Raise, Ha!
11-16-2009, 08:37 PM
I thought people would enjoy a recap of our trip and a little bit about the place and the players Judy and I encountered.
We flew in Thursday evening, grabbed a rental car, checked into our luxury hotel (serious about that) and met Charles about 5 minutes after we got into our room. As it turns out, he was waiting in the lobby anxious to meet us (I guess) and after the formalities, we went next door to a Fudrucker's for a quick bite and to get to know one another. As most of you saw, we broke up that get together rather quickly to enable us to all play online that evening.
The following morning, Charles met us after breakfast and escorted us to the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio where we checked out the area and took one of those flat bottom boat excursions, having the finer points of the area described in some detail. We of course, visited the shrine of The Alamo and looked that over as well.
Judy and I had Steaks for Dinner and afterward Charles and I went to a live poker game. Since there are no Casinos or poker rooms per se', the locals have a practice of having Texas Hold'em tourneys in private homes. This particular game was held at a fellow named John Longo's ( screename rookiepsu) home, there were 17 entrants, blinds were about 30 minute increments and when it was all over, John and I chopped 1st and 2nd place money. I took out 6 bounties collecting $155 for my $25 investment. I'm told that many of the people who played are very accomplished poker players, so that made winning even more rewarding.
Saturday, Judy and I returned to The Riverwalk on our own, shopped and revisited The Alamo and went to an area known as Market Square as well. Returning to the hotel to relax, we learned that the dinner we were to attend to meet the Holdemfreaks regulars was also at Market Square that evening. In attendance were Charles (Voices_Shh), his lovely wife Nancy and Son Charlie, Gabby (Bisio) , Patty (Baggera) and Dave (KMCWA) as well as Judy and I.
We had a wonderful Mexican Dinner at Mi Tierra where we were serinaded by Mariachi's and treated to probably the most action filled restaurant scene I've ever encountered. There was so much activity, noise and people chattering that it was exciting for me, so you know little Charlie (4 years old) was having sensory overload. The food was exceptional as well.
Sunday, Judy and I just stayed in the room after breakfast, watched football and generally chilled until it was time to dress for dinner. Dinner was held at Dave and Patty's residence on the opposite side of the city. As many of you know from listening in on the radio during the special live broadcast Charles aired for the occasion, we had a live poker tourney in Dave and Patty's Living Room. We even had a dinner break for "Beer Butt Chicken" as was discussed and described previously). There were 6 of us regulars in attendance and in the end, Judy (doomswitch2u) toppled Yoda for the win. (Yes, she has sent $3 to herself for the TLB).
We had a wonderful evening and again thank Dave and Patty for their hospitality.
The People -
Charles : Warm and respectful just as we see him in our games. Loves to have fun and is competitive to the end. His efforts to make us feel welcome and important were very apparent. He's a good man and a true friend to everyone he touches.
Nancy : Cant get her to say much but she keeps him in check. A very pretty lady dedicated to her guy and was often smiling.
Bisio : An elegant professional lady, rich in culture and interesting to talk to. She has a world of experience and a wonderful demeanor. Her interaction with Charles was at times akin to Mother and Son, but it is clear also that they enjoy each others company.
Patty : Fairly quiet at first, not sure of me (I'm sure) but eventually showed her fun side. Dedicated to her guy, her pleasant home and her craft. Patty cooked an excellent meal, so much in fact that Dave will be eating chicken sandwiches until Thanksgiving!! The screenname (Baggera) is actually the name of the black cat she brought to the relationship. Now, all we need to know, is what it means!!
Dave : hmmmmmm, Where should I start.................
Seriously, Dave is the type that really, really enjoys a crowd. Always the storyteller, he has interests and tid-bits to share that enlighten and entertain. His lifes experience clearly woven into every aspect of the person he is today. Just as when you hear him on the radio, he's articulate, thoughtful, considerate and has his convictions. Rough on the exterior but a heart of gold, the world could use a few more just like him.
Then there's Judy and I.
I'll let someone else report their impressions of us as they see fit.
All in all, we had a wonderful time on this trip. We saw an area of the country we otherwise would have little interest in visiting and as a result we made some good friends in the process.
We flew in Thursday evening, grabbed a rental car, checked into our luxury hotel (serious about that) and met Charles about 5 minutes after we got into our room. As it turns out, he was waiting in the lobby anxious to meet us (I guess) and after the formalities, we went next door to a Fudrucker's for a quick bite and to get to know one another. As most of you saw, we broke up that get together rather quickly to enable us to all play online that evening.
The following morning, Charles met us after breakfast and escorted us to the Riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio where we checked out the area and took one of those flat bottom boat excursions, having the finer points of the area described in some detail. We of course, visited the shrine of The Alamo and looked that over as well.
Judy and I had Steaks for Dinner and afterward Charles and I went to a live poker game. Since there are no Casinos or poker rooms per se', the locals have a practice of having Texas Hold'em tourneys in private homes. This particular game was held at a fellow named John Longo's ( screename rookiepsu) home, there were 17 entrants, blinds were about 30 minute increments and when it was all over, John and I chopped 1st and 2nd place money. I took out 6 bounties collecting $155 for my $25 investment. I'm told that many of the people who played are very accomplished poker players, so that made winning even more rewarding.
Saturday, Judy and I returned to The Riverwalk on our own, shopped and revisited The Alamo and went to an area known as Market Square as well. Returning to the hotel to relax, we learned that the dinner we were to attend to meet the Holdemfreaks regulars was also at Market Square that evening. In attendance were Charles (Voices_Shh), his lovely wife Nancy and Son Charlie, Gabby (Bisio) , Patty (Baggera) and Dave (KMCWA) as well as Judy and I.
We had a wonderful Mexican Dinner at Mi Tierra where we were serinaded by Mariachi's and treated to probably the most action filled restaurant scene I've ever encountered. There was so much activity, noise and people chattering that it was exciting for me, so you know little Charlie (4 years old) was having sensory overload. The food was exceptional as well.
Sunday, Judy and I just stayed in the room after breakfast, watched football and generally chilled until it was time to dress for dinner. Dinner was held at Dave and Patty's residence on the opposite side of the city. As many of you know from listening in on the radio during the special live broadcast Charles aired for the occasion, we had a live poker tourney in Dave and Patty's Living Room. We even had a dinner break for "Beer Butt Chicken" as was discussed and described previously). There were 6 of us regulars in attendance and in the end, Judy (doomswitch2u) toppled Yoda for the win. (Yes, she has sent $3 to herself for the TLB).
We had a wonderful evening and again thank Dave and Patty for their hospitality.
The People -
Charles : Warm and respectful just as we see him in our games. Loves to have fun and is competitive to the end. His efforts to make us feel welcome and important were very apparent. He's a good man and a true friend to everyone he touches.
Nancy : Cant get her to say much but she keeps him in check. A very pretty lady dedicated to her guy and was often smiling.
Bisio : An elegant professional lady, rich in culture and interesting to talk to. She has a world of experience and a wonderful demeanor. Her interaction with Charles was at times akin to Mother and Son, but it is clear also that they enjoy each others company.
Patty : Fairly quiet at first, not sure of me (I'm sure) but eventually showed her fun side. Dedicated to her guy, her pleasant home and her craft. Patty cooked an excellent meal, so much in fact that Dave will be eating chicken sandwiches until Thanksgiving!! The screenname (Baggera) is actually the name of the black cat she brought to the relationship. Now, all we need to know, is what it means!!
Dave : hmmmmmm, Where should I start.................
Seriously, Dave is the type that really, really enjoys a crowd. Always the storyteller, he has interests and tid-bits to share that enlighten and entertain. His lifes experience clearly woven into every aspect of the person he is today. Just as when you hear him on the radio, he's articulate, thoughtful, considerate and has his convictions. Rough on the exterior but a heart of gold, the world could use a few more just like him.
Then there's Judy and I.
I'll let someone else report their impressions of us as they see fit.
All in all, we had a wonderful time on this trip. We saw an area of the country we otherwise would have little interest in visiting and as a result we made some good friends in the process.