"Didn't I see you down in San Antone on a hot and dusty night?" - Memo From Turner

Well over the course of the last decade or so, I have made several trips down to San Antonio to see my Lakers take on the hated Spurs. I would have to say that 90% of the time I come home sad due to the fact that the Lakers seem to never play well when I am in the building. So as I made my way down I-35 one last time before leaving Texas, I had no reason to believe this night would be any different; especially when the news came down that Kobe Bryant would not be playing. "Where's the rest of them? Surely a so-called elite NBA franchise such as the Spurs has won more than just four championships..."For my Gator friends out there - Matt Bonner draining a 3-pointer.Pop trying to figure out WTF is going on. A 26 point lead in the second half? Get Out?!?!Well, I must admit that I was MORE than surprised that the Lakers not only showed up and played well, but laid the smackdown on one of the best teams in the NBA. And on their homecourt!! And without Kobe!! Haha! Lakers 98 - Spurs 84 - Laker fans celebrate on the front steps of the AT&T Center.San Fernando Cathedral - Founded in 1731, it has the distinction of being the oldest cathedral in the US.The Tower Life BuildingLate night eats at Mi Tierra Cafe As much as I hate the Spurs and mostly their fans, I have to admit that I am going to miss these jaunts down to San Antonio. Take care SA, I am quite sure I will see you again someday!!

St. Anthony Hotel

On a recent visit to San Antonio to see a Lakers vs. Spurs game, Laura and I stayed at the St. Anthony Hotel. In 1909 the St. Anthony opened it's doors to droves of anticipative patrons. Positioned as one of the most modern hotels ever created, visitors marveled at illuminated closets, bedroom lights that turned off when the door was locked from the outside, and the use of their very own private bath and toilet. These amenities, although small by today's standards, set the stage for a series of hotel innovations that made the St. Anthony a leader on the technology curve.

Since first opening it's doors, the historic St. Anthony has played host to royalty and presidents and celebrities from the worlds of music, theatre and film. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Peacock Alley, as did President Eisenhower, and General Douglas McArthur. Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco were honored with a reception in their honor in Peacock Alley during their visit to San Antonio in 1968.

Many guests from Hollywood's "Golden Era" enjoyed the style and luxury offered at The St. Anthony: Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, Betty Hutton, and Greer Garson. President Lyndon Johnson, John Wayne, Gregory Peck, and Rock Hudson dined many an evening in the prestigious St. Anthony Club.

Remember the Alamo

I couldn't visit San Antonio without getting the obligatory Alamo picture. Besides, I needed to add one to my collection.