New Orleans continued

The New Orleans drive was filled with variety. We saw some beautiful old homes like this Steamboat House, but Katrina spared no neighborhoods and next door to a beautiful home would be an empty lot, a FEMA trailer, or someone's home waiting to be repaired or demolished.

We visited a cemetery and were fascinated by the beautiful crypts, many a hundred years old. Many of them housed six to twelve caskets, some had stained glass windows that were visible through the front grilling.

Our stay was short, but we enjoyed the tour. Thanks to Don and Jackie!

Baytown, just east of Houston, Texas

Well, the weather didn't improve and there was a lot of Texas, but we finally pulled into Connie and Joe's driveway to spend a few days. Their beautiful home is located on Trinity Bay (which is kind of connected to Galveston Bay and then to the Gulf of Mexico).

So off we went to see the sights. After seeing the Alamo, Joe thought we should see where the Texans actually won the battle with Santa Anna, and we visited the San Jacinto Monument. It was an excellent history lesson and the monument with its reflecting pool was really cool.

Busy with Connie and Joe

We had a chance to do some more sight seeing. It was a great trip to Galveston and we even took a ferry ride to get back home.

Connie and Joe seem to like Mitch's Wild Rice Soup really well, so he made a batch--a big batch. We got our bowls, Connie and Joe ate out of the pots!

It was great fun spending time with them and we look forward to seeing them again in the spring

TT Medina Lake, Texas

We never did get a sunny day, but the temp got up to 83 degrees. Oh well. TT Medina Lake is situated in the Texas Hill Country and I'm sure it is beautiful, especially in some other season. The park, however, is really nice and we parked in an alcove of juniper trees. Further down the road the park borders Medina Lake. Even though I didn't get our front yard, the first picture is someone's front yard. There must be 100 deer roaming the campground. (Sorry Shayne and Bryan, they are far to small for hunting fare!)

The Alamo

It was fun visiting the Alamo and seeing the old architecture. The grounds were lovely and there was a lot of history to read and see.

San Antonio

When we finished up at the Alamo we decided to check out a bit of the city. We took a walk on the Riverwalk, a quaint little walkway lined with restaurants, hotels, and businesses. We took a trolley ride to Market Square, a Mexican market area, and had lunch in a very festive Mexican restaurant.

Brayden meets Santa

We are on the move, covering the southwest from Arizona, across New Mexico, and into Texas -- in the rain. That's why I don't have any new pictures. It has been cold and bleak and rainy, but it wasn't bad for driving. Hopefully the sun will peek out tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's a cute Christmas picture of Brayden.