San Antonio

Comfortable... that pretty much describes Gretchen as she rests her head on Rudy's back while we're on the road from Austin to San Antonio. They are riding in a big doggie bed in Suzanne's lap for awhile to see the new countryside. But don't worry, they are harnessed in just like us; their harnesses are connected with leashes to our seat belts. Safety First!

Rudy didn't want his handsome image left out today (he is such a ham!). We wanted barbeque, and we heard that Rudy's Bar-B-Q was the place to go. Their advertising is modest (The Worst Bar-B-Q in Texas) and definitely inaccurate. It was fabulous. For those friends back in The Villages who make Oakwood or Sonny's their BBQ destination, our dinner here with brisket, baby back ribs, turkey, creamed corn (to die for... who'd a thunk it?), cole slaw and a beer cost $21. You get your food on butcher paper in a big plastic crate, then sit down at picnic tables inside (yes, air conditioned, it was 94 degrees outside) or out on the porch. The sign reading "Your mother's not here. Clean up your own mess." let us know not to expect a busboy.

We met a local couple in the parking lot who asked about Rudy and Gretchen. He was a Texan, she was from Gainesville, and laughed when I said that we had left Florida to escape the summer heat. "What are you doin' here, then?", she asked.  The weather has definitely been very hot, 90+ since we've been in Texas. We work out in the morning before 10:00 AM and avoid being outside in the sun from 11-4. But we wanted to see San Antonio's famour Riverwalk, so we left the puppies in our air conditioned motor coach at the Fort Sam Houston Army Campground, and headed for downtown.

I thought I'd be giving Suzanne a relaxing day off sightseeing after her all-day S.O.A.R! workshop yesterday, when she had to stand all day in her heels. (Did I mention we went for a 3 mile run in the heat after breakfast this morning?) Anyway, here is our heroine this afternoon, bravely taking in the sights along the Riverwalk in 90 degree heat like many a stalwart turista. It's a beautiful area, and after dragging her to the historic Menger Hotel to see Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia (including an original Rough Rider guidon, saddle, rifle and pistol, and dioramas of the Alamo, Yangtse River gunboats, and other hysterical.... I mean, historical... novelties), and then a 3 mile hike on the river, she was looking sort of bushed.  So we ducked into a nice air conditioned hotel whose lobby bar overlooked the Riverwalk. I ordered a beer, and I expected Suzanne to order a glass of iced water or juice.... when she asked for a margarita, I was surprised... but you know, it's amazing how the limeade and ice in a margarita will refresh the body and invigorate the spirit.