Category Archives: Scenery

The Homes of Lake Austin

Matthew McConaughey, Andy Rodderick and Brooklyn Decker are among an elite list of those who live on Lake Austin. If you haven’t had a chance, taking the boat out on the lake itself is amazing for a day of fishing, boating, relaxing, wake boarding but checking out the homes along the shore just spice things up even more.

Lake Austin Homes, TX (9)This post seemed appropriate for Wordless Wednesday as some of these homes made my jaw drop, left me speechless and made me question what all these people did for a profession. I’ve never seen so many infinity pools all lined up in a row. Maybe it’s growing up in the country but I’m still flabbergasted when I see homes this big.

Lake Austin October 2013Lake Austin Homes, TX (1)Lake Austin Homes, TX (7) 0Lake Austin Homes, TX (6) Lake Austin Homes, TX (3)Lake Austin Homes, TX (8)If waterfront isn’t your cup of tea, cliffside is another option. Some even come with these lifts to carry down your belongings.

Lake Austin Homes, TX (4)This, just looks like a whole lot of fun!

Lake Austin Homes, TX (2)

My favorite boat dock / garage:

Lake Austin Homes, TX (8)Any favorites? Do you have an area like this near you?

Lake Austin Oct. 2013

Select photo to enlarge panorama view.

Today I’m linking up with Seven Clown Circus, Photography Essentials and Live and Love Outloud for{Wordless Wednesday}.

Covered Bridges of Vermont

PicMonkey Collage1The fall season is a time when we all “ooo” and “ahhh” at the beautiful foliage. It’s as if the mountains are on fire. If you have a chance, include visiting covered bridges on your list of “To Do’s” while traversing thru the Green Mountain State.

Montgomery, Vermont is situated in Franklin County in Northern Vermont and has six covered bridges throughout town. Only appropriate that they are the Covered Bridge Capital of the United States (there’s more covered bridges in this town than anywhere else in the country). They’re a sight to see. Let me introduce you…

Hopkins Bridge – 1875PicMonkey Collage2Longley Bridge – 1863

PicMonkey Collage3

Creamery Bridge – 1883
057Comstock Bridge – 1883
312 315Fuller Bridge – 1890
321Hutchins Bridge – 1883
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All of the bridges were constructed between 1863-1890 and all of the remaining covered bridges were made by Sheldon and Savanard Jewett. These bridges were made from hemlock and designed to withhold the weight of snow, large loads and loggers.

291 336Have I mentioned the views that you’ll see along the drive? Strictly Vermont in its finest!

302 310For more information regarding the history and location of these incredible beauties, visit the following link at the Montgomery Historical Society.

Today I’m linking up with The Paper Mama, Seven Clown Circus, Photography Essentials and Communal Global for{Wordless Wednesday}.

“The Shire” – Vermont

I grew up in the tiny, tiny Northern Vermont town of Berkshire, VT. When I say tiny, I mean I’m pretty sure there’s more cows than people, even now. I thought, what better way to introduce Vermont than to first introduce the town where I was raised! Here’s a glimpse into my childhood. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same.

View from our Field

View from my parents land.

A few facts:

  • 2000 Census Population: 1,300 people
  • One store / gas station.
  • Elementary school is Kindergarten thru 8th grade.

Berkshire Elementary School

  • High school? We can pick which high school we would like to attend from one of the neighboring towns.
  • Two restaurants (one is only open in the summer, the other just opened up), one bar.

The Pine Cone Snack Bar

  • MANY, many family owned dairy farms.

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  • It’s a place where “Everyone knows your name”.
  • Canada is in our backyard. Literally.
  • ‘West Berkshire’, ‘Berkshire Center’ and ‘East Berkshire’ constitute as ‘The Town of Berkshire’.
  • Closest grocery store – about 15 minutes away.
  • Traffic? It’s either a car going slower than 50 on the main road or a tractor, probably a tractor.
  • Not one stop light in town. Not one.

A few more important buildings (considering we have them)…

The Lady of the Lourdes Catholic Church in East Berkshire.

East Berkshire Lady of the Lourdes Catholic Church

We have a fire department, volunteer only.  My dad was a volunteer fire fighter when I was growing up. The big fires were the barn fires from wet hay.

Berkshire Vol. Fire Dept.

This is the Berkshire Town Hall. I will say this is “new” to me. This building has obviously always sat here but it was recently renovated and it looks pretty nice. The previous town clerks office was about the size of my bedroom… ok probably a little bigger than my bedroom but not that much. This is nice, I’d be interested to go inside.

Berkshire Town HallFinally, coming into East Berkshire from Berkshire Center…. we love those Green Mountains in the background. It makes a sight for sore eyes. I can never get sick of looking at those peaks. The point part of the mountains in the background is Jay Peak (ski resort).

View coming into East Berkshire, VTHere’s a little glimpse into my homeland. This town holds a really special place in my heart. If you have any questions about the town or what it was like to grow up here, I’d love to hear them!