Yesterday morning I knew Vince was chomping at the bit to go somewhere. He’s pretty much given up on getting me to go somewhere that’s just retail store after retail store so he suggested the Chicken House Flea Market in Stephenville.
Chicken Coop
It was miserably hot inside that huge coop and not quite so miserably hot outside.
Outdoor Flea Market
We had fun but didn’t buy much. I was tempted to consider this but Vince quickly put a stop to that idea.
Guineas
See that one on the right with her mouth wide open. That girl could scream and she never stopped. If I had one that made that much noise, I would not be happy. Seeing them convinced me that maybe I’ll find another method of controlling grasshoppers and snakes.
When we left the flea market we were hot, tired, thirsty and starving. We had several places we thought we might want to try but the first place we saw was Grumps. We didn’t have a clue what kind of restaurant it was but the parking lot was packed and it wasn’t a normal busy restaurant time so we said . . we’ll try it!
Grumps
We now know it’s the best burger joint ever and I’ve already gone online and written them and said “PLEASE come to Brownwood!”
Burger
The burgers were so good! So good that even though it’s about 70 miles from our house to there . . I’m tempted to go back for another one sooner rather than later.
Blue Bell
Here’s the sign on their ice cream bar. I’m afraid peaches and cream season is passing us by . . with no Blue Bell! 🙁
Vince and I were talking about it and decided it was probably January, 2014 since we’d been to Stephenville. We had talked to a solar company there before deciding to go with Longhorn Solar out of Austin. We remembered there was a big issue about putting wind turbines in Comanche County and it doesn’t seem like long ago that they were debating it but they’re everywhere now.
Wind Turbines
Vince said he wouldn’t be happy if he had to look out and see those but I think they’re kinda mesmerizing. It wouldn’t bother me but I don’t think we’ll ever see many of them here. We haven’t done our own research but they say we’re right on the edge where there isn’t enough wind to justify the cost. Now that we have solar, we wouldn’t do it anyway . . probably! 🙂
We had a fun day together . . enjoyed being out and letting the chores sit and wait for us!
Judy H says
My father helps people get those wind turbines….You for pay to get them – the companies pay you for the right to put them on your land. Many people in West TX are really turning a profit without doing anything but allowing the wind turbines on their land!
If I ever get to Stephenville, I’ll try to go to Grumps! It sounds yummy!
Judy Laquidara says
On a much smaller scale, individuals do put them up for power generation, similar to what we did with solar. There are a few of those around here but in our area, solar is a better choice.
I’m sure there are different arrangements but it seems like often, the space is leased by the companies putting them up — kinda like when cell towers, etc. are placed on your property.
Judy H says
Sorry, that should say you don’t pay to get them.
Sherrill says
Was Grumps WW friendly?!! HAHA When I drive thru Amarillo, I am always SO amazed at how MANY wind turbines are there. Seems like they just go on forever! I’ve heard they are very noisy (but haven’t ever been that close). Too bad we don’t utilize more wind and solar nationwide.
Diana says
About your ice cream “problem” – lol
Have you ever heard of or tried Graeters? They’re based in Cincinnati, where I’m from, and have just started branching out in Krogers stores around the country. The BEST IMHO. (It was even one of Oprah’s fave things once-not that I care about stuff like that). The closest one to me in CA is about 250 miles away – and there are times when I’ve been tempted. Every once in a while for w special occasion my bff in Cin will send me some. It’s that good. Just thought I’d mention it in light of your Blue Bell problem – I’ve never had Blue Bell so can’t compare I just know how good Graeters is.
Peg H says
We have a lot of wind farms near us; seems like we have to drive through several just to get from our little town to somewhere bigger. I don’t like them. I feel like we’re driving through fields of invading space aliens or something and they *really* creep me out. We hope to do solar when we move back to the southwest! And to Diana from Cincinnati, we have Graeter’s in our little town (right next door to the best BBQ I’ve ever had!). Graeter’s is really really good. But I gotta tell ya … Blue Bell really is better – especially their Homemade Vanilla. I’ve yet to find any vanilla made by any company that tastes like Blue Bell. My next favorite brand is Jeni’s but they’re temporarily closed again for the same listeria problem Blue Bell has been having. And they’re really a specialty ice cream company, not mainstream for us regular folk. 🙂
Carol says
We just stopped at Grumps in Burleson on the way to Austin on Friday. Been there quite a few times and always a good burger. The first time a friend and I were going to the quilt shop there (very nice) and asked about a good place to eat nearby. Have been back several times now. I think the owner we talked to said the Stephenville location was their first one, then opened the Burleson one. My husband really likes their onion rings. Wish they would open one on the north side of the DFW metroplex. Or maybe not! And yes, we are waiting for Blue Bell as well…….and those wind turbines are popping up all over central Texas. A company wants to run lines across our property for some very close to us and so far my husband has denied them access….but imagine they will do it regardless.
Debra says
On my way from MO to TX, I saw the sign for the flea market but didn’t stop..darn it!
Mary says
Grumps is great! Unfortunately, I moved from the Burleson area and there isn’t one close. We first had a Grump’s burger in Granbury. They need to come to Dallas county.
Diana G says
Isn’t it great when you find a new place to eat that you actually want to go back to again and again. I love finding those out of the way places and having a good meal.
Some people wouldn’t touch that with a 100ft pole . Oh well their loss!!
Be glad you didn’t get those Guineas-they screech all the time. A friend has a neighbor who has them roaming wild on his property-I asked him if he knew how to cook Guinea, he said no but the owners have been told about them running all over the neighborhood and waking people up who sleep during the day. One neighbor did make Guinea BBQ not sure how they tasted -didn’t want to ask.
Linda Steller says
OMG. My ex sister-in-law had guinea hens. I would go out of my mind every time I went out to their place to visit. Those bird never shut up!
katie z. says
I have a different perspective on guineas. We owned them for a while, and they free ranged our little area. We have 22 houses in the area, each of 3-5 acres, and everyone but one house loved them. The tick management was something no spray can compete with.
They can be noisy, but what you experience at an auction is a bird under extreme stress. They make that noise all the time because they’re afraid. That being said, they do make a racket anytime anything approaches the property. We were used to it after several summers.
But, hey, they may not be a good fit for you, and that’s okay too!
Linda Smith says
Did you check out the Quilt Shop in Stephenville? I think it is called “The Flying Needle.” I have a couple of cousins living in Stephenville. I’ve always wondered what the shop is like.
Theresa says
There are guinea fowl at the Los Angeles Arboretum, I never heard them scream. I think they let the peacocks do it for them.