The end of the Line - Dallas

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If the Grand canyon was Indian country then Dallas, Texas is cowboy country and home of JR, Sue Ellen and Pamela. It had been snowing pretty hard the previous couple of days to our arrival and it was touch and go whether our flight would make it . But make it ,it did, and Geoffrey Our friend of many years was there to meet us. His home is lovely and what made Lucy‘s day is that he has a Springer spaniel called jenny who is very delicious!

We had to have a welcome drink as you do and it was almost compulsory to continue - Oh my god not sure I was going to survive the next couple of days! We had a great Mexican meal - it‘s so good when friends live in major cities , they know all the right places to go! We had margaritas , and more margaritas , then special Mexican coffee with brandy and cream ( sounds like an Irish coffee to me) and then a Mexican liquor.! Not good news. We then had to go to a bar where the proprietor, luciano, born in Italy, lived in Hampstead, thrown out of numerous countries and a terrible name dropper , entertained us with stories of his life. He was entranced with Lucy and was not convinced that she was over 21 - Blimey Pimey This is the fourth time this has happened and I am getting a bit board with it!!! she of course , was in her element!!

Saturday saw the sun appear and the most of the snow disappear, and Lucy had the most almighty hang over serves her right for looking so young!!!. Geoffrey kindly drove us around downtown Dallas showing us the sites and we past the spot where president Kennedy was shot and killed the book depository and the grassy knoll - quite poignant. We then went on to Fort Worth some 35 miles away. This was the town to which all the cattle after being rounded up would be herded corralled sold and transported across the states. It was the centre of cowboy territory. Today the yards are still there , cattle still do come but mostly the town is a tourist trap with bars,, men and women dressed up as cowboys and girls of old , amazing cowboy memorabilia and rodeo facilities, it is great fun!

Saturday evening Geoffrey took us to a new restraunt/bar with live music very busy and noisy, we met a couple of young Texan girls who had the loudest voices I think I have ever heard, they say the women out number the men by 2:1 well I think these two were making up for it , perhaps it was their way of attracting the opposite sex!!

Geoffrey has been a wonderful host so thankyou kind sir it is much appreciated.

Well the party is nearly over ,I cant get my head round the fact I have been away for so long and now my home awaits me. I cant gather my thoughts either, I just might have to do a final blog after I have been home a while. My head is spinning , my heart is aching for family and friends and my memories are vivid from all the adventures I have had and the wonderful people I have met. I have been touched greatly by this journey , i dont think my outlook on life will ever be the same. But I am ready to take up the mantle and routine of everyday living and think about where next i might want to go - but not quite yet!!!

Til the next time and thank all of you who have read my blog and those of you who have left comments or messages. I didn't immagine for one moment I would be able to keep it up or that people would be remotely interested, but they have been and that has meant a lot to me as i travelled around. I have publuished 33 blogs, posted over 1000 pictures and taken over 2000! , it has been as much a diary and recording of my travels for me, as it has been to share with everyone my thougts, feelings and paces I have been. So thank you again for keeping in touch.

much love to you all

Caro
xxxxx

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