This weekend, my wife and I took the trip up 281 north to Wichita Falls to go visit our daughter for her graduation from tech school. Here are a few pictures and comments from along the way.
The last time we drove up 281, we found Marble Falls to be a great looking small town worth a visit. That time, it was raining. In the bright sun, the town looked even more inviting.
We will definitely make a trip here, if only to stay for the night and look around.
Another place we found interesting, if not initially creepy, was Mineral Wells. The huge landmark in Mineral Wells in the old Baker Hotel.
Interestingly enough, when we stopped to grab some dinner, we were told that The Baker is being considered for purchase by some Indians (Native Americans) in order to use their special status to turn it into a huge casino. That is awesome (if true).
I am a sucker for a roadside attraction. 
Natty Flat is a great stop for a number of reasons. First, who would pass up on the chance to see the world's tallest rocking chair? There is a furniture shop with loads of handmade rockers and other fine furnishings. 
There are loads of neat little odds and ends to enjoy looking at - country style ornaments and such.
But once you go into the general store, aside from lots of vittles, you will find yourself drawn to the case containing the peach cobbler. 
We got ourselves some malts for the drive and got a peach cobbler to go. No wonder we are so fat. 
Of course, no trip up 281 would be complete had we not stopped at... you know... Hashknife on the Chisholm.
We talked to the ladies as we bought some ribs to take to our daughter and told them of this blog. I usually take pictures of the vittles we talk about here, but in all honesty, I think we had licked the bones clean before I even thought about the camera. So, we made it up to Wichita Falls in good time. Next, I'll tell you about the interesting hotel we stayed at, and about the old downtown Wichita Falls.
We were very saddened to learn of the loss of one of my daughter's closest friends from Warren High School on September 5th in Balad, Iraq. Dane Balcon, 19, a PFC with the Army's 1st Cav was lost when his vehicle was hit by an IED. His loss has not been covered by San Antonio media, probably because Dane transferred from Warren High School to a school in Colorado Springs, CO. Dane's mom serves in the Air Force there. People who live in Creekside, the neighborhood just south of the GNW will certainly remember Dane.
When we first met Dane, he was a very tiny kid, and it is tough to get that image out of our minds. He had such an engaging personality that it was impossible not to like him. He was a member of Warren High Schools Silver Guards drill team as part of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. Though he transferred, he stayed in touch with my daughter and all of his ROTC friends.
When we last saw him in May (he visited after my daughter graduated from Air Force Basic), he had grown so tall I couldn't believe it was the same "little" kid. Dane told me that he was ready to go do his job in Iraq and was eager to get started.
Oh, who am I kidding? Timber Path Road in between Grissom and Old Grissom floods every time it rains more than a lifeguard drinking beer at a Luau pisses.
So last night as we watched the Jay Leno expose on Senator Larry Craig's tap dance in the men's room and simultaneously enjoyed the rain covering our lawn and filling the aquifer, I knew there would be a good reason to leave a few minutes early for work today.
So, I pull onto Timber Path on the off chance that it might be open, but sure enough, the barricades were up. So, I turn onto Grissom to go towards Culebra.
Now for those of you reading this, that have no idea what I am talking about, please allow me a moment to explain.
There are close to a bazillion people trying to get out of the neighborhoods that make up the Great Northwest and several other communities. On a normal day, this is done by taking various back streets and short cuts and such. The goal is to get to either Bandera Road to our east, Loop 410 to the south, or perhaps Highway 151 via Westover Hills Blvd. But, when it rains, all the shortcuts are basically blocked and you have to use Culebra Road to make the exit. This triples the amount of traffic at the intersection of Culebra, 471, Grissom and Tezel
The traffic lights don't recognize the change.
Okay. So here is my public service announcement: Please understand that everyone is trying to get to work in a safe and courteous manner. Everyone knows that the traffic has tripled. Nobody is amused by anyone trying to be an inconsiderate sphincter by simply bypassing the the half-mile long line in the turning lane so you can force your way into the turn at the last minute. Having a fuel efficient car does not help your case.
Case in point. As I waited through 7 cycles of the traffic light at Culebra/Grissom/Tezel/471 (don't get me started with street naming conventions), I calmly and nicely listened to re-runs of Lisle and Hahn. As I made it to within a thousand feet of the actual intersection, an inconsiderate asshat (that's Internet lingo) in a white VW felt that it was more important for the rest of us to wait, so he or she could simply bypass the ten minute long wait, and cut in front.
People, this is how road-rage gets started. You think your time is more important than my time.
Don't get me wrong. I can appreciate if you didn't know, and hey, someone is nice and lets you in as a courtesy, that's fine. But in the case of this VW, they actually stopped the flow of traffic in the non-turning lane so they could force their way into the turning lane, ahead of all the people who had respectfully waited their turn.
I've got news for you buddy: My van already has a tiny scratch on the front passenger side fender where my wife scraped a pole. It needs to get fixed sooner or later and I don't mind your insurance company paying for it.
So, long story short - VW didn't get into the turning lane on my watch. And I'm pretty sure it may have taken a while with all the other pissed off people behind me watching these inappropriate and inconsiderate antics.
Play nice out there and by all means, turn around, don't drown.
I know it probably seems like all we do is eat out, but really, there was an occasion for our visit to the Texas Roadhouse this evening; my wife opened up her e-mail and there was Spam in the form of a picture of a steak! Thus, when I walked in the door, before I could so much as take off my tie, she reported that we would have to go eat and quick. So, there it goes - proof that Internet Spam works.
We are big fans of Texas Roadhouse; the set-up, the food, the service and most especially, the way they don't sing that ridiculous Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday... the way some other places do. Instead, they cut right to the chase. They make the unfortunate birthday boy or girl sit on a little horse, announce loudly to everyone in the place that so and so has just turned Twenty-One, then lead the assembled guests in a big, "YaaaaHoooo". Not bad.
But, it was not any of our birthday's, so my wife, son and I opted for dinner instead. When you first get there, be prepared to wait unless you call ahead. A little tip: Call ahead to any restaurant you go to these days - you'll appreciate the looks on the faces of people still waiting to be seated when you walk up, state your name and are seated immediately. People waiting in line hate that. Anyway, while others waited, we were seated and got the standard basket of hot fresh bread. No wonder I'm so fat. The only thing I don't care for is the "spread" they give instead of butter. I think it is some sort of whipped butter cinnamon type deal. I say, if you are going to force me to stuff my face with your fresh hot delicious bread, I should slather on several chunks of real butter so as to ease the trip down my pie-hole.
Though I don't really partake of them like I used to, each table is equipped with a bucket of peanuts. Yes, it is cool to throw the shells on the floor, so that alone can keep your little kids certifiably giddy during the course of the meal. My son was no doubt thrilled.
I love the house salad at Texas Roadhouse. I'm not sure how they do it, but the croûtons don't seem as hard as a rock. They aren't soft like plain fresh bread, but they chew very easily, and I like that in a croûton. The Ranch Dressing must be a house recipe - it is delicious.
My wife got the steak she was craving. We have learned from previous experiences at TRH not to order a bigger steak unless you plan on making a lunch the next day. She got the petite 6 ounce with house salad and steak fries.
My son ordered some sort of chicken salad thing. It was huge, filled with chicken and easily enough for a meal. He seemed a little put off by the overwhelming number of eggs in it and said it was almost like eating egg salad, but that didn't stop him from eating most of it.
I never pass up an opportunity for catfish, so along with the previously described house salad and the baked potato that I'll take for lunch tomorrow, I was extremely pleased with the choice. I have said before how I enjoy good catfish. I'm not going to suggest that TRH makes the best, but you certainly cannot complain about the size of the order or the quality.
Over the years, I have tried most of the different items on the menu at TRH and my only disappointment has been in the green beans and I think the chili. It wasn't that either was bad per se, it was just that they weren't prepared in the style I enjoy. So don't be afraid to try them yourself.
Service was standard - we have had better servers but many far worse. The food was all good (assuming you aren't allergic to eggs) and it was quickly delivered and hot. Easily 3.75 Tasty Treats. Naturally, we skipped dessert so as to be able to squeeze our asses back into the van for the ride home.
As a make-up for the annual 4th of July parade that had to be canceled due to inclement weather, the Board and Staff of the Great Northwest Community Improvement Association put on the 1st annual Labor Day Parade this morning. Though the sky was a tad bit cloudy, rain failed to put a damper on the assembled parade participants or the crowd that gathered along the route to watch the patriotic event. Yet another reason to be proud to live in this area.
The parade was escorted by members of San Antonio's finest, on motorcycles, patrol cars and truck units.
As the festive parade participants made their way from Zachary Middle School down Timber Path, The Grand Marshall, Mr. Lee Besing was driven in the "mini-'Vette" (or Geo Metro) by fellow board director, Mr. Richard Garcia.
Next, a large group of Scouts who show up for parades, rain or shine, walked, rode, and sang Jodies along the route.
Another board director, Mr. Guy Pucci passed in review cool as can be in an old LTD, accompanied by his beautiful pooches!
Director Janet Doherty showed the patriotic spirit with her van fully decorated for the occasion.
As the parade made its way toward the turn onto Timberwilde and the Lodge, residents of the old folks home enjoyed all the pomp and circumstance.
In fact, residents of all ages enjoyed the short but enjoyable parade including this couple who cheered on the parade as it passed in review.
When the parade ended at the Lodge, participants readied themselves for a nice Labor Day Picnic.
Smells like it's time for a hot dog!
This morning, my wife, daughter and I met my mother-in-law and and some visiting family who came in from California and Houston because they needed to taste a real San Antonio type taco. It took a while, but we got it done at the newly opened Taco Martinez on Military Drive just north of Hiway 90 near Lackland's Hamburger Hill.
The location of this new restaurant which apparently opened just this week, is very familiar to us. For years, it was a Bonanza Restaurant, then, when the franchise left, they called it Bandana, so if you happen to drive by, you might confuse the lettering and think that it was still Bonanza. Inside, it looked the same, operated the same, had the same menu as Bonanza, and all of the same Bonanza employees.
When that pooped out, the space took on a Chinese flavor, then perhaps a different Chinese flavor, and now, Taco Martinez #2. I have driven by the other Taco Martinez, but never had the pleasure of eating there.
Okay, to the point. You must gauge everything I say with the understanding that we had a party of 13 people and further, it was easily 10 to 15 minutes before all of us were in place. Though we never communicated to anyone that we would be having an ever expanding group, I was content to accept that the staff was not waiting on us so that we could get everyone in place. I fully understand that it takes a really good wait staff to handle large groups efficiently and it is only made tougher when there are many large groups. Looking around, I could see multiple groups of 8 or more.
When we first sat down, we were entertained by a lady who was complaining about a jalapeño seed being in her husband's taco. In a Mexican restaurant? The Hell you say!
The waitress, then a more senior waitress seemed to roll with the punches and take off the cost of several items on the ticket, though it was clear that this family had eaten about all they were going to eat before finding a reason to complain. How convenient.
Okay, so at about 30 minutes into our being seated and catching up with visiting family, we had still not been on contact with our waitress (other than when we first walked in and got three menus) and several of us were getting quite antsy. I no longer eat at Denny's for lessor of an infraction. As we looked around and saw that a smaller table of diners next to us were already being served drinks (it appears their order had been taken during the commotion of hugging and picture taking), I was taking note of the multiple faces of distress at our long line of tables.
Finally, one of the cousins went to find a manager to request a waitress, and within 15 minutes, we were having our orders taken.
Again, a few things to keep in mind as you read this: The place was packed, it is brand new, and we had a large group. But, I had already made up my mind that I would never set foot in the place again until it had reverted back to Bonanza or at least Bandana!
Good food has a way of fixing bad service. I'll skip the further service related breakdowns involving the fact that we didn't receive any forks, napkins or our drinks until long after we had received our food (and at the insistence of several vocal personalities at our table), and just tell you that the food was superb!
Within our group, some people had plates with rice & beans and fajitas, others had soup, a few had gorditas or chulupas, and I had the Carne Guisda with cheese and also chorizo and egg tacos. The size of the tacos and the quality of the contents made for a great value. By all means, order light as most of the people at our table required take-out boxes.
I would say that Taco Martinez would probably be a good "to-go" place initially until they get the staff up to speed, but make no mistake, the food was outstanding. Not a single person in our party complained once we were stuffing our faces. It was as if the previous hour of waiting for things to come together had been forgotten.
I'm a sucker for good hand made flour tortillas. Taco Martinez gets 3.5 Tasty Treats for the food and a big fat zero for service. But, again, don't let our experience with a large party during the opening week stop you from giving them a try. I will go back, but it won't be with more than 4 or 5 people at a time.
My daughter made another trip into town this weekend and this time around, she had Garmin guide her to my oft-obsessed BBQ place, Hashknife on the Chisholm located just north of Mineral Wells and east of the town of Graford.
The lady behind the counter took notice of her immediately as she was still in her military uniform (apparently, there aren't a lot of bases in the greater Palo Pinto County area). When she ordered up six sandwiches and asked for them to go, the kind lady asked her how far she was going. Upon learning that San Antonio was the destination, she kindly placed the fixin's into containers and gave her a bag of buns for the trip. How nice is that?
Though I did consider getting up at midnight last night to dig in, I thought it better to hold off a little closer to noon today. I made it until almost 10am to be precise.
Anyway, I promise, this will be the last Hashknife update - my wife is considering putting me in for some sort of Barbecue Obsession Syndrome counseling.
Suffice it to say, even 15 or 16 hours later, it was some kind of Tasty Treat.
The last time we drove up 281, we found Marble Falls to be a great looking small town worth a visit. That time, it was raining. In the bright sun, the town looked even more inviting.
We will definitely make a trip here, if only to stay for the night and look around.
Another place we found interesting, if not initially creepy, was Mineral Wells. The huge landmark in Mineral Wells in the old Baker Hotel.
Interestingly enough, when we stopped to grab some dinner, we were told that The Baker is being considered for purchase by some Indians (Native Americans) in order to use their special status to turn it into a huge casino. That is awesome (if true). 
Natty Flat is a great stop for a number of reasons. First, who would pass up on the chance to see the world's tallest rocking chair? There is a furniture shop with loads of handmade rockers and other fine furnishings. 
There are loads of neat little odds and ends to enjoy looking at - country style ornaments and such.
But once you go into the general store, aside from lots of vittles, you will find yourself drawn to the case containing the peach cobbler. 
We got ourselves some malts for the drive and got a peach cobbler to go. No wonder we are so fat. 
Of course, no trip up 281 would be complete had we not stopped at... you know... Hashknife on the Chisholm.
We talked to the ladies as we bought some ribs to take to our daughter and told them of this blog. I usually take pictures of the vittles we talk about here, but in all honesty, I think we had licked the bones clean before I even thought about the camera. So, we made it up to Wichita Falls in good time. Next, I'll tell you about the interesting hotel we stayed at, and about the old downtown Wichita Falls.
