We had such a GREAT day with the ministry leadership team from St. Theresa in Austin yesterday! Fr. Larry Covington leads this amazing group as Pastor, and each and every one of them was a delight to meet/re-meet and spend the day with. Many thanks to Jamie for making everything go so smoothly for the event. Blessings to STT as they move forward and grow in a spiritual and abundant Grace! Come see us soon....it's always a great treat to be able to host such wonderful folks! Not much at the chapel today, except LEFTOVERS! We had an amazing evening last night, as our own wonderful Sara Garcia graduated from the UMHB/Belton CoC Apprenticeship program. Dinner afterward to celebrate the sp

Another addition to the 45 acres happened yesterday, now the trick is just getting it up and lit! Coming off an excellent Easter weekend, and the chapel couldn't be lovelier for the upcoming weddings with everything in bloom so beautifully! Kite Fest is almost here, as well, on April 30th, and we're looking forward to visiting with a wonderful bride and groom this weekend, and prepping for a great visit by one of the churches in Austin for a day-retreat next week! Our Apprentice, Sara, actually graduates this week, but we have the feeling we may see her from time to time. Having a specific place to 'be' emotionally and physically is a good thing for me. I think it really helps the 'flow'

For some reason, I'm thinking Hansel and Gretel, but I don't think that turned out all that well? Can't remember, but I certainly don't remember a wedding scene in the story! :) The steeple is just about at its peak of blooming beauty, and we wanted to share it. This steeple is off the church we were blessed to receive materials from in Davilla, and was literally 'roped' off the top of that church by none other than the TV star, Tim Wilson! It got here safely, and has been a decorative shelter for the ivy barrel ever since. Sadly, the blush rambler that adorns the chapel right now is only an annual bloomer, but the thorns are available to catch your fingers all year (heheheh...inside f

Their day was truly perfect, and we're still full from the excellent food! It all passed so quickly, but the service, reception and fun were flawless. They even got to use the Eldorado convertible for some fun shots with their photographer. All the florals and design were excellent, and the colors of the wedding were really beautiful. All the groomsmen looked outstanding in their colors, and the entire event was an absolute joy! Blessings to you both, and hope to see you soon! A quieter day at the chapel today, however, as we wind down from the great wedding. Lots of linens to be done, but they can wait a bit, as we're gearing up for Holy Week! Hard to imagine, and Palm Sunday, 2017 i

Did you ever look at a picture and think you could smell it?!?!? That actually happened to me this morning.....(ok, it's before 7a, but whatever). As I was saving this photo on my computer, I thought I could actually detect the delicate fragrance of this amazing bloom in my nose. The sensation only lasted a few seconds, and thankfully, we can go to the chapel today and enjoy face-fulls of these beauties as they reach their first zenith of the year. This charming little bug near the center of this bloom adds a little levity and counterpoint, I guess... :) Putting the titivating touches on Heather and Robert's great adventure today. Putting out cake plates (selected the amazingly cool sa

One of our favorite wedding day rides was out and about the last couple of days, stretching her 'legs' in the springtime sunshine! Miss Marian Arnaz rolled not only to dinner at Casa Steglich last night, but also made a trip into town for a little sip of fuel and a leisurely ride into the village. She's running 'fine as wine' and we're so very thankful. She's scheduled for several big wedding days in 2017 and 2018, so she's in tip-top shape. Such a thrill to roll down the road with 500 c.i. of power under that long, crystal blue hood. So many of our wonderful brides and grooms have photos from their big day with her, and it's such a thrill to walk into the homes of our brides and grooms

This confection was completely amazing. Not only did it have the Chinese symbols for the bride and groom's birth years (Karen was a dragon and Bill was a dog!), but the taste of the cake was truly wonderful. Done in three different flavor layers, the very top was so moist and decadent and separated by a 'raspberry' filling. Yum! The second layer seemed to have somewhat of an almond flavor...tremendous....and the third layer was chocolate. Each layer of cake was so very delicious and almost 'pound cake' like in it's density and flavor! Certainly NOT low fat, but VERY high flavor! Wonderful job and the perfect compliment to such a classy, weekday wedding festivity. Congratulations, aga

Laughed out loud at this! Kite fest is SO almost here that the theme showed up in the book I was reading the other day! Kites truly do connect us with childhood and happy memories. We'll just pray for wind and no rain that day! Regardless, there'll be hot dogs and chips for all....with an appearance by Ben Franklin. April 30th, @ 1p @ the chapel! Can't wait! Headed out this morning to the Lion's Club garage sale in town. Found some old silverplate cutlery, a large Wedgwood platter (Paid $10, listed online for $100...love a bargain!) and a cool Austrian cup and saucer that'll add to the antique set at the chapel. Back home again and preparing for a lovely 'farewell' luncheon with ou