San Antonio

It was beautiful, magical, and wasn't part of a Disney production. That would have been a very fun carriage ride through town. It was wonderful just to see it.
The cool red tunnel under the riverwalk. It's good to have a tour guide to show you all the little things you would have missed.
These very cool fountains in front of the Cathedral. Don't ask me it's name, don't remember. Only walked passed it. Can you tell the fountains are only drilled holes in pavers and then a small moat surrounds to recycle the water. Beauty and function again.
I believe this is Lady Justice? Correct me if I am wrong. Very large and very cool fountain.

River Walk Randomness

This was a gorgeous outdoor punched tin or copper lamp. It is gorgeous. I knew if I got a good picture Angie could make it for me when I got home!
I met a friend who invited me in for a little treat. We were beat and needed a little fortification.
These stairs, another example of beautiful artistry and function meeting. Charming Villa.
This bridge crosses over to the outdoor theater which was featured in a recent movie, but I do not remember which one? Ask Jenny.
Across the river from the stage were benches in amphitheater arrangement.

River Walk

Had heard about the river walk but was unsure what it was like. Thought of it more as a wilderness walk...
Then found out it has more of a Venice feel to it. But, the river was clean.
I think this would make an awesome puzzle. Just enough color and blandness to torture. But the entire walk and there are varying routes you can take, is lined with cafe's and little Bistro's to sip your day away.
The artistry in the architecture was tastefully done. Jenny loved the copper awning of this shop.
The river meanders and so do the boat tours. Skillful in a tiny space is what came to my mind that day of the tour driver.

The Alamo

This is the traditional building front that we are all so accustomed to seeing. The strange thing is that all of this is in the heart of downtown. In some of the pictures you will see office buildings in the background. We took the speed tour of the Alamo with Jenny and just happened to be there on day one of their 176th Anniversary of the start of the battle.
Thought this would be a good reminder to me to see this Millstone. Remember Jesus saying better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be thrown in the water than cause a child to sin? This is not the kind of Bling I want to be wearin".
Here is the infirmary for the Alamo. Count them 1,2,3 skinny beds. Yikes!
The obligatory picture to prove we were there!
My favorite kind of leading picture. It was 85 degrees out at 5:30 pm and I think home temps were around 35?

Scenes along the way...

We waited until the day of the trip to choose our route. There were many strange storms here and there so our best path was through California. Hitting the open road in the daytime is just plain thrilling. The sky was so large and gorgeous. We are traveling in Oregon south of Portland in this picture.
The road starts climbing and we can see traces of snow and cinders on the highway, but our way was clear. Also pictured is a small miniature rose plant that we are taking to Jenny in Texas. Part of our early birthday celebration.
Then the Mountains started popping up in the scenery. We are in California now and Mt.Shasta is just beginning to say hello.
Every turn brought us closer and you keep thinking... it can't get better than this? Right?
Just unbelievable. There had been a snow storm the day before, thus the fresh snow in Oregon as well as northern CA. This was almost like a reverse honeymoon trip for us. Of course the mountain looked a little different in August, but beautiful none the less.

Friends Along the Way

Julie's first garden growing vegetables, broccoli and artichokes looking good.
Stayed up late chatting and getting a tour of the house. Worked on a puzzle til crosseyed. It was a great visit. A little too short, but sweet!
Rick and Kateylyn before we hit the road. Life goes too fast, glad we got detoured to Phoenix!
Seeing Julie's house really got me homesick for the Southwest. Wonder if it will be in our future?
Wow, Julie has her own Orange tree and they tasted sooooo sweet. I ate 2 and left 2 for Jenny.

Time with Jenny and Sakura, the new granddog

We always seem to have black pets that are hard to photograph. This is a rare photo that shows
Sakura actually has two eyes!
I am not sure I can make this out. Sakura is enjoying a new liver mousse treat in her kong ball.
This is the way Jenny and Megan protect their toes from the fierce puppy teeth!
One of her favorite Christmas presents was an Orca sent by Angie. She loves to play fetch with it and will even bring it back.
Bob and Terry gave us a ride to Jenny's and met the fierce beast. It is nice to have a loving neighbor around the corner (10 min. away) in a big city.