Weekend Fun in East Texas - Corsicana

 Good Monday Morning.  Why is it good?  Well, because we're still out roaming around Texas and not working today.  Woot woot.  We do have to be home this evening, but today is still all ours.  We're off to Corsicana for our first stop.  I LOVE towns like this and wish it wasn't a Monday.  We will have to return for a closer visit, but until then, we'll soak up as much as we can.  In front of the courthouse is a bronze statue.  Since 1936, he has stood watch in front of the county courthouse that bears his name, and it was in honor of his father that the county seat came to be named.  Jose Antonio Navarro was born near San Antonio in 1795.  His place in Texas history includes a distinction of bein gone of the founding fathers of the Lone Star State.  He was a rancher, a businessman and would go on to be a participant in the Texas revolution.  Navarro was one of the signer of both the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836 and the Constitution of the State of Texas in 1845,  The statue was erected by the State of Texas in 1936.

Weekend Fun in East Texas - Tyler Zoo and More

 It's Day Two in East Texas and our choices are limited, but, the Caldwell Zoo is open and we've not explore this particular one before.  Away we go - it's early in the day, so not too many people yet.

Weekend Fun in East Texas - Canton Trade Days

 Mister's birthday came and went without him being able to get time off work.  We are outta here for the weekend to let him catch just a little breath.  He's in charge and I'm along for the ride.  Canton Trade Days is our destination this morning.  We haven't been in over 10 years and with nice weather on the horizon, let's do it.  It's up and out of the house bright and early to get to Canton just as the grounds open.  We are just about the only one in the parking lot, which means a short walk in.  Now to just take in the sights and sounds.  We don't really have anything in particular that we are in the market for, so casual walking is the goal.  This is quite the ironing board.  No, it didn't come home with us.

Dallas Blooms 2023 - Opening Week

 Mister has the day off and this week was the opening of Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum.  We have early entry and are off for a day together.  First stop is at a new to us coffee shop - Ascension.  I say new to us, but really, it's just the location.  All in all --- good coffee but the "system" needs tweaking.  We'll try again.  Now, off to the gardens.  This post will be mostly pictures, with just a few words.  Enjoy the eye candy.  Oh, I was here last week so you can really see the difference in the grounds.  Here is the LINK to that day.

Arboretum JUST BEFORE Everything Blooms

 Last week, the Elders (LDS Missionaries) stopped by and as we were heading out the door, we only chatted on the doorstep for a bit.  I mentioned that I would be happy to take them to the Arboretum on the "P" day.  Today is that day.  I am meeting them at 9:30 for a walk through the gardens.  Come along and check out the "pre-Dallas Blooms" pretties with us.  Two weeks from now - it will be amazing.  First stop - memory moments to share the story later.

Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade 2023

Going to the Annual Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade is starting to become a tradition for us "if" I am in town.  This year --- no February quilt retreat and, thus -- no conflict.  Making the trek down a bit early in order to locate a parking spot has us checking out Hola Cafe for some coffee.  It's good and with a warm cup in my hands, I'm ready to explore a bit.  There are several areas of Oak Cliff that we visit - one being the Bishop Arts District, which is super close to where we are today.  This is just a few roads over and the area has so much character that I'll share a few images.

Mister had to back up and check out the window for a second look.

The parade route goes right down Davis street and Davis Street Espresso is usually not open on Sundays, but today they have the window open and are serving beignets.  Why not?  It IS a Mardi Gras parade so we might as well get as much "New Orleans" out of it that we can.

Let the parade begin - I'll just share images with few comments - 

The ZOO!!!!!

and they picked a dinosaur??  Goodness.

Girl Scouts and cookies - 

This band was a ragtag and they looked like they have a blast together.

This little one was just so cute as he watched everyone go by.  He was across the street from us.

Here come the Minions!!!  Love it so much.

Hey, it's Gru.

The Sheriff's Posse - 

Oompa Loompas

At this point the older couple next to us (who REALLY wanted beads as they had never done this before) were about to leave, so a quick selfie for us and then all of our beads went to them.  We continued watching and collecting and had another chance to make two small children smile.  They arrived near the end of the parade and the bead throwing was about done.  It's fun to collect them and just as fun to give them away.  Another parade in the books and we're off for more day together.  Keep on smiling.

Lubbock Weekend & Drive Home - Just Us Two

 The drive home begins today, but first --- Coffee!  I've found what I think will be a unique shop here in Lubbock.  It is He-Brews and a bit out of the way, but worth it.  As we approach, we spot prairie dogs all over the place.