I blew the Day 1 title – I thought it was 10/22. I apparently jumped a whole week. I corrected that and now this is a “Muddy Shoes” insight to Day 2 – of what I am calling ‘Go get Alfred’ Road Trip!
Today’s post is more of a walk through my day. Maybe a bit boring compared to other adventures and road trips I’ve taken, but not every day can be a mountain top. There is life along the valley and hillside roadways as well. It is what makes the mountain tops that much more appreciated.
I arrived early because I left early. I am so blessed to know I can ask our church’s Sunday night activities to be flipped in a moment – that when I ask the deacons to step up – they always do. Any organization that has such great leading servants is truly blessed.
I approached Dallas from the northeast and had to stop at Buc-ees. If you’ve never experienced the Magnus Opus of all gas station stops, your life is not complete. You stop for gas and get a meal, travel snacks, Texas paraphernalia, and Christmas shopping all in one. Oh yeah, a bathroom fit for a mob. Loves and Rest Stops and TA and Sheetz are not even close. Though I do love my Sheets in Concord now!
Got the Christmas ideas down and headed into DFW via the bridge over Lake Ray Hubbard. Went to get the DFW toll tag for my wife’s new Subaru. I couldn’t put it in the normal spot – the vehicle has camera technology that prevents normal placement. So I had to break VA law and put it in one the front windshield’s corners. I’ve been told that this is legislatively taboo. We will see. Look at me – living on the wild side!
There is life along the valley and hillside roadways as well. It is what makes the mountain tops that much more appreciated.
Went downtown Dallas. I miss the ambiance … the multi-sensory, man-made, artistic touch of city life surrounded by concrete, steel, and patches of landscaping to make you think it’s not all man-made.
– Farmer’s Market: indy type restaurants, tourists’ widgets, and hipster persona all in one place with skyscrapers filling the backdrop. (One of the pictures I have is a previous one with my wife and I having coffee at the market – she is not on this trip.)
– El Fenix: a 107 year old cantina on the edge of UpTown (?) that is a favorite. It’s like stepping into history realizing the dates, the soldiers, proposals, birthday parties and so much more over the past 10+ decades.
– Ross Perot Science Museum: I had an hour to kill before El Fenix opened.
– Dallas Downtown: Drove by Thanksgiving Square, Klyde Warren Park (largest privately owned inner-city park), First Baptist Dallas, the old Post Office (which is now apartments).
From there – north to Prestonwood to meet my son for lunch. I got the car washed. My wife threatened my life with her new set of wheels – NO CRUMBS, just don’t eat in it at all. Made the 1300 mile road trip down here a bit hard!
My son and I tried a new place at the Star. The Star is the Cowboys training facility in Frisco. We went to Whalburgers. A great little chain by the Whalburgs. Great chili and burger – and had the have the tots! Worth a trip back (when I am in the area – not if I had to go 1200 miles for it!)
Off to the hotel – aLoft in trophy Club. A quirky little inn that is comfortable and cute. The decor is up style hipster and it’s quite a comfortable sleep and good shower. These two things are what makes it a nice respite. Took a little nap after being up about 35 hours.
One of the unique things is the wallpaper in the shower area. So many little things we need to appreciate.
Met my son for dinner. Bonefish. I felt like salmon but ended up with swordfish. Yum and healthy.
THEN – it’s time to be a papa dude (my preferred grandfather identification). Sammy has been filling unwell. Hacking seal cough. Vomitous moments. Extra clinginess. But his smile just melts the hardest heart. A little time with him before back to the hotel. He has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Hopefully all is just normal kid junk.
TAKE AWAYS …
1- Family is so precious. Enjoy what you can. Adult families – reconcile and rebuild damaged relationships as much as is up to you. I miss my son, DIL, and Sammy. 3-4 times a year is just tough. But we live with eternity in mind.
2- Enjoy adventures but remember your home base is important. I called my wife, FaceTimed so she could see Sammy, and stay connected. Reread #1.
3- Rest is important. It makes the rest of the trip more appreciated. Thank you aLoft.
Tuesday will be great too. Looking forward in this great road trip!
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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