Vacation is over…

Back to “the old grindstone”. Heading back to work. But at least it will be a short week, not quite ready to head back to work.

Had a great vacation. Got see a lot of Carla’s family in Texas, went to two weddings, visited half dozen wineries, toured a Brewery, ate at a microbrewery & restaurant, bought pasties at the oldest Bakery in Texas, and went to the “Alamo”. Oh, did I forget to mention floating the Comal River almost everyday we were there. Oh Yeah, the “Boobies in Toobies! You will have to ask to see those pictures, they are too revealing to post in the blog!

Glad to be home. But, We Love Texas, and hated leaving! Not enough time to spend with everyone.

We would like to thank, all of the relatives in Texas, They are the best!

Last Day, Traveling Home

Well, it’s time to head home! This has been a great trip. We got to see lots family, and some old friends, drank lots of beer, visited a few wineries, and floated the Comal River.

Need to load the car, get the ladies moving, and hit the road!

Could be a long drive home though, wedding ended about 11:00pm, got back to hotel about 11:30pm, sat by the pool with the Hall’s till 1:30am, caught up on email and blogged till 2:45am, then got up at 6:45am. Should leave by 8:30am to start the drive home. Will be home early evening…

An Authentic Wedding!

Left New Braunfels, this morning, heading to Ennis, Texas. One last thing to do, a TEXAS wedding. Scott and Janna’s Daughter is getting married today.

I have been to a lot of weddings, but this has to be the coolest wedding I have ever attended. The wedding was held outdoors at the “Old Bison Ranch” outside the city of Avalon, Texas. The ceremony took place under an old oak tree, next to a small lake. There were rustic wood benches for the guest to sit and enjoy wedding. The aisle was decorated with purple flowers and rodeo lariats. The groomsman wore pressed blue jeans, and cowboy boots. The bridesmaids wore simple purple dresses…who am I kidding, I can’t describe a wedding. I took a lot of pictures and will post of few for everyone to see.

Tables were set up in a large shaded area next to a long pavillion. The long pavillion was the dance floor with a band set up in one corner. The caterer was out of Waco, Texas, an it was great! There beef brisket, sausage, baked beans, potato salad, slaw, and homemade bread.

There were 2 cakes a traditional wedding cake (bride’s cake) and a groom’s cake. The groom’s cake was in the shape of a full size electric guitar. Awesome!

Travel Day

Well, this morning we are traveling, again. Not headed home, yet. We have a big Texas wedding to attend in Ennis, Texas. That is going to be a blast. This family knows how to throw a party.

We’ll make one quick shopping stop in in San Marcos, on the way to north to Ennis, Texas, this morning so Carla can pick up a pair of earrings she saw at shop on Monday. We were having so much fun, we could not get back to San Marcos, to pick them up.

We have about a 3 hour drive this morning, then hang out with the family before the wedding. That, could be a mistake, because I’m sure there will be plenty of beer.

It’s Going to be fun!

Shiner, Texas

This morning Carla and I picked up Ray & Claudia, and headed to Shiner, Texas.

Some of you might be wondering “what the hell is in Shiner, Texas?” Well, a brewery! That’s right a brewery, if your from Texas you probably already knew that, if your not from Texas, well sorry! I am not from Texas either, but a least I married a girl from Texas! So, as far as I am concerned I’m a Texan, too. Anyway…

We stopped by the K. Spoetzl Brewery, home of Shiner Bock. Also known as the “little greedy in Shiner”. Here is a list of the beer with a brief description:

Active beers:
Shiner Bock — Spoetzl’s flagship beer. Bock has been brewed since 1913, almost as long as the Spoetzl Brewery has been in business. However, it wasn’t until a few decades ago that Shiner began producing Bock year-round. Bock was considered a lent beer, and therefore was only made around that season. Today 80% of the beer made at the Spoetzl Brewery is Bock.

Shiner Light — Shiner Light is Spoetzl’s lighter version of Bock. Before release, Shiner Light went through a “yes or no” taste-testing ballot by all the residents of Shiner, Texas.

Shiner Blonde — Blonde is the direct descendant of Spoetzl’s earliest brew. Although Blonde has carried numerous names, such as Shiner Special, Shiner Premium, and Shiner Texas Special, the recipe has been virtually unchanged since it was first brewed in 1909. For this reason, Blonde carries Brew Kettle No. 1 on its label.

Shiner Hefeweizen — Hefeweizen is brewed with orange and lemon peels and honey. Hefeweizen is an unfiltered classic Bavarian Wheat beer and is the only beer brewed that is not pasteurized.

Shiner Bohemian Black Lager — Originally a limited edition schwarzbier for the Spoetzl Brewery’s 97th anniversary, it became a permanent part of the brand portfolio in late 2007. Black uses imported Czech Saaz and Styrian hops and dark-roasted malts.

Shiner Kosmos — The original Shiner Kosmos was available in 1999 with a higher alcohol content and a different taste. This re-release is an American Pale Lager style beer available only in Shiner Family Packs, one bottle per six-pack.

“Shiner Old-Time Alt” — is available in Shiner Family Packs (1 bottle per 6-pack) and is the first in the “Brewer’s Pride” Limited Edition series.

“Shiner Light Blonde” — A light beer with only 99 calories.

Seasonal beers:
Holiday Cheer — Cheer is an “old world dunkelweizen” brewed with Texas peaches and pecans. Malted barley and wheat are used.[6] Holiday Cheer replaced Shiner Dunkelweizen as the brewery’s winter seasonal.

Smokehaus — Spoetzel’s smoked ‘sommer’ beer is brewed with pale malt that’s been smoked with native mesquite. Smokehaus has an alcohol content of 4.89 percent by volume and an IBU of 16.

Dortmunder — Spring Ale Dortmunder Style has the malt profile of a Helles, the hop character of a Pils, but is slightly stronger than both. The brew is a renamed version of Shiner Fröst, and was released as the new Spring seasonal in 2011.[7] First brewed in Dortmund, Germany for the hardworking coal miners of the town, this distinctive blend has something you might not expect– a touch of sweetness that quickly fades to a crisp hoppy flavor.

Fröst — Shiner Fröst uses Two-Row Malted Barley, Malted Wheat and Munich Malt for a full bodied flavor. Hallertau Tradition and Spalter Select Hops contribute to the noble aroma. Fröst has an alcohol content of 5.5% by volume, a bitterness of 25 IBU and color of 8 SRM.

Ruby Redbird — This is Spoetzl’s summer seasonal for 2011 and it’s brewed with Texas Ruby Red grapefruit and ginger. This beer uses Munich malt and Mt Hood, Citra and Cascade hops and it is 4.01% ABV.

You can find this list o the Shiner website.

Then we headed back to the Condo and floated the Comal River, one last time, before we head north tomorrow morning, for a wedding in Ennis, Texas.

Last call at Jack’s Old Ice House.

Lazy day

Today started out slow! We had plans to do a few things and go a couple of places, however, sometimes things just change. But on vacation you can do that! So, went to the store to pick up some spray for Carla’s foot. She got bit by a couple of fire ants, last night Fire ants suck! They burn and itch like hell!

Went to lunch at the New Braunfels Smokehouse! I had beef brisket tacos, while Carla enjoyed the BLTT Wrap with German potato salad. Awesome food.

Stop by the Hoffman Carpet store, to surprise Carla’s godmother. We visited with her for about an hour and got a tour of the warehouse, it was actually pretty cool.

Drove out Marion, TX to see Carla’s grandfather’s (Opa) old homestead. Stopped in at Penshorn’s Meat Market. About 4 years ago, a couple of local teens set three building on fire in town. They burned down the meat market, and dance hall, and a tavern. We weren’t able to buy any jerky there last time. This time we were able to get some great jerky!

Picked up Ray & Claudia and headed to San Antonio, to visit Uncle Harry Lee, Aunt Jenny, Darrell and of course, Josh! Josh ask about the boys, he was hoping they were coming to Texas to see him. He decided he would fly to St. Louis this summer and spend the rest of the summer with all of us! We help Harry Lee close up his shop, sat around told stories and drank a few beers! Josh made Harry Lee and Ray a frozen orange juice and vodka. While we were sitting around telling lies, there was a car accident in front of Harry Lee’s shop, so we had to walk out there and see what happened. Nobody hurt! Not much to see! Went back to telling stories and drinking beer.

Aunt Jenny made dinner for all of us! Best food in Texas!

More tomorrow!

Wining and whining!

This morning we woke up to a steady rain, so we made coffee and fried a few tortillas, and had a little breakfast. We sat around for about an hour or so, to plan out our day. The rain stopped about 10:30am, the temperature was a cool 74 degrees when we went to the car.

Headed back to Gruene to visit the Winery on the Gruene, a small winery with some interesting wines. We tasted about 6 different wines, drank a glass, then bought a couple of bottles, before heading over to the Gruene General Store, to pick up a few Texas spices. We had a great lunch at the Gruene River Grill. Food was awesome! Took a photo of Carla sitting next to fountain in front of the Gruene River Grill.

Then with drove up to the Dry Comal Creek Winery, a cool rustic winery with the “dry” Comal Creek running along the back side of the winery tasting room. Bought more wine here too. Heading back to New Braunfels to pick up Oma and Opa, we saw several deer and a spotted fawn, next to the road. We stopped to take photos, but the fawn ran to momma and hid in the tall grass. Could not get a photo of the little fawn.

We spent the evening with Aunt Silva and Uncle Rodney. We had dinner, sat and talked about family and friends, and reminisced about the old days. The Kelso’s own a ranch and raise cattle and show pigs. Saw lots of pigs and hogs. They have several sows about ready to deliver. Maybe tomorrow, we will go back to the Kelso’s to help Rodney with the pigs. Rodney got out one the boars to show us how big he is and walked him around out side the barn. We walked around the ranch and talked about cattle, show pigs, stock shows, and 4H.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to discuss geology.

Rodney’s grandsons caught a lizard, and wanted me to take a picture to show everyone.

Here are few photos.

Rain, Rain, Rain, Thanks God for the Rain.

Woke up in the middle of the night, to the sound of THUNDER! Looked out the window to see something that has not occurred here in several months. RAIN. I nice steady rain. It has been raining since around 1:00am, and looks like it will rain all day.

On vacation in Texas, you might think that could put a damper on our fun plans. Well it has been over 100 degrees every day we have been here (and we enjoyed every day here), but the rain is much needed down here! So, what are we going to do today? Maybe visit a few more wineries! You can sit inside, taste or drink wine while it’s raining out side.

It helps to be flexible. Well to be honest, I think our plan was to visit a couple more wineries today, anyway. “I love it when a plan comes together!”

Still having a great time.

Just Relaxing and Wining!

This morning we took Kim, Brad and Tristan to the San Antonio Airport. Then headed back to New Braunfels, TX and had breakfast and planned out our day.

Easy planning picked up a map of all the wineries in the area and mapped out our trip. First stop, San Marcos and the Three Dudes Winery. Great winery tasted 6 wines and loved all three. That not necessarily a good way to start a wine tour. Bought 3 bottles, some wine glasses and I got a shirt. Enjoyed a glass while sitting on a wood deck over looking the San Marcos River. Also had some cheese and crackers. It was hot, but breezy so it was a pleasant early afternoon experience. Next stop, was about 10 miles north of Kyle, Texas at the Duchman Family Winery. We enjoyed most of the wines tasted here, as well. Then purchased 3 more bottles. Then it was off to Driftwood, TX. Our next wine stop was Driftwood Winery. Driftwood Winery sits on top of a large hill and overlooks a large valley. It has an awesome view of the hill country and vineyards below. Yes, we bought 2more bottles here also.

We had to cut short our tour, due to existing dinner plans with Uncle Milroy and Aunt Baby. We may strike out tomorrow, and continue our quest for more Texas Wine.

Dinner and a Few Beers…

Tonight Carla and I, Brad, Kim & the little man invited Oma & Opa out to dinner with us. We all went to the Faust Brewery Pub and Restaurant, here in New Braunsfels, TX. The beer was great and the food was even better, if you can believe that!

The food was nothing like I have ever had before! They had German Nachos, homemade potato chips with sausage, peppers, onions, beer cheese sauce and don’t forget the sauerkraut on top. I did’t eat any of the sauerkraut, but Carla and Opa said that it was all good. I will post some photos of the food.

After dinner, all of us including Tristan, went up the see Jack at “The Old Ice House” bar. Opa showed his great grandson the art of shuffle board on an old shuffle board table at the bar.
Tristan’s dad could not quite get the hang of it. We sat and heard old stories about when Ray and Claudia were younger, and a little wild! Of course, we also had a few more beers.

Another great day in Texas.

In the morning we are taking Brad, Kim and Tristan back to the Airport. hen we will probably find something to do in San Antonio, for a few hours before we head back to float the Comal River, again.