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You may have noticed I haven’t been around much.  That’s because I’ve spent the last three weeks on the road.  A goodly portion of that time was without internet access, and even when I did have internet, I was pretty much too busy to blog.

Fourth of July weekend was spent at a lake house on Lake Smith, Alabama. While the heat and humidity was ghastly, it was great being with family, and there’s no denying that the view was terrific.

Plus, there was a cat.

A quick side trip to Decatur, Alabama to visit kin (sadly, because I had no cell service, I couldn’t tell Roamy I was in her neighborhood). And if you’re gonna visit Decatur, Alabama, you simply must visit Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ.

The 4th itself was spent in Birmingham, watching fireworks over the statue of Vulcan.

I spent a little time with one of the newest members of the clan.

After that, it was off to Texas, where the incomparable Aggierican was the Hostess with the Mostess!

First item on the agenda was a mini-meetup with friends at the Facebook-famous El Arroyo.

Next up was a visit to Stinson Field, where the municipal airport (KSSF), which, this being Texas, has a great BBQ restaurant with some fantastic brisket. Nearby is a cheap, but surprisingly good museum, with an eclectic collection of displays. And cats to keep the mice away.

After 2 hours in that museum, which lacked air conditioning on a 95F/90% humidity day, it was time to spend 2 hours in the US Army Medical Corps museum at Fort Sam Houston, which, in addition to being a terrific museum, was blessedly very well air conditioned.

We were running out of time, but the railroad medical car was impressive.

Up to 27 litter patients, 6 medics, a doctor, a full galley,  restroom and shower, office space, and even a sanitizer.

Right down to the Army Medical Department crockery service.

As a World of Warships player, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to visit the mighty USS Texas.

The old gal is over 100 years old, and she’s got some real material condition problems. Still, a goodly portion of her is open to the public.

Looking toward the San Jacinto Battlefield Monument, of which more anon.

Pretty sparse amenities in the wheelhouse.

You can’t go all the way up to the director on the tripod, but you can climb pretty far up the superstructure,  and the exposed exterior ladders are a tad daunting for those of us with a fear of heights.

Incidentally, after years of having to suffer listening to Aggierican converse casually in Spanish, German and even Hungarian with friends and family,  I relished being able to spout nautical jargon that she simply couldn’t grasp. Hah! Revenge is a dish best served on a 95F da
y on a ship without air conditioning (except in the ship’s Wardroom. Of course the Wardroom has AC!).

Do you know what does have air conditioning?

The San Jacinto Battlefield Monument.

The obelisk is a foot shorter than the Washington Monument. Built in 1936, commemorating the centennial of the Battle of San Jacinto that secured Texas independence from Mexico, they later added a star to  the top. Everything really is bigger in Texas.

Indeed, at the top of the monument, they were careful to add more and bigger windows to look out of.

While most of the food in Texas was fantastic, some held slightly less appeal.

Hanging out near Randolph AFB meant the skies were abuzz with the cute little T-38C Talon trainers.

All good things must come to an end, however, and finally, my trip has been concluded, and I’ve returned home to the desert, and internet access. Many thanks to Aggie and her family for their spectacular Texas hospitality.