We are conquering the mall in phases and today we just moved to the 3rd phase. I thought the slide was the coolest part, until I saw the old sky ride gondolas from Brackenridge Park. The skyride at Brackenridge Park was one of my greatest memories as a child growing up in San Antonio and I was so sad when they decided to shut it down. When the gondolas went on auction, I thought to myself “It would be nice to have one of those in my backyard.” Well, technically I now have one in my backyard – the Rackspace office.

Here’s a couple of shots in the new area including me in the gondola and Jason on the slide. (oh and I had a fun toy sitting at my desk when I arrived!)

They suggest these additional tips to help better control your energy use this summer.

• When at home, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and use fans in occupied rooms to make it feel cooler.
• When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees and turn all fans off before you leave. Block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on windows that will get direct sun.
• Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, or other home appliances during the peak hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
• Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven.
• Set your pool pump to run in the early morning or evening instead of the afternoon.

How your central air conditioning system performs depends upon a number of factors, including:

• how well your home is insulated
• the efficiency your system
• the outside temperature
•  the temperature setting on your thermostat
• the heat your home gains through the attic, windows and walls

Click here to learn more.

1) Less heat
2) No crowds
3) Animals are out playing!

I took Jacob last week and we saw some interesting animal interactions. The monkeys were our favorite and we spotted a monkey bully. Check it out.

Then we saw ducks playing the mating game.

And to top it off, we took a nice train ride through Brackenridge park. My son was flirting with this beautiful little girl sitting behind us.

It was an adventurous day with my son.

I am hopeful that we’ll find a new owner(s) that will appreciate it as much as Jason and I did. Below are a few things that I think makes it a neat place to call home.

Address: 303 Donaldson San Antonio, Texas 78201

MLS #: 850828

Realtor: Gina Candelario, Kuper Sotheyby’s Internation Realty

Click here for more details.

Character – Mix the old with the new

Built in 1927, you can’t find the unique features this home has in other houses built today with the original shiny wood floors, base board and mosaic tiled fireplace. It also has the original brick on the exterior giving it that cute gingerbread look.

The home has been updated with modern touches.  We opened the kitchen up to flow into the living area. With this, we made a custom bar area with additional seating. In addition, we had a custom island built and put right in the center of the kitchen, providing more counter and storage space.

The backyard is my favorite.  There’s a covered patio, a mature tree that covers half the yard for great shade, lots of greenery with an herb garden, a beautiful dog run, a deck for the back apartment all inside a privacy fence so it feels like a private cottage in the middle of the city.  You can have great barbecues and there were many times I feel asleep in our hammock on the patio.

Location – In the center of San Antonio

Being central to San Antonio, you can get anywhere easily. It takes about 3 minutes to get onto I10, hitting no lights going I10 East towards downtown or hitting 1 light going I10 West towards La Cantera.

The best thing is that you’re always going against traffic. While everyone is fighting to come to downtown during traffic hour, you’re going in the opposite direction. Here’s the time it takes to popular places:

Medical Center (10 minutes) – Just go down Fredericksburg road, which is 1 block down from Donaldson.

Rackspace Headquarters (15 minutes) – Just hop onto I35 North. You can waive to everyone stuck in traffic going downtown.

USAA (15 minutes) – You can go down I10 or Fredericksburg if you wish.

La Cantera, UTSA, The Rim, Fiesta Texas (15-20 minutes)  – Just hop onto I10 and you’re at The Rim or La Cantera in minutes.

San Antonio Community College (5-10 minutes) – Go down Woodlawn to San Pedro

Trinity University (10 minutes) – Right up Hildebrand

University of the Incarnate Word (15 minutes) – Continue down Hildebrand past Trinity University.

San Antonio Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Brackenridge Park (10 minutes)

You have access to superb restaurants downtown, Olmos Park and Alamo Heights area.

The Community  - Around good people

Being in a historic area, there are lots of good organizations you can get involved with. You can join the Monticello Park Neighborhood Association and the Woodlawn Lake Community Association to name a few.

You also are only a 1 mile walk from Woodlawn Lake where lots of joggers and walkers go. For other pass time, you can feed the ducks or take your motor sailboat.  Woodlawn Lake also hosts two of the largest events in the city, Earth Day and July 4^th.

These are just a few of the great things about the 303 Donaldson home. I hope this gives you a better idea of what it would feel like to call it home.

Click here to see featured tour and more photos.