May 1, 2013 - San Antonio, TX

Wed, 01 May: Can you believe it is already May? We're heading to summer folks and todays hot and sultry Texas weather confirms that. But, be of good cheer, a cooling trend is on the way. Today we "rotated our tires" by driving. After a week in the Escapees Hondo park we, along with the Davilas, headed out. Our "trek" was a mere 60 miles while Carmen and Domingo are heading to Livingston, TX, just shy of 300 miles east of here. Our trip was along US 90 east to the 1604 (Outer) Loop Road and then local streets to the San Antonio Elks Lodge....

Apr 30, 2013 - San Antonio - April

The month went way too fast! Between doctor appointments and more doctor appointments we was able to fit in seeing some of our friends and bowling as well. And most of the news was good - Fran's back was the only problem but think it will be ok since we know what the pain has been coming from. Every Tuesday we would sub for the league at Brunswick 1000 Oaks and Fran was also able to sub for her "old" team on Thursday and Ken bowled with the guys. We had our hair appointments with Patti (so now we look good again). And the "mini-nav" also...

Apr 25, 2013 - San Antonio, TX

We are in San Antonio Texas for Fiesta Days. Attending tons of Fiesta events. First we Toured the Alamo, then to the El Mercado Market Square for a great Mexican lunch and a walk around the Fiesta, then on to tour the 2 Missions San Jose and Conception, and a great ending to our first day at the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. A free day the next day, then on 3rd day we tour the SAS Shoe Factory which still hand stiches there shoes and made in American. These are confortable high end shoes, some Norstrom sell them. I had to buy a few pairs...

Apr 23, 2013 - San Antonio, Texas

We arrived at our hotel in San Antonio around 5:30pm and got settled before going exploring and finding supper. The next day, we headed out once again and explored the River walk. There was so much wildlife along the river walk and so much activity happening. So much fun to sit at a sidewalk table, having lunch, and people watching. In the afternoon we took a tour boat along the river walk and heard some of the history of the river walk. Then we went and saw the Alamo and had supper. After that we went back to the hotel and got ready for...

Apr 19, 2013 - Toilet Seat Museum

San Antonio, TX. Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum is quite unique. Each seat (there are 1069 at present)is numbered, photographed, and cataloged. Etched into the back of each seat is a numerical code, documentation about the materials used for decoration, the work's particular inspiration, and information about who donated the seat materials. There is a seat for each state and, after signing the guest book, Barney has visitors sign their state seat. He then etches over the names so they are permanent. The seats are extremely varied....

Apr 19, 2013 - San Antonio River Walk - One

We have always wanted to see the San Antonio River Walk, and with few exceptions, everyone who has been there just 'raves' about it. So we journeyed about 60 miles into San Antonio, found a parking lot for $5 per day, and walked 1 1/2 blocks to enter the stairway down to the river. The area here is an engineering marvel, and if you love to walk, and people watch, well.....this is the place for you! So instead of rambling on and on and on.........here are some pictures for you. Mike and Nancy

Apr 18, 2013 - Natural Bridge

San Antonio, TX. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state of Texas. This is a living cave system so it is very humid(99%)and was a warm 77 degrees. Since it rained on us while getting there and the wind was strong and cold, the cave was a welcome change. We hiked down steep switchbacks to 180' below ground level, past stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, chandeliers and soda straws. The caverns were quite large and the formations impressive. After lunch, we switched our attention to 400 acre Natural...

Apr 17, 2013 - Gruene

San Antonio, TX. Gruene (pronounced green), Texas was established in 1845. Once a significant cotton-producing community along the Guadalupe River, the economy is now supported primarily by tourism. We were happy to help out. There are a number of shops to explore including Fickle Pickle's Antiques, Cotton Eyed Joe's, Gruene with Envy, Pookie Jane's, Tipsy Gypsy (surprisingly a clothing store), Rusty Bugs & Roosters, and The Grapevine (free samples of wine). We loved the names. We also perused the aisles of the General Store where we...

Apr 16, 2013 - Alamo time!

San Antonio, TX. Tour guide Keelan did herself proud today as she negotiated the tangled web of interstates and expressways to get us to downtown San Antonio. She pointed out that in that same amount of time she could be in an entirely different state if she still lived in Rhode Island. Her new home has been quite an adjustment. We went first to the Alamo. Since it is not very large and is completely surrounded by modern buildings, we were able to see it all quite efficiently. From there we walked over to the Riverwalk. Since it is in the...

Apr 15, 2013 - Missing season

San Antonio, TX Back in Nebraska people are still dealing with hail, snow and cold temperatures - winter conditions. In Texas the trees are completely leafed out, there are Texas Bluebonnets in the roadside ditches, dandelions have already fuzzed, lawns have been mowed, roses are starting to fade and the temps are in the 90's - SUMMER! What happened to spring? We seem to have missed it. To try to take the edge off our disappointment in missing spring, we found a 25' high rocking chair, a huge catfish and a remarkable store. This store had...

Apr 1, 2013 - Travel day - San Antonio

Well we finally came to the day to head home - back to San Antonio! We will miss our coach house and our friends but time to move on. The day was perfect for traveling - no winds and dry roads, two things that make for a good travel day. We arrived at Fort Sam Houston FamCamp and Baker put us on our favorite row - all is good. Until the next time please stay safe and have fun. God Bless Ken and Fran

Apr 1, 2013 - San Antonio (Alamo, River Walk, and Japanese Gardens)

We found ourselves with a day in San Antonio. We parked early and walked to The Alamo - only to find we were a half hour before opening time (9:00 AM). We took the River Walk and headed west - headed for The Market Place. It was a mile away. Upon arrival we found that IT didn't open until 10 AM. Electing not to wait, we walked back towards The Alamo and discovered a home (small, 2-room) once lived in by O'Henry. We were both surprised to learn of his conviction for embezzlement - while working in a bank trying to supplement his writer's...