SOUTHWEST STYLE

April 30 and May 1

One of the activities R&R had planned for us was to visit some of their friends’ homes so we could see the different construction processes, adobe brick, hay bale, and rammed earth.  There were also the ranch chores to do, a visit to the town, and Don wanted a bike ride.

While R&R and Don went to the barn to feed and water the horses and muck the stalls, I did my exercises.  Then Don and I took off on our bikes, riding along the gravel roads, exploring.

When we returned we showered and got ourselves presentable.  Then we all piled into Rick’s big Dodge Ram pickup truck and off we went on our grand tour.

The first stop was the town of Corona, which is actually larger than we expected.  There are two restaurants, and several churches, a post office, and several other buildings.  The bar is out of business.

We stopped for lunch at the café.  I had the burrito and everyone else had the taco plate.  The food was tasty and filling.

After lunch we went to the home of Chris and Jack.  Their home is in Phase I of the project.  They purchased their lot about 6 years ago and they got a beautiful setting.  They are up on the hill a bit and the view is gorgeous.  Over the past several years they have been building their house.  Their home is beautifully designed and reflects the Southwestern style.  They have an extensive collection of Southwestern art, including pottery, painting, carvings and sculpture.  Every room is a new discovery of interesting and charming décor, style and views.  Don and Jack started talking bicycling while Rebecca, Chris and I toured the house and gardens.  We could hardly tear ourselves away, but finally departed, looking forward to dinner when Chris and Jack would join us at Rick and Rebecca’s house.

Next we went back over to Phase II to see the home of .  Their home is a straw bale construction and is very large.  It was interesting to see the house construction, with the hay bales still showing on the inside.  We also got to visit their tortoises in their pen.  They have three and they already seem well-established in their homes, with cool burrows already dug.

We returned to Rick and Rebecca’s house and we girls chatted while Rebecca composed the chili and baked corn bread.

Chris and Jack soon arrived and we enjoyed a glass of wine and good conversation while we munched an appetizer, and then our chili, salad and cornbread.  Everything was delicious and the conversation was lively and interesting.

The following morning we got up early and packed and cleaned up a bit.  After breakfast we tore ourselves away from our comfortable casita, said our goodbyes to the Kolls and set out on a marathon day of driving to Oklahoma City, our next stop.