TEXAS!

One of my 30/30 goals is to travel to 4 new states.  Last week I had the opportunity to visit San Antonio, Texas!

Texas was hot and sunny and I loved every minute of it!

The hotel that I stayed at was just a couple of blocks away from The Alamo.  After checking in, I grabbed my camera and headed out to see it.  It was a lot smaller than I expected it to be!  Admission was free and photos were not allowed once inside.  Really there wasn’t too much to see on the inside!  Visitors are quiet and respectful as they navigate between a few different rooms to view small exhibits.

The San Antonio River Walk is a walking path that follows the San Antonio River underneath the street level of the city.  There are several restaurants and shops along the walk.  Tour boats carry tourists through the maze pointing out unique architecture and city history.  At the end of a workday I caught a guided tour by “Rio San Antonio Cruises.”  My tour guide was pretty funny.  The tour was only $8.25 and it lasted approximately 30 minutes.  I recommend it if you find yourself in San Antonio!

 

At the recommendation of my boat tour guide, I ate dinner at Rio Rio Cantina on the River Walk. I ordered Chile Rellenos and a margarita – YUM!

On my last evening in Texas I wandered the River Walk to the Tower of the Americas.  A ticket to the observation deck cost just over $5.  There was no line so I went for it!  Only 1 elevator was running at the time I visited.  The observation deck was empty – I basically had the place to myself to check out the city from a new height.

 

I had a great time in Texas – I will need to take Hubs with me next time!!

Dairy Princess Celebrations

This past weekend I celebrated 50 years of dairy promotion through the Dairy Princess Program in my hometown. 

Each year, daughters of dairy farmers have the opportunity to compete for the title of Dairy Princess.  The selected princess works with her court of ambassadors and the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council to promote the dairy industry. 

Throughout the year the girls will visit various schools and events in communities to talk about the benefits of dairy in the diet.  The girls will also submit public relations pieces to local newspapers and radios to spread their message as well as attend local farmer meetings to provide updates.

How do I know all of this? Because I once served as Dairy Princess.  In fact, I served 10 years ago! 

Enjoying a milk based beverage before the banquet!

The Dairy Princess program had a great impact on me as a high school student. Learning how to coordinate large events and present to varied audiences was a skill that I took with me to college and even now continue to build upon in my current career.

I was thrilled to be invited back to the 50th Annual Dairy Princess Banquet and Parade. Of the prior 50 princesses, 23 returned to participate in the banquet and parade.  It was so fun to meet other women that have served over the years! 

Former princesses!

Although I am a bit removed from the dairy industry now, a part of me wishes that there were some way I could continue to give back to the program.  It would be fun to go back to coach and mentor new girls as they go through the program.

CHEESE!

The shirt reads "Once a princess, Always a princess."

The parade!!