Winter Getaway - DALLAS, TX

Our adventures continued on Monday morning as Rick drove us into Dallas for a trolley tour.  We caught the highlights of this old city.


 

 
 
This is the spot on the highway where JFK was shot, and the window from the Depository Building where Lee Harvey Oswald took the shot (2nd floor from the top, far right).

We had several game nights in which Rick tried valiantly to take a win...no dice!  The laughter, the re-telling of our histories, the sharing of our hearts.  I am currently reading Mary's published novel, written to give hope to middle school students.  She writes from her life experiences and it will touch hearts.

Our last hurrah as we headed east was to meet up with our Voyage friends, Ray & Angela Taylor-Perry.  Angela was the Pastor of Prayer when we first visited, in search of a church after Bill's resignation/retirement from Alamo.  That first morning, Angela's morning prayer had me in tears: the Holy Spirit was powerful through her as she entreated God for needs, and praised Him profusely for His love and grace.  No more church hunting, we were HOME.

Winter Getaway - FORT WORTH, TX

Heading north from Waco, we located Lake Whitney State park for a brief overnight.  A lovely oasis.



Arriving in Hickory Creek on a Friday night, we quickly re-established our friendship with Rick & Mary Sandford.  Isn't that the way it happens when you have the bond of Christ?  They are proud Texas transplants from the Downers Grove, IL area.  Even though we have not seen them in many years, they warmly invited us into their beautiful home and treated us like royalty.  Their son, Mike, was in our youth ministry almost thirty years ago!!!

Since they wanted us to fall in love with the area, they were excited to treat us to the Ft Worth Stockyards and Saturday night rodeo!  What a fun experience.  Of course, I liked the Women's Barrel racing- it was a bit tamer than watching the cowboys' heads bounce all over the back of a bucking bronco!

We began the night with the Longhorn Parade.

 

 

Mary lent me her cute cowboy boots to look the part!

   

Authentic old time decor, pretty amazing steak at Cattlemen's.




Sunday worship was wonderful at their large church, then a Texas BBQ where we ate on parchment paper!
Another fun treat from the Sandfords!

Winter Getaway-- WACO, TX / TEXAS RANGERS

We left our lovely AirBnb after wishing our hosts all the best in their continuing endeavors at the Waco Birthing Center, located on the main floor of their home. So interesting to hear the stories of God's people as we travel.  We made our final stop at the Texas Rangers museum. I think I can now explain a little of the history of Texas and why these rangers were necessary.  What I didn't remember was that the Lone Ranger was actually (loosely) based on the Texas Rangers story!

We were happy to be on our way again, heading to the Fort Worth-Dallas area. I located this cute sign in the Spice Village area of downtown Waco.  It certainly expresses our traveling life!

Winter Getaway - WACO, TX / THE MAGNOLIA SILOS

We chose an Airbnb that looked close to downtown so we could eliminate trying to park our RV van.  Bill wished it were a bit closer - it was about a 1.5 mile walk to the Silos, but we made it through the construction and the very uneven sidewalks.  We stopped at the Bakery for a cinnamon bun and an oatmeal creme "pie" (vanilla creme filling between 2 oatmeal cookies).  Delish.  I, of course, wandered a bit longer in the Magnolia store while he checked out the condition of the rustic silos, the proposed plans for future additions, the garden shop and the food truck vendors who parked around the perimeter of the current property.  Overall it was fun to be in this unique place because we had been fans so long, but we are not shoppers...unless there is a bargain.  No bargains at the Silos!  I searched high and low for something small with their logo, and finally settled on a journal with "Magnolia" written across the bottom. 

This couple was propelled into stardom so quickly that I am sure they didn't comprehend all that would happen. What started as a dream to improve their community has turned into an empire.  I feel sorry that they cannot come and go easily into their own established businesses.  I questioned one server at the Magnolia Press Coffee House about how all of the details and decor remain consistent with Jo's original intent if she doesn't stop by.  He said they have a Vision Team that checks each location to make sure the quality is maintained.  Our Airbnb host told us that the Gaines family belong to their church, but are not able to attend anymore because of security issues.  The price of being a celebrity is high....my prayer for this couple is that God would keep their family intact and healthy.

 



In our Waco side trips we also found the largest selection of the Watt Ware that I collect in the antique store that Jo frequents. I was compelled to buy one small bowl to add to my collection, as it added an additional state to the many that I have gathered from (MI, IN, PA, CO, TX).  In this spot, the lovely lady who rang me up explained that they haven't seen the Gaines in a while because they have to close the store while she is here, somewhat for the noise level if taping is being done, but also because of the crowds who want photo shoots with them.

We again listened to the locals and had a bowl of homemade soup at Fox's, a well kept secret near the Antique store; as well as visiting George's, a Waco fixture near the Baylor campus.

 

My first chicken fried steak.

Winter Getaway - WACO, TX / MAGNOLIA TABLE

After an overnight cheap stay at the local Flying J truckstop, we were up and on our way to Magnolia Table at 7:00 am!  The sun was just coming up, and we found to our delight that the MANY internet warnings about long waits, are not true in late February.  We were warmly greeted twice and appeared to be about the fifth guests in the very expansive restaurant. Everything was immaculate, meticulously decorated, a bit pricey- but very delicious. Our very chatty server was a single mom who had worked at Magnolia Table since its inception.  She loves her job and her managers. Jo and Chip slip in occasionally without the knowledge of many of the staff.  In her two years of employment, she remembers just once that Chip arrived during her shift  and visited with the many patrons gathered that day.  Yes, there are leather pouches on the wall to drop the cellphones in and leather cases that enclose the patron's bill.  Impressive.  From what we understand, the locals do not frequent this restaurant due to the crowds, but the Gaines are being inventive about getting the community in... if they sign up, they will be texted when there is no wait.

 

 

 

Pretty amazing bathroom!

 

Their faith in Jesus shows up in the way they renovate with excellence, the way they treat their guests, and in the values that they espouse just as this sign depicts.