Vitamins.... and on to The Alamo!!!

As I left Dallas on Wed about 11 am I took the 635 loop to I-20 planning to then go south on 35E. I spotted a TA sign in the distance and wondered if it might just be the other one that is supposed to carry my brand of vitamins. I stopped and  YAHOO!  got the last 2 bottles they had which will last me at least 2 months! Plenty of time to order once I get to Tucson.

 

Meanwhile I drove to New Braumfels and spent the night at another TA. I had wound up in the slow traffic in Austin for quite a stretch, and it was to dark to try to find the Potter's Creek Park, one of the campgrounds of Canyon Lake, also a COE campground (gotta love these!)

However, after touring The Alamo today, thats where I am now.

 

So yes, one of my almost lifelong wishes was to see the Alamo..... you know, the place where that awesome Davy Crockett (my childhood hero) breathed his last! I remember watching the Davy Crockett movie and TV series as a young girl. and my mom had the sheet music to it and played it on her piano and we all learned the words and sang it over and over.....

 

I felt it was worth taking the guided tour, and found out things the movie or history class didn't teach us, or taught us wrong... did you know Davy's sidekick, Georgie Russell, never did go with Davy to Texas and die there beside his pal?????
There were only 200 defenders against Santa Ana's 2000 soldiers.
Senseless slaughter? Not when you learn all that went on before and after.

 

Anyway, I also learned that the actual Alamo mission, had quit being a mission. I also learned that it was located at the back section of about a 4 acre complex. This is what it looked like at the time of the battle.... That part at the right top corner? That was the mission building. That wee little piece... The courtyard in front of it with a diagonal right side, and the rest of the perimeter was mostly long row houses where at first settlers lived,  and then the 200 men that were defending .

 It would be too long to tell you more, so I'll just post some of the pictures I took.  I drove all around the Alamo before finding parking available where my RV could fit into. It was 2 blocks away, a huge parkinglot across from the Scottish (?) Museum and Library. I was very careful as I walked to commit to memory the direction I took. These horse-pulled carriages can be seen traveling the streets near the Alamo. I did not ask how much for a ride; figured I could walk it.

There are also trolleys (maybe just fancy busses, they don't run on tracks)

Cute little things!



When I neared the Alamo I saw this first, a monument commemorating the defenders.

Thier names are all written there. II was surprised to see on of the men's last name was "Bonham". Same last name as my husband's cousin. I put in a phone call and found that indeed it was a relative. How interesting....

The mission looked much like in the movies.

We were allowed to go inside but not take pictures there. I was told it had something to do with the artifacts, and possible ruination or deterioration of the walls, which, I was also told, this IS 80% of the original mission building. Here I am standing in front of the commemerative monument.

This photo below was taken from what would have been the outside southern wall, lower left point

These are other buildings and structures of the Alamo battleground. I cannot remember the names of them all, but I love the architecture.

This is one end of the long barracks museum (below)

 

I think the photo below houses the gift shop and more, which displays Crockett's rifle and powder bag, as well as guns carried by others.  You can also see a bell above the doorway. I don't know if it ws the original mission bell.

This sprawling tree below was planted 100 years ago as a 40-year-old tree, brought in also to commemorate the fallen soldiers. Hauled in and planted at 40 years old!!!!! That must have been an awesome feat in those days (1912)

A Spanish canon

Col. William Travis's famous words...

Our tour guide, has been doing this for many years and is very knowledgeable. He gave us facts on the Mexican revolution and why the battle at the Alamo was so important. He also told us the real reason Davy Crockett went to Texas.

If you have never been, and have a chance to do so, I highly recommend this as a important historical stop. It makes one stop and think about the sacrifices others have made in the name of freedom.

 

After walking around almost 4 acres and the standing on cement during the tour while being given pertinent info, my feet hurt so bad by the time I got back to the RV. I almost wish another carriage had come along just then......

More tomorrow......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Last Night in Dallas

I did the last of my laundry today and washed my few dishes, mostly cups and spoons. I supervised the piano practice with the Grand, and we walked the dogs. In the evening we all had a very tasty spaghetti supper and sat down to watch a movie I had purchased at W*M for $5. It was "Second Hand Lions" with Robert Duvall and Michael Caine.

Talk about funny! I will watch this one several more times I am sure. We all enjoyed it! Since I had "pre-viewed" it, I went to the RV and got a pkg of brownie mix I had and made brownies for desert. (Of course that was to score extra points with the S-I-L so's I can stop back in the spring)  ;-)

Grand went to bed and I went in to give him his nightly kiss and hug. Oh, its going to be hard leaving tomorrow am. In fact, I won't leave till after his bus takes him off to school, cuz then I'm not leaving him behind, if he has already left for school, you see......

After the movie I came back out to the Rv and took Miss Izzy and Curley Joe for their last out. It was a cool mild night so I enjoyed the walk. I took several pictures on my phone of the homes with Christmas lights on. Nothing really special at first but the last one I thought was especially nice.

You all have your decorations up yet? I will have as soon as I get my hands on some of those plastic ties. I'll probably need to stop at a hardware store down the road.....

 

Keeping busy while waiting.....

I have been delayed on getting my vitamins that I usually take and have felt like I was dragging for the last several days. I had intended on picking them up in OK when I went to visit Susan but now that that trip has been canceled because of the bank card issue, I won't be going after my year's supply of vitamins as well. I have taken these same liquid vitamins since going on the truck with my husband in Jan of 2002. I was one of their first hundred or so customers.

Anyway I called the company and was told the TA at x 68 on I-30 east of Dallas carried them. They would cost more but at least I could get a bottle to get me through. So Friday I pulled together enough cash to get my Lady Blue fueled up and get my vitamins. I got there, fueled,  and went to look for the stand with the attendant who sells the vitamins at this particular TA. I found the stand, but the attendant was nowhere to be found.... just a small sign with a phone numner to call if you wanted to make a purchase. Sooooo, I called and got a viocemail saying to leave a msg. I ...left ....a .... msg. This is Monday evening. My call was never returned. No vitamins. Nada. There is a slim chance I can pick some up at another TA when I leave here. Don't cha just love it when life hands you all these little irritating little monkey-wrenches one right after another?? Just got to plow through and weather the storm, find something good to keep yourself occupied till the storm passes.....

 

Sunday afternoon Daughter's family and I met with cousin Connie and husband Bud over near Fort Worth and had a nice visit and dinner at golden Corral. Connie and I both like GC pretty well and it was not too far from their home. After that we stopped back at the ATT store and they finally conceded that my wi-fi unit was not working properly, and replaced it with a new one. I tried it out this morning and all the issues I had with the other one were gone. This one is working perfectly! So now that problem is solved.  I have been knitting in the evenings. I have about 4" to go and this pair of socks for D-I-Lwill be done. The Grand sometimes comes out to the RV and will watch a movie with me. Last night we watched "The Willows in Winter", a grand old classic.

This morning after walking the dogs, having breakfast and putting in a load of laundry, I got out my paint and went to work again on the painting of my grandson's piano lesson. I spent a good 4 - 5 hrs on it, working mainly on the checked shirt the piano teacher was wearing. This painting is quite different for me than my usual landscapes  but so far I am pleased with the results. This evening daughter and I went to another thrift store and I found another "working" string of Christmas lights, some clips to hold it to the awning, and a garland for over my doorway. Also found a few more VCR tapes; some oldies, but goodies.

 

Yay! I got my new bank card in the mail this afternoon, so now I can be on my way moseyin' over to Tucson, AZ. Want to make a couple stops along the way. Thinking about the Alamo, maybe...

I will be leaving here Wed morning. Bet my S-I-L will be glad to have my RV out of his driveway, LOL.

 Oh yes.... now I can call and have my vitamins shipped to my brother's home in Tucson!

 

Well, I'm tired so goodnight to all.

Pleasant dreams and safe travels!



Another delay.....

Yesterday and today have been very busy days.

Yesterday, because I went to do my online banking and found several hits to my checking account that I did not, and could not, have possibly made. Long story short ......... someone, somehow, had gotten my debit card # and decided that it would be easier to live off of my funds than to work honestly to earn their own living. Having eight hits totaling $2028.00 between Nov 23 and Nov 26, my bank and I are glad I keep a close eye on my account. They found where the debits had been made from, put a stop on my card, and set in motion for me to be reimbursed said funds. There is only a 2 day wait on my funds, but a 7 - 10 day wait on my new bank card to arrive at my daughter's home where I have been camping out in their driveway. I had planned to leave later toward the weekend to continue my way to AZ. However I had 2 people I had wanted to visit before going very far, and now cannot as I have limited funds until my card comes in the mail. 

 

Today errands were to take the dog-pals to the groomer recommended by a near-by neighbor, a Chik-filet stop for the daughter and a StarBucks stop for me, then a doctor appt for my daughter, Wal*Mart shopping for a small electric heater and other needed supplies, a stop at the thrift store, pick up the dog-pals, pick up the Grand from the school bus, pick up the husband from work (hers.... not mine) Papa Murphy's for pizza supper, drop the husband , Grand and pizza at home where he baked the prepared pizza's while we drove to Aldi's for some grocery items and filled the car up with gas. Whew!! Wore me out. We were back to the house just as the pizza's were ready. The guys had ham and mushroom pizza and we girls had thin crust chicken, spinach, and artichoke pizza. Yummmmmy!!

 

At the thrift store I got a VCR movie for $1.49 (which will play in my tv set) of  "The Willows in Winter" and a cheerful Christmas cappucino mug for myself for $.89 .  I had picked up a documentary VCR film on the History of the Railroad Steam Engines, but had a notion to check it, and glad I did as it had on corner broken on the edge that fits into the player, so I decided not to chance it. I would have loved to watch it :-/

Daughter found a few clothing items. She always finds good deals at these places. We had wanted to hit another thrift store she knows of but there just wasn't enough hours in this particular day.

And my doggie-pals look just gorgeous! I will try to get a picture of them tomorrow to post.

 

Among all the busy-ness today, and the frustrations of the day before, I realize how very blessed I am. My troubles are few compared to many, and I am humbled by the goodness of the Lord to me.

I have so very much to be thankful for......

 

Count your blessings,

          Name them one by one........

 

 



Tom Merrill Campground, Louisiana

On Friday after viewing the settler's home at the Bayou Budcau Dam, we crossed back over the dam and entered the Tom Merrill campground, located just below the dam, is a beautiful little place to camp for the weekend, or for an extended stay. It has electric and water hook-ups, dump station, shower houses, playground area, and only $6/night with my senior pass. There are only 20 spaces, requiring no reservations, and is a first come/first served campground hosted by the A C of E. The camp host site is located just inside the entrance.

The dam from below

and on down the waterway...

The Grand had fun playing with other kids

in the well-equipped playground.

Looking toward the camping area from the playground

Saturday morning.... sunlight beams through trees down onto the peaceful camp.

This is the neighbor couple's campsite, who live about 50 miles from my home in PA. Funny how you travel 1500 miles and find someone from your neck of the woods. They are both retired and spend about 6-7 months a year in their motorhome, a 24' Winnebago Class C. We had found alot in common and had lots to discuss.

Grand's parents did not allow him to bring his game phone with him camping. I wondered how this would affect the weekend, but he proved to be a real camper, helping with filling water jugs, gathering pine needles and pine cones for fire starter, then scavenging for down and dead wood. I added some lumber cut-offs I had carried with me.  

After more play, walks with the dogs, and picture-taking we built the fire and proceeded to fill our hungry tummies. Hotdogs first of course!

Then roasted apples.... yumm!

By the time we got to making s'mores it was almost too dark for good pictures. But we got them made eaten, and watched a movie called "8 Below" , a beautiful movie about a dogsled team in the frozen north. On friday night we had watched the one titled "Bears" another nature movie.

 Then we were tired and ready for bed!

I had taken this picture of the moon as the sun lowered and it became darker.

Sunday morning......

What better way to be woken up in the morning than with fur-pals!

 As for me, vanilla chai tea is my wake-up call


 

We needed to get things picked up, packed up and head back home as we had quite a drive ahead of us, and it is back to school for Grand the next day. He helped with all that, too. Shutting the electric connection off first, he then unplugged the cord and wound it up, unhooked the cables we put the dogs on when we sit outside at the campfire, put the folding chairs back on the rack and strapped them down while I secured the inside things. 

 

We both thoroughly enjoyed the weekend together. Glad we headed out when we did as the traffic was like Dallas traffic almost all the way from Shreveport back to Dallas!!!

 

Lesson #5

NEVER on a holiday weekend!! Be there before the holiday starts and plan to return on the next weekday after.

 

Bayou Bodcau Dam, Shreveport, LA

After spending Thanksgiving with my daughter and son-in-law at his cousin's home near Shreveport, LA, I took my Grand camping with me for the weekend. I like going to the Army Corps of Engineer's campgrounds whenever I can. My "Camping with the Corps of Engineers" book comes in very handy for finding these places, hence our weekend stay.

Before finding a camp site, we ventured across the dam....
(passenger's side heading north)

 (driver's side)

and then turned right onto gravel road called Duck Dam Road, built across a bayou/swampland area that reminded me of driving down an old railroad grade, only wider.  We drove down that road for miles (very slowly) looking for a "primitive camping spot". However I, just wasn't comfortable camping there. Thoughts of copperheads in unexpected places kept me driving.

I had thought we were supposed to see waterfowl......, never did... maybe I was in the wrong place. However we did take some photos from the comfort of the RV. Everytime we stopped for a photo, the grandson had to take one from his side too. He did pretty good.

( I am thinking a camera might be good for his next B-Day present?)

Some tall beautiful pines!

A good boondocking site..

Further down the road. the road widens and the wooded area opens up, portraying some of the last beautiful colors of fall.

We turned back to go back across the dam, and stopped at the log home built by the original owner.

The sign says, "Durden House, Educational Center"

We did not find anyone about so just looked around the outside. It had a beautiful flagstone path in the front and up to the steps of the wide veranda.

I wish I had been able to get more info, but we satisfied ourselves with viewing the outside.

Interestingly, the home was built with a wide open hallway between 2 sections.

Of course, the electric ceiling fans were installed later. Grand was fascinated with the structured (caulking between the logs)

The back was much the same as the front with a wide veranda across it as well, and a screendoor on the one side.

Out front again, hiking trails went off in both directions. We took the dogs for a walk down one but had to turn back soon, as it began to rain again.

Tomorrow, the Tom Merrill campground.

 

White Rock Lake, Dallas, Tx

 This lake is located 2 blocks from daughter's home. Her and I took a quick trip around so I could get some photos. The lake  is alot larger than I had anticipated, but they have no campgrounds which is very disappointing. It looks like they would have room for some, but it is only a daytime park. Fiching is allowed and there are boats houses and docks for sailboats, as well as several boat launches.

This man looked like he was set up to spend the day.

A picturesque boatdock.

Another fisherman trolling.

 A beautiful little bridge structure in a huge picnicing area.

Waterfowl....

and even more...

A really beautiful place I would like to spend more time at, but I am going to need to be making my way to Arizona soon.