RANCHO LOMITAS

    After what seemed like a long gray winter, spring has finally arrived, and the brush country will soon explode with leaves and blossoms.  The tour season is getting into full swing as people want to get outside and be part of the reawakening.

    I was honored to be the guest "chef" at the February meeting of the Native Plant Project in Weslaco, Texas.  I prepared numerous dishes using ingredients from native plants including mesquite, nopal, yucca, and chapote (Texas persimmon).  The creations ranged from a cocktail made with tequila, orange juice, and the juice of the tuna (prickly pear) to braised chicken with yucca flowers, shallots, and porcini mushrooms to chapote nut bread.  All attending were able to sample one or two dishes.

    This past week I finally went to see an architect regarding the new building project here at the ranch.  Hopefully, we will have plans completed soon with construction to follow.

    The pond is completed, as well as a new six acre pasture for our longhorns, Belle and Starr, both of whom are expectant mothers.  Benito has already started landscaping around the pond, and he and Jim have determined the best sites for blinds to watch the birds.  Jim has reported seeing the first birds at the new pond, a pair of killdeer.

    Until next time, get outside and enjoy the wonders of spring!