Three special holiday-themed performances are scheduled for the Asleep at the Wheel Stage, taking place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, 20, and 21.
Dec. 20: The Judy Lee Dancers (tap-dancing Christmas trees, Santa, and reindeers)
Dec. 21: Austin Square & Round Dancers (traditional square dancing with a singing caller)
Concessions and services continue to expand at Austin-Bergstrom. The opening of Annie’s Café & Bar bring specialty salads and sandwiches, burgers, and a full bar with live music. Ruta Maya has added another location to sell its organic coffee and tasty treats; what’s more, this one comes with a bookstore and live music performances every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., now giving the airport 19 live, regularly scheduled music shows in 6 different venues. Lastly, Knot Anymore has got your back with a second location near Gate 7. Chair massages alleviate tired travel muscles, focusing on the neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, hands, and feet.
A new, temporary, fourth security checkpoint opened in November in east ticketing to help reduce security wait times. The checkpoint, operational only during peak travel times, provides four additional screening lanes, increasing maximum screening capacity from 11 lanes to 15.
Click here for more good times at ABIA. They ask that you get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight due to heavy travel.
On Wednesday, I have plans to hit the road to spend Christmas/holiday w/ my family in Omaha, NE! I did run into some good news for travelers and Truckers. Starting Wednesday, Semis will get a break if they take Toll Road 130 to pay the passenger vehicle price. This is to help clear up some traffic on 35, so maybe there won't be so much congestion in Central TX. Click here for more on the story. Try to remember to have patience and allow yourself plenty of time. I will try to do the same too!
FOR SURE LOTS OF PATIENCE!!! Last year, commuters experienced more than 4.6 million hours of delay due to congestion, according to TxDOT. Traffic congestion on I-35 typically increases approximately five percent during peak holiday travel times, including Christmas and New Year’s Day
Affecting over 7 million vehicles... Nissanand the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationhave announced a recall for certain 2011 Rogue models. Some vehicles may have been manufactured with an incorrectly installed circuit board within the vehicle's electronic power steering assist control unit. Nissan says that, as a result, the terminal may experience additional stress on the circuit board's solder, which could eventually result in a failure. Such a failure could cause the power steering assist to stop working altogether, which may increase the amount of effort it takes to steer the vehicle and result in a crash.
Scientists have discovered a planet about 4,000 light years away that could have been a star at one time. Scientists believe the planet is made of almost entirely of diamonds. Wonder if the space travel program will kick in again soon from this discovery? Click for 411! [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/ylGwsIIyZf0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Some of our soldiers coming back from Afghanistan had to pay for their
4th bag (which they have to have). It cost the unit over $2800 for their extra baggage around $200 per soldier. Delta is suppose to have a contract with the Military, so this isn't suppose to happen.
Here's what some of our Heros, who didn't get a Heroe's welcome(BIG SHAME
ON YOU DELTA), had to say.
Delta's answer:
Update:
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the recent conversations on baggage allowances for active duty U.S. military personnel. We appreciate all of your thoughts and insight, and want to share an update on the soldiers involved as well as changes to our official policies.
First and foremost, we want you to know weâre continuing to work with the soldiers individually to make this situation right for each of them. We regret that this experience caused these soldiers to feel anything but welcome on their return home. We honor their service and are grateful for the sacrifices of our military service members and their families.
After careful consideration, effective immediately, U.S. military personnel traveling on orders in First and Business Class can check up to five bags at no charge. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers will accept up to four bags at no charge. You can read the updates to the travel policy on delta.com.
We hope these changes to our policies reflect the true respect we hold for our service men and women and again demonstrate our appreciation as both a company and as individuals who benefit from the freedom our troops defend. We also hope this echoes our commitment to listening, learning, and our continued dedication to constant improvement.
As an Army wife and 12 year Delta employee I also want to take this opportunity to shed some light on the additional ways we work to support U.S. Military personnel and their families throughout the travel process as well as in the community. We are a longstanding supporter military support organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation and United Service Organization.
At the airport, our employees are also committed to providing comfort to our military travelers on the plane, at the gates and in our Sky Clubs. We actively carry thousands of military personnel and equipment every week. Iâm also proud to say that Delta is comprised of thousands of military service men and womenâactively serving, retired, reserve, National Guard and moreâand itâs another reason Iâm passionate in Deltaâs efforts to support our soldiers.
I want to again personally thank you for your passion and for participating in the discussions on our social media channels and beyond, and look forward to continuing the dialogue
Ted, Huey and I loaded up the mini and headed to
Corpus for the holiday weekend. Just a few hours
drive and your at the beach. We stayed at the Omni Hotel on North Shore Blvd. Newly remodeled, with
some of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept on
in a hotel. They take dogs up to 25lbs, so Huey was Happy!!
Thought we'd show you some of the many things you can do
when you're in Corpus Christi.Â
Â
 Lots of Fun things to do, you
might have to plan a couple of weekends in C.C
*Hit the beach.... with lots of sunscreen.
I'm almost glowing in this picture!!'
Can you figure out where I was? Click Here to find out!
BTW great place to stay that is newly remodeled/decorated with one of the
'Most Comfortable Beds' I have ever slept on in a hotel- OMNI C.C.,
They allow dogs under 25lbs in the rooms. Huey gives them a 'BIG PAW' up!
Great Eats: Italian food... 'Mamma Mia's' open at 5pm only for dinner!
Just make sure you have cash on you that is all they take, but they do have an ATM nearby,
which was very convenient!!
The short trip over the weekend was the highlight for Ted, Huey & I of the Memorial Day Weekend!
Good Times, Good Food, and Fun!  I got more pictures/video coming! :)
Click here to make plans for Big Fun this summer! :)
#1 Reason for this weekend.. Remembrance of
the fallen ones and those who are still giving
their all!! THANK YOU!! YOU ROCK!!
Memorial Day weekend has also become the 'Unofficial'
start of Summer (official 1st day 6/21) ... with plans for fun
with family...with friends.. eating out, going to movies,
heading to the beach. Ted laughed at me yesterday when
I said shopping. Shopping is HUGE on Memorial Day Weekend.
You can run across lots of Great Deals!!
The 'AAA' Memorial Day Forecast on everything Memorial Day WKND
says that 43% of peeps go shopping on Memorial Day Weekend.
There's lots of other cool stats too..
-Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period
For purposes of this forecast the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as trips that include travel of 50 miles or
more away from home during the 5 day period from Thursday, May 26 to Monday, May 30.
-34.9 million travelers will journey at least 50 miles from home
- air travel will increase over 11% this year, so much sure you get to the airport, check in, security early..
so you have plenty of time
- TX falls in the West South Central Area-
The Memorial Day holiday travel forecast calls for an increase of 0.7 percent in West South Central (WSC) region holiday
travel relative to last year. Travel is expected to remain relatively steady with record-high gas prices for this time of year
holding back demand on the heels of regional economic recovery. Air and automobile travel are expected to rise by 12.1
percent and 0.7 percent, respectively, since Memorial Day 2010. About 10.4 percent of the WSC population is predicted
to travel this Memorial Day period, which is slightly less than the estimated national frequency of 11.1 percent
-average spent $692 and an average 25% will be spent on 'SHOPPING" & 'ENTERTAINMENT..
Here's some shopping tips that need to follow too. I have a tendency to impulse buy when
I'm out of town.
1. The HALT Method:This spending prevention plan is based on recognizing the underlying emotions behind retail therapy and encourages consciously considering feelings of Hunger, Anger, Loneliness or Tiredness (HALT) before buying something in an attempt to fill one or many of those needs. It's the reason you shouldn't go to the grocery store when you're hungry, and it's why a new pair of shoes seems like a necessity the day you get dumped.
2. The Stranger Test: This is a terrific means for reminding yourself that a dollar is a dollar is a dollar. Picture a stranger offering you the cash value of the item you're considering buying, or the item itself. Would you take the cash or the item? If you're dying for a $3 cup of coffee, you may stick with the plan. If you're eying a $600 handbag, then realize if a stranger handed you $600, it's a couple of car payments, you might think twice about splurging on the purse.
3. The $100 Rule: It's a simple idea: The higher the price of an item, the more you should think before buying it. Specifically, take the potential expenditure and divide it by $100 to get the total number of days you should think it over. For example, a $300 grill would be contemplated for three days, but you'd give a couple of weeks thought to it before buying a $1,400 laptop.
Major retailers in standalone stores and traditional malls are starting to unveil their Memorial Day plans. DailyFinance will continue to update this list, so let us know if you spot or score any exceptionally good deals.
Walmart (WMT): The everyday low price champ will stay true to its mantra -- look for compelling deals on everything from beach to barbecue gear and rock-bottom food prices.
Macy's (M): We got in touch with Macy's and they've tipped us off that there will be a series of two-day specials on luggage, blenders, men's polo shirts, women's sandals, and select bras. Standard Macy's fare.
Sears (SHLD): Its six-day Memorial Day sale began Thursday. Watch for name-brand appliance discounts and heavy Lands End merchandising, complimented by fact that Lands End bathing suit catalogs landed in old-fashioned mailboxes this week.
Home Depot (HD): If you're looking to get some work done around the house, they're having a Memorial Day paint sale with $5 per gallon off for paint and stain.
Hollister (ANF): All swimwear for "dudes" and "Bettys" is 30% off. The bikinis are adorable and the men's bathing suits seem to be well-constructed enough to hold up over time.
L.L. Bean: Offering 70% off select footwear including trendy and sporty sandals for a limited time.
Target (TGT): We spoke with Target and they have revealed their weekly circular is featuring a Slushy Maker for $16 and -- much to this mother's chagrin -- NERF Super Soakers for $14. They also have a ton of melamine plates and tumblers for $1.99 and folding chairs for $9. Their "Weekly Wow" promotion is on bottles and cans of Pepsi.
Lowe's (LOW): The hardware giant is offering free delivery on mowers, grills and patio furniture of $249 or more. They've also got a 3-foot-by-5-foot United States flag for $7.
J.C. Penney (JCP): Their sales are all about timing and seem focused on getting customers on the front end of the weekend with "door buster" deals on Friday beginning at 3 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m. Be sure to bring this coupon.
Gap: Their website is incredibly sale-centric. Enter the promo code: GAPSAVE to get an extra 30% off some existing sale prices. They also tend to have surprise in-store sales, and have posted an invite on Facebook for 40% off.
Old Navy: They're touting clothes starting at $6 online and in-store, and "flip flop fever" with certain styles as low as $2.50.
(2010 in front of the Texas State Aquarium)
Have a Happy & Safe Memorial Day Weekend!
Ted, Huey & I are headed to Corpus Christi for the weekend.
Looking forward to getting in some beach time and maybe?!!
a little shopping.. gotta do about 25% of that right, stick to the survey!! LOL Huey's ready to go too...
A six year old girl was recently frisk at the
New Orleans airport. Do you think this was necessary? [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/fqQ4iEeZxUM" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Doesn't that sound expensive and annoying for future travel?
The  MY35  Committee recommends moving it! "The first priority near-term project for Austin's segment of I-35, according to the advisory committee, would be to convert one lane of I-35 in each direction to a managed toll-lane from US 195 north of Georgetown to SH 45SE just north of Buda and re-designated the interstate to a highway."
Mostly in Japan, but does involve several Lexus models in the U.S...
Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007
Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles
to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation
*Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall
ABIA may not have 'Body Scanners', but they will do 'Enhanced Pat Downs' if necessary.Take it easy on the metals/jewelery when travelling over the Holiday weekend, unless you want a ' Thanksgiving Grope'!
*Thanksgiving  travelling 411:Â
*Click here  for all the info you need flying out/in
to ABIA!!!
*Hitting the road- TX DOT: Call toll-free at (800) 452-9292 for current road conditions.
*Here's a Flashback for ya, somebody was on some 'SERIOUS HAPPY??' creating this... [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/7movKfyTBII" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Travel on this year's pass is between Sept. 7 and Oct. 6, with no blackout dates, to any of JetBlue's more than 60 domestic and Caribbean destinations."
New Study out of the 'Deadliest' Times, Days & Highway
systems to drive is out...
Florida's I-95 is #1 for most Dangerous to cruise on...
Couple of Texas Highways made it in the Top 20
#13, I-35 Texas
2004-2008 In-state miles: 504.15 Fatal accidents: 579 Fatal accidents per mile: 1.15 Total fatalities: 659
#14, I-45 Texas
2004-2008 In-state miles: 284.91 Fatal accidents: 325 Fatal accidents per mile: 1.14 Total fatalities: 388
Most deadly day of the year to drive:
1. June 10
Least deadly day of the year to drive:
1. December 25
Most deadly day of the week to drive:
1. Saturday
REALLY?!!!
-Nine of the top ten deadliest days to drive are in late spring and summer.
-You are 53% more likely to be in a fatal crash on Saturday than you are on Monday.Check out more Highway Driving Tibits...
*HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE WEEKEND...
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY!!
Hope You had a Happy & Safe 4th!
Ted & I are Enjoying our time w our family in Omaha, NE...
Although the 13-14 hour  Road Trip is a LONG DAY in a car...
We found a way to make it More Fun...
Give this Game a try next time you are on the open road...
*So who should have choked down the stinky  P.M? ME or Ted?
...I'll have some Vid of our Fun soon... Here's a Flashback pix from last year.. ..Looking Forward to Good Times again in CC
w/ MY BOYS!!! *Wanna win a Weekend Getaway w/ your family in
Corpus Christi...Click Here!! :)
*Based on a True Story about a Guy &Â his
Smashed Guitar... Thanks to a certain airline.. [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/5YGc4zOqozo" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
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