Yesterday was the shopping expedition. For the first time, some of us went and some stayed home. Karen drove, Jennie smoked shotgun and Lucy, Dolores and I sat in the back seat, taking turns sitting in the middle. Nancy was kind of tuckered out from all of yesterday's activity, so uncharacteristically let pass a shopping opportunity. Carol stayed home so as not to spend money.
We went to a town called Gruene (pronounced "green") that is located somewhere between here and San Antonio. We saw cows and shopping centers en route--including an outlet center we resolved to hit on the way home.
Gruene proved worth the trip for it's several old buildings dating from the 1800s. Karen is particularly fond of Gruene Hall--still a dance hall and saloon. Jennie found some must-have chatchkas--a couple of cobalt blue glass items and a couple of horses (plastic, not live) for her collection. Karen found some gifts for friends and Susie bought a pair of silly/glamorous sunglasses. We went to a wine tasting where Jennie bought some wine in a cobalt blue bottle--little concerned with the taste of the beverage because the bottle when empty will become part of her collection of cobalt blue.
We ate lunch at the Gristmill which occupies the 1870s cotton gin on the river. It is a picturesque maze of indoor, outdoor dining areas. Comfortably installed at an outdoor table, we had just begun to munch on the delicious onion rings and sip on the first round of margaritas, when rain drops began to fall. We tried huddling under the umbrella, but as the rained gained in intensity, and after our umbrella was overturned by a sudden gust, we reluctantly decided to head indoors, but not before the rain had reached the level of a full scale flash flood type of downpour. We made a dash for shelter--a moment of high adventure during an otherwise uneventful meal--and resumed dining at a dry table--not dry in the non-alcoholic sense--it just wasn't raining inside.
After lunch we hit a few more shops and on the way home did stop at an outlet mall.
Meanwhile back at the ranch, Carol and Nancy enjoyed a hearty not so healthy lunch of burgers and fries. They watched game shows and napped.
Dinner was El Camino Real Tex mex food. Good but a little spicy.
Early to bed, exhaustion set in.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 6, 2008
Breakfast Tacos in the morning, then off to the pool.
Lists were made and Lucy, Dolores, and Nancy were off to shop for the ingredients for that night's meal. (Susie: I felt kind of guilty for hanging poolside instead of joining the shopping expedition, but they went earlier than originally planned, and I assured Nancy that I was only a phone call away. In fact Nancy called with a couple of questions: Where to put the "kids"--I don't know why she was talking in code since Karen and Jennie couldn't have heard her on my cell--and whether the butter should be salty or non.) First stop was Costco, then on to Central Market for the good stuff.
Straight to the seafood department to pick up the lobsters Lucy had ordered in advance.
Everything purchased on the list except a big pot to cook them in. Lucy's idea to try Big Lot's and success! A perfect big pot.
(Word of advice- when purchasing lobsters, remember they are alive, and later to be consumed, so don't name them or become too attached; they are dinner)
Lucy and Susie were the brave gals to volunteer to cook the lobsters. (Susie: I wish I could say I was that heartless or brave--I really only volunteered for other aspects of the meal--the less animate parts like salad and corn.) After waiting over an hour for the water to boil in our new very large pot, the dinner was ready. Nancy created a terribly clever menu from a Word Perfect template--it took longer for us to figure out how to print it than it did for the lobster water to boil. We are not even going to try to attach it as we have a shopping expedition planned and tech knowledge and services here are somewhat limited.
The setting for the dinner was supposed to be the new gazebo, but the rain interfered and it was moved to the dining room. The decorations we had purchased for this event was a 5 foot lighthouse, a life preserver, a string of lobster lights, and Larry the lobster blow up. The servers' uniforms, discovered in Karen and Jennie's costume, were wide brimmed pink bridesmaid's hats.
Dinner was a great success and since the rain had stopped, the peach pie and ice cream were served in the gazebo.
Lists were made and Lucy, Dolores, and Nancy were off to shop for the ingredients for that night's meal. (Susie: I felt kind of guilty for hanging poolside instead of joining the shopping expedition, but they went earlier than originally planned, and I assured Nancy that I was only a phone call away. In fact Nancy called with a couple of questions: Where to put the "kids"--I don't know why she was talking in code since Karen and Jennie couldn't have heard her on my cell--and whether the butter should be salty or non.) First stop was Costco, then on to Central Market for the good stuff.
Straight to the seafood department to pick up the lobsters Lucy had ordered in advance.
Everything purchased on the list except a big pot to cook them in. Lucy's idea to try Big Lot's and success! A perfect big pot.
(Word of advice- when purchasing lobsters, remember they are alive, and later to be consumed, so don't name them or become too attached; they are dinner)
Lucy and Susie were the brave gals to volunteer to cook the lobsters. (Susie: I wish I could say I was that heartless or brave--I really only volunteered for other aspects of the meal--the less animate parts like salad and corn.) After waiting over an hour for the water to boil in our new very large pot, the dinner was ready. Nancy created a terribly clever menu from a Word Perfect template--it took longer for us to figure out how to print it than it did for the lobster water to boil. We are not even going to try to attach it as we have a shopping expedition planned and tech knowledge and services here are somewhat limited.
The setting for the dinner was supposed to be the new gazebo, but the rain interfered and it was moved to the dining room. The decorations we had purchased for this event was a 5 foot lighthouse, a life preserver, a string of lobster lights, and Larry the lobster blow up. The servers' uniforms, discovered in Karen and Jennie's costume, were wide brimmed pink bridesmaid's hats.
Dinner was a great success and since the rain had stopped, the peach pie and ice cream were served in the gazebo.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Visit to a museum
The day began with Karens famous dish " Strada". It was consumed in a matter of minutes, with conversation at a minimal due to the delightful munching.
The sun was shining so no time was wasted by Susie getting back in to the pool.
After showers we headed for some culture! The Blanton Museum is downtown and filled with some great works of art. Jennie and Carol stayed at home, napping and watching tennis respectively. Carol was very excited that Nadal won. The museum group decided that was enough culture for the day because the sun was shining, the clouds were minimal and the pool was waiting. This decision made Susie very happy.
Afternoon at the pool that started out with Nancy's famous Grapefruitini -- it's not nearly as healthy as it sounds. let's just say that we have already gone through 2 bottles of vodka and that's not the only alcohol that has been consumed! While Nancy napped (yes, Nancy who NEVER sleeps!) Karen entertained with installation noodle art. Pool noodle creations are a specialty of the Locas and Karen was particularly inspired by her afternoon at the museum. Two of her best noodle art creations were "death by noodle" and "noodles take over the world". Those pictures will be posted later. Then it was leftovers for dinner, and a board game to end the day. We played the game " Wise and Otherwise", a game where you are told the beginning of a phrase, you write your own version, and chose the correct one. It was clear that Karen and Nancy can't control themselves. Neither could anyone else as there were great belly laughs all around --- suffice it to say, Carol's take on the game and her playing of it left us in convulsions. We finally cut ourselves off from alcohol at 11 and it was off to bed for most.
The sun was shining so no time was wasted by Susie getting back in to the pool.
After showers we headed for some culture! The Blanton Museum is downtown and filled with some great works of art. Jennie and Carol stayed at home, napping and watching tennis respectively. Carol was very excited that Nadal won. The museum group decided that was enough culture for the day because the sun was shining, the clouds were minimal and the pool was waiting. This decision made Susie very happy.
Afternoon at the pool that started out with Nancy's famous Grapefruitini -- it's not nearly as healthy as it sounds. let's just say that we have already gone through 2 bottles of vodka and that's not the only alcohol that has been consumed! While Nancy napped (yes, Nancy who NEVER sleeps!) Karen entertained with installation noodle art. Pool noodle creations are a specialty of the Locas and Karen was particularly inspired by her afternoon at the museum. Two of her best noodle art creations were "death by noodle" and "noodles take over the world". Those pictures will be posted later. Then it was leftovers for dinner, and a board game to end the day. We played the game " Wise and Otherwise", a game where you are told the beginning of a phrase, you write your own version, and chose the correct one. It was clear that Karen and Nancy can't control themselves. Neither could anyone else as there were great belly laughs all around --- suffice it to say, Carol's take on the game and her playing of it left us in convulsions. We finally cut ourselves off from alcohol at 11 and it was off to bed for most.
Saturday, July 5th, 2008
It was a very rough day. We swam, we ate, we swam, we shopped, we swam, we drank, we laughed.
Loca Susie's two cents: As the others know, I hate to leave poolside. The reason is simple: we don't have a pool in NYC. (Note to Loca Nancy--we do have shopping and Haagen Daz.) What happens when we go shopping is that it is perfect pool weather-- in the parking lot. It's hot; it's dry. You would just give anything to jump into that fresh, cool, blue water. But you can't. Because you're in a parking lot. So we quick finish the errands--quick being a relative term--corralling Locas is kind of like doing same with cats--and hasten back to the ranch (of course it isn't really a ranch, that's figuratively speaking)--and of course clouds have moved in--the perfect pool moment has passed. Loca Rule #1 (if I have anything to say about it) Pool time is the priority!
We had 3 visitors, Nicole, Joni, and Leeane. The wanted to see the New Yorkers, and Carol was on her best behavior.
Loca Susie's two cents: As the others know, I hate to leave poolside. The reason is simple: we don't have a pool in NYC. (Note to Loca Nancy--we do have shopping and Haagen Daz.) What happens when we go shopping is that it is perfect pool weather-- in the parking lot. It's hot; it's dry. You would just give anything to jump into that fresh, cool, blue water. But you can't. Because you're in a parking lot. So we quick finish the errands--quick being a relative term--corralling Locas is kind of like doing same with cats--and hasten back to the ranch (of course it isn't really a ranch, that's figuratively speaking)--and of course clouds have moved in--the perfect pool moment has passed. Loca Rule #1 (if I have anything to say about it) Pool time is the priority!
We had 3 visitors, Nicole, Joni, and Leeane. The wanted to see the New Yorkers, and Carol was on her best behavior.
Friday, July 4, 2008
First Day Friday, July 4th 2008
The sun is shining the weather is beautiful and the pool awaits us.
First to rise is Dolores as usual, then one by one the rest of the girls are up. Susie makes her usual late entrance, already dressed in her swimsuit. We know what her plans are.
Breakfast was Bagels, 2 different Quiches, and jelly beans(which made Dolores break a tooth).
The scene is the living room couch, the TV is on and we are captivated by Jennie's performance in the Beauty Queen of Leenane. What a great play and Jennie was superb.
The best part was sitting most of the day in the spectacular new gazebo, built I am certain with the Locas in mind.
Nancy picked up the ingredients for the perfect drink, the "Grapefruit Martini".
Susie used her tried and true recipe, but Nancy had gotten the diet grapefruit juice so the drinks were extremely inferior. Back to the store Nancy and Lucy went to get the good juice and the day was saved!
Dinner was chicken and steak fajitas made expertly by Karen.
After dinner, Susie, Nancy, Lucy, and Karen decided they needed to relax in the hot tub. It may have been relaxing for us, but it had to be hell for the neighbors when they decided to sing show tunes -- loud, off-key, but with gusto! The favorite of the evening was the entire score from West Side Story, which sounded like this, "When you're a jet, you're a jet all the way, from your first cigarette, la la la la la la!"
Meanwhile, Jennie had conked out in her bed, Dolores conked out on one sofa and Carol on another. Shortly after emerging wrinkled, but happy, the rest of us sat outside for a while, and soon made our way to bed. First day...flew by as usual.
First to rise is Dolores as usual, then one by one the rest of the girls are up. Susie makes her usual late entrance, already dressed in her swimsuit. We know what her plans are.
Breakfast was Bagels, 2 different Quiches, and jelly beans(which made Dolores break a tooth).
The scene is the living room couch, the TV is on and we are captivated by Jennie's performance in the Beauty Queen of Leenane. What a great play and Jennie was superb.
The best part was sitting most of the day in the spectacular new gazebo, built I am certain with the Locas in mind.
Nancy picked up the ingredients for the perfect drink, the "Grapefruit Martini".
Susie used her tried and true recipe, but Nancy had gotten the diet grapefruit juice so the drinks were extremely inferior. Back to the store Nancy and Lucy went to get the good juice and the day was saved!
Dinner was chicken and steak fajitas made expertly by Karen.
After dinner, Susie, Nancy, Lucy, and Karen decided they needed to relax in the hot tub. It may have been relaxing for us, but it had to be hell for the neighbors when they decided to sing show tunes -- loud, off-key, but with gusto! The favorite of the evening was the entire score from West Side Story, which sounded like this, "When you're a jet, you're a jet all the way, from your first cigarette, la la la la la la!"
Meanwhile, Jennie had conked out in her bed, Dolores conked out on one sofa and Carol on another. Shortly after emerging wrinkled, but happy, the rest of us sat outside for a while, and soon made our way to bed. First day...flew by as usual.
Arrival Day - Thursday July 3, 2008
The flight was scheduled to depart Laguardia Airport at 4:25pm. Susie, Dolores, Lucy and Nancy arrived around 3pm. After navigating the security line we arrived at our gate with plenty of time to spare. But where was Carol? Several phone calls established she was packed, but not dressed. More phone calls with the realization she was packed, dressed and waiting for a cab. The minutes ticked by and a wager was made. Nancy bet 1 dollar Carol would not make it. Susie met that bet and raised it 1 dollar.
We met Susan who thought that a girlfriends weekend away was the best thing ever, looks like she needed one.
The plane is boarded, Dolores is alone waiting for Carol. Lucy is waiting for Dolores. Nancy and Susie are comfortable in their seats, both hoping to win the bet.
4:25 and Carol is paged, she made it! Susie won!
After all this the plane is evacuated because of mechanical problems and we spend the next 2 and a half hours waiting for another plane to arrive.
We land in Austin 11:40pm.
Home to Ashton Ridge and several glasses of Champagne later our week has begun. But wait, a surprise awaits Austinas Locas. We start exchanging stories as always and the girls want to hear about our trip to Scotland. So Karen says, "well, good stories have to have a good setting so let's go outside because we have to put you in the proper surprise setting." The girls, always ready for surprises, champagne in hand, follow her out to the deck, Susie first. A scream from Susie alerts all to the fact that there is indeed a surprise. After years of talking about it, Karen and Jennie have had a gazebo built and there it is, all lit up and just waiting for all us to descend upon it and talk until 3 in the morning. So the annual Austinas Locas party has become even better as there is yet one more spot for lounging, drinking, talking, and, yes, napping!
We met Susan who thought that a girlfriends weekend away was the best thing ever, looks like she needed one.
The plane is boarded, Dolores is alone waiting for Carol. Lucy is waiting for Dolores. Nancy and Susie are comfortable in their seats, both hoping to win the bet.
4:25 and Carol is paged, she made it! Susie won!
After all this the plane is evacuated because of mechanical problems and we spend the next 2 and a half hours waiting for another plane to arrive.
We land in Austin 11:40pm.
Home to Ashton Ridge and several glasses of Champagne later our week has begun. But wait, a surprise awaits Austinas Locas. We start exchanging stories as always and the girls want to hear about our trip to Scotland. So Karen says, "well, good stories have to have a good setting so let's go outside because we have to put you in the proper surprise setting." The girls, always ready for surprises, champagne in hand, follow her out to the deck, Susie first. A scream from Susie alerts all to the fact that there is indeed a surprise. After years of talking about it, Karen and Jennie have had a gazebo built and there it is, all lit up and just waiting for all us to descend upon it and talk until 3 in the morning. So the annual Austinas Locas party has become even better as there is yet one more spot for lounging, drinking, talking, and, yes, napping!
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