Another library photo

Believe it or not, I took this picture the same day as the photo posted on April 1. The colors look much more subdued out of the sunlight.

Gulf Fritillary

This is one of my favorite butterflies, a Gulf Fritillary, also known as Agraulis vanillae. Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the flower it is perched on. I'm also not sure how to pronounce the name. Is it like the word artillery?

Anyway, I find it amazing that a living thing can look so metallic - with silver and copper patches on its wings.

Remember....the Alamo?

Hey, look! It's the Alamo! Wait...something doesn't look right. Where's the Long Barracks? And the DRT library? What happened to the sidewalk in front? And it looks so...new. Hmmm...

It's not really the Alamo. It's a credit union off Loop 410 built to look like the Alamo. Sometime when I have out of town guests, I'm going to bring them here.
"Here we are! The DRT needed more revenue, so they turned it into a credit union."

Candlelight Coffeehouse

Went to Candlelight last Thursday with some friends from work. Though it was "Knit Nite" there was not a lot of knitting going on, as usual of late. We had a great time however. I had not been back to Candlelight in years and was so happy to hear that they went smoke-free. I loved it before but the cigarette smoke was so heavy that I had a hard time enjoying myself. And sitting outside is great but there are the mosquitos to contend with (they provide Off spray but on me, that doesn't always work).

This use to be a gas station. When we go back, I'll snap a shot of the inside, which is a big open seating area with a bar. A beverage bar but also a dessert bar -- yum! There's the main building but also a big courtyard in the back, which is where we sat plus also a little cottage I think they now use for storage.

Anyway, we went back, had a great time, had some yummy food, had a super pot of tea and just chilled with friends. It was wonderful. This is the fish pond right behind our table. And you see a couple on the other side, enjoying dinner. It was super. Highly recommend a visit to anyone passing through this way. It on N. St. Mary's near the Highway 281 overpass.

Library near sunset

Here's a photo I shot last fall, near sunset, just after I bought my (first) digital camera. It's hard to believe our library is nearly 12 years old now. I remember all the fanfare when it opened. (I was working elsewhere then.)

Spiffy Stormtrooper

I saw this on a heavily-graffitied (is that a word?) building at the corner of Convent and St. Mary's streets.

"The force will be with you - especially if you wear a tie."

4/1: Coincidentally, this graffiti appears on one of Agrawal's buildings mentioned in this article.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/stories/MYSA040107.01A.Downtown_eyesore.3b584f3.html

Old Walgreen's store downtown

You don't see this much neon on stores anymore. This Walgreen's Drug is located downtown on Houston Street. I've heard rumors they are going to close it. That would be unfortunate. Hopefully, can use a tripod and get a clearer photo before it goes away.

Augusta Street Bridge

Hi folks! I'm the new guy - actually, the only guy. I'd like to thank Thien and Shorty for letting me join in all the fun!

This is a photo of the logo of the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, who built the Augusta Street Bridge in 1890 - with a big bank building looming in the background.

The Rampage

When the AT&T Center is not hosting a Spurs basketball game, you can catch some hockey action. Last night I went to my first hockey game and watched the SA Rampage defeat the Omaha team (can't recall their name). I had more fun than expected but I realize I'm more into basketball and football I think. Tonight the Spurs play the Hornets and we'll see if the ice impacts the b-ball court, as it sometimes can with back-to-back events like this.

Downtown SA

It has been pretty gloomy here lately. We have actually been getting some rain and our days have been overcast like this. I am not complaining b/c I like this weather (since we don't get this very often so it's something different) and also b/c we need the rain. (If you check out Seguin DP, you see one of the benefits of all the rain!)

Sunset Station Train Depot

I have been meaning to go get a shot of the Depot so I had a chance yesterday during the Spurs Casino Afternoon, a fan appreciation event. I don't gamble but there were door prizes in addition to photo opportunities so I took Sonia I. with me. While Amtrak does run through the Depot, as do other freight trains, it now has restaurant and event facilities. It's located next to the Alamodome so events attendees from there often park in this area and grab a bit before or after their events.

Emily Morgan Hotel

I was acting as chauffeur for Mark and his boss b/c they needed a ride downtown (limited parking) and I parked near the Emily Morgan. It is a very interesting hotel, supposedly haunted! It's Gothic Revival architecture and is rather well-known across the country. It's also conveniently located next to the Rivercenter Mall and the Alamo -- the heart of downtown. It's not cheap...click here to view their site.

Edible Flowers

Not yet April and Central Market is already gearing up for the occasion with these beautiful cakes. I love seeing what they create. Even their "everyday" desserts are scrumptious to see AND taste.

Alamo Fiesta

Before my trip to CA, I wanted to pick up a little gift for my brother and his wife and I wanted it to be something local to SA or at least very representative of SA. Naturally, I stopped by Alamo Fiesta and browsed. You can get more information from their website but basically it is a treasure chest of handcrafts from Mexico. I love the place. I ended up buying them a cute bowl on little feet with a spoon to go along with it.

Beautacious Sky

I took this photo as we were about to enter the San Antonio Wine Festival (Thien called it the Swine Festival. *hehe*) held at the Alamodome. I loved the look of the sky and even my sister pointed out the photo op to me.

The Plane, the Plane!

This was taken on the south side of San Antonio. I forget whether it's Lackland AFB or the old Kelly AFB that is by here. I didn't quite get the shot that I wanted, the plane was just too fast for me.

Little Red....Caboose

I pass this little red train car (I'm assuming it's a caboose, I have no real idea) everyday and before this shot all I've gotten is a blue. This is not the great shot that I've been looking for, but I reckon I can't ask my driver to come to a complete stop on this piece of 80 mph highway. :D I always wonder if someone lives in there. I think it would be nice to, or at least use it for a little home away from home.

Skateland

We pass this Skateland every day on the way in to school/work. This is the best shot I've been able to get so far, from a moving car on the highway. Lately this highway has been getting slower and more congested, which makes for a very road-ragish sister for a driver. :D

White School Bus

A bit ago one of the Daily blogs was talking about school buses and the colors of such. Well a few days later I saw this one. It's white as you all can see. It's for a local day care center run by the local chapter of the Daughters of Charity.

Cool Ride

I took this pic at the San Antonio Wine Festival held inside the Alamdome. I really liked that cool little bike and wondered whether it was in working order.

San Fernando Cemetary #3

This is the entrance to San Fernando Cemetary #3. There are at least another two or three in San Antonio.

Love Makes a Family

This was an exhibit that was at the Central Library in February. It was called Love Makes a Family. Behind the easels you can see our Fiesta Tower by Chihuly. In the left hand side of the photo, site unseen is the Government Documents Dept.

The Cat in the Hat!

Cool, my man gave me a heads up that there was a cat in the building! He was here as part of a press conference where some local kids came and receive a Green Eggs and Ham book courtesy of Idearc Media Corp., publisher of the Verizon Yellow Pages and SuperPages.com. They ran a contest, we won and we got 20,000 copies of the book. Here's the article.

He was a very good cat. For a while, I watched as more and more kids drew near and I really thought they were going to bring him down. They all seem to want to hug him and tug on him and touch his hat! Too funny.

Water Tower

This water tower is right about where the oldy Kelly Airforce Base used to be. It must be Kelly USA now. The view is from a little overpass on Cupples Rd. on the west side of San Antonio. We've just passed the San Fernando Cemetary on the right.

Culebra Meat Market #21

This is the Culebra Meat Market. I like it's bold red color. We pass it by everyday on the way to drop of K at school. I don't think I've ever been inside this one, but when I was little I used to go with my grandfather, mostly to Ben's on the west side, but I'm sure we must have gone to a meat market at some point.

Barbershop?

We passed this by on the way to D's work a bit ago. I had never seen it before. I liked the primary colors and only just realized that it must be a babershop—and the only reason I say that is because of the barber poles painted on the sides.

Shadowplay

Driving by this little school today I was struck by the shadows on the wall. We pass it by everyday and I've never noticed it before. I think this is Rodriguez Elementary in SAISD.

The Neon Lights are Bright

This is on the north side of San Antonio, right around Bitters. I think it's a Sterling Bank. We were there at this time of night because it was my D's 35th birthday and my other sister P treated us to Olive Garden. This is to the left of the Olive Garden we went to. It was cold this night and I was tempted to ditch Olive Garden and go down the street to the Noodle House.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, so I saw a lot of ash crosses on people's foreheads today. This lovely lady was a bit reluctant to let me take the photo, but she agreed in the end, and although it turned out a bit blurry I love how she turned out so I'm posting it. I haven't let her know yet, but for now here it is.

Hula Girl

I saw this as we were walking to lunch one day. It made me think of the hula dancer Thien had in her car, or was it Sarah? Hmmm...

On Main Off Main Gift Shop

This shop use to be located on Main Street at the location where Justin's Ice Cream shop is now. We posted a Justin's shot before I believe. Anyway, On Main moved around the corner on Mistletoe and has a slightly new name. You can find great gifts; I love the place. There are also cards, candles, gift baskets, prank gifts, books and more. It's a great shop you should check out when you're in town. Plus, it's just great to shop here rather than an impersonal mall.

Mass Wedding at Courthouse

On V-Day every year in Bexar County (where SA is), people can get married on the steps of the courthouse. There are about 4 or 5 ceremonies during the day. I caught this one as we drove home after work. I saw at least 2 wedding gowns but most everyone is in casual attire. It's crazy!

Boys and Girls Mural

I've tried to get a good shot of this mural and this is the best so far. I like the different colors of the kids. It's the Calderon Boys and Girls Club I think, located in the scenic west side of San Antonio.

Nora's Beauty Salon

I hadn't seen this beauty salon before. Usually after dropping of K at school we go the opposite way, but today I was accompanying D to work, so I took the opportunity to get some new shots. I don't know why I'm so obssessed with beauty salons—although I don't think it's the salon's themselves, it's more like their signs and their colors, so there! :P

Waiting for the Library to Open

The calm before the storm. I'm always amazed by the long line of people waiting for the library to open. This is the Central Library in downtown San Antonio. You've seen it, it's the big red block building that can be viewed from any of the downtown highways. An newl employee of the library once got lost and called in for directions. He said "I can see the library, but I can't see how to get there." He kept going in circles. :D

A rose

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Though today is too commercial for some of us, I view it as just another day when you can let someone else know how you feel about them. My friend's husband dropped off this beautiful (and wonderfully fragrant) rose for her when he brought her cellphone by. I thought it was a very sweet surprise. And see, it's not commercial at all ... it's from their yard and I love the green ribbon. Very nice.

Waiting

This little girl caught my eye when we were walking to Baptist one day. I missed the pose that I really liked, but was able to get this one. She just seems to be waiting so patiently.

Federal Building

This is the federal building right on the outskirts of downtown. You can see the Tower of Americas in the background. To the left of this photo is the Federal Courthouse and to the right of this photo is the Institute of Texan Cultures. Behind this building is the Convention Center.

Fast Food Partnerships

A while back another Daily Photo blog posted a pic of the AW I think. They asked if anyone else had them in their area. I said we did and that I would take a pic and post it. And here it is, the tree did get in my way as we drove past, but I like how it frames the Long John Silver sign. I must admit we were going to stop and pick up some food, but their drive through was on the fritz so my very impatient sister just drove on.

Asian Festival

We went to the Asian Festival held at the Institute of Texan Cultures this Saturday. I think I heard it was the 20th year it was held. While watching other dancers I saw these little ribbony things in the background. I thought it was another performance, but these dancers were just practicing for their turn in the spotlight.

Wired for action

Have you ever gotten a sleep study done?? I have not but I did get to see my honey get wired last night. This is usually conducted in order to determine causes of interrupted sleep in patients. There were about 11 wires, though to me it sure seemed like more! I understand to have an EEG, there are an additional 10 wires! Yikes. How does anyone even sleep with all these attachments.

This was conducted at one of the very few sleep labs we have here in SA.

Used to be Las Palmas Library

This building used to be Las Palmas Library back in the day. I can't believe how small it was. Las Palmas Library was rebuilt further down on Castroville across the street from the San Fernando Cemetary. This is now a WIC clinic I think.

Carmen's Glamour Cuts

This is a salon on the west side of San Antonio, my old stomping grounds. I like the kellyish green of the building. I wonder what kind of cuts you'd get in there. That Money Box to the left of the salon has been there forever, or at least since the early 90s. To the left and out of view of this picture is the Pizza Hut that we used to eat at every once in a while, and across the street and to the left is one of the few Handy Andy's left in San Antonio. On this street is where I got drenched by a VIA bus back in the day. I was lucky I didn't get the flu.

El Condado

This is the Bexar County Jail. Back when I was still in college I worked on the other side of this bridge. I've heard tell that women that walk by here get cat called. This bridge also brings back memories because we used to go over it almost every day when my grandfather went to go pick up my grandmother at the Holiday Inn in downtown. We used to ride in the back of his truck, back when that was still legal. It's kind of understandable why they outlawed that, because one day my sister was so fascinated by the wheels and was hanging so far over the side of the truck that she nearly fell out.

Duplexes

These houses have started to go up in various parts of San Antonio. This one is located on Cupples St. in west San Antonio. I've seen another similar grouping off the highway on the way to work on the southside of San Antonio.

Watching the Pile of Dirt

Sean from Kyle Daily Photo posted a photo like this here so I said I would post something that I had seen that was similar. I took this from the car passenger seat through the driver's window after dropping off my nephew at school. I still have no idea what this seat is doing here. It does have a good view of Elmendorf Lake located to the side of Our Lady of the Lake University. A few days before this shot we saw a bunch of cops to the right of this photo. My sister and I were wondering what the deal was, and when we watched the local news later we found out that a dead body was discovered.

Techies

When Shorty and I went to some Electronic Records Management training provided by our city's IT department, we dropped in on a few former library employees and our friends. We were treated to a tour of the "brains" of the city --- all these servers and back up systems and stuff. Pretty cool but I am no techy so I won't pretend to tell you what all these things are or what they do. I can tell you the guys seem proud to show it off and Shorty was very impressed by the volumn of equipment. Just row after row of all these cabinets!

The Big Kahuna

For lunch, we decided to try this new Vietnamese restaurant a friend had recommended. It's located about 1.5 miles north on San Pedro Avenue as you leave the library. It was delicious! Very authentic and reasonably priced. I had a pork/chicken sandwich and Mark had the lemongrass chicken on vermicelli noodle. The fresh spring rolls were excellent, the best we have found in town in my opinion.

They have not remodeled the place so it looks the same as the last restaurant that was there but they'll get around to it I was told. There's wifi and some entertainment planned for some of the space.

News Van

I saw this local news van the other day on the way home from work. I thought it somewhat funny that the news has to stop for gas too. :D

Theme Dayish: What Annoys Me About San Antonio

I saw this the other day and thought it was pretty and looked like some kind of pretty foreign script, BUT I really don't like grafitti on places that it is not sanctioned on. This is on the wall of the Central Library in downtown San Antonio. I consider most grafitti art, but only when the owners of public building allow it.