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.

Austin Getaway - Just Us Two - Day 3

 Ahhhh - it's another great morning in our little cabin in the woods.  Loving this break so much.  Tea and birds again, but a lot chillier today.  The sun is struggling to be out.

Austin Getaway - Just Us Two - Day 2

Good Morning from out little haven.  We are having tea on the porch and doing a little bird watchin.

Austin Getaway - Just Us Two - Day 1

 Guess what?  Mister surprised me with a small trip down to the Hill Country for a few days.  This is so nice.  He has rented a cute little cabin and we are just going to put the world out of mind for a bit.  Perfect timing.

12/13 - Our first stop this morning is at the Waco Mammoth National Monument.  I had no idea this place even existed and am super excited to check it out.  We've got tickets in hand and are heading down the path.

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.

Bermuda Trip - Days 8-9 - Sea Days

 Waking today, I have a bit more energy and get up and dressed to walk the ship a bit.  This is the overlook onto Lido.

Bermuda Trip - Day 7 - Bermuda Day 3

 It is our last day in Bermuda and we have chosen to explore the area around King's Wharf and the Royal Navy Dockyard.  A unique place I read about is Glass Beach.  It is within walking distance, but kind of hidden and neither of us really is feeling top notch.  Yep, getting sick - so sad.  We still have our scooter and it takes us there in less than 10 minutes.  Check this out - so cool.  Once you "think" you are on the right path, these little signs help a bit.