Late Breaking News in San Antonio!

In September of 1987, The Pope made an appearance in San Antonio as part of his 11 city U.S. tour. As an evening news anchor for a local television station at the time, my wife; Sharon, was assigned live coverage of the event. Over one million people were in attendance, and the hype and security were high. As a member of the news media, she actually had to live on site for two days in a Winnebago just to insure access to the Pope's route in his "Popemobile". It was a pressure-packed, exciting, and unforgetable occasion.

Fast forward to January 2010 with another larger-than-life personality on his way to the Alamo City. It was confirmed via telephone interview just last evening that "The Chubby" has selected San Antonio as the first stop of his upcoming "Chubs Across America" tour. According to sources close to the royal party, "The Chick" will also be accompanying "The Chubby" on the inaugural leg of the tour which begins on January 23.

When this incredible news first broke, wife Sharon began having flashbacks of her news coverage and involvement of that memorable date back in 1987. "The similarities are uncanny!", she said. It's been very difficult to keep her on task ever since. She's giddy with excitement.

Another member of the "Chubby" entourage, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that Casa Ranger is on the short list of locations that "The Chubby" and "The Chick" plan to visit and likely dine. Us, not being accustomed to entertaining royalty, must now scramble to assemble a menu fitting of such esteemed guests. Our last brush with such greatness was in 2008 when "The Chicken" and "The Hen" graced us with their presence. We have been truly blessed.

I understand that the finishing touches are being put on the Chubbymobile, and downtown Riverwalk hotels are experiencing record January bookings following the announcement yesterday. The previous January occupancy record was set earlier this month (Alamo Bowl; Texas Tech vs. Michigan State), and fell in a matter of hours following the news of "The Chubby" visit.

As you might imagine, the atmosphere around Casa Ranger is absolutely electric. Cleaning, scrubbing, polishing the Eggs...it can only be described as controlled chaos. Something tells me our lives will never be the same. Oh yeah, the Winnebago is set to arrive on Thursday.

Mike