Texas bluebells

Recently our daughter told us that a local grocery store had Blue Bell ice cream on sale. We spent the rest of the day talking about making an ice cream run — but never did. It’s just Too Hot to get out! So I sketched these bluebells instead.

Originally the Brenham Creamery Company, the famous Texas ice cream brand was changed to Blue Bell in 1930, named for this elusive Texas wildflower. A friend of mine sent me photos of blue bells she found growing on her property.

Blue Bell is back

People around here celebrated ice cream yesterday with the return of Blue Bell to store shelves after several months' absence. The three flavors offered sold out in most if not all locations around Brenham, Houston, and Austin. We did not really need ice cream, as we are both trying to eat a bit healthier, but we joined others in supporting Brenham's largest employer. They have always been good to the community and their employees; local people are now trying to give back to them.

early morning eye appointment & Blue Bell

This morning I had an early appointment to have the pressure in my eyes rechecked. Two weeks ago, it was running a bit high for my normal levels so Dr. Horton added an additional eye drop prescription. Good news: it is working to bring the pressure down.

I sketched the obligatory office potted plant while waiting to see her. Overheard two ladies discussing a message one of them received on her phone that HEB (local grocery store) had run out of Blue Bell already . . . at 8:30 in the morning!

Today is the first day the locally-based ice cream company has been allowed to sell their product following  a total shut-down of several months, during which they totally dismantled and cleaned all equipment in their creameries. There had been an unknown source of contamination found in a small number of product.

Following my appointment, I went to HEB to make sure, as Bill was expecting me to bring some home. Turns out it was just a rumor and they had plenty --- being handed out personally by the company's head executives who were thanking everyone for supporting them through their crisis.