http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com The story behind the business, travel news, and book reviews. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:05:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://0.gravatar.com/blavatar/29cb03a7bc0484dd125e71d1effa7ab6?s=96&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.png http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/pioneer-farms-austin-texas/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/pioneer-farms-austin-texas/#comments Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:49:36 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=340 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/pioneer-farms-austin-texas/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_1906 Scarborough Barn (circa 1852) with its Eclipse windmill (circa 1880). Which way from here? A Native American encampment, a one-room frontier cabin, and a Greek Revival mansion are some of the places to visit at Pioneer Farms. This one-room cabin once housed Fredric Kruger, his wife, and 13 children. Mrs. Kruger seeks refreshment after diligently completing her chores for the day. This volunteer pioneer is happy to greet guests into her home. Members of the Tonkawa tribe once made this magnificent oak the heart of their encampment. In and around Scarborough Barn guests may examine the farm equipment that kept their ancestors fed. Looking beyond the Eclipse windmill and old farm wagon from the Scarborough Barn, visitors can just make out the Orsay House and the Aynesworth-Wright House. "Nice set of wheels!" Visitors to Pioneer Farms will see a variety of buggies, wagons, and carts from the 19th Century. A Texas Redbud tree adds cheer to the home of wealthy cotton farmer James Bell. The house was built circa 1858, but it includes elements from the 1880s. The nursery at the James Bell Home. Heading back into Sprinkle Corner, visitors first come to the Orsay House (circa 1870), built by a comrade of General George Custer. Next in line is the Aynesworth-Wright House (circa 1853). American pioneers developed the stacked-rail fence design. These fences have also been called snake fences, battlefield fences, zig zag fences and worm fences. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/round-rock-and-the-chisholm-trail/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/round-rock-and-the-chisholm-trail/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:39:37 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=322 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/round-rock-and-the-chisholm-trail/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_18521 The distinct round, table-shaped rock in Brushy Creek first marked a shallow area easy to cross for Native Americans, but pioneers in their wagons and cowboys with their herds also sought the familiar marker. Round Rock, a city of 100,000 today, grew up on the banks of Brushy Creek. Chisholm Trail Road crosses Brushy Creek close to the easily recognized round rock. More than 100 years ago, cowboys on the Chisholm Trail drove their cattle across the creek at this spot. Cowboys placed bells around the necks of their dominant steers so they could locate the herd at night or in bad weather. This bronze steer also bears the distinctive "swallowtail" earmark, common on the Chisholm Trail. A delightful walking path follows the north bank of Brushy Creek in Round Rock Memorial Park. The flat rock bed of Brushy Creek is an irresistible spot for inquisitive children to explore when the water is low. Wagon ruts dating back 130 years are etched into the rock of the creek bed. The horizon for this century-old wagon rut is Interstate 35, which closely parallels the cattle trails of 19th Century central Texas. Today a lovely little park straddles Brushy Creek. This little girl makes her splash in Brushy Creek, not far from the notable round rock that marked a shallow crossing for Native Americans, pioneers and cowboys. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/historic-downtown-round-rock-texas/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/historic-downtown-round-rock-texas/#comments Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:12:33 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=298 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/historic-downtown-round-rock-texas/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_1706 Visitors to historic downtown Round Rock sense the mythos of the Old West as well as the charm of late 19th Century America. Still standing a short distance from the historic district is the old water tower. Built in 1873 by Swedish immigrant Andrew J. Palm and moved to its current location in 1976, this structure now houses the Palm House Museum as well as the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. Visitors to the Palm House Museum will enjoy seeing the artifacts of everyday life a century ago. An iron kettle and iron skillet, as well as a flat iron for the laundry, rest on the surface of this wood-burning stove. Elaborate craftsmanship is the hallmark of this peddle-driven sewing machine in the Palm House Museum. A cheery homemade quilt brightens this iron bed from a different time. Century-old bedclothes hang behind the bed. The original gravestone for renowned train robber Sam Bass, killed by Texas Rangers in Round Rock in 1878, is on display in the Round Rock Public Library. Blending the nostalgic charm of old Round Rock with contemporary passion for coffee, tea and wi-fi, Friar Tuck's Pantry is a definite stop for the visitor to downtown Round Rock. The coffee and pastries are delightful, but so are the staff, whose English accents add to the charm of Friar Tuck's Pantry. Among the enchanting architectural elements in the historic old buildings of Round Rock are ornate pressed-tin ceilings. One of the most beautiful restorations in Round Rock is the J.A. Nelson & Company Building, erected in 1900 as a lumber and hardware store. A short distance from the historic downtown area are some of the older homes in Round Rock, including this elegant mansion. A leisurely drive east on Main Street will transport visitors to a more genteel time with a slower pace. Homes in the older part of town exude a front porch state of mind. Even this old Texaco sign remains erect in a converted gas station, reminding passers-by of a different era. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-texas/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-texas/#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:08:33 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=276 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/austin-nature-and-science-center-austin-texas/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_1689 The Austin Nature and Science Center is in a charming setting at the western end of Zilker Park. "Don't touch" is not part of the vocabulary in the hands-on Naturalist Workshop at the center. Children are encouraged to touch, to handle, to feel the artifacts at the center as part of their educational experience. Children interested in collecting bones, shells, fossils or other natural artifacts will love the Trade Counter at the center. These bones are real! The diagram of a rodent skeleton was prepared by a young "scientist" who visited the center. Children experience first-hand the excitement of unearthing dinosaur fossils. A young paleontologist brushes dirt away from the replica skeleton he unearthed in the Dino Pit. Some heavy digging is necessary to reach the best fossils. Visitors to the Austin Nature and Science Center can enjoy a miniature wetlands area, including a creek and a pond. This youngster scoops his net into the pond, hoping to capture a guppy or pollywog. Only native Texas species inhabit this miniature wetland ecosystem. More than 90 animals are cared for at the center, including this owl. This walkway overlooking the Dino Pit includes "dino tracks" interspersed with commemorative bricks sponsored by donors. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/austin-zoo-and-animal-sanctuary/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/austin-zoo-and-animal-sanctuary/#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:43:16 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=231 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/austin-zoo-and-animal-sanctuary/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_1540 The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is a small facility with a friendly feel. Capuchin monkeys are native to Central and South America. Because it is smaller and more casual, the Austin Zoo is perfect for children. Bengal tigers are among the big cats housed at the Austin Zoo. Ring-tailed lemurs are native to Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. The Austin Zoo houses Gray Wolves, pictured here, as well as several wolf-dog hybrids. Peacocks roam freely at the Austin Zoo. Visitors to the zoo can feed the goats, sheep, deer and llamas. This African-spurred Tortoise makes a big impression on his guests. It is hot inside the reptile house, but worth a visit. Pictured here is a Yellow-green Uromastyx affectionately named Drake by the staff. Children can enjoy a short train ride through the grounds of the zoo and animal sanctuary. As a non-profit organization, the Austin Zoo actively seeks the help of volunteers to care for their animals as well as the grounds. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/laguna-gloria-austin-texas/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/laguna-gloria-austin-texas/#comments Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:59:06 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=174 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/laguna-gloria-austin-texas/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_1302 The front gate for Laguna Gloria once stood before the grounds of the Texas state capitol. Hal and Clara Sevier (nee Driscoll) sought to capture the feel of Italian architecture they came to love during their honeymoon in Italy. Visitors stepping into Villa Driscoll are transported from 21st Century Texas to early 20th Century Italy. The ampitheater at Laguna Gloria overlooks the lagoon for which the property is named. Clara Sevier imported this wishing well from Tuscany. These steps lead from the more elegant and structured upper gardens surrounding the villa to the more rustic and natural lower gardens. Clara Sevier incorporated the mythological Four Seasons in her garden to give visitors pause to meditate on the passing of time. Her Italian honeymoon inspired the creation of Laguna Gloria. For that reason Clara Sevier built a temple of love in the lower garden. These steps mark the return from the more rustic lower gardens to the more formal upper gardens. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/covert-park-at-mount-bonnell-austin-texas/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/covert-park-at-mount-bonnell-austin-texas/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:52:36 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=157 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/covert-park-at-mount-bonnell-austin-texas/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing Friends share a moment on the northwest side of Covert Park. The summit offers spectacular views to the southeast, southwest and northwest. Breathtaking view of Lake Austin to the southeast. Downtown Austin lies just seven miles to the southeast from Covert Park. Local folklore suggests that a couple who climb these steps together will fall in love! A desert shrub adorns the summit pavilion. Stone picnic tables provide picturesque spots for afternoon picnics. A motorboat churns the water 200 feet below the summit of Mount Bonnell. Chains mark the edge of the trail, which skirts along severe cliffsides at several points. A tree clings to its patch of earth on the steep western edge of Mount Bonnell. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/walnut-creek-metropolitan-park-austin-texas-2/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/walnut-creek-metropolitan-park-austin-texas-2/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:43:59 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=125 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/07/walnut-creek-metropolitan-park-austin-texas-2/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_1150 Beauty greets visitors to Walnut Creek Park. The park allows dog-owners to turn their pets free for a real romp. Elevations vary as much as 30 feet within the 293-acre park. Cactus plants are a common feature along the trails. The park includes more than 20 picnic tables. Routes are mapped at the trail head. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/aquarena-center-san-marcos-texas/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/aquarena-center-san-marcos-texas/#comments Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:51:59 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=89 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/aquarena-center-san-marcos-texas/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing IMG_0986 Glass-bottom boats were introduced to Spring Lake in 1946. An almost surreal green light from Spring Lake entrances passengers on the glass-bottom boats. Interested visitors can wander through the six zones of this Wetlands Boardwalk. http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/who-owns-your-time/ http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/who-owns-your-time/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:12:32 +0000 Bill Palmer http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/?p=71 ]]> http://littlefrogpublishing.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/who-owns-your-time/feed/ 0 littlefrogpublishing who-owns-yr-time-blog