San Antonio, TX is in the middle of celebrating FIESTA!  Well, actually, we're on the downhill side FIESTA and tomorrow is Battle of Flowers Day.  How do we celebrate -- with a parade of course.  The first Battle of Flowers Parade was held in 1891 to honor the heroes of the battle of The Alamo and San Jacinto.  The first parade had horse-drawn carriage and bicycles decorated with fresh flowers and the participants pelted each other with flowers.  The parade has been held every year since 1891 with the exception of 1918 (World War I) and 1942 thru 1945 (World War II).

The Woman's Club of San Antonio is one organization that participates in The Battle of Flowers Parade.  Each year 3 members are chosen (by the club President) to ride in the parade.  The past 8 or so years, members have ridden in a Red, 1928 Ford Touring Car.  This year is no exception -- the car was at The Woodward House (home to The Woman's Club) today undergoing it's transformation. 

This is what the car looked like when "she" arrived at The Woodward House about 10:00 AM this morning.

This is what the car looks like tonight and during the Parade tomorrow.

Isn't "she" beautiful?  All dressed up and ready to be in The Battle of Flowers Parade.  :)   Oh, I almost forgot the best part.  I get to ride in this car in The Battle of Flowers Parade!  I'm so excited, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight.  We three ladies have coordinated our outfits for the day to go with the theme assigned our "float" -- "Texas Wildflowers".  My hat is all decorated and ready -- a friend, Laura Sistrunk, decorated it for me this morning while I took care of some things at the Clubhouse. 

  Before. . .

After. . .          :)   Isn't it beautiful?!?

You'll be able to watch The Battle of Flowers Parade LIVE right here -- it'll be on from 1:00 to 4:00 PM tomorrow, Friday, April 24th -- which is Battle of Flowers Day.  Oh, we're at the end of the parade -- yep, 3rd from the end (of the parade). 

The Woman's Club of San Antonio's Annual Official FIESTA Flower Show was held at The Woodward House (home to The Woman's Club) on Wednesday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 23rd.

Here are some photos of the Ribbon Cutting and some of the beautiful floral arrangements entered in the Flower Show.

    This one is entitled, "Designing Women"    (The TV Show)

   This one is entitled, "Dallas"  (the TV Show)

  I didn't get the name of this one -- but isn't it beautiful.  :)

  This one is entitled, "The Bold and The Beautiful".  (yes, like the soap opera. 

  This one is entitled, "Gone With The Wind".

Ahhhh, FIESTA in San Antonio, TX -- there's nothing like it!  Live here for a few years, and you can't help but get caught up in the fun and the history of FIESTA.

I'm a member of The Woman's Club of San Antonio -- which is a Charter Member of the San Antonio FIESTA Commission.  Our Club hosts several FIESTA Events every year.  Back in October of 2008, a committee was named to design our Annual FIESTA Pins & Medals.  I was fortunate enough to be chosen to be on the committee and was chairman of the committee.  We had a short meeting and decided to use a sculpture created by a former member of our club, Waldine Tauch.  We placed the sculpture in front of a floral arrangement of white roses (our Club flower) and took pictures at different angles.  I then, emailed the pictures to a graphic artist who created the initial design from the photos and emailed it back to me.  After several meetings and changes, we had our final design which I presented to the Woman's Club Board of Directors for approval before placing the order. 

We started with this. . .

Here's the 2009 FIESTA Pin/Medal for The Woman's Club of San Antonio. . .

Waldine was born in Schulenburg, Texas on January 28, 1892, her father was a photographer.  The family moved to a ranch in Menard County and their home was a stop for the stage hack, or rental carriage.  Her uncle supplied fresh horses and her mother cooked breakfast for the travelers.  Waldine's carvings were displayed on a shelf around the dining room.  Two travelers were so impressed with her work they influenced the family to move to Brady so the budding sculptor could have an artistic education.  Mrs. F. W. Henderson, who had induced the family to move, wrote Pompeo Coppini about taking a new student.  He declined.  "No!  Girls are not good pupils.  They work one or two years, then quit.  They get married.  I lose all my labor."  Mrs. Henderson persisted and eventually sent him a piece of Tauch's work-small enough to be easily mailed, yet intricate enough to be impressive.  When Coppini received the box, opened it, pulled out the padding, and found still another box full of padding, he thought at first that a trick had been played upon him.  But when he finally reached the tiny piece--depicting Little Red Riding Hood with her basket and the wolf-he accepted her immediately.  Coppini invited her to live in the spacious home he and his wife had in San Antonio.  Waldine came to town on June 10, 1910, just a few weeks before she graduated from high school.  She feared that a postponement might change Coppini's mind.  She made a promise to her mentor that she would give up marriage and family so she could give her complete devotion to her creative work-a promise she never broke.  Waldine never regretted her promise, one that brought her to recognition as an artist of national stature.

The Coppinis moved to New York in 1922 and Tauch joined them there the next year. She created a statue of the four LeSueur Smith children in Pelham Manor.  The late Mrs. Eli Hertzberg traveled from San Antonio to New York to pose for a bust by Tauch. The piece is located in the Tuesday Musical Club building.

Twelve years later, the Coppinis and Tauch moved back to San Antonio because of the Texas Centennial and the great amount of work they received from it.

She became an internationally known sculptor of life-size statues such as Gen. Douglas MacArthur at Howard Payne U., Moses Austin in San Antonio's City Hall Square, the Texas Ranger of Today-now in downtown Dallas.  Waldine lived to be 94; she was a Club member until her stroke in October 1985.  Her biography is found in From Chalk to Bronze by Alice Hutson in 1978.

It's getting close, you can feel the excitement all over San Antonio as 101 Community Organizations  prepare for FIESTA SAN ANTONIO 2009!  The members of The Woman's Club of San Antonio are busy putting the finishing touches on their Official FIESTA Events and participation in the FIESTA Parades.

The Woman's Club's FIESTA Pins & Medals were designed in 2008 by a committee, which I chaired! They are now officially for sale.  You can contact The Woman's Club directly, contact me or you can purchase them at the FIESTA Store on Broadway.

The Fiesta Teen Queen has been selected and has already begun attending pre-FIESTA Events.  The FIESTA Queens' Reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2009, at The Woodward House (by invitation only).  We spent the day today preparing food and decorating the house -- tomorrow we add the finishing touches and will open the doors to welcome the Queens of FIESTA to a beautiful reception...be watching for photos. 

The FIESTA Teen Queen Coronation is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2009, at the San Pedro Playhouse.  This is a FREE FIESTA Event - 2:30 to 5:00 PM.

Plans for The Woman's Club of San Antonio's  Annual FIESTA Luncheon, Hat Contest & Style Show, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21^st at the Rivercenter Marriott on Bowie, are being finalized.   Many Woman's Club Members as well as members of the community are busy designing their FIESTA Hats to enter the FIESTA Hat Contest --  the ladies take this hat contest very seriously and coordinate their entire outfit for the FIESTA Luncheon, Hat Contest & Style Show around their FIESTA Hat.  Julie Jordan and I are Co-Chairing the Hat Contest - it's going to be soooo much fun!!!  (I'm chairing the Hat Contest this year!)  Make your reservations now and design your hat for the contest!  Seats are $55 and $75.

On Wednesday, April 22^nd and Thursday, April 23^rd, The Woman's Club will open the doors of The Woodward House to the public once more for The Official FIESTA Flower Show.  Floral arrangements, table settings and horticultural exhibits are judged and ribbons are awarded.  Contact the Clubhouse to get the rules and list of themes and sign up to design a beautiful floral arrangement or enter the Horticultural Division of the Flower Show.  This is a FREE FIESTA EVENT.

The FIESTA Teen Queen & Teen Princesses, members of the court and members of The Woman's Club  participate in the FIESTA Parades too.  The FIESTA Teen Queen, Teen Princess and members of the court will be on one of the River Barge Floats in The Texas Cavalier's River Parade on Monday, April 20^th.  They'll also participate in the Pilgrimage to the Alamo on Monday, April 20th and be on one of the floats in the King William Parade on Saturday, April 25th.  Three Members of The Woman's Club will be chosen to represent The Woman's Club in The Battle of Flowers Parade on Friday, April 24th - I am so excited to have been asked to ride in one of the Vintage Cars in the Battle of Flowers Parade!!! 

For more information about The Woman's Club of San Antonio's FIESTA 2009 Events, contact The Woodward House at 210-732-4811.

I got up early one morning a few weeks ago and noticed this beautiful view out of my breakfast room window.  I grabbed my camera and ran outside!  I just couldn't pass this beautiful opportunity up -- thought I'd share it you all.  :)

Today is the 137^th Anniversary of the fall of the Alamo.  There was a re-enactment of the battle this morning at 6:00 AM.  There are other FREE Events commemorating the Battle throughout the weekend.

I had the honor of attending an "invitation only" event this afternoon.  As a member of The Woman's Club of San Antonio, I was able to attend the Annual Memorial Service for the Heroes of the Alamo this afternoon at 2:30 pm along with other members of our Club.

I've been to the Alamo many times, always with friends or family wanting to visit when they were here.  I always enjoy my visit there and it never fails that I learn something new about the buildings that remain standing or about the battle.  I've always been fascinated by the battle and how 189 men could hold off thousands for 12 days before finally being overtaken by them during a pre-dawn assault. 

Today, we entered The Alamo and were ushered to our seats.  I was able to sit and look around at the inside of the building, remembering things I'd learned on previous tours and things I've learned in reading about the battle.  My favorite part of the ceremony was the Roll Call of States and Nations - where the flags of each State of the Union and Country representing the birthplace of each of these men were presented - Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Denmark, England, Germany, Ireland, and Wales.

If you live in the San Antonio, TX area and haven't visited The Alamo or haven't been there recently, this is a great weekend to visit and learn a little Texas and American History.  There are events scheduled all weekend and it's going to be another beautiful Texas weekend, why not take advantage of it.

Kathy Littlefield (1st VP of The Woman's Club of SA, Hannah Still, FIESTA Teen Queen representing The Woman's Club of San Antonio, and Rose Hoelscher (President of The Woman's Club of San Antonio). 

It was February 23, 1836, when General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army caught the defenders of the Alamo by surprise.  The Texians and Tejanos had prepared to defend the Alamo together and were undaunted.  Commander of the Alamo, William B. Travis sent couriers out to communities in Texas with pleas for help -- only one of the couriers was successful in bringing back help.  Charles Despallier, a 24 year old originally from Louisiana, left the Alamo sometime around February 25, 1836, and returned with the 36 men from the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers on March 1, 1836.  Despallier died in the battle at the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

The final assault of the 13 day siege came before daybreak on March 6, 1836, as the Mexican soldiers appeared out of the darkness and headed toward the walls of the Alamo.  The defenders were able to beat back several attacks.  The Mexicans regrouped and scaled the walls and rushed into the compound. They captured a cannon and aimed it at the Long Barrack and church and blasted open the barricaded doors.  By sunrise, Santa Anna was able to enter the Alamo compound to survey the damage.

Have you ever wondered about those brave men who gave up their lives fighting for Texas to be free and independent?  You can read about them here.

Tomorrow is the 173^rd Anniversary of the Fall of the Alamo.  Over the next weekend and through the month of March there are Memorial Events planned at the Alamo, of the 7 events, 5 of them are FREE and Open to the Public. 

Just because you're in San Antonio, TX and not in New Orleans, LA (NOLA) doesn't mean you don't have an opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras.

I love Mardi Gras -- the colors (purple, green & gold), the music, the festivities.  Yep, I decorate my house for Mardi Gras -- but then, I am originally from Louisiana so it makes sense, right.  I can't always get back to Louisiana to enjoy the Mardi Gras Parties and Parades so I bring Mardi Gras to San Antonio. 

I've been a member of The Woman's Club of San Antonio since I moved here 12 years ago (1997).  We've had a couple of Mardi Gras Parties at the club during that time.  This year we had another one and  I had the privilege of helping plan the event and even in preparing the food we served for this year's Mardi Gras Party.  I also loaned them all of my Mardi Gras decorations and we had a great time decorating The Woodward House.  The Party was Saturday, February 21, 2009 at The Woodward House on San Pedro.

Our Menu included:

Assorted Appetizers (prepared by members) 

Mixed Green Salad w/assorted Dressings

Jambalaya (chicken, pork & sausage)

Shrimp Etouffee (over Rice)

Red Beans & Rice

French Bread & Alligator Bread

Desserts

Bread Pudding w/Whiskey Sauce

King Cake

Pecan Bars

Bourbon Balls

Pecan Pralines

We began the evening by greeting our guests with Mardi Gras Beads as they arrived -- I had ordered plenty to use for decorations and to share with our guests.  We had a wonderful Jazz Quartet playing downstairs during the cocktail hour and while we enjoyed the fabulous food prepared by members of the club.

After dinner, we moved upstairs, to the Ballroom, where we had set up the Dessert Tables along with another table for the Coffee, Hurricane Punch, and Wine.  The Jazz Quartet continued to play as members and guests danced, bid on the Silent Auction Gift Baskets prepared by the Club's Round Tables and enjoyed the Desserts.

One of the highlights of the evening was when the Quartet started playing "When the Saint's Come Marching In"!!!!  I just happened to be standing up talking to a group of guests when the music started -- I remember "moving to the music" and then . . . there was a line of people behind me and we were dancing around the ballroom!!!  (I don't know if anyone got pictures of this -- it was soooo much fun!)  :)

Everyone has been talking about the Mardi Gras Party all week!!!  The husbands of our members were coming up to us at the end of the evening, asking us to have another Mardi Gras Party next year!!  It's already on the calendar!  :)

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!!!

(I'm sorry I don't have pictures of the Party to share with you all.  My camera decided to quit working when we were leaving the house for the party. :(  I could not get the battery to recharge or turn the camera on.  :)  Some of our members had their cameras and lots of photos were taken.  I've put out a request for pictures to be emailed to me.  If I get some, I'll add them to this post.) 

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When buying or selling a home in North Central, North East or North West San Antonio, TX, you deserve local expertise and advice.  Judi Morgan provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers, corporate and military transferees in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, Shavano and Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Rogers Ranch, Helotes, Sonoma Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Red Bird Ranch, The Dominion, Leon Valley and more.

Copyright 2009. Judi Morgan, All rights reserved.

Do you like BBQ?  Why not attend the 13^th Annual BBQ Cook-off & Concert?  This event will be held in the parking lot of Six Flags Fiesta Texas on Saturday, January 31, 2009.  Gates open to the public at 10:00 am until midnight.  Admission is $12 for adults - 12 and under are free.  Active Military Free with your Military ID - NO PETS are allowed and NO the Park will NOT be open.  Pre-sale tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo box office.  General Public Parking is FREE.

Over 200 teams will be competing - there will be vendor booths and free Bar-B-Que plates as well as Live Music throughout the day...

                               Scott Wiggins Band at Noon

                               Jason Allen at 1:15 p.m.

                               The "Bad Boyz Olympics" at 2:30 p.m.

                               Zach Walther and The Cronkites at 4:30 p.m.

                               Aaron Watson (the opening act) at 8:00 p.m.

                               Mark Chestnutt at approximately 10:00 p.m.

Judging for the Bar-B-Que Cook-off will take place from 11:00 a.m. til 5:30 p.m. - winners will be announced at the Judging area.

For more information, contact http://www.sarodeo.com/annual/2009_bbq_cookoff.html or 210-827-7988.

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When buying or selling a home in North Central, North East or North West San Antonio, TX, you deserve local expertise and advice.  Judi Morgan provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers, corporate and military transferees in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, Shavano and Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Rogers Ranch, Helotes, Sonoma Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Red Bird Ranch, The Dominion, Leon Valley and more.

Copyright 2009. Judi Morgan, All rights reserved.

This is the 3^rd of a Series of Posts about the Annual San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo.

Hey Golfers, here's a great way to enjoy a day of Golf and help raise money for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.  The fund provides financial support to cowboys injured while participating in a professional rodeo. 

  The 2009 Cowboy Golf Classic will be held at: 

The Republic Golf Club

4226 Southeast Military Drive

Tuesday, February 17, 2009.

Check-In begins at 7:30 a.m.

Entry Fee is $125/per person

Lunch included

2009 Confirmed Rodeo Contestants Play Free

For more information on registration or sponsorship contact:

Michael J. Cotugno  at  (210) 825-2285 or George Gaiser, Jr. at (210) 889-0118

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When buying or selling a home in North Central, North East or North West San Antonio, TX, you deserve local expertise and advice.  Judi Morgan provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers, corporate and military transferees in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, Shavano and Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Rogers Ranch, Helotes, Sonoma Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Red Bird Ranch, The Dominion, Leon Valley and more.

Copyright 2009. Judi Morgan, All rights reserved.