This past weekend, Phil and I took off for a short overnight visit to our son P.J. in San Antonio, just a couple of hours away.  The plan was to spend the night at his place, go to Taco Taco on Saturday morning for barbacoa for breakfast, then go to the farmer's market and the San Antonio Museum of Art for a photography exhibit (photographs of food, hitting two of our favorite things).

But, as happens in life, plans can change. 

We woke to a rainy day, still very welcome after the two year drought.  Breakfast at Taco Taco was good, but they were out of barbacoa (only available Saturday and Sunday mornings) by the time we got there.  

After breakfast, we went to the Pearl Brewery Farmer's Market which, given that it was raining, was smaller than usual, but still a lot of fun and interesting.  If we'd been in Austin and didn't have a full day planned, I might have brought home some cabrito, but we weren't, so I passed on that for the day.  We shared a delicious almond croissant (breakfast having been more than filling) from a stand that has wonderful breads and pastries.   We explored the buildling a bit, went through a shop or two, and then headed for the museum, just down theroad.

When we got there, we realized that we weren't really in the mood.  Phil asked PJ if he'd mind driving around Phil's old stomping grounds a bit (Phil grew up in San Antonio). 

We ultimately ended up at the Japanese Tea Garden, and what a good idea that was!  I'd only been there years ago, on a weekend, and it was extremely crowded.  This day, with the rain, we had it almost to ourselves - I think only five or six other people came through while we were there.  This view is from the Tea House itself (photo below); if you look carefully, on the bridge in the center right of the photo, you can see someone's blue jeans, which will give you an idea of the size.

The Tea House, built entirely of stone.

We also saw this lovely tree, that looks like some sort of datura. Anybody know what it is?

Now, isn't that an absolutely LOVELY thing to do with an old quarry when you're done with it?