Free lunch friday

Since Zookinis closed where else can ya go for a good salad in Abilene!? 

Let me know I may buy yours! 

10k views?

Sooo close come on guys and girls help me push this over the edge.  Still have to put in more places. 

Lookjng for comments questions or suggestions 

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Its been awhile

Be watching got an exciting trip planned!! From crazy life, seafood,bbq and wine. Maybe some history and culture all wrapped up into a long weekend. 

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Free lunch Friday!

Haven't in awhile but it's today tell me where were earring Abilene!! Hurry times a wasting 

Midland

Going to midland today. Nope not sure why other than looking for a sleep number store. But if there is something interesting there let me know! 

First day in Alamo city

Had a great very tiring day. Up at 4am on road to make it to basic for Airmans coin ceremony. Spent day with Jacob and great family and friends. 

Tour old favorites and some new too. Need some sleep will have a few reviews on the site below later. Lots more to follow tomorrow and throughout the weekend 

San Antonio

Leaving in the morning  it'll be a short get away. Anything ya wanna see? Hit me up! 

Sunday meals

What's your family's favorite Sunday meal? Something easy? Slow cooked all day? Crock pot or smoker? 

Weekend fun

So most weekend here are working in the yard.  Being in a new house and on a big lot means every bit of spare time goes into working on the yard to get it the way you want. I figure some day it might actually be done.  

  The only good part about mowing, edging and weeding for hours on end is the beer and smelling whatever is on the smoker all day.  There is something to be said about the aroma of smoke spreading through the small neighborhood.  

We always welcome new friends to stop by and ask what's cooking.  So find me stop by and try some great food. But bring your work boots cause ill put ya to work! 

Al's Diner recap

What made me bring this up again you ask...Well being that it is by far the most viewed, commented, and emails about than any other of my blogs. I was overwhelmed by the people that contacted me and said they had the same rude treatment.

  I never wish anyone ill will or failure. I only want people to be aware and maybe even the owners to learn and listen. Going out to eat now days is hard for most families. It is by far a luxury to go have someone else make you that you could do cheaper and maybe better at home.
 So to not get the best food, service and experience you can every single time is a waste.

I would have thought through all this the owner Al, would have asked more politely for me to come back and make this better. I may have to sneak back to Lawn and see if it has changed, even though I have heard it hasnt in any means. I do know I better hurry up and do it while they are still there!

If you have had a bad experience, at Als or anywhere else let me know I will do my part. I always check it out for myself before I write my opinions. I am always fair and to the point. I'm here for the diner not the owners.

good luck and happy eatting







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I know

Haven't been posting lately at all. Work has been a little crazy with the storms in Abilene 

San Antonio trip is still on later next week. So any place u should go and try let me know. I'm always open for new ideas. 

Need more views and ideas for website too so keep those coming. 

The mead is doing great. Any local artist wanna design a label contact me I'd love to help each other out. 

Almost made it

So the goal was 7k web page views in the first year, well came real close ending at 6892. Well lets go way past that on the next year. I wanna shoot for 20k total hits!

I will continue to add new things, where I go what I eat and of course the meads. I do need all my loyal fans to help with suggestions on what you want to see. I can add the recipes that we use (maybe not all) per request.

If there is a place in Texas, or who know just ask. Curious about Abilene, well youve come to the right spot send a questions or request and I will be more than happy to answer the best I can and pictures.

There are somethings planned in the future and I try to update the calendar on page as often as I can. We are also on Facebook search for Texas Travels page there if interested. Its hard to keep it all going at the same time so look at them all! HA.

Follow the link at bottom and leave me some love and comments. Help me hit 20K this time next year

thanks!!


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Just updates

Been awhile since I have posted on here and do have followers so thought id update. Since Nac I learned from my dad how to make bread. I have practiced many different things, rolls, a loaf pretzels and the latest were bread bowls.
 The mead, well finally after 200 days bottled it. It came out in several ways, the sweet, dry, a sparkling rose water and then did a blend of dry/sweet oak (thats my favorite).

 I have had I dont even know how many people ask if I would sell them some. Ok heres the deal, I do not have my TABC lic...yet. So I cant legally sell it, but help me help you. Cover my costs with a donation and I will give ya one to try. Help me grow and get better at all this. Not looking to make money, cause thatd be illegal, but honey, bottles, corks, ect add up.

As always if you want live updates I do post more on web www.texastravelr.weebly.com

leave comments send me mail happy to do custom things






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Free lunch Friday!

Back in Abilene! Where ya want to go today? 

Nacogdoches trip

I started the posts with my adventure. So far only did three I have a few more. It's been bust and hasn't had time to type it all up. Even though lately been lazy and only use my phone. Ill do more and keep it up. 

Check it out and leave me comments. Will head back Tuesday. So anywhere along the way let me know. 

Www.texastravelr.weebly.com 

Free lunch Friday east Texas

Ok Friday in Nacogdoches so why not a free lunch? Tell me favorite place for lunch a may buy yours!  Send replies now!!

Free lunch Friday!

Ok Abilene last one for awhile. So tell me where were going and I may buy yours

Close to 6000 views

Hello, bloggers and followers! The website www.texastravelr.weebly.com is almost at 6000 views in less than a year. I know not a huge feat, some famous guy has that everyday. But for free site and me doing what I can when I can not too shabby.

Help me by passing this along share it and visit site. I know its not very updated alot of old info, but I am busy with regular job stuff. I do plan on a complete update this summer when on leave and will fill in all the other places I have been.

So what ya waiting on? Go!



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Al's Diner

So Saturday I decided to check out this new 50's style diner that just opened in Lawn,TX. Its right up the road and sounded like a fun thing.

 On first impression walking in, wasn't too crowded but people there. The decor...well it resembled a 1950 kinda theme..the old Chilies bar stools made it. But there was 50's music playing and two outta the four wait staff were trying to dress the part.

 We were sat in the crowded isle in a two person table and took drink order. Order onion rings as an appetizer, nothing out of the ordinary didn't seem all that "homemade".

Me being a big blue cheese burger fan I found it on the large menu, so of course I have to try it.

Now is where the trouble starts.......

An hour later I finally saw the waiter again and was like? dude hungry here its been an hour and I can just go. He said "its coming right now".  He walks to the back and then back to me and said "I apologize, this is a family place and they are training the cooks". Right as he leaves a girl waitress walks up and asked what he told me so I told her. She laughs and said "Really?" and calls over another female waitress and had me tell her.  Now is getting awkward, I feel I am in the middle of some kinda workers feud.

Now the first female comes by and drops this shrimp dish on my table and said try this its great. Well I don't want shrimp I want my burger. Oh well at this point I am starving so I taste it.  Imagine a sweet garlic ketchup poured on over cooked shrimp, wasn't a fan.

At the hour and a half mark, wow foods here! The patties, yes there were two small ones, looked like you make at home trying to balance on top of each other on a sweet soft bun. I know y'all have heard me talk about bun to meat ratio and bun integrity before so you see where this is going. They thought using the core, well maybe not that bad, but the big veins of lettuce, you know the white piece not even green. A store bought probably in a 55 gallon tub blue cheese dressing. However!!! the fries did appear and taste hand cut and were my favorite part.

Now, with great anticipation I am waiting to see my check. Here it comes...........FULL PRICE. Yep with barely even an apology from the waiter. So I am not saying a word just paying and leaving. When I get outside I do two things. One, post to their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/AlsDinerDrivein/posts/580288368658873?comment_id=6309387&offset=0&total_comments=3&ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment#!/AlsDinerDrivein?hc_location=stream

about my service. Second I sent direct message about it as well.  Thirty minutes later I got a FB message back from Al saying the waiter forgot to turn in the ticket, it only took us 12min to make it once we had it--come see me Al.  What? come see you? How about I am sorry for your experience please come back and talk to me and I will make it worth the drive. That sounds better right?

Ok, today I get a heartfelt response from someone else on the post. Then Al had to speak up and remind me we already talked about this and it only took 12min. Excuse me?! 12min? I waited and hour and half, great to know when you dont screw up you cook fast, but what about the 1.5hr wait before you get the ticket? And why even bring it up? On your FB page of all places. Is he trying to make sure the world knows he is right? Did he put me in my place?? Wow.

So, when leaving Al's I really know things happen and that owners or managers can make it up to you to gain business. Even if I didn't see it right away was willing to give them another chance. After today I am second guessing myself if that's a good idea. The owner seems very arrogant and has to prove that he is right. As Gordon Ramsey would say hes delusional and in denial.









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This one is a test

Ok, Blogger since its Google, tied in Google+ and the comments. I have alot of friends on + but no followers here. I can see that all my posts get tons of views, but no comments on here.

I just wanted to get the word out on what were doing, however comments, followers and feed back is nice too.

As for whats happening; well lemon is fermenting again from the back sweetening, the dry is real good still letting it bulk age. Funny I racked it, oaked it and now I see more sediment. Well this gives me a chance to rack and clear it up more. I really am thinking I may need a filter. I have primitive but something better.

Anyway, the bochet is seperated nicely and the blackberry is turning out amazing still in primary. The vanilla well strong is all I can say with after tones of vanilla. It is still young so I will continue to wait and back sweeten and decide where to go after.


No BBQs planned real soon but they are out there. We had great success with new dishes, so much in fact that is what the people are asking for. All were BBQ inspired and contained smoked meat but not really what Texas call BBQ. Either way had a blast and food was great.

that is all for now stay tuned in for more. Dont forget to check out the website, well the free made up one below.  Oh and we are in the process of upgrading to a full blown out site in the future












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Great weekend

Well everything was pulled off. Bbq went great made lots of new contacts. The menu was perfect and learned alot to improve. Finding this type of business can be very labor intensive and takes planning. But I had a blast!!

Free lunch Friday

Ok lunch is back lemme know where Abilene!! Today will be busy for me looking at 1130 today

Hey it's Friday!

That means yep, free lunch Friday. Been having a blast meeting new people and trying new places. This week could be you!

So in Abilene best place for lunch? Name it and ill pick, yours could be on me

The AC Meadery page

Ok I added the meadery page to site. I'll start adding more updates and pictures. Keep checking back!

Don't forget tomorrow is free lunch Friday!

The lemon mead

Ok separated a gallon from rest. Going to keep it dry. Now question is to oak it or not

Cattle Baron again

Well. How bout review on site

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Racking mead

This weekend it's time to rack the lemon and separate a gallon of it to keep dry. Then I can back sweeten the rest of it. Going to try an experiment to carbonate some. Getting closer to bottling time!

Two more

Got two more batches of mead. Started the Christmas mead its a mulled mead and a blood orange. Really wanted to add chocolate to this one but not sure I wanna wait two years for it. Thoughts? Think it'll be worth it?

Koumiss bottled!

After few weeks bottled the first batch of koumiss. Completely different than it started that's for sure. Hard to explain the flavor you'd have to experience it for yourself. I have more ideas for the next batch!

It's Friday!!!

Free lunch Friday Abilene Texas!! Contact me!

Koumiss

Ok here is what it's like after I racked it. One more racking next week and then maybe freeze distill and bottle!!

Independence Day!

Happy Texas Independence Day!

Its Friday!

Free lunch Friday is back again. Where is it going to be? You tell me and I may buy yours!

Day 4 morning

Looks like a snow globe!

Another mead update

OK, been doing alot more and this koumiss, the milk-mead, well lets just saying it is the most interesting so far. To watch it and all the bubbles shooting up from the bottom is neat to watch. The foam and bubble cap on top keeps over flowing into my homemade airlock. If this turns out good and I want to do it again, I am going to have to think of another way. Or engineer a cap for it that will allow the foam to rise without overflowing and gas to escape without bacteria getting in.

 This weekend I add more vanilla to one, and maybe rack the koumiss. Very excited about some upcoming ones to start. Stay tuned I will post pics. I have some on website (see link below) and some on the texastravelr facebook page. You can now find me on instagram same name!







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Koumiss

This is new creation based on a 1000+ year old Asian recipe using milk and honey. Originally mare milk I changed that up.

Once again

Ok Abilene it Friday! Where's lunch today. Send requests early been getting a lot and to make sure I pick yours find me soon.

And I'm hungry!

Catching up

I just saw that I hadn't written anything in some time so here I am. Things going on????  well Started the bochet, that is a mead where ya caramelize the honey first. Oh let me tell you it smelt so good in the house, like a roasted marshmallow. I only did a gallon to start and see how it turns out but think I'll like it.

 Up coming things, remember to watch the calendar on the website, thats below. Looks like next weekend could be a BBQ and looking for tasters. We are always improving and changing stuff. A couple of trips scheduled and more meads to make.
   One I read is an old Asian recipe called milk-mead. And yes it does contain or fermented with milk. Stand by for that one have me intrigued. Another orange starting maybe next month and mulled mead in May for Christmas. I am trying a new one every month to practice and some filling requests and orders from friends.

 I know mostly exciting for me, yall like the recipes and the travel places. I promise more this spring and summer. Please keep in touch and ever around Abilene look me up for Free Lunch Friday a BBQ or if its bottling time come sample and lend me a hand!








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Free lunch Friday

And again Abilene it's that day where you pick it and I may buy! So where we going?

Lunch today

So work lunch should be at belles chicken house. Been there before wasn't bad but wasn't so impressed I wanted to go back. Lets see today

Pot roast for dinner

Oh it's back to basics today. The classic pot roast carrots and red potatoes. Might have to spicy up a gravy with some wine and mushrooms!

Texas Roadhouse

So went here for lunch today. Had a great salad and enjoyed it alot. However all that was thrown off when the group of waiters all sat around in booth in front of me being disruptive. And even hearing comments from them "we're probably pissing off the guests, oh who cares". Could say anything to manager since she was one of them.

Yep it's Friday!

Free lunch Friday Abilene! It's on where we going today. It's 530 and already hungry!

Taco Tuesday

All over Abilene its taco Tuesday, Rosa,s I think started it but spread to Taco Casa and several others. So....hows eating tacos today?



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Perfect marinade

I know ya wanna know what it is!

3T Texas dust seasoning
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1T Lebanon juice
3 sprig is that a word? Rosemary

Shake together and it's PERFECT on chicken and pork


More to follow,


Oh need Texas dust? Find my website and ya can get it

Any suggestions?

Is there anything y'all wanna see? Have several I wanna post but if ya have requests.....

Chicken Spinach artichoke enchiladas

OK, if you like spinach artichoke dip this is amazing. I wanted to come up with something lower carb and different and I love Mexican food so this was first run at it. I'm sure it needs some perfecting but was amazing.

These are the ingredients
2 pkg cream cream softened
can artichokes
can chopped green chilies
2 cans green ench sauce
16oz sour cream
2 grilled chicken breasts, you do this however ya want, I use Texas Dust
bag of baby spinach
2 heads of garlic
hot sauce, I use Louisiana
Queso Fresco cheese
Olive oil
Mission low carb tortillas

Start with roasting the garlic, cut tops off and drizzle with olive oil and put in 350 deg oven for about 30 min. Grill chicken at this point so we can move on.
 Next I start the sauce because it needs to heat slowly. This starts with one of cream cheese, sour cream and both cans of enchilada sauce and chilies, in sauce pan stir together and heat until melted.

Now the garlic is done, get a food processor and add in small amounts the garlic, now peeled (easy to squeeze out) the artichokes, cream cheese and some queso fresco. Add little hot sauce to taste.

Back to the sauce, once melted I start with a big handful of spinach and stir in. I then use my emergence blender to smooth it all out. But thinly slice some leafs to add texture.

All ya have to do is fill the tortillas now with the mixture and shedded chicke,, roll out, sauce over top add remainder or cheese and bake 350 for 30 min. I like to turn on broiler last few min to brown it up.

Enjoy!!!!










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Wine nuts! Yum

Wine Bar Nut Mix

Ingredients

2 cups pecans
2 cups almonds
2 cups walnuts
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped mixed fresh rosemary, sage, savory and thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a bowl, toss the nuts with the maple syrup, olive oil, herbs and cayenne. Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Season the nuts with salt and pepper and toss frequently until cooled.
Make Ahead
The nuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Abilene!!!!

It's Friday and I wanna do something. Anyone up for the winery? Or Fatboss pub and other ideas?

Free lunch Friday

Ok guys and girls the spot has been picked. Heffs burger on S1st noon tomorrow.

Lunch at Jasons

OK today at 1200 lunch at Jason deli on Catclaw. Awesome sandwiches good salad bar, and you can even order salad that they make. Soups are good and always having a different special.  Watch for my full experience later on.

So whos going?




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Recipes

So starting lower carb again and everyone asks why and how. Well the why is it makes me feel better. Plus does help me lose some of the winter weight I put on. I get very creative on how I cool and don't miss out on any flavors this way. I will start adding recipes I cook and find out there for anyone if they wanna try it.

The hunger

Dont ya just hate it when its 930 lunch is far away and your stomach is growling?  The thoughts of all the different foods you want, mouth watering. Knowing you have to wait.  I find myself watching the clock ok, hour and a half to go.......one more hour, 15 min!!! oh wait, where am I going? Im not in the mood for a burrito now, burger is too far away.










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Working the winery today

Yep I volunteered to help bottle some wine. Wonder how much a guy can drink as he bottles?

Bottling wine

So tomorrow I volunteered to help bottle at The Winery at Willow Creek. Noe only do I like the owners and their wine, but itll help teach me some more techniques when bottling my own. I have bottled once so far but have alot more in the near future. I will try to get some pictures to post tomorrow.


And make sure yall give them a try, nice patio by the creek to enjoy a glass






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Free lunch

It's Friday! That could only mean its free lunch Friday in Abilene. So friends where we going today?

Don't forget tomorrow

Yep that's right tomorrow is Friday. That means free lunch Friday! So where we going?

Tumblr acct

Ok I have no clue how tumblr works but saw alot of people using it, so thought hey why not trying to reach more people so the more ways the better.

ashaikin.tumblr.com




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K.A.T.s BBQ CATERING

That time is closing up on us. We will take orders for jobs next month. Brisket, pulled pork and ribs. Have lots of sides, try the Cajun potato salad or green chili hominy. We max out on good dates quick so let me know soon. 

Dont forget the BBQ nachos!!!!! Theyre amazing



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The town crier steakhouse

Ok tried it out for lunch. They do have lunch specials I tried the mini kabob that cam with one side and a salad. The salad bar is pretty good but no meats. The kabob was cooked good and very tender but the sweet pineapple flavor I didn't care for. It was a ok price but not much food. Fresh hot of the oven rolls made it all better, all 8 of them!

Can't wait to try again for dinner. This guy next to me had a chicken fry that looked really good

My mead

Uncorked a bottle of my orange mead tonight with friends. It just keeps getting better every time I try it!

The wait

So been waiting listing to this girl say 5 min for 20 min @the beehive. About to walk out. I mean say 15-20 min don't tell me 5 min over and over again

Lunch at cotton patch

So free lunch Friday was at cotton pat h this week. A great Texas classic, yes I can say they since its over 20'yrs old now. Perfect t southern cookin g in a comfortable environment. Usually I get great food and down home service. Today the food was good but service was lacking. Oh we'll maybe our server hadn't found herself yet.

Lunch!

Today is free lunch Friday! And @bigJohnson's liqueur and beer's free shot Friday! Lets have lunch and then a shot.

Let me know where we are going noon today.

Upcoming events

Tomorrow is Friday so where lunch going to be? and the Saturday night the wine tasting at Willow Creek. Cant wait to meet some new people!





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Sponsership

I have been flooded with requests to try these places all over and I love it! All yall want me to try these little cafes and take pictures and see all these things. They are all over this great state of Texas.

 I want to hit all them up, but also have a week long summer trip (which is going to be epic), so time a money could be a factor. Nooooww if ya want to...go to the website and make a donation, anything will do, and thatll help me hit all these spots. If you live in some of these places maybe you can come join us for lunch!

Thanks for all your support and until I get a big sponership or mad Youtube money I have to limit what and where I go.


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Nachos!!!!

Ok being told I need to go to marathon,tx and try the gage hotels venison nachos. Ok! Not sure when i can go but oh yea it's going to have to happen soon. Looks like an amazing place built in 1878. Can't wait to see and eat all this!

Made some updates

Made some updates to website last night. Starting to build the calendar and get trips started again. Having requests for the best bbq seasoning ever Texas Dust. Haven't quite figured out how to sell/donate it yet. Thinking through the PayPal link on page. Y'all let me know.

Im Starving!!!!

I know its Monday, and early still but I am hungry. Dont ya hate it when you have to continually have a conversation with your stomach? Ok ok shut up already.

So this morning had to do the whole fasting thing for the doctor, yes I did eat after but once I miss the first meal its all downhill after. So....whats for lunch today Abilene??




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New week is about to start

This could be kinda a busy week for me and lots of things planned. However ya know I still will make time for lunch on Friday. Post or send me a message where we should go and I will pick and get back to you. The sooner the better so I can make the arrangements. See y'all out there and happy eating and traveling peeps!

It's Friday and I'm hungry!

So it's 730 in the morning but I am already starving and waiting for lunch! Have submissions and like the feedbacks but not a winner yet still time Abilene who wants to go with me and get a free lunch?

The Cattle Baron Cafe

Ok, so yall all know that I have been here a few times and wasnt super impressed. But I so badly want to like this place. I love the idea of it and the menu. Just thought it may be lacking management or leadership. The waitstaff sitting around and the food not at top quality. But potential is there I just know it!

Well as you might be aware they almost closed and offered a one time last lunch and Abilene all came out and supported them to stay open! Well this again makes me want to like them even more. I saw them on Facebook and posted this same thing and got a extreemly nice reply and invitation to come back. That managment was aware of some of the issues and they are paying closer attention.


So!!! How about a Free Lunch Friday meeting there? Who wants to go with me yall know the rules and I buy your meal.


Still wanted a salad though...........  However kinda excited to retry!!

Ok Abilene ready go!


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Fridays lunch!

So, almost salad time! Where will it be? Whos lunch am I buying this week? All good questions but not saying yet! Still looking for suggestions and havent picked the winner yet.




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Best salad in Abilene?

So for Free Lunch Friday I am looking for a salad. Where ya'll taking me? I know of a few places, lets hear where yours is and I'll buy it!!





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Lazy Sunday

Another week down and preps for the big Sunday dinner. No matter what we have going on friends and family we all get together every week for a big dinner.

I am thinking this week it's steaks. A big juicy one with all the trimmings!

It's free lunch Friday!

So Abilene where we going today? In the mood for Jason's deli

Free lunch Friday!

So excited another Friday! Where we going this week Abilene?

2013!

This year is going to be full of travels! Stay tuned in and make suggestions. It'll be full of BBQ, wine and tons of fun. I can't wait!