A Tiny Church and a Small Town

Yesterday, we headed out of San Antonio toward Houston to visit my Uncle Dennis and Aunt Joyce who live on Lake Conroe.  Driving was very stress-free, and we began to really enjoy the scenery: cattle ranches and small rural town along the roadside. Dennis had suggested we find a church between Warrenton and Round Top, Texas.  Our GPS misdirected us by about a half mile, but mom spotted the church.  We turned around and parked in front of St. Martin's, the tiniest, active Catholic Church in the country!

St. Martin's Church

This tiny church sits just outside of Warrenton, Texas, nestled in the pasture land of the area.  We ventured into the yard, through the cemetery, and entered the church.  This beautiful chapel-sized church is a very rustic and charming building.  The pastor regularly celebrates Mass, and visitors are encouraged to write down Mass intention requests.

The Altar in St. Martin's

After we left St. Martin's we traveled into Round Top, Texas for lunch.  What a find!  This charming little town of 94 people is a step into quiet, charming, rural America.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Teague's Tavern, then wandered through the Henkel Square.  With a fountain in the center of this beautiful park, walkways wander through shops with late 1800s storefronts.  A small church is at the "head" of the walkway, and there was a little arched wooden bridge crossed to the fountain.

The church in Henkel Square, Round Top, Texas

Henkel Square fountain

Store in Henkel Square

This little town hosts a huge antique fair twice a year when thousands flock to the area to buy, sell, and trade antiques.  This venue would be a great destination to visit, not necessarily during the antique fairs, when you could spend a day or two just wandering through town.  Unfortunately, most of the businesses are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so we just took pictures and moved down the road.

Seating in the Henkel Square.

Mission Trail

Saturday and Sunday we have explored the area south of downtown San Antonio.  As recommended by Jeffery at our hotel, Wyndham Gardens, we visited the San Jose Mission, the Queen of the Missions, Saturday.  It was very easy to find and the parking was very nice.

We visited the onsite museum, learning a great deal about the four missions along the Mission Trail south of the river walk.  With a wonderful self-guided tour map, we entered the southeast gate of the mission. The walls are all intact with access to small "apartments" designated  for the Native American residents.  Three wells were visible across the complex.  There were stone foundation remains of the workshop areas.

Small "apartments" for the Native Americans were built within the walls around the perimeter of the mission.

I was in awe at the size of the church and what had been the priest's residence and work areas for the lay people. A huge to-scale model in the northwest corner of the complex was very informative of what daily life had been like in this mission.  It was amazing to realize we were walking where people had lived, worked, and prayed nearly 300 years ago.  As mom noted, "It is a very reverent place."

On the south side of the church was the Rosa's window, sculpted in 1775, by a Spanish artist as a tribute to his lost love, Rosa.  Legend claims that the pastor would stand in the window, elevating the Blessed Sacrament, and the Native Americans and Spanish colonists would kneel outside the window in Adoration.  The carvings around the window are beyond beautiful, even though time has worn away some of the finer details.

Rosa's Window

We walked leisurely about the grounds and out the north entrance to the grist mill.  The aquifer was running clear and the gristmill was displayed for all to see how it had worked centuries ago. Mom really enjoyed that and was fascinated by the mechanical workings of the mill.

Grist mill

Next, we wanted to see the interior of the church, and mom was very interested to see if it would be similar to the San Diego Mission she and Dad had visited years ago with Aunt Marggie and Uncle Bill.  The west entrance to the church is a facade of four larger that life statues, earning this mission the title: Queen of the Missions.

Front facade of San Jose Mission Church

When we entered the church, all visitors were so reverent and quiet.  I was thrilled we were allowed to take pictures. The back Altar was a true work of art! Plain wood pews gave the interior an authentic feel as we paused to sit and reflect on where we were.  It was a very moving experience.

Altar of San Jose Mission Church

A thunderstorm began moving in, so we visited the gift shop and decided to call it a day.  Sunday morning, after breakfast and lots of shopping we headed out to visit Mission Concepcion.  I wanted to take the mission trail, the roadway of the early 1700s that connected the four missions south of Mission San Antonio, now called the Alamo, but I missed the turn.  We did connect up with the Mission Trail and easily found the Mission.  However, there was very little parking and that was filled to capacity...Mass was in progress.  Then the rain reappeared.  So I parked, kind of, and hurried across the lawn to take pictures and read the historical markers.  What I found fascinating was that the rock quarry  used to build the church and other structures, was partially visible, on site.  Only the church and adjacent building remained of this mission, but we could still get a feel of how it might have been.  The well was more ornate and the church doors, as at Mission San Jose, were massive wooden structures.

I would have to say, of the three missions we visited this week, San Antonio (Alamo), Concepcion, and San Jose, the most rewarding was San Jose.  It truly challenges the imagination to stand in the center of that enclosure and wonder what life must have been like in the 1720s in the Spanish territory of North America.

A Riverwalk, a Plaza, and walk with Teddy Roosevelt

San Antonio is a beautiful city with much to truly enjoy.  Around the Alamo and "Battle for Texas" museum, mom and I have enjoyed many other attractions, learned to embrace Uber, and have taken a riverboat cruise through the amazing river walk area of San Antonio.

Yesterday we did some shopping and stumbled upon the Menger Hotel on the Alamo Plaza. Mom had read up on this site, so we walked into the lobby and began looking about.  What a beautiful, classy hotel, Built in 1859, the original hotel became so popular an addition was added almost immediately after the opening year.  Upon Mr. Menger's death in 1871, the hotel was sold, yet maintained the name. Over the years more additions, a swimming pool, a new ballroom, and air conditioning have been added.  As you venture from the Plaza entrance, the walls are lined with pictures of events held at the hotel and the multitude of notable Americans who have visited the Menger.  I was elated to see that Teddy Roosevelt had been a guest!

Mom and I entered the Menger Bar and noted the wonderful woodwork, bar, and back bar.  The bartender, Angela, was a wonderful font of historical information!  She was charming and very enjoyable to visit with as she shared hotel and local history! When the Menger Bar was in the original location, on the opposite side of the hotel, Teddy Roosevelt recruited many of the Rough Riders! During Prohibition the bar was totally disassembled. After the repeal of the 18th Amendment, the bar was moved to the current location, piece by piece, and reassembled.There is a wealth of memorabilia in this very quaint bar, originally designed after the House of Lords Pub in England.  I was very excited to be visiting a place of such rich history!

Menger Bar and Back Bar, built in 1887.

Menger Bar designed to duplicate the House of Lords Pub in England.

We also explored the river walk area just beyond the Alamo Plaza.  This is a beautiful venue and a very clean area.  After a light lunch and more shopping we boarded the Rio San Antonio River Taxi and headed north. 

Waiting for our river taxi on the San Antonio River Walk

Waterfalls and gardens along the River Walk

 

Many beautiful sites along the hour's journey out to the "Pearl" district. The hotels, restaurants, and gardens are right on the river, and the views cannot be described!  At one point, just a short distance from our hotel, there is a lock, and that was a great adventure to experience first hand.

Going through the Lock

Wyndham Gardens, our Hotel

This morning mom and I returned to the Alamo Plaza for a carriage ride before venturing to the "Battle for Texas" museum.  We waited in a charming park across from the Menger Hotel.  Our carriage ride was wonderful, and a light breeze helped beat the early morning heat.  

A beautiful park in the Alamo Plaza

Our carriage awaits!

We are really enjoying our time in San Antonio.  Tomorrow we plan to visit many of the Missions in the area and check out new adventures in dining!

Remember the Alamo!

Yesterday mom and I ventured down to the Alamo.  Thanks to my oldest, I had an Uber account and Elaine drove us directly to the Alamo Plaza.  What a beautiful venue!  While mom and I enjoyed the gardens, people watching, and shopping in the gift shop, we were disenchanted with the experience overall.  The grounds are beautiful, and there was a re-enactment on part of the park lawn, but there was little literature to direct us in a self guided tour.  We did figure it out and were able to get great pictures.

When we were able to enter the original church at the Alamo, the trip improved.  Very awesome atmosphere with a feeling of reverence and respect.  Mom was fascinated by the archaeological information and efforts within the naves.  I am glad we were able to walk on such hallowed ground. However, I was a little underwhelmed.

A memorial for the Tejanos who defended the Alamo.

Now this morning we returned to the Alamo Plaza and visited the "Battle for Texas" museum at the Riverwalk Center.  This was an excellent museum!  The collection of artifacts was very impressive, and the self guided literature was informative and easy to follow.  The music and biographical testimonies, played in the background, were truly as asset, setting the tone and establishing an authentic atmosphere.

One of the many murals in the reception area of the "Battle for Texas; the Experience"

At one point, the visitor walks through a re-creation of the barracks as the Mexican Army made its last assault, and the sound affects, props, and actual re-creation films were very life-like.  Although creepy at first, it was well worth the walk through the the last hours of the fierce fight to hold the Alamo.

The last two rooms of the museum are so very patriotic we were both moved to tears.  One room has a solemn listing of each defender's name, and these names are continuously read aloud as a visitor walks by a wall portrait of the Alamo Mission.  The walls of the last room are covered with quotes about Texas, spoken by famous figures in politics, literature, sports, and entertainment.  A huge panoramic screen displays beautiful pictures of the Texas landscapes, cities, ranches, and famous Texans.  I left feeling proud to have been allowed to visit Texas!  Every state chamber of commerce in the Union should visit this room in the museum and see how to truly promote a state!

Mom really enjoyed it, and we both enjoyed this more than the Alamo!

If I were to do this adventure again, I would recommend the "Battle of Texas Museum" visit first, and then move onto the Alamo and enjoy making the connections between the life stories of the defenders and the ground they fought valiantly to hold in 1836.

Adventure 2017: The Journey Begins

Our adventure for the summer began yesterday morning as we pulled out of Durant, Oklahoma and headed south into Texas!  The obligatory breakfast stop at Cracker Barrel yielded some shopping and a great meal, then we were "on the road".

Choctaw statue outside the Casino in Durant, Oklahoma

I don't know what I expected, but the route we drove did not give way to much scenic viewing.  I believe I had this idea of wide open spaces, cattle ranches and horse farms.  We did see some nice horse operations in the northern part of the state, and I managed to catch a glimpse of a few cattle, but otherwise, my attention was totally held to the task of driving!  I was surprised by the amount of traffic and lack of open area between towns and cities!

So, had pretty well accepted that my expectations were off kilter and then we hit Dallas! There are just no words to describe a country girl trying to navigate five lanes of traffic, a total jam up due to an accident, and the five lanes converging into three lanes through road construction.  Needless to say, I missed an off ramp we needed, so we were lost!  Found a 7-eleven for gas, switched to using mom's phone for navigation instead of the GPS in her car and found our way onto I-35 South! Success!

No! Road Construction!  Switched back to the car GPS, only to discover that the new highways do not match the GPS locator. But, we adjusted and knew I-35 took us right where we needed to be in San Antonia, so we accepted our loss in travel time and began to relax and enjoy the ride.

We arrived in Austin at 5:35 p.m. and discovered the true meaning of grid lock!  Enough said.

Upon arriving in San Antonio, we arrived at the Wyndham Garden Riverwalk/Museum Reach.  A beautiful establishment with the most pleasant staff.  Mom and I dropped our luggage, literally and headed to the outdoor patio.  After a delightful supper we were able to laugh about our traveling adventures.

Evening view from the hotel patio, San Antonio, Texas

This morning we ventured down town for a meeting mom had, and I found driving along the Riverwalk area to be charming and enjoyable.  San Antonio seems to be a city of friendly and relaxed people, especially the valet attendants at the La Cascada Condo Complex!  Trying to find a parking place, I whipped into the parking area and told the valet, "I will pay whatever to park this car!"  He grinned, and immediately helped us out.

The late afternoon sun is warming the patio and the San Antonio River is lazily resting just outside out hotel.  Tomorrow is Riverboat tour, River taxi (I am not driving), and exploring along the Riverwalk.

The adventure has begun!

The Journey of True Fatherhood

Today has been designated Father's Day!  A day for cards, gifts, cookouts, and pampering for our Fathers. When the kids were smaller, we had a few traditions for this special day, one being to spend the entire day outdoors. Missouri weather in June is usually warm, but not terribly hot, so our days were filled with backyard games, gifts, and grilling supper on the patio. Because the kids are no longer living at home, and other life events happened, these traditions have fallen by the wayside. However, we all need to take time and acknowledge the true fathers in our lives.

Fatherhood is not an easy journey.  In generations past, fatherhood success was measured by how well a man provided for his family, how well his children behaved, and how successful his children became as adults.  These are good measuring tools, but certainly not a realistic look at fatherhood. As we all know, there is much more involved in being a parent.  There are nights of sleepless worry, long evenings of after school activities, teacher conferences, homework assistance, and the list goes on.

My husband, Keith, is an amazing father.  He is not always the stereotypical "Dad", and that is what makes him a true example for our three children.  Keith always aspired to have a regular-houred job so that he could be home on evenings and weekends.  And he has worked very hard to create a career that continues to provide for our family.  However, there were numerous years we could not make ends meet on our two regular salaries, so Keith took on extra work.  He has flipped burgers at McDonalds, cleaned office buildings, refinished floors, worked the sporting goods counter at WalMart, and served several years as school custodian.  Even with all those extra work hours, he always made time to play with the kids, making his days off something we all looked forward to.  Over the years, he has coached basketball and soccer, sometimes when our kids were not playing on his team!

Most importantly Keith has taught our children, by example, how to treat other people, regardless of personal opinion.  He has encouraged, and sometimes forced, our children to share their opinions, debate the issues, and form independent thought. Disagreeing with their father was allowed, as long as it was done respectfully.  He would discipline the teen-age years with a firm, quiet, no nonsense approach, but hardly ever got irritated.  He encouraged each of the children to follow dreams and explore nontraditional areas of education.  Keith always treats me with love and respect and expected the same from his children.  His greatest joy at this time in his life is celebrating, any occasion will do, with his children.

Those who know Keith know he is a relaxed, easy going individual.  That example of how to face challenges and disappointments has served as a great example for our kids.  His attitude of "it will work out, we just have to figure it out", has served us all well. He truly enjoys spending time with his family, and isn't embarrassed to show it! He has taught all of us how to have fun!

Sometimes fatherhood has nothing to do with biology. Often we encounter great "father figures" who are not related to our families at all.  Growing up I had Gene McGinnis, Max Shinkle, and Bill Nelson, friends of my parents.   My memories of these men are warm, laughter-filled, lesson-learning memories. My children have their Uncles Joel and Jake to look toward for guidance and encouragement.

Both of these men, although the same age, actually attended the same University, are very different.  Joel, Keith's brother, lives in the Kansas City area and travels a great deal for his career.  he and his wife Michelle have offered two of my children lodging for extended periods of time as they pursued internships and career training. Joel and Michelle have a very open policy of "my house, your house" which has helped us a great deal. What a wonderful example of true hospitality.

Jake, my brother, lives in Kansas, does not travel much, and has had a great influence in the lives of our children.  He loves to laugh, enjoys a great joke, and is a good listener.  All three kids have had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Jake completing tasks on the family ranch.  Over the last few years Jake has worked very hard to nurture a relationship with his niece and nephews. His influence in their lives is extremely valuable.

All three of these men, Keith, Jake, Joel, live different lifestyles, work at very different careers, and enjoy their free time differently.  They all have traveled the journey of fatherhood, and they have each approached it with their own style.  While most of us automatically associate fatherhood with the biological link to offspring, there are "fathers" who are examples of who a man should be.

To all the men who step forward to guide and lead the next generations, thank you for being fathers.  Happy Father's Day!