Preparations for the Parade

There is a lot of preparations for a cattle drive...specially if it has a parade with it.

There are little horses to exercise.

And big horses to get dressed up.

Did you notice the curled tails on the ones below?

Someone had to do that job.

And if you are in a club that represents the state, you have to make sure all is as perfect as can be.

But, as a benefit, there is always time to fraternize with former members of your club.

And then you wait.

And wait.

and wait, till, perhaps beyond what you can stand.

So, you socialize with any neighbors that are close by, to pass the time,

till it´s finally time to mount your steed.

And you get to do,

what you came here for.

Yes, we call this fun in TEXAS!

February is Livestock Month in San Antonio

Yes, many of the big cattle drives of the late 1800´s began form ranches just outside of San Antonio. 

So, February is the month we re-dedicate ourselves to those days. 
It´s almost an entire month of livestock shows and activities.

And, this was the week-end when it all began.......

when we herd the cattle through downtown streets.

Well, it´s not Pamplona. 
The folks are smart enough to stay outside the plastic fencing, and just shoot some pics. 

Though pretty big, you have to admit they are tamed enough to let the cowboys ride on top!

Once in a while, one might get to be a little free spirited.

And, yes, sometimes it seems I get a little close.

Enough for now.
Maybe tomorrow I will show some more pics of the parade or maybe even some of them getting ready for the big event.

It´s no fun waiting for customers

It´s no fun waiting for the customers.....

when the weather´s just not cold enough 
to create a crowd, waiting for hot wine cider!

Here is classic food along the river.

In Budapest we found these sweet breads, 

cooked on a rolling pin, above a charcoal fire.

It was their country´s classical Christmas treat, we were told.

But at every festival, in 4 different countries, we noticed that

the story was the same:

"A family recipe, handed down through generations".

Sounded a little fishy to us ignorant Americans.

Turns out these things did not exist 5 years ago, 

when someone first came up with the idea.

But, they are now selling better than hotcakes!

(P.S. And, did you notice the propane tank,in the first picture?

Yes ready to boost the charcoal´s flame, in case demand suddenly got a little high)

What we love about Christmas

Now that Christmas is over, lets analyze this season.

Here are some "artistic" rederings form my photos along the Danube´s many Christmas Markets.

Let´s be real:  It´s the food we love!

Whether its the fried potato rings,
the sausages from Regensburg,

or the giant pretzels, at many kiosks,
it is food that brought big smiles to people´s faces!

Merry Christmas

We don´t know if the locals along the Danube 
will be celebrating Midnight Mass at their local village church,
or travel to the big city cathedrals.

But, wherever you are,
may you have a Merry Christmas.

Christkindlmarkt along the Danube

Earlier in December we had time on our hands, 
so I made some caricatures form pics we took on a recent trip.

So, if you too have nothing else to do, how about acting like a tourist?

Get on a carriage ....

and pretend you are a kid.

Join the old folks by the Cathedrals´ parks.

You´ll see cute toys,

and soldier toys

and different style of toys for kids of all ages,

by people proud of what they have created.

You will see houses,

and Christmas tree ornaments,

whether of glass,

or more natural stuff.

And, should you get bored ´cause you've seen it all before,

you might find that the caroling choirs,

and the crowds around you,

might make you feel like you are still a kid after all.

So, from the Christmas Markets along the Danube:
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year !!!!!