Mission Accomplished- sort of

THE ROAD OUT OF ALPINE

Last night we ate at the "World Famous" Reata in Alpine. It is "related" to the restaurant of the same name in Fort Worth. The Alpine one began in 95, according to the menu and the Ft Worth Reata began in 99 by the same people. The menu is truly ecclectic. N had barbecued shrimp enchiladas (sounds gross to me, altho' he seemed to enjoy it) Quail was on the menu as well as pork chops in pear sauce, and the biscuits had pecan pieces in them. Several other unusual entrees were available. Steak was advertised as $2.10 per ounce with a minimum order of 18 oz (I am hoping this is a family meal) BUT THE SALAD HAD REAL ROMAINE LETTUCE--NO WEEDS. The tortilla soup was exceptional--almost as good as I make. Now I have never been to the Ft. Worth version, but N has and he says the Alpine one compares favorably and is less expensive. Must be the atmosphere. The Alpine one is in an old house that belonged to a Mrs. Sidenstricker.

After our really good meal, we felt the need to use the hot tub at the hotel. I understand liability issues in connection w/ public use hot tubs, but this was more of a tepid tub. When we use our home hot tub, we set the temperature about 102 and it is good for us. This one was probably set about 95. When Grandpa would join us in the hot tub, we had to keep the temp down some because people w/ heart problems should not stay in hot tubs over 99 degrees. I am sure that is a concern for a "public use" tub like this.

--------Wed morning's plan was to go to the tax office to pay taxes on the land we'd like to dispose of, take pictures of the land, go get some raisin bread at a main street bakery, get snacks at Alco and hit the road.

Taxes got paid
Pictures were taken

AVENUE J, JUST STOPS--SHOULD GO BY MY LOTS


NOT PRETTY- SOLID ROCK-- OUR LOTS GO TO THE TOP OF THE HILL

Bread wasn't ready, so we left without it,
Snacks were gathered and we left about 9:45

Very uneventful trip--- I finished Christmas cards- ready to mail. We listened to a story on tape named THE FIRST LAW--We shopped at the Sam's in San Angelo-- a few items turned into a basketful, nothing unusual there.
We got back to Brownwood at 3:30
Unloaded the car and settled in.
It's good to be home and we'll enjoy sleeping in our own beds.
See everyone on Thursday. E