We've Hit Week Six of Dallas Blooms - AZALEAS

It's Week Six and we are off for our morning walk and soul brightener.  The tulips outside the Arboretum have finished and new plantings have taken their place.

Unexpected Saturday Delight - Garland, TX

It's been one of those crazy, run errands kind of day.  We've been to several stops, finished up our list, had lunch, and decided to drive over to Garland for a nice moment of relaxation.  On the way, I mentioned that they might have one of the craft shows downtown and as we got closer, the whole square was indeed blocked off.  After finding a place to park, we walked toward the brewery and discovered that there is an Art Walk going on AND it's an art fair, not craft - big difference.  This could be fun.

Week Five at the Flower Zoo (Dallas Blooms) and more

 Can you believe it's the fifth week in a row at the flower zoo?  What will we find today? The minute we enter, I see that the wisteria is making an appearance and I can already smell it.  I'm in love!

Dallas Blooms Week Four and More

 It is Week Four of Dallas Blooms - I absolutely love going each week to see the changes and enjoy Mother Nature doing her thing.  Off to the Flower Zoo (Mister's name for the Dallas Arboretum), we go. Outside the entrance, the tulips are almost finished.

St. Patrick's Day Parade and More

 Wondering how to spend our Saturday, a decision was made to journey down to the St. Patrick's Day parade on Greenville.  In all the years I've lived in Dallas, this is one event we have never witnessed.  It's a train day!  Who on earth wants to try and find parking where 125k people are heading?  We park the car at White Rock Station and grab the train to Mockingbird Station.  

Dallas Blooms - Week 3 and Fish and Fizz

 A rainy/cloudy March day, but we are still spending time together.  Deciding to try the Arboretum between rain storms, we stop for coffee at LDU and it is just so yummy.  Cinnamon Swirl Bread and a Fritter top it off perfectly.

Exploring the Metroplex - Frisco Stops

 Oh the weather outside is . . . well, very cloudy and rain is in the forecast for this afternoon.  That means we are off to play, but trying to stay indoors for most of our adventures today.  We get a bit of a late start, but head up to Frisco.

Our first stop is at Penney's, where we have gift cards to use up.  One never knows with Penney's as to how long they will stay in business, so . . .  A few items come home with us.  I hit a sale rack for shirts and paid less than 9 dollars for each of these.

Mister got a new sleeping pillow and we decided to give dryer balls a try.  (psst - forgot a pic when they were still in the box.)

There is also a new brewery we want to try out but first, we remember a restaurant from years ago that we loved and want to re-visit.  Along the way to lunch, we spot a Farmer's Market and decide to check it out.  It's a permanent structure with booths under cover from weather.  There are heaters on inside and it's a very pleasant experience.

Sunday Strolling - Zoo Member Morning, Bishop Arts, Oak Cliff Mardi Gras

 Good Morning!  We have Member Morning at the zoo and it starts at 8 so it's up and outta here for another fun-filled day.  Today's special event is the giraffes - we are off to watch and learn.

Saturday Shenanigans - Dallas Blooms Week 2, Truckyard (inc. Fun Museum), and OHB

 A glorious Saturday has arrived and we are off to enjoy!  First stop is week two of Dallas Blooms and we're betting it is a HUGE difference from last week.  Check out that post first and then see the changes.  Ahhhh - TULIPS!!!  We haven't even made it inside the Arboretum yet.

Bday Weekend Continues - Dallas Zoo, Trinity Cider, Le Bons Temp, and Vector

 We are still in the birthday weekend/season and today we are off to walk the zoo and get some exercise at the same time.  It's still pretty chilly out, so some animals may be in hiding.  That's okay.  Off we go.

First stop is to play with some birds.  Mister has the magic touch today - they are really only interested in him.

Mister's Bday - Bagels, Arboretum, Jimmy's, OHB, and more.

 Mister's Birthday is today and he is in charge - I'm along for the ride and happy to do so.  First up is Lubbies Bagels - a new-to-us shop.

Small Outing - DMA and Manhattan Project

 Cabin fever may have set in a bit so we are going out wandering.  It's still dang cold out, so somewhere inside is the plan.  There is a Frida Khalo exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art - that seems warm and interesting all at once.

So - here's a little background - Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacan, Mexico, the third of four daughters, to Matilde Calderon and Guillermo Kahlo, a German emigre and professional photographer.  At an early age, she contracted polio, which permanently impaired movement in her right leg.  Although her father encouraged her interest in art and art history, her ambition was to study medicine.  Those plans were sidelined when, at the age of 19, the bus she was riding in collided with a street tram.  Kahlo was impaled by a railing that caused extensive injuries.  During her long convalescence, painting became a solace and a passion, and art gave her a meaningful path forward.

I'll be honest - much of her work is not my cup of tea but I can still appreciate beauty.  This exhibit was more about her than her art and focused on the many photographs of her and self portraits as well.  This photo - to the left - is perhaps my favorite of her.  She is not so hard in it.  It was taken by Nicholas Murray in 1939.

White Rock Walkin'

 Escape from the house for a bit has us walking at White Rock Lake.  As we are driving up to the location we normally park, I spot one of the eagles in a tree.  This is an unusual sighting for us, so we head over to take a couple of pictures, if possible.  No special camera equipment along today - just my phone.

Finding Christmas Spirit - Mall Date

 December has arrived and we are spending some time together out and about.  First up is The Wild Robot movie.  I have wanted to see this for quite some time.

Autumn at the Arboretum 2024

 Oooooh, my favorite time of the year also means a trip to Autumn at the Arboretum.  Come along with me and just enjoy the eye candy - it's so beautiful.

Out and About - Swim Meet and Fun

Our grandson, Josh, is swimming in Keller today.  That's fairly close to us, so off we go.  Fun to visit with Louis and watch Josh.  Black cap, white goggles.

Ducks and a Gorgeous Sunset at White Rock Lake

 It is time to get out of the house.  A trip down to White Rock Lake always calms the soul and allows nature to permeate and relax us.  As we approach the Pelican viewing point, a Mama Duck and her little ducklings catch our eye.  Do you see them?

Still Birthday Season

 My birthday weekend continues.  Today Mister has started out with a brand new coffee/pastry shop and it is sooooo yummy.  I guess calling it a bakery is more apt and they are working to enlarge their offerings.  

Birthday Fun - Dallas Zoo (Hippo Heavy), Davis Coffee, Manhattan Project, and Family

 It's my Birthday!!!  We are off to the zoo bright and early for a member morning and while we are walking around, my phone is constantly buzzing.  I LOVE IT!  Who wouldn't?  I heard from my mom, four children, three grandchildren, and two girlfriends while enjoying the zoo.  Crazy, right?  At any rate, you're more interested in the animals, I bet.  Here ya go:  Baby flamingoes.

A Weekend in the Life With Rain

 There are just some times when ya gotta get out no matter what.  We are having rain, rain, and more rain, but every so often it lets up enough to make a dash someplace.  This morning we are off to breakfast at a new-to-us coffee shop, Middle Ground.  We spotted it last night while at dinner in the same shopping center and want to check it out.  Along the way - ya just never know what you will encounter.