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.
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!
