Friday March 6, 2009 - Back To San Antonio

Went to the Alamo today for the 173rd Anniversary of the
battle of the Alamo. "March 6, 1836" . These wreaths
were placed here by descendants of Davy Crockett. Two
different people ask Isaac if they could use his hat for a
scavenger contest.

Wednesday March 4, 2009

Jacob looking for one of the Texans.

Wednesday March 4, 2009

Our family had the joy and privilege of having dinner
with the Manteufels this evening on their ranch near
San Antonio. Isaac had a great time playing the Texans
against the Mexicans.



Isaac with Stephan.


Kirk attempting to push a boulder down a bluff near
the house.


Who Won?


Our neighbor brought over this horse
today. Shona & Isaac rode it while I
worked.

Tuesday March 3, 2009

A cat has taken up with us in Texas. We have named it
Tumbleweed. She is pregnant, and may be coming back to
Florida.

Tuesday March 3, 2009

Shona & Isaac went to this Donut/Kolaches shop
in Boerne, Texas.

Saturday February 28, 2009 - More pictures in San Antonio

Shona & Isaac in the Tower of the Americas


A view of the Alamo From the Tower Of the Americas

Saturday February 28, 2009 - "The Alamo" and San Antonio

The Riverwalk.





Isaac helping to play an instrument with Street Band.


Crockett, Bowie & Santa Anna with Isaac.


Today we finally went into San Antonio. As everyone has told us, the Alamo was small. We enjoyed visiting and learning about the bravery of those men who fought for Texas Independence. On this day, we went to the River Walk. The San Antonio Rivers runs directly down the middle of San Antonio, and you can walk down most of it in the city. It is beautiful.

We also watched the IMAX move of the Alamo, went to the Mexican Marketplace at had lunch at a landmark called Mi Teirra. They had a huge bakery where people were lined up waiting to order. You couldn't even see what was in the cases. It was a great experience.

Later in the afternoon, after walking a few miles, we went to Hemisphere Park. This was originally built for the 1968 World's fair, but has undergone many renovations over the years. The landmark of Hemisphere Park is the "Tower of the Americas". A 750 foot tall tower, where you can take a ride up in a elevator and see all of San Antonio, and the Surrounding areas. Wow. We went outside at the top, and the wind was blowing about 40 miles an hour. We could barely walk or stand up.

We Thank the Lord for his safety and provisions through the day.

Saturday February 28, 2009

Thanks to the Hoppers, Whitakers, Danielle & my Mom for taking care of Rudy, Buster & Gomez while we are gone. We really do miss Rudy.

Friday February 27, 2009 - "Cave Without A Name"

Isaac looking for fossils.

Shona sang "How Great Thou Art" in the Cave.


Today we went to a local cave in Boerne. It is about 15 miles from the ranch. It is called the "Cave Without A Name" Three young boys found this cave in the 1920's while looking for a lost sheep. At some point after the cave was rediscovered a contest was held to name the cave. As the story goes, a young boy said that the cave was too beautiful to name, so the Cave Without a Name was called just that.

Thursday February 26, 2009 - More Pacific War

Transport Vehicle at the Pacific Combat Zone.

The Garden of Peace.  A gift from the Japanese.

Thursday February 26, 2009 - Visit to Fredericksburg

Picture of Admiral Chester Nimitz.

Plaques honoring those who served in the Pacific. 

Today we visited the National Museum of the Pacific War also know as the Admiral Chester Nimitz museum in the quaint town of Fredericksburg Texas.  Fredericksburg (pop 9667) is a very popular town in the south Texas hill country.  It has been an alluring relocation destination since the German immigration in the mid-19th century.  At over 1700' above sea level, the rolling hills, and crisp, clear low pollution skies offer moderate temperatures and humidity.  

Wednesday February 25, 2009

Today we visited Cibolo Creek Nature Center after Charles got off work.

Tuesday February 25, 2009 - Invitation to Dinner

Today we stayed close to the ranch and house. Shona & Isaac spent some time cleaning the house, while Charles worked at BCBSFL. We were invited to dinner tonight by a very nice family that we met at church. They live in Boerne as well. There names were Jay and Cindy Braymer, with their eight lovely children. Another family joined us. Their names were Aaron & Anita Hyslip who also have eight children. They are from Michigan and are living in an RV park, while looking for a house to live in.

Monday February 23, 2009 - Boerne, Texas

Mario and Pancho roping steer.

The weather has been cool, sunny with bright blue skies. Today we went to the adjoining ranch to meet a real cowboy. His name is Mario, and is the care-taker for the ranch we are on (Renewal) and the adjoining ranch (Loma Linda). He and his nephew Poncho were practicing steer roping for a rodeo competition on Saturday. After they were finished we all took turns riding his quarter horse named Bud, in the corral. We hope to be able ride again soon.

Monday February 23, 2009 - Boerne, Texas

Isaac is determined to hold a baby goat.

Sunday February 22, 2009 - The Baby Goat

As we were leaving for church we noticed a baby goat at the fence far away from the herd. We decided the goat's mommy would eventually come or the baby would join the herd. As we drove down the road, we realized we had forgotten something. Isaac said this was the providence of God. On the way back, we saw the goat in the middle of the ROAD, running right toward us. This road is a very heavily traveled road with a speed limit of 60mph. A car just missed hitting the baby as it ran across the road. We stopped the car in hopes that we might catch the frightened animal, though we had misgivings, for the goats would not come up to us before. This little goat came right up to the car. Charles jumped out of the car and picked him up. Shona drove back to the ranch with the baby in Charles' lap. Isaac stated that it was the Lord that made the goat calm the that we might be able to take it back safely. This was obviously true, for when we returned later that day, the goats once again would have nothing to do with us.

Sunday February 22, 2009 - The Lord's Day.

We arrived at Boerne Christian Assembly at around 10:15. There were many faces that we recognized from going to the Jamestown Quadicentennial. Mr. Phillips spoke from Genesis 7 and was on the 2nd part of a 3 part series about Darwin. We participated in the Lord's supper and fellowship meal, both which are done every week. We had a great day of fellowship with God's people. It is very comforting to know that we are able to worship with other like-minded Christians. We do miss our Church family back home in Jacksonville.

Saturday February 21, 2009 - Pictures on the Ranch

We walked the grounds of the ranch today; up the rocky inclines and in the pasture where the goats are kept.  We were able to move into the Barn today and Victoria has been very generous in making us feel right at home.  Many of the items she purchased to make our visit more enjoyable.  Real Texas Hospitality!  Isaac and Shona were blowing bubbles on the hillside when suddenly 8 albino deer came bounding out, next door in the adjacent ranch.  We drove over to where they were feeding, and took a picture when they ran off.  Maybe we will see them again.  We went looking for the church that we plan on visiting on Sunday but to no avail.  The Google map for Boerne Christian Assembly didn't help much.  We called a friend, and someone from the church, called us back within about an hour.  We went back and found it.  It is way out in the country, in a small white country church.  On our way there, we passed a restaurant, that was lined up with cars outside.  We decided to stop back by and check it out.  It was called the PO PO restaurant.  We decided to stay and eat; yum, yum, Texas Country cookin' at it's best.  They had over 2000 different plates on the walls.  

Saturday February 21, 2009 - Pictures on the Ranch

Entrance Picture from nearby hill.

Anna Victoria Showing showing us the Goats.

Shona & Isaac Feeding the Goats