A Movie, A Parade, and a Few Other Things

Life has been good for us this week. We continue to feel fortunate with our lives and where we live.

Earlier in the week, we went to the movies. There are quite a few playing right now we'd like to see, so I hope to make a couple next week as well. This week, we saw American Made starring Tom Cruise. This movie was loosely based on the events leading up to the Iran-Contra scandal of the 1980s. Of course, Hollywood made loose and free with the facts to make the movie more entertaining and dramatic. I can't say this is a movie I would recommend, but I think it does demonstrate fairly accurately how our government often bungles its support for foreign entities and then ends up regretting its actions.

After the movie, we went to What Da Pho for lunch. This little place is quickly becoming one of our favorite eateries in San Angelo. It is located at 3315 Sherwood Way behind the old H.E.B. What Da Pho is one of those places that does not maintain a true website; instead, it relies on a Facebook presence. It is places like this that caused me to join Facebook. But I won't hold that against What Da Pho. If you don't use Facebook, you can view a copy of their menu at Menu Runners. We've been to What Da Pho several times now, and I've ordered something different each time. The first trip, I tried the Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) with chicken breast. We ordered the monstrous regular size and really enjoyed it. In fact, that is all that Donna has ever ordered there. On our next trip, I tried the Spicy Lemongrass Chicken. This was fine, but I probably won't order it again. On our last trip, I ordered the regular shrimp pho, and this will probably become my standard order. We also always order spring rolls; I love that peanut dipping sauce.

This morning, we decided to venture out into the cold to watch the Angelo State University (ASU) homecoming parade. It's not a big parade, featuring mainly organizations from ASU. It began with the marching band, following by the cheerleaders, fraternity/sorority floats, and other organizations. After the parade, we walked down to where the Brews, Ewes, and BBQ competition was going on. This is the second year for this event, and it seems to be popular, so it will probably grow over the years.

We finished our day with a late lunch at Olive Garden, where I ordered my favorite ravioli de portabella, while Donna enjoyed the salad. It was a pleasant way to end our day.

Below are some pictures I snapped of the parade and area.

The parade announcers from a local radio station perched themselves on the balcony of an older building overlooking Chadbourne Street.

Here comes the ASU marching band.

The ASU cheerleaders showed good sense by not wearing skimpy outfits in the cold.

I believe these lovely young ladies represent a local dance troupe called San Angelo Ballet Folklorico Azteca.

There was a petting zoo near the Brews, Ewes, and BBQ competition. That is the historic old Cactus Hotel in the background.

One of the beautiful murals that decorate our downtown area. We really have a beautiful city.

There are numerous old historic buildings downtown. We passed this one on our way to our car, so I decided to snap a photo. I love the balconies on these old buildings.