We returned to Texas from "Canyon Country" this year, bypassing our usual travels on to California. Meg's Dad was approaching his 99th birhday in January and we had planned a party and reception for him. Illness, however, intervened, the plans had to be cancelled, and his "party" was toned down to a big cookie and candles! He recovered fully and we travelled some together through the spring.
We found a great little restaurant in Medina, Texas, the "Highway 16 Cafe", and ate there twice.
This is Candace, who made us feel right at home! One of their specialties is a Philly cheese steak sandwich on a jalapeno bun....fantastic!
It is always good to be back in Texas, and in this case, to be back with Abey and family for a little touch of Ethiopia! We often eat at Aster's in Austin, near the UT campus. 
The atmosphere is relaxed and the kids can play when the eating is done.
We spent a week in March at the folks' timeshare in Galveston, the Four Seasons on the Gulf
and were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves there for Mardi Gras week! Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration is second only to that of New Orleans, so I'm told. The party is marked by several parades and two of them passed directly under our window.
The Children's Parade and the Pet Parade
There were ferrets, dogs and cats and even ponies.
Several took the "easy way!"
This little one was a spectator but she was quite a bead collector!
We used the time in Galveston for a mini-reunion and belated birthday party for "Daddy Carl." We met Meg's Brother Thom and his wife Melody at Landry's on the Boardwalk in Kemah, Texas, located between Houston and Galveston. Marilyn's Daughter Nancy and husband Bob were there also. The Kemah Boardwalk is an exciting family-themed entertainment venue, with rides, food and a lovely aquarium.
When Hurricane Ike came through Galveston,
the salt water killed many old trees on the island. Many of the residents, not to be beaten by nature, banded together and hired three tree sculptors who used their skills and chainsaws to fashion beautiful art which, like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes of the tragedy and now beautify about 15 yards in the historic areas of Galveston.
the salt water killed many old trees on the island. Many of the residents, not to be beaten by nature, banded together and hired three tree sculptors who used their skills and chainsaws to fashion beautiful art which, like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes of the tragedy and now beautify about 15 yards in the historic areas of Galveston.
The dog and fire hydrant are downtown.
The Tin Man and Toto from Oz
Herons
Well, it's Mardi Gras, isn't it?!
Later in the week we were joined by 
Mary Louise and Mike, Meg's cousins from Houston. Good times!
Mary Louise and Mike, Meg's cousins from Houston. Good times!
Visit the Boardwalk and Galveston when you're in the area; you'll be glad you did!
