Out and About in San Antonio 2014

San Antonio is a very historic city and the home of the Alamo where Davy Crockett, Travis and many others lost their lives fighting for the Republic of Texas.  Each year the city remembers those who fought so bravely on this day (March 6).  To know more have a look at http://www.thealamo.org

The River Walk in San Antonio is a hive of activity and after a walk around the inner city it was time for a cool drink.  This the famous hurricane cocktail served at Pat O'Briens pub.

In the evening there is lots of great music.

You can even have your photo taken with a Texas long horn.

With the pretty River Walk as a back drop.

In Australia we call it Shrove / Pancake Tuesday, in Texas its called Fat Tuesday and this is a Texas shrimp cocktail Ross enjoyed on this day.

There are many fine restaurants in San Antonio and Fogo De Choa is one such place.  It is located near the River Walk and is a real dining experience.

Here is Ross enjoying a prime cut of meat.

The dessert  was most enjoyable as well.  To see more go to www.yelp.com/biz/fogo-de-chao-san-antonio-san-antonio

We also visited Saint Joseph Church downtown where the cornerstone for the church was laid in 1868.  It is a very beautiful church as you can see from the photos.

We have also had the opportunity to enjoy good times with dear friends and this evening was a dinner to celebrate 30 years of marriage of Liz and Dave.  Liz is a sister of our much loved Maureen who passed from our lives 3 years ago on 19 February but remains always in our hearts.

Liz admires the cake her sister Theresa made for her and Dave.

Over the 2 + years we have now lived in SA you would have seen photos of our work mates.  Today is Wayne's birthday and we celebrated his birthday with his family.  Best wishes for a happy year Wayne.

On 22 March we depart on ourRhine River cruise so more to follow after we return from our European adventure.

Best wishes to all,
Beverley and Ross

Halifax, NS 2014

Recently we had a quick trip back to Halifax , NS to renew our visa to allow us to stay in the USA for another 2 years.  It had been some years since we last visited this lovely city and when we arrived the snow was starting to melt.

However, within a a couple of days the snow started to fall and did it snow.

This is view from a window in the restaurant we were having lunch at.

Even the ferry was finding it difficult to navigate the rough seas.

When it is snowing in Canada many resort to visiting the indoor markets where everything is well laid out, warm and dry.

Inside they have something for everyone from woodwork to food.

The flowers are beautiful.

There is no point staying indoors all of the time and Beverley takes every opportunity to wear her rabbit lined hat which she bought in Portland Maine a few winters ago.

Doesn't this look great and we are going to really miss the snow when we finally return to Australia.

This weather lends itself to having tea in an Irish Pub.

The Atlantic provinces are known for their excellent seafood and here is an example of some perfectly cooked scallops.

Halifax is a the largest city in the Atlantic Provinces and the home of Sir Samuel Cunard who founded the Cunard Line.

Halifax also has a proud history of immigration and in excess of 1 million immigrants to Canada transited through this city between 1928 and 1971.

For those of you who have never had the opportunity to visit Halifax it is a city well worth the time. It is a historic and pretty city with friendly people and good food.

Best wishes to all,
Beverley and Ross

Friend's Visit

It is always such fun to have friends visit and just to remind y'all that everything in Texas is big, take a look at the before and after of this Texas streak . It is a serving for 2..

It was delicious.

Annette, Rolland, Sarah, Max and Ed came to visit last month and as it was the first trip for all except Annette we wanted them to enjoy some of what San Antonio has to offer.  This night it was at the Cowboy's rodeo.  It was an exciting evening for all.  Lots of very skillful rides and horrendous falls.

This provided the opportunity for dressing up.  Here Sarah is modelling her outfit.

Albert looked the part in his hat.

As did Ross.

While the family was here we also went to a Spurs basket ball came.  On each occasion we used a stretch limo to add to the fun of the evening.

The weather was just right for their visit so we took the opportunity to have lunch out on the weekend.  Here Ed, Max, Adrian and Sarah are making the most of their time together.

While Ross, Albert, Rolland and Annette enjoyed their glass of wine and a chat.

Annette is a fantastic, creative cook and following is the marvelous dinner she prepared for us before departing back to OZ .  The starter is a smoked salmon and fresh salsa stack.

The main course is a blue cheese and tomato tart.

Finishing with a fresh cherry and almond tart.

 Albert was so inspired with her creativity he decided to have a go himself and we now call him Chef Albert.

We had a great time with Annette, Rolland, Sarah, Max and Ed and hope that they get to come for another visit before we depart the USA.

Best wishes,

Beverley and Ross

Visit to Mexico

Recently we had the opportunity to travel on business to Piedras Negras which stands at the northeast edge of Coahuila on the U.S - Mexican Boarder across the Rio Grande River from Eagle Pass in the State of Texas.

The city has some interesting and unusual architecture such as the bee on the top of the world which signifies what busy bees do.

There some magnificent churches in  Piedas Negras and this is located just after crossing the border.

It is truly beautiful inside.

 The markets are full of brightly coloured wares.

With amazing pot plant holders.

The restaurants have wonderful paintings of a bygone era.

As can be seen from this photo it creates a great atmosphere to enjoy good food and fun times.

Throughout the restaurant there are interesting  artifacts to be enjoyed.

The food was delicious.

As mentioned it was a business trip and here Albert and Annette and catching their breath before meeting with colleagues.

We were meeting with doctors at a medical clinic in Piedras Negras and the doctor in this photo is an Australian doctor from Melbourne who lives in Belgium and works around the world.  It really is a small world in may ways.

It was a successful trip and an opportunity to have a glimpse into the delivery of primary health care in this part of Mexico.

Best wishes,

Beverley and Ross

New Year 2015

Happy New Year to you all.  Our New Years eve started by having a great dinner at Kirby's Steak House.   The 5 course menu was delicious and this is the roasted tomato dish which was Beverley's second course.  

While Ross and Albert enjoyed Western Australian Lobster.  This was the first Australian lobster that Albert has ever eaten and he was eyeing it off deciding just how to eat this.  The verdict after he finished it was that it was delicious.

Dessert was a delight as well.

Now to New Year's Day.  This time it was the Fish City Grill who had the best Bloody Mary's (did you know that Jan 1 is Bloody Mary Day).

Then it was into as much Alaskan snow crab that one could eat.  Albert is about to enjoy this feast.

As is Ross.

As you can see it takes a great deal of concentration to master the art of snow crab eating.

We hope that 2015 is a great year for you all and that there is more world peace.

Best wishes,

Beverley and Ross