A while back, my daughter got a bee in her bonnet that she wanted to go fishin’ with her grandpa in Texas. I’m not sure from where the idea came, since she’d never been fishing, but once an idea gets in her head, it’s stuck! So on our Spring Break Texas trip, Papa Charlie was determined his granddaughter would get that dream! Since his pond water level was so low and has only minnows and baby catfish, he called his friends from the neighboring ranch to see if we could fish at their lake. They graciously said yes. Head back to Texas with me, and meet the Hogans, a most inspiring couple, doing what they can to create a retreat for wild birds almost lost to the native Texas hill country.
Isn’t it wonderful to meet such fantastic folks with clear visions of their hopes and dreams?!?! What great examples for your daughter…Being that I know how much work is involved in keeping my gardens and property in order (we live on ONE acre), I can appreciate the Hogan’s efforts. Simply beautiful!
The front of Barry and Liz’s home is a masterpiece of re-purposing. Seeing how much two people can accomplish is refreshing and stimulating for us all!
Thank you for the visit, Nicole!
Jan, aren’t they amazing? My family has commented for years how we miss seeing the wild quail everywhere…when I was small there was never a weekend without many a sighting. My father’s property is named Quail Run because the birds used to be so prolific. I too, admire how Barry and Liz share their dreams and efforts with their family, and their friends. I feel so fortunate to have met them. Thank you for reading and commenting, Jan. -Nicole
The most inspiring article I have read in years. The Hogan’s are an inspiration for all to garden and be proactive with our environment.
Ann, Thank you so much. – Nicole
Wow, Nicole, the Hogans are an inspiration to us all. I’m pretty much a city girl, but this (and Farmgirls) inspire me to try and do my part. Thanks for the great story.
Thank you! Remember what MaryJane always says…"Farmgirl is a condition of the heart." One of my favorite ‘farmgirls’ lives smack dab in New York City! Bloom where you are planted. -Nicole
Hi Nicole,
I echo the other gals sentiments that the Hogans are truly an inspiration! I can NOT imagine 400+ acres! WOW! I guess what they say- everything’s bigger in Texas is true, both in the size of their ranch and the size of their hearts in trying to make the future brighter for all!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and lovely pictures!
Hugs,
Laurie
Thank you for the comment Laurie! The Hogans do have big, wonderful hearts! Hugs right back to you. -Nicole
As you can see, Quail Run is very fortunate to be next door to the Hogan Ranch. We get so many benefits plus living and knowing such fine and interesting people. In Texas, we are able to work with Texas Parks And Wildlife and establish your ranch as a wildlife management area. Quail Run has been a part of this program for some six years and the Hogan Ranch really helps. Really enjoyed your visit looking forward to another visit soon Maybe you and Audrey can meet some of the other interesting ranch owners, next time, too.
Love Dad & Karen
Dad, We are still talking about our trip! It couldn’t have been better. Missing you and Karen, and all of your wonderful friends. Thank you again for everything…so much of my love and knowledge of nature and gardening is directly from you. Love, Nicole
Nicole, what a great article, and what a wonderful couple. This was a great treat for your daughter as well, to learn at such an early age about helping to replenish what we take from this earth. Be Blessed.
Vivian, thank you! It was truly a treat to visit them. -Nicole
Thank you so much for sharing this glorious retreat. I was fascinated with the size of the garden and then the birds. I hope the Hogans can make their dream come true and create a place open to the public.
Maxine, thank you for reading and commenting. Looking at those bird and water pictures is so relaxing. It was Heaven to be there. -Nicole
Wow!Next time I’m in Texas I’d love to meet this couple. They are sure stewards of the earth. I love Texas and I love New England. Minnesota has a little bit of both. Your photos are great!
Thank you so much, Bonnie! Minnesota is actually on my list of states I want to visit, as well. I’ve met so many wonderful people from there, including a very dear penpal. -Nicole
Your dad called and asked to come over to take Audrey fishing and of course we were excited to get to see him and Karen and meet Audrey. What a thrill that it has been to meet you and MaryJane’s Farm and see this on your wonderful blog site. We are so isolated and we work so intently on our sustainable nature vision that we do not get much feedback or reflection. Your readers comments are humbling and it feels so good to tap into so many folks that have similar interests and values. Please come back anytime and send friends. You and your friends are welcome in Texas.
Dear Barry and Liz, Thank YOU so much for your wonderful hospitality and valuable time you spent with us. Audrey and I had an amazing visit with you, and you and Liz are such lovely, incredible people. You both are so inspiring! Keep up all the wonderful things you do…and I look forward to keeping in touch, seeing you all again, and "checking in" on how the birds and gardens are doing! Much love, Nicole
They seemed like wonderful folks! What a great story about them. Thanks for sharing their lives with us!