See.... I Knew This Would Happen, But I'm Not Complaining

Just so that everyone who was jealous of our 85 degree weather feels better, I want you to know that it has been raining and 32 degrees with a wind chill factor of 28 degrees. Therefore everything is covered in ice. My Wisteria that's in full bloom, my Colorado Columbines, even the Oleanders, all covered in a thick layer of ice. It was the same in San Antonio, so we wound up doing nothing but sitting around my friend's house talking, watching TV and drinking, which I could have done here at home.

Don't get me wrong. I love going to see my friend Sully. However, it was different this time. Her *House Man* Charles passed away last month. She had a lovely service for him, had him cremated, and now he resides in a lovely box in a glass cupboard in her home. Yes, I know it's strange, but this man worked for her family for forever. I think it was like 50 years, so I'm guessing he was something like 75 years old, although he never really looked that old to me. So, there was no one to cook for us and wait on us hand & foot. I understand why she misses Charles because I miss him too.

So, after being waited on hand and foot by Charles for her entire life, poor Sully is lost, as is her hubby John. When we all got hungry, she got on the phone and ordered some *gut bomb* cheese burgers, big greasy fries, and milk shakes. They were totally delicioso, by the way. Then, she called a taxi to go get them and bring them to us. Yes, she did, I swear. This is how they handle carryout meals during nasty weather now. I have no idea how much all that cost, but I'm thinking S & J are going to need to adjust to a life without Charles. Something tells me that it's going to take some time.

We had planned on doing all sorts of things while I was there, but the freezing rain forbade us to get outside. I wanted to go see the new Tiger Cub that the San Antonio Zoo just recently acquired. Nope. We also talked about going to The Botanical Gardens again, because it's one of the loveliest places on earth and I adore going there. Not in the freezing rain. Nope. We also discussed going down to The River Walk to eat and have cocktails. It didn't happen. Who wants to eat outside in the rain when it's 36 degrees? Let me just say that The River Walk is no fun if you have to eat inside. You might as well be in Muleshoe, Texas.

So, we decided that I should come back in a few weeks, when the weather is nicer. There are so many fun things to do in San Antonio, but most of them involve being outside. However, San Antonio needed the rain very badly, as they have been on water rationing of late. Apparently, if a neighbor sees you watering on a day that isn't *your day* and calls the police, you can get a whopper of a citation. I will say that Sully has been known to water at 3:00 in the morning, while wearing all black, the naughty girl. So yes, they need the rain. And yes, I really drove 5 hours there and 5 hours back, for a visit with my friend, which could have more easily been done over the phone. Since I hate talking on the phone, I drove. Some people hate to drive, but not I. Getting out on the open road has always been good therapy for me.

I did take a couple of pictures of their new puppy, Sadie, whom I fell head over heels in love with. Look at these eyes. She is the sweetest little girl and loves to get up on the sofa and cuddle with you, and she is their child.

When I got home, I was thrilled to find these goodies waiting for me. I felt like it was Christmas or something, because I'd forgotten I ordered these before I left. I FINALLY get to read the Vampire (Edward!) books. I'll get the third one after I've read these.

Lastly, if you are as crazy about musicals and Broadway as I am, then you're going to love this. They have made a new movie about the revival of 'A Chorus Line' on Broadway and it looks to be fantastic. It's called 'Every Little Step' and I can hardly wait for it to come out at theatres. You can watch the movie trailer here:

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/451649/Every-Little-Step/trailers

I once tried out for 'A Chorus Line' when it was being staged here at our community theatre. I wanted to be in that show so badly and was broken hearted when I didn't get a part. Seriously, I cried for days. I later found out they wanted to cast me in the show but didn't because I had two toddlers at the time. They were worried it would interfere with my performances, which was probably right. Still, I so should have been in that show! It would be the last time I ever tried out for a show as well as the last time I was young and could handle doing a show like that. Afterwards, I was on many casting committees for other shows, and I cranked out the theatre's monthly newsletter for several years. But, I never tried out for another show.

Okay, Here's The Plan.... And Happy Thanksgiving To All

I think we finally have everything secured as to our activities while in Austin until Sunday. We are probably *on the road* as you read this, so wish us well. I think it's going to be very crowded out there on the roads that lead to Grandma's. I'm just thankful WE aren't going to Grandma's House. What a nightmare Thanksgiving with The Brown Recluse would be. Whew! I'm definitely glad we don't have to endure that (as if I'd ever subject my children to her antics again). We have nothing but happy holidays now and life is good. Knock On Wood.

When we get into Austin and get unpacked and settled, we're going to meet Snooty Daughter at a great place down by the Capitol, on Congress called Kyoto Japanese Restaurant that is to die for. What's better is that they have more than just Sushi, since Mom requires her food to be cooked unless in same location where fish are caught. Snooty son has his meetings, which he unfailingly attends, so he can't join us this time. We totally understand and are so proud of him for his perseverance. He has become very serious and focused since deciding to become a lawyer.

Our Thanksgiving will, as usual, be the four of us with the surprise addition of a cousin the kids grew up with whose Mom died of cancer when they were all in high school. She had battled it for many years before succumbing to it, rest her soul. I am so thrilled he has made plans to be with us. I always wanted three kids anyway, so he fits right in. He practically grew up with us anyway, since I usually had him with us for summers at the lake. He was always just as much of a pain in the ass neck as my own two kids, so yes, he fit in like another brother.

However, there is one little, itsy bitsy glitch. Thanksgiving Day is a home game for The UT Longhorns and they are playing his Alma Mater, Texas A & M. Their chant is "Gig 'Em Horns". Not bloody likely this year against Texas (who is now ranked No. 2, Thank You!). Whoot! We should be having some interesting discussions at the historic Driskill Hotel, where we're having Thanksgiving (Lunch actually) Dinner.

When we've finished our dining experience at The Driskill Grill, Snooty Son, Snooty Cousin and Mr. Snooty are going back to the hotel. I think SS & SC are going to the actual game. Our son is a HUGE fan of the Longhorns. Snooty Daughter and I are then driving out to Westlake for another Thanksgiving gathering at the parents of a college roomie of hers, where we are lucky enough to be invited every year. It is always an amazing layout. The old roomie has asked Snooty Daughter to be her maid-of-honor in her upcoming wedding next Summer. Anyway, I will take as many pictures as I possibly can. You will not believe their house. It is seriously crazy fabulous and overlooks the Texas Hill Country!

Once we leave Westlake we'll head toward the UT stadium for a tailgating party with some more parents of daughter's college & high school friends. They stay at their RV and have chairs and TV's and great food, so this promises to be fun as well. I'm not sure how close we'll get to them for parking, but we can always hike or hail a bicycle taxi. I'll be wearing my favorite Cheetah flats. I'm not insane.

It is always, always fun partying with this crowd, so I expect this year to be as great as always. I'm sure by the end of the game, I'll be screaming and whining for a hot bath and my lovely bed.

On Friday we plan to have lunch at one our favorites, PF Chang's. I'm not sure what surprises the afternoon holds, but my guess is a nap. Am I showing my age? That night, we have dinner reservations at another Austin favorite Sullivan's. Snooty son and his cousin will probably take Mr. Snoots back to the room while SD and I stay for whomever is scheduled to perform at Sullivan's Ringside, which is an amazing venue for local musicians.

So far, we plan to go to The Austin Draft House on Saturday to see "Twilight". All five of us. You can even drink beer (they have a mind boggling selection) and eat a great meal. They actually have a chef. Yes, I'm quite serious. It's absolutely the best movie venue in Austin or anywhere, for that matter. You just have to check out their Menu. This wonderful, independently owned theatre is located like 5 blocks from where we always stay and is in the same shopping center as my favorite Stein Mart. I do just love it in Austin. There's never a lack of anything interesting to do and you can take that to the bank.

The place we always stay is also locally owned and they are like apartments, only with all the amenities of a hotel, except room service. They offer a full breakfast in the mornings and have cocktails by the pool in the evenings, weather permitting. It's the only way to go if you spend as much time there as we do, these days. They have full kitchens with a nicely sized living room and each bedroom is separated by a door, on either side of the living area. We're getting a two bedroom this time because SD is going to stay with us. The dressing area and closets are huge, as are the bathrooms. We've been staying here for as many years as the kids are or have been in Austin. I think that is now six years, total. I'll try to take a few pictures before we trash it. It's a perfectly nice, adequate place, at more than a fair price, and it's always very clean.

So. That's our plan for Thanksgiving. What's your plan? Whatever it may be, I wish you nothing but the best during our time of thanks this year. I have so many things to be thankful for and it makes me well up with tears when I think about it. Having said that, I'm sure no one will want me to say Grace this year, since it's probably a sure-fire bet that I would cry for happiness. The kids just hate that. Oh Wait! I think that paybacks are still in order. Uh-huh! Heh heh heh heh...