Fun in Dallas - Part 1 - Zoo and Deep Ellum

My sweetheart is still officially on vacation and after a day cleaning up the yard yesterday, we are out of the house this morning.  It's a beautiful day and we'er going walking --- first at the zoo.  The hippos are out and enjoying the morning too.  What a great beginning.

Louisiana Trip - Day Six - Back in Texas and Heading Home

With the decision being made to arrive back home today, we adjust our route according to a few things spotted on Atlas Obscura.  Off to Zavalla, TX we go, only to discover that I didn't do my research well enough and with the rain, it was a bad plan.  At any rate, I locate a quilt shop to check out and Mister agrees.  Locating it is a story all by itself and you can check it out in this Spotlight Post all about Ross Fabric and Crafts.  It's worth a lookie, especially if you sew.

From there the road takes us to Lufkin, TX and we have not stopped at a single antique shop on this trip, so now seems like a great time.  Again, it deserves a post of its own, so click this link
Antique Fun to see all that we did.  As we are driving through downtown, Mister spots a building with a "quilt" pattern on it.  How fun.

Louisiana Trip - Day Five - Opelousas to Jasper, TX

Leaving Opelousas this morning, the day is once again COLD.  That's okay -- a car with seat warmers and a great attitude are all that we require.  And coffee.  Brew and Scoop - a coffee and ice cream spot - is today's winner.  The order goes in and while we wait, a group of people sitting and chatting have me chuckling to myself.  I'm not passing judgement here -- at all --- I just found it humorous that a mixed group (meaning men and women) were sitting and loudly discussing breast feeding pros and cons.  Even Mister can't keep from smiling.  The coffee is good - personally, I think it was better than yesterdays, but I'm still refining my palate.

Going southwest, about an hour later, we are in Crowley and we stop to walk around a bit.  A beautiful church stands on one corner and we find ourselves making that the first place to explore.  Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic Church was established in 1897.  It is of Italian Renaissance architecture and cost about $40,000 to construct.  The current renovation, which was completed in 2015, cost approximately $2.8 million.  Goodness.  (Two cameras, two developers - I have brightened all my pictures to show detail -- Mister's show incredible atmosphere)

Louisiana Trip - Day Four - South of Opelousas

It's another grand day in Louisiana.  A bit chillier than I would like, but I hear it is that way back home too.  Apparently the South is being hit with crazy cold temperatures for this time of year.  We'll just make it work --- it's all about attitude, ya know.

Last night at dinner, Lacey gave us a recommendation for coffee this morning.  That is first up on the agenda is Java Square Cafe, housed in an old bank building.  One of the reviews we read said, "Perfect little off beaten coffee shop. . . used to be an old bank . . .they have precious seating in the vault . . walls laced with  nostalgia settled in downtown Opelousas among street murals and oak trees."  Yep, spot on.

Louisiana Trip - Day Three - Natchitoches to Opelousas

Good Morning Natchitoches!!!  Did you hear that as Robin Williams said it?  At any rate, we are packed up and ready to depart this wonderful city.  I truly to love it here and could easily see living in the area.  Yep, I like it that much.  Our view on the river this morning is interesting.  It appears that a large "lily pad" type event is taking place, but moving quickly and by the time we get out our cameras, it is almost too late.  Can you see it drifting away?  At one time the whole area was covered.

Louisiana Trip - Day Two - Natchitoches Area P.M.

Welcome Back to the afternoon!  Hahaha --- we've had so much fun already and this day is going to keep going.  It is our "Plantation Day."  When we left Oakland, we followed the park ranger (for lack of a better title) over to Magnolia Plantation.  The Park Service does not own the "Big House" here but other parts are remarkably well preserved.  One of the first things we notice as we park is the row with many slave cabins still standing.  We start at the plantation store, by getting a map of the area and are soon off and exploring.  The store itself is not open for viewing like the one at Oakland was.  Here it is used as an admin area.

Louisiana Trip - Day Two - Natchitoches Area A.M.

Good Morning!!!  We have a beautiful sunrise view on the water today and LOTS planned.  I've had to divide today into two posts due to that.  Even still, grab a cuppa as this baby is LONG, but amazing.