Vacation in Montana - Days 1, 2, 3

Finally!!!  After 5 months of craziness, we are going to Montana.   About 3 days ago, Mister suggested that perhaps flying would be better.  A 27-hour drive each way with only 8 days available seems challenging at best.  We took a quick peek and were shocked at the prices.  Just a little over $200 each round trip and that's with 3 days notice.  Goodness, we should have looked a couple of weeks ago.  I jumped on and booked flights instantly.  Is it risky?  Yep.  Are we going to be careful?  Yep.  Is it time?  Absolutely.  Six a.m. flight means that we are at the gate and it's only about 5:15.  While I scroll Facebook, Mister takes a nap.  He's preparing for one very long day while I am in the excited stage and couldn't possibly sleep.  We are flying Delta on the way up and United back home again so we will have the opportunity to see how each airline handles the current situation.  The boarding begins and the plane is a 2 -3 seating, with us having the 2 side.  Does that make sense?  I forgot to take a picture.  Away we go.

Early Entry at the Arboretum

It just wasn't my day yesterday.  As a result, my sweetheart went into action and managed to snag us a "before the sun is even up" entry into the Arboretum.  It is EMPTY and oh so amazing.  Come along for some early morning pictures and watch as the dappled lighting does it's thing.  There is always beauty to be found in the world and walking helps so very much.  Mostly pictures, very few comments -- but you know me . . .

Social Distancing Morning in Fort Worth

When one is trying to self-isolate so that she can gather with her friends, it makes a slightly difficult situation for their sweetie.  Mine wanted out of the house for a bit and so he managed to swing some early morning entries into the Fort Worth Zoo.  We have wanted to go for several years now and see all the new improvements they have made.  Come along and enjoy our time with these beautiful animals.

Two young giraffes cannot reach the bag of food above and must use the grasses below --- so, so funny to watch them.

Mister's camera was available too and he shared a few of his favorites with me.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin --- It's a Sew Day!!!

In our Facebook Group and on my blog, we are playing a BINGO game and one of the squares directs us to "make something new in the kitchen."  I have a friend coming over for the day and we will be busy, so a crockpot dinner seems fitting.  Since it's all new to me, I'll share it with y'all too.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin works for me as I have all the ingredients on hand and don't have to go outside.  I'm still trying to be so good.

Let's go ---- Brown one pound of ground beef with a touch of salt and pepper to season.

DMA Re-opening

With another 3-day weekend in front of us, Mister saw that the Dallas Museum of Art was re-opening and reserved us spots.  It's 11 a.m. and we are going to see a couple of new exhibits.  The first one is "For a Dreamer of Houses" and almost all items are from the permanent collection here at the museum.  Let's go inside -   As you pass the entrance, flanked by the huge wooded doors, the first thing one sees is the Dream House.  Of course, at this point my camera decides to white everything out and the pictures don't do this any justice at all, but I do get it under control later.

Time Together --- Stress Reduction

It's the last day of July.  Stress is at an absolute high in our home.  It's beautiful outside.  Let' get out!

First stop is the coffee shop for a light breakfast on the patio.  This gentle man shows up and at first I think he is a bit overdressed for the city, but as we talk with him, it turns out he dropped off a pig at the vet next door and everything becomes clear.  Alrighty, then.

Next up --- we pick up our glasses (both of us) and YAY, wonder of wonders, they are perfect --- well close anyway.  I am so happy to not see a blurred world again.  Progressive lens is a terrible thing --- run very fast when they use those words.  I'm thrilled with my lines -- clarity everywhere today.

Next up is the zoo.  We get a chance to walk and enjoy being outside as well as immersing ourselves in nature's bounty.  Hello hippos.  They're a bit lazy today.  I get it.

Sunday Driving

We have been sooo good at staying home, but just can't take it anymore.  I have a group event on Thursday, so we cannot have any human interaction, but driving and breathing a bit of fresh air is required today.

Into the car we go and after picking up some donuts and coffee, it's Lake Lewisville for our destination.  A picnic bench far away from others and the morning is spot on.

I've not been to Old Town Lewisville, so a drive through seems right.  This mural grabs my attention and I need to step out for a picture.  Yes -- need.  Ya gotta click on it and look close.  Wonderful!