San Antonio

1 Dec

Check out Michelle’s incredible dip! It’s so good. You need to make it and invite me over.

Here’s the rest of the San Antonio story.

David is not in remission. The Humira does seem to be keeping him more stable. Lately when the weather changes he hasn’t been flaring. So, he’s still in a lot of pain, but we are seeing improvement.

When my in-laws arrived at the hotel where we were staying, the front desk gave them keys to a room that was already in use. Picture it: you walk in, open the closet to put your things away, and there’s already clothes hanging up. You walk around, and the bed is messed up. I’m just glad the other people weren’t in the room.

It was a huge mistake on the hotel’s part, and after they apologized profusely, they gave the whole family free breakfast in the hotel restaurant every day we were there. The food was excellent, and you can’t beat free!

Thanksgiving Day we had turkey with the family at a restaurant. It was really good, and of course it was nice not having to clean up afterwards. Then we spent the afternoon playing Loaded Questions and watching the football game.

Friday David and I went with one of his sisters and her husband to Gruene, Texas. Settled in the 1840′s by German immigrants, it’s home to the oldest dance hall in Texas (and no, David wasn’t up to dancing), antique stores, and The Gristmill. The Gristmill is a restaurant overlooking the Guadalupe River and was originally a cotton gin.

Now I take my desserts very seriously, so when I say this, please understand, it’s kind of a big deal. The Gristmill has the best pecan pie I have ever put in my mouth.

We did a lot on Friday. David did better than I had anticipated. He was able to walk around in most of the stores. He even looked at antique comic books and hand carved walking sticks, although he couldn’t find any tall enough for his 6′ 4″ body. One of the little shops there is called Creative Treasures. They have candles in “Fried Green Tomato” fragrance. They smell great. Not like french fries or tomatoes if you ask me.

That night we saw a parade on the River Walk. They have floats, but instead of being on vehicles, they’re on boats. We were so excited that we got front row tickets. Then we learned that there is such a thing as too close.

No guard rail. No getting up to go to the bathroom, and you’d better be nice to the people behind you. That water is cold! David’s size 13 feet were hanging over the edge. The chairs were really uncomfortable for him. The parade was about an hour long. Poor David.

Traveling with chronic pain, chronic illness or a disability is rough. Even if you pre-board. Next time we travel, I will not be a submissive wife. I will buy a wheel chair whether David likes it or not. A word of advice, big cities and big hotels are more accommodating of disabilities than small towns, old stores, etc. On another trip I booked a wheel chair accessible room for us. It turned out to be a big mistake because there was no tub for David to soak in. Maybe this will help other people with chronic illnesses or disabilities when they’re traveling.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Do you have any tips for traveling with chronic pain or a disability?

P.S. Do not do this.

Do not ever decorate the rim of a plate. It is culinary blasphemy. My professors would have flunked me if I presented a plate with garnish on the rim. I have no idea why restaurants do this. Your waiter touches the rim of the plate. Please do not do this.