Hill Country and Then Some...

My favorite way to visit, especially these days when the weather is so BSC* hot, is by sofalizing -- wish I had thought of the word, because it's brilliant. I'm finally feeling some strength ebbing back, but that still means I'm good for about one thing a day, with rest in between. Please Lord make it rain, and this summer weather to end in the fall, earlier than it usually does. Hate to be a whiner; I know this heat is miserable and sapping everybody. I think people deserve a medal for just getting out in it. Poor momma 'coon practically drags up to the terrace and those babies hang on her legs, just like the toddlers I see with their mom at the grocery store.

Last leg of Texas: We left Houston for San Antonio. I have never been to the River walk and have always wanted to, so it seemed a logical choice for celebrating our 20th, since we were in Texas anyway. My dad's architecture firm had designed a hotel on the River but we ended up at the Hyatt, which was also on the River and quite nice. They had glass elevators and I tried not to swoon when we went up and down; heights are not my thing.

It was boiling hot but jam-packed with tourists like us and fun to people-watch. We took a boat tour. Met an old high school friend for dinner with her boyfriend. She hasn't changed at all, still a force of nature. Decided to take advantage of the breeze to walk to the Alamo at midnight, which was pretty, all lighted up. I was struck by how small it actually is. Made the story seem even more romantic. I was surprised by how many people were still in the streets.

They're making plans to turn the River walk more into Times Square in New York, and hearing this made my heart sink. Right now it's quaint and has lots of architectural integrity...reminds me somewhat of a more thriving B&O canal, which winds through Georgetown in DC. Foreseeing another Disneyland-like Times Square in the future, made little sense, but I guess I'm just a purist. Definitely against all cities blending into the same look, anyway. I was glad to get to Vegas a few times before they made it all 'kiddy-friendly.' I wish I had been there as an adult in the hey-day, when people dressed up to catch a show of the Rat Pack...

The following day we drove on to Kerrville. The hill country is beautiful, even if it was choking for rain. We strolled the downtown and had a great lunch, and stayed at a B&B called The Painted Horse that actually is a painted horse ranch. We had a lovely two-bedroom cabin with a kitchen and living room to ourselves. The long front porch was full of rocking chairs to sit when it cooled off (a little) at night to watch their Axis deer and horses roam around. The cabin is the only thing they rent out so we were glad to stay there; it can get popular at foaling time.

Unfortunately we didn't get to meet our appointments. I told Excy to go, but he didn't want to leave me. I fell quite ill. Terrible GI problems. Tongue as black as a chow dog's. (Kidney remnant doesn't like getting dehydrated and we were too active - getting up early and staying late - and I pushed myself too hard). For two days I rested in front of the a/c and downed glass after glass of water. Going into an ER in Kerrville didn't strike me as much of a good option.

Not what we intended, but at least I was able for us to continue to Austin for a night. Going through Fredericksburg we bought some awesome peaches and produce and jams to take to the kids. Excy's kids and our 2-yr old grand daughter are in Austin, and we were able to stay a night before heading home. Seeing the kids is always fun. Only wish we had more time.


*Bat Shit Crazy