Springtime Strides and Wildflower Miles in Washington County

Springtime in Washington County is something else! The rolling hills are alive with vibrant bluebonnets and an array of wildflowers, painting the landscape in breathtaking hues of blue, red, pink, purple, yellow, and white. It’s that time of year when every turn down a country road offers a postcard-worthy view, and visitors flock to soak in the beauty of Texas’ wildflower season.

This past weekend, the 47th Annual Blue Bell Fun Run took place, bringing in over 5,000 runners from near and far. Known for its challenging hills, this race has earned a reputation as one of the toughest in the state—at least in my opinion! But with those grueling inclines come equally rewarding views, making every step worth the effort. The energy in town was electric, as locals and tourists cheered on the participants before heading out to enjoy the great weather, local shops, and of course, a scoop (or two) of Blue Bell ice cream. I serve on the board of Run for the Youth of Washington County. This board does not plan the fundraising event, we do meet throughout the year and decide where the proceeds are allocated amongst the various youth sports in the county. It is a great cause to keep our youth in shape and active. I commend the organizers and the Brenham High School staff for all they do to continue this ever-growing event.

With warmer temperatures settling in, my runs will start shifting to the early mornings. The heat may be creeping in, but so is my motivation—I think I’m about to start “pre-training” for another marathon. We’ll see how things progress between now and August 1st, which is when the real training would begin. If all goes well, I’ll be tackling another 26.2, and let’s just say… hills will be my primary focus. The irony? The marathon I have my eye on is flat. But as any runner knows, hill training makes you stronger, no matter the course.

I’d love some company on those longer runs—because let’s be honest, logging all those miles is way more enjoyable with good conversation and some encouragement along the way. If you’re up for the challenge, let’s hit the roads together and take in the beauty of Washington County while we train.

Whether you’re here for the wildflowers, the races, or just to soak up the small-town charm, spring is one of the best times to be in Washington County. I, for one, am looking forward to many more scenic runs, hill repeats, and of course, a well-earned scoop of Blue Bell.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Morning Miles on the San Antonio River Walk

There’s something magical about the San Antonio River Walk in the morning. Before the tourists flood in, before the music starts pouring from the restaurants, it’s a quiet, almost sacred place. The soft light of sunrise bounces off the water, and the city feels like it’s waking up alongside me as my feet hit the pavement. It’s just me, the occasional fellow early riser, and the countless individuals who call the River Walk home.

San Antonio, like so many cities, has a significant homeless population. Their presence is particularly noticeable in the early hours, before the city disguises them behind its daily hustle. Some are still wrapped in blankets, others are stirring, readying themselves for another day in a world that often looks the other way. Running past them, I feel a mix of emotions—gratitude, heartbreak, and a strong reminder of the complex layers that exist beneath the beauty of a place.

As I finished my run, I felt it in my heart to do something small yet meaningful. I stopped by a local H-E-B and grabbed a few snacks and essentials—bottled water, granola bars, and hygiene products—before heading back to the River Walk to share them. It wasn’t much, but seeing a few smiles in return reminded me how even small gestures can make a difference. I'll never forget the lady with the crystal blue eyes and the soft, white hair.

Southbound for Baseball

Edinburg was calling, and I wasn’t going to miss it. Our son and his UTRGV baseball team had a big series against Lamar, the top-ranked team in their conference, at the time.

A big win on Friday, had me waking up eager to lace up my running shoes on Saturday morning, this time for a jog into downtown Edinburg. The air was warm, but not oppressive—spring in South Texas at its best. As I neared the city center, I quickly realized I had almost stumbled straight into a Fiesta parade. The streets were packed with families, floats, and performers, the energy infectious. There’s something about running through a city in the middle of its celebration that makes you feel alive. I hit 6 miles. The furthest I have run since early December.

The weekend only got better as the Vaqueros took the series win over Lamar.

Traveling as a runner means seeing places from a different perspective—taking in the quiet moments before a city wakes up, feeling the pulse of a town in the middle of a parade, and experiencing the highs of both sport and scenery. Whether it’s the art along the River Walk, the warmth of South Texas, or the joy of a well-fought baseball victory, there’s always something to savor along the way.

I Went Coastal - Welcome to 49.

Yesterday, I turned 49. It still feels a little surreal—one year away from the big 5-0—but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate than a little getaway to Port Aransas and Corpus Christi, thanks to my husband.

But first, I guess you could say my birthday weekend celebration started on Friday with a date to a beautiful Washington County winery with my eldest beauty. It was the quarterly Wine Club Pickup at Chapelton Vineyards. We enjoyed wine pairings and then sat on the balcony and watched the sunset over the vineyard. Enjoying things like that with her always makes me happy.

The rest of the weekend gifted me with the best of Texas coastal weather. Saturday and Sunday were clear, sunny, warm, and just breezy enough to remind me why the shore is one of my favorite places to be. There’s something about the sound of waves that resets everything, and I took full advantage of it—logging my daily miles with sand underfoot and salt in the air.

Monday and Tuesday, the fog rolled in thick, changing the whole mood of the coast. The world felt quieter, a little more mysterious, and honestly, I didn’t mind it. Every trip has its own rhythm, and this one shifted from sunshine to something softer, a reminder that even gray days have their own beauty.

One of the best parts? Getting to visit with my youngest beauty. Time with her is always a gift, and this trip was no exception. We laughed, caught up, and made memories that will carry me into this next year with a full heart.

Places we visited that are worth mentioning:

Port A Beer Hut - So fun to "hang" out on the swings at the bar. We had great bartenders both Saturday and Sunday.

San Juan Mexican Restaurant - It is our Go-To Breakfast spot! B gets migas every time and I change it up. My favorite is cheese enchiladas... yes, for breakfast.

Treasure Island Putt Putt in Corpus - Friendly little game on the Challenger Course. My daughter won, by a whole lot. Bonus: They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Snoopy's Pier - I just love this little place! Waterside dining, refreshing beverages, and great food.

MacDaddy's Family Kitchen - Never disappoints. On this trip B had BBQ chicken and turkey and I had a bowl of chili with cornbread. YUM.

Port Royal Ocean Resort - This is where we love to stay and have stayed for years. We are going back in July.

AND ON OUR WAY HOME, we most definitely had to stop at Los Patrones Mexican Grill in Burton, TX for my favorite Sangria Swirl Margarita!!!!

Cheers to 49 years!