thisblandlife

Yesterday, we went to the John O’Quinn Ranch to visit with my granny and papaw. John (my aunt’s nephew) passed away a few months ago, and the ranch is being sold to benefit John’s foundation for more philanthropy work benefiting mankind. We are especially glad we got to visit. It is 7000 acres of the most beautiful land I have ever seen. It sits directly on the Blanco river, and the hills are like mountains.
There is Aunt Pill’s house, John’s house, and my granny and papaw stayed in the Buffalo house. We found out just why it’s called that, too. The buffalo come around dusk to graze and look just majestic. I’m still trying to find the words for it all. There are also several other residences on the ranch for whoever might be visiting. There are some cabooses from the movie, “Wild, Wild West” that have been turned into staying quarters as well. They were so cool! The movie “Lonesome Dove” was also filmed here.We had to literally drive through the river a few times to get to certain places. Maggie waded in the water and the rapids were gorgeous.
The masoleum where John was laid to rest is sitting atop the river where there is an enormous rosewood chair that Aunt Pill said John loved sitting in.
The pavillion was lovely, and we grilled weenies and I got to catch up with Uncle Phillip, Aunt Gayle, Uncle Harold, Aunt Laura, Aunt Shirley, Aunt Sis, and Aunt Pill. It was the first time I can remember in many years that I was with all of Granny’s siblings. I feel blessed to have had this time with them. Scott, Maggie and I were drunk on fresh, crisp air, and we are still in awe of God’s magnificent handy work. WOW!