SAN ANTONIO — I am reminded of how much I love this city, specifically the Riverwalk and its nearby attractions.

We have met up with friends here to enjoy a Friday night of dining and live music.

After checking into our hotel, we begin to plan the few hours ahead of us that we will spend in the Alamo city. Our balcony overlooks a portion of the Riverwalk. Our room is adjacent to that of our friends. We talk back and forth on the balcony, telling jokes and laughing at nothing. I feel like a kid on spring break.

The Riverwalk is a fascinating tourist magnet. Unique restaurants, shops and bars await those like us who are looking to have a cultural experience along with good food and good fun.

Instead of one large meal, we have opted to sample appetizers. Nachos are a must and a perfect way to kick off a night in San Antonio.

A few minutes before 6 p.m., we stop at an Irish pub along the Riverwalk. We find a place at the bar and order something to drink. We toast the memory of our friend, Steve. It was on a Friday night nearly two years ago, at about 6 p.m., that we learned of Steve's death. We tell a few of our favorite funny Steve stories. We laugh, we pause to remember, and we move on.

At our next stop, we have our first experience with Scotch eggs, which we decide we would attempt to recreate one morning for breakfast during our annual houseboat trip in the fall.

Our evening includes a stop at Howl at the Moon, a music venue with "dueling pianos" where the crowd interacts and sings along.

The night concludes with one last stop at Durty Nellies. Some of my most enjoyable times along the Riverwalk have been at Durty Nellies. More music, this time accompanied by fiery hot wings.

We are tired by the time we get back to our hotel. We have planned to get up early and meet for breakfast. I have decided that I am going to order something with refried beans for breakfast. I saw it on one of the menus earlier in the evening. Eggs and refried beans for breakfast. This is San Antonio.

Life is good along the Riverwalk.

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NEW BRAUNFELS — We have driven from San Antonio to the banks of the the Guadalupe River just outside New Braunfels. Our friends' camper is parked less than 20 yards from the river. The water is running low because of dam construction farther down the river. Other friends, including one celebrating her 53rd birthday, will join us later in the afternoon for a raft trip. Because the river is running so slowly, we have been told that the trip from our campsite to the pickup point will likely take about three to three-and-a-half hours. I'm not sure I want to be stuck in a raft for that long, but I don't want to be a party-pooper, either, so I opt to go along.

We find ourselves dragging the raft over rocks and low spots much more often than I would have liked. I'm the least athletic of the group and the least coordinated, so I slip and slide when I do have to walk the raft over rocks to deeper water. Thank goodness for my heavy duty L.L. Bean water shoes. My husband slips a couple of time, causing a skinned shin and a few bruises. I conclude the trip without significant injury and no sunburn. Thank goodness for heavy duty sunscreen.

The evening is spent around a campfire. Fajitas are on the menu, along with chocolate birthday cake. We have made new friends with the campers next door. Conversation is easy, simple.

Life is good along the Guadalupe.

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NACOGDOCHES — Sunday afternoon, and we have returned home after a relaxing weekend with good friends. I'm almost ready to go back to work on Monday ... almost.

As I reflect on my most treasured relationships, I realize, once again, that life is good.