Shreveport

Today we drove to Shreveport.  Yesterday, when the idea was proposed, it seemed like a really nice idea.  Betty assured us it only a 45 minute drive and that the area we were going to visit was "sort of like the Riverwalk in San Antonio".  

I'll begin by saying that it was an hour and a half drive.  We had to drive through three states to get there; Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, and it as NOTHING like the riverwalk in San Antonio.  Essentially it was a mall sitting by a river.  It wasn't all bad.  We did get to spend some time with little James and Reid.  I have no idea when we'll get to see him again, so it was worth it.

We had lunch at The Cheesecake Bistro.  Due to the decor and the menu, I think it's related to The Cheesecake Factory, but the service was terrible and the french fries were cold and soggy.  The Thai Chicken Wrap was really tasty though.

Various Observations from today's drive:

1. I never want to live in rural Arkansas.

2. I never want to live in rural northeast Louisiana.

3. The man who is charged with picking up roadkill in Louisiana has either died or was given an extended vacation.  There was a dead animal every 150 feet or so.... for miles.

Tomorrow we head home.  Yipeeeee.  We miss the dogs.

Opening Presents

Tonight we opened presents with Mark's sister Betty, her boyfriend Big James, her son Little James, and HIS son Reid.

Christmas with Little James

Today we went to have lunch with Mark's dad and cousin Taylor.  Then we went to mall and did some window shopping with Taylor and his girlfriend.

Tonight we're having dinner at Ruby Tuesdays with Mark's sister Betty and her son James, who is being deployed to Afghanistan next month. 

Random observation: The combination of two paper manufacturing plants, and the Sulfer River, the town of Texarkana smells like a big fart.  Not the everyday kind of fart, but the kind you get after eating eggs... yeah..  THAT kind.   Egg farts are the worst kind.  Choose a different vacation spot if you can.

Texarkana

We're on our way!  We just passed through Temple, Texas.  Luckily traffic is really light.  I've never been through Austin without traffic. It was like the twilight zone.

Hanukkah Time !

Happy Hanukkah everyone.  Tonight we opened presents at our house.  I gave mark two sweaters and he gave me tickets to see Reba McIntire at the rodeo in Feb 2009.  I've always wanted to see her live, but so far the closest I've come is watching a drag queen do her.

Soon we're off to Texarkana to visit Mark's family for Christmas. God help us.

Fun With Peanut Butter......