AT LONG LAST, IT'S BACK!

Hubby had a late afternoon dermo appointment in San Marcos yesterday, so he suggested I tag along, then we'd have dinner there afterwards. We were thinking about going to a steak place as we hadn't done that since, well, I can't even remember when! On our way there, however, Hubs decided to swing by the old River Pub, to see how the reconstruction was coming along. But it wasn't coming along. It was done. They were open!  Needless to say, we never made it to the steak place.

Now, one never really went to the River Pub for their food, which was just so so. You went for the location, which is right above the San Marcos river, at the chutes and shuttle pick-up spot where all the toobers and kayakers congregate -- which is why it was so heartbreaking to see that primo spot sitting vacant for so many years. I am happy to report that the open air deck where we always sat is still there, and better than ever.

There weren't many people out on the water this time of year, but I did enjoy watching this paddle-boarder with his little doggie...

and these little college boys in their wet suits.

The inside bar and restaurant are way spiffier than the originals, which had more of an old-time-scuzzy feel to them.

We decided to start with basic burgers, figuring that would be a good barometer for the rest of the food.

My Hickory Burger, With Crispy Fried Onion

They weren't as good as Hays City Store, but they weren't bad. Next time I think I'll try some barbecue. They had a whole separate menu just for that, so I'm guessing that's their primary focus. They also had all the down home favorites like chopped steak, chicken fried steak and fried catfish. Just don't go if you're trying to stay lean and clean!

Can't wait until spring, when all the college kids will be back on the river!

 
Welcome back River Pub. You have been sorely missed!

NO SNOW GLOBES

Well, it's finally beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.

I started paring down on holiday decor as soon as we decided to sell the house in Houston, and kept at it, a little more each year, until I hit the sweet spot -- that point where it was just enough to be cheerful, but not so much that it required multiple trips up our rickety attic stairs and down to the basement and out to the garage to haul it all out. Now most of it gets stored away in the cabinet where it is displayed, and is easily pulled out and set up in one afternoon.

There are just two things missing now. One is our tree, which is a little four-footer that goes on this sofa table.

All my sibs and their families are coming here this weekend for an early Christmas celebration, and we're probably going to need that table to serve food off of, so the tree will have to wait until Sunday afternoon.

The other thing missing? My precious snow globes, which usually get displayed here, along with my snow babies.

They must be stored in the bottom of this cabinet my father-in-law built for us many moons ago...

the cabinet whose special custom-made key broke off inside one of the doors not long ago...

making it impossible to open either door!

Ah well, who cares? We have an 18 month old grandson to celebrate with this year! It's gonna be fun no matter how we decorate!

A COLOR-MAD BEARD

Ahoy Mates! Meet Rainbow-Beard!

You just never know where a rainbow might appear, when you have prisms hanging in your windows.