MY ADENTURES N SAN ANTONIO, BANDERA, STONEWALL TEXAS & OTHER ASSORTED SILLINESS TRIP REPORT; NOV '16

[knewton64]

Well only one more year and the new adventure begins !

Ahhh......and this is where the fun really begins!!
Cuz
as of Thursday, I now have the downpayment money up for the Honda Civic CE.....
that will be delivered to our Home in early May



and
everything is now all set for my New Orleans "pre-Trip Report" fun (wine tastings/spa retreats and what not) out at the Great Wolfe Lodge (Grapevine, Tx) starting the first week in May as well.


All we got is left is the last day in March which is the date I am buying it.......
Even got a DISney antenna topper all picked out AND I already have my silver colored Honda Car key ring.


The fun for all of this is listed on "My Adventures n New Orleans" trip report ya see listed below in my signature.
(I even have a You tube video there on what my car will look like........EXCEPT IT WILL BE B-L-U-E IN COLOR.




P.S.S. FINALLY, work is calming down and opening up a wee bit for me to have a little bit more Home time
while not sacrificing anything; so yes - be on the lookout for me to get back at it on the weight loss challenge come Jan 2nd.
(& yes, I will be posting my weekly results on my New Orleans TR as ....
well.....
I wanna look nice when I get that new car)
and when I hit the spas......


Currently, I have only lost 4 pounds and that doesnt sit well w/me and I am too close to San Antonio date of departure (Nov 29th) as well as Gaylord Texan Hotel Birthday bash fun (Dec 30th).

Will explain the whats and the hows I will be losing weight on my N.O. Trip Report more I promise as I dont want my weight to get outta hand and my job has really blessed me with a golden opportunity now to have more Family time and WOO-HOO!!

That has me feeling happy and elated.




**T-MINUS 216 MORE HOURS AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS**





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

SO about my chance encounter with Santa and Company.......

(I didn't even know even Santa has to go to School)



About 7 or so years ago,
I was having one of my usual days fighting with the work computer Mouse and what not when oughta no where, I get this call from a Guy with a very heavy sounding Bronx accent asking me where he could park So and So and so and So , etc.

and he asked me if ok to leave them out in the parking lot for about an hour while he comes inside.

I asked him to repeat his request and he said it again.
I asked him who are these people he is refering to.


He then proceeds to tell me that they are not people but animals....
I then move the mouse on over to his name and see that he is part of Radio City Music Hall). So I go outside and OM GOSH! I got so introduced to the wacky world of camels, Donkeys OH MY so quickly it wasn't even funny.

Dang near got spit upon by one of the camels -
He did warn me about that....


SO
began a very rather fun but very unusual experience I had with the Radio City Rockettes that I will never forget for a few days later, I am back to battling that computer Mouse again and I look up just in time to see a Jolly Old Man with a little round belly walk by wearing red suspenders.

**I dropped the mouse by accident to the floor**
and for a few minutes, I was in a total state of bewilderment as I got up from my chair and opened the door.

I looked to the right and didn't see Santa.
Just then, two Toy Soldiers walked in and carried on a rather funny conversation......

I then looked off on my left and saw him walking down the hallway.
I have no idea why but the little boy in me came out and I said, "Santa?"


He tuned his head ever so slightly to the left while doing a little Coca Cola wave with his hand and soon disappeared into his room.

Now, for an instant, I wondered if I should say.....
peer behind the Wizard of Oz's curtain and.............


I DECIDED AGAINST IT.


I was mulling over the notion of where is Mrs Clause when what did it for me was watching two Rockettes warming up in the lobby doing quick leg kicks..........


Now -
here is where it gets a wee bit daft.


By now, my knees were feeling a wee bit on the wobbly side being so immersed in so much Christmas in an rather unexpected manner -


So I sat down in my chair for a few minutes......


About five minutes goes by as I can begin to feel the 'sanity' beginning to drip back into my bones when all of a sudden, I hear a rather loud WHAPPING SOUND coming about 15 feet in front of me!!


And yet, I saw NO ONE.


About two more minutes goes by and this time I hear someone saying, "MISTER!"
I got up from my chair and I looked to the right and left =

NO ONE.


Then I looked down.....
(Q: Does anyone remember the movie, "Willow"?)

Well, I had to look really hard but through all that Elfish attitude, I was able to accidently recognize Mr Warwick Davis who also was in the Willow Movie.



And for the next two weeks, I had a rather enjoyable but rather quirky journey to and from work conversing with the most sweetest bunch of people on Earth.


But.......
From that day on, I switched to De-caf.





UP NEXT:
Finishing packing my ONE 26' inch suitcase and other last minue details.


T.T.F.N.
&
CHEEYS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

**T-MINUS 168 MORE HOURS AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS**

Got thrown a curve ball recently at work so the countdown clock got moved back a "few" hours......
Nontheless,


gotta finish packing!!
gonna wear ...............

heaven forbid................

P-a-N-t-S
AND
nice shirts on this adventure as I will be one of 40 Guests on this toured vacation.



Now to throw even more of a curve ball atcha, I am now beginning to work more on my DISneyland France, France and oh yes, did I mention London April 2018 adventure??


I tell ya, when ya run w/me, expect the unexpected.





UP NEXT:
HEADING 4 THE AIRPORT.....
in a Town Car.





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Been checking the weather for when the fun actually starts &.......

San Antonio, Texas/ Central Texas weather shows to be holding up ok.......highs in the low 70's and lows in the upper 40s.........
(and NO RAIN)



Got most of my suitcase now packed...................
(yes, I even have an umbrella packed JUST in case)



Ladybug's 'hotel ressies' are all set........



and
we are now down to -


**144 MORE HOURS AND THIS ADVENTURE BEGINS**





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

** WEATHER FORCAST VS WHAT TO WEAR***

OK......should it be comfort or style in regards to what to wear?? That is the question and......
well......


that has me confused because I have been checking the Bandera, Fredericksburgh, San Antonio Texas 10 day weather forcxast and they are all saying..........


for the next 4 days AFTER what you see on the above weather forcast -
LOWS IN THE UPPER 30'S!!
WITH 60-70% CHANCE OF RAIN!!



OKOKOKOKOKOKokokokokokokok......time to put on my Pooh hat and think think think......
Ok - need to call Collette Vacations and be sure and tell them I am now on the lookout for places that sell -

1) Fudge
2) hot chocolate.......(w/Schnapps)
3) Margaritas
4) anything else that will get my mind off of the cold wet weather.




AND
to boot, just saw that we will be visiting a Dude Ranch on Day 2 (December 2nd)

(I am guessing that it's this one)



Hmmmmm......thinking severly about packing some sweat pants and sweat shirt for that day as I am doing my best to chose comfort over style.
ANd all of this I want in ONE suitcase> Yes, I can easily pack for style for this weather but it would be taking 2 suitcases and I am no longer n2 that.


Looks like the Redneck in me jjuusstt may be coming out on this topic but oh well......



No Worries tho, have pants will be bringing as well for this adventure along with a stocking cap, 2 pair wintr gloves, umbrella, etc cuz come rain or shine, nothings changed and I plan on being just like when I was up in Ireland a few years ago and it was raining one day:



**ITS JUST A LITTLE MOISTURE COMING FROM UP ABOVE**







T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

**T-MINUS 120 MORE HOURS AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS **





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

Weather updates -

(a little Christmas silliness ta get me mind of this daft weather comin' my way)




For Central Texas:
Highs in the low 60's
Lows in the upper 40's

AND LOTS AND LOTS OF RAIN.



Not to thrilled about the rain but ya know,
I am just thinking of all those 'ritas I get to "check out"
while there so oh well, it is what it is.



Gonna be interesting to see how many in the tour group actually will openly complain about the weather back to the Tour Guide.


Me? I got my unbrella , swim suit and gloves all packed -

It's gonna be an interesting adventure.





**T-MINUS 72 MORE HOURS AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS**





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL







T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

You said you were packing the umbrella so don't worry about the rain


You won't melt.....

 

[knewton64]

You said you were packing the umbrella so don't worry about the rain


You won't melt.....

Yes, while on any vacation, it is imperative to NOT act like the Wicked Witch when it comes to weather......,,


Excellent point
, thank you for the slight attitude adjustment.





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

You said you were packing the umbrella so don't worry about the rain


You won't melt.....

Ya know u r right and to add to that new attitude,
I am here forth with, adding a Number 4 item onto the above list in the previous posting:

1) Fudge
2) Hot chocolate.......(w/Schnapps)
3) Margaritas


and that is:
4) Gingerbread cookies!!



Pics and video I promise from all of this and more as I have been known to take lots of pics.


Now for the strange coincidence of the day

On Thursday, I have 7:30pm dinner ressies at the Hard Rock & looks like Dallas is at Minnesota that evening so I just might be able to catch the game while there:

while nibblin' on some food and 'ritas.



Q: Will Dallas win out this year??
(will they just have to drive a short distance to Houston, Texas in January??)


Looks promising so far.



Speaking of food, Ladybug
is at 23.6 pounds!!
YIKES!!
(she should be about 25 lbs)


She has a bad habit of not eating (she loses approx 2 lbs while being boarded) while she & I are away from each other so I am out to fatten her up a wee bit since last Thursday. Also, I have swicthed her from "Healthy weight" Pedigree dry Dog food to now Regular Pedigree dry Dog food so that oughta help.



and with that, it has been a long time coming, but this adventure is now upon us.



**T-MINUS 48 MORE HOURS AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS**




T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

You should leave a picture of yourself in the cage where she is boarded

Maybe that will be a comfort for her

Also include a piece of your clothing so she will be able to smell you while she is there

I did that with my cats and it helped
They slept on my shirt in the crate

 

[knewton64]

You should leave a picture of yourself in the cage where she is boarded

Maybe that will be a comfort for her

Also include a piece of your clothing so she will be able to smell you while she is there

I did that with my cats and it helped
They slept on my shirt in the crate

AHH GHEESHHH!!!!


I had my cry yesterday as yup, she
is about to be boarded this am......

Plane for San Antone departs Thursday at 7am.


ANYWHO -
So, I explained to her whats about to happen........
and the more I tried to hold it back
I'll be dang if I got a little 'wet' around the eyes.


She saw all this and proceeded to jump up into my lap -
dip her left shoulder
and promptly roll over on her belly.....

Look up at me and put her right hand on my chest.


And with that,
I gave her a hug and let her know that everythings gonna be all right.

with......
"JUST A FEW CONDITIONS"

1) She isn't allowed to 'sing' while I am away
2) She also isnt' allowed to lead a 'Choral group' into a musical that also involves singing.


and if she does this,
I informed her that I will put in a call to Santa Beagle
and let her know that she has been naughty.


With that, she bowed her head as if to say she uderstood.
(AKA - every time she is boarded, she barks her head off and comes home hoarse)




P.S.S.
SHe now is back up to 24.4 lbs heading into boarding which makes me feel soooooooo much better. Got two body towels (w/my scent on it) all packed and yup, pic of me also included when she is boarded at 8am today.





** T-MINUS 24 MORE HOURS AND THE ADVENUTURE BEGINS**





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

I believe having the towels with your scent on them will be a big comfort for her


She will do fine


But are you going to be fine......

I think you will after the first night you are on your trip

I always called the boarding place to get updates on my babies
It gave me peace of mind

 

[knewton64]

I believe having the towels with your scent on them will be a big comfort for her


She will do fine


But are you going to be fine......

I think you will after the first night you are on your trip

I always called the boarding place to get updates on my babies
It gave me peace of mind

Took me about a little over a day to realize that yes, she will be ok and WOWZERS!
** THIS SOIRE STARTS T-O-D-A-Y**

1. soi·rée
   [swäˈrā]
   NOUN
   1. an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music.

and here is where I have one rule when I vacation......

wait a minute......

meant to say "A guideline" of sorts:

and that is that , "in the Real World, one plus one equals two

but

in the Vacation World, one plus one equals eleven."



and with that, this bugger gets kicked off me me headin' off for some much needed breakfast at my local IHOP followed me a short jaunt (I promise it will only be for a short while) on over to the 'Dark Side" and watch the below at AMC movies at Grapevine Mills Mall -

Gonna bring home some fudge and cookies from Mrs Fields Cookies or All American Cookie store.......


and
tonight will be kickin back at home for a wee bit over some 'ritas
while relaxing out in the backyard




Town car pickup has already been set for 4:45am Thursday for DFW airport




** THE ADVENTURE BEGINS**




T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[knewton64]

A little country ditty to help set the mood -

T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

Jackson and buffet rule........!

 

[knewton64]

Jackson and buffet rule........!

I agree -


runnin' on 90 minutes of sleep......

just got out of "that movie"
per the previous posting
and


well....
to borrow a Ron Weasley remark....

that movie was , "WICKED!"


A very wonderful, well put together and quite a thinking movie.
So many plot twists and turns......

saw it in 3D as well.
(next on my list is that new Star Wars movie and that Disney movie, 'Moana.')


ANYWHO -
Boogyng back home for a spell to whip up a mean batch of strawberry 'ritas
and
sippin on a 'few' of them out in the backyard while nibbling on some assorted fudge
I bought while at Grapevine Mills Mall.



I tell ya, its amazin what a body can do these days w/90 min sleep.


No worries, alarm has been set 4 3am for a 4:45am Town Car pick up 2 go 2 DFW airport & San Antone.



feels nice to for once have no concept of time -



Having fun -


will write like this while n San Antonio, etc starting n a few more hours but will attach a few pics and video where/when I can

and

will expand out more once I get back.





T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

And drink a 'Rita for me when you make them

 

[knewton64]

And drink a 'Rita for me when you make them

P.S.S.
I have more on the way at about 10am Thursday at Mi Tierra Restaurant.
(never been to that restaurant & looking forward 2 it)



and the funniest part is that I don't drink......
until I go on vacation.


and when I tell fellow travelers this

..... they just look me up and down and start laughing.




T.T.F.N.
&
CHEERS Y'ALL

 

[macraven]

Me too...


Drinking is for vacations!