January 06-07 Bryan On the 6th took my truck by to get checked out at local mechanic. I had been told by a shop in Georgetown that I needed to replace the idler arm and pitman arm. At a cost of $450. So wanted a second opinion. This mechanic said that my idler arm and pitman arm were fine but my steering box was leaking oil and should be replaced. I asked him how long it would last if I just refilled it when it was low. He said no telling how long, but could last for years. So guess I will just keep checking the fluid on it for now. It only needs to last till next summer anyway when I will be going to Europe. I have been smelling a "leaking radiator" smell for ... read more

Dec 13 , 2010 San Antonio to Kerrville Today my sister Laura and I took a scenic loop drive out of San Antonio to Kerrville and back. We went on I-10 west to Boerne and got on 46 west and took it to Hwy 16 which runs north through Bandera and Medina to Kerrville. Coming into Bandera if you turn left at the light downtown instead of right there will be a nice little park on the right before the river suitable for picnicking. Going right at the light instead takes you north out of Bandera towards Medina. Going north out of Medina on Hwy 16 there is a sign that says if you are towing a trailer not to go that way. Take it seriously. The road that had been level and a gentle climb ... read more

Dec 12 Hamilton Pool To get to Hamilton Pool you go out of Austin on Hwy 71 west past Bee Cave and go south on 3238 about 8 miles. There is day use only and an entry fee. It has limited parking and in summer hard to get into but this time of year there were only a half dozen or so people there besides me. There is a rather steep climb down into the canyon but it is only about 1/4 mile down and 1/4 mile back up( with benches spaced along the way for resting). It was quite nice. I spent a good hour moving around the pool and sitting on various rocks savoring the experience. I had forgotten both of my better cameras in Georgetown so had to rely on my "snapshot" Sony ... read more

December 11,2010 In Georgetown transitioning from being a working man to being a man of leisure. If this was a movie I did something today which would be considered highly symbolic. I removed my work bag from the shelf I keep it on and always packed and put my bag with all my audio books and audio music DVD's, and favorite movie's DVD's in its place. Then I unpacked the work bag, discarding all no longer necessary work items and put the bag away. I have spent all of today inside as it looks cold outside. It is certainly windy. I don't see anyone else moving around out there except those who need to walk their dogs so it must be cold with the wind blowing. Will take care of "inside" task today and tomorrow go ... read more

December 07, Tuesday Got into the 20's last night. Up at 0730 and it is 30 outside now. Nice and cozy in my RV. Very quiet in the park. I wish this park was closer to San Antonio. I'd just stay here. But I've already seen everything there is to see in Austin so time to move on. Sometime later this week or early next week I'll drive down to Kerrville and check out the RV parks there. I've already done lots of homework on them on the internet and some of them look like a good place to use as a home base. Most of the parks are right on the Guadalupe River which is nice. And Kerrville is only40 miles from San Antonio. Planning on driving to Temple this morning and going by the ... read more