Fort Worth Stockyards

We took a side trip to the Stockyard Station in Fort Worth, Texas.

It was neat to walk through one of the biggest and busiest cattle, horse, mule, hog, and sheep marketing centers of the Southwest.

They still have cattle drives through there twice a day, we just missed it but at least got to see this beauty!

Yep, he's a long horn.

Most of the station still had orignial features:

And some parts have been converted for the over 2 million visitors a year.

Just look at that brick!

There were restaurants that served BBQ and ice-cold drinks...

 and yes, this guy was as big as he looks!

After you've had a few cold ones, it is always fun to see how your arm span compares to the cattle:

Yep, he qualifies...he's a Texan.

And to keep the crowds under control, we found these guys...

kinda looks like John Wayne, doesn't he?

If you're ever in the area, this is one place you don't want to miss. It was loads of fun being around such a fun crowd. So fun in fact, you just might come home with a new pair of boots, a hat, and a snazzy new belt!

If you'd like more information about the Fort Worth Stockyards, click here.

Main Street USA

I love walking down Main Street on quaint little towns. People are so friendly, they know everyone, and just seem to enjoy life.

June 13

Do you recognize this house?

Need another hint?

Ok...one more?

Give up?

Yep, it's the house that was used in scenes from the Dallas series. It's located outside of Dallas, Texas in a little town called Parker.
We visited over the weekend and actually got to tour the inside of the house!
The docent told us the filming never actually took place inside the home, in fact the family that privately owned the house actually lived there most of the time during filming!
Can you even imagine?
The cast and crew would spend about 3 months filming here and then the other months in California. Then the editors would splice the film together so that when the "family" moved in and out of the house, it would be seamless.
Amazing!
Here are a few shots from inside the home and the museum.

Even though the filming didn't actually take place inside the home, rooms have been "named" after a few characters. See if you can figure it out.

And of course, the Southfork logo appropriately placed on a decanter.

This was Jock Ewing's car... it was found under a pile of hay!

The property has been sold and purchased by a private investor and has kept the ranch as a working ranch. There is an event center that is available for parties, weddings, etc.
How fun would that be?

My favorite character was always Bobby...

Remember when the show had that really strange year...you know, the year when Bobby was supposedly gone...and then Pam woke up and he was in the shower?

That about put me over the edge!
And JR?
I never liked him...I guess I joined with everyone else...he was just one I loved to hate.

I liked him much better as Major Nelson from I Dream of Jeannie!


source

After our tour we had a quick bite to eat at Ellie's.
What a neat idea, right?

It was a fun day...a stroll down memory lane!

 If you're ever in the Dallas area and you'd like more information, click here.
And...June 13th the series continues on TNT.
I'll be watching...after all, Bobby's back!

Curbside salvage...

Yesterday we visited an Architectural Salvage shop and had the best time just looking and looking and looking. There were three stories of historical treasures. If you missed the pictures, click here.

Today, my husband and I were taking a walk and found this beauty on the curb.

Yep, it's in perfect condition...and even included the light bulbs.

Can you believe it?

I've been looking for something to go over the master tub and just haven't been able to find anything that I really like...and just like "that" this was curbside!!!

I like the scrolly top.

Not sure if I'll leave it the way it is or paint it...

hm...

Architectural Salvage...

I LOVE visiting shops with a history...

Just LOOK at all these amazing treasures!

If you're ever in the Houston area...Adkins Architectural Antiques and Treasures is a MUST see!

Chapter Two...

It's official...

...seems really hard to believe, I thought I'd teach forever.

But...

the state requirements were met and the opportunity kinda fell in my lap.

So, after giving everything a lot of thought, I grabbed the "brass ring."

I decided to stop teaching.

These beautiful flowers were sent by my sweet family for my reception...just thought I'd share.

Aren't they breathtaking?

I was so touched when they were delivered to my classroom.

And, when I read their messages, the tears began.

So, now, when people ask me what I do...I can officially say,

I'm retired...

for now!