luluThere’s plenty to do in Houston, but every now and then it’s fun to leave the big city behind and explore the wide open spaces that define Texas.
It doesn’t take long to see what rural Texas is about. Cattle graze lazily in fields
and the sprawling metropolis is replaced by a series of small towns.
This time of year the landscape colored by wildflowers is spectacular. No matter how many times I see fields of blue, red, yellow and pink my heart sings in appreciation of nature’s beauty.
Another reason to get out and about now is the Round Top Antique Show which these days is said to cover some 28 miles. That means a lot of stuff to browse. Now, I don’t need a thing, but that doesn’t keep my eye from wandering in search of the unusual or interesting.
Bottles never fail to get my attention. These are truffle jars that when filled with mushrooms and cotton hold in the moisture necessary for preservation. You can be sure that in my possession they would be filled with flowers to create a centerpiece for a tablescape.
Talk about an unusual flower container. Take a look at this chemical beaker. I didn’t buy one, but the temptation was great. These were $175 each, a little pricey so I’m going to look into finding new pieces and creating the look.
These wooden mallets got my attention because of their varying shapes and heights. In case you are wondering, they were used for barn building. I wouldn’t want someone with one of those in their hand to get mad at me!
One exhibit featured lamps and chandeliers made from the most interesting materials. For a fleeting moment I could imagine one in my eclectic mix of things.
Then, there were those things that reminded me of some of you bloggers. White porcelain
and blue and white pieces are favorites of many of you.
Exhibits are in fields, tents and enclosed spaces some of which are beautifully displayed.
I have a hard time imagining how much dealers have to sell to justify the cost. As one said, it’s always a gamble and you have to do a show knowing that you will win or lose.
A day or two of wandering among the exhibits is about all I can take and then I’m ready to get back in the car and wander the country roads stopping here and there to take a photo.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
A couple of weeks ago we visited one of the few historic neighborhoods in Houston and were privileged to have a peek inside a friend’s home. Today join me in visiting the beautifully redone carriage house where the owners’ personalities really shine. They love the country, ranch life and hunting, and that is reflected in every inch.
There is so much to like here it’s hard to know where to start. This large open space is a terrific place to chill with family or friends.
The bar is so Texas with beautiful woodwork reminiscent of the stairwell in the main house. 
My favorite feature here is the hammered copper sink. It is touches like this that make the carriage house so special.
and this one is a young girl’s dream.
This cheerful space, part of a fully equipped kitchen, looks out to the pool and green space and is a great example of my friend’s attention to detail. Note the floor of antique French tiles, the colors of which are repeated throughout the carriage house.
There is nothing not to like in the carriage house the use of which is a far cry from the original. I think I would be happy spending time here. How about you?
Close to Marburger Farm is The Compound, a new venue this spring. 
I have to confess it was my favorite, thanks to appealing displays and uncluttered spaces. Also, there was no admission charge, but I’m betting that will change as it becomes more popular.
Again, different ones of you came to mind as I browsed, and it would have been fun to have you along to see if my guesses about what you would like were right on.
Maybe one of you bought this table that was being readied for shipping. It is one I could imagine fitting a variety of decors.
And, how about this one? I liked it so much I found myself wishing for a place to put it!
It appears that some vendors may be permanent at The Compound.
There were so many interesting and unusual things here that it was hard to leave without making a purchase.
My favorite was this unusual shaped bowl that was used for cheese making. Once again the price kept me from buying!
Should you ever make it to Round Top, be sure to stop by The Compound if for no other reason than to enjoy the space and have a bite to eat.
I go for one day, mainly to take a few photos and see what catches my eye. This time I focused on Marburger, one of the most popular venues.
Wandering from booth to booth, it was impossible not to think of many of you whose style is French 
Others of you would have found something clever to do with such a piece as this
and others of you would be tempted by lovely pieces for the table.
and if for some reason you were looking for a pair of cowboy boots, this would be the right place!
For those, like me, whose taste runs to the eclectic
or whimsical there’s something for you, too.
I especially liked these unique fly catchers which would have been fun additions to a table with candles or flowers. Had they not been $150 each they would have come home with me.
K
