Texas

Phew! The poor Sobremesa blog has been the victim of serious neglect in the past month, owing to out-of-town visitors, Easter break, a heavy work schedule at the new job, and 10 days in Texas. But, I'm back!

Texas was really relaxing. We spent four days in Austin for Dylan & Phil's wedding and then drove south through San Antonio down to Rockport, on the Gulf of Mexico, for a week of birding.

So many highlights, it's hard to know where to start.

First, being invited to share such an important event in a friend's life is really special, and Dylan's wedding was simply beautiful. You could tell that a great amount of love and care were taken in planning every aspect--the ceremony, the food, the music, the flowers, the setting--but not in such a way that the marriage was eclipsed by the event. It was sincere, personal, and uplifting. Congratulations again! I also got to spend some nice quality time with my friends from college and my friend Donnell.

Other Lone Star highlights [click photos to enlarge]:

1. The sun.

2. Tex-Mex to die for, especially at Las Manitas Cafe in Austin (Scott & Donnell at breakfast, below) and Nichas in San Antonio:

3. Bluebonnets in bloom and various other roadside wildflowers:

4. Visiting the San Antonio Missions:

5. Learning that global warming is in the Bible and that a Winnebago is capable of towing a Hummer down the highway.

6. Being regularly addressed by waitresses as Mija, Mamacita and on one occasion, Sir.

7. Being the only non-pick-up truck/SUV/Hummer on the road at all times.

8. Making Scott pull over every 5 miles to photograph herds of cattle:

9. Various roadsigns:

10. Beautiful scenery:

There's a lot more to tell about the spring migration and the birding portion of our trip. Until tomorrow...