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San Antonio, Texas - Proud USAF Mom - Part 1

   

     San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. My first visit was January, 2012 when my oldest son Jesse was graduating from USAF Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base. My daughter Tiffany, my youngest son Dakota and I met my mom at the airport and we did a little sight-seeing the first day since we weren't able to see my son until the next day. We walked through HemisFair Park, built in 1968 in honor of the city's 250th anniversary. It's a large park with water gardens, a kid-designed wood and sand playground, and plenty of places to sit and picnic. The highlight is the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas, offering a terrific view of the city.

     There is a lot to see all within walking distance from this location where we parked the car. Next stop was the River Walk. The Paseo Del Rio is San Antonio's favorite attraction located 20 feet below street level with stone pathways connecting shops, restaurants, hotels, and museums. You can enjoy the culture walking the pathways or while taking a River Walk Cruise, listening to the Mariachis serenading diners on the outdoor patios of the many delicious Tex-Mex restaurants. The blend of historic and modern architecture resonates the depth of this centuries-old metropolis (visitsanantonio.com).

     The next day I got to see my son on Lackland's Air Force Base for the Airman's Run and the Coin Ceremony which signifies the transformation of civilians into world-class warrior-Airmen who are ready to serve in the word's greatest Air Force. We spent the day with my son on the base eating at the BX (a mini-mall on base), bowling at Skylark Bowling Alley, and just enjoying his company after not seeing him for 7 weeks.

     

     The following day was graduation day. The Patriotism, the comradery of the "military family", and the pride a parent feels seeing their child become a respectable adult and be honored for it is just an unforgettable moment! The graduates are permitted to leave the base for the day and become tourists with their families for a few hours.

     

   

     Of course we had to visit The Alamo, one of the south's most iconic destinations, the turning point of the Texas Revolution and a Spanish Mission established nearly 300 years ago. There is a beautiful garden outside with Cactus trees and a fish pond with some very large fish swimming around.

Nearby is the Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It Or Not which has some interesting exhibits, although some have probably changed since we were there. There are many shops and eateries all within walking distance of these attractions.

      If you're interested in finding a restaurant that serves vegan or gluten-free food, Viva Vegeria (1422 Nogalitos Street) is San Antonio's only 100% Vegan and Gluten-free restaurant serving and preserving Tex-Mex and Spanish culture with plant-based cuisine. You can also try Green Vegetarian Cuisine (10003 NW Military Hwy). They will substitute any cheese for non-dairy Daiya cheese and make any meal vegan off of their non-breakfast menus.

     Jesse was pretty excited about going to the River Walk and finally have a variety of food to chose from. We stopped at Cafe Ole and had some great Mexican food and Margaritas, and got serenaded by the Mariachi Band while we ate. I ordered vegetable fajitas with guacamole and salsa (hold the cheese and sour cream). After walking off our meals, browsing in and out of the shops, we stopped by the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and walked around before taking him back to Lackland Air Force Base.

      In February, 2015 we were back to San Antonio to see my younger son Dakota graduate from USAF Basic Training. FYI...it does get very cold in this part of Texas in January and February, so check the forecast before packing your shorts and sandals. We wore gloves and hats in the morning and were still cold!

         
      On graduation day we found a place to eat called The Guenther House, home of C. H. Guenther who established Pioneer Flour Mills on the San Antonio River.

The house has been turned into a restaurant and museum with the Parlor dating back to 1860 reflecting the late Victorian influence of the period. "Ballroom Style" seating has been chosen for the restaurant, however, there is an outdoor area that we chose to be seated at, although it was still a bit cold outside, it was covered in a heated tent. I especially loved the gift shop which has all sorts of cook books, baking supplies, spices and things I'd love to have if I had my own Bed and Breakfast. I don't recall there being many vegan options, but I was able to get a spinach salad with avocado that was good.

     Back to the River Walk we went, and one of Dakota's first requests was for ice cream! We stumbled on Mr Ice Cream, right along the River Walk, and somehow, with all of those choices, he decided on a cup with two different flavors.

It was probably a good thing that they didn't have non-dairy ice cream at the time since I had already been doing a lot of eating and no working out. As if there wasn't enough shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, etc...we came across the Shops At Rivercenter, a mall on the River Walk that includes San Antonio's first Lord & Taylor, an IMAX theater, and is anchored by Macy's,  H & M and a 38-story Marriott Hotel. There's an outside area to sit and eat, drink, and listen to musicians perform while people-watching.

     

     

     The day before we were leaving was a beautiful, sunny day so we decided to visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Pl.). There are indoor and outdoor gardens and displays, a conservatory, many different classes and programs for adults and children, and a gift shop where I bought a hat and some other souvenirs.

     Our last stop was at Rosario's for dinner (they have two locations) which had traditional Tex/Mex food, cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere. Being the only vegan in the whole group, I did not get to try any of the vegan restaurants, but I found that all of the restaurants we visited were very accommodating and would make something to my liking.

     There are so many things to see in the area to satisfy the whole family. If you're looking for an amusement park for the kids, there's Six Flags Fiesta Texas. For those more interested in Art and History there is La Villita Historic Arts Village (418 Villita St.), a square-block enclave of art galleries and shops, the Witte Museum (3801 Broad St), or the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum (318 E Houston St) all in San Antonio. One week from today I will see my daughter Tiffany graduating from USAF Basic Training as her brothers have done before her. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to see her! Since the first trip to Texas, my daughter is now vegetarian and my one son tries eating mostly a plant-based diet, so maybe we'll get to check out one of these other restaurants I just wrote about. To be continued...

Daytona Beach, Florida - Bike Week

     Daytona Beach is on Florida's East Coast and well known for Daytona International Speedway, which hosts February's Daytona 500 NASCAR Race (photo from visitflorida.com). Due to the beach's hard-packed sand, driving is permitted on it in some designated areas. There is also a boardwalk with rides and arcades with free concerts performed at the Daytona Beach Bandshell stage. There is plenty to do there, especially if you like sun, sand, and shopping!

   

Dayton Bike Week starts Friday, March 9th this year, following the NASCAR races, so I thought this would be a good time to write about this location which I've visited a few times over the years. The first time was  about 24 years ago before I was too cautious to ride on a motorcycle (prior to working in a hospital emergency room). I was young, carefree, and not vegan so I probably did what everyone else there was doing...riding up and down the strip, going to "biker bars", eating barbecued food, and wearing some sort of leather.
     In 2010 I went and met up with my sister Tarra and her husband who was rebuilding bikes at the time and had a table set up on the fairgrounds with his company. I had recently become vegan (no consuming or wearing animal products) and I remember I had a difficult time finding food I would eat besides salads and the protein bars I brought with me. It that summer I started performing as Times Square's Naked Cowgirl so came back to Daytona one more time not on a motorcycle, but instead walking through the crowds with a guitar, cowgirl hat, and a bikini. Videographer Ron Israel of "Behind the Scenes", whom I've known for many years from Baltimore and a local photographer Justin Laughman where there to capture videos and photos of all of the action going on. It was a very different experience from my first visit, but both were a lot of fun!

     There are so many restaurants, pubs, and cafes to eat at, but if your vegan it's always a little more challenging, but no worries...I've found some options for you! The Dancing Avocado kitchen is located in Daytona's Historic Downtown area on South Beach Street. It's a family-owned business serving to both herbivores and carnivores harmoniously.  Some vegan/vegetarian choices include veggie burgers, white bean soup, vegan waffles, guacamole and chips and even green juice smoothies, among many other healthy options (indoor and outdoor seating available).
     Another place located on Ridgewood Ave. in Daytona Beach is Oliv Epicurean Grill which is a casual eatery offering made-to-order Mediterranean Bowls and wraps and salads with vegetarian options. I even saw photos of some yummy looking falafel. On International Blvd. you can find falafel and kebabs at Pasha Middle East Cafe. If you're not one for trying new places you can always go to Panera Bread for a healthy soup or salad.

     Not into motorcycles or sand? Maybe you'd enjoy visiting the Museum of Arts and Science (http://www.moas.org/) to experience the planetarium's variety of live star shows, full-dome HD movies, and laser shows weekly. You baseball fans can check out the Jackie Robinson Ballpark located at 105 E. Orange Ave. on City Island. If you are NOT there for motorcycle fun, do NOT go within the next 10 days or you will be outnumbered! Just kidding...it's actually nice to see the comradery of the "bikers" and the diversity of people who enjoy riding. As an x-ray tech of 15 years in a top trauma center hospital in NJ, I'm completely against getting on a motorcycle anymore due to the horrific conditions I've seen people come into the ER after motorcycle accidents, so PLEASE be careful, wear a helmet, keep your skin covered regardless of the heat...and enjoy the sun and sand while I'm several inches deep in snow right now in New Jersey!
   

Three Cold Days in London

   

     I've been thinking for the last few weeks about which travel destination I'd like to write my next blog about, so when photos popped up on my "Facebook Memories" from my trip 7 years ago this week, I took this as a sign from the universe to write about London, England. I went on this trip as a guest of someone who was hired by the New York Bakery Company to promote NYC style bagels in London. By the way, I just checked and the website says these bagels are suitable for vegans :)

      It was three very cold January days hopping in and out of a cab to different locations around London to photograph  and promote these bagels. I am grateful to have gone to a new destination (all expenses paid) and to have been taken to many famous tourist attractions. I was only in each location long enough to take some photos, hear a brief history of the place, and then move on to the next destination, but I will share what I can remember. Most of the meals were on the run and not memorable,  so I've done a little research for any of you "foodies" planning on going in the near future.
     When I read my journal from this trip, I had written that I was about 95% vegan at the time of this trip in 2011. I know the first year after reading the book Skinny Bitch (by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin) was very difficult for me to find food that wasn't from an animal or animal by-products,  that had protein in it, and wasn't a lot of starchy calories. I believe I started my journey of veganism about a year before going to London. I was happy when the taxi driver who brought us from the airport to the hotel said that there were a lot of vegetarian options due to a high Indian population at that time in that area.
     One of the first destinations was to Trafalgar Square to admire the fountains and architecture. It is a public square in the city of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. It is both a tourist attraction and site for political demonstrations. "Every December, Norway donates a Marvelous Christmas Tree to thank Britain for liberation from the Nazis" (tripsavvy.com).
    There are many places to eat nearby. Leicester Square Kitchen received 4.5 stars (tripadvisor.com) for their Mexican and Peruvian menu that also has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. Some other places near by rated highly are Portrait Restaurant with a rooftop view of Westminster, MOD Pizza, The George On The Strand for a traditional pub, or Afternoon Tea at The Savoy for a classic London experience (all have vegetarian/vegan options).
     Next was Piccadilly Circus, a road junction and public space in London's West End in the city of Westminster built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly. The Circus (round open space at a street junction) is a busy meeting place and tourist attraction near shopping and entertainment and is particularly known for it's video display and neon signs mounted on the corner building on the northern side as well as the Shaftesbury memorial fountain and statue (Wikipedia).
   
     After crossing the Millennium Bridge (the London Millennium Footbridge), a steel suspension bridge for pedestrians to cross the River Thames, we stopped at Starbucks at South Bank for a well-needed caffeine boost. I was so glad to find a place to have coffee that actually served soy milk! Off to take photos with Big Ben and the London Eye which technically is not a Ferris wheel, but the worlds tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Apparently, on a clear day, you can see 40 kilometers in all directions (as far as Windsor Castle).

     I finally got a chance to stop and shop for souvenirs for my kids at Jubilee Market located in Jubilee Hall in Covent Garden, London. Saturdays and Sundays are devoted to arts and crafts with over 200 artisans. Mondays are for the antique lovers, and Tuesday through Friday the Market sells household goods, clothing, food and gifts. There are several places here to get vegetarian and vegan options such as Sagar, by Chloe, and Pho Vietnamese Restaurant.
     I was staying in Jury's Inn Hotel, although I don't remember the exact location. One night while out walking searching for food I saw a sign on the sidewalk that read "TAI Vegan Buffet". I don't know the last time I was so excited about food! I had been only eating very boring vegan food that I was able to find in a supermarket or cook for myself. This was the first time in a year that I was trying to be vegan that I actually went into a vegan restaurant. This was not just any restaurant...it was a vegan BUFFET!!! I couldn't believe that all of the options displayed that looked like a regular (non-vegan) buffet were made "cruelty-free" with NO animal products! I probably ate more during that one meal than I did the 3 days I was there, but I felt a sense of reassurance that I CAN DO THIS!!!
     I'm sure there are so many more monuments, tourist attractions, shopping centers, and eateries in London to visit...not to mention the theater district that I did not see much off, but this is what I can remember from my 3 cold days in London 7 years ago.

Visiting My Florida Family With My Sons - Spring Hill and Tarpon Springs

     My older son Jesse was in Mississippi for some computer training with the US Air Force for four months and would be finishing October 19th and have to drive his car all the way home. Coincidentally, I had that week off from the hospital and thought if my younger son Dakota was up for it, we could fly to Florida to visit my family and Jesse could drive there to meet us for a few days before heading back to New Jersey. Considering I had to pick all of my vacation days for the whole year back in January, I was pretty lucky that I just randomly picked days that set me up for what turned out to be a very nice family get-together😊
   I had flown into Florida 24 hours before Dakota so I could spend a little time in Tampa with a friend. I planned to pick him up at the airport where my mom would pick us both up. When his flight got delayed and wouldn't be arriving until 9 pm, my mom was nervous about driving 45 mins. in the dark by herself to get us. Luckily, the delayed flight turned out to be a good thing because my son Jesse arrived at my mom's house in Springhill just on time to drive with my mom to get us, plus I got to have one more nice dinner at Seasons 52 in Tampa.

     It was so nice getting to see my mom and Jesse again since it had been several months since I've seen either of them. We had time to catch up in the car ride back to my moms and continued talking at her house until 1:30 in the morning. Being that my son and I have birthdays September 15th and my mom on the 29th, we decided that we were going to celebrate all of our birthdays once we were together in Florida.

     The next morning I planned for us to go to Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, home of the historic sponge docks. The atmosphere there is so relaxing and inviting. There are many shops, restaurants, and even entertainment... and the weather was perfect when we went! You can take a ride on one of the tour boats, browse in many of the little shops, stop for a cocktail and people-watch, or enjoy the delicious Greek food in the many restaurants.

     My son Dakota has taken an interest in video editing and been mostly capturing people at concerts, clubs and other events, and sometimes just goes out looking for something worth filming. This was a nice change of scenery for him and his camera. We were fortunate enough to be there on a day when Cal Morris (calmorrismusic.com), an amazing violinist was there performing for the people passing by. By the third time we passed him, and after recording him on my cell several times, I decided to buy his CD and I love it! 

   

 I stopped in one of the shops searching for a pair of sunglasses since I left mine in my car in NJ.  They didn't have them but I was able to pick up little trinkets to bring home for my daughter Tiffany and my son's girlfriend Taylor who were home taking care of the animals. I stopped in one more shop and found the sunglasses (photo by Dakota Aiello) and the clerk mentioned Mama's Greek Cuisine was a great place to get Authentic Greek Food, so that's where we went for lunch.

     My mom is a very picky, bland eater but I figured she would find something there she liked.

The appetizers we ordered were Hummus and Pita Bread and Fried Zucchini with Skordalia (Greek potato and garlic dip)...both amazing! My mom is a typical Irish/German "meat and potatoes" person, and unfortunately doesn't like many ethnic foods or spices. After asking the server if they had any "brown gravy" to substitute for the sauce that came with her meal (and of course they did NOT), she had to settle for ranch dressing. My sons and I thought everything was delicious!

     Since I hadn't seen my sister, her family, or my dad yet, I told them that I would cook a pasta dinner at my mom's that night for all of us. I went a little over board at the supermarket buying everything to try to stick to my "animal cruelty-free" way of living, and yet still making food that everyone would enjoy. Of course I had to make home-made sauce (using vegan Italian sausage) for the pasta, salad, garlic bread,  some snacks and desert for the kids, (non-dairy) cheese and crackers, and I bought meatless meatballs. I did tell my sister to bring real meatballs if she wanted them since her family is just as picky as my mom is. I even made spaghetti squash with meat sauce (vegan meatless crumbles) and didn't even bother putting it out! 

     Until my friend Miriam did my family's genealogy chart, none of us new that my mom's paternal grandmother was part Italian because she grew up in France and my grandfather wasn't close with her to know any better. I always wondered where I got this habit of cooking like an old Italian woman (minus the vegan part). When I decide I'm cooking for other people I am in the kitchen for HOURS and cooking everything under the sun, just to have more leftovers than I know what to do with. Now it all makes sense!.

     None of the food mattered anyway because we were all just so happy to finally be spending a few hours together catching up with each other. My sister Tarra works for Barbizon (modeling and acting agency) and travels a lot, so when I go to Florida to visit I usually only see her for a couple of minutes. My sister and her girls do Barrel Racing with their horses and had a race the next day so we didn't get to see each other again before my sons and I all left Sunday to go back to New Jersey. 

     The next day I planned to go to beach with my mom for a while before meeting up with my sons for lunch. Pine Island Park in Springhill is about 20 minutes away from my mom's house. It was always the perfect place to go when my kids were young since it's part of the Gulf of Mexico close enough to the panhandle that the water is extremely shallow and very warm most of the year. The photo of my son and nephew was taken 5 years ago.

There's a playground, snack bar, picnic areas with barbecue grills, and plenty of sand and palm trees for relaxing and sunbathing. My mom doesn't take nearly enough time to herself to stop and enjoy her surroundings so it was so nice spending a couple of hours relaxing and talking with her on the beach.

       My younger son asked my mom to take us to Steak and Shake for lunch, which is popular down there and I figured I could order a salad. The line was too long so my mom brought us to the Golden Corral Buffet because they have a salad bar for me.  Knowing what I do about the meat and dairy industry (aside from working in restaurants years ago), it is very hard for me to go into these types of places and not be repulsed. They must have to buy the cheapest meats, which are usually from slaughter houses with the most inhumane practices; and then to watch all of the food get wasted as people push their half-full plates to the side, just to get more food to waste. I usually include restaurants that have vegetarian/vegan options in my blogs, but I honestly can't recall going to any "healthy" restaurants in all my years visiting my family in Springhill. Of course there are the typical franchises that have salads,pasta, vegetables, etc...but I usually go straight to Publix supermarket and buy food to cook while I'm there. After all, the only reason I go there is to see my family.
   

 Last December I visited for my niece's birthday and also to see how my dad was doing after being sick for a month. My mom and I surprised Alexis at her bus top after school and took her to dinner and to pick out a toy for her birthday. The weather was only about 70 degrees the first week in December, but perfect for taking my nieces to miniature golf and sitting out on a lounge chair in my mom's yard. I even got to see my Godson for a little while!

   

When my youngest was about five years old and able to swim, my mom and I took my kids to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, part of Buccaneer Bay Water Park, located on Commercial Way in Springhill, Florida. It opened in 1947 with the first underwater theater for people to watch the "Mermaids" perform water ballet using special hoses to breathe into. I've been obsessed with Mermaids since I was little, so of course I was ready to quit my day job to go work there! Since then it has grown into a tourist attraction with water slides, beaches, boating, camps for kids, and much more. I'm sure they're not happy about this photo I found!

     My mom has been trying to get me to move down to Florida for so long. I really enjoy going down to her house, and always feel like it's not nearly enough time spent with my family. Years ago,  I even looked into the local hospitals to see about potential jobs for x-ray techs, and I visited the local gyms to see about personal training and teaching group fitness classes. Besides the lack of fitness motivation in her area, or the cut in pay I'd have to take in all of my jobs, I really just like where I live in Secaucus, NJ. I'm spoiled by the convenience of everything near by. Without traffic, I can be in Times Square in 20 minutes, the Jersey Shore in an hour, and West Milford in 50 minutes. My lifelong-friends and all of my other relatives that I cherish near by, not to mention all of my children being right here in Secaucus. I'm not saying I won't ever relocate, but I am saying that Springhill Florida is going to be one of my regular vacation destinations as long as my family is still living there.