on the border...

On our way to Del Rio, to pick up Tucker, we had the unusual experience of getting within 100 feet of the Mexican border. I am not sure if you are up to speed on what a wonderful place Mexico is right now, but to save the gory details; it is bad, not safe, and the drug lords are taking over. Basically, the border between the US and Mexico is not safe. Needless to say, I was nervous getting so close!

On our way down, we saw miles and miles of ranches. Hunting ranches. You could usually tell what kind of ranch it was by how tall the fence was. The taller the fence meant the bigger the game. Tall fences prevent animals, namely big game deer, from jumping out and going onto someone elses's ranch. Texas ranch owners own thousands of acres of property and charge top- dollar to go hunting on their ranch.

Here are some examples of what the ranches looked like, along with an example of a gate entering the ranch:

The more we drove, the more I noticed side "roads" along the fence lines of these ranches. I asked Kyle what that would be for, and he explained that those "roads" are there to look for footprints. Not animal footprints, HUMAN footprints. They drag along those roads and then Border Patrol drives along looking for fresh prints in the freshly dragged road. If they see some, they can assume some illegals managed to cross the border and are somewhere in the ranch property.

This is an example of one "road" I was able to get a picture of:

When we got to Lake Amstad (where our puppy was at!) we had to take the dam access road. (All lakes down in TX are man-made, usually a dam of some sort). We accidently missed the road and ended up driving on top of the dam, getting us within 100 feet of the Mexican border. Here are some pictures I took while my tummy started doing flip-flops! Once we passed a border patrol vehicle and came close to the lookout towers, we turned around!

Mexico

On the way back to San Antonio from Del Rio, we had to drive through a Checkpoint. All traffic must pull into this "station," roll your window down and talk to the officers on border patrol. (They check for anything unusual or suspects.) They commented that Tucker was a cute dog! It was an interesting little road trip, but next time Kyle and I plan on driving the OTHER direction!

tucker and his bed...

Not sure WHY he does this, but thought it was too cute and too funny :)

ut football...

On Saturday we went to a University of Texas (the Longhorns) football game. Tyler, Kyle's little brother, is a die-hard fan and it has always been a dream of his to go to a UT game and see the Longhorns win at their own stadium. Well, he achieved half of his dream. The Longhorns lost, but he did get to see the stadium and experience game day-- and it was awesome.

It was an 11:00 am game, so we ended up leaving our house in San Antonio at 7:30 am. We picked up our friend Jason, stopped for Jack in the Box breakfast, and headed up north to Austin. By the time we got through traffic on I35, found a place to park, walked to the stadium and found our seats, we had about 10 minutes to kick-off. Even before the stadium filled up, I was amazed.

The Longhorns played Iowa State. It was supposed to be a for sure win, but with the rebuilding year that the Longhorns are having, they are struggling. With their quarterback from last year in the running for the Heisman Trophy, their new quartback this year has some major shoes to fill. It was difficult watching him stuggle, and I could tell Tyler was frustrated. He just wanted them to win! Even though they lost, I was impressed with the number of fans in attendance, how HUGE the stadium was, the band...everything. I could go on and on about how it compared to places I have been, but I will just put some pictures up so you can take a look for yourself!

Background:

- Officially called the Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium has been the home to the Longhorns since 1924.

- It has an overall capacity of 111,000 people

- Record attendance- 101, 437 when the Longhorns played UCLA on 10/25/10

- Since September of 2009, the Longhorns have not had a game with fewer than 100,000 people in attendance

- The stadium has a 7,370 square foot HD LED scoreboard, nicknamed "Godzillatron"

- There were 100,142 people in attendance at the game we went to

We even got Kyle to wear orange!

The stadium- a picture of the stands on the left and right, with the view of the feild and Austin skyline in the background

Touchdown!!!



Even though it was rainy and cloudy in the morning, by the end of the game the weather was in the upper 80's and the sun was beating down on us. We all got the dreaded t-shirt tan, and Tyler even got a watch tan line! Overall it was a new and fun experience, and we are hoping to make it an annual event!

meet tucker...

Over the weekend Kyle and I drove to Del Rio, TX. What's in Del Rio? A litter of PUPPIES! We both have wanted a puppy since we moved down here, but we were going to wait until after the holidays, however; Kyle happened to find this litter and fell in love. The dad dog had a great build and excellent hunting qualities, and the mom had a good build and look, both with excellent backgrounds. The price was right, and they had happened to have a pup in the litter that was already getting feathers and quail!

After the 3 hr drive to the border, we finally had him. Barely 7 weeks, he was tiny and slept in my lap the whole drive back to San Antonio.

Once home, he had some "sea legs" from being in the car, but soon enough he found them and was exploring the house. I think he sniffed every inch of it! We introduced him to our backyard, where he had never been on grass before. (He wasn't too sure of it at first, but now he knows that is where he goes to the bathroom). The dogs nextdoor have an annoying bark, so they scared him right away. He is getting used to it, but still doesn't like it (neither do I)! He is also having some issues with his collar. He will be in the middle of playing or running and all of a sudden stop and scratch. Hopefully he gets used to it soon!

In addition to getting used to grass, he is getting used to the house and his kennel. The first day Kyle and I both went to work was difficult, lots of barking, howling, and crying. He is catching on quite fast, though....thank goodness! He has also found his favorite spot in the living room to chill; in between the couch and the end table. Its small- the perfect size for him to feel cozy whenever he can't cuddle with one of us. I love the cuddle stage, but I know it won't last forever!

We have also got an abundant of toys for him to play with, so hopefully he does not turn our furniture into a chew toy! He is taking a liking to my wicker baskets, though! He has a couple squeaky ones, a couple with no stuffing, some ropes, bones of rubber and raw hide, some small tennis balls, and even a "chilly bone." I can't believe how much they like to chew on ice! He really likes to watch you with the toy, and then attack your hand so he can have the toy. I have some puppy love bites on my hands to prove it!

All-in-all, he is a very smart pup who catches on fast. He is already recognizing his name as well as sit and come. Kyle loves working with him (and running around in circles in the backyard with him!) I know Tucker will keep us busy in the future, and I am taking advantage of the puppy stage for as long as I can...and taking as many pictures as I can, too!

border patrol...

Here is just a fun fact I figured out.

Before I lived in San Antonio, I lived in Fargo, ND. From Fargo to the Cananda border it was roughly a 2 hour and 30 minute drive.

Now I live in San Antonio. From San Antonio to the Mexico border it is roughly a 2 hour and 30 minute drive.

Now I can actually say, "I moved across the county"...from one border to the next.

fargo meet san antonio...

This past weekend three of my girlfriends hopped on a plane and flew down to spend the weekend down here in San Antonio. It was a BLAST! It was so nice to visit and laugh and talk with old friends. It made me miss the Fargo days, but we enjoyed the sunshine and activities that Texas brought us.

On Friday we went to Sea World. I am not sure what it is, but there is nothing about that place that gets old. We went to 3 shows, one with beluga whales, dolphins, areial acrobats, and parots. Another had sea lions and one very large walrus. And the last one we went to had SHAMU! Killer whales are amazing and I get goosebumps everytime I see them. And of course, Jess and I had to check out the roller coasters!After Sea World we went to Cowboys Dancehall for some Professional Bull Riding and adult beverages. Jess got a new pair of boots (white ones), Ann and I already had a pair (the two red top ones) so it was fun to wear our cowboy boots to a real cowboy bar! It was very entertaining to watch people dance the two step, and dance it well! Ann was a little sad when no cowboy asked her to dance, though. Next time!

Saturday we took advantage of the weather (even though it was just as hot in Fargo...sorry girls!) and went to the lake. Jason had just brought his boat down and needed to get it out on the water, so we were more than happy to spend the afternoon floating in the water and soaking up some sun. Jason even introduced a new water sport...surfing! I never have heard of surfing behind a boat...Kyle, Jason, and Ann all gave it a shot. The boat only goes about 10mph, with a very short rope. The goal is to be able to 'surf' the wake without the rope. It was fun to watch!

We then enjoyed the Riverwalk. I knew taking them there would be fun, and it was a blast. We enjoyed some Mexican food and a pitcher of margaritas...although they might have just as well said it was a triple shot of tequila with a splash of lime! We also explored Dick's Last Resort...if you haven't heard of it, you must check it out!

Sunday we ventured out to do some random things around the town. I introduced them to breakfast tacos, took them to the Alamo (see last post), and also showed them some of my favorite shops. We enjoyed some TX BBQ that night as well. It was a lazy day compared to the two previous! Monday I was in denial that they were leaving, but we met Kyle for lunch so they could have one last goodbye. I stopped by the Japanese Tea Gardens as well before taking them to the airport. The gardens are full of fish, plants, waterfalls, and beautiful stone work. With just enough time to spare, we stopped at the Cheesecake Factory and enjoyed a slice of cheesecake. There, I fell in LOVE with the pumpkin cheescake. (Thank you, Jessica!) It was HEAVEN.

With a little time to wander the mall, it was then time to take them to the airport. I wanted to lock them in my car and drive off, but I knew that would not end well. I had so much fun seeing them, and I know Kyle enjoyed the company as well. It was hard to say goodbye, but I know I will be seeing them all again, sometime soon I hope!

p.s. I am still having trouble putting the coffee pot away. Every morning they made 2 pots of coffee...I don't think our coffee maker has seen that much action in the year that we have had it! I will never make coffee and NOT think of them! Miss you already, girls...I had a blast and hope you did as well!

do YOU remember the alamo?

This last weekend I had three girlfriends come down to San Antonio for a visit. I was super happy to have friends in town, and to be able to show them the place that I now live. We had lots of laughs, talks, and giggles. It made me miss the days when all I had to do was drive for 5 minutes over to their place to visit. Now it requires months of planning and a plane ticket.

Anyway, living in San Antonio, we had to visit the Alamo. While we were there, they asked me..."so what happened at the Alamo?" I tried to give them my best brief history lesson that I knew of the Alamo, but I did not do it justice. So I thought, why not clear the confusion and put in here what really happened.

So, here it is...

The entire Battle of the Alamo lasted 13 days in the year 1836. To help get a visual, here is an image that shows the disputed land. The "green" area is the land that was both claimed by Texas and Mexico. You can see where San Antonio is, how Mexico approached the Texas 'border' through the Alamo in San Antonio.


It all started with the Texas Revolution when a group of volunteers for the "Army of the People" were captured and many of the remaining volunteers left and returned to their families. With that, at the time there were two main roads that led into Texas from the Mexico, where forts were stratigically placed to specifically warn the Texans if the enemy approached. One of these forts was the Alamo. With many of the volunteers now back with the families, a new wave came into Texas from all around the United States. (That is why when you visit the Alamo, you see the "Heroes," and they were from a lot of different states, not just Texas).

At the time, the Alamo was only equipped with 21 pieces of artillery, and the General noticed this. He wrote to his commanding officer, asking permission to flee the Alamo because he knew that unless they were reinforced, it would be an easy defeat for the enemy. He refused time and time again, demanding they stay and defend the Alamo. As this became more known, more and more reinforcements started arriving at the Alamo, as the Texans started seeing it as "the key to Texas." One of the groups that arrived was Davy Crockett and some American volunteers.

When word traveled that the enemy had arrived at the Rio Grande, the colonel's at the Alamo sent word for help. They only had 150 men ready to fight at the Alamo. When few arrived to help the men at the Alamo, Santa Ana (leading the Mexican Army) sent a note to demand surrender. The Alamo replied with a cannon ball, and so the battle began. For 12 days Santa Ana's army had been pounding down the walls of the Alamo, and still, William Barrett Travis (commander at the Alamo) declared "Victory or Death."

On day 12, Santa Ana ordered an attack. Soldiers were confused, as they thought the Texans would simply surrender, but Santa Ana charged forward. The battle only lasted 90 minutes, until all but 7 survivors were slain. Santa Ana ordered their execution as well. (Here, historians suspect that Crockett was among the 7 remaining). There is also an on-going dispute between historians that anywhere form 189 to 257 Texans were slain at the Alamo.

Shannon, Jess, Ann and me at the Alamo.

Hope this clears up some confusion, and as always....

"Remember the Alamo!"

welcome...fall?

Fall is usually one of my favorite times of year. The beautiful fall colors of orange, yellow, and red. The sight of farmers in the field harvesting. The crisp morning with the usually sunny warm day. All these thoughts make me smile and want to reach for a cup of tea and a blanket.

No such luck down here. Fall, here in TX, is not the same as Minnesota fall.

1) Allergies. I have never EVER had allergies before. Of course I had the occasional sniffle from dust and what not, but nothing where I had to take something for them. Here, however, I was out of work for 2 days because I thought I had a bad head cold. Turned out, after about 5 days of treating it as one, it was allergies. I switched the pills I had been taking and, VIOLA! I am back at work and feeling way better. How strange is that?!

2) Colors. Here there are no pretty colors on trees, or the ground. All the leaves are still green. Same old same old. I asked around, wondering when they would change. The response? They don't. One day the leaves are green and on the tree, the next they are off and on the ground. How not-fun is that?!

3) Weather. Like I mentioned earlier, it is usally the time for crisp mornings and sometimes the occasional blustery day. Not here (not that I am complaining...). They weather here has definalty cooled off from the summer months, however, it is still in the 80's during the day. The morning and night are usually somewhere in the 60's...and I am starting to feel like that is "cold!" I hate to say it, because my 23 years in MN tell me that that is no where NEAR cold. It is a strange adjustment! Even more crazy? I am signed up to play in a sand (I repeat outdoor SAND) volleyball league starting this Thursday!

4) Halloween. This is one of my favorite times of year to decorate, minus Christmas, of course. It has been so hard to get in the fall mood when everything is still green and you don't see corn or beans that are ready to be combined. And instead of the traditional Haunted Maze in the cornfiled, there is Halloween Theme at Sea World and Six Flags. It is just entirely different! I have decided I still want to putt up fall colors, even if it is just in my house!

All in all, I am slightly happy the blistering "sweat as soon as you open the door" weather is gone, and I am enjoying the lovely 80 degree weather days. I guess this is just one more adjustment to living here, in TX.

my commute...

Not sure if you recall or not, but earlier in the summer I had a mini vent session about the driving and road systems here in San Antonio. If you didn't get a chance to read it, here it is. I recently have had a slight change of heart. Make sure I emphasize SLIGHT.

Don't get me wrong. The driving down here is still horrible, no blinkers are used, and when they are, you cannot trust them. They either have left it on and forgot about it or they simply do not know how to use the blinker. There are still drivers that park in the fast lane and go 55 in a 60 mph zone. There are still people that do not get over as you are entering the interstate (the on ramps are not very forgiving. You either floor it or have to come to a stop and wait for people to pass). Trust me, the driving is still horrible (as I am sure it is in every major city).

There is one small thing that almost makes me smile on my way to work. I take one of the major loops in the city to work, called 410. Since I have started my job, both East bound and West bound lanes have been under construction, limiting the freeway to 3 lanes (that were very, very narrow). Now, both E and W lanes have been transformed into beautiful 5, sometimes even 6 lanes. The lanes have been freshly tarred (I would have preferred concrete, but this is still better than what it was). The lanes have been made wider. There have been "exit only" lanes added to major intersecting roads. Shoulders have been added so accidents can get cleared off the roadway faster (instead of taking up 2 lanes to clear!)

My drive to work is now on a smooth black-top 5 lane road. It almost makes the bad driving seem OK....Almost.

puppy sitting...

Kyle and I love dogs. We really do. Although it hasn't worked out for us to get our own puppy yet, we get the chance to "puppy sit" for our friend, Jason. Have you met Jason? This is him.

He moved to San Antonio to work for PCG (with Kyle) in June. He is from Spokane, Washington, so thankfully there is another "Yankee" to talk to down here. (Most Texans refer to us as "Yankees." We found there is no use in arguing.)

Anyway, Jason is not able to watch him this weekend, and with his pup being younger than 13 weeks, we are watching him! Kyle and I get a taste of what it would be like to have our own puppy...and I must say...I am still enjoying the freedom!

Meet Koda:

This is a pure bred yellow lab (brown nose) that Jason bought at an auction after a skeet shoot. Kind of a spur or the moment decision, although we have all enjoyed Koda since. He does like to pee randomly and doesn't quite understand the "sit" and "stay" commands, he is a very intelligent pup and I am sure will turn into a great hunter. Someday. For now I enjoy watching him come tearing around the corner in the kitchen and wiping out on the tile floor.

For now, Kyle and I get to enjoy the puppy things. Like the wrinkles they have. And thier small paws. And the sharp teeth that hurt oh so much. Ya know, things like that.

So, until Sunday, we are on Koda watch :)

Enjoy your weekend!