Heading North Again - Montana Days 1&2 - Mom's Bday and Halloween

The fall trip to Montana has begun and it's oh so early of a beginning.  We have put our home in the rear view mirror at 3 a.m. and are making our way to the airport.  Ya just never know how long the lines will be and it's best to be prepared.

Dallas Daytripping

 It all starts with tickets to the Van Gogh exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art.  We have those and the museum opens at 11.  Leaving the house at 8 makes for some time to kill.  Come along and share in our amazing day.  First stop is a new-to-us coffee shop along the way.  Here is the Buzz and Bustle LINK  so you can check it out yourself, if you so desire.  That's why I make a separate link now and then - not all who read this give a hoot about coffee in Dallas.  It is what it is.

The other day, I mentioned to Mister that we had not thoroughly explored an area of our city.  We had been there a couple of times, but not to really check it out, so that is our next destination.  Here is the Thanks-Giving LINK to see what this is all about.  It has been in movies, on stamps, and much more.  What a great stop - so much to see and learn right here where we live.

Van Gogh at the DMA

 It's a Van Gogh year, right?  Seems like everywhere you turn, there is an ad for some type of Van Gogh experience.  Yes, we did the immersive event earlier this summer (here is a LINK in case you missed it) and loved it.  Now to see the original paintings - well, at least one series of them.  The coolest part of all this is how up close and personal we can get.  The brush strokes and palette knife marks are so evident, along with other items as well.

This is the first time all of the olive grove paintings have been together in the same place since he painted them more than 100 years ago.

"Upon arriving at the asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence in Southern France, Vincent Van Gogh (Dutch,  1853-1890) was immediately captivated by the region's abundant olive groves.  From June through December 1889, he produced a striking series of paintings that capture olive trees at different times of day and in different seasons.  Across the series, Van Gogh experimented with the expressive power of color, line, and form in a quest to unlock the motif's quintessential features.  For Van Gogh, the olive trees reflected the spirit of Provence, the region in southeastern France he called home from 1888 to 1890."

Exploring Dallas - Thanks-Giving Square

 The other day i was reading about Thanks-Giving Square in Dallas.  What I discovered is that although I have been there on two other occasions, I have missed a ton.  I've looked up the previous trips and here is the 1st time LINK 2012 and  2nd time - LINK 2017.  THIS time, we are daytripping around Dallas and have time JUST for this.  No event, just enjoyment.  Come along and see what I found.

The focal point of the square is the Chapel of Thanksgiving and I had no idea that we could go inside.  Crazy people.  "The Chapel of Thanksgiving is the spiritual center of Thanksgiving Square.  The spiraling shape rises 90 feet above street level, suggesting the infinite upward reach of the human spirit.  Constructed of white marble aggregate, the Chapel's design takes its inspiration from the Great Mosque in Samarra, Iraq and the ancient spiral of life."

Buzz and Bustle - New to us Coffee Shop

 We are daytripping around Dallas and a bright, early start has us at Buzz and Bustle.  This is a "new to us" coffee shop and I'm always up for that.  Upon our arrival at at 8:20, the parking lot was being closed off for an event that would happen at 10.  Kinda crazy since all the parking spots are for 30 minutes only, but, whatever.  The guy let us through and said to be out in 2 minutes.  As we parked, I looked at Mister and said, "They can't even make a coffee in 2 minutes."  Leaving me to order, he went and moved the car to a different area.  So strange.  At any rate, while he is doing that, I take some pictures, order, and then he's back.  

Last Vacation Day - Autumn at the Arboretum and More

 I LOVE member mornings!  Just that one item contributes to my joy in renewing memberships to several spots around town.  To be able to get in early and pretty much have the place to ourselves is such a treat.  Today -- it's a member morning at the Dallas Arboretum and we are there just as the sun is coming up and the lights on the trees are still on.  It's almost a magical entrance.

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere.  Each year we are astounded by sheer number of them.  Oh, and the variety.  It seems as though I see new ones all each time they do their displays.

Still Vacation Days - Huffines Art Festival and a Little Shopping

 Even though we are home from the beach, vacation time continues and staying at home doing chores just doesn't fit in.  My calendar shows that the Huffhines Art Festival starts today and since it's one of our favorites, movement is underway to get out of the house.  Come along and see all the fun fall displays along with anything we see that really catches my eye.  

I LOVE scarecrows and anyone who has ever been to my home in the fall can attest to that.  They are everywhere!  I just love the autumn colors and feel.  Today, the air is crisp as we go in and we even have sweaters/jackets on for the moment.  It's a beautiful day and we are ready to walk.  The first task is to find coffee and while Mister waits for it, I take a few pictures at the front of the festival.

Surfside Beach Vacation - Day 7 Heading Home

 Oh  man --- our last day has arrived.  I'm really bummed as this has been such an amazing week together.  My sweetheart is super relaxed and that is wonderful to see.  Rising early again, we break down the bedroom before hitting the beach for our last sunrise walk.  Here's to hoping she doesn't disappoint.  First color shows up AND a little crab stops to say hi as well.  It's a great beginning to our ending.  It's REALLY dark this morning and as the color starts, it almost looks ominous.  Follow along with our walk down the beach and the color changes we enjoy.

Surfside Beach Vacation - Day 6

 It's our last full day at the beach and we are staying put to enjoy every minute of it.  Rising before dark to walk and see the sunrise, Mister locates a tarp that was left in the sand and goes about trying to get it to the trash.  He is unsuccessful, though, as it is really covered with wet sand.  Maybe it will loose more today when the tide goes back down.  Not long after we are out, a bit of color begins.  It's gonna be another glorious sunrise.  Seriously.  Just follow the glory with me - 

Surfside Beach Vacation - Day 5 More Exploring

 I woke super early today and Mister hasn't moved, so I go quietly out to the deck to watch the sunrise.  Since I'm alone, I'm limiting myself to the beach right in front of the house and not walking too far.  There are just too many crazy tales -- you know what I mean.  The moment the color begins, I'm in awe.  This is going to be beautiful today.  Part of me thinks I should wake my sweetie, but this is his vacation.  Just enjoy the splendor.  I tried to bring it home with me.  This is round one.

Surfside Beach Vacation - Day 4 Exploring a Bit

 It's time to make the donuts.  Hahahaha.  That's kind of how it feels when one is up and dressed and out wandering when it is still oh so dark out.  However, the best part is that some of the other creatures are also still out from their evening forays and that gives us a chance to say howdy.  Hey there little one.

Surfside Beach Vacation - Day 3

 A storm hit this morning, but I slept right through it.  Mister said it was a whopper.  I guess all this beach walking is good exercise and my body is resting well.  At any rate, no wonderful walk this morning as it is still gently raining.  One peek outside and then back to bed for a bit.

An hour or so later, it's light, but still no sun and still gently raining.

Surfside Beach Vacation -Day 2 - Our Anniversary

 Happy Anniversary to US!  It's been 11 years since this sweet man took me on and has showered me with love and nurturing.  Words do no adequately express how much I adore him.  Mister, you are the BEST!

Okay, back to the present.  We decided months ago to spend our anniversary on the beach - just the two of us.  It's a new concept, but we're giving it our best.  

Surfside Beach Vacation - Day 1

Yippee!!  The much anticipated day has arrived.  We are off to the beach for six glorious days (seven if you count travel days) and I think we have taken all needs into consideration.  We'll soon find out.  Naturally, Mister is trying to do something with the overgrown basil before we leave.  The laundry room will smell amazing while we are gone.  Hahahaha.  It is almost 8, the car is loaded, and we are out the door.