Houston - The Intrepid has Landed....

I thought I'd get to bed early on Friday Nite (by 10pm) and get at least 8 hours sleep - well with all good intentions - I think I was just too excited for the LONGEST day of driving. I was up and out of the hotel in San Antonio by 6:30am - they sky was still dark and the streets were deserted. With a cup of coffee, a Mocha Tonic and a quick breakfast - Off I went. The drowsies only happened about 11am - and by 1pm - I was totally re-charged and ready for the LONG Haul....

I passed Windmill Farms,

Plains as far as the Eye can see,

Herds of Cattle, a REAL Road Runner,

Legal Speed Limits of 80 MPH,

a magnificent sunset and 13 hours of driving to Phoenix.

When I arrived at 7pm to 1630 Gardenia - I realized I clocked a total of 3,267 miles from NH to AZ - Woo Hoo

I hope that I was able to express how blessed I am for this fabulous journey and what it meant to me and now is really only the beginning of the NEXT best of my life.. Stay tuned for more adventures...

Walking the Walk - San Antonio Riverwalk that is....

I left Austin on a sad note (no pun intended) and headed south (further south anyway). I needed to make a stop for gas and was Highly Surprised to find THE Best Outlet shopping stores I've seen in my life (and Outlet Shopping is a way of life in NH & ME). I'm also very proud at the restraint I exercised by only making purchases in 2 stores (I HAD to leave or would certainly shop more).

I then made a stop in Gruene TX - which came Highly Recommended by Ms Karen - and had a quick lunch at the Gristmill Restaurant - the Tortilla Soup IS REALLY Awesome. The bartended told me I just missed the rush. This resturaunt can seat up to 1000 people and in the summer will serve over 4000 a day!!

It was the Perfect Day to wander the Walkways of the River in San Antonio after checking into the Grand Hyatt. I also determined I'm glad I was there on a warm day in February and not at peak season - as I'm sure I or someone near me would end up in the Water (there are NO railings and the walks are NOT very wide).

I grabbed a bite to eat (THE Best BLT Ever) and a couple of pints at the Mad Dog Brittish Pub - if you ever visit the Riverwalk - ask for Matthew from NY State....He'll take great care of you...

An Afternoon & Evening in Austin....

Slept in (or really just lounged in bed) as the Mattress and Sheets at the Hilton Garden Inn are AMAZING...Dials on each side of the King to adjust for comfort - Damn I wish I would have bought a King Size for the new Condo in AZ - You can have a Party in a Bed that large!!


Wayne called to invite me out for an Afternoon of playing toursist as he felt compelled to play hooky and join me. I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine out front of the Texas State History Museum and then we wandered the 4 floors of stories and memorabelia. I used to think the Loggining Industry made and destroyed a town (like Berlin) but some of the Photo's of Kilgore TX and the Oil Mining were UGLY... damn (I'm sure it didnt smell any better than a paper mill town!!)


Did you know that Texas is the ONLY state that when joining the Union they did NOT have to give up land to the Federal Government.

This is a MIND BLOWING statistic - The land area of Texas is larger than all of New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois combined. It extends 801 miles from north to south and 773 miles from east to west.


We then headed back down Congress St on the "Dillo" Trolley (short for Armadillo) and climbed the steps to the Shiners Saloon for an Original Texas Beer - Shiner's Munich Style...quite refreshing.

Tonight I headed over to the Holiday Inn - Town Lake to meet my buddy Mike Stacy - we worked together in Bedford, I got laid off and he quit a month later. He was in town for some sales training at his new company SHI and I saw his Facebook Status as being in Austin- too cool...... I went for a drink at 7pm and didnt leave till Midnight!!!! Met a bunch of his co-workers from all over North America (Love the Canadian's!!! I'll be visiting Calgary for sure!!) We laughed and told stories (past and present) and left with an almost teary goodbye (from laughter that is).... True Friends will stay with you forever!!!





Goodbye Austin - I'm Soooo coming back to this town!!!

Danger, Danger...My Kind of Town...

I logged on to Facebook this afternoon (yes its an addiction at any age) and discovered a former co-worker Mike Stacy from NH is here in Austin for work - another Claireism... meeting up for drinks tomorrow - go figure!!

First time out and I totally scored - The Continental Club on South Congress (SoCo to the locals) - was a winner per Ms Ellen (Elevator Ellen that is) - I swayed and sipped to some of the most eclectic an fantastic music I've heard live in a long time - lets say a cross between Squirrel Nut Zippers, the Love Dogs and our Favorite Charlie Chronopoulous - OMG - Guy Forsyth - check him out - he'll be up in Boston this summer - yes you have to see the him LIVE....

I offically met a Sixth Generation Texian (opps I hope I spelled it right) - Wayne - and he was the ultimate guide and southern gentleman!! We wandered through SoCo, had a bite to eat at Woodlands (much needed) and some GREAT conversation - go for a visit (and food) if you make it to Austin...

Wayne even took me to a "local neighborhood dive" one much loved - and we were gratiously served by Lyndsey - at Trophy's (where I had my first Ciiiigar Smoke in TX)

I headed back across the river and found out that there are 700 Dell Sales Reps in Town - now I know what it's like when Autodesk Hits Las Vegas - CRAZY - I went home - Yes really!!!

Texas Hospitali-TEA....and then some

Just outside of Dallas, I met a Handsome and Polite Officer. He pulled me over to inquire how I was doing? Well really because I was speeding (It wasnt my fault the limit changed from 70 to 60!!) After producing my license, registration and proof of insurance, he told me I was going to find a HUGE change in weather from NH to AZ - and that I also did a great job of packing up my car (yes with all my "personal" possessions). He also inquired if I was transporting anything illegal (firearms, fireworks, cocaine or drugs) and I told him of course not officer, I'm a good girl from NH. He smiled a very big Texas smile and was on his way (to pull over another un-suspecting motorist...)

I pulled into Euless TX just about 8pm and was greeted by Ellen's Good friend Dorcas - as she was my host for the evening. I was also greeted by another handsome boy - Wyatt - (who I hear is Sophie's Boyfriend, even though they've never met). We went to a wonderful Italian restaurant in Grapevine TX - and on our way home the Siren's went off - warning us to take cover. Once we got into the house - the hail started, the winds howled and Dorcas told me the SAFE spot was either in the bathroom or her closet!! OMG - this was a REAL Tornado Warning. It lasted about 20 mins then the News came back on to report how fast it was moving and the devistation that hit Oklahoma. I was crashed in bed by 10pm in the softest sheets ever.. Thanks again Dorcas....

Memphis was a bust....or a duck... or

Monday Feb 9th I Checked into the Holiday Inn Select Downtown Memphis after driving through the rain from Nashville...was dead tired (or a bit hungover still), and decided to chill and head out for a bite to eat. I was in the mood for a Burger (not BBQ - go figure) and discovered the Kooky Canuck just around the corner - how appropriate. Must say it was an excellent meal.

And NO I did Not do the 4lb burger challenge (reminded me of the day I was at Billy's Sports Bar in Manchester and the first ever GIRL made it through his 4 burger challenge - still dont know where she put it all)....

I got up in the AM to head over the Peabody Hotel in time for the March of the Famous Peabody Ducks. They come down the elevator from their "Penthouse" down the red carpet and up into the Lobby Fountain. I witnessed this crazy tourist attraction back in 1994 in Orlando FL with Ms Christina Lepore (still single at the time) and thought how quaint.... that was also the trip I had my very first Cigar - Punch Presidente!!!

I met a really nice couple from Syracuse, NY and they told me that I didnt miss much not going out in Memphis - its was totally dead and lots of places closing down. Looks like the economy is hitting that town hard. Either that or the Blues Festival the week before took everyone down!! LOL

I was all rested for the 7+ hour drive to Dallas across I-40 through Arkansas and into Texas. A couple of spots of EXTREME heavy Rain - but most of the way was warm enough to drive with the roof wide open... Ah Fresh Air... over 2000 miles and not sure how many more to go...

1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila....Floor....(Dance Floor that is..)

What a Blast Sunday was. Dont you just love those days that you think will be calm and quiet - and end up wild and crazy!!

Karen & I headed back downtown for lunch and an afternoon Jam Session at the Stage on Broadway. The band had a 15 year old singer that rocked the place!!

We left that session to head back over to Tootsies and 2 bands later, lots of Tequila, fun new friends, a couple of Pro Football players (TN Titans) and a cab ride home - we made it back to the condo after midnight!!