06/08/2026
I’m bypassing AI which is offering to help me write my post; things have surely changed and change doesn’t always come easy.
It’s been a while since we’ve talked so let’s sit for a while.
There have been a few losses lately, but they seem more dis-settling than in the past. Used to be things would happen and we would easily change direction, regroup, dust ourselves off, find a way and continue. It’s been different this year.
For those of you who have been to the winery, you know there is a very special boy who generally meets you, gives you the dreamy eyed look and if you were super lucky, he would sit on your feet to be certain you didn’t leave without giving him a pat and a kind word. Franklin, our cow dog, succumbed to a genetic issue and passed on. It’s been heartbreaking.
Additionally, there was the sudden loss of a dear friend. She had helped me decorate the winery and was a resounding encouragement. Still, I expect her to show up at the house or call me on the phone.
As a young girl, my Pastor and his wife molded my life to the point of packing me up and sending me to Bible College at the age of 16. Yes indeed, God used them and uses them till this very day. His wife passed away from a long arduous final journey. This too has a feeling of finality that is not the norm for me.
Last year we received a notice that our property was on a proposed route of a 765 kv power line. We went to a meeting carting our packet and walking from map to map, found our property and the line going across our place cutting it in half. Trying to wrap our heads around how could we have ended up in the possibility of “Eminent Domaine” we investigated the effects of a KV line of this magnitude and what it would do to our livestock, vineyard, bees, birds and the health and safety of our family and friends, then sent our concerns to Oncor. We left it in God’s hands and went on with our lives.
In February, this year, on a Thursday, we received 5 items in our mailbox. It was 2 packets from Oncor, 2 letters from attorneys offering their services and an all-cash offer from someone we had never heard of before. Round #2 had come to our door and to
the door of many of our neighbors. Then we were informed that our route was also the preferred route.
One Thursday, Jimmie loaded chairs from the winery for a community meeting regarding the 765 kv. After the meeting, we loaded them back up, grabbed dollar burgers in town, and headed home. That’s when he said we probably needed to go to
the ER. He was having a heart attack caused by a 99 percent blockage in the “widowmaker.” It was a miracle that he survived the helicopter ride. His recovery has been remarkable and, honestly, makes me a little jealous. His color is good, and he has
energy he had been missing for a long time—it feels like he’s gained 20 years, along with a facelift. Did I mention that he also got 2 new hips in February and March. It’s like the “Bionic Man”!
OK….let’s continue!
Erath County banded together. People became Pro Se Intervenors (that means you become your own attorney) with a crash course on following a very convoluted and confusing legal process. It was a 6-day hearing, listening to what Oncor had to say and around 4 of those days were attorneys stating their reasons why Oncor should take the route that goes thru our place and the Lingleville Community. Basically, said route is the least expensive. Not much else seems to matter…. but the money.
I would like to say that we have won the good fight, but the outcome should appear via snail mail sometime in mid-August.
Right now, my mind tells me that it’s just time to close this winery down and there are many other factors that support this pathway. My heart may be saying something else but it’s nearly impossible to book events when there is no guarantee that it will be useable and safe. Additionally, the future of the vineyard, without bees, beneficial birds and voltage running thru the metal H-braces and cable canopy line is not conducive to the type of product I choose to share with you and my own family. There’s just no guarantee that the winery will remain sustainable.
Starting today and until my license is up at the end of August, I will be moving inventory at 50%+ off. It will be by appointment only and any day of the week works except for the day we plan on going to Austin and appealing to the PUC and Governor Abbott. Call me at 254-592-3333 to make an appointment. Payment is limited to check or cash, and I’ll be providing you with a numbered invoice to keep all the entities in the loop.
I’ve loved every minute we’ve spent together and have had so much joy visiting with each of you thru the years.
Shelly
