WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE

Here I am after a good night's rest. Before I begin my daily duties I would like to share my experiences of last evening.

I settled into my hotel room, freshed up and headed straight to the lounge. After exchanging greetings with the lovely hostess and bartenter I ordered a double scotch on the rocks with a twist and made quick use of it. Being on a limited budget, I did not order my usual single malt. Keeping with the less expensive well scotch I ordered another double.

Noticing the very attractive young lady seated next to me I attempted to engage conversation. She appeared to be occupied with deep thoughts. Obviously tired after a hard day at the office. And, possibly a little shy. Maybe new to the area and just slow to make friends. I got the lovely bartender's attention and ordered another double scotch for myself and a cold longneck Bub with a wedge of lime for the young lady. Thinking she might be a little thirsty, I slid the beer over to her and begin to tell her a couple of jokes. Being shy and ladylike, the poor dear, she just kept being occupied with deep thoughts, And, the poor dear was so shy she had'nt even touched the cold longneck.

After another double scotch and thinking about it... silly me, I bet all she would like to do is dance. So I ask her if she had a dollar to play the jukebox so I could dance with her. She slowly turned to me and politly told me to "get the f*** out of her face". Poor little thing. She's probably too shy and embarassed to tell me she did'nt know how to dance.

 

 

STUFFED BUT SURE FEEL BETTER

YES, THEY DID. They had plenty of ribs and fix'in. Plus a big bowl of peach cobbler. And, yes I did, I hurt myself.

Sure glad I decided to go south today. It's still only 40 degrees. A beautiful day though just a little cool. Not much traffic and everything is just too fine. Better enjoy it now because traffic is always at a near stand still in Austin. Have to drive past the Longhorn's stadium. Sure glad they are not playing today or it really woud be a mess. Austin is a good town. I always thought I would like to live around Austin or San Antonio. That area is my favorite part of Texas. Wow! In the spring it is really pretty with all the wild flowers. I recommend everyone drive here the latter part of April. Take some side roads. Nice, very nice.

Moving right along. Just passed through Waco and Temple. Next is the Austin lockdown and then San Antonio. Not enough time to go today, but have to mention it. About 12 miles east of Temple is "Green's Sausage". Sometime treat yourself and drop by for a sausage burger. It is worth the trip. Maybe I'll stop there on the way back.

Made it through Austin with not much trouble today. The city simply grew faster than the highway system. Seems like I am not the only one that likes it down here. About halfway between Austin and San Antonio is New Braunfels. I will be stopping at "New Braunfels Smokehouse". Stretch my legs and get a smoked ham to take with me. They do a really good job. It's only about block off the interstate. Can't go wrong. I must be hungry today. All I can think about is food.

Got a ham and some beef jerky. Headed for San Antonio now with a smile on my face. I well take I-37 at San Antonio going south toward Corpus Christi. Temperture is 53 degrees and is a great day. The Texas "Hill Country", now this is living the good life. San Antonio... the Alamo, the Riverwalk and oh, so much more. Great place. The Valley is a nice five hour drive from San Antonio. I will turn off of I-37 about halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi. In the middle of no where take highway 281 due south to the Valley. I will stop in George West and fill up with gasoline at Garcias. George West is a small town that brings back a lot of memories that I will share with you another time. Grab some gas, a Coke and away we go.

This is ranch country. A lot of Mesquite brush, a few gas wells and that's about it. Just set the cruise on 70 mph, put on some good tunes and enjoy life. Will be there soon.

Well, I made it. Edinburg, at least, to me that is the gateway to the Valley. The Valley is the Rio Grande Valley which separates Texas and Mexico. The Valley is a very agressive and fast growing area. The larger towns are McAllen, Harlingen and Brownsville. With many smaller border towns. The area is known for it's delicous Ruby Red grapefruit and oranges. And, of course good Mexican food everywhere.

Going south today was an excellant choice. The temperature in McAllen is 77 degrees with more of the same all week. I am going to Weslaco (about 10 miles) and check in at "Best Western Palm Aire". Very good accommodations. The restaurant serves a great ribeye steak and weekends the lounge always has a good country band. A good place to kick back, relax and enjoy. Think I will slip across the border tomorrow and get a little taste of Mexico.

GET UP! LET'S GO SOUTH TODAY

A Little chilly in North Texas this morning. Woke up and decided to head to the valley and enjoy the warmer weather. Should be nice in McAllen this week and I can enjoy some really good Mexican food. Sure do like that area. Rather be on a Mexican beach, but simply can't afford it now. The Texas Valley will be good.

Take I-35 south past Carl's Corner. Think I will stop and check on Willie Nelson's Bio-Diesel. That is a good product. Sure hope sales are continuing to do well. I can't stay long at Carl's because I would like to stop at the Smoke Stack just south of Hillsboro. They have some of the best smoked brisket and pork ribs you have ever wrapped your lips around. Every time I eat there I hurt myself. But, I gotta do it. Sure hope they have some peach cobbler today.

Well, I'm out of here. Have a lot of ground to cover today.