Linden's Trip Report #8

January 18, 2013 - Time to head north to Austin, TX and visit Beryl’s son and granddaughter. We weren't on the road fifteen minutes when we ran into a monster traffic jam. Three lanes of expressway and two lanes of service road were shut down. Never did find what the problem was. Later in the day when we arrived in Austin we ran into rush hour traffic. That's why we like traveling regular roads.
There's usually an alternate route or a place to turn around. Had a nice visit with son Mike and randdaughter Jenna. Went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant that is run by Indians from India. The food has a definite Indian flavor. Customer can specify how spicy they like their food. The food is a little expensive but good and plenty of it. Also, there are vegetarian selections on the menu which worked out good as Mike is a vegetarian.
January 21st - Went to the our favorite restaurant, the Texas Cafe in Hutto, TX. We found out that it is closed on Mondays. We a should have been suspicious since at lunch time there were parking spaces nearby. We ended up at a restaurant next door. We watched as people got out of their cars, walked to the Texas Cafe, then came into the restaurant where we were eating. The food was good but had a little to much mesquite on the pork chops to suit my taste. Here in Texas they put mesquite on everything.
January 22nd - Arrived in Houston to visit Beryls sister-in-law. They are having a good time together shopping and all. Beryl’s brother died a few years ago and his wife Sharon lives alone. Being by herself she doesn't get a chance to prepare big fancy meals very often. Guess who's suffering from that problem. She's a good cook.
There seems to be plenty of work here in the Houston area. Construction of all types is everywhere. From commercial building to housing developments and infrastructure work. Traffic is heavy and we noticed a lack of smart cars in the area. Mostly pick up trucks and SUVs. Every year that we come here we see more and more new developments with pricey homes and condos.
Beryl bought a blouse at Cracker Barrel while in McAllen. The clerk forgot to remove the anti theft prevention device. We had to go to a Cracker Barrel here in Houston to get it removed.
Gas prices in Houston range from $3.03 to $3.15 per gallon.
January 25th - Drove to Conroe, TX, which is about 50 miles north of Houston to visit some of Beryl’s friends and coworkers from when she used to live and work here. We spent a few nights at a Walmart/Sams Club/Lowe's complex. Very nice accommodations.
January 28th - Moved further east to Liberty, TX, where we will visit more of Beryl’s friends. Time is running short and before we know it we'll be meeting Ed and Sandy Miller in Louisiana on our way to Mardi Gra in New Orleans.

Walt and Beryl Linden