A San Angelo Celebration

Our D-Day…July 15, came...and we went!

Our first stop was at San Angelo State Park in San Angelo, Texas, where we touched base with our grandson, Gage Wann.  Gage attends Angelo State University, and is working this summer to make money for his college expenses. 

Gage showed us around Sunny San Angelo.  We saw a few of the numerous murals that grace the city, along with the decorated sheep statues which celebrate San Angelo's historical importance as a wool marketing center.

We also indulged indulged in a little shopping at some of the downtown stores.  The temperature was over 100, so most of our exploring was done up and down the aisles. 

This shop had something for just about anyone.

We also stopped by the City League Park, which houses the International Waterlily Collection.  

The collection, acknowledged as the premiere collection of waterlilies in existence, is the life work of Ken Landon.  Landon is described as the man ”with the mind of a scientist, the heart of a poet and the soul that embodies preserving waterlily heritage for the generations to come.”   Due to the size of the collection, only about 1/2 of 1% of the collection can be displayed each year.  Here are some of the beauties that were in bloom when we visited.

And the lily pads are almost as unique at the blossoms. 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Collection.  If you want to see more, put September 13 from 9 am until 2 pm on your calendar and come to the 14th Annual Lilyfest in San Angelo.

We spent the rest of the day celebrating a belated birthday with Gage, who turned 20 on July 3.  

I had made Gage's Great-grandmother Evelyn's chocolate cake, and John grilled steaks for our dinner.  We had a feast!  We were also thrilled finally to meet our “granddog,” Zelda, a year-old lab mix with lovely manners and a great smile. 

She had a good time with the Bagley Pack, sharing toys and tussling with Kota for control of a first-class chewing stick.    

Rue took temporary control of the pink pig, but relinquished it to Zelda before they went home. 

At the end of the day, tired but happy dogs posed for a family portrait.

It was a great way to begin our trip, and we look forward to seeing Gage and Zelda when we return this fall.