus and large retail area. They have a visitor center but do not give tours and photos are not allowed through the glass windows which overlooked the plant floor. In the visitor center they have monitors in place to learn more about their operation.

From here I continued my drive non-stop grateful for the beautiful weather. When a ghastly traffic clog occurred in Louisiana I stopped by the visitor center to learn more of the area. I was told of a local restaurant and a 5 star plantation tour. Went to the restaurant which had interesting out buildings with traditional Louisiana food and then drove into the plantation parking lot as torrential rains began. Since 18 hours of rain occurred the day before along with tornadoes I decided to forgo my plantation visit and keep driving. Here’s some pics of the slave cabins and out buildings at The Cabin.