November 2008 Austin Reunion

This was written by our Memory Keeper, Jan:

In July, we started planning a trip to Austin by making reservations at Carrington's Bluff B & B. Sometimes it doesn't do well to plan ahead. On October 20, Carrington's went out of business. Barbara found us two suites at the Radisson on Town Lake and we were back in business -better that ever.

We met at Barbara's home for lunch on Saturday, November 1. Barbara's Mother, Rachel, surprised us with a Birthday Cake. Barbara had Birthday Party favors for all of us.

After everyone got there we checked into the hotel. Our rooms weren't ready, so the Hotel gave us free valet parking for two cars -- and that set the tone for the weekend.

Our special Birthday celebration continued with dinner at Carmelo's on 5th Street - wine and Cherries Jubilee for all. Really great food!

Edwina and Sandy drove - in fact, keeping with tradition, Sandy got a new vehicle just in time for the reunion. At least this time we didn't baptize it by driving in the River!

The suites worked out well - one had a large living room with a counter and refrig so we had plenty of space to get together to talk and snack. We did get to Charlatan - the book on Dr Brinkley, but decided we need to do it again when Mary can be here. After we settled in for the night, there was a "domestic disturbance" next to one suite that keep some of us up most of the night. Lots of yelling and threatening - Linda called security and it finally calmed down. But the story wasn't over!
Sunday morning, Jan and Barbara went downstairs for the Susan G Koman Race for the Cure. They observed the 20,000 people on Congress Ave.

Others got Starbuck's coffee and stayed in. Some tried to rest up from the exciting night next door.

We went to Whole Foods at lunch time. Everyone chose their own salad, sandwich, bread etc from all over the store. Then some of us had to go back in and get some bread and stuff to take home. The food was great.

Edwina delivered those in her car back to the hotel and then left for San Antonio. The rest of us left in Sandy's car for tours and museums.

Barbara set up a boat tour on Lady Bird Lake with Capital Tours docked at the Hilton across the lake from the Radisson. The trees were turning fall colors, the turtles were sun-ing, the weather was great - who could believe such perfect weather in November.

After we finished the boat tour, we went to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Most of the group that was here hadn't been through the Museum before even though we did the tour years ago after a reunion in Fredricksburg. We had lots of giggles when Judy had a "senior" moment and wondered out loud if we had visited it "today". Guess you had to be there cause it doesn't look all that funny when I write it down, but we laughed and laughed.



We had great luck getting pictures taken - the couple seated by us in the Spirit of Texas Theater traded pictures. Outside the Museum, Judy asked a group of passing foreign exchange students for help.

After the Museum, we went to TGI Friday's patio at the Radisson to watch for the bats flying from the Congress Ave Bridge. Most of the bats had left, but we enjoyed wine and hors d'oeuvres and a beautiful evening.

Cocktails and conversation continued in the suite. There were several controversial topics discussed. We all agreed that this election was one of the most important elections in our lifetime.

Sunday morning, we checked out before leaving for the tour of the Capitol. Linda was the "Lady of the Day". She had asked on Sunday if the manager was going to give us an allowance for our "pain and suffering" during the domestic disturbance. The bills came on Monday and there wasn't a discount on either room, so Linda called down again. They were very accommodating and asked if she wanted a concession on both rooms and she said "sure". So we got one night free on each suite and free valet parking! Got to be the lowest costs we'll ever get for a great location and fun time.

Judy arranged a tour of the Capitol with Huntley's sister, Jayne, as our special guide. Duane, Jim & Matthew, and Huntley joined us for this personal tour and lunch at the Capitol Grill in the Capitol Extension.

One reception room had a poster on Del Rio.
The Lt Governor's reception room had Bluebonnet dishes and a kitchen that had great smells.

We enjoyed the Capitol grounds and the Visitors Center, then everyone split up and headed home.

Helen is looking into our get together after Easter in Grapevine at the Gaylord with a tour of the King Tut exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. Hope to see you all there. Now, as per Judy, we are On Our Way to 75!

From Judy

Judy Update!

Dear Friends, Many of you asked to let you know when I got the results following my radiation treatments. We learned Wednesday that things look great, and we don't go back for three months. Another reprieve--yea! Before I left for Houston to live for five weeks, our choir circled and said prayers for Huntley and me. The last person to pray is a friend who "tells is like it is." She said, "Dear Lord, I just pray that Judy will go to M.D. Anderson and kick cancer's butt for the last time!" When you finish radiation treatments at MDA, you get to ring a bell. I didn't just ring it, I kicked it. Of course, I had to stand on a chair since my cheerleader kick isn't what it used to be. I have attached a picture--the man is Lucky, my radiologist. The other picture is of Huntley and me following Relay for Life. We were on the front page of the local newspaper--our county raised over $70,000 this year. WOW! Naturally, I had my mouth open as I seem to in every photo I see of myself. Huntley says the only time I am not talking is when I am sleeping and then I am snoring!
Again, we feel very blessed and try to make every day count. I love you all, Judy

Shazaaam!!! I think I've been able to get into the blog and can actually contribute to it. Guess I'll find out when I try to transfer this from a composition to a contribution. Thanks, Mary for the instructions. Don't really have anything to contribute, but want to try to place something on it to see if I can.
All is well in Sealy except we could use some rain. Looking forward to November in Austin.

November 1-4, 2008

Our reunion will be the first weekend in November at the Carrington's Bluff B&B in Austin. Call soon and make your reservations!

Carrington's Bluff Bed and Breakfast
1900 David StAustin, TX 78705
Tel: (512) 479-0638
Toll Free: (888) 290-6090
Fax: (512) 478-2009Email: phoebe@carringtonsbluff.com




Judy and Mary will be rooming together in the Evelyn Carrington room off the dining room which is the largest in the Main House. It features a king sized, cherry-wood, sleigh bed. The private bath has a full tub with shower. It has beautiful French doors opening into the dining room. The hosts suggest that we "Curl up with a glass of wine and a good book on the wonderful bay window bench over looking the garden and bluff."




Jan wants to stay in the L.D. Carrington Room , on the first floor of the Main House, right off of the front porch. It features a queen sized four poster bed, and a spacious bathroom with a stall shower.
Kathleeen Molesworth Room is Barbara's choice. This upstairs queen sized bed room is often referred to by guests as the "tree house room". It has a wonderful view of the front lawn and the trees on the bluff from any one of the five windows. The oak roll top desk is perfect for working in the room, if you must! The private bathroom features a shower.


Cathie and Linda are planning on staying in the Martha Hill Carrington room if they can get through to make reservations.
The Martha Hill Carrington Room This king sized room is on the first floor of the Main House, off of the parlor. It has an antique claw-footed tub with shower. The room features a intricately carved four-poster bed, with an antique dresser and an oil painting from Belgium.


Edwina will stay only one night with us in the the Vicar Molesworth Room. It is one of two second floor rooms. It has a full sized room. The private bath is just outside the bedroom and has a full tub and shower. There is a lovely view of the tree covered bluff from this room.

More bloggers!

Thanks to Sandy I went all over the blog and figured out how to add more authors to the bloggers, so if you want to join as a poster to our DelRioGirls Reunions, send me an email. I hope that I can remember how again!

From Barbara

I am really excited that people want to come to Austin, and there are
many places I would enjoy showing you. However, neither of the earlier
dates will work for me. We have planned a trip to California and Utah
and don't expect to be back until about the 11th, or maybe the 12th. I
had assumed the reunion would be later. So if it is one of those
weekends, I'll help plan--but I won't be here!

On the places to stay, I went by the Carrington's Bluff B&B, and it is
just as charming as the pictures on the website. And the location, just
off MLK Blvd and up the hill from Lamar, is great. We could easily tour
the Capitol and do other things downtown. We could get the Writer's
Cottage all to ourselves. Assuming there were 8 people, I think it
would be about $92 per night per person, including breakfast (served in
the Main House). We would have three bedrooms (one with two double
beds) and a living room and kitchen. If we chose week nights, it would
be $78 per person per night. I know this is more than the website
shows, but the innkeeper said there is 15% tax and a 15% group fee (I'm
not sure I like that "group fee" thing!). If we had more than 8 people,
we would probably want to reserve one or more rooms in the main house.
They can arrange spa services if they have advance notice.

The Crossings and the Lost Pines resorts are both outside of town. If
we stayed there, I think we would mostly want to do things there, rather
than driving into Austin. Both are fairly expensive--The Crossings
rates start at $175 per person per night. Lost Pines rooms seem to
start at $319 per night. They both have websites you can check out.

Looking forward to hearing what you all want to do.

Love,

Barbara

Texas away games October 4, 11, Nov. 1

So it looks like we need to plan to have the reunion over the weekend of Oct. 4, Oct 11, or Nov. 1. I will put up another poll on the side of the blog.

Austin, October 2008

Seven of us want to go to Austin for the reunion in October, 2008. Our next poll will be a vote on where we want to stay.

Relay for Life

WOW! We have the best ever Relay for Life--most people, most survivors, most teams and most money. Our county has 15,000 people, and we raised over $68,000. I think that is awesome. I had a blast and was dancing with the Polynesian dancers (visiting from Houston and friends with Ofeira) at three o'clock in the morning! Judy Belle Bear was won by a man from Tyler County. Thank you for all you did to contribute to the cause and support me. I hope Mary and others might join us next year.
My first treatment went well. It was quick and no nausea. The only problem is that Joy can't find her scent and went almost 18 hours without "going." Finally, this morning--success!
I love you all and will keep you posted as this saga continues. Judy

Linda Rios Bromley and Jack Harrington at Shumla School

Linda Rios Bromley (click on name to read entire article) at the Shumla School. Linda Rios Bromley, a Del Rio native and Houston resident, never saw the Harrington Ranch north of the Pecos River, nor the Shumla School where her parents are being honored, until she received a long-anticipated hug of instant friendship from the school’s founder, Dr. Carolyn Boyd, Wednesday (April 11).

Bromley, author married to Houston attorney Bill Bromley, keeps abreast of cultural changes in her hometown, as evidenced by her recent election to the board of directors of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation. But the news (delivered by LIVE! in January) that the Houston-based Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation had donated $100,000 to Shumla School, in the name of her parents, Bill and Nina Merle Rios, brought tears to Bromley’s eyes.

In like fashion, Boyd had never heard of the Rios family until Michael Hajtman, president of the Herzstein Foundation, contacted her saying (paraphrased) “O.K., here’s your check for a hundred grand, but we want the new housing it will pay for named for Bill and Nina Merle Rios.” Since the connection story broke, January 6, 2007, the two women – Boyd and Bromley – have conversed by phone, joyfully planning the meeting on the campus, two weeks ago.

The SHUMLA School — Education through Studying Human Use of Materials, Land, and Art.
Our programs offer an opportunity to shed cultural preconceptions and look beyond the taken-for-granted world. Participants gain awareness that all people share the same basic needs, emotions, and ways of communicating. Individuals become empowered to take responsibility for their social and natural environment and begin to bridge the cultural, social, and economic gaps that mark our society today. We are truly more alike than we are different, and by celebrating our similarities, we can learn to better appreciate and respect our differences.
Jack and Katherine (Missy) Harrington, ranchers living in Comstock, Texas, donated approximately 70 acres to the Shumla School for the construction of the Shumla educational center. They also have made available to the School the remainder of their 4,800 acre ranch for Shumla's educational and research activities. This land has been in Katherine's (Missy's) family since the later 1800s. It is part of the original Zuberbueler Ranch, which was purchased by John U. Zuberbueler in the late 1800s. Missy Harrington is the great granddaughter of John and Katrine Zuberbueler, granddaughter of Emil and Louisa Zuberbueler, and daughter of Walter and Eline King. Jack and Missy have been involved in public education for over 30 years. Missy taught science in the Comstock and Del Rio schools for 31 years and Jack has been serving on the Board of Trustees for the Comstock Independent School District for over 8 years.

--Jack Harrington graduated with us from DRHS.

Brinkley Estate

Restoration of the Brinkley Estate is preserving an amazing landmark.

"Each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry."

"Our lives are woven together for a reason."

Success!

I don't really have anything to add, but wanted you all to know I finally figured out how to post!
Barbara

Judy Belle

This is so much fun! Jenna, Chad, and Jack have a blogspot which is what prompted Helen to get interested. This has prompted me to ask for a digital camera for my birthday. Wow! Is that really my house and yard? Here is the recipe for Ugly Cookies. Equal parts white chocolate, roasted almond pieces, walnut pieces, and dried cranberries. Get your nuts and crans together, melt the chocolate in the microwave, pour over mixture, and drop onto wax paper. I told you it was easy! Love you, Judy

65 Years On The Earth Reunion

At Judy's we talked about the Fall 2008 Reunion to celebrate our 65 years on earth. We decided that Austin is the best place because it is centrally located. Our week is the third week of October (which we chose a couple of years ago). That will be October 20 - 27. However I see that we can get special rates at some places in starting in November, so that may turn out to be the best for us all.

Barbara and I are checking on locations. Perhaps we will have a "spa experience" since this is a special year for us. We may have to spend more money than we are used to spending, if we want to go somewhere great!

If you have stayed anywhere near Austin that would be fun, let me or Barbara know your recommendation.

Mary and Barbara

From Annette's email

I have seen the blog and will try and comment later on. Loved it and I have never “blogged” before, so all new to me too. Tried to comment and did write in the space provided but then I had to go get a password and account with Google, etc and then when I did that it took me back to a blank comment section. Didn’t feel like repeating it all but may at a later date. Love to you all, Annette

I didn't know that you had to set up an account and a password to comment on a post. Sorry that you can't just post a comment without registering, but I think that this is a way to keep things that are posted 'appropriate' for our group and for the Blogger site to monitor postings. This all gets easier as you use it.
Mary

Carnivorous Pitcher Plants

Our stroll through the Pitcher Plants.

Judy's Bear

This is a bear they are raffling for the Cancer Society. They call it Judy's bear.

Pictures from Woodville

Judy's yard

I wish the rest of you had been with us in Woodville. It was so pretty. Such a quaint, friendly town with big pine trees, flowering dogwoods and unbelievable azaleas!

The Houston Part of the Reunion

What a great reunion! After a great visit at Judy's home in Woodville with such beautiful flowers, we were on the move. Helen left for Ft. Worth and five of us (Judy, Mary, Cathie, Jan & Barbara) drove to Houston for further education!

While we ate lunch on the patio at the Museum of Natural History, Mary found a Monarch caterpillar and kids to share the story. We also saw a Monarch in Tyler County.

We met Judy's friend Carol at the Museum of Natural History for a private tour of the special exhibit from Ethiopia, "Lucy's Legacy". We saw other cultural and religious things from Ethiopia as well. She also led us through an exhibit on Leonardo Da Vinci. Carol was a great tour guide.

Thursday night we had dinner at the Grand Lux -- Linda Bromley and Sandy Jones joined us for dinner. We all had a chance to catch up on their lives.

The waitress was interested in our reason for being in Houston and had the chef make a dessert plate special.

Friday morning we had a tour of Bayou Bend, the Ima Hogg Mansion. Ann Hodges on the left was the docent. We learned a lot about antiques, furniture and art.

Luckily we saw the azaleas in Woodville because the gardens at Bayou Bend had already bloomed.

We ate lunch at Otto's across the street from Bayou Bend. Ann Hodges said they were going to tear down this icon of Houston soon and suggested we enjoy a hamburger before it was gone. She mentioned that Bush 41 liked to come to Otto's and had they catered events for him.

Then it was on our way to San Antonio, Midland, Huntsville, Woodville, College Station and Austin. Wish you could have all been there. It's so great to see old friends and catch up on each other's lives. Thanks to Helen for getting us interested in a blog and to Mary for setting up a blog we can all post on. How neat! Now you can all see what went on at the 2008 reunion in Woodville.

Judy, We had a wonderful time at your house this week. The beauty of Woodville was glorious! Those azaleas! How did you get them all to bloom for us? Thank you so much for all the driving--I had never before seen all of Tyler county in one day! Really, the trip to the pitcher plant bog was a real treat for me as a biologist. That is the first time I have seen carnivorous plants in the wild.

Jan, thanks for leading the trip to Houston. You got us where we needed to go. I loved seeing Lucy and the Ethiopian treasures.

Barbara, thanks for the yummy toast/grilled veggies. And I am glad we got to see you, Sandy and Linda. The meal at The Grand Lux was stupendous!

Cathy, thank you for taking me with you in your car. You are a great chauffeur and I really enjoyed the Tom Clancy book that we listened to.

Helen, you are a wonderful blogstudent and you get an A+ for your project!

Everyone else, wish you had been with us!

The Azaleas in Woodville are in full bloom and are beautiful. We took a long drive with Judy as our tour guide and shopped all the quaint stores as well as many nature sites.