We Visit with Linda in San Antonio

Our niece Linda came to Houston, TX, to do some work for her company, which is outsourcing her job. When her work was finished, she rented a car and drove to San Antonio to see that city and to be close enough for us to get together for a good visit. We drove down Friday morning after putting Max in a kennel for the weekend. We call Max's visit, "Going to Puppy Camp." We got in the city about 9:15 in time to learn from Best Buy that one of our computers had totally died and could not be resuscitated. Then we caught up with Linda at the motel where she and we would be staying.

After a bit of consideration, we decided to visit the main one of the five mission churches established by the Spanish. Then we went to Guenther House, which was the home of the family that founded Pioneer Flour, for a great lunch. Following lunch we toured the King William District of old but beautifully restored homes. Then on to the Alamo where we again lucked out to find a tour guide, as we had done at the mission church, also. We really learned a great deal about the missions and this included the six flags of Texas. Can you guess the six flags that have flown over Texas? From past to present they are: Spain, Mexico, France, Confederacy, Texas and USA. Texas is one of two states that were countries in their own right before joining the Union.

After visiting the Alamo we walked to the area of San Antonio called the River Walk, which was begun by the WPA in the 1930's. Today this area is enjoyed by many locals and visitors alike, and there are many many restaurants and shops where one can look for treats. We decided to stay in the area, after exploring the La Villita old village nearby, and the high point of our day was Jazz at the Landing in the Hyatt Hotel on the River Walk. We enjoyed a light libation and dinner, and the Jazz was simply wonderful. Linda had been listening to this group for some time on National Public Radio and wanted to see them in person.

Back to our motel, and bed time for all. On Saturday we had breakfast at the motel and decided to go to Market Square for shopping and then antiquing in other areas of the city. We did manage to visit one antique shop, but several others were closed probably due to the sad state of our economy. Lunch was at Saltgrass where you can get a good steak or barbecue, and then we said our goodbyes. Linda was off to do some more shopping, and we went to CostCo and the drive back to Kerrville. We had a wonderful time with Linda and enjoyed being with her and showing her San Antonio.

Yesterday was so warm in the low 80's that we enjoyed eating outdoors. Today in the 50's it was better to be inside. Linda returns to upstate New York tomorrow morning, and we wish her safe travels!