We always try to make San Antonio at Xmas time as the River Walk is really decorated up nicely plus they usually have craft shops set along the river. This visit was a little different as we did not make the River Walk due to lousey weather. As this was my sister-in-law's birthday, we always take her out to dinner.We did make the SAS shoe factory where they not only make the shoes but also have a sales outlet. When you enter this outlet, you go back in time to the early thirties with penny candy (like you used to buy as a kid), nickle coffee, 10 cent coca cola, and 5 cent popcorn. Also, real old tools, and even old cars you forgot they made. (The shoes are rather pricey though). I always stock up on the penney candy. This was followed by the "blessing of the animals" at market square. Catholics will understand this event. A mariachi (sp) band makes the entrance, followed by a priest and all of the animals (pets) the owners wished blessed. This annual event usually makes the news. I had made reservations in the Tower of the Americas for sister-in-laws birthday dinner. This is where we "lucked out". They had 2 elevators in operation carrying people to the top of the revolving restaurant. Our elevator went right to the top (no problem) and our dinner was neat. (NOTE: The revolving restaurant did stop twice while we in it.) When we came down, we noticed several fire trucks (BIG Trucks) parked around the tower. It seems as the other elevator became stuck aprx 300 feet up with l9 people aboard. It took the San Antonio Fire Dept 3 hours (using ropes, harnesses, and ladders) to free the 19 people on this elevator. The unique thing about all of this is that the tower had been closed for about a year for renovation. We decided that next year, we will dine elsewhere. We cut our visit short and returned home the following Monday. Maybe next year, the weather will be better. End of report!!