2024-12-19 Coca-cola Classic Christmas Show, San Antonio TX

 We had another Christmas show on the books several days later. I didn't look great but off we went. Fortunately, my knee didn't give me a lot of trouble in spite of being very black and blue. The face we just all ignored.

Here the show was all about the lighting.

They had an ice slide here too with a longer line. Steve and Helen were game but Morgan opted out.

Displays were all around the stadium field with some paths to follow.

In addition to all the food concessions right after you entered, they also had booths with things for sale.

There was an ice rink and there was also this musical square area with lots of adults and kids dancing on it.

We also did a tour of the Wincrest neighborhood lighting displays earlier in the week. They are always amazing. The streets have barricades to direct the traffic in one direction winding around. It is astonishing how much some of the people decorate their homes and yards. I always enjoy it but I really wouldn't want to live there. Getting home after work must be a nightmare for a whole month.

2024-12-16 Ice Show! at JW Marriott, San Antonio

 We went to the ICE How the Grinch Stole Christmas Show at the JW Marriott Hotel on the 16th. Not knowing what to expect, we were surprised when it was all inside.

There were a couple booths selling cocoa and some people sat around a fireplace enjoying a drink while others just enjoyed the fireplace ambiance.

There were ice slides set up in part of a huge room. Steve, Helen, and Morgan decided to give them a try.

Of course there was also a huge area with all kinds of Christmas things for sale. We browsed but that was about it. Next up was the ice sculptures. Another enormous area was cordoned off with curtains to provide a trail through the sculpture rooms. Before going in, everyone had to put on one of the big, heavy jackets that were provided. It was really, really cold. I came with a jacket but I had to wear one of theirs because they were so much heavier. I was really wishing for some gloves and a hat before we got done.

The ice blocks were enormous and the displays were built on site.

Another ice slide without tubes.

Every bit of this was blocks of ice assembled into the characters.

The displays were huge.

The pictures of this ice manger scene don't begin to show how fantastic it was.

All was going well until we headed back to the parking area to leave. It was a trek. They had a few 6 passenger golf carts picking people up to ferry them out to the lots. We saw one coming up the road. He stopped and we headed across the grass to the road. I stepped off the curb onto what should have been an 8 inch drop to the road. Instead, the road slanted back towards the curb with a big 20 inch drop. Of course, the street lighting was out in that area and the curbs were not marked or painted. I went down and face planted on the road with my feet down into the drop area. There won't be any pictures but my chin was abraded as well as black and blue. I was very lucky I didn't break any teeth but the whole area was swollen. My elbow was damaged and my knee was very black and blue. Not a good way to end the evening.  the driver just wanted to give me a hand and pull me up but I couldn't move at that point. Thankfully my son is very strong and just got behind me and lifted me up. I would say the Marriott has some real safety hazards they need to fix.

2024-11-18 The Rallies Over

The sunsets in the hill country are beautiful and make a stunning backdrop for some of our members RVs!

The rally is over but we still have another day to enjoy before heading home so we headed into Kerrville. The Schreiner's were very big in Kerrville history.

There a number of beautiful old buildings. We had a very interesting conversation with two French tourists who are wrapping up their tour of the U.S.

There is a really nice covered pavilion overlooking the river right downtown. 

Some interesting history about a very unique telephone company that started in 1898.

Downtown also has a James Avery sculpture on display.

 It was a great week in Kerrville and we will be back for another rally next year!

2024--11-17 Texas Ramblin' Roses Rally

 Friday night close to 50 Roses headed to Billy Gene's restaurant in Kerrville. Good friends, good food, a fun night!

We definitely filled the room.

Back at the RV park, games were in play. This is the Samba gang. Mexican train and Rumikub are very popular with more of the crowd.

Saturday morning was set aside for the annual business meeting.

There was also a presentation on trips planned and taken by Jo, Teresa, and Teri. It was very interesting especially when they talked about how they planned their travel stops and the kind of places they preferred. One preferred state parks and COE parks and felt safer with lots of space between sites. Another preferred very well lit private parks where neighbors are close together. The third varied the kind of places she stayed and stayed two different nights at church parking lots. One planned and reserved every night well in advance, one made reservations the day before. One had sites reserved well in advance on the way out while just stopping wherever she landed on her trip home. Lots to think about for those who haven't traveled before.

Our chapter christens members new rigs to wish them well on future travels.

"Chef" Elaine with two or three "sou" chefs for a little assistance prepared a delicious green chile chicken enchilada casserole for Saturday night. She even made a couple of side casseroles for special dietary needs. Members brought sides and desserts so it was a full and delicious meal for all.

I think this is the "goofy" version of our rally photo!

And once again the evening ended with games.

I should mention that the park has an indoor pool and hot tub that some of us made good use of.