San Antonio, Texas (March 17th - 21st), 2012

The Historical Alamo

We landed at one of our Thousand Trails campgrounds called Lake Medina.  While the lake was dry; there were plenty of deer roaming around -- they sure were not afraid of humans.  This campground was about 35 miles from San Antonio and made a great home base.  Of course we had to visit the Famous Historical "Alamo" which played a critical role in the Texas Revolution.  It was home to missionaries and their Indian converts.  A very interesting story which left the Shrine, the Barrack Museum, the Alamo Hall, the Courtyard and stone walls and arches,
Another part of our historic tour was the four Missions still standing.

Mission Espada            

While these Missions are part of our National Park system each has their individual characteristics and represented communities from over 300 years ago.  They were surrounded by stone walls built around them and contained a church, granaries, grist mill and workshops along with the Indian Quarters where they made their homes.  We were fortunate to attend a weekend mass at the Esparda Mission which was just a small quaint church.

Mission San Jose

Mission San Juan was under construction so we were unable to get a good picture of it.



                                                                                                                                                                 

Mission Concepcion

                                                                                                                               

The River Walk

   

We also had to walk the Famous River Walk along the San Antonio River through the city.  It was scenic and breath taking.  There were shops, restaurants, museums and entertainment venues along the way.

World's Largest Cowboy Boots

 Of course, we had to discover the Largest Cowboy Boots located outside the North Star Mall;








The World's Largest Rattlesnake in Freer, Texas;

World's Biggest Rattlesnake 

World's Largest Strawberry

And the World's Largest Strawberry in
Poteet, Texas,

Habitat for Humanity Build Alice, Texas (Feb. 26 - March 17, 2012)

2012 Work Crew

 
HABITAT IS NOT A HANDOUT; IT IS A HAND UP!!!!
That is the true motto of building Habitat Homes in the United States.  We start each day with a prayer and end it with the motto!!  This home was built for a former Alma, Michigan resident who has three daughters and she was right along with us working on her house.

The Finish Product

It was a four bedroom ranch and we worked alongside 7 other couples and 2 single persons, plus a local volunteer.  We drywalled (they call it sheet rock), mudded, sanded and sanded, painted, stained cabinets, touched up the outside with paint, and painted and installed all the trim work, installed all the doors / locks (both inside and outside) installed all the electrical outlets and fixtures and had a really good time.  Mike was named the Master Poofer -- because of his perfect blend of sheet rock plaster.                                                                  
The Town of Alice was the most hospitable we have ever experienced;  They fed us all the time; in fact, they call it the 10 or 15 pound build because we are fed so well.  We also had fun with a 6 Band Concert and a Circus held at the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds where we stayed.  Javelina's hung out there as well so we had to keep a close eye on Buddy.

The Jones Family

                                                                                                                   

World's Tallest Cement Water Tower

We also did some exploring as we discovered the World's Tallest
Cement water tower in the Town of Alice.  We visited different churches where sometimes our luncheons were held.  A few of the Habitat Board Members even invited all of us into their homes with their hospitality and more food. On one of our days off we also went back to Kings Ranch again, this time on their Birding Tour. Nothing to write home about there. Anyway, not only did we do a good thing for a family, but it was a very rewarding experience for us and it was amazing to watch the stages of the build for the house turn into a very nice home!!!  The floor tiling was to be completed by an outside contractor and the plan is to have the Jones family in their house by Mother's Day.
         We Wish Them All The Very Best!!!