Downtown Dallas and Beyond

Downtown Dallas is calling.  We've answered.  A chance to visit with the nephew and do some city walking is always a choice opportunity.  To make it ever more urban, it's a DART day.  Why not?  Who wants to deal with parking?

Due to some work on the rail lines downtown, the last stop we can exit at gives us additional fun with a little longer walk.  You see -- some could be brought down by that, but not us.  It's just that much more up close fun.  Yes, we drive through downtown all the time, but when driving just how much can you really see?  It's hard to look up and keep eyes on the road AND all the great stuff is small.

Our first stop is at the Majestic Theater.  OMG -- I had no idea about the history behind it.  "The Majestic Theater is the sole survivor of a section of Elm Street that was once renowned  as Dallas' 'Theater Row.'  Built in 1921 (and by coincidence, located at 1921 Elm Street), the Majestic is actually the second theater by that name, the first being a vaudeville house built in 1905 at Commerce and St. Paul.  Throughout the 1920s, this grand old theater, designed to seat 2,400 patrons, presented vaudeville shows as well as motion pictures and, from time to time, live theater.  Some of the better-known performers who appeared on its stage were Milton Berle, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Bob Hope, Ray Bolger, Sally Rand, and Duke Ellington.  During its early years the elaborately-decorated Majestic boasted a full orchestra pit and a downstairs play area for children called 'Majesticland.'  In the 1930s the vaudeville acts were dropped and for many years only movies were shown here.  Today the Majestic is a live theater venue only."

This is cool --- old meets new.

Red Hats at Rockfish

Can you believe it is August already?  Wow --- The summer has flown by and it's time for another Red Hat event.

My life is a bit on the crazy side today, but I really am looking forward to the time I get to spend with my Red Hat Ladies.  Each month I feel as though I get to know them a little better, making the whole thing more and more comfortable.  I am racing from event to event today and by the time I get to Rockfish Grill, I really just want to sit down and take a deep breath. Whew.

Zoo Walking

Mister and I have a chance to get out bright and early for a member morning at the zoo.  Upon our arrival, we make a beeline for the hippos and are fortunate enough to come upon a special keeper talk with the okapi.

I love these gentle giants and although many think they are related to the zebra, in reality their closest relative is the giraffe.  Check out the tongue.

Final Gammy Camp 2019 - Jacob For a Few Days

Well --- where on earth have June and July gone?  I am beginning the last session of Gammy camp for this year.  Crazy sad that Hyrum and Zyra didn't get to come and play again this summer, but so thoroughly enjoyed the 9 I did get so spend time with.  Yes, I know that doesn't add up to 15 but one is off on her own and the youngest 3 have not had a chance to camp with me so far.    At any rate, I have met up with Jen today at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to enjoy the tour and exchange boys.  We don't leave until after 4 and with traffic, well let's just say, it takes awhile to get home.  Leftovers for dinner and a quiet evening.  I am leaving super early in the morning and Grandpa and Jake have the day all to themselves.

26th - The Video Game Museum in Frisco is Jacob's first request and it's perfect for him and Grandpa while I'm on the go.  They finish up with dinner at Jakes - how funny.  In the evening, Mister begins an experiment to create clear ice.

Josh's Stay

A drive to Thurber and back today has netted us another grandson to make memories with this week.  Josh has come to play for a few days but by the time we get home, it's a quick dinner and a game of chess with Grandpa before we are done in.  By the way, Grandpa says Josh is pretty dang good at chess.  If this picture is any indication, he is certainly not stressed abut it at all.

July Red Hatters

Welcome to JULY!!  We are starting the second half of our year and I can't believe how quickly it is passing by.  When an event takes place once a month, it truly shows how quick the months come and go.  I've been with grands for almost two months solid and ready for some interaction with friends.  It's time.

This week Spring Creek BBQ is the gathering locale and I'm off - leaving Mister alone for a bit.  We have a lot to do today, but this is taking priority for me.  After two years in the chapter, I am starting to feel like one of "them."  All things take time and it's truly worth the wait.  Are we ready to laugh and share for a bit?

Raef, Ryan, Caleb - Day 7 and Good-bye

It's our last day and I'm just so sad.  Seriously.  The last time they came to stay it was for 15 days and we were talking about how we needed more.  At any rate, let's make the most of it we possibly can.  They have asked for the Children's Garden and all requests are being granted this week.