March 16, San Antonio TX, Day 16, Palm Sunday, at a Comfort Inn three blocks from Riverwalk

Did I mention two days ago at LBJ’s Ranch it was 93 degrees.

We were 30 miles from downtown and the Alamo. We found parking lots a block from the Alamo and off we go. The line to get in was wrapped around the block as it was early. Across the street was the trolley. It is an hour tour of the city highlights. If one has never been there before take it if you have been here and to the missions don’t bother. The guide mentioned that the cattle drives went from here up the Chisholm Trail, now I-35, up to Kansas City. This area still produces more cattle than any other state.

So it is time to eat again. We were right next to the Menger Hotel on the Alamo Plaza built 1857 so we decided to eat there. It turned out to be a buffet; I think I ate my weight in boiled shrimp, Shirleen three desserts. If your there on a Sunday take it in and what good coffee. http://mengerhotel.com/

From here we went to the San Fernando Catherdral for the Palm Sunday service at 2 pm. What a nice 1.5 hour service church was built in 1758. The paintings and murals were good enough to visit again. While walking around the church after the service, I noticed a plaque which designated that spot, center of alter area, as the center of San Antonio, declared by the city father's. They sang the Passion, had an Oboe accompany the choir. Makes one think, we are thanking an individual wh sacraficed his life for us, we should think about honoring those who serve us in all capacities.

Lady with a woven palm, there were many items for sale around the Cathedral.

We then went through the Alamo. Another old thick walled building, 187 Texans killed, women and children lived through it. A nice shrine for the event, much like the USS Arizona in Hawaii. a 138 year old live oak in the center of the compound with large twisted branches, one was supported by two 3 inch pipes.

Now off to find a hotel. We found one in our Choice Hotels book and we asked for directions from OnStar, a mile away. This hotel is a converted jail, five stories high neat idea and blocks from the river walk.

Off to the River Walk for dinner. If you have never walked this, it is worth the time. We strolled down the walk. People of all types, many baby strollers, teens texting, people attending conventions, like the time we were there. We looked for a restaurant that had Mexican and American foods, Zuni Grill met the menu. We were seated outside for people watching, took about an hour to eat, Shirleen a filet presented on a mound of mash potatoes and grilled vegetables and a cabernet. I a Shrimp Quesadilla – see Abbigale, it had shrimp inside with cheese and five grilled large shrimp, black beans, Mexican rice and tomatoes with cilantro, just delicious and accompanied with two Margaritas one a blue one a regular. They actually dye the river green the weekend and day of St. Patrick.

After this we walked down the walk and found the off steps to Houston street and back to the hotel. jerr

More pixs to come - March 15, Fredericksburg to New Braunfels TX, Day 15, Saturday

Today we explore Fredericksburg. We start at the Nimitz and Pacific War Museum. Well it took 2.5 hours to go through as it is broken up into many parts. The first surprise that I had was that back in 1913 Nimitz was in the submarine force and had changed the power from gasoline to diesel, this was a first for me. Then to my surprise in the mid 50’s he back Rickover to change the propulsion from diesel to nuclear power.


It brought to mind the e-mail I received this last week, the loss of a shipmate from my USS Tecumseh 628 SSBN era, Chief Henry Espinosa in Albuquerque NM. He was a quiet man these Dolphins for him. Back in the mid 90’s I attended a meeting in Albuquerque and so did the subvets group. It turned out I meet Henry there and we had a good time reminiscing. Now he is on Eternal Patrol, we wish him smooth sailing.

The Japanese built a nice outside Garden, quiet and peaceful. It was a gift to Nimitz for his the Japanese commander he fought against but was in recognition of his help to mend the nation.

There was a garden that recognized the fallen men who’s family or loved one put there. It surprised me that there were 52 submarines and 6,000 people.

Then time for lunch at Wheeler’s – Real Cooking, Shirleen had the smoked sausage, a tender juicy sausage with kraut and red cabbage, I the brat, hers was better, mine good. Accompanied by a good piece of caraway bread.

Then off to Comfort Texas, for a mission for Denis W. We were headed to New Braunfels but made this side trip, then back through Fredericsburg through Blanco and then Comfort. What a nice ride through the hills.

We arrived at a picturesque small town. Full of activity with a main street three small blocks long. We found Ignatius who guided us to the two sites,

The Founding Freethinkers and Denny W. Double click on the picture for a big picture then right click and print or save it, if you want me to e-mail the pic I will.

It turned out that the man who did the monument for the Freethinkers died a couple years ago and the store he owned next to it burned down. There is a Historical Society, even though the town has about 1,500 people.

the Monument of the Union, the only Union monument in Texas. It had as one of the names Schreiner, like the ones in the JP's.

We stopped at the Wild Flowers Garden, Shirleen bought a neat purse hook to let the purse hang from the table at a restaurant and not on the floor, we had seen one in Dallas Art Museum.

Now cross country to New Braunfels. We ate at Montana Mike’s close-by, Shirleen a filet, sweet potato and I a small sirloin, half order of ribs and green beans. Ok but nothing different. - jerr

March 14, Austin, Crawford LBJ Ranch and Fredericksburg TX, Day 14, Friday

Today looks like a easy day. We went to Umlaf Sculpture Garden http://www.umlaufsculpture.org/ , this man was a teacher at the University of Texas. It has about 130 sculptures in outside walking path. Many nudes, both sexes, and a heavy bending toward religious, two Pieta’s and a couple John the Baptist. Some of the sculptures are lifelike, some drawn with terror, some rough textures. He mentioned in a short tape that he did not believe in the organization of churches and religion but he thinks highly of the people who believe. Is statues are in Turkish rose onyx, white marble, stone, woods – mahogany, redwood, bronze, one bronze piece electroplated with gold, bronze covered in clay and terra cotta, chiseled limestone and concrete. Sure I missed some. Besides the people, he did a number of animals. As you can see I really like this exhibit. Flo, the lady that volunteered today was recovering from the removal of blood clots, in her legs and somewhere else. She is on Coumadin and is having a rough time putting things together, she had a couple lapses when we were there, hope she gets better.

We then headed a couple blocks away to the Zilker Botanical Garden is located in the center of Austin. http://www.zilkergarden.org/. As you enter the parking lot, they have a large stone image of the state of Texas. This place is a must see. The rose garden, other flowers galore and in bloom, beautiful color. There are some sculptures in the garden, one the top belfry of a local school, the front entry of a mansion of brick with a large eight foot hole in the center which looked to the town, and the old city aluminum street lights mid 30’s. Adds character to the garden, as Shirleen says and I agree.

In the garden is another garden The Taniguci Japanese Garden. http://taniguchigarden.org/. A multilayered garden with intertwining paths. Much to look at, my biggest find was 18 to 24 inch Koi, whites, gold, orange and light blues. A unique water garden that spells AUSTIN with each pond. It is stylistic and hard to see because it runs for 40 feet or so. We walked the trails and took in the beauty of it all.

We stopped at a Jim’s Restaurant in Bee Cove outside of Austin. Shirleen had a ood tasting cup of cheese soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich, I a 3 Cheese Enchilada’s covered with Carne (Chili without beans), a side of refried beans, chopped lettuce with a spicy tomato, jalapeño pieces for a spicy accompaniment. There were two flour tortillas and I didn’t know what to do with them so I asked for butter not spread and ate them like bread.

Off to Fredericksburg with an intermediate stop at Stonewall Texas at LBJ’s "Texas White House" Ranch situated by the rippling waters of the Pedernales River, and shaded by a massive 400-year-old oak trees. it is now being cared for by the National Parks and State Parks in tandem. The property has been given to the US after the death of Lady Bird.

The 700 acres or so, has Hereford beef cattle, around 140 of them now from the original blood line of LGJ. There are deer and antelope running on the ranch. We took the bus, as you can’t get to the ranch with out it. The house he was born in has been reconstructed and has a breeze way through the center width of the house. The formal house that they lived in until he died had 28 rooms and 9 bath rooms. Again there were the two old live oaks around the front of the house.

We visited the Johnson Family Cemetery where his settler grandparents, parents, sisters and Lady Bird and he. It is fenced in by a low stone wall, canopied by three or four live oaks. The Presidents gravestone is the largest and Lady Birds is marked by a bouquet of flowers until the stone arrives in the next couple months. Must be a Government job. What a serene setting under the shade and river running close by.

We did find a place to stay this evening, at an Econ Lodge, not bad, expected worse. We ate at Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn, suggested by a volunteer at LBJ’s. She was an ex MN and knew Kaiserhoff in New Ulm and mentioned a couple of volunteers from NU. We were settling in on Vienner Schnitzel, turns out it was pork schnitzel, Shirleen had broiled Shrimp and Spaetzles, I had the Jaeger Schnitzel with the mushrooms on the side and an order of sauerkraut. First a cup of cabbage soup followed by an enormous salad and two Bitberger’s and a cabernet, now came the food. We were surprised the spaetzle were run through a press that made them the same diameter as spaghetti? But only a couple inches long and braised in butter. It was there way not what we were used to. Food was good but will look for a real Vienner (veal) not pork. Till later - Econo Lodge Fredericksburg for this eve. jerr

March 13, Austin TX, Day 13, Thursday

Today we start at the LBJ Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum. This museum is on the campus of the University of Texas. The first two levels have collects of the office. We strolled along the items, a lot of movie clips, plenty of paintings. The neat one, I thought was a Norman Rockwell painting of Lady Bird Johnson. Her name was given to her by a nurse maid of the house and stuck throughout her lifetime. But, the president was born in Johnson TX, yes named after his grandfather who built his home there. There are five floors of historical documents and above them another floor of exhibit. The most impressive item for me was a gold, diamond encrusted with emeralds on a sword and scabbard. It was given by a Saudi. This had a massive staircase of limestone that was really impressive, I suppose it was made after the man who was massive himself.

They steered us to a neat café, Hoover’s Cooking at

http://www.hooverscooking.com/ .
It is located in a small strip mall, heavily frequented, looked like 120 people or so could eat there. The tables are lined with brown butcher paper. Food comes out on a plastic serving platter and was rated by Zagat as a Soul food restaurant. Shirleen’s Spinach Salad had other vegetables and smoked mushrooms. I, a Catfish Po’ Boy, more like a Lobster roll, it had finely chopped lettuce with a light mayo, chopped pieces of tomato with a nice sized portion of fish. Coffee was a good good cup to sip on.

Off to the Capitol. We could see it but it was not easy to see where to park. Let’s start at a different letter of the states name TEXAS, I pick A as ASTEX, this comes from the many things they have the word encircled on, many items and that’s when I came up with the idea of starting with a different letter. The most different item at the capitol was the door hinges. They were about 8 X 4 and had the words Texas Capitol.

The use of marble, rich woods, pecan, oak and walnut plus others refinished Senate tables and chairs, nice to see the keep the old philosophy. The couple next to us asked where we were from, I said Mankato, and she said I go to school at the College, small world. Bob our guide has been doing it for 6 months; another guy was following us with a pad and pencil. Ask if he was auditioning for the job, he said yes, he liked to volunteer. They talked about the six flags that flew over Texas and the battle of San Jacinto with Sam Houston. Shirleen reminded me that we had had a luncheon with Ann Richards who was governor of the State at that time, of course there were hundreds of others.

A lot of history I never learned and now too much at one time. As we were sitting in the senate chambers, I noticed a neat tattoo on the arm of the guy sitting down next to us. I gently got up and took the pix, everyone that sports a tattoo should have their state outline on them somewhere, preferably on there exposed arm like him.

Well we had time to try and squeeze in another activity, Lady Bird Johnsons Wildflower Center. She, as we remember was famous for her push in Beautifying America. This was a nicely put together stone structures and pea gravel paths. I noticed a couple plant beds that had pea size glass bottle fragments. This reminded me of the time I was at Texas A & M in 1974, they had just made a tar road with a glass similar to this size in it. John K. and I went to look for the road as it had just been mentioned on TV before we left Mankato. There were a number of wildflowers blooming, the state flower Bluebonnet, a ground cover. And one tree which we found out was a mountain laurel tree, purple flowers on the picture.

Then the Texas Land and Cattle restaurant again, Shirleen the Cowgirl rib eye, I a half order of Ribs. Decent meal but enough I enough. I had wanted to find Austin Land and Cattle Co. missed it this trip, sometime later. Jerr

Anouncement

I have saved this spot for the following announcement of my loving sister Mary's grandson.

Henry William was born at 10:45 a.m. this morning! He weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz and was 20 3/4".

We welcome him to the great human race and our family. As I don't use last names, I must admit, he is also from one side my great great nephew and from the other my great nephew, I think. Anyhow as you see there is a connection between the two families besides Mary's marriage to Dan.

Our Love to Him, Emily and Luke,

Jerr and Shirleen

March 12, Dallas to College Station and Manor (Austin) TX, Day 12, Wednesday

We had heard about a suspension bridge in the heart of Waco. It was well kept and had lights strung over the cables. The company that made the cables for the Brooklyn Bay bridge made these. In the beginning, mid 1870’s it was a toll bridge for people, wagons and herds of cattle for about 40 years. Later it was opened and another bridge built alongside this one without fees. We walked across the wood planks of the bridge in the sunlight and new warmth of the day. A couple other families were there also. Two other memorials were there also, one to police officers who had lost there life protecting the populace. The other one for the Vietnam Vets who had given there lives for us.

What a nice surprise to find Dr Pepper soda’s home place at Waco also. There is no period after Dr because when they went to the present script it looked like a semi-colon behind Dr. The external of the building is just antique looking. There was many pieces of memorabilia shown, old bottles, a capping machine made in Milwaukee WI. The night before we went to see it, I noticed that Cadbury Schweppes was going to form two companies and all beverages were going into the Schweppes Company. Guess chocolates and beverages didn’t go together well. Actually they were worried about the banks who were putting together another company with them; there must be a better explanation on the web. It is fun to see the old stuff.

We ate at IHOP, Shirleen egg’s and sausage with hash browns, I a migas, a scrambled egg with jalapeños, green bell peppers, onions and fried corn tortilla. Must have been Mexican, but hot and spicy and good for a Northerner.

Across the street was a cemetery, so why not stop in for a look around, yes it was old, back into the late 1700’s for birthdates. A couple of markers where the tree stump design, some mid-1800’s where old brick built up to a height that looked like the body was on the ground. We saw a long double row of markers that had CSA on the bottom of the marker. The next day we found the true inscription meaning Confederate States of America, found this at the Capitol in Austin. The cemetery was called “The First Street Cemetery” first cemetery in Waco.

So where now, change of plan, to College Station to go through the President George Bush Sr. Museum. We pulled in mid afternoon and as we entered we had to go through a shakedown, but not at Truman and Eisenhower’s museums? More history through the eye’s of the followers, nicely laid out, but they tried to shake us down for a picture of us in the oval office’s Presidents chair. It is a nice museum, housed on Texas A & M University (A&M, Agriculture and Military) I had been to the campus in 1974 and don’t remember where we even stayed but yes we stayed on campus. The gifts from other nations is fun to look at. Quilt is "Vase of Flowers"

I have included a pix of elephants for Michelle to see, most with trunks up. We then took a stroll around the pond leading to the grave of Barbara and George’s daughter; it is also the spot where they will be buried. A quiet place a little away from the hustle and bustle of the campus. We saw a family fishing at the pond, first time for them. He was teaching Spanish at A&M. the little girl said that after we walk around we stop back to see them. She sure was sweet, well most are when they are young.

Off to Austin we were guided by OnStar through the countryside, as there is no direct route. Sure was glad of that, as we saw the real people of the land. Besides cattle and oil derricks, we saw cattle right in the front yard of the broken down but lived in house. Many poor people living in the area. Sun setting and that made the colors pop.



Yes, we ate, this time at the Café 290 in Manor. It was a couple blocks down and the gal at check in said she had ate there since knee high and it was good. It was also good by our standards, Shirleen had a BLT, I had the biggest and best country fried steak, thick and crispy with fried okra and a bowl of white gravy. Good Night! jerr

March 11, Dallas TX, Day 11, Tuesday, Comfort Inn and Suites, Waco TX

Updated pictures with full size. Having trouble getting them in order trying another way.

We started the day in the fog, really, outside and the clocks were set for last weeks time so an hour late. We headed to the Dallas Art Museum and found a parking space close by it is right downtown by historic square. We enjoy the 17 to 20th century art both European and American and headed right to it. Today there must have been ten buses with school age kids from kindergarten to high school.

Monet - - Chihuly

Quilt Flowers Pouring from Vase

We decided to eat there among the 5 restaurants. We chose the Seventeen Seventeen Restaurant on the second floor. We were close to underdressed for the seating. Shirleen’s salad was a Port Poached Granny Smith Apple Beignet with Maytag Blue Cheese, Smoked Bacon and Arugala; I the Bourbon Glazed Berkshire Pork Loin (5 oz) and Savory Bread Pudding (with walnut pieces) with Pear Slaw (Julienne sliced pears, red and orange bell peppers with chives) and Maple Demi. Both were top shelf presentations and taste. Salads from $6 to 13 and Entrees 16 to 25, for a noon lunch. But worth every dollar of the kids inheritance.

Across the street was the Nasher Sculpture Center. They had Gauguin wooden sculptures and Matisse metal ones also. There was an outside water garden with big pieces, thought I saw the Mankato Piece there. A peaceful afternoon look at art that was not at all times understood.

Down the block we went to view The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, the sight of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. This brought back the memories of November 22, 1963, Shirleen working as a bank teller in Minneapolis, I at the Idaho Falls Nuclear Reactor Test site walking between two buildings and the loud speaker came on informing us of the death of the President.

We headed out of town during late afternoon rush hour, a lot easier than coming out of Minneapolis. We arrived in Waco for the evening and noticed back 5 miles was a home style steak restaurant, Heitmiller Steakhouse. They used a different style of ordering, you were each given a long one page menu that you would circle the item, Shirleen a beef tenderloin circle 6 oz and circle medium rare, circle baked potato and potato soup. I circled a schooner of Bud, 16 oz rib eye, medium rare, with baked potato and fried okra. Yes each item circled with how to prepare it. Shirleen had to circle water for 0 cents. Food was prepared quickly and to desired doneness and flavorful. With the meal comes the original circled ticket to take to the counter and pay from it. Nite - jerr

March 10, Mesquite TX, day 10 Monday, Shirleen can again send e-mail, she can always receive it.

We had a abundant rain and thunderstorm last night. Looks overcast today but we are headed for the Dallas Botanical Garden. Having the Minnesota Arboretum pass we again enter cost free. What color was had at this exhibit. The entire scope of the garden is land from two wealthy people. 44 acres from one and 22 from another. This makes them the smallest Botanical Gardens in the US. That is the reason it looks so nice, they don't have to cover a large area and have this special exhibit for March. http://www.dallasarboretum.org/

We took the trolley around the grounds, ferried by a retired volunteer. He said he had a garden himself in Desoto where he lives. We then walked the grounds and headed for the DeGolyer estate, they had food. Large live oaks line the walk ways, dark green boarder plants, like heavy grass lined the paths. Sculptures were abundant, people, animals, and fountains and reflecting pools. A real place to see.

We ate in the DeGolyer home. They had a cozy room with close table settings. The coffee was delicious and strong. Shirleen had a Quiche with mushrooms and with a spinach salad, I a King's Ranch casserole - chicken, carrots, celery and onions with a smooth white tangy sauce. They had given us corn bread, soft rolls and Mary Ann (Steve) a banana bread sandwich with cream cheese. This cafe is also a place often used as a tea room, when we were there a group forgot to come.

We wondered if these were sculpted after the grand-daughters?

We then headed to Dallas looking for a place to stay. We were so intent on finding a place to stay that we drove past Dallas, you wonder don't you. We turned around and found a Comfort Suites in Mesquite TX a southern suburb. We ate at Spaghetti Warehouse, sauce was mild, good tasting noodles Shirleen had meatballs, manager said a mix of hamburger and pork my chicken parmigiana. Tomorrow - jerr