I've not published in the past week simply because there has been nothing to share.
The weather continues to be hot in San Angelo, topping out at 100 or so nearly every day. We've now had almost 30 days of 100-plus temps for the summer, and we're not done yet. We've had no rain for about a month and a half as well, so everything is very dry. There have been two wildfires south of San Angelo in the past week. We could use some rain. A front moved through the area yesterday. Our self-pronounced "weather authority" predicted rain for this week, but we not received any yet, and I don't think we will. At least the temperatures have cooled off for a day or two, though. I'm sure they will return to 100 or so in the next few days.
Donna and I have been to the movies twice in the past week. First, we saw Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation with Tom Cruise. It offers the normal excitement of other entries in the Mission Impossible series, so if you are a fan, you'll probably enjoy this one. Personally, I tire of watching improbable and impossible stunts, all choreographed beyond any possibility of reality. And because of that, I enjoyed the second movie we attended, The Gift, with Jason Bateman. Normally, Bateman is cast in comedies, but he really did a good job in this psychological thriller. The movie carries the viewer along a series of twists to the unexpected ending, and the supporting actors also did a wonderful job.
And we continue to walk. Since it is so warm now, we try to get out early, around 6:30 or so. Most of our walks are in the 4 mile range, often along the O. C. Fisher Dam but sometimes in San Angelo State Park and even in our neighborhood. On our 4.5 mile walk yesterday morning, we saw about 8 deer. It is always a pleasure to view wildlife. A few mornings ago, two wild pigs crossed over the dam in front of us.
Classes resume in most Texas schools next week, and that is when we like to travel. Once the young 'uns get back in the classroom, the parks empty out and travel becomes more enjoyable for us. I'll be posting some new trip reports soon.
I hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to fall, my favorite time of the year.
This blog follows Keith and Donna Cameron as they enjoy retirement. 01/24/05
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Elmer Kelton's "Sons of Texas" Series
If you've read my blog for long, you know I am an avid fan of Elmer Kelton and his novels. (See "Good Reads: Elmer Kelton's Texas Rangers Series" from February 2012, for example.) I've mentioned before what I believe to be Kelton's greatest strength as a writer, which is characterization. I've just completed reading his "Sons of Texas" series, and was impressed by his historical accuracy.
If you love Texas history, pick up a Kelton novel; it's a great way to learn the history of this state. Personally, I've always loved the Texas colonial period, which lasted from 1821 to 1836 when Texas gained its independence from Mexico. While a history book can teach you the facts of that period, Kelton's "Son of Texas" series can whisk you away into the everyday life of that tumultuous time.
The "Sons of Texas" series consists of 3 books that revolve around the Lewis brothers.
The first book, Sons of Texas, follows Michael Lewis, second oldest son of Mordecai and Patience Lewis of Tennessee. He first comes to Texas with his father when the elder Lewis leads a group of men to this unknown part of the world on a horse hunting expedition in 1816. Later, Michael and his younger brother Andrew return to Texas in 1821 to settle in Stephen F. Austin's colony along the Colorado River.
The second book, The Raiders, picks up 3 years later, in 1824 after Mexico achieved independence from Spain. This second book primarily follows Andrew's activities, though Michael and his young family also are spotlighted. The Raiders ends shortly after the Fredonian Rebellion of 1826-27.
The final book, The Rebels, follows the growing Lewis clan during the turbulent years of 1830 through independence in 1836. This book mainly follows James Lewis, younger brother of Michael and Andrew, when he, his sister Annie, and their cousin Frank and his family come to Texas to settle near Michael and Andrew and their families.
Each book deals accurately and realistically with historical events of the time. Among these are the Fredonian Rebellion mentioned above, the restrictions on American immigration into Mexican Texas, the battles of Velasquez and Anuhuac in 1832, and the major battles of the Texas war for independence. These incidents are vividly brought to life and are humanized for modern audiences. Difficulty of travel in this time when roads were primitive or non-existent is realistically depicted. Especially noteworthy is travel during the Runaway Scrape as settlers fled Santa Anna and his approaching army in 1836. Perhaps most importantly, the reasons for the war are developed, with views from both sides clearly shown.
If you want to learn about this period of Texas history, turn to an Elmer Kelton novel. You won't be able to put it down.
If you love Texas history, pick up a Kelton novel; it's a great way to learn the history of this state. Personally, I've always loved the Texas colonial period, which lasted from 1821 to 1836 when Texas gained its independence from Mexico. While a history book can teach you the facts of that period, Kelton's "Son of Texas" series can whisk you away into the everyday life of that tumultuous time.
The "Sons of Texas" series consists of 3 books that revolve around the Lewis brothers.
The first book, Sons of Texas, follows Michael Lewis, second oldest son of Mordecai and Patience Lewis of Tennessee. He first comes to Texas with his father when the elder Lewis leads a group of men to this unknown part of the world on a horse hunting expedition in 1816. Later, Michael and his younger brother Andrew return to Texas in 1821 to settle in Stephen F. Austin's colony along the Colorado River.
The second book, The Raiders, picks up 3 years later, in 1824 after Mexico achieved independence from Spain. This second book primarily follows Andrew's activities, though Michael and his young family also are spotlighted. The Raiders ends shortly after the Fredonian Rebellion of 1826-27.
The final book, The Rebels, follows the growing Lewis clan during the turbulent years of 1830 through independence in 1836. This book mainly follows James Lewis, younger brother of Michael and Andrew, when he, his sister Annie, and their cousin Frank and his family come to Texas to settle near Michael and Andrew and their families.
Each book deals accurately and realistically with historical events of the time. Among these are the Fredonian Rebellion mentioned above, the restrictions on American immigration into Mexican Texas, the battles of Velasquez and Anuhuac in 1832, and the major battles of the Texas war for independence. These incidents are vividly brought to life and are humanized for modern audiences. Difficulty of travel in this time when roads were primitive or non-existent is realistically depicted. Especially noteworthy is travel during the Runaway Scrape as settlers fled Santa Anna and his approaching army in 1836. Perhaps most importantly, the reasons for the war are developed, with views from both sides clearly shown.
If you want to learn about this period of Texas history, turn to an Elmer Kelton novel. You won't be able to put it down.
Monday, August 10, 2015
It's Hot in San Angelo
We enjoyed a mild and wet spring in San Angelo. Temperatures stayed comfortable all the way through June, mainly because of the generous rains we received.
All that changed once July arrived. For the past month or so, it has been hot and dry. Since early July, we've had about 25 days with temperatures over 100, and we've not had a drop of rain. The forecast calls for more of the same. Our record year of 100 degree weather was 2011, the year Donna and I retired to San Angelo. That year, we had 100 or more days of temperatures in excess of 100. We won't reach that number this year, but we are already above our yearly average number of days in excess of 100 degrees.
We've been more uncomfortable with the heat this year, too. Donna normally welcomes the sun and the heat, but this year she has expressed some discomfort with it. It doesn't seem to cool off much at night either, with our nightly lows well into the 70s. I've always enjoyed the cool nights in the West. Cool nights bring crisp mornings, but right now our mornings are already warm and a bit muggy. As a rule, the West has always been hot but very dry, making it much more comfortable than the eastern parts of Texas where Donna and I grew up. But when we get out early and walk now, the air seems a bit more oppressive than what I remember from previous years.
So, I'm ready for fall to blow in, bringing in some cooler temperatures. Until then, I might look for a place to spend a week or two, a place with some cooler temperatures.
All that changed once July arrived. For the past month or so, it has been hot and dry. Since early July, we've had about 25 days with temperatures over 100, and we've not had a drop of rain. The forecast calls for more of the same. Our record year of 100 degree weather was 2011, the year Donna and I retired to San Angelo. That year, we had 100 or more days of temperatures in excess of 100. We won't reach that number this year, but we are already above our yearly average number of days in excess of 100 degrees.
We've been more uncomfortable with the heat this year, too. Donna normally welcomes the sun and the heat, but this year she has expressed some discomfort with it. It doesn't seem to cool off much at night either, with our nightly lows well into the 70s. I've always enjoyed the cool nights in the West. Cool nights bring crisp mornings, but right now our mornings are already warm and a bit muggy. As a rule, the West has always been hot but very dry, making it much more comfortable than the eastern parts of Texas where Donna and I grew up. But when we get out early and walk now, the air seems a bit more oppressive than what I remember from previous years.
So, I'm ready for fall to blow in, bringing in some cooler temperatures. Until then, I might look for a place to spend a week or two, a place with some cooler temperatures.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
We Did a Bit of Gambling
Donna and I just returned from a gambling trip to "the boats" in Shreveport. Actually, we only visited the Eldorado. It was a good trip. We broke about even (Donna won, I lost), enjoyed some good food, and stopped in to see my brother and his wife on the return trip.
On our arrival, we headed straight to Athena Greek and Lebanese Grill on Line Avenue in Shreveport. We've been eating here for years. Donna had the gyro salad while I had the gyro plate. We love that tender gyro meat.
We spent 3 nights at the Eldorado. We've always enjoyed being able to park the truck and just leave it for a few days. Although we had free food offers at the Eldorado, we did walk down the street one day to enjoy lunch at the Blind Tiger. Donna had some sort of salad again, while I indulged in a shrimp Po-boy sandwich. They do serve a good Po-boy.
The rest of the time, we just stayed at the Eldorado. We enjoy the relaxed nature of staying in a casino. You can go downstairs and gamble whenever you want, then return to your room for a nap. We had their buffet (comped) and a meal or two in the Sportsman's Cafe (also comped). I normally don't care for buffets, but when they are free, I can find something to my liking. Most buffet foot is not tasty to me, but I do like the red velvet cake the Eldorado has on their buffet.
We left Shreveport early one morning on our return trip. We took what I call the "northern route", which loops to the north of the Metroplex, as my brother lives in the far north part of Ft. Worth. We arrived at his house about noon, and enjoyed a 2 day visit with him and his wife.
On our arrival, we headed straight to Athena Greek and Lebanese Grill on Line Avenue in Shreveport. We've been eating here for years. Donna had the gyro salad while I had the gyro plate. We love that tender gyro meat.
We spent 3 nights at the Eldorado. We've always enjoyed being able to park the truck and just leave it for a few days. Although we had free food offers at the Eldorado, we did walk down the street one day to enjoy lunch at the Blind Tiger. Donna had some sort of salad again, while I indulged in a shrimp Po-boy sandwich. They do serve a good Po-boy.
The rest of the time, we just stayed at the Eldorado. We enjoy the relaxed nature of staying in a casino. You can go downstairs and gamble whenever you want, then return to your room for a nap. We had their buffet (comped) and a meal or two in the Sportsman's Cafe (also comped). I normally don't care for buffets, but when they are free, I can find something to my liking. Most buffet foot is not tasty to me, but I do like the red velvet cake the Eldorado has on their buffet.
We left Shreveport early one morning on our return trip. We took what I call the "northern route", which loops to the north of the Metroplex, as my brother lives in the far north part of Ft. Worth. We arrived at his house about noon, and enjoyed a 2 day visit with him and his wife.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Trailer Life: Portable Grey Water Tank
When we travel in our trailer, I prefer to go to more natural areas, such as state and national parks. Such parks usually offer natural beauty and a quiet environment. Unfortunately, such parks often lack full hookups that commercial campgrounds offer, especially sewer connections.
Our trailer has 33 gallon tanks for grey and black water. That is sufficient for several days for black water, but the grey water use limits us. We like to shower every evening when camping. After all, we normally are pretty active, as we like to hike, fish, and enjoy camp fires. Most campgrounds provide bathroom facilities, but we prefer the privacy and comfort of our own facilities. So, taking daily showers, washing dishes, and using our sink can put quite a bit of water into our 33 gallon tank on a daily basis. If we are unable to dump that grey water, then our stay can be limited.
Once a tank is full, you have to empty it, which basically means you have to unhook all your connections and drag the entire trailer to the dump station. That's a lot of work. To alleviate this, we recently purchased an 18 gallon Thetford portable grey water tank. 18 gallons weighs roughly 144 pounds. We will only dump grey water (sinks and shower) into this tank. When full, it can then be attached to the trailer hitch on the truck and towed very slowly (5 mph or less) to the dump station and emptied. The trailer stays put where it is, and all connections stay intact. I figure I will probably empty the tank every morning while Donna is doing things inside getting ready for the day.
This will now free us up to stay in parks we might have avoided before. Texas is blessed with a number of state parks with full hookups. In fact, most we visit have full hookups. But in looking at parks in other states we like to visit, like New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah, I see that most of their parks have only electricity and water; seldom do they have sewer connections. In the long trip we took over the Southwest in 2012, we always stayed in commercial campgrounds, for we normally stayed at least 1 week in each location, and 1 week would have been too long for the size tanks we had on that trailer.
With the portable tank, we can now stay in places without sewer connections a bit longer, at least until the black water tank nears capacity.
On our recent trip, we used the tank at Lost Maples SNA and at South Llano River SP because we stayed at each park 3 nights. I found the tank generally easy to use, though it does take a bit of work to completely empty. I found I had to stand the tank up and slosh the water around to get it completely empty. But it served its purpose and allowed us to stay in parks we might normally avoid.
Our trailer has 33 gallon tanks for grey and black water. That is sufficient for several days for black water, but the grey water use limits us. We like to shower every evening when camping. After all, we normally are pretty active, as we like to hike, fish, and enjoy camp fires. Most campgrounds provide bathroom facilities, but we prefer the privacy and comfort of our own facilities. So, taking daily showers, washing dishes, and using our sink can put quite a bit of water into our 33 gallon tank on a daily basis. If we are unable to dump that grey water, then our stay can be limited.
Once a tank is full, you have to empty it, which basically means you have to unhook all your connections and drag the entire trailer to the dump station. That's a lot of work. To alleviate this, we recently purchased an 18 gallon Thetford portable grey water tank. 18 gallons weighs roughly 144 pounds. We will only dump grey water (sinks and shower) into this tank. When full, it can then be attached to the trailer hitch on the truck and towed very slowly (5 mph or less) to the dump station and emptied. The trailer stays put where it is, and all connections stay intact. I figure I will probably empty the tank every morning while Donna is doing things inside getting ready for the day.
This will now free us up to stay in parks we might have avoided before. Texas is blessed with a number of state parks with full hookups. In fact, most we visit have full hookups. But in looking at parks in other states we like to visit, like New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah, I see that most of their parks have only electricity and water; seldom do they have sewer connections. In the long trip we took over the Southwest in 2012, we always stayed in commercial campgrounds, for we normally stayed at least 1 week in each location, and 1 week would have been too long for the size tanks we had on that trailer.
With the portable tank, we can now stay in places without sewer connections a bit longer, at least until the black water tank nears capacity.
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| The Thetford SmartTote Grey Water tank in its carrying position. It has 2 large rear wheels and 2 smaller wheels in front. It pulls quite easily on our smooth driveway. |
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| The tank opened up. On the left is the tow handle. On the right is the hose that connects to the trailer for collecting grey water and later to the dump station for emptying the tank. |
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| Overhead view. The hose on right will fold down for use. The short white hose in center is for rinsing the tank. Just above the white hose is the vent. As you empty grey water into the tank, a valve will pop up in the vent as the tank nears capacity. The rinse hose will also connect here. |
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| The tank connected to my trailer hitch to be towed to the dump station. |
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Monster Bash 2015
This past Saturday, we attended a monster bash. Our two youngest grandsons, Camden age 2 and Jenson age 1, were having a joint birthday party at their paternal grandmother's home about 2 hours north of us. We joined the little monsters to help celebrate this milestone. The boys were born 3 days part -- July 21 and July 24 -- so that makes throwing a party convenient.
Things were going rather well until it was time for cake. Each lad had his own small cake to dig into caveman style. Camden decided that rather than blow his candle out, he'd put it out with his finger. Well, things went downhill from there. But Jensen enjoyed his cake. He looked like a circus clown after a while, so we had to hose him down later.
After the party, we brought oldest grandson, Xander, home with us to visit for a few days. Next month, Xander becomes an obnoxious teenager, so these visits with him may be winding down. He is developing his own interests as he grows up, and grandparents probably aren't high on the list. But we enjoyed the time we did have with him.
Things were going rather well until it was time for cake. Each lad had his own small cake to dig into caveman style. Camden decided that rather than blow his candle out, he'd put it out with his finger. Well, things went downhill from there. But Jensen enjoyed his cake. He looked like a circus clown after a while, so we had to hose him down later.
After the party, we brought oldest grandson, Xander, home with us to visit for a few days. Next month, Xander becomes an obnoxious teenager, so these visits with him may be winding down. He is developing his own interests as he grows up, and grandparents probably aren't high on the list. But we enjoyed the time we did have with him.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Where We Ate on Our Recent Trip
We enjoyed some good, simple food on our recent trip to the Hill Country.
Our first stop was the Patio Cafe at Love Creek Orchards in Medina. At the time, we were staying at Lost Maples State Natural Area and were just driving around the countryside enjoying the scenery. This place was once rated as one of the Top 40 small town restaurants in the state by Texas Monthly magazine. The business is located in an old house. Enter through the front and work your way to the back of the Apple Store, where the cafe is located. Donna ordered a salad, which she enjoyed, while I had the special of the day, a pulled-pork sandwich with beer-battered onion rings. I don't normally eat much pork, but I enjoyed this sandwich. The bread was really good, and you could definitely taste the beer in the onion rings. My only complaint was the number of flies in the cafe.
Our next dining experience was in Kerrville, when we were staying at Kerrville-Schreiner Park. On our previous visits to Kerrville, I had noticed a small Thai restaurant, Thai Ocha, tucked away above the Guadalupe River near downtown at 417 Water Street. This was a good find. I can't recall what Donna ordered, but I had a good bowl of red curry; I believe it was called Massaman, and it was the special that day. We were also invited to sample the salad bar. The small salad bar had a nice variety of items, including vegetable rolls, water melon, pineapple, and pudding. My curry wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was quite good and had a strong curry flavor. I'd definitely go back.
We also spent one afternoon at Brew Dawgz Grille and Ale, conveniently located just outside the entrance to Kerrville-Schreiner Park. It's no secret that Donna and I enjoy draft beer, and Brew Dawgz does have a generous selection. In fact, their menu lists 20 beers on tap, including a few brewed in the Austin/San Antonio region, such as Lobo Texas Lager (Fredericksburg). We spent quite a while there, and we sampled 3 different brews each. Prices for pints were reasonable. We also tried the cheese and jalapeno nachos, and found the chips to be fresh and the cheese to be plentiful. It was a pleasant way to pass the afternoon. The best part is that the place is within walking distance from our campsite.
While at Junction, we visited 2 places we've frequented often in the past. We were hungry for a burger one day, so we stopped in at the Milky Way, which is located at 1619 Main Street. This is a no frills old fashioned drive-in type place, but patties are hand formed, tasty, and reasonably priced. Service is small-town friendly, just the way I like it.
On our next trip into town, we visited Lum's. It looks like they are building their website, so it may not be active when you click it. A lot of people passing through on the interstate stop at Cooper's for BBQ. We've tried it twice and were disappointed both times. It is not of the quality of the Cooper's in Llano -- which we enjoy -- and the service is greatly lacking. If folks would head south towards town for less than a mile, they would get much better service, much better prices, and much better BBQ at Lum's. I got the regular sliced brisket lunch with cole slaw and potato salad, while Donna got a senior version of the same meal. We also had desert and drinks, all for $25.
Our first stop was the Patio Cafe at Love Creek Orchards in Medina. At the time, we were staying at Lost Maples State Natural Area and were just driving around the countryside enjoying the scenery. This place was once rated as one of the Top 40 small town restaurants in the state by Texas Monthly magazine. The business is located in an old house. Enter through the front and work your way to the back of the Apple Store, where the cafe is located. Donna ordered a salad, which she enjoyed, while I had the special of the day, a pulled-pork sandwich with beer-battered onion rings. I don't normally eat much pork, but I enjoyed this sandwich. The bread was really good, and you could definitely taste the beer in the onion rings. My only complaint was the number of flies in the cafe.
Our next dining experience was in Kerrville, when we were staying at Kerrville-Schreiner Park. On our previous visits to Kerrville, I had noticed a small Thai restaurant, Thai Ocha, tucked away above the Guadalupe River near downtown at 417 Water Street. This was a good find. I can't recall what Donna ordered, but I had a good bowl of red curry; I believe it was called Massaman, and it was the special that day. We were also invited to sample the salad bar. The small salad bar had a nice variety of items, including vegetable rolls, water melon, pineapple, and pudding. My curry wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was quite good and had a strong curry flavor. I'd definitely go back.
We also spent one afternoon at Brew Dawgz Grille and Ale, conveniently located just outside the entrance to Kerrville-Schreiner Park. It's no secret that Donna and I enjoy draft beer, and Brew Dawgz does have a generous selection. In fact, their menu lists 20 beers on tap, including a few brewed in the Austin/San Antonio region, such as Lobo Texas Lager (Fredericksburg). We spent quite a while there, and we sampled 3 different brews each. Prices for pints were reasonable. We also tried the cheese and jalapeno nachos, and found the chips to be fresh and the cheese to be plentiful. It was a pleasant way to pass the afternoon. The best part is that the place is within walking distance from our campsite.
While at Junction, we visited 2 places we've frequented often in the past. We were hungry for a burger one day, so we stopped in at the Milky Way, which is located at 1619 Main Street. This is a no frills old fashioned drive-in type place, but patties are hand formed, tasty, and reasonably priced. Service is small-town friendly, just the way I like it.
On our next trip into town, we visited Lum's. It looks like they are building their website, so it may not be active when you click it. A lot of people passing through on the interstate stop at Cooper's for BBQ. We've tried it twice and were disappointed both times. It is not of the quality of the Cooper's in Llano -- which we enjoy -- and the service is greatly lacking. If folks would head south towards town for less than a mile, they would get much better service, much better prices, and much better BBQ at Lum's. I got the regular sliced brisket lunch with cole slaw and potato salad, while Donna got a senior version of the same meal. We also had desert and drinks, all for $25.
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