We talked about having a wake up call this morning, but didn't need one...we were both awake before 5 a.m. and finally got up at 5. We took our time packing, got everything together, called for valet service about 6, went by the hotel clerk to check out, broke down the scooters and loaded the car, and we pulled out of the hotel valet area at 6:24 a.m. We stopped at Cracker Barrell in San Marcus at 7 for breakfast. I forgot to let DH drive through Austin but I did it and it wasn't so bad early Sun. morning with not too much traffic. North of Austin he took over the driving, we made one stop at Hillsboro to see if there was anything at the Outlet mall (how sad it is so vacant now), and then straight home. Once we hit Hillsboro I consider us home anyway, and Alvarado is our back door. We were in our garage shortly before noon. So glad we came home early. I had intended to get here late tonight, but since the stores at San Marcus were not open at 7 in the morning, we saved a lot of time.
Needless to say, we haven't accomplished anything the rest of this day...read email, slept in front of the TV, filtered through FB, posted to this blog. And now, folks, that's all!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Man, if DH doesn't learn to sleep in I am going to have to start renting separate rooms. I was so tired...NOTHING is open at 6 in the morning so I don't know why he gets up so early. I did finally wake up, showered, dressed, and we went to breakfast buffet at the hotel (yes, they had it on Sat. because occupancy was up). It was ok, but we've been to better. After breakfast we got the scooters and went back to the Alamo where we purchased tickets to see the Alamo: Price of Freedom "movie" (1988) (semi documentary) at the IMAX theater at the River Center Mall (actually adjacent to our hotel and the Alamo). Don Swayze (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0842023/) stars as Travis in this film (yep, Patrick's younger brother). An ok flick, short (about 45 minutes), a little fantasy, a little truth. Before going to see the flick we wondered around the Alamo area because there were enactments, shows, etc. More going on because of the weekend.
After the flick we headed to the river again, on scooters. Finally found an elevator down to the "other" side of the river. We made our way to the Original Mexican Restaurant where we indulged in too much food again. We then made our way on down the river bank to find where they sold tickets to ride the boats. After that we made our way back but got confused about where to find the elevator. Luckily we had been adopted by a rather strange younger fellow our first night in town and he happened to see us. He knew where an elevator was and took us there, actually requesting that folks dining in the area move and let us get access. The river walk is way too loaded with folks on the weekend for us to be on scooters. People were stepping out in front of us, practically stepping on and over us, etc. but alas, we made our way to street level.
We went to the River Center Mall because we had been told that there was a boat launch on the lower level. Sure enough there is, but it is about as far away from the hotel as the river walk. So, back to the hotel, rest/nap time for me. We later slowly made our way on foot to the river - boat side. We took the boat tour and learned that the river is drained once a year and that all kinds of things are found...cameras, sun glasses, wedding rings, chairs. They actually have a "mud festival" at this time -- any reason for a festival (party), I guess.
After the boat ride I am about on my last breath...we make our way back north, we actually climb the steps to cross one of the bridges, cut through the Hyatt Regency and across the Alamo shopping strip to get back to the hotel. We did not stop for dinner on the river. Instead we are both so tired we make our way to the hotel dining room where we had some lovely food. We started with baked brie (baked in filo dough), served with grapes, strawberries, grapefruit slices, followed by crab meat lobster bisque with summer salad made with portabella mushrooms and greens. Afterward we headed for the room where I went to bed/asleep at 9 p.m. Something I never do!
One interesting thing that happened in the hotel today...while we were downstairs a young boy was so excited...he was on the ghost hunting tour at the hotel. He had captured several "ghosts" (some kind of energy, for sure) in pictures and showed those to us on his digital camera. We have, of course, been told that the Menger is haunted by several ghosts, including the chambermaid who was murdered by her husband. Apparently she is still on the job delivering clean towels and linens to the rooms!
After the flick we headed to the river again, on scooters. Finally found an elevator down to the "other" side of the river. We made our way to the Original Mexican Restaurant where we indulged in too much food again. We then made our way on down the river bank to find where they sold tickets to ride the boats. After that we made our way back but got confused about where to find the elevator. Luckily we had been adopted by a rather strange younger fellow our first night in town and he happened to see us. He knew where an elevator was and took us there, actually requesting that folks dining in the area move and let us get access. The river walk is way too loaded with folks on the weekend for us to be on scooters. People were stepping out in front of us, practically stepping on and over us, etc. but alas, we made our way to street level.
We went to the River Center Mall because we had been told that there was a boat launch on the lower level. Sure enough there is, but it is about as far away from the hotel as the river walk. So, back to the hotel, rest/nap time for me. We later slowly made our way on foot to the river - boat side. We took the boat tour and learned that the river is drained once a year and that all kinds of things are found...cameras, sun glasses, wedding rings, chairs. They actually have a "mud festival" at this time -- any reason for a festival (party), I guess.
After the boat ride I am about on my last breath...we make our way back north, we actually climb the steps to cross one of the bridges, cut through the Hyatt Regency and across the Alamo shopping strip to get back to the hotel. We did not stop for dinner on the river. Instead we are both so tired we make our way to the hotel dining room where we had some lovely food. We started with baked brie (baked in filo dough), served with grapes, strawberries, grapefruit slices, followed by crab meat lobster bisque with summer salad made with portabella mushrooms and greens. Afterward we headed for the room where I went to bed/asleep at 9 p.m. Something I never do!
One interesting thing that happened in the hotel today...while we were downstairs a young boy was so excited...he was on the ghost hunting tour at the hotel. He had captured several "ghosts" (some kind of energy, for sure) in pictures and showed those to us on his digital camera. We have, of course, been told that the Menger is haunted by several ghosts, including the chambermaid who was murdered by her husband. Apparently she is still on the job delivering clean towels and linens to the rooms!
Friday, September 3, 2010 again
I forgot one thing we did on Friday. One reason I wanted to go to SA was because there was supposed to be arts/crafts on the river that weekend. Inquiring about it we learned there is a first Friday celebration every month in the King William district (about St. Mary's and Alamo streets). We caught the trolley and went there...stayed about 5 minutes! Not much of a fiesta, just about a block...some shops set up tables out on sidewalk, some residents do, too, a few low rider vehicles/decorated vehicles, but didn't look like the safest area I've ever been! DH says it reminds him of an old hippy neighborhood...it reminded me of an old biker 'hood! We caught the trolley back to the Hilton pretty quickly!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Wasn't feeling well, but Friday morning started off great...quick shower, dress for the day, headed for hotel restaurant. One of several reasons we booked at the Menger is because it advertised its breakfast buffet. BUT, they didn't have the buffet! Buffet depends on hotel occupancy. Due to economy, occupancy is down, so no buffet. We told them they need to take it off their advertising. We ate at the restaurant anyway, and everyone was super nice to us...in fact, everyone in the hotel (staff) is super nice, very friendly.
It was raining...in fact, we drove to San Antonio in the rain (at lest it wasn't hot). Rain had let up a little bit, so after breakfast we started out on the scooters for a little sight seeing. Unfortunately I very quickly became ill and had to make my way back to the room. For the next couple of hours I thought I was going to die. Thankfully we had remembered to bring meds and by about noon I was feeling well enough to try to go out again. We ventured down Alamo street to La Villita. Wow, this place was so dead...the shops were not booming, few were open, we went into only one...supposedly hand woven items...didn't find it to be so...machine woven. Some beautiful things, including gorgeous Mexican dresses...$150 up. Since I have no where to wear one (Walmart? Kroger? Work?) I told DH I thought I could pick up something at the Mexican market for less.
On the way back to the hotel we saw the Little Rhein Steak House next to the Palacio Hilton...we decided we wanted to have dinner there that evening. DH made reservations for 6:30. Back at the Menger we called for our car, loaded the scooters and made our way to the market. This was a fun adventure...I found exactly what I wanted at the first store inside the door...bought 2 Mexican blankets and a bright orange long Mexican dress...first time I've ever found one to fit me...most of the time can't find size HUGE. We had fun going through the rest of the market...DH talked to a fellow from Mission, Texas who's relative is the former owner of RV Ranch (now Rustic Creek) which is kinda like home away from home for us. I managed to find a blue coconut snow cone - which made the entire trip worthwhile! Most of the shops sell about the same silly stuff, but the shop owners are friendly. I found a rooster to add to my collection, DH bought a U. S. Border Patrol baseball hat to wear when he wants to clear out places, and we picked up a couple of pretty heavy Mexican painted wine glasses. I was going to buy some fabric but couldn't decide when or if I would ever have use for chili pepper fabric.
Afterward we went back to the hotel room to rest. Whatever is wrong with me is taking its toll...I get so sick and so weak. I napped until about 5:45. We decided to try to walk to the restaurant for dinner so that we could eat out on the patio by the river. Reservations were for 6:30 so we started out at 6. It is a 2-block walk, or in my case, shuffle. We made it, but we stopped a couple of times along the way to let me sit down.
Dinner was wonderful...a glass of white zin for me; apple martini for DH. Appetizer was 1/2 avocado stuffed with crab meat salad. So good. Followed by beef steak tomato salad...cannot describe, was so good. We shared a rib eye steak, or as DH says, 1/2 a cow. Sides were mushrooms and rosemary potatoes. We were stuffed. We left about 7:45 and made our way down to the river via the elevator at the Palacio Hilton. We wanted to go to Durty Nelly's, the Irish Pub at the Hilton (we both remember it from when we were much younger), but we found it to be way too loud for us now (can you imagine?), so we went to the other Hilton place (Ibizas?). I had a wonderful Pina Colada, DH had a sour apple martini. We then made our way to street level via the elevator at the Hyatt Regency and wondered down the street to Pat O'Brien's...yes, there is one in SA now. We managed to about shut down the dueling piano room - so much fun...and we were drinking diet coke (worst ones we've ever had). We made it back to the hotel about 1 a.m. where we crashed. That's the latest we've been out in many years.
It was raining...in fact, we drove to San Antonio in the rain (at lest it wasn't hot). Rain had let up a little bit, so after breakfast we started out on the scooters for a little sight seeing. Unfortunately I very quickly became ill and had to make my way back to the room. For the next couple of hours I thought I was going to die. Thankfully we had remembered to bring meds and by about noon I was feeling well enough to try to go out again. We ventured down Alamo street to La Villita. Wow, this place was so dead...the shops were not booming, few were open, we went into only one...supposedly hand woven items...didn't find it to be so...machine woven. Some beautiful things, including gorgeous Mexican dresses...$150 up. Since I have no where to wear one (Walmart? Kroger? Work?) I told DH I thought I could pick up something at the Mexican market for less.
On the way back to the hotel we saw the Little Rhein Steak House next to the Palacio Hilton...we decided we wanted to have dinner there that evening. DH made reservations for 6:30. Back at the Menger we called for our car, loaded the scooters and made our way to the market. This was a fun adventure...I found exactly what I wanted at the first store inside the door...bought 2 Mexican blankets and a bright orange long Mexican dress...first time I've ever found one to fit me...most of the time can't find size HUGE. We had fun going through the rest of the market...DH talked to a fellow from Mission, Texas who's relative is the former owner of RV Ranch (now Rustic Creek) which is kinda like home away from home for us. I managed to find a blue coconut snow cone - which made the entire trip worthwhile! Most of the shops sell about the same silly stuff, but the shop owners are friendly. I found a rooster to add to my collection, DH bought a U. S. Border Patrol baseball hat to wear when he wants to clear out places, and we picked up a couple of pretty heavy Mexican painted wine glasses. I was going to buy some fabric but couldn't decide when or if I would ever have use for chili pepper fabric.
Afterward we went back to the hotel room to rest. Whatever is wrong with me is taking its toll...I get so sick and so weak. I napped until about 5:45. We decided to try to walk to the restaurant for dinner so that we could eat out on the patio by the river. Reservations were for 6:30 so we started out at 6. It is a 2-block walk, or in my case, shuffle. We made it, but we stopped a couple of times along the way to let me sit down.
Dinner was wonderful...a glass of white zin for me; apple martini for DH. Appetizer was 1/2 avocado stuffed with crab meat salad. So good. Followed by beef steak tomato salad...cannot describe, was so good. We shared a rib eye steak, or as DH says, 1/2 a cow. Sides were mushrooms and rosemary potatoes. We were stuffed. We left about 7:45 and made our way down to the river via the elevator at the Palacio Hilton. We wanted to go to Durty Nelly's, the Irish Pub at the Hilton (we both remember it from when we were much younger), but we found it to be way too loud for us now (can you imagine?), so we went to the other Hilton place (Ibizas?). I had a wonderful Pina Colada, DH had a sour apple martini. We then made our way to street level via the elevator at the Hyatt Regency and wondered down the street to Pat O'Brien's...yes, there is one in SA now. We managed to about shut down the dueling piano room - so much fun...and we were drinking diet coke (worst ones we've ever had). We made it back to the hotel about 1 a.m. where we crashed. That's the latest we've been out in many years.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
DH and I needed to "Get out of Dodge" a few days to escape reality. We booked into the historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio. Our wonderful friend Helen agreed to babysit the critters. We left very early, stopped in West at the Kolache shop (yum), then in Salado for early lunch. We ate at the tea room...cucumber & cream cheese sandwiches with tomato basil soup with ice tea...yummy. DH drove from Salado through Austin because I hate driving through Austin. we stopped at the outlet mall in San Marcus for a break...went into the Pottery Barn where we didn't find anything I wanted (believe that?), and then on to Lane Bryant where I could have spent the afternoon but didn't. I bought one outfit, thinking I would stop on the way back north.
I drove from Salado on to San Antonio - we got there as planned about 3 o'clock...wanted to miss the 5 o'clock traffic. Got checked in quickly...hotel and surrounding area was dead...nobody there. OMG, the room we had was the tiniest hotel room we've had in forever! No room to maneuver, but we made do...even with 2 scooters. And the bathroom was a joke. In addition, there was mold on the ceiling above the shower, the tub was stained, and the calking around the tub/shower needed to be replaced. Since we got it at such a good deal, we didn't ask to move. But we won't stay there again.
The Menger is located at the Alamo plaza next to the Alamo, so we had easy access. After check in we took our scooters on over to the Alamo and have been there many times. It never loses its hold on us. I was over at the donation box on one side of the Alamo and DH was going around reading the plaques with the names of the Alamo heroes. I heard a big commotion and a little scream/yell and people running. DH's scooter had turned over backwards and dumped him off on his back (and neck!!!) and he was on the ground. People were rushing all around him. Thought I was going to have to knock people out of my way to get to him. This is the second time his fancy scooter has done this. Altho' his scooter is snazzy, we are going to have to get a regular handicap scooter for him. Anyway, he managed to get up and I managed to get his scooter back together and we went on our way...to the building next door that sells Alamo memorabilia (sp?).
I found cookie cutters...at least that's what they sell. For me they are quilt stencils...one is a large Texas, the other is a boot. I also bought a "green" Alamo bag for carrying the "stuff" we pick up in SA. DH bought a new baseball hat and a mug.
From the Alamo we crossed over the plaza down Crockett to the Hyatt Regency and used their elevator to the river walk to find something to eat. The places all have steps up it seems...at lest the places on the Alamo side. But we stopped at Michelino's Italian place, left the scooters at the foot of the steps (took the battery off DH's and key out of mine) and ate on the patio. Had chicken alfredo. Ok, but nothing to write home about...Italian food to me is something you eat/fix at home when you don't have much $$!!! As a friend says, kinda like fried chicken...good, but not something I'm willing to spend a lot of $$ on!
I drove from Salado on to San Antonio - we got there as planned about 3 o'clock...wanted to miss the 5 o'clock traffic. Got checked in quickly...hotel and surrounding area was dead...nobody there. OMG, the room we had was the tiniest hotel room we've had in forever! No room to maneuver, but we made do...even with 2 scooters. And the bathroom was a joke. In addition, there was mold on the ceiling above the shower, the tub was stained, and the calking around the tub/shower needed to be replaced. Since we got it at such a good deal, we didn't ask to move. But we won't stay there again.
The Menger is located at the Alamo plaza next to the Alamo, so we had easy access. After check in we took our scooters on over to the Alamo and have been there many times. It never loses its hold on us. I was over at the donation box on one side of the Alamo and DH was going around reading the plaques with the names of the Alamo heroes. I heard a big commotion and a little scream/yell and people running. DH's scooter had turned over backwards and dumped him off on his back (and neck!!!) and he was on the ground. People were rushing all around him. Thought I was going to have to knock people out of my way to get to him. This is the second time his fancy scooter has done this. Altho' his scooter is snazzy, we are going to have to get a regular handicap scooter for him. Anyway, he managed to get up and I managed to get his scooter back together and we went on our way...to the building next door that sells Alamo memorabilia (sp?).
I found cookie cutters...at least that's what they sell. For me they are quilt stencils...one is a large Texas, the other is a boot. I also bought a "green" Alamo bag for carrying the "stuff" we pick up in SA. DH bought a new baseball hat and a mug.
From the Alamo we crossed over the plaza down Crockett to the Hyatt Regency and used their elevator to the river walk to find something to eat. The places all have steps up it seems...at lest the places on the Alamo side. But we stopped at Michelino's Italian place, left the scooters at the foot of the steps (took the battery off DH's and key out of mine) and ate on the patio. Had chicken alfredo. Ok, but nothing to write home about...Italian food to me is something you eat/fix at home when you don't have much $$!!! As a friend says, kinda like fried chicken...good, but not something I'm willing to spend a lot of $$ on!
Doctor Visits September 1, 2010
Wednesday, 9/1/2020...DH had follow up appointment with neurosurgeon. Did not get to remove the hard neck brace. Next surgery is scheduled for September 23. This time doc will go through the front of the neck to get to the back of the neck in attempt to stabilize it. Hopefully this will work this time. DH is so tired of this brace.
At same time DH had doc apptmt I had apptmt at kidney transplant clinic. Labs look good but I am sick...nausea, chills, itchy, itchy skin, hands/fingers/feet/toes stinging. Am being sent for a "glow" test to see if kidney processing fluids like it should. Doc and I discussed whether or not I will be willing to go back on dialysis in event this transplanted kidney fails...my election is "no."
At same time DH had doc apptmt I had apptmt at kidney transplant clinic. Labs look good but I am sick...nausea, chills, itchy, itchy skin, hands/fingers/feet/toes stinging. Am being sent for a "glow" test to see if kidney processing fluids like it should. Doc and I discussed whether or not I will be willing to go back on dialysis in event this transplanted kidney fails...my election is "no."
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