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Michael Saiz

Pix are here.

Peak Season is over.

This drought has been especially brutal this year on Lost Maples State Park near Vanderpool, Tx. I am told the colors are not as vibrant as in past years but what is this high desert, city boy to know?  Everything looked really pretty.

This park must have been designed by a 23 year old.  The trails are mostly primitive and there are some very steep sections of the park.  I kept seeing old people and kept having to remind myself that if they can make it up to the summit, so could this man.

We went on a Friday because we are told the lines to get into the park are crazy during Peak Season.  Friday was perfect as we didn't have much company on the trails.

See this is fun and exciting because the seasons are non-existent in San Antonio.  People say it goes from Hot to not hot.  Or that it goes from Summer to Winter back to Summer.  Any bit of autumn like reminders, like leaves turning red and orange, is a welcome distraction to the next heat spell.

So if you are in shape and like the great outdoors, most definitely head 75 miles to the west of San Antonio and indulge in some great changing of the seasons.  Otherwise, do a Google search for "leaves turn red".

PS:  Note to future self---when you see the steep trail ahead signs turn back around.

PPS:  Note to future self---bring two gallons of water---per person.

PPPS:  Note to future self---bring a lunch---beetles and butterflies just doesn't cut it.

PPPPS:  Note to future self---bring a walking stick.  Or two.

It was after some late night/early morning binge that I first discovered House of Pies in Houston and always make an effort to make a quick stop when I am in the Bayou City.

Since there are no more Bennigan’s in San Antonio, saw the Monte Cristo Sandwich on the menu and thought I’d give it a try.  Understandably, a place called House of Pies probably isn’t going to make the best Monte Cristo out there.  Sadly, that was the case here.  I barely ate a fourth of my sandwich as it was greasy and cold and slimy all at once.  Do not recommend it.

Got a slice of the French Blackbottom to go; always good---always fresh.  

This place is on Westheimer in Houston, so next time you are in H Town.  Give their pies a try.  I think the other food is not so good unless you are drunk.

PS

I would love to open up my own pie shop here in San Antonio.  I am mulling over these two names:  Pies in the House of Love or Pie Town. 

First name was stolen from Was Not Was – Spy in the House of Love.   Enjoy.

Second name was stolen from that little town in New Mexico:  Pie Town.

PPS

Now I’m in a pie baking mood.  Mmmmm Cherry!

First of all, every coming attraction they showed before the actual film, I WANT TO SEE:  Surrogates; Shutter Island; Zombieland; and others I can't remember.  All look like must see movies.

District 9 was a solid movie.  Believe the hype.  If you enjoy science fiction; action and allegory then this thinking-man's movie is for you.  With solid acting, incredible imagery and a compelling story, this movie was able to engage me and keep me entertained throughout.  I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Suddenly I feel like eating Shrimp Scampi.

Sent from my iPhone
Michael Saiz