Weekend with Family - Jen's and Elena

 Feeling super lucky today.  Jen called and wanted to come spend some time with us.  That meant get up, get moving, get the house cleaned AND we decided to throw Elena into the mix since she had a free weekend.  Mister helped with the house for the morning and then went to pick her up.  They got back just before Jen, Louis, and Josh arrived.  We all chatted for a bit and then opted to go putt around with some miniature golf.  We went to Another Round and had a great time.  We had a bit of a wait before we could begin, so Josh and Elena gave this game a try.

Date Night With Mister - Strangeways Candlelight Concert

 Mister has surprised me with a fun date night.

Garden Walking at the Arboretum and More

 It's been a couple of weeks since we can get out and walk - this morning the Arboretum is having a turn.  We haven't been here since the beginning of July and I am always shocked at how much is changes in such a small amount of time.  The plants have REALLY grown.  It's still early morning - so some fun pics can happen.

Early Morning Zoo Walk and Central Market

 With all the whirlwind we've been around lately, just some time walking together is treasured.  This morning the plan is for a quick walk through the zoo for some fresh air and steps.  Much to our surprise, upon our arrival, we spot another arrival.  There are baby flamingoes.  Ya gotta look REAL close for the little white balls of fluff.

Good Morning Dallas Zoo

 It's been a month since our last jaunt to the zoo --- seems like a great way to start the morning and get our day rolling.  It's Member Morning and today the presentation is in the Reptile Building.  It was on the Texas Horned Lizard, but I didn't get any pictures of the tiny babies they had to show.  However, we did wander the building a bit and managed to get sooooo lucky with this moment of skin shedding.  I noticed that the snake was sliding along against the bamboo and tree when the loose skin caught hold, helping the rest to just come right off.

Arboretum Walking

 It seems as though life went crazy in April and is just now returning a wee bit.  It's our first trip back to the Arboretum since Dallas Blooms and I'm oh so ready to just walk and take in the serenity and beauty of this magical place.

Independence Day Celebration in Garland

 Well, it's not quite Independence Day, but today is the celebration in Garland and we are going to see what it's like.  I have this idea that we can get up on the roof of Intrinsic and have a great view.  However, that will require a full day of claiming our spot.  Off we go.  We know parking will be a nightmare, so we're on the DART.  While walking from our stop to the brewery, this little guy is spotted.

Third time is the charm.

We grab a drink and head up to the roof.  The brewery is already packed inside and it's only going to get worse.  From our vantage point, we are able to watch all the happenings down in the square.  There is a beautiful eagle chalk painting in the parking lot below.

We are not alone in staking out a spot.  The park is starting to fill up and people are enjoying the day.  There is music playing and the mood is quite festive.  I love that almost everyone has red/white/blue or some version on their bodies.

Dinner is served.

Ooooh, stilt person.

My vantage point.  Pretty cool, right?

The American Bombshells have taken the stage and they are like a modern day Andrews Sister.  Have a couple of listens.

By the time the bands finish, the park is jammed full of people and so is the rooftop where we are stationed.

What I love the most is that everyone is just having fun and enjoying the day/night.  

Let the show begin - I'll just share a few pics and a video or two.

Now for the prettiest pics - 

Oooh, la la.

Just a snippet of the magnificent ending.  With that, we are off to the train and our ride home.  Have a safe and fun 4th of July tomorrow and Happy Birthday, America!

Pumpkins and Marisol at DMA

 Back in 2017, we were able to see the Kusama Pumpkins at the DMA and they have made a return trip.  I did a post on the back then and here is the LINK to it.  I didn't share a lot of information then, so here is a bit more. 

"My beloved pumpkins.

My pumpkins, beloved of all the plants in the world.

When I see pumpkins, I cannot efface the joy of them being

my everything, nor the awe I hold them in.

I have captured the dignity of such pumpkins and their eternal

expression of love towards humanity here in this mirror room.

I invite you all to see tis vast, unbounded field of pumpkins

to discover how humans shall live their lives from now on.

Please unearth your own way of living life."

Yayoi Kusama

Zoo Morning Plus a Few Other Stops

 Mister is soooo good at getting me up and moving every so often.  It's needed as the pit is quite deep right now.  The television and I are great friends.  However, today we are off to the zoo for some morning walking, eye candy, and a "not in the house" day.  The Lesser Flamingo juveniles are out and about -- love to watch the littles.

An Around Town Day

 For the last day of August, we are out and about.  First up is a walk to the anniversary celebration at White Rock Coffee.  They are 20 years old and Mister has been there since the beginning.  Me?  I've been going there about 17 of those 20 years.

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.