Day 107

Early rising to catch photos of the sun over the horizon. Leaving today for the piney woods of East Texas to visit mom and dad. No blogging as I am not on the beach and digital connections in the country are complicated. Adios.

Day 106

The sun returned in all its glory today. Spring breakers were everywhere. I took my canvas on the deck for plein air painting of the surf. Waves were flat and the water sparkled. After 1 1/2 hours had to stop and go to lunch at Cafe Michael Burger with Sterling. Then one last drive around town and we were off to Hobby Airport. Returned home to watch more cars stuck in our sandy drive. Doug called police to tell them they were blocking our drive. Police never showed. Cooked steaks and baked potato and salad for dinner Yummy.

Day 104

Rainy day on the beach so Sterling and I headed into the Strand to meet Doug for tortilla soup at the Apache Cafe. Then to the Premier Movie Theatre for Alice in Wonderland. Favorite quote: "Have I gone mad? I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a little secret. All the best people are!" We went directly from the movies to eat Dipping Dots Ice Cream. Yum. Then bought some seashell earrings at the surf shop next door. When in search of the mermaid shop, we discovered gifts for grandmother as well as a concrete seahorse for sterling's pool. But the best find of the day happened at the antiques store where we purchased a giant concrete budda head we could barely lift. After visiting two art galleries and wishing we could buy everything, we headed to San Luis REsort for dinner and dessert. Oh, yes... carrot cake. We were visited by this parrot at dinner. After all, we are on an island. It was still raining by the time we arrived home about 8:30 pm.

Day 103

1st real day of spring break. Hosted guests for a long set of beachcombing. Doug's sister-in-law, Chris, and her mother and daughter and son were in Galveston for a visit. They loved the shells and the sand and the beach glass. Later, Sterling and I went to the Strand for shopping. I bought a Pirate's Flag at Colonel Busbees and we ate lunch at Willie G's. Took photos of the port and really cool wood sculptures that had been made from down Hurricane Ike trees. Met Doug for a tour of the Historic Opera House. Went to Murdocks for Pina Coladas while rocking over the waves on their pier. Drove to a stand by the water for fresh jumbo shrimp to cook for dinner. Watched a dozen cars and trucks get stuck on my sandy road in front of the beach house. Baked a birthday cake for Sterling and watched him open his presents one week early.

Day 103

Another Day in Austin with family. Doug and Amber whipped up buckwheat pecan and blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Then we headed over to Driftwood and the Italian Winery and Restaurant for a photo op and then Italian pasta. Fabulous food and fabulous pics. Headed home about 3 pm and arrived at 7 pm in Galveston. Whew...what a trip!

Day 102

Departed Galveston Island at 7:30 and arrived at our Austin destination at 1:30. Long story.(ask me about Doug's RV and long suffering and uncertain death) Saw Granddaughter Kayla and her parental units with Uncle Sterling. Played with the baby and had crab dip and tortillini pasta sausage. Outdoor chimnea fire on the patio with lots of photos of Amber, Kyla, Seth, Doug and Sterling. Ended the evening by losing at poker.Amber won. Female Power.

Day 101

Gorgeous sunrise. Spring Break has arrived!!!!! Returned to the sandy beach this afternoon and Doug had brought his RV out of storage. Took him to get his Dodge truck and then we searched for the Waterfront Grill at Pirate's Beach. Old sign. Ike must have taken it out. So we drove into Galveston and had pina coladas and an appetizer at the San Luis Beach Resort Bar outside along the pool. There were outdoor fire pits and tall heaters and the sunset was gorgeous. Photographed a vehicle bicycle in the parking lot. Many people were enjoying the heated pool. Came home and began packing for the trip to Austin tomorrow.