Sunday, August 22, 2010

Back Home In NC

This is my final post on my trip blog.  Blossom and I aree back home.  Left Austin saturday about noon and got to Concord about 2 PM today.  Had a nice trip back, although it seemed to be hard to keep going; Blossom and I had to stop a couple of times along the way to catch some ZZ's during the night.  I guess I wasn't as motivated to keep traveling on the return trip as I was on the way there.  Good to be home, but I do miss the kids already.  I will post some of my pix in an album on Shutterfly and also in Facebook.  Thanks for traveling along.  Until next time...

TTFN

Friday, August 20, 2010

Stayed home

Not much to report.  Didn't really do much yesterday.  Drove over to Barton Creek Mall and browsed around; hadn't been there in years.  Just drove around and saw some scenery; amazing how the area changes so fast.  Did eat at Texadelphia and Popeye's; a couple of places I miss out in Charlotte !!

TTFN

Thursday, August 19, 2010

San Antonio

Enjoyed a wonderful trip down to the Alamo City yesterday and had a very enjoyable time.  had lunch at Jake's very favorite restaurant, the Rain forest Cafe>  I don't think he would ever get tired of going there, even though I don't think he goes there for the food. 

We next went to the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum for a browse around.  This was once located at the Lone Star Brewery when that was in San Antonio.  It is now in the area of the Alamo and has incorporated  a Texas Ranger Museum with it.  Both are very interesting with a lot of things to see.

For the final site in San Antonio we hopped on the trolley bus and rode it down to the Market Square.  We walked around and bought a few souvenirs (including some great Mexican pastries) and then headed back to Austin.  After dropping Mark off, Jen , Jake and I capped the day off with dinner at Catfish Parlor; scratch another eatery off my list.  Don't have much planned for today, so will see what happens

TTFN

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Lazy day

Yesterday was kind a "do nothing " day for me.  Jen had a doctors appointment, so we didn't plan much.  However, that does not mean that the day was totally lost !!  Jake, Mark and I went to the areas new Cabela's that is in Buda.  I have never been to a Cabela's store previously and it is quite an experience.  There is an Outdoor World (Bass Pro Shop) in Concord and merchandise-wise, they are on a par with them.  Where Cabela's shines is in the wildlife (uh, deadlife ?) displays.  The displays of trophy animals as well as every other animal imaginable is truly amazing.  They also have a large aquarium with fish from all over the western hemisphere.  Definitely a site worth seeing.  Ended the excursion by having a late lunch at Taco Cabana.  I can now scratch another Cen-Tex eatery off my list.  Planning on visit to the Alamo City for today, so will let you know tomorrow.

TTFN

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Touring Cen-Tex

Didn't do too much yesterday.  Headed south and Mark and Jen took me on a tour of their Campus of Texas State University.  This is a view of Bobcat Stadium on the campus, site, I am told, of some filming of " Friday Night Lights", and one of My favorite sports movies, "Unnecessary Roughness".  It is a beautiful campus and is determined to become a significant University in the country as well as  the state of Texas.  Thus the name change a few years ago from Southwest Texas State University.  Seems to be a tough task ahead with UT so close; but why not ?
 After leaving San Marcos to Gruene,Texas.  They credit themselves with being located just a short distance north of New Braunfels, and slightly behind the times.  Just a gathering for tourists with the shops they have; but it is home to Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.  Walls have seen a lot of "Two-Steppin' " I suspect in its days.  Also has the Gristmill Restaurant(Left) that we ate at.  It is an old mill that overlooks the river.  We didn't get much time to look at the shops , as was a little late when we got there.  But, all in all, a fun day. 

More to come
TTFN

Monday, August 16, 2010

I,m Here !!!

Well,I made it here to Texas.  I went thru Mobile, but I did not spent any time at the USS Alabama as I had originally planned.  The park was not going to be open for another hour yet, so I just left.  Did take some pictures of the Battleship from across the bay.  Also blew off the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge as the weather was kind of iffy.  I'm terrible about carrying out seeing these things I plan when I travel;  I get to0 anxious to keep on moving to the destination.  Got to Jen's Saturday evening about 7:00.  Did not do anything except get settled in and go to bed.  Yesterday I went to Matt's to visit with him and see my new Granddaughter.  What a doll !!!  With the head full of dark hair, the chubby checks and the ever-present smile; there is no doubt about "who's her Daddy".  Matt and family are staying with his grandmother until the end of the month.  Matt and family will be moving to south Austin in a week and his grandmother is moving to Iowa to stay with   Scott.

Mark and Jen are both in south Austin and attended TSU during the summer.  I think Mark is moving to a single apartment in Jen's complex as his lease is up and his roomie wants to move back to north Austin.

Got some BBQ at Rudy's on the way up to Matt's yesterday to share with them.  Last evening Jen bought Mark and I some great Tex-Mex at Trudy's.  Well, at lest I am getting the important things accomplished.   Today just planning on seeing some local sites, but Ill let you know more tomorrow.

TTFN

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Travelin' to Texas

Blossom and I are getting our gear packed .  I'm planning to keep this journal on our way to and from.  Planning on leaving Friday, August 13th (Oh-oh !!!) in the afternoon
TTFN
Rod