A Grand Tour of The Entire Midwest, But Mostly Wisconsin (UPDATE 11/12--BONUS Texas TR NOW COMPLETE)

We found a small amphitheater where an acting troupe puts on Shakespeare plays and other performances. I’m glad to see that—as I’ve told you before, no writer spoke to the human condition like William Shakespeare.
I was told, during some kind of river boat tour if I remember correctly that the scene in Miss Congeniality where she’s dressed the polka outfit, that was filed in the same place.

We were able to walk inside the Alamo itself (no photos allowed), see some exhibits that included various artifacts
I was disappointed with myself on my visit to the Alamo. I wondered around the river walk all day and mosied up to the Alamo just in time to hear them announce 5 minutes before closing. I had time to walk in, say I was there, and leave. I was surprised that it was right in downtown San Antonio. I always pictured a little fort out in the desert. I am glad I stopped for a few minutes because it helped me realize the significance of the Alamo. Being Canadian I hadn’t really understood before.
 
I've just gone thru all 49 pages of your trip report. It took four days (I had to work and sleep). It was well worth it. Rather than multi-quote like a crazy woman, I just thought I'd comment on a few things . . .

  • Your family is beautiful. I cannot imagine all that time in the vehicle with my siblings and not leave someone on the side of the road.
  • As a Dolphins fan who absolutely hates the Jets, if I ever saw Met Life Stadium, I do not think I would be able to have the restraint you did when visiting those losers in Dallas.
  • Sorry about KY drivers. We just don't know how to act right.
  • Your pictures and story telling have been fantastic. The mid-west/south US is not anywhere I have ever been.
  • Many prayers for Sarah during her upcoming surgery and recovery. She looks pretty tough.
 
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Good catch!

It's not the sandwich, per se.
It's the tradition.

Not to mention the economic savings.

It's a Disney movie, isn't it?

Sanitized.

Exactly.

"And after I lost them I felt so sad and lonely. I almost gave up on the idea of trying my new knife out."

Well, maybe she got a chance with someone else.

I was told, during some kind of river boat tour if I remember correctly that the scene in Miss Congeniality where she’s dressed the polka outfit, that was filed in the same place.

Interesting. I only saw that movie once, years ago, and I have no recollection of whether there was a scene at the Riverwalk or not.

I was disappointed with myself on my visit to the Alamo. I wondered around the river walk all day and mosied up to the Alamo just in time to hear them announce 5 minutes before closing. I had time to walk in, say I was there, and leave. I was surprised that it was right in downtown San Antonio. I always pictured a little fort out in the desert. I am glad I stopped for a few minutes because it helped me realize the significance of the Alamo. Being Canadian I hadn’t really understood before.

Yeah, it was surprising to find it right in the middle of downtown SA. Made it convenient for walking, though.

I've just gone thru all 49 pages of your trip report. It took four days (I had to work and sleep). It was well worth it. Rather than multi-quote like a crazy woman, I just thought I'd comment on a few things . . .

  • Your family is beautiful. I cannot imagine all that time in the vehicle with my siblings and not leave someone on the side of the road.

:welcome:

You read this whole thing in 4 days?? That's 4 whole days you'll never get back. I'm so sorry.

But seriously, thank you!

As a Dolphins fan who absolutely hates the Jets, if I ever saw Met Life Stadium, I do not think I would be able to have the restraint you did when visiting those losers in Dallas.

The Giants play there too, so I approve of any desecration you may wish to visit upon the stadium.

Sorry about KY drivers. We just don't know how to act right.

No worse than New Jersey!

Your pictures and story telling have been fantastic. The mid-west/south US is not anywhere I have ever been.

There's a lot of cool stuff to see, separated by a lot of boring drives.

Many prayers for Sarah during her upcoming surgery and recovery. She looks pretty tough.

Thank you so much! She is a tough kid. Once broke her finger in a field hockey game, and went back in to finish it out.
 
Chapter 7: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. And Lunch.

On our final full day in Texas, we split up. My parents arrived the previous evening in San Antonio, having spent an extra day in Lajitas. My father took me, David, and Scotty to the second round of the Valero Texas Open, a PGA tournament that just so happened to be taking place that weekend. Sadly, it’s a minor event, so most of the big names in golf were skipping it that week. We love our golf, so we didn’t mind so much.


This is the 16th hole, considered the signature hole on the golf course. It’s a par 3 that is unique due to the bunker sitting right smack in the middle of the green. At first glance, this might seem like an especially cruel design feature, but I think it’s much harder on the pros. My shots never end up anywhere near the middle of the green, so I doubt I’d ever have to worry about that particular hazard.

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We always have fun watching professional golfers and wandering golf courses we’d never be able to see. I took detailed notes on every single shot we witnessed, so I’ll go ahead and transcribe them here for your entertainment.


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Hmm. I can’t seem to find any of my notes. That’s almost…tragic. I know how much you were looking forward to that.


Well, anyway, that was our day. Meanwhile, my mom, Julie, Sarah and Drew went to the San Antonio Zoo. I wasn’t there, so I can’t really describe the day, but I’ll do the best I can with the photos they took.


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So, yes—I can confirm that they went to the zoo.


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Right off the bat, they witnessed nature’s true horror, as this bear probably mauled that bird just after this photo was taken.


There was a butterfly garden, where Julie spent at least 20 minutes taking 90 different versions of this photo in order to get the light settings exactly right, and then wound up keeping the first one and deleting the rest.

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Sarah was attacked by this giant mutant moth, which attempted to eat her finger. She paused to take a photo before biting the head off the moth and neutralizing the threat. We appreciate the fact that she also raised her index finger for this photo.


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They also apparently took a side detour to Pandora to see exotic creatures.

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As well as some exotic creatures of earth.


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There was a petting zoo, where Drew and Sarah could find animals to adopt and take home on the plane with us.


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There was also a playground. I don’t really need to tell you what happened after this photo was taken, do I? An older sibling has a sacred duty in this situation.


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Lastly, there was a train ride that circled the zoo. You can only imagine how excited Drew was to ride the train!


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Just slightly excited.


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Little did they know that bandits would attempt to rob the train! Luckily, Sarah and Drew were up to the task of fighting them off and defending the rest of the passengers. The thieves tried to escape in a helicopter, but Drew targeted them with his trusty rocket launcher. He had found one in the souvenir shop.


Helicopter_1.png



We met up once again in late afternoon and said goodbye to my parents—they’d be spending a few more days in Texas while we had to get back home since spring break was coming to a close. We drove north, and had to take a lot of back roads since Google said the highway from San Antonio to Austin was more crowded than the EPCOT security line. Eventually, we made it to Austin.


Austin is the capital of Texas, and the official home of Texas barbecue. Some of the world’s most famous and highly-rated BBQ joints are here in town, including Franklin BBQ, which has garnered a reputation as the best barbecue in the world. I would have tried it out, but the line starts forming around 6 or 7 in the morning, at least 4 hours before they open. I don’t have enough vacation time to do that.


I’d consulted the Texas Monthly 50 Best list once again, and found a place in northwest Austin that was fairly highly rated: Stiles Switch BBQ.


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We timed it really well, because the line wasn’t too bad when we arrived, and then it started getting packed soon after we got there. Naturally, it’s a good sign if it’s popular with the locals.


I love that most BBQ places will offer a 2-meat or 3-meat tray so you can try different flavors. I went with my standard pulled pork and beef brisket. Along with my favorite vegetables.


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Check out that bark! Sooooo good. This was even better than the place in San Antonio, which was no slouch.


We met up in Austin with Camille, who used to be a regular here on the boards. She is extremely sweet in person, and insisted on taking us over to another shop so she could buy us cupcakes. We played the obligatory half-hearted “you don’t have to do that” game and then caved quickly so we could go get some cupcakes.


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She was a joy to spend an evening with, and all I can say is: if you go to Texas, meet up with Camille! She will buy you cupcakes!


That night, Dave complained of not feeling well in the car as we drove to the hotel. Julie felt he was probably dehydrated from walking around in the Texas heat all day and gave him some red Gatorade. Later, after everyone was in bed, we heard Dave get up and wander into the bathroom, whereupon all of that red Gatorade promptly came right back up. As it turned out, he had borrowed a book from Sarah a couple of days earlier and had been furiously reading it in the car for hours. We think that had messed up his head enough to make him sick.


The real tragedy was that he missed out on the morning treat, still not feeling 100%. We stopped in the morning at Round Rock Donuts, which we’d seen once on the Travel Channel.


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This place is famous for its “Texas-size” donuts, which are bigger than the average human head.


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As much as I’d wanted to try one of those, the incident with Dave the night before left us thinking that we might not want to share bites of the same food with each other, just in case. So we just got a half-dozen regular donuts.


They were excellent. Served warm and fresh…I’d stop here anytime I was in the Austin area.


We drove three hours north back to Dallas. We had a late afternoon flight back home, but had one more stop to make. I was determined to sample as much Texas BBQ as I possibly could, and one of the highest-rated places on the Texas Monthly list was in Dallas: the Pecan Lodge.


It opened at 11:00 a.m., and we found a parking spot nearby around 10:45. By the time we got in line, it was 10 minutes before opening. This is what the line looked like:


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Once they opened the doors, it moved smoothly. I’d say it still took us almost 30 minutes to get to the front to make an order.


The line remained out the door as long as we were there.


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I got pulled pork and brisket again, while Sarah opted for ribs and brisket. We both thought “bacon Mac & cheese” sounded like something we needed to order as well.


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Julie, meanwhile, ordered pork on a baked sweet potato. She told me she was “kind of tired of barbecue” and wanted something different. I have to say, I didn’t think that was possible. I mean, we’d only had it for 3 out of our last 9 meals. Sure, it was also 2 out of our last 3, but it’s BBQ! This is what they serve in heaven! (When they’re not serving pie or Philly cheese steaks.)


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Anyway, Pecan Lodge was probably the pinnacle of our Texas BBQ samplings. This meat had a heavier smoke flavor than the others, so if you prefer less smoke, I’d go with Stiles Switch. Either way, they were amazing. Some of the best brisket I’ve ever had.


As if this meal couldn’t get any better, there was a Pie Emporium right next door. I started to make the “Is this heaven?” joke, but then realized it couldn’t be; it was Dallas. But we still felt an obligation to get some dessert. Everything was great.


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They also had an excellent note on the front door:


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We made one final stop before heading to the airport: the Texas Book Depository. This, of course, is the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald, who shot from the sixth floor of the Book Depository building—unless you prefer to believe the myriad conspiracy theories out there. The building is now a museum dedicated to President Kennedy and the assassination, but we didn’t have time to tour the whole place. So we settled for visiting and seeing Dealey Plaza, where fateful history was made.


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We walked down the street a ways, following the basic path of President Kennedy’s motorcade. There are two X’s marked on the pavement, showing where the President was struck by the assassin’s bullets. A grim, sobering reminder of a horrifying day in American history.

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As a side note, if you ever want to read a great "what if?" story, try Stephen King's novel, 11/22/63. It's not his usual horror story. More of a sci-fi/thriller/time-travel/love story. It's over 800 pages, and I never wanted it to end. Just a great read, and one of my favorite books.

And that, my friends, was the end of our time in Texas. In a quick poll of family members, Big Bend/Lajitas was everyone’s favorite place we visited. We’d head right back if it wasn’t so hard to get there! But never fear…we’re always ready for the next adventure.


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Updated family map:


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See that big hole in the deep south of the U.S.? We would address that on our next trip. Look for that trip report here in the DIS Dads sub-group on the boards. I’ll try and remember to post a link.


Thank you so much for reading along, and for sticking with me through both the Midwest trip report and this bonus Texas TR. It would be much more boring if you weren’t reading along and commenting. I always get excited to read the commentary, hoping that I’ve made you laugh somewhere along the way, or that you’ve fact-checked me and found me falling short as usual, or that you’ve just found yet another way to give me crap. The back-and-forth here makes it so much fun. I appreciate each and every one of you and the time you’ve spent sharing my family’s adventures. I hope you’ll join me for the next one!
 
We appreciate the fact that she also raised her index finger for this photo.

*Chortle*

Austin is the capital of Texas, and the official home of Texas barbecue.

I can confirm from personal experience that this is true. Spent a week there for a national staff convention. Austin is also a beautiful city, even the bridge where a zillion bats live. It is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Not a good aroma though.

I love that most BBQ places will offer a 2-meat or 3-meat tray so you can try different flavors. I went with my standard pulled pork and beef brisket. Along with my favorite vegetables.

What no beans? And you say you like BBQ.

I was determined to sample as much Texas BBQ as I possibly could, and one of the highest-rated places on the Texas Monthly list was in Dallas: the Pecan Lodge.

During that week when someone suggested we not eat BBQ that night, I Gibbs slapped him. The Austin airport also has some good joints there. Ordered lunch for the plane and one to take home. Did I tell you I like BBQ?

Julie, meanwhile, ordered pork on a baked sweet potato. She told me she was “kind of tired of barbecue” and wanted something different.

There is always one in the crowd.

And that, my friends, was the end of our time in Texas. In a quick poll of family members, Big Bend/Lajitas was everyone’s favorite place we visited. We’d head right back if it wasn’t so hard to get there! But never fear…we’re always ready for the next adventure.

So since the southern trip is concluded, where next? Is it the Universal trip?

On the personal side, good luck to Sarah on the upcoming procedure. I am confident she will come through it better than you and Julie will.
 
This is the 16th hole, considered the signature hole on the golf course. It’s a par 3 that is unique due to the bunker sitting right smack in the middle of the green. At first glance, this might seem like an especially cruel design feature, but I think it’s much harder on the pros. My shots never end up anywhere near the middle of the green, so I doubt I’d ever have to worry about that particular hazard.
I don't know. It doesn't seem to matter where the sand is, I manage to find it.

Hmm. I can’t seem to find any of my notes. That’s almost…tragic. I know how much you were looking forward to that.
That's ok, I've got your back.

A tv camera support tower fell on the 18th green and the plucky underdog had to get his final shot around it to win. All hope was lost until he reached back to his miniature golf skills and used the broken infrastructure of this tower to make one of the greatest shots in the history of golf.

Right off the bat, they witnessed nature’s true horror, as this bear probably mauled that bird just after this photo was taken.
How's that horror? That's nature!

There was a butterfly garden, where Julie spent at least 20 minutes taking 90 different versions of this photo in order to get the light settings exactly right, and then wound up keeping the first one and deleting the rest.
And thanks to this commentary, the budget committee has now withdrawn all future requests for golf related funding.

We appreciate the fact that she also raised her index finger for this photo.
Do we? Because that could have been kind of funny... :rolleyes1

There was also a playground. I don’t really need to tell you what happened after this photo was taken, do I? An older sibling has a sacred duty in this situation.
I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. It seems that she's enough older that she probably would take on more of a caretaker attitude toward her little brother and not want to do something like that.

But then again, it is just so hard to resist...

You can only imagine how excited Drew was to ride the train!
Well, yeah!

Little did they know that bandits would attempt to rob the train! Luckily, Sarah and Drew were up to the task of fighting them off and defending the rest of the passengers. The thieves tried to escape in a helicopter, but Drew targeted them with his trusty rocket launcher. He had found one in the souvenir shop.
Awesome! Nice shot, Drew!!!

How many helicopters has your family destroyed over the years?

We drove north, and had to take a lot of back roads since Google said the highway from San Antonio to Austin was more crowded than the EPCOT security line. Eventually, we made it to Austin.
Ouch... good call avoiding the highway!

I love that most BBQ places will offer a 2-meat or 3-meat tray so you can try different flavors.
::yes:: I always prefer to sample some different things when I can.

We met up in Austin with Camille, who used to be a regular here on the boards. She is extremely sweet in person, and insisted on taking us over to another shop so she could buy us cupcakes.
Can't turn down cupcakes!!!

That night, Dave complained of not feeling well in the car as we drove to the hotel. Julie felt he was probably dehydrated from walking around in the Texas heat all day and gave him some red Gatorade. Later, after everyone was in bed, we heard Dave get up and wander into the bathroom, whereupon all of that red Gatorade promptly came right back up. As it turned out, he had borrowed a book from Sarah a couple of days earlier and had been furiously reading it in the car for hours. We think that had messed up his head enough to make him sick.
Uh oh... much better that it happened in the bathroom than in the car.

It opened at 11:00 a.m., and we found a parking spot nearby around 10:45. By the time we got in line, it was 10 minutes before opening. This is what the line looked like:
That's not Texas, that's Pandora...

I got pulled pork and brisket again, while Sarah opted for ribs and brisket. We both thought “bacon Mac & cheese” sounded like something we needed to order as well.
Why didn't you get the trough??? I don't know what is included in it, but I don't know how you could resist something like that.

Ok, I guess maybe with Dave's issues the night before it makes sense to skip something like that...

As if this meal couldn’t get any better, there was a Pie Emporium right next door. I started to make the “Is this heaven?” joke, but then realized it couldn’t be; it was Dallas. But we still felt an obligation to get some dessert. Everything was great.
But BBQ and pie... is your hatred of all things Dallas a little bit overstated?

As a side note, if you ever want to read a great "what if?" story, try Stephen King's novel, 11/22/63. It's not his usual horror story. More of a sci-fi/thriller/time-travel/love story. It's over 800 pages, and I never wanted it to end. Just a great read, and one of my favorite books.
Sounds interesting. Not a big Stephen King fan, but I'm always looking for something good to read and might have to check this out.

I always get excited to read the commentary, hoping that I’ve made you laugh somewhere along the way, or that you’ve fact-checked me and found me falling short as usual, or that you’ve just found yet another way to give me crap.
We enjoy all of it. But mostly that last part.

The back-and-forth here makes it so much fun. I appreciate each and every one of you and the time you’ve spent sharing my family’s adventures. I hope you’ll join me for the next one!
Always enjoy reading Oblivious family TR's. Looking forward to the next one!!!
 
Chapter 7: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. And Lunch.
DUN DUN DUN…


On our final full day in Texas, we split up.
So long as you didn’t try to head them off at the pass…

“I hate that cliché!”


It’s a par 3 that is unique due to the bunker sitting right smack in the middle of the green.
Ten bucks says you’d drop it right in the center.
Just trying to avoid it will ensure that you land one on that beach.


Hmm. I can’t seem to find any of my notes. That’s almost…tragic. I know how much you were looking forward to that.
Not to worry, I found a copy of a video from that morning


You can thank me later.


Well, anyway, that was our day.
But did the Dalai Lama stiff you or do you have total consciousness coming to you now?


I wasn’t there, so I can’t really describe the day, but I’ll do the best I can with the photos they took.
Hummm...
If you’re going to be telling the story, I probably better take some provisions with me and watch this part of the tale from a bomb shelter.


Right off the bat, they witnessed nature’s true horror, as this bear probably mauled that bird just after this photo was taken.
Or was it a mutant bird and it was the bear that’s no longer with us?


There was a butterfly garden, where Julie spent at least 20 minutes taking 90 different versions of this photo in order to get the light settings exactly right, and then wound up keeping the first one and deleting the rest.
Yep…
Been there,
Never fails.


Sarah was attacked by this giant mutant moth, which attempted to eat her finger. She paused to take a photo before biting the head off the moth and neutralizing the threat.
Are you sure that no implanted titanium weaponry was involved in the dispatching of this threat?


We appreciate the fact that she also raised her index finger for this photo.
An opportunity missed…
That might have gotten the ratting kicked up past PG-13 and thus guaranteed better returns at the box office.


They also apparently took a side detour to Pandora to see exotic creatures.
Score!
I hear that getting FPs for that is neigh on to impossible.


As well as some exotic creatures of earth.
Exotic creatures?
Were they doing the Time Warp?


There was a petting zoo, where Drew and Sarah could find animals to adopt and take home on the plane with us.


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Do it yourself Barbeque…
I’m pretty sure that he’ll fit in the overhead just fine.


There was also a playground. I don’t really need to tell you what happened after this photo was taken, do I? An older sibling has a sacred duty in this situation.
YAAAAAAA-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOEEEYYYY!!!


Lastly, there was a train ride that circled the zoo. You can only imagine how excited Drew was to ride the train!
86.jpg





Just slightly excited.


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OK…
That’s one fine image right there.


(now we’ll be returning you back to the normal level of inane, idiotic, pointless commentary)


Little did they know that bandits would attempt to rob the train! Luckily, Sarah and Drew were up to the task of fighting them off and defending the rest of the passengers. The thieves tried to escape in a helicopter, but Drew targeted them with his trusty rocket launcher. He had found one in the souvenir shop.


Helicopter_1.png
See!
I knew that bomb shelter would come in handy.


We drove north, and had to take a lot of back roads since Google said the highway from San Antonio to Austin was more crowded than the EPCOT security line.
Oh the humanity!!!


Austin is the capital of Texas, and the official home of Texas barbecue.
Seems like I may have heard a rumor or two to that effect, once or twice.


I’d consulted the Texas Monthly 50 Best list once again
Pretty sure you’ve conclusively proven that one should never travel in the Lone Star State without ready access to that particular publication.


I love that most BBQ places will offer a 2-meat or 3-meat tray so you can try different flavors. I went with my standard pulled pork and beef brisket. Along with my favorite vegetables.


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Well if ketchup is a vegetable, then so is barbeque sauce.
(and potatoes and pasta of course)

By the way…
That does look mighty good.


We played the obligatory half-hearted “you don’t have to do that” game and then caved quickly so we could go get some cupcakes.
No fool, you…
But I also think that kind of behavior is really just a side effect from PB&J overdosing.


She was a joy to spend an evening with, and all I can say is: if you go to Texas, meet up with Camille! She will buy you cupcakes!
An award winning PSA if ever I’ve heard one.
These are the kind of travel tips that one really needs to know.


That night, Dave complained of not feeling well in the car as we drove to the hotel.
Poor fella…
Well, at least it’s a rental.


As it turned out, he had borrowed a book from Sarah a couple of days earlier and had been furiously reading it in the car for hours. We think that had messed up his head enough to make him sick.
I’m voting for that one, cause the thought of anyone being allergic to barbeque is just too tragic to contemplate.


The real tragedy was that he missed out on the morning treat, still not feeling 100%. We stopped in the morning at Round Rock Donuts,
That is a shame.
You’ll have to compensate for that at some time in the future.
(Which mean that you’d have to have something for yourself as well so it’s a win, win.)


This place is famous for its “Texas-size” donuts, which are bigger than the average human head.
Impressive to be sure…
But if those are Texas Sized, just imagine what they’d be like if they were Alaska Sized.


I was determined to sample as much Texas BBQ as I possibly could…
Seems like a moral imperative to me.


I’d say it still took us almost 30 minutes to get to the front to make an order.
Ehhhh…
You’ve waited longer for less.
Chicago comes to mind.


Anyway, Pecan Lodge was probably the pinnacle of our Texas BBQ samplings. This meat had a heavier smoke flavor than the others, so if you prefer less smoke, I’d go with Stiles Switch.
A subtle difference worth knowing.
Don’t know if I’ll get down there, but I’ll certainly keep it in mind.

To me at least this kind of info makes a huge difference.
Good Que don’t need no sauce, so if a place is bragging most about their secret sauce then there may be something lacking in the smoking department.


As if this meal couldn’t get any better, there was a Pie Emporium right next door. I started to make the “Is this heaven?” joke, but then realized it couldn’t be; it was Dallas.
If you build it, they will come.

For the pie that is.

They also had an excellent note on the front door:


9YyTvHC8AMWwhk7ffngwiIj6AHZPXkLOvAfSLqjigtXXay81Ji1celt29XKRTRaIyyNh2AgeWnQfjiXhKUF6i8kJaarpWcxjrC1ix9xtnYsR-XodwSB6yMCcnwBj7kEcV2mipTkg6jkl-onsx6Yq_lu1oH09ssJopsXOPrNH2nEpfG2G2WBG9YuBWmLBEG68x98xIkU-cMe4Os60cqHAIUZv9sp_H6BZv5Za0hfOMoeKHBWomB3Mx5v4goaWHH3ngIpRXYrJCzXiZ_skHWNOVMMKKDN6w5l80ss_BEtTfcJcLRQ5Mjds7jk9XGYLuPEePmav5NZ4OrkGAsRdg3L0582Uy3ra__PgybVgU-0277dcuid6hFCe8G7TSGLfEBf6jwGeyOdrp67WQ4Ae2F8LqMMSQm_rdT0pmyKhT6FM-Js6tAhY7B1lHjiiZufqAztRDLwGlQXEZVKm1vZ6Ylzai5FMc9FLclIiD4Xa6Nd0aHqXDQs8P0O7vugHkhrsHe4WLMSVPgwevxnAR74hZqx_yAjsMVMClSIoIR2kYpys1eXls6eOIHPad-ZxLZWw-612tHm1U8T4qJDbRNnqv7AK2IEpYnhy7ZyuU-_wAXM_wA=w1954-h1302-no
Better bring a bucket…


We made one final stop before heading to the airport: the Texas Book Depository.
Nice choice.
Probably not the first thing folks think of when traveling down that way, but an important landmark and opportunity for reflection none the less.


(Oh dear, did I just make a serious comment? I may need to go lay down for a bit.)


As a side note, if you ever want to read a great "what if?" story, try Stephen King's novel, 11/22/63. It's not his usual horror story. More of a sci-fi/thriller/time-travel/love story. It's over 800 pages, and I never wanted it to end. Just a great read, and one of my favorite books.
Well, that’s two separate recommendations for that book.
Might need to acquire me a copy.


I appreciate each and every one of you and the time you’ve spent sharing my family’s adventures. I hope you’ll join me for the next one!

“Together again.”

“Wouldn't miss it.”

“How we doin'?”

“Same as always.”

“That bad, huh?”
 


We always have fun watching professional golfers and wandering golf courses we’d never be able to see. I took detailed notes on every single shot we witnessed, so I’ll go ahead and transcribe them here for your entertainment.

Hmm. I can’t seem to find any of my notes. That’s almost…tragic. I know how much you were looking forward to that.

Yes! I was! All that jibberish that I don't understand...I was looking forward to reading paragraph after paragraph of the stuff!

Well, anyway, that was our day. Meanwhile, my mom, Julie, Sarah and Drew went to the San Antonio Zoo. I wasn’t there, so I can’t really describe the day, but I’ll do the best I can with the photos they took.

This should be good! :hyper:

The thieves tried to escape in a helicopter, but Drew targeted them with his trusty rocket launcher. He had found one in the souvenir shop.

Go Drew! Nice exploding helicopters!

As it turned out, he had borrowed a book from Sarah a couple of days earlier and had been furiously reading it in the car for hours. We think that had messed up his head enough to make him sick.

I get naseous just reading directions on my phone in the car!

As much as I’d wanted to try one of those, the incident with Dave the night before left us thinking that we might not want to share bites of the same food with each other, just in case. So we just got a half-dozen regular donuts.

Probably a good call. Save the donuts as big as your head for Lard Lad in Universal.

Julie, meanwhile, ordered pork on a baked sweet potato. She told me she was “kind of tired of barbecue” and wanted something different. I have to say, I didn’t think that was possible.

Well if it were possible certainly not in the time frame that you were in Texas. Maybe if you ate it for months on end.

And that, my friends, was the end of our time in Texas. In a quick poll of family members, Big Bend/Lajitas was everyone’s favorite place we visited. We’d head right back if it wasn’t so hard to get there! But never fear…we’re always ready for the next adventure.

It looked like a nice relaxing resort to stay at. I can completely see why you all like it!

I always get excited to read the commentary, hoping that I’ve made you laugh somewhere along the way, or that you’ve fact-checked me and found me falling short as usual, or that you’ve just found yet another way to give me crap. The back-and-forth here makes it so much fun. I appreciate each and every one of you and the time you’ve spent sharing my family’s adventures. I hope you’ll join me for the next one!

It's always fun over here, especially when we can give you crap and make smart a$$ comments. But seriously, you have a great family and while you joke about finances and the budget committee, in the scheme of life you are a very wealthy man. I'm also glad to see that Sarah's surgery went well and the before and after picture you posted yesterday was astonishing.

Thanks for letting us "ride along" with you!
 
I can confirm from personal experience that this is true. Spent a week there for a national staff convention. Austin is also a beautiful city, even the bridge where a zillion bats live. It is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Not a good aroma though.

Ugh, bats. Rats with wings.

What no beans? And you say you like BBQ.

Well, I do have to travel with 5 other people in an enclosed vehicle after each meal.

On the other hand, they should know my scent by now.

During that week when someone suggested we not eat BBQ that night, I Gibbs slapped him. The Austin airport also has some good joints there. Ordered lunch for the plane and one to take home. Did I tell you I like BBQ?

I approve. :thumbsup2 If you and I were ever touring in Texas, I know what we'd be doing.

There is always one in the crowd.

:sad2: I just don't get some people.

So since the southern trip is concluded, where next? Is it the Universal trip?

Taking a break from state-hunting this year to give Drew his first official Disney World trip. He's reached the magical 40-inch height measurement, so it's time.

On the personal side, good luck to Sarah on the upcoming procedure. I am confident she will come through it better than you and Julie will.

Thanks, CJ! As you guys know by now, she did great. The hardest day was Thursday, when we brought her home. That seemed to be the worst pain. She's getting a little better day by day.

I don't know. It doesn't seem to matter where the sand is, I manage to find it.

This is a truism.

That's ok, I've got your back.

A tv camera support tower fell on the 18th green and the plucky underdog had to get his final shot around it to win. All hope was lost until he reached back to his miniature golf skills and used the broken infrastructure of this tower to make one of the greatest shots in the history of golf.

I like it! Way better than anything that actually happened.

How's that horror? That's nature!

So you root for the lions in the nature documentaries, right?

And thanks to this commentary, the budget committee has now withdrawn all future requests for golf related funding.

It's not like much was made available in the first place.

Do we? Because that could have been kind of funny... :rolleyes1

She probably does that more often behind our backs.

I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. It seems that she's enough older that she probably would take on more of a caretaker attitude toward her little brother and not want to do something like that.

But then again, it is just so hard to resist...

You nailed it. There's enough of an age gap that she is more of a caretaker. In fact, the boys wouldn't admit it, but they all look up to their big sister.

Awesome! Nice shot, Drew!!!

How many helicopters has your family destroyed over the years?

I'd say at least 20. Plus a few ultralights.

Ouch... good call avoiding the highway!

It always feels better to keep moving, even if it doesn't actually save you any time.

::yes:: I always prefer to sample some different things when I can.

I liked going for the pork and brisket. Pork is hard to screw up and Texas is famous for brisket, so I figured that was the way to go. Made a good way to compare the various BBQ joints, too.

Can't turn down cupcakes!!!

That's like a rule or something.

Uh oh... much better that it happened in the bathroom than in the car.

::yes::

That's not Texas, that's Pandora...

Can't wait to experience that...:faint:

Why didn't you get the trough??? I don't know what is included in it, but I don't know how you could resist something like that.

Ok, I guess maybe with Dave's issues the night before it makes sense to skip something like that...

I definitely seriously considered it. But we found it was actually more cost-effective to get 3 2-meat trays and split them. Dave doesn't really go for BBQ much anyway. I'm not sure where I went wrong with him.

But BBQ and pie... is your hatred of all things Dallas a little bit overstated?

I don't really hate all things Dallas, just the Dallas Cowboys. By the way, wasn't that a great game last night? :rolleyes1

Sounds interesting. Not a big Stephen King fan, but I'm always looking for something good to read and might have to check this out.

I'm not a big horror fan at all, but Mr. King is a very good writer.

We enjoy all of it. But mostly that last part.

I had a feeling...

Always enjoy reading Oblivious family TR's. Looking forward to the next one!!!

:woohoo: I know everyone is looking forward to hearing all about Arkansas!
 
So long as you didn’t try to head them off at the pass…

“I hate that cliché!”

My friend posted on FB that the the drive up the road to her house at night looked like something out of a horror movie. I told her she should probably get out of the perfectly operational vehicle and travel the rest of the way on foot.

Ten bucks says you’d drop it right in the center.
Just trying to avoid it will ensure that you land one on that beach.

That's usually the way it works. The minute you allow for your slice and aim left, you hit it dead straight.

Not to worry, I found a copy of a video from that morning



You can thank me later.

Ahhh....a true classic.

But did the Dalai Lama stiff you or do you have total consciousness coming to you now?

No, I have that going for me, which is nice.

Hummm...
If you’re going to be telling the story, I probably better take some provisions with me and watch this part of the tale from a bomb shelter.

A savvy veteran reader.

Or was it a mutant bird and it was the bear that’s no longer with us?

Well, I didn't hear anything about the rest of San Antonio being destroyed.

Yep…
Been there,
Never fails.

:sad2:

Are you sure that no implanted titanium weaponry was involved in the dispatching of this threat?

This was pre-bionics.

An opportunity missed…
That might have gotten the ratting kicked up past PG-13 and thus guaranteed better returns at the box office.

I thought it was supposed to work the other way around.

Score!
I hear that getting FPs for that is neigh on to impossible.

I guess we'll find out this summer!

Exotic creatures?
Were they doing the Time Warp?

Probably just making plans to eat us.

Do it yourself Barbeque…
I’m pretty sure that he’ll fit in the overhead just fine.

You could feed a lot of people with that one.

YAAAAAAA-HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOOEEEYYYY!!!

Apparently Drew survived with no injury. I thought it was mandatory for Sarah to jump off. I'll have to work on that.


Everybody, everywhere, will say Clint Eastwood is the biggest yellow belly in the West.

OK…
That’s one fine image right there.


(now we’ll be returning you back to the normal level of inane, idiotic, pointless commentary)

A boy and his train.

See!
I knew that bomb shelter would come in handy.

It's almost like you knew what was coming.

Pretty sure you’ve conclusively proven that one should never travel in the Lone Star State without ready access to that particular publication.

I would consider it negligence, personally.

Well if ketchup is a vegetable, then so is barbeque sauce.
(and potatoes and pasta of course)

By the way…
That does look mighty good.

So, so good.

No fool, you…
But I also think that kind of behavior is really just a side effect from PB&J overdosing.

Who can say? We're all poisoned forever at this point.

An award winning PSA if ever I’ve heard one.
These are the kind of travel tips that one really needs to know.

I try to include the essentials.

Poor fella…
Well, at least it’s a rental.

I suppose there is that.

I’m voting for that one, cause the thought of anyone being allergic to barbeque is just too tragic to contemplate.

Dave doesn't really like BBQ. I'm not sure where I went wrong. He has always been a contrarian.

That is a shame.
You’ll have to compensate for that at some time in the future.
(Which mean that you’d have to have something for yourself as well so it’s a win, win.)

Works for me. I wouldn't mind an excuse to go back.

Impressive to be sure…
But if those are Texas Sized, just imagine what they’d be like if they were Alaska Sized.

:faint:

Seems like a moral imperative to me.

::yes::

Ehhhh…
You’ve waited longer for less.
Chicago comes to mind.

I've tried to burn that Chicago experience out of my mind.

A subtle difference worth knowing.
Don’t know if I’ll get down there, but I’ll certainly keep it in mind.

To me at least this kind of info makes a huge difference.
Good Que don’t need no sauce, so if a place is bragging most about their secret sauce then there may be something lacking in the smoking department.

I don't think any self-respecting BBQ joint in Texas says anything about their sauce. It's available if you want it, but they won't put it on the meat themselves.

If you build it, they will come.

For the pie that is.

Or, come for the bbq, stay for the pie!

Better bring a bucket…

Pie AND cookies??

Nice choice.
Probably not the first thing folks think of when traveling down that way, but an important landmark and opportunity for reflection none the less.


(Oh dear, did I just make a serious comment? I may need to go lay down for a bit.)

It was the first thing I thought of in Dallas. Am I weird? Don't answer that.

I wish we'd had the time to do the actual museum.

Well, that’s two separate recommendations for that book.
Might need to acquire me a copy.

:thumbsup2

“Together again.”

“Wouldn't miss it.”

“How we doin'?”

“Same as always.”

“That bad, huh?”

Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big light blur.
 
Yes! I was! All that jibberish that I don't understand...I was looking forward to reading paragraph after paragraph of the stuff!

I have to counteract your foodie chapters with my golf chapters. It's the balance of the Force.

This should be good! :hyper:

You know what's coming...

Go Drew! Nice exploding helicopters!

He's a crack shot.

I get naseous just reading directions on my phone in the car!

:eek:

Probably a good call. Save the donuts as big as your head for Lard Lad in Universal.

I really don't care where my giant donuts come from, as long as the supply does not end.

Well if it were possible certainly not in the time frame that you were in Texas. Maybe if you ate it for months on end.

See, that's what I'm saying! What is wrong with her? :confused3

It looked like a nice relaxing resort to stay at. I can completely see why you all like it!

It really was a getaway from civilization!

It's always fun over here, especially when we can give you crap and make smart a$$ comments. But seriously, you have a great family and while you joke about finances and the budget committee, in the scheme of life you are a very wealthy man. I'm also glad to see that Sarah's surgery went well and the before and after picture you posted yesterday was astonishing.

Thanks for letting us "ride along" with you!

Thanks, Alison! It's been a great ride. It's also been a joy meeting you and so many others from the DIS boards.
 
Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have checked in, prayed for, and and otherwise looked after my daughter following her scoliosis surgery last Monday. Everything went incredibly well (the doctor even called it "boring", which in my opinion is the only kind of surgery you ever want to have) and she is healing nicely. She's home, she's walking around, and the pain seems to be decreasing now so we're hoping she's turning the corner and we can start dialing back the pain meds. It's truly a miracle what medicine and great doctors and nurses can do.
 
Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have checked in, prayed for, and and otherwise looked after my daughter following her scoliosis surgery last Monday. Everything went incredibly well (the doctor even called it "boring", which in my opinion is the only kind of surgery you ever want to have) and she is healing nicely. She's home, she's walking around, and the pain seems to be decreasing now so we're hoping she's turning the corner and we can start dialing back the pain meds. It's truly a miracle what medicine and great doctors and nurses can do.

Glad to hear everything went well. I don't post very often but I have been following and have been praying for your daughter.
 
Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have checked in, prayed for, and and otherwise looked after my daughter following her scoliosis surgery last Monday. Everything went incredibly well (the doctor even called it "boring", which in my opinion is the only kind of surgery you ever want to have) and she is healing nicely. She's home, she's walking around, and the pain seems to be decreasing now so we're hoping she's turning the corner and we can start dialing back the pain meds. It's truly a miracle what medicine and great doctors and nurses can do.
That's fantastic news! Surgeries are scary, but we only do them because the outcome is better than not doing it. I'm glad that the outcome seems to be what everyone wanted.
 
Chapter 7: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. And Lunch.

Well of course. Because pork (sausage, ham, bacon (duh)) are for breakfast.

On our final full day in Texas, we split up.

I'm sorry to hear that. Family vacations can be stressful.

My father took me, David, and Scotty to the second round of the Valero Texas Open, a PGA tournament that just so happened to be taking place that weekend. Sadly, it’s a minor event, so most of the big names in golf were skipping it that week. We love our golf, so we didn’t mind so much.

I do know how much you love your golf. Happy to see you got to go to this.

This is the 16th hole, considered the signature hole on the golf course. It’s a par 3 that is unique due to the bunker sitting right smack in the middle of the green.

That is really different! Looks like a black hole in the middle of the green.
Which is perhaps what they call it when their ball falls into it.

At first glance, this might seem like an especially cruel design feature, but I think it’s much harder on the pros. My shots never end up anywhere near the middle of the green, so I doubt I’d ever have to worry about that particular hazard.

:laughing:

I'd be happy if mine got in there. That would mean that I've finally, after about 8 shots, reached the green.


In case it's not clear enough... I really suck at golf.

I took detailed notes on every single shot we witnessed, so I’ll go ahead and transcribe them here for your entertainment.

Yuss!!!!!

Hmm. I can’t seem to find any of my notes. That’s almost…tragic. I know how much you were looking forward to that.

I'll let you off the hook.
Just do your best.
You were only there one day so probably only saw one round.
That's 76 golfers with an average score of about 74.
So PM me with info on all 5,700+ shots.

Thanks.

Meanwhile, my mom, Julie, Sarah and Drew went to the San Antonio Zoo.

That's one I've always wanted to see.
I'd have gone with them.

So, yes—I can confirm that they went to the zoo.

Or can you?
Perhaps they took that shot and then skeddadled for the nearest Chippendales performance?
The rest are just taken from the internet.

You guys did split up after all.

Right off the bat, they witnessed nature’s true horror, as this bear probably mauled that bird just after this photo was taken.

You laugh, but...
There was this headline the next day:

BIRD PECKS OUT BEAR'S EYES.

Horrible.

There was a butterfly garden, where Julie spent at least 20 minutes taking 90 different versions of this photo in order to get the light settings exactly right, and then wound up keeping the first one and deleting the rest.

:laughing:

We appreciate the fact that she also raised her index finger for this photo.

:lmao: I wonder if just before that shot was taken, photo taker or model realized the consequences?


Ah. My second favourite animal.
Yes I have a favourite and second favourite animal because I'm 2.

There was a petting zoo, where Drew and Sarah could find animals to adopt and take home on the plane with us.

How many did you wind up with?

There was also a playground. I don’t really need to tell you what happened after this photo was taken, do I? An older sibling has a sacred duty in this situation.

::yes:: :rotfl:

Just slightly excited.


0H26r0MIFhfkfeKDKVkgccOfXKdc3V-jNlh9z8xEDEfLUTBrBBmbh0MN_v7anoxbwzMQw17jhRzlJAgD_GSC_lzSnYQAMttvdMNaQjRSMLsnX9ReT9Rbp4pJCbq7LS9LWAvyV-ZKSZ_Ziv66iCzZpLD3ODE1pgZ4kILWpauTBY9CiKwFbFU2Auw2EC8JX5Urq43t-S_D4uQzMMIWGLlw-C6eVRuR63jFSCHUo-ZsOkgvaH29CncLur26OdIei72-iwbc7pLjlZtXj5OS2Iag2sYR_6HFwv58nIbymP8AgDdM-ImITcDognlNyJ8UJemz1bFi9JfypaQkXidEAlViuOArUlxH8khtxYRh1otf_VQluZOkE2cthpaaX1qFz6oHmzu-C7lfOOW2UkWb3uSwjRdlEab5AljCF4Ot1lSP7RBSp27phkYMmuVmp6Wnlu-3NeO1WR7cXRZf8gy8_ZEfQeawpAGmegEYTwhcn3_XUT-A285xvamE4CqL2G41Jt5_7ITLmtP73toHkFKzi0y5DwT1o-6T6StCe9iyQWbF6mIVEgY14LkNScjXFdXQb_KBueZlBR6k63KJLecOhcFMjoPaiDs2frRs6pACyw5xVQ=w1954-h1302-no

Just slightly.
Great shot!

Drew targeted them with his trusty rocket launcher. He had found one in the souvenir shop.

Well... of course.


Thank goodness!
This TR was grossly bereft of exploding helicopters.

We drove north, and had to take a lot of back roads since Google said the highway from San Antonio to Austin was more crowded than the EPCOT security line.

Oh? Was there a reason, do you know?

Franklin BBQ, which has garnered a reputation as the best barbecue in the world. I would have tried it out, but the line starts forming around 6 or 7 in the morning, at least 4 hours before they open. I don’t have enough vacation time to do that.

Good Lord!
Can anything be that good????

Naturally, it’s a good sign if it’s popular with the locals.

::yes:: Agree. 100%.

I love that most BBQ places will offer a 2-meat or 3-meat tray so you can try different flavors. I went with my standard pulled pork and beef brisket. Along with my favorite vegetables.

::yes:: Looks mighty tasty!

We met up in Austin with Camille, who used to be a regular here on the boards.

Do you remember her screen name?

We played the obligatory half-hearted “you don’t have to do that” game and then caved quickly so we could go get some cupcakes.

Ah yes. I am very familiar with this Harbeson tactic.

You won this time... Next time won't be so easy!

Me: "I'll pick up the check."
You: "No you don't ha..."
Me: "OKAY!!!"

if you go to Texas, meet up with Camille! She will buy you cupcakes!

:laughing: Okay!

That night, Dave complained of not feeling well in the car as we drove to the hotel. Julie felt he was probably dehydrated from walking around in the Texas heat all day and gave him some red Gatorade. Later, after everyone was in bed, we heard Dave get up and wander into the bathroom, whereupon all of that red Gatorade promptly came right back up. As it turned out, he had borrowed a book from Sarah a couple of days earlier and had been furiously reading it in the car for hours. We think that had messed up his head enough to make him sick.

Poor guy. But.... reading in a car. Recipe for disaster every time.

This place is famous for its “Texas-size” donuts, which are bigger than the average human head.

So... not quite as big as yours. Got it.

It opened at 11:00 a.m., and we found a parking spot nearby around 10:45. By the time we got in line, it was 10 minutes before opening. This is what the line looked like:

Whoa!

But.... another good sign.

I’d say it still took us almost 30 minutes to get to the front to make an order.

That's not that bad, actually.

I got pulled pork and brisket again, while Sarah opted for ribs and brisket.

I'm with Sarah. I looked at the menu before I read on and that was my exact choice.

We both thought “bacon Mac & cheese” sounded like something we needed to order as well.

::yes::

Julie, meanwhile, ordered pork on a baked sweet potato. She told me she was “kind of tired of barbecue” and wanted something different.

Are you sure you married the right woman?
Maybe it's a good thing you split up on this trip.

This is what they serve in heaven! (When they’re not serving pie or Philly cheese steaks.)

::yes::

Anyway, Pecan Lodge was probably the pinnacle of our Texas BBQ samplings. This meat had a heavier smoke flavor than the others, so if you prefer less smoke, I’d go with Stiles Switch. Either way, they were amazing. Some of the best brisket I’ve ever had.

Um....


Er..........


I've never really actually, kinda, sorta.......... had good BBQ.
So I don't know which I'd prefer.

As if this meal couldn’t get any better, there was a Pie Emporium right next door.

Dude!


You've just given me a reason to fly to Dallas. Or drive. I don't care.

They also had an excellent note on the front door:

:laughing: I like it!

We made one final stop before heading to the airport: the Texas Book Depository.

Ah.
I was wondering if you'd go.

There are two X’s marked on the pavement, showing where the President was struck by the assassin’s bullets.

Wow. Seriously.

As a side note, if you ever want to read a great "what if?" story, try Stephen King's novel, 11/22/63.

Oh, I dunno....

Wait.

Oh, that's right. I just finished reading it...... day before yesterday... for the third time.

It's over 800 pages, and I never wanted it to end.

And I'm about 200 pages into Unbroken. :)

And loving it.

Look for that trip report here in the DIS Dads sub-group on the boards. I’ll try and remember to post a link.

You better!

Thank you so much for reading along

Thank you for another wonderful TR! You're writing is without question, some of the best (I won't say best... because I haven't read everyone) on the boards.

I hope you’ll join me for the next one!

Post the link!!!!

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have checked in, prayed for, and and otherwise looked after my daughter following her scoliosis surgery last Monday. Everything went incredibly well (the doctor even called it "boring", which in my opinion is the only kind of surgery you ever want to have) and she is healing nicely. She's home, she's walking around, and the pain seems to be decreasing now so we're hoping she's turning the corner and we can start dialing back the pain meds. It's truly a miracle what medicine and great doctors and nurses can do.

We've already spoken, but hoping her healing is continuing with less pain and more smiles every day.
 
Glad to hear everything went well. I don't post very often but I have been following and have been praying for your daughter.

Thank you so much! She was covered in prayers, and I really think it made a difference. The doctor actually called her surgery "boring", which is the only word I'd ever want to describe surgical procedures involving my family.

That's fantastic news! Surgeries are scary, but we only do them because the outcome is better than not doing it. I'm glad that the outcome seems to be what everyone wanted.

Thanks, Andy. Everything has gone as well as we could have hoped. She is up and moving around and we've weaned her off the heavy pain meds. I would not be shocked if she was back at school next week (a week early).

Short-term pain long-term gain.
 
Well of course. Because pork (sausage, ham, bacon (duh)) are for breakfast.

That's just about a perfect menu.

I'm sorry to hear that. Family vacations can be stressful.

:rotfl2: We got back together. She just finds me so darn irresistible. That must be it.

I do know how much you love your golf. Happy to see you got to go to this.

:cool1:

That is really different! Looks like a black hole in the middle of the green.
Which is perhaps what they call it when their ball falls into it.

I'd probably have other names for it, but I can't type them here.

:laughing:

I'd be happy if mine got in there. That would mean that I've finally, after about 8 shots, reached the green.


In case it's not clear enough... I really suck at golf.

We all do. It's a stupid game, really. Usually I flail around uselessly for 17 holes, then I hit that one perfect shot and think, "Yes! I've figured it out!" That's what suckers me into coming back, and the process starts all over again.

I'll let you off the hook.
Just do your best.
You were only there one day so probably only saw one round.
That's 76 golfers with an average score of about 74.
So PM me with info on all 5,700+ shots.

Thanks.

Ok, just give me some time to transcribe it. Just keep checking back for it.

That's one I've always wanted to see.
I'd have gone with them.

I'm sure you would have enjoyed that much more than the golf.

Or can you?
Perhaps they took that shot and then skeddadled for the nearest Chippendales performance?
The rest are just taken from the internet.

You guys did split up after all.

This is entirely possible. They could have spent all of our savings from eating PB&J on donuts, and I wouldn't have been able to stop them.

You laugh, but...
There was this headline the next day:

BIRD PECKS OUT BEAR'S EYES.

Horrible.

I'd never want to see that bird.

We gave Sarah a t-shirt after her surgery with a motto for her recovery:
"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, because bears will kill you."
:lmao: I wonder if just before that shot was taken, photo taker or model realized the consequences?

My question was whether it would have been a different photo if I'd been behind the camera.

Ah. My second favourite animal.
Yes I have a favourite and second favourite animal because I'm 2.

Hey, there's no age requirement on fun. What's the second favorite?

How many did you wind up with?

It was such a sorrowful parting, letting that pig go at the gate. No idea how long he wandered around the airport.

Just slightly.
Great shot!

:thanks:

Thank goodness!
This TR was grossly bereft of exploding helicopters.

I was saving it for the big climax at the end.

Oh? Was there a reason, do you know?

Just rush hour plus accidents, I believe.

Good Lord!
Can anything be that good????

I seriously wonder. But part of me also really wants to find out.

::yes:: Agree. 100%.

:thumbsup2

::yes:: Looks mighty tasty!

So good! I love that it almost falls apart on the fork.

Do you remember her screen name?

It was Millie12591. Haven't seen her around here in a long time.

Ah yes. I am very familiar with this Harbeson tactic.

You won this time... Next time won't be so easy!

Me: "I'll pick up the check."
You: "No you don't ha..."
Me: "OKAY!!!"

::yes:: Works every time! I'll fight, but I won't fight forever.

Just messing around. Next one is on me. Wait, why are you calling Yachtsman Steakhouse?:eek:

Poor guy. But.... reading in a car. Recipe for disaster every time.

I can usually get away with it. But I know to look up and rest my eyes occasionally.

So... not quite as big as yours. Got it.

Scotty actually has to expand my hats in order to wear them! :eek:

Whoa!

But.... another good sign.

::yes::

That's not that bad, actually.

It kept moving, so it wasn't horrible.

I'm with Sarah. I looked at the menu before I read on and that was my exact choice.

She loves ribs. I have been conditioned not to order them. I guess I've had enough bad ones that ended up being a lot of effort and a lot of mess for not very much meat. So I usually decline.

Are you sure you married the right woman?
Maybe it's a good thing you split up on this trip.

Sometimes I wonder...

Nah, she keeps it interesting.

Um....


Er..........


I've never really actually, kinda, sorta.......... had good BBQ.
So I don't know which I'd prefer.

:scared1: Whoa, seriously??? Ok, I know what we're doing if we get to eat together again.

Dude!


You've just given me a reason to fly to Dallas. Or drive. I don't care.

BBQ and pie on the same city block. Glorious.

Ah.
I was wondering if you'd go.

I felt like it was important enough to at least stop for a little bit. Wish we'd had time for the museum.

Oh, I dunno....

Wait.

Oh, that's right. I just finished reading it...... day before yesterday... for the third time.

:thumbsup2 I would read it again in a heartbeat! Maybe I will.

And I'm about 200 pages into Unbroken. :)

And loving it.

Glad to hear it! That book was so well-written and compelling.

Also, there's nothing worse than recommending something to a friend and having them come back and say, "That was awful." So I'm glad we're avoiding that. :rotfl2:

Thank you for another wonderful TR! You're writing is without question, some of the best (I won't say best... because I haven't read everyone) on the boards.

Awwww...:blush:

Thank you so much for saying that. As always, I'm just amazed anyone actually clicks on the link to read about a stranger's vacation. But I'm grateful that you do!

Post the link!!!!

OK!!!!

We've already spoken, but hoping her healing is continuing with less pain and more smiles every day.

She's doing great! Pain was actually down to a "1" at points yesterday. I remain amazed at this kid.
 
That's just about a perfect menu.

Just give me some scrambled eggs.
Or eggs Benedict.

Then it's perfect.


oh. And orange juice.

:rotfl2: We got back together. She just finds me so darn irresistible. That must be it.

Hmmm... no. No, I don't think that's it.

I'd probably have other names for it, but I can't type them here.

Difficult spelling, huh?

We all do. It's a stupid game, really. Usually I flail around uselessly for 17 holes, then I hit that one perfect shot and think, "Yes! I've figured it out!" That's what suckers me into coming back, and the process starts all over again.

Oh, I do know that feeling.
I've actually gotten a hole in one (short one. 100 yards? Less?) once and thought "Wow! I'm good!"


No. I'm not.

Ok, just give me some time to transcribe it. Just keep checking back for it.

Standing by!

I'm sure you would have enjoyed that much more than the golf.

Actually... live sports are always so much better than TV. And never having seen it live....

I'd probably pick the golf. Just to see it one time.

This is entirely possible. They could have spent all of our savings from eating PB&J on donuts, and I wouldn't have been able to stop them.

You can't anyways. That's a Husband rule.

We gave Sarah a t-shirt after her surgery with a motto for her recovery:
"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, because bears will kill you."

You've mentioned that. I also mentioned it to someone else when I saw it on FB.

My question was whether it would have been a different photo if I'd been behind the camera.

"No, honey. Put the other finger down... for contrast."

Hey, there's no age requirement on fun. What's the second favorite?

I told you. My second favourite is the Cheeta.
You have to ask me what my favourite is.

sheesh.

It was such a sorrowful parting, letting that pig go at the gate. No idea how long he wandered around the airport.

Until the Chinese restaurant opened.


Wait.... that's cats.

I was saving it for the big climax at the end.

::yes::

I seriously wonder. But part of me also really wants to find out.

Me too, actually.

It was Millie12591. Haven't seen her around here in a long time.

Hmmm... Nope. Don't remember her.

::yes:: Works every time! I'll fight, but I won't fight forever.

Just messing around. Next one is on me. Wait, why are you calling Yachtsman Steakhouse?:eek:

I wouldn't do that to you!!


So, anyways.... Victoria & Albert's ADR is done.

Scotty actually has to expand my hats in order to wear them! :eek:

really!

She loves ribs. I have been conditioned not to order them. I guess I've had enough bad ones that ended up being a lot of effort and a lot of mess for not very much meat. So I usually decline.

I get that. I've had some really bad ones... but the really good ones are worth it.

Sometimes I wonder...

Nah, she keeps it interesting.

:rolleyes1

:scared1: Whoa, seriously??? Ok, I know what we're doing if we get to eat together again.

appreciate that, Clark.

BBQ and pie on the same city block. Glorious.

Just need a place to lie down and it's the perfect trifecta.

I felt like it was important enough to at least stop for a little bit. Wish we'd had time for the museum.

I'd have done the same.

:thumbsup2 I would read it again in a heartbeat! Maybe I will.

You will. Once it's in your head...

Glad to hear it! That book was so well-written and compelling.

Also, there's nothing worse than recommending something to a friend and having them come back and say, "That was awful." So I'm glad we're avoiding that. :rotfl2:

:laughing: Yup. Still enjoying it! :)

Thank you so much for saying that. As always, I'm just amazed anyone actually clicks on the link to read about a stranger's vacation. But I'm grateful that you do!

That's actually a good point. Why do we read these things? :)

She's doing great! Pain was actually down to a "1" at points yesterday. I remain amazed at this kid.

Great to hear!!!
 
Glad to hear that everything went well with Sarah's surgery and that her recovery has been better than expected! I bet the Oblivious household is feeling just a wee bit lighter these days with surgery in the rear view mirror.

Great wrap up of your Texas trip! You guys really covered a lot of ground in Texas! Did you like traveling over spring break? Any plans to do so in the future?


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See that big hole in the deep south of the U.S.? We would address that on our next trip. Look for that trip report here in the DIS Dads sub-group on the boards. I’ll try and remember to post a link.

I love your map and am looking forward to hearing about your deep south tour!
 

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