2024 Bluebonnet Drive and Waxahachie

 Apparently, the bluebonnets are making an early appearance in Texas and since we have some plans for the next two weekends, today is our day to hunt for them.  At first we were worried that it was just too early, but . . . enjoy the eye candy.  We did.  (All my pics except where noted and I feel like bluebonnets would rather be seen with the eye than the camera - they see the lens and hide.)

Mister's camera battery died here, so he took these next three with my phone.

While he has my phone - silly man.

You ever feel like someone's watching you?

Indian Paintbrush just getting underway.

Might be my favorite picture of the day.

Mister has my phone again for this picture.

With that, we decide to drive from Ennis to Waxahachie for some lunch.  First, restroom stop and we find some info.  These hearts are all over Waxahachie -- love them.

Rogers Street Bridge - Located on an early Waxahachie creek fording site that served pioneer settlers of the area, this truss bridge was built in 1889.  It was manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, OH, and was one of thirteen approved by Ellis County Commissioners from 1888 to 1890.  The span provided an extension for Rogers Street, a road named for Emory Rogers, donor of the Waxahachie Townsite.  As part of an important early north-south commercial route, the Rogers Street Bridge was vital to the growth and development of the city.  It was bypassed by a new bridge in 1990 and taken out of service.  It's rehabilitation in 2004 as a pedestrian bridge was due to a successful statewide transportation enhancement program application by the City of Waxahachie and the resulting partnership between the City of Waxahachie , the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration.  

The Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad of Texas (MK&T) was incorporated on December 31, 1891.  Track was laid to Waxahachie in 1889 under the name of The Dallas and Waco Railway Company.  Passenger service was discontinued in 1964 and the line remained in service for freight until 2005.  The company was also known as the "Katy" Railroad.  On August 12, 1988, The MK&T Railroad was purchased by The Union Pacific Railroad.  The MK&T Depot was built in 1908 and completely restored in 2010.  It is now a great coffee shop.

With  such fun seating --- there were several of these outside, but they were occupied and left the customers to their privacy.

Another fun heart.

Lunch at College Street Pub (where we got engaged, but no pictures this time) and now, we're going to try a new brewery in town - Railport.  It is a pretty nice location and all, but I don't think we'd go back for the beer.  Too bad.