Thanksgiving Trip - Day 5

Got up around 0800 to ensure we made it out of town early enough for the weather (rain) and traffic. Visited Bonnie's room one more time to say goodbye - lots of other people up already for the long drive back to New Mexico (some left from the airport around 0700!). Had no traffic at all on the way. We drove on I-35 all the way until we were near Killeen (Fort Hood) and then got off on TX-317. We had been seeing some rolling hills all day, but now we started to see farmland and ranches - very rural. My goal was to stop in Crawford - "home" of former President Bush ("Western White House"). The place was heavily visited from 2000 until early this year - but now it is almost a ghost town. Lots of shops were closed and there was really only one little restaurant (more like a deli counter). We stopped in and talked to a nice lady working there and got some delicious lunch (brisket, chicken, sausage). She described how it had been during the hey-day and told us how we could find the Bush ranch. We bought a few souvenirs and took a picture in front of the Crawford welcome sign. After a little exploring we found the area where the ranch was (you almost can't tell it is there). Explored a few more ranch/farm roads and came across an old one-room schoolhouse. It was open - pictures, old desks and an old woodstove - local ranchers were setting up for a community Christmas party. Folks were very friendly and told us about their experiences during the Bush presidency (nosy Secret Service people, helicopters, peace-demonstrators, closed roads and news crews). They seemed to be glad that it was all over... Got back on the road around 1400 and took some side roads towards Hillsboro. We drove along the Lake Whitney reservoir (might be some good swimming on a hot Texas day!). Weather deteriorating but had no problem getting home on I-35W. The other side of the interstate, however, was a totally different story (miles and miles of backup). We were pretty lucky in both directions, I guess. Home around 1600 - good to be back!

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 4

Decided to relax in the room today while the girls all went shopping and exploring. Turned out that nearly everyone had plans, so I watched football and stayed in the room. Meanwhile, Mollie was having fun at the nearby Children's Museum. Ientured out for lunch and found Schilo's deli. It is a nearly-100 year old place (started by immigrants) and they have lots of traditional German food. I had a delicious Rueben sandwich with some locally made root-beer. Felt very satisfied afterwards. After I explored for about an hour, I met up with Nicky and girls (around 1500) and we went to meet everyone in Bonnie's room. The Notre Dame football game was on this evening (though no-one knew the time) but everyone visited for several hours, knowing we all have to leave tomorrow. Tim and I ordered some huge (18") pizzas for the kids and we were able to see most of the game - ND lost again! Around 2200, Chuck and Leo said they wanted to go out - so Tiger, Tim, Andy and I went down to have drinks at Dirty Nelly's. It was pretty crowded, so we actually sat next door and waited for it to clear out a little. After midnight, most everyone realized they were pretty tired. Said goodbyes - knowing we are all leaving early. It really felt like Thanksgiving was over...

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 3

What a great day! We had to wake up earlier than normal (for these trips, anyway) so we would be able to get to Sea World and buy tickets before it opened. Arrived around 0900 with time to pick up some breakfast at McDonalds. No problem getting the tickets - beat the crowd - and we even got to go inside at 0930. Enjoyed the Clydesdales and Dolphins before everyone else arrived - even saw Santa! Later, Mary, Leo, Sean and Shannon arrived and we later linked up with Trish, Terry, Megan & Erin; Ellen & David; and Tim, Elizabeth & Katie Belle. It was great having everyone together. Brenna, Sean, Mollie and I explored the Shark House and later visited the Penguin House. We stumbled on to Shamu's Happy Harbor (a big climbing house). Later headed over to see the Seal and Sea Lion show - where we met up with everyone else again. Brenna wanted to ride on some rides, so we looked for something good and found a rafting ride - we got wet!! Stopped for a bite to eat and ran into Ellen and David - Ellen took Brenna on some roller coasters. Later, Tiger, Colin and Keris came by and we ended up staying with them for a bit. Met up with the big group at 1400 - just in time for the Orca show (Shamu). Everyone really enjoyed that - especially Mollie (lots of dropped jaws). Split up again for a short time and explored some animal exhibits. Tried to see the "Polar Express" (in 4D) but the line was too long. Visited the Sea World character garden for photos and thought we would stay longer - but everyone else left. We ended up leaving around 1700 (a very nice day) and headed over to the famous Rudy's BBQ. It actually was an old gas station but serves great food (you sit outside on benches with big paper-towels spread on picnic tables). Everyone enjoyed it a lot. Needed some supplies, so checked out a base nearby (Nicky had an expired ID - but the guard "fixed" that problem by taking it...). We weren't in any hurry to get back to town because there was a boat parade (tickets required) and lots of traffic. Thought we would be OK with getting back after it started (that's what the concierge said...) but never accounted for the "gawkers" in their cars that wanted to watch the parade (couldn't actually do it...). Back at Bonnie's room again around 2000. Kids enjoyed the evening with their cousins and Nicky and I relaxed a bit... Bed pretty late - whew!

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 2

Got up around 0600 for some reason... Checked a little email and then took Brenna and Mollie down to the hotel breakfast buffet. Erin and Nicky decided to head out on the Riverwalk to explore. Chuck and Andy joined us for breakfast and we enjoyed a nice chat until around 1030. We looked around at the hotel (including the roof-top pool) and enjoyed the view of the Alamo - which is basically right across the street from the hotel. We went back to the room and I relaxed for awhile - the girls started getting ready and took nearly two hours... We met up with everyone at Bonnie's room and then walked down to the Thanksgiving dinner - set up in a special room. Nicky and I sat with the kids and everyone was pretty well behaved. Katie Belle was the center of attention for a lot of the meal but the kids ate good food and had Shirley Temples (sort of a tradition). After getting pretty full, we headed back up to Bonnie's room to rest and get ready for the next event - a tour of the river on a boat! We met up with everyone just in front of the hotel and all piled in (around 35 people) for a great experience. We learned a lot about San Antonio - including information about the rest of the old Spanish Missions (besides the Alamo). The weather cooperated and everyone was in very good spirits when it was over. Back in Bonnie's room, everyone grazed on leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner and other treats (pie, cheese & sausage, puffy popcorn). Brenna and I snuck out and walked around on the Riverwalk and up to the Alamo (lit up nicely). Decided to leave a little early tonight because we wanted the kids to get some sleep - tomorrow we've got Sea World!

Thanksgiving Trip - Day 1

I had a chance to leave work early today - didn't think that would work out... Got on the road towards San Antonio (this year's Thanksgiving location!) around 1300. Took I-820 around to I-20 and I-35W (less traffic). Doing OK until the I-35E & I-35W merge (whew!!!). Got moving again after about 45 minutes but then encountred construction all the way to Austin. Made it through the capital by 1730 - decided to stop for gas and dinner. We had Popeye's chicken - something we've done a few times on our trips (mmm...). Made it into San Antonio around 1830 - had some trouble finding the Hyatt Regency because of bad Mapquest directions (turn right onto ramp, proceed 100 yards and turn right on ramp - too bad this meant across five lanes of traffic!). Eventually got there and ran into David, Ellen, Kevin and Debra at the valet. Lots of hugs and tips on where everyone already was. Checked in and got settled - kids antsy... Luckily, they have their own room this time! Visited Bonnie's room for a short time and said hi to her and Kathy - they were leaving for dinner. Decided to take a stroll on the Riverwalk to find Tim, Elizabeth and Katie (Rainforest Cafe). Found them OK but there was no seating. Walked around for a little while longer until suddenly we heard a voice "Hi, Jimmy!" - it was Megan and Erin! We sat with Trish, Terry and the (grown up!) girls for about an hour at a nice restaurant called Las Canarias. The waiter brought us a nice desert and told us the name of the place came from settlers from the Canary Islands. We walked back with everyone to the hotel and spent awhile in Bonnie's room again - everyone else had arrived. It is always great to see the family and there is never enough time to visit... Went to bed around midnight.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Didn't get up early this early but still had plenty of time to (leisurely) check out of my room at the Hilton Garden Inn (Jacksonville / Orange Park) at 0830. Even had time to help Dave with some travel logistics and pick up Subway sandwiches for the road. After dropping off my Enterprise rental car at the NAS Jax Terminal, I met up with the rest of our Inspection Team.  We departed Jacksonville at 1200 - the flight went quickly and we arrived in Fort Worth by around 1400L. Before leaving Carswell (NAS JRB), I took care of some paperwork so I would be ahead of the game on Monday. Fortunately, the drive home was easy (no week-day traffic).  The kids were excited by the Jacksonville gifts - the twins can call it their "hometown" and always love hearing stories from there. Overall, a good trip!

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

This morning, I decided not to wait on everyone else and [(after breakfast)] left early the hotel early so I could meet up with Chris and Fernando. The result of this early start meant that I got the most work done today of all the days of the visit. While with 'Nando, ended up being invited to a "Thanksgiving" dinner. That was an unexpected surprise!  Before the day was over, I met several old friends who've really moved up in the world - that was good to see. Finally caught back up with everyone else at around 1600. Troy decided to make it a "hat trick" for the week and go to the Poker Room again.  Before I went out for the evening, I ate some of last night's leftovers. Next, I drove over to Mandarin to visit our family's old neighborhood.  Also explored a little nearby and picked up more Jaguar's stuff at the Mandarin Sports Mania store (they had an unbelievable selection!). Saw lots of changes in the area all night - amazing how much changes in a decade. Out of curiosity, I decided to check in on Troy at the Jacksonville Greyhound Racing track.  When I arrived (at around 2045), he had already dropped out of the tournament. Instead, I stayed to watch one dog race, just for fun. Filled up the gas tank of my rental car at the Exxon in Orange Park (2115) and then headed back to the Hilton Garden Inn (Jacksonville / Orange Park).  In my room again, I did some packing and wrapped up some web-site stuff. We leave tomorrow - it's been an interesting week...

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Up early again [and ate breakfast at our hotel.]  I had to wait on Troy again (he needed a ride, actually)... Once at NAS Jacksonville, I got started with some more meetings and wrapped up a lot of important items. Had very little time for lunch and I spent it picking up some Jaguars gear for the kids. After that, I did a little more business but called it a day a bit earlier than yesterday (1500). Departing the base in my rental car, I attempted to do some snooping around for land/homes but got caught in a HUGE traffic jam. After the frustration reached a certain level, I gave up and headed back towards the Hilton Garden Inn (Jacksonville / Orange Park). In my room, I received several work-related calls - I was able to resolve them pretty easily.  Later, I drove to a nearby library to check some genealogy resources.  I was fortunately to find a few new thing!. I went back at the hotel (1800) and later met Russ (1900) to have dinner. Troy bailed on us again but our little group went to the Mandarin Ale House (an old haunt) to watch the Thursday Night Football game. While there, we had some good jambalaya (couldn't finish it!). The game was good and we watched the whole first half before heading back. Spent some time in the room catching up on email... Bed a little late.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

After a good sleep in my room at the Hilton Garden Inn, I woke up early.  [Ate breakfast at the hotel.]  Even though I was ready to go, I spent a lot of time waiting for Troy... Once we got to the squadron spaces at NAS Jacksonville, I spent most of the day visiting some folks I've not met since I got to my new job. I also ran into lots of old friends.  It turned out that I was working in spaces that I used to be in when I was stationed here 10 years ago. What a blast from the past! Seems like people were mostly glad I came to town and I had a good lunch with David. Spent most of the afternoon poking around other offices before heading back to the hotel (arrived at around 1700). Troy decided to go out with some friends so I went to dinner with Dave at a nearby Thai restaurant. It turned out to be good food - no leftovers... Back to the hotel and bed early again.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

[Inspection Trip] Had an opportunity to take a trip to Jacksonville with some co-workers. While there, I needed to do some networking with folks who work with me (virtually) from there. One of the nice things about this trip is it will be one of the first times I've been in Florida for any length of time since 2004. Our flight over went well and we arrived at around 1600. After picking up my rental car (Enterprise) at the NAS Jax Terminal (1630), I headed over to the Hilton Garden Inn (Jacksonville / Orange Park), arriving at 1720. Had some trouble getting my key but I eventually reached my room.  I was just going inside when a lady saw me in my uniform and asked if I could meet her son. It turned out he was a military veteran who was severely disabled in a motorcycle accident several years ago. It was good to be able to talk with them - his mother and aunt spoke glowingly of his service in the Army Rangers and he seemed genuinely glad to see me and to chat about the current state of the service... Spent a short time in the room, getting settled, before I met Troy and Russ for dinner. We decided to go to Sarnelli's, a nearby Italian restaurant that Nicky and I had frequented when we used to live here. The atmosphere was just as I remembered it - the place makes food as good as anything I've had in Sicily! The staff speaks Italian and they have beer, limoncello and other goodies from the old country. I had a delicious dinner of mahi-mahi (Caprese style) with shrimp (mmm...). A highlight of the evening was when our waitress made Russ a Caesar salad at our table - from scratch! After several hours (and quite a bill!), we went back to our hotel and I turned in early...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

Great weather for travelling today! Flying with Jason today - one of his first trips. Left on time and arrived shortly in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Never went there before - and it is the second trip in two months that took me just north of the Red River... Next stop was Columbia, South Carolina. On the way over, encountered some icing - it's already started! Flight from there down to Pensacola - weather even better there. Could see all of Fort Walton Beach down to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Wish I could have stayed for a little while, but had to leave quickly again. Stopped through Marietta, Georgia, for the first time in several years. Things had changed a lot - wish we still lived there, though. Got home just after the sun set - almost exactly on time!