The Last Humble Oil Station

Humble Oil was founded in Texas in 1911. Their stations were once found throughout Texas. They later merged with Standard Oil and were rebranded as Exxon in 1972. This is the last Humble Oil station left standing and it's here in San Antonio. You can still see the Humble Oil logo over the door.

By the way, unlike the word "humble" - Humble, Texas has a silent "h". It's pronounced "umble."

The Reader

This is a spot right off of Augusta. It's a nice reading spot and I've seen a couple of people reading or just relaxing there. This is also pretty much the spot that I took a spill a bit ago and scraped up and bloodies my knees.

Diane for Mayor

There's a mayoral race coming up soon in San Antonio so we are seeing these signs crop up all over. So far I have seen this sign, the one for Castro and the one for Trish. I don't know who I'll vote for, but if I want to make it easier on myself I need to update my voter's registration else it will be as much of a pain to vote as it was during the presidential election.

SA Sky

I'm always amazed at how colorful the sky can look and how different the clouds can seem. I can't not take a pic. Here I like how the color goes from orangy/yellow to the white of the clouds to the blue of the sky.

City Hall Annex

I'm not quite sure what all they do in here. I was waiting for the bus right by this building so I took a pic. I think people come in here to pay stuff, but not quite sure what it is they are paying. I know they used to sell VIA bus passes out of here to, but what they do know who knows. At the time I was waiting for the bus it was closed for business so I couldn't go in and be nosy.

Volcano

On the way home my 6 year old nephew asked me if this was a volcano. I of course had to tell him that no it was not and that SA did not have any volcanos. (It doesn't as far as I know, if I'm wrong someone please let me know.) It's a pile of dirt left over from construction going on in the same place. I don't know what they are doing beyond there being some kind of big water like containers on the property. I reckon eventually they will finish and we will be able to tell what they are building. My sister and I often wonder aloud about construction sites. I like those sites that tell you what they are building so that enquiring minds like mind can know and not have to wonder.

It's Curtains at Wal-Mart

I don't know what other people do with the photos they take but I use mine often as a memory aid. I take pictures of books when I'm at the store to keep track of books that I want, or just covers that I like. I also take pics of items that I would consider adding to the decor at the house to show to my sister. In this case we couldn't find the full version of this sample on the sales floor but I took a picture of it to see whether we could find it online. I have heard that some stores frown at picture taking inside the premises but I have yet to be told not too, but I am kind of sneaky about taking my photos. The only place I've ever been told not to take photos was at the mall.

Hybrid

This Lexus is a hybrid version. The motor sounds like an airplane does as it passes by, I'm always looking out the window for it. It also has a GPS system that is a bit homicidal as it tells us to turn into things that just aren't meant to be turned into, but other than that it's alright. Not sure if hybrids are necessarily on the rise in use, since I think the price still keeps them out of the market. The hybrids I do tend to see on the road in SA are mostly Toyota's and Prius's at that--a while ago I drove in a hybrid Prius taxi.

If You Love Me, You'll Do It!

Saw this at Baptist Hospital today. They are always doing displays like this. I like their Halloween Pumpkin contest too. This display drew my eye because of the text it really catches your attention--and all to wash your hands, which I do obsessively. I wash my hands so much that I have to constantly carry some cream with me, else I'll have cracked hands.

Eternal Construction

Off the highway here is some more construction going on. It seems as if everywhere we look now a days there is something else being built. I remember back in the day some of the spots we now pass by were all empty and now people are building out even further because there is just no more room. I really liked the look of the clouds this day too.

Gothic OLLU

We pass by Our Lady of the Lake every once in a while and though we have yet to be able to stop so I can get some better pictures I at least try to take a pic so I can keep track of the progress they are making rebuilding the Main building. My 11 year old nephew seems to think they are taking too long and I try to tell him about all the work that is involved. 

Cross Here

I think that's what this sign means. I'd be kind of afraid to cross that busy street, but I reckon it might be a smidge safe since it's got those push things you can tell traffic when you want to cross. I know you are always supposed to cross at cross walks, but I tell you I feel way safer crossing in the middle of the streets, because at least that way I can see traffic coming at me from both sides. I've seen way too many people tearing through cross walks to feel safe.

News at 5

Whenever I see a news crew at the library I always make sure to watch the local news that day and a few days later. I also trawl through the news sites, because you never know what they are going to be reporting and I want to know. :D

Happy Birthday D!

Quince PhotoShoot

While at the library I saw a photoshoot going on. Could be many a thing, but I imagined it was a photo shoot for a quince or a sweet sixteen. This was right after the shot against the garage wall. I shot through a window, and forgot to take off my flash.

Yeah, that makes sense...

And that explains a lot about San Antonio's attitude towards cyclists.

Chocolate Covered, but Not Candy Hearts

It's just a few days from Valentine's and the local Reforma chapter hosted a Valentine bake sale. I always try to support them so I bought a few things. This was supposed to be something else, but what they hey, I like strawberries. I got some little goodie bags for my nephews and niece and my sister (who is celebrates her 15th wedding anniversary today).

Train Tracks, but not Those

When we drop off the kids in the morning it's still early enough that most times the moon is still out. The crazy moon as the kids call it when it is out in the morning. I'm always a little leery of crossing these particular tracks, I always think I see the train's headlights coming right at us. I still see many people going around the arms when they come down or walking along the tracks, but I can't imagine I would do that, as you see that as the cause of those horrific accidents sometimes. 

This Card Will Make Our Future Blossom

The library was giving these signs out for people to take home and post in their yards. I took one home and posted it and was able to have it out there for a bit, until my neighborhood association saw it and sent me a letter to take it down. Now I can only display it from my window-unless I get another letter.

Rodeo Reads

Saw this display at the library. I've never been much into westerns, but I know they get pretty good usage, as I see blank spots quite often. My older brother likes to read William Johnstone, and I think he's labeled western. What really drew my eye to this display was the rodeo theme as it is rodeo time in SA. I think the closest that I've ever gotten to westerns is reading parts of the Calder series.

Lunch: Maddi Blaster

Worked right through lunch today so ran over to the Java Nook and ordered a Sunrise Maddi Blaster and a brownie. I know it could have been way healthier, but oh well. The Java Nook is the new cofee house in downtown. I like their frozen drinks and their sweets aren't bad either. They host artwork and are uber friendly. Drop by and try them out.

Remembering Buddy, 1936-1959

February 3, 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper' Richardson, Ritchie Valens and pilot Roger Peterson - a day popularly known as "The Day the Music Died."

This mosaic of Buddy (along with Beyonce and a few others) is located on the west side of Sunset Station, just off E. Commerce Street. It used to be the old Southern Pacific depot.

Theme: Paths and Passages

This month's theme day is paths and passages. This is part of my daily path home. And look up in the sky it is indeed a plane. Those are on their own paths too. It is fascinating how they don't crash up there or fall out of the sky. My little brother does ATC and I have no idea how he can keep all of that straight. Of course he also worked in a restaurant when he was younger and that was uber hard work too that I know I could never do. In the back of the photo you can see other pathways, otherwise known as wires, along those electricity runs.