Back to the land of chile verde

We're (almost) back. Tonight (Sun. 1 January) we're in Carlsbad after almost a week in Texas.

Highlights of a busy week -

Sun., Dec. 25, Christmas Day; drove to Los Alamos for dinner with Carol Anne's folks and her brother Jerry. Didn't get any turkey leftovers but enjoyed plenty of fine turkey bird.

Monday; Departure Day. Drove to Kerrville and revisited a couple of favorite places.
The Hillcrest Inn is casually comfy; though we hadn't been there in a few years, the management remembered us, especially Gerald. We also were just in time at the Lakehouse restaurant; Carol Anne has described it in her blog, http://itsfiveoclocksomehwere.blogspot.com .

Tuesday; Scenic route to McAllen. Stopped in Corpus Christi and looked at boats. A dangerous pastime, to be sure, but someone has to do it. Also saw, sometimes to our chagrin, the amount of suburban sprawl that's been happening in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Wednesday; side trip to South Padre Island. The food was great at the SP Brewing Co and Carol Anne and Gerald surprised me by showing plenty of enthusiasm for oysters on the half shell and other treats. We also got to dip our toes in the surf. Returning to McAllen, we picked up a 32-inch television to set up at my dad's place.

Thursday: north to Houston with a lunch stop at the only floating Landry's restaurant in Corpus Christi. Arrived just after dark at Gerard and Rhonda's new digs; they've been remodeling their home for many months.