DAY THREE: Beach and friends!

August 17, Joe's 56th birthday dawned beautiful!  Stacy and I came prepared with cookies, candy, sweets....some of Joe's favorites apparently....along with cards to put out throughout the day.  After all, birthdays are for celebrating, all day long!

Stacy, my beach boy

Stacy, Susie, Joe.  Beautiful day at the beach.

Texting me while we sit feet away from each other.  

 Joe and Susie, the Happy Couple....It's Joe's birthday

This afternoon, Jess and Terry joined us.  The guys have known Jess for 30 years, they all worked at ADP together.  They jetted in from New Jersey to hang at the beach for a couple days then to San Antonio to see Jess' family.

Dinner was at PORT ARANSAS BREWING COMPANY.....burgers on homemade bunx.  Apparently the owners have BEACH which is a BBQ and bakery in town as well.  Hamburgers were good.....the brewing company part was lost on all of us non-drinkers but they did have some incredible sounding beers!

DAY TWO: Mustang Island, Texas

Day Two, the first full day on Mustang Island.  Woke about 8 am this morning and hit the coffee button while Stacy cut, buttered and heated banana bread for us.  8 was sleeping in, due to the fact we are on vacation.  We hit the beach and WALKED.....which is very different from walking on the hard ground wearing sneakers.  Barefoot, sand pushing against your feet, muscles you didn't have the day before groaning at you.

My first question of the day was....what the heck is this white stuff all over the beach.  Literally ALL OVER.  I think it looks like fish bones but it's not.  Stacy calls it "sea rice" but that doesn't yield anything on a Google search.  So I put the question out to my ever so knowledgeable Facebook friends but nothing.  If anyone reading this has a clue, let me know what it is!

I was so sure I was going to find a treasure on the beach and actually, what we found are purple mesh bags.  Produce probably came in them but they are perfect for the beach, making it simple to wash sand off in the surf.  That was the big physical find of the day.  BUT.....the jellyfish and the sand hill crane were the finds that we are going to remember via picture.

This jellyfish is gorgeous, pink along the rippled ridge and a lovely blue.  And dead!!!  Just don't want to run into his friends in the ocean.

The sand hill crane was hanging out with the fishermen, bothering them.  When we approached, the crane started walking down the beach, leading our walk.  Incredible how close we got.  

Back to condo, snack (all that beach walking took a lot out of us so we had to have a bit of yogurt with strawberries and a high protein cereal).  Now, to the beach in earnest.  Stacy and I spent quite a bit of time in the gulf, bobbing around like buoys mainly.  I attempted to "body surf" if you could call it that, the waves were kind of pitiful.  Regardless, the ocean is such a relaxer for me, refreshing, washing away cares and worries.  I think in the last 24 hours I've laughed and been goofier, freer than I have ever been with Stacy and he's still ok with me.  This one is the keeper.  Vacation was definitely on the doc's prescription pad and it's only the start.  

Sitting in the sun. sandwiches on the beach, ocean spray.  What a perfect day.  About 3 pm Stacy deemed it time to show me Port Aransas so we drove the approximately 10 miles into town.  Port Aransas is located on the north end of Mustang Island.   

We headed first to the Dennis Dryer Municipal Harbor.  As you head into the harbor, you can drive your car onto the ferry to cross onto Hwy 361.  Free, apparently, that blew my mind.  Anyway....into the harbor.  

A few pictures and I have to say my favorite is of the bikes.....totally unusable, one no chains, all so rusted they hurt, seats broken off, etc.  Just saw an artistic opportunity and loved it.

Next we drove through the Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture then had to go past the Port Aransas Library, of course.  No need to explain that one!

Back to the condo, time for a nap and to regroup, then I cleaned a pound of raw shrimp and made whole wheat pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, zucchini and shrimp.  Friends of Stacy and Joe's joined us for dinner.  The guys have known Jess for about 30 years and his wife joined us as well....straight from New Jersey.

Immediately after dinner we headed to the beach to watch the sunset and just enjoy the evening.  

Stacy completely spoiled me by rubbing my feet.....had to be well over an hour.  I lay at his feet on the beach, foot lifted to his lap as he used my Bath and Body Works body cream in some decadent scent, to massage my feet.  I've never been pampered like this, touched with love the way he does.  And not just for a bit.  I feel guilty in a way but I completely appreciate it and tell him so.  Did I say mention he is the keeper?  What a lovely way to end the day.  Being pampered.  Watching families armed with flashlights walk the beach and chase big crabs.  Listening to the waves crash on the shore with the love of my life.  Perfect day all the way around.  We must have sat out there engulfed in nature for three hours, appreciating the beauty.  Then up for a shower to get the salt and sand off.....and now I'm using the lobby WiFi for blogging, Susie is snoozing, and Stacy and Joe are having guy time.  

Looking forward to Day Three. 

DAY ONE: Travel time!!

Travel is key for the day.

We got out on the road about 1 pm. On our way into town we stopped to pick up groceries and a snack. Stopping at Sonic, we got a kick out of the fact that one entire side of this Sonic has no intercoms to order!!  

Eventually we arrive at our home for the next 10 days, The Seagull. Surprise of the day?  One elevator broken leaving one working elevator for all staff and guests. Should be interesting!!

The condos front doors are on the street side of the complex, with the condo extending the entire building with the balcony having an incredible view of the beach....we are on 11th floor. 

Hanging out on the balcony I was stunned when a pelican flew by, practically through the balcony. Couldn't move to grab my camera and take a picture. BUT....did manage to do so when the seagulls descended. Turns out the people the floor below were tossing out bread. This was out of the movie BIRDS it seemed. 

The following picture we just happened to catch.....out the front door we look across to Corpus Christi.  The sun was setting and seeing the buildings of the city inside the setting sun was amazing.  Captured what I could.

Before too long, off to the beach to set up the canopy for the stay.  Here's Stacy and Joe at work.....you will see the final product later in the week.

Looking forward to another day of vaca!

This is just the beginning.....

I have never, ever been away from work and responsibilities for any length of appreciable time.  Last year the girls and I went to North Padre for four days and that was pure pleasure.  This year, I am taking a full two weeks off of work and Stacy and I are spending 10 days at the coast.  Destination?  Port Aransas, the Seagull Condominiums.

This is an annual trek one of Stacy's best buddies take and Stacy has been going along in recent years. Quick note....he and this friend have known each other since Stacy was 4 years old....that is 50 YEARS!  Now THAT is a friendship.

On each end of the beach, I have a day or two....on this end, I'm easing into vacation mode.  Today, I made my toes twinkly for walking on the beach.  The picture doesn't do it justice but it's a wonderful read with superfine red glitter worked through the polish giving it almost an iridescence.  I absolutely love it.

Tomorrow holds errands....getting travelers cheques, making grocery lists, packing, and my most anticipated chore?  Cutting Stacy's hair.  Yup!  He asked....said if I blow it he's going to get it cut anyway, she can fix it. So....I'm game to try.  Shorter on the sides, bit longer on top.  He's got the shaver thingy.  Hmm that should give confidence, I call it a shaver thingy.  But anyone offers me a challenge?  It's on!!!

Gruene, Texas

Went to see Chubby Knuckle Choir in Gruene, Texas tonight.  During intermissions, Stacy and I would walk around Gruene and sight-see as this was my first time visiting.  (For those of you non-Texans, it's pronounced green).  Had a great time seeing what we could and definitely need a trip back to try some of the food that was recommended and to see more.  The picture above is very typical of what you see on postcards everywhere but of course, being there I had to take my own.  This one was daylight and below is the night version.
 

 The Famous Gruene Hall remains the oldest (and best) dance hall in Texas per the Austin Business Journal.

 Gruene Antique Store....we didn't make it in here tonight as we got sidetracked with an incredible artist, but that is another blog.  This is another visit to Gruene.  

 Stacy had just gotten his iPhone and was having a bit too much fun with it....here he is making a video of me taking a picture of him.  Dorks.  

We walked around downtown and had to pop into the General Store to get some of the incredible fudge.  My choice was Chewy Praline Fudge....chocolate fudge with a center full of gooey praline.  Of the others we tried, I have to admit that the mint fudge was probably the least adventuresome but my favorite.  There was also a creamsicle fudge, vanilla caramel chocolate, and way too many more insulin inducing delights than I can remember.  But all were worth taking a bite of.  Just think of the General Store as Sugar Central.  I also walked out with Neccos and an Icee, courtesy of my super sweet boyfriend.

 Some Gruene history.  Near this plaque we found a wonderful store that had outdoor wooden swings set into an A Frame.  We sat on them looking at the moon and Stacy said that something like this would be easy to make....he has the wood to do so.  I'm going to hold him to that and this is an open invitation to people to come visit us and sit on the beautiful wooden swing Stacy is going to make me.  (I haven't formally informed him of this yet, suppose he'll see it when he reads the blog....).

Next door to the Gruene Dance Hall is The Gristmill Restaurant.  We heard repeatedly how this was the home of great food, steaks particularly seemed to be mentioned.  Love the sign with the light and star and all set among a beautiful flowery landscape.  The picture below features the flowers alone.  The white at the bottom center I'm not familiar with.  There were Dusty Millers in the bunch but these weren't as feathered of a leaf and also have green.  Just a beautiful overall planting.  

Canyon Lake....The Tye Preston Memorial Library

Friday I was able to visit the Tye Preston Memorial Library in Canyon Lake for a meeting.  I had numerous questions for the director of this beautiful facility and as a result I had a private tour and snapped away.  Above is the entry.  The bricks, sporting the names of residents and people they wish to memorialize, are partially from the former library, some from this new library.  All were moved to this new location three years ago and incorporated into this lovely entry.

This mural was done by a local artist.  The lady in the stacks, standing is Tye Preston, the namesake of the library.  The little girl in the brown chair turns out to be someone the artist knows and she also happens to be a loyal patron of the library, unbeknownst to the artist.  Cool coincidence.

The walls throughout the library are designed with a runner at the top that clips slip into to support art work.  The local artists guild keeps the library supplied with a rotating source of artwork.

The library sits on 6.5 acres that was donated to them.  Off the back is a large patio with iron tables and chairs and wonderful wooden rockers from Cracker Barrel.  This is where I ate my lunch.  The perimeter of the land sports a trail, not quite one mile long.  It wraps down the hillside around the property and up to the observatory.  The far line of trees in the picture above is the river.

Looking down over the landscaping that runs down toward the trail.

And now onto the BUTTERFLY GARDEN!!!

Gate ahead to the garden.  The body of the butterfly on the gate is made from an old corvette engine.

The garden is full of butterfly friendly plants, all well labelled.  The entire landscape is maintained by volunteer "reader weeders" that adopt sections and keep it weeded and cleaned.

This bench for sitting is actually a butterfly made of mosaics.  The back is decorated as well with beautiful inset tiles and stones.

Peter Frampton at the Majestic Theater

July 24 brought Peter Frampton to the Majestic Theater in San Antonio.  Back in Marcxh or April or so, my favorite man asked me to the concert.  Of course, back then things were still pretty new and I thought he was brave asking me for a date a couple months or more away.  So I felt obligated to date him, til the concert at least......ok that was a JOKE.  I had already fallen in love with the guy and wasn't going to tell him that any time soon, and took comfort in the fact that he felt secure enough to commit to a date that far out.

Back in my senior year in high school, the FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE tour made its way through Honolulu and my bff Sharon and I went.  Who else went, not sure.  Age remember, 52 here and that was waaaay back in 1978 or 1979.  Frampton used to play on my little stereo, on an ALBUM....you know those grooved vinyl things that a needle had to run over.  Double album set.  Sharon and I draped over my bed.  Topic:  boys.  What else?  Specially with Sharon as a bestie!!  :)  

Second time around with Frampton....this time I'm with my new bestie, Stacy, and starting a beautiful new chapter in my life.  I'd never been into the Majestic and yes, it is Majestic.

Glare from the lights is bad, but at least got a bit of the look of the theater, although the website does it justice, not this.  These are just my satisfaction that I really was here.

 Little less glary and looking to side boxes.  What a great setting to watch a show in.  I'd love to come back for more concerts and stage shows.  Think I can pull the man along.

Kenny Wayne Sheppard opened the show for Frampton, a country rock guitar player and his band.  Best song was Black on Blue.  Rest.....ok, not my style and nothing stand out.

But then there was Frampton.  Boy have we all aged.  Bald on top, fringe of white hair.....hated when he looked like a little old man to me cause it reinforced how old I have gotten.  BUT MAN can he plan and perform.  Still sounds like the same young guy that rolled through town 25 years ago.  I'm sure in his head he is am I'm still no older than 29 and Stacy is 31.

Yes, he played the Comes Alive songs.  Tears rolled down my cheeks and I fought to steady my lip.  Memories slammed into me and thoughts of Sharon ran through my head.  Wonder that she is still my friend all these 35 years later.  And yes, now as I sit here typing this....weeks later, tears again.  Ok, ok, it's an old person thing.  Sheesh.  It's valuing people and the precious memories and realizing that is all that counts.

Frampton brought Steve Lukather out on stage, a friend for many many years, the 80s I believe he said. Lukather is formerly of Toto and played some incredible guitar with Peter.

Peter Frampton, of all people, guitar player that he is.....could get away with playing some covers.  He did Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun which he covered on his 2006 instrumental album FINGERPRINTS.  He also slipped a very appropriate While My Guitar Gently Weeps into his ovation songs.  Peter recorded this Beatles song on his 2009 album NOW.

During the ovations, Stacy made the comment that everyone was really dancing.  Then he laughed and said...."they are stretching!!!".  Well yea we were swaying and dancing and stretching or attempting to camouflage the stretches into something else, but yes, he was right on with this crowd!

The Majestic Theater was magical to me.  I'll be back for more.