Last Minute Purchases

After a week of sightseeing and shopping, Kate had just one last request: to go back to the Mexican Market for some purchases she couldn't find anywhere else. So Meredith and Adrian picked us up Saturday morning and we went back downtown for another look at the goodies, with the promise of a stop at Mi Tierra for some more pastries for Cristian.

Mi Tierra has been around for a long time. I can remember when we first moved here hearing about Mi Tierra and its reputation for good Tex-Mex food. It is close to Santa Rosa Hospital and Graham's Dad stopped by there often.

It has become pretty well known for it's "Christmas year round" decorating motif! The ceilings are donned with pinatas and colorful strings of lights. There is always music from the Mariachi bands that stroll through the dining rooms. It's just a festive place.

But Mi Tierra is not known ONLY for the Tex Mex food. No, no. Mi Tierra is even better known for its huge array of Mexican pastries and candies! It is so popular that you have to grab a number and wait in the foyer for your turn at the pastry bar. Waiting can be such a bore!

Kate has her number and is now looking over all the goods. I think she knew what she was looking for. Has to be something that will travel with her on the airplane. Oh my, I hope there's not a sugar-sniffing dog in the airport in Chicago!

Oh, goodness. There are cakes and cookies, pies and empanadas, breads and sweet rolls, pecan candy, coconut candy, pumpkin candy, peanut candy, churros (plain, cream filled, fruity), cheese danish, bear's claws, rows and rows of cookies. I just had to keep my distance and keep shooting pictures. No number for me. No getting in line to buy those yummies. Huh uhhhh.

Finally, Kate's number is called! She knew exactly what she wanted and the lady was happy to fill her sack! Oh boy! Now she just has to utilize her newly found Texas determination to stay away from the sack and bring home some goodies to share! I think she can do it!

These two fellows think she can too. They were delighted to know that she came all the way from Pennsylvania to Texas and that she really loves San Antonio! What Ambassadors of fun and good will!

We had to leave Meredith and Adrian at her house to show her old appliances to someone, so Graham picked us up and took us to Henry's Puffy Taco, a promise I had made to Kate last week. It was necessary that she catch the "Puffy Addiction" to insure her return to Texas.

Oh yes. These really are the best puffy tacos in town! Mmmm. Guacamole in one and shredded chicken in the other. Good choice, Kate! We'll send you home on Monday with enough stuff to talk about for weeks to come. Memories.... happy memories.

Institute of Texan Cultures and Tower of the Americas

We finally made it the Institute! Today was a beautiful day, starting out cool and overcast, but quickly warming up as the sun broke through. Graham joined Kate and me for our museum visit. I think this is the first time I've been inside the Institute and it is very impressive indeed. We spoke with two of the docents there, both very friendly and knowledgeable. They were delighted to have our PA visitor, and more delighted for a couple of locals in their midst!

You will see from the pictures that many, many cultures make up the uniqueness of Texas. I was amazed at the diversity, thinking there were only six countries that settled here. But that's because there were six flags that flew over our Republic. Silly me! After reviewing most of the exhibits, we were treated to an interesting multi-media presentation, bragging about every aspect of Texas life.

After leaving the museum, we walked a few hundred feet over to the Tower of the Americas. We have been there a few times, however many changes have occurred since our last visit. There is a new and very classy restaurant at the top, and a really nice gift shop on the ground level. Graham enjoyed showing Kate all the landmarks from high up in the sky. It was interesting looking at familiar place from a bird's eye view, and surprisingly we identified many of them.

This concluded Kate's San Antonio tour. Tomorrow we need to go back to the Market for another purchase. Then on Sunday I'll turn her over to Meredith to take her to church with them and to their community group event. She has been such a good sport to relay between the Baptists and the Presbyterians this week. We may have a few differences, but one thing we can agree upon: we are one in Christ and are free to love each other as Christ loves us. It's been a very good week. Enjoy the slide show!

Honorary Texan

Our Ladies' Bible study met today and quickly turned the morning into a special event for Kate. Lois and Jo "conspired" to bring all things Texas to the table and honored Kate by making her an "Honorary Texan." Thanks to Lois, she now has her own official name tag, a Certificate of Honorary Citizenship, and a lovely yellow rose to commemorate her new status.

In keeping with the totally Texas theme, Jo delighted us all with our own individual Texas shaped Texas Sheet cakes for dessert. They were served in Texas shaped plates and surrounded by red and blue Texas bandannas. And, of course, Texas flags were featured right next to the Texas shaped candle! It was a real Lone Star occasion!

My heartfelt thanks are sent to Lois and Jo for making this such a special day for us.

Interrupted by Rain

As badly as we need rain, it really came at an inopportune time. Meredith, Kate, Adrian and I piled into the car on Tuesday morning and started downtown for the Institute of Texan Cultures and the heavens opened up on us! We parked the car, got out for one minute, and got right back in and drove home. Such a disappointment.

Kate redeemed the day, though, with her suggestion that she cook our supper. It would be girls' night, since Graham was going to his Greek class. One trip to the grocery store later and I was sent to my room for a nap. Oh, did I mention that, going from the car to the back door I tripped over a hat rack in the garage and smacked my knee? I cradled my camera to prevent any damage to it, but ended up with several bruises. So I was more than happy to turn my kitchen over to Kate!

On Wednesday, Meredith took Kate with her to her Redeemer Ladies' Bible study. When the ladies gathered for prayer afterward, Meredith introduced Kate as "the sister of Nathaniel, whom y'all prayed for last year." Everyone, including Kate, was so thrilled to put a face to a prayer and actually experience the personal closeness of answered prayer. It was a special moment.

The rain that started on Tuesday? It continued throughout the day Wednesday, offering us an opportunity for long, comfy naps. I'm happy that Kate feels so at home in her Texas dwelling, replete with a private bathroom, washer and dryer, and access to the kitchen! Her cell phone and laptop keep her nano-seconds away from family. She even had a skype conversation with Nathaniel the other evening.

Today I'll take Kate to my Ladies' Bible study where Lois has planned a special "Texas" themed dessert and tomorrow we'll resume our sightseeing tour, maybe back to the Institute of Texan Cultures and the Tower of the Americas. This has been a delightful, though unexpected, ten day interruption for me. Thank You, God, for answered prayer.

Cradle of Texas Liberty

Our final stop on Monday's Texas Tour was the Alamo. Just as Colonel Travis, Davey Crockett and 200 others fiercely defended the Alamo against Santa Anna's army, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas defend her today against encroachment from the city surrounding her. Kate was amazed that this serene, almost holy place sits smack in the middle of a bustling downtown. Within the outer walls is a lush courtyard that protects your senses from the outside world.

We are not allowed to take photographs inside the Shrine, or chapel, the building that is most recognized as the Alamo. There are many photos, plaques and replicas giving historical information about the beginnings of the Mission in 1724 as a Catholic home to missionaries and Indian converts, and its conversion in 1800 to a Spanish military unit. The Texas Revolution took place in 1835-36 and that is the popular historical aspect of the Alamo that every Texas fifth-grader reads about.

More information about the battles, the participants and the outcome can be found here: http://www.thealamo.org/.

After the Alamo it was time to head for the car and home. I was amazed at how close we were to the car and La Villita, which we had left hours before. My feet told me it was miles away, but really was only a few city blocks. We encountered some interesting sights along Alamo Plaza, including a very strange red sculpture. I have no idea what its significance might be!

We saw the trolleys making their circles, and were amused by a Star Shuttle commercial being shot in front of the convention Center. I love the way our city displays pots of bougainvillea on the stairways and lamp posts. We got one last shot of the colorful umbrellas at Casa Rio, caught up with Graham, spied the Tower of the Americas, made one last pass by La Villita, and fell into the car and the air conditioning!

It was a very good day. Kate made a valuable contact in the art gallery. Graham bought some raffle tickets at the Starving Artist Shop. I found a super dandy sparkling flashlight for Adrian at the Alamo gift shop. And we captured tons of digital memories that will last a lifetime. Can't wait to see what's in store at the Institute of Texan Cultures! Enjoy the photos.

Post Script: I just read on the internet that the sculpture is called Torch of Friendship and is a gift from Mexico to commemorate our long-standing friendship with the citizens of Mexico. So now you know!

Down to the River Walk

Graham and I were just on the River Walk last month and commented to ourselves that we should come there more often. We even started some planning for a visit from Bill. So when Kate asked to go downtown we jumped at the opportunity to spend some time photographing the sights and eating at a restaurant there.

La Villita comes out at the Arneson River Theatre, which is a great starting place for a walk. This morning was a good time to be there, with very few tourists out, so the sidewalks were not crowded at all. From a photographer's point of view, there is much to enjoy. There are textures and colors and often people and flowers to focus on. I was not lacking subject matter!

There is so much charm along the River now. Our city has spent lots of time and many dollars making it safe, clean and passable throughout this part of downtown. New hotels and restaurants keep the tourists coming in droves. At night the River Walk can be totally packed with people moving from one place to another. You will hear the strains of mariachis coming from the many Mexican restaurants. But this morning it was peaceful and quiet and a real joy to be there.

Our tummies were telling us to look for a restaurant and we stumbled into the Rainforest Cafe. Kate had seen one of these restaurants before so we decided to have a go at lunch. What a wild and fun place! There are animated animals all over and you really have a feel of being deep in a rain forest or jungle. We had a great lunch of queso and chips and pita quesadillas. I'm so glad we dropped in.

Our next stop will be the Alamo. Watch the blog for a new post with pictures. Meanwhile, enjoy the River Walk.

First Stop: La Villita

Kate and Meredith and I put our planning hats on last night to map out the week so we can make the most of Kate's visit. Today we elected to take Graham and go downtown and see La Villita and the River Walk. Meredith intended to use the day to pick out hardware and other items for her kitchen, then woke up with a cold, so she and Adrian opted out of the activity.

Having lived in San Antonio for forty-one years, I'm almost ashamed to say I've only "done" downtown maybe four times. It's one of these things you only do when relatives from out of town come to visit! And Kate, being fully interested in all things "Texas", was so excited at the prospect of walking the San Antonio River.

We decided to make La Villita our first stop and proceed from there to the River Walk, lunch, and end at the Alamo. Back in 1968 San Antonio was home to the World's Fair and a huge area in downtown was "revitalized" for the Fair. Most of these houses date back to the 1800's and have been carefully restored. La Villita is a collection of twenty-four of them that house little artsy shops and restaurants. The focal point of the "village" is the Little Church. This is a special place for Kate, as her Mom and Dad were married there in 1986.

Graham and I have been conditioned by our tours with Grand Circle, so we were real troopers making our way slowly through all the little alleys, stopping here and there so Kate could get a look at something while we enjoyed some air conditioning. There are lovely people in the shops who are happy to engage in conversation and we acted like tourists and took in all the lore.

I am separating the pictures and posts since I took lots and lots of photos. Enjoy these and look for more soon. P.S. to Pappaw: this is the tour we would have taken you on, so please enjoy the photos! (Roll mouse over photo for captions.)

A Peek at El Mercado

Kate asked me this morning, "What's on for today?" Meredith suggested we toodle down to the Mexican Market and photograph some San Antonio "culture!" So that's what we did. Adrian was a trooper to go with us so we could leave Graham and Cristian behind to study in the quiet.

We got downtown around 11:00 and it was still nice and cool enough to walk around a bit. There is one very large building (that used to house all the produce for the Farmer's Market) that is now chock full of little shops and stalls. There is more bright color and cheerfulness in there than you can imagine. At one point I thought to myself, "Why didn't I come here last spring when I was looking for a suitable hostess gift representative of Texas?" Oh my goodness, I hope I remember this for next time.

Anyway, we walked and browsed all around the building, slipping into some shops for closer looks, even finding a treasure or two to take home to PA! Adrian has a fine set of blue and red maracas! After a while our breakfast wore off and we found a nice little booth that made carne guisada tacos and gorditas. It was just enough to take the hunger edge off.

After we had satisfied our curiosity in that building, we set off across the street to what is known as Market Square. There are lots of food booths, many restaurants and specialty stores, and on the weekends, lots of loud music! Meredith and Kate ran into Mi Tierra for some Mexican pastries before we made our way into the original market. There was so much of the same stuff we had seen across the street, we decided to just buy some sodas and head for the car.

After getting all buckled in, Adrian asked Kate to get him his number book and before you could even blink he was fast asleep! I think we were all ready for some rest as we made our way back home. More Texas memories for Kate to tuck away, but definitely not the last of them! Here are some photos from the morning.

Beethoven Gartenkonzert

There are a couple musicians in our church orchestra who play in the Beethoven Concert Band and we finally broke down last month and attended one of their concerts. We had a ball! All of Graham's old high school band memories came flooding back and he was fantasizing about playing his clarinet before the concert was over!

So we determined we would try to attend more of these concerts as they came up, and sure enough, there was one scheduled for tonight. So we worked it out with Kate and our friend, Jo, to drive downtown to the King William District and pull up a chair for a little fun. And what fun we had! This was a perfect activity for Kate. Although she has no German heritage, both her parents were German translators in the Army, lived there for three years, and her older brother was born on an Army base in Germany.

The air temperature was almost cool, the aromas coming from the food booth were tantalizing, and the music - all of it - was good, loud and, at times, patriotic. Lots of singing in German, little children playing, families enjoying bratwurst and kraut... just a fun family night. Kate and I both took lots of pictures. Here's just a sampling.

Guess Who Came to Dinner?

We got a wonderful surprise yesterday. Our grand-neice Kate, whom we had planned to visit in Dublin last spring but couldn't, is spending the next ten days with us at our house! She had a sudden change of plans and is able to stay here until her departure back to PA on the 28th of this month. So this "old folks" house is being turned into a haven of activity!

Since we left in midafternoon to pick Kate up at Canyon Lake, my sweet friends, Lois and Doug, offered to take Treasure to her appointment with Dr. Earl for her eye exam. Conveniently, they had to bring Treasure home around dinnertime so, what's a hostess to do but put all her guests to work in the kitchen! Meredith and Kate started chopping tomatoes in preparation for some delicious bruschetta, Lois brushed the bread with garlic, I called in a take-out pizza and we were all set for supper!

Here are Meredith (and Andrew) putting a little pepper in the mixture. Also had a little feta cheese - one of her cooking staples!

Kate is still chopping while Lois checks on the bread toasting.

The guys were playing with Adrian in the family room, so I thought the best thing to do was to stay out of their way! I hope this is just the first of many fun meals while Kate is here.

Bad News and Good News

If it's not one thing, it's another. And in Treasure's world, it's not the cancer but her eyes that are causing concern. At our last appointment Dr. Earl determined that she has "dry eye" in both eyes, one a little more severe than the other. So we started the eye drops that afternoon. For some reason she was very annoyed by the drops in her left eye and would try to rub them out. Here she is on Wednesday, two days after starting the drops.

Since rubbing her eye didn't remove the annoyance, she proceeded to scratch her eye (see that offending left foot?) and by Friday had developed what looked like a blood blister on her eye. Horrified, I stopped the drops in that eye immediately and waited til Monday to see Dr. Earl. Circumstances prevented an appointment until today - a full week later - so when he walked in the exam room and looked at her eye, he was stunned! His first fear was that she had ruptured her eye. Really BAD news.

After examining it with a fluoroscope (I think that's what the instrument was) he determined that she probably scratched the cornea which then became an ulcer (which we have been through twice before) and thinks it will heal with a round of antibiotic eye drops. Really GOOD news. I left his office with a purse full of drops - some I won't need anymore and two more to add to our arsenal. And the dry eye? He suggested we try Artificial Tears from the drug store!

As I said at the beginning, if it's not one thing, it's another!

Finally Finished!

Six weeks ago I ordered a cross stitch chart for a baby announcement for my grandson, Andrew, who is due in late October/early November. Meredith picked it out online and I figured three months would give me time to complete everything but the date and dimensions. Once I clicked the submit button, I realized I need to complete the project that I began back in April. http://ludeesloft.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-is-how-i-deal-with-stress.html

This started as a way to deal with the stress of the constant news stream from the TV. I really liked the scriptural message that would be the final touch on this piece.

The news hasn't changed much, the stress level is still high, and now I need another project to work on. The bad news is that my baby announcement chart hasn't come in yet. I have emailed the company twice and they apologize profusely for the delay. But that is not helping me get my mind off the news. Thankfully, Bible Study begins tomorrow. One verse on a sampler is nice, but immersion in Bible study will be infinitely better! I'll let you know when that chart arrives!

Treasure's Eyes

I have spent the last week doctoring Treasure's eyes and getting very frustrated. About two months ago her eye doctor said she has "dry eye" and gave me some drops for that. But the drops seemed to hurt more than help, so I put them aside until I could talk to Dr. Earl. But by the time of her appointment she was developing lots of "goop" in her right eye. Needless to say, Dr. Earl was none too happy about that. He gave us some different drops, which he makes in his lab, and which has as its base extra virgin olive oil. That's right, EVOO!

I wish I could say that her eyes have improved over the week, and I guess in a way they have. Her goopy eye is definitely better today. But the drops annoy her left eye - the one that is not so affected - to the point where she will scratch at it and even made a little blister in it. I have been unable to connect with Dr. Earl so right now I'm resting that eye and just doctoring the other one. Does any of that make sense?

The good news is that our mornings and evenings have been almost cool, certainly tolerable for our walks. She and I both have a little more stamina when we go out. So I'm hoping our unrelenting heat has finally broken and we'll soon see some 70's or even 60's greeting us in the mornings. Because one thing a bad eye won't stop is our walkies!