JOHNNY'S JOURNEYS: TEXAS 2019

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JOHNNY'S JOURNEYS: TEXAS 2019



September 24, 2019 (Tuesday)

After four good hours of sleep, we're up at 3:45. At 5 a.m. we reach the Mobile

airport. Checking in was easy and we soon board the plane. Our American Airlines flight

left on time at 6:10... before sunrise. We land at Dallas – Ft. Worth before 8:00 and we're

happy to see that our luggage came to Texas with us.

Thrifty Car Rental has a Kia for us. First on the agenda is a trip to the world famous

Fort Worth Stock Yards. www.fortworthstockyards.org offers this statement. “Step Into

the West. Fort Worth is where the West begins, and nothing embodies Western Heritage

better than the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. From the original brick

walkways to the wooden corrals, every inch of the Stockyards tells the true history of

Texas's famous livestock industry”.

One of the old buildings houses hundreds of photos for its Texas Trail of Fame. A

large poster shows a diagram of how the cattle are cut up for processing. It shows a %!o(MISSING)f

the cuts for chuck, brisket, fore shank, rib, short loin, sirloin, short plate, flank, and

round. That was interesting.

On the street, there was a Texas longhorn under a shade tree. For a $ 5 donation, I

climbed on it and had a few photos made. We made a quick trip to the Texas Rodeo Hall

of Fame. We then wandered around and saw dozens of cattle before reaching the

Stockyards Museum. Located in the Livestock Exchange Building, we saw a lot of

history here, including the Silver Spurs Award, which was presented to John Wayne.

It was time for lunch and we went to Riscky's Barbecue. Janet chose a steak and I

wanted the huge chicken fried steak! We saw a cute sign “WARNING: Our ribs may be

habit forming”. Riscky's BBQ has been around for 90 years. So good! Nearby was a

Nestles Toll House Cafe. That is where we found several sweet treats.

Before leaving, we got to watch a cattle drive... not a parade. A few dozen of these

beef cattle slowly ambled by. The horns on the animals we saw today were about 4 feet

in length. I read that the record is 8.6 feet in length!

We navigated to Arlington and checked into a Baymont Hotel. Since we had arisen

so early, a two hour nap was wonderful. I thought I needed to visit the swimming pool.

The one other person at the pool did not stay long. A few blocks away, I could see the

rides at Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park. That is one very tall roller-coaster ride!

Back in the room and I change clothes. Janet decided to stay and rest tonight. A block

away from our hotel is a trolley pick-up for Globe Life Park. It was crowded at 6:15 as

fans went to a Texas Rangers baseball game. This is now the 7^th Major League Baseball

stadium I have been to. Tickets range in price from $15 up to about $400. I usually

purchase the least expensive ticket at a MLB game. If there are empty seats, I might

move to a different location.

The Boston Red Sox are playing here this evening. I saw them six weeks ago while

in Cleveland. This is the last week of the regular season. And next year Texas will play

their games at the new Globe Life Field. Both teams produced 29 hits in the game. The

score after one inning was 4-4. After two innings it was 5-5. It was going to be a long

night. Boston finally won it 12-10. I wondered where I would see my next MLB game.

It took quite awhile before catching a trolley back to the hotel. Supper this evening

would be Nestles sweet treats. I got into bed at midnight, listening to a nearby train.



September 25, 2019 (Wednesday)

The phone alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. I need to delete that. Our wake-up call came at

7:30. I grabbed coffee and a bagel for Janet and returned to our room. I enjoyed a large

waffle, in the shape of Texas, as well as pastries, a banana and apple juice. I shared my

table with a Utah woman named Bethany. She sat next to me last night on the trolley

ride to the baseball game. By chance, she was at the pool yesterday, when I went down.

After checking out, my wife wanted to drive through Dallas and see the sky-scrapers.

In Arlington, we passed several General Motors plant protesters. Yes, the UAW union is

on strike. We did see the tall buildings and plenty of traffic. Our destination was Plano.

We drove out to the South Fork Ranch. There is a black wrought-iron gate and moss

draped oak trees that line the driveway. Such beautiful scenery.

I had visited here in 1985. The “Dallas” television series, featuring the Ewing family,

was filmed here from 1978 – 1991. This was the most watched t.v. series in the world

with fans in 95 countries. America... and other countries... seemed to come to a stop on a

Friday night in November 1980. We wondered who shot J.R.? Billed as the “World's

Most Famous Ranch”, it can host from 10 to 10,000 at a variety of special events. Plus,

there are all sorts of souvenirs to see. And we will be bringing a few home with us.

Beautiful homes abound in this area. We went driving through a neighborhood to

view these gorgeous houses. A sign in front of one house said this was the home of

Olympian gymnast Nastia Liukin.

Not far away we stopped at Antojitos Salvadorenos La Morenita. It offers authentic

El Salvadorian food. We ordered Fajitas Mixta de pollo y carne with plantains and

Mexican coca-cola. I could recommend this again. Yum!

Arriving in Waco, we pass by Baylor University and the football stadium. We check

into our hotel at the Rodeway Inn. We called Bethany in Alabama to wish her a Happy

Daughter's Day. A long day... in bed at 8:00.



September 26, 2019 (Thursday)

There's a 6:30 wake-up call and Janet joins me for breakfast. We are on the road around

9:15. Our drive took us to the small town of Crawford. The population is about 700. A

mural had been painted on an old building earlier this year. The main focus is an

American flag and “Crawford Celebrates 150 Years. Est. 1867”. A painted banner reads

“Crawford, Texas... Home of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush”. At

the bottom is a tribute to “The Spirit of America”. I was impressed by a granite marker

that recognized the 2004 H.S. Football team as State Champions, with a record of 16-0.

We will drive to / near Prairie Chapel Road. Three deer cross the road in a rural,

farmland stretch. One deer stopped to get her photo taken. Unfortunately, there is a new

iron or metal gate, to restrict tourists from reaching the George W. Bush ranch. The

former president called this spot his “Western White House” on visits back home. A few

hundred trees had been recently planted by the request of Laura Bush. With cattle

nearby, this seemed to be such an idyllic place.

Arriving back in Waco, we embark on the highlight of the day... a trip to Magnolia

Market. After years of watching Chip and Joanna on television, we are finally making a

visit. What's to see here? Magnolia Home, Silos Baking Company, Shops at the Silos,

Magnolia Seed and Supply, Magnolia Press, etc. We walked into a few stores before it

was lunch time. We wanted to purchase from one of the 12 food trucks. I went to Little

Brisket. We bought two sandwiches: one brisket and one turkey with chips. What to

drink? Alabama Sweet Tea!! and Dr. Pepper. We thoroughly enjoyed this food

underneath an umbrella on a picnic table.

Janet and I then walked into the garden and found a shady spot. It featured wooden

mushrooms for small folks and raised flowerbeds. We had to wait a little while to get

into a swing. This was very relaxing. Inside the adjacent Seed and Supply store, I liked

the “egglings”.

Could not wait to shop at the Silos Baking Company. We decided upon six cupcakes.

Sweet!! I liked a few of the signs in there: We are giving thanks for you... and also for

cupcakes. Also: Welcome to Magnolia Silos... Home Goods. Baked Goods. All Good!

This has been a fun afternoon.

Back at our hotel room, we rest a little bit in the air conditioned room. Next up is a

trip to the Branch Davidian Compound. David Koresh and his cult of followers were in a

standoff / siege here for 51 days. President Clinton's Attorney General Janet Reno ended

it all on April 19, 1993 when the FBI and ATF agents finally ran out of patience.

A somber granite marker on the property reports that 82 people died that day.

Eighteen were children, 10 years old or younger. There is also a memorial wall which

lists each of the dead members' names, age and country of origin. There are a few

different colors of cinder-block sized stones. I wrote down the home countries of U.S.A.,

Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Israel and New Zealand.

Two months of negotiations failed. Tanks then used explosives to punch holes in the

walls of the buildings so they could pump in tear gas. Sparks flew... Three fires broke

out simultaneously and the compound was totally engulfed in flames. Such a sad day in

American history.

Next, we visited the Chapel. It has been rebuilt on part of the original compound's

foundation. The Ten Commandments were proudly posted. There were dozens of photos

of this compound; both before and after the FBI attacked the facility. There's a banner:

2016 – Hillary for Prison. SO much of the early church history is preserved here, which

shows Bible prophesy being fulfilled.

For 7+ weeks of the siege, protesters gathered on the road by the fence. We learned

later that Timothy McVay was one of these protesters. He would become the central

figure in the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing two years later.

A large swimming pool is still here. The escape tunnel, which led to a school bus was



destroyed and filled with water. The very top of that bus is visible in tall grass. Of course



there is no trespassing there. Upwards of 12 people still periodically live at this site in



2019. And about 100 visitors come here weekly.



Back in Waco we go to a Denny's Restaurant. We get a Bourbon Chicken Sizzlin'



Skillet and a huge burger, dripping with goodies! There's a sunset as we reach our room.



The best cupcakes we've ever eaten are dessert. Finishing my diary and in bed at 10:15.





September 27, 2019 (Friday)



After a 6:30 wake-up call, we're leaving at 8:00 for the Magnolia Table. There is less



than a ten minute wait. This is such a fun atmosphere! I had friends that were here one



week ago. We each ordered the Farm Breakfast. There were two scrambled eggs, tater



tots in a skillet, biscuits with strawberry butter, thick cut butter bacon, 5 fruits, coffee



and fruit juice. I enjoyed the bread basket. It contained zucchini and pumpkin bread,



croissants and pastries with chocolate. Wow, this was awesome.



We check out of the Super 8 by 10:30 and drive past Baylor University. I really liked



the name of their basketball arena: the Bear Pit. We now will drive toward Spring, north



of Houston. It's time for a gasoline stop in College Station, home of Texas A & M. Our



Auburn Tigers played... and won... a football game out here just last Saturday. It's our



first time to drive through this city.



Driving through Tomball, I thought of a pharmacy friend who works here. And then



we arrive in Spring. We will stay with my sister-in-law this weekend. She has brought



plenty of fried chicken home for us. And we provide cupcakes. Also, there is time for a



one hour nap.



The main reason for our Texas trip is to see nephew Jason in a football game. Tonight





is Homecoming for The Woodlands Christian Academy. This is his senior season and we



finally make it to a football game out here. I joined about 20 fathers down on the field



and prayed before the game.



The inflatable “tunnel” leading to the field was still wet from last week. So, I pitched



in and helped sweep out some rain water. I liked that the Senior football players had



their pictures posted on sturdy, reusable 4 foot x 4 foot banners. At half-time the HC



queen and her court were presented. It was a fun night, especially winning the game



42 -7 and staying undefeated.



Janet had a few pictures afterwards with her favorite football playing nephew. We



went to Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen after the game to celebrate. Jason and his date



met us there. The Cajun pasta was delicious. And I can't forget the giant pretzel with



queso! Good memories. Back to the house and in bed around 12:30.





September 28, 2019 (Saturday)



No alarm clock set for the morning and I sleep until 9:30. Victor went out shopping



early today and brought back fresh-squeezed orange juice, quiche, muffins and pastries.



There is just something about Texas muffins.



I drove down to the Cypress area of north Houston to see a fraternity brother. (New)



Jersey Jack was one year behind me at college; and suffered a stroke a few years ago.



We enjoyed watching a few college football games. There is a purple & white Delta Tau



Delta flag in his room that I added my name to. Fifty other fraternity brothers who have



visited with him have signed their names, also. And I stayed with him for two hours. We



both appreciated the visit.



Driving back through Tomball, I stopped at Walmart to see my pharmacist friend. But



Lauren had the weekend off. Returning to Susan's house, I ate leftovers from last night.



And there were more football games to watch.



The four of us left around 5:00 and rode to the Carlton Woods Country Club. The



TWCA Homecoming dance was preceded by hundreds of photos... then dinner. The



young men were handsome and the young women looked gorgeous in their new dresses.



With a small lake in the background, the scenery backdrop was outstanding.



We left and drove through several super nice neighborhoods. These multi-million $$



houses were amazing. Even saw one deer, strolling down a sidewalk. With anticipation,



we reached the Goode Mexican Restaurant. It was definitely worth a 40 minute wait.



The front of the menu reads: The Heat of Mexico... The Heart of Texas. I went with one



of my favorites: chicken flautas. Lucky for me, Auburn vs. Mississippi State football



was on one of the big screen televisions. With my Tigers leading 42-9 at halftime, I was



able to enjoy this delicious meal.



Returning to Victor and Susan's house, we were able to watch most of the 4^th quarter



of the football game. It has been another good day. And I'm in bed by 10:15.





September 29, 2019 (Sunday)



8:30 and we leisurely wake up without an alarm clock. There were cinnamon rolls



and bear claws for breakfast. We talked and talked about anything and everything on our



minds. Hey, I'm on vacation... so I took another nap.



There were plenty of football games to view this afternoon. Janet and I went out to



the pool and swam for about an hour. Victor treated us with six big, thick and juicy



steaks. So good and tender, I did not need steak sauce. Watched more football on this



very relaxing day. In bed around 10:30.





September 30, 2019 (Monday)



At 7:30 we get up and our hosts have already gone to work and to school. Our last



Texas vacation day is here. We say good-bye to the dog and the cat and then leave



Spring. We see a large statue of Sam Houston near Huntsville. Actually, it is the world's



tallest statue of an American Hero, standing at 67 feet.



We continue north on I-45 until we reach Fairfield. I had seen signs for Sam's



Original Restaurant & BBQ. Such a tasty southern buffet... and wonderful homemade



pies.



I enjoyed the rural farmlands as we drove past many cotton fields. We go to the



Thrifty Car Rental center at 4:00. A shuttle takes us to the airport. And we check in for



our 5:45 flight. There's a beautiful sunset with a new moon on the horizon. We land in



Mobile around 7:10. Home sweet home. Life is good!

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Photos

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Fort Worth Stockyards

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Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox.

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The South Fork Ranch in Plano, Texas.

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The cast from the t.v. show "Dallas".

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Crawford, Texas.

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Behind this gate lies the George W. Bush home.

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Waco, Texas.

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Aftermath of attack on Branch Davidian Compound.

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the new chapel.

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Long weekend with the in-laws in Spring, Texas.