School Lunch 10/30 Wed.

Today younger granddaughter has invited us to have lunch with her at school. And since "gross" chicken patties are on the menu, "Please bring something yummy from Subway."

The school lobby announces a successful read-athon in progress, a visible commitment to this ambitious project.

We arrive at the cafeteria early with her favorite sandwich, chips, and Coke. After a quick stop at her locker, she leads us to a table where her friends join us. The other grade eating at this time is kindergarten, students so much smaller and bouncier than third graders. Soon lunch period ends, but student energy continues.

At the end of the school day, we return to pick her up. No one can miss the big sign in the gym that reminds everyone that there will be no school Friday. Nice coincidence for the day after Halloween?

She checks her locker for papers and clothing items, hastily scans her backpack, and efficiently carries her jacket on her head. Here is a girl that has this school thing under control.

At home waits a new bag of Cheetos for sisters to share when older one arrives, one of their favorite snacks and an indulgence we traditionally provide when we visit. After all, we're the grandparents!

Outside the Briscoe 10/26 Saturday

The Briscoe Western Art Museum had its Grand Opening to the public October 25-26 with the help of volunteers galore. On a side street closed for the occasion, chuck wagon hands pass out sourdough biscuits filled with barbecued brisket. Little tykes get encouraging lessons to try their roping skills. Pretty young ladies in frilly dresses mount their horses and pose while waiting to perform. A vaquero demonstrates flamboyant tricks to the crowd that also admires his horse's stoic demeanor. My camera spots a father-son duo dressed to celebrate their culture.

In the courtyard of the sculpture garden, seasoned dancers watch younger versions of themselves until time to take partners and dance the traditional steps. All the while, music plays and keeps the appreciative audience mindful of another time and place.

Just before entering the building, we pause to watch a weaver commanding her loom to create the intricate design she intends. Also, I can't help but notice the gorgeous turquoise jewelry she wears.

School Day 10/30 Wednesday

One more day until Halloween! Girls dress for school and rainy weather. Nat tells us about her classes and also the select choir that meets this morning before school. Kat warns us that after hugging her we will have sparkles on our shirts. I love returning to the rhythm of this beloved family.

Arriving Rockport 10/17 Thursday

Our route takes us past Corpus Christi, over Harbor Bridge, and near the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. No stopping allowed, not even for the Art Museum of South Texas. Maybe next time.

At the line where Rockport becomes Fulton, the Lighthouse Inn appears. We check in, unload, and head for the lobby bar to meet other college friends who also have arrived a day early. All that traveling has developed quite a thirst.

Outside King's Inn 10/17 Thursday

The parking area has water views and trees old enough to have been there during our college days. Damages to one tree appear severe but also artsy.

We drive around the Riviera Beach area until the guys believe they have found the fraternity's old party house known as Flato's. They attempt a self photo with it in the background, and I get in on the action.

Back in Kingsville, we drive around the campus noticing what is the same and what has changed. Then we decide to locate places in town where any of us had lived. Husband and I find that the apartment we occupied our final semester is currently a grassy, empty lot and soon to be the home of a liquor store. The guys exclaim that it would have been a college student's dream to live in a building that also housed a liquor store. Those frat boys!

Road Trip 10/17 Thursday

Loaded for our drive to Rockport, we have more stuff for three nights than we pack for weeks in Minnesota. We're blaming this astonishing twist on the unpredictability of the weekend weather. Also the relaxed itinerary.

First stop (not including gas in Hondo) is Robstown to pick up the Mitchells who drove from Rockport to meet us. They have had their RV there for a week combining business and pleasure.

Our destination is King's Inn for lunch, no time to linger in Kingsville until after the feast. Everything about the building and the food is familiar and fun. Fried shrimp is the best I've ever had anywhere; tartar sauce/spread is still weird. Photos of the full rooms disappeared so I'm posting only the unoccupied ones.

Outside, I struggle to open my eyes so Wiley can snap photos of husband and me in front of the place where we enjoyed many good times in our dating days.