Only the Best
for us Costco Customers
Have you been to Dallas? Dan and I headed that way last Friday. We were going to spend the weekend with Michael and Allie and see their new home.
We decided to rent a car for the trip. We chose a middle-sized option, and we were told we were given a free upgrade. I believe we got a free upgrade because we rented the car as Costco members. Our rented car was a KIA Sportage. I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t get the rental car companies classification of car sizes. In any case, Dan fit, and so we were happy enough with it.
We made the ten hour drive in one day, going through Oklahoma on our way to Dallas. Now, I am sure this KIA car has many features that we don’t know anything about. I do know that the last three or four hours, the car kept beeping. Then a picture would come on the dash suggesting that we take a coffee break. We don’t drink coffee.
In spite of ignoring the coffee break suggestions, we made it to our destination just fine. We arrived about 8:30 pm, just in time to see Michael and Allie’s new house glowing in the light of dusk. The house was beautiful both outside and inside, and we are quite happy for them.
Hey, who’s that in the window?
Saturday morning, we took a walk around their neighborhood. An elementary and middle school are just a few short, walk-able blocks away. The schools sport a number of fields, making the area green, open and spacious. There is also a paved recreation trail which goes for miles. Next time, we are bringing our ebikes!
After our walk, Michael and I went to a nearby estate sale that we discovered on our walk. I think of estate sales as a treasure hunt. There is nothing I really need or want, but I may find it at the sale. This sale did not disappoint. There I found a wooden roll-top desk in mint condition. It was beautiful, not a scratch on it. The roll-top glided smoothly. The price was right, and I had to have it.
Now, how did we get my new-to-me desk safely home in that KIA Sportage? Well, Dan wrapped it carefully to prevent any damage on the transport home. And when we left, my strong husband easily put my treasure in the car all by himself. I appreciated the level of care Dan took with my find. After all, I did pay three dollars for it. Did I mention this roll top desk is for my dollhouse? Oh, I’m having a little fun.
Michael and I also spent some time looking at some sentimental items. Now that Michael and Allie have a house, we brought along two plastic bins – one large and one medium – full of Michael’s childhood awards, school papers, and pictures. I wasn’t sure I was ready to give up these mementos, but I did.
We enjoyed lunch at a personal favorite of mine, Bread Zeppelin. If I had a boatload of money and no work was involved, I’d invest in a franchise of one of these restaurants – whose byline is “elevated salads.” Since my ship with the boat load of money has not yet come in and I want to stay retired, I’ll just go out to eat at Bread Zeppelin. My favorite selection is always the Shanghai salad – in a zeppelin, of course.
Back at their home, we enjoyed Michael and Allie’s swimming pool and the St. Louis Cardinal game which Michael projected onto a giant screen. After our swim, we relaxed in their courtyard. A gentle breeze softly caressed us while we ate ice cream and watched the Cardinals win 13-0. Life just doesn’t get any better.
On Sunday, we visited the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum was having August Dollar Days. The entrance fee was on sale at $2 each, and the parking fee was reduced to $5. The reduced fees are a great deal, but the price you pay is the heat. After a good hour and a half, we ran out of shade and stamina.
Dallas Aboretum
We enjoyed a free taste of
Cucumber Basil Ice Cream
Our next stop was the AT&T Discovery District. We walked around this $100 million newly renovated area in Downtown Dallas. The site is quite impressive with its walk through, musical AT&T logo and the giant movie screen which has a short show on the hour.
in this picture.
It’s the same screen in the two pictures below.
The district also features a number of dining options, including a mall-like area with several restaurants offering a variety of foods. It was time to eat, but I was too tired to fully appreciate the offerings here. Instead, we chose a restaurant with outdoor dining and table service.
Sunday night, just like Friday and Saturday nights, we played board games, including Rummikub, Sequence, and a new game called “Chameleon.” Dan and I enjoy playing games, and we are so glad when our kids play, too. I like how everybody gets to laughing, and the new game “Chameleon” was especially good in this regard.
Monday morning, Dan and I headed back home with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts. We had a wonderful and fun time, and we thank Michael and Allie for their hospitality.
The best part about the whole weekend was being with Michael and Allie. The house is beautiful; the neighborhood is perfect; the Arboretum is gorgeous. Even my dollhouse desk is one for the books. But nothing, nothing tops the charts as just spending time and having fun with our family.
Chambers on the Road 
What was the cucumber basil icecream like ? *scrunching up nose.
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The cucumber basil ice cream was not quite as smooth as regular ice cream. It was refreshing. However, it had lots of sugar, heavy cream and condensed milk in it, so even though it was made with cucumbers, I am not sure it was any “healthier” than regular ice cream. This tasting area uses something from a garden, makes three dishes for tasting (the recipes are displayed), and gives out free samples. It was fun to try it. Thanks for reading and your comment. Enjoy your day!
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Thanks for sharing 🙂
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“…with smiles on our faces and love in our hearts.” Such a perfect description of time with family. The photo of Michael and you under the arbor of trees is great. I’ve been thinking about getting a tv projector. We’ve seen them at campgrounds where folks sit around a fire and project movies on the side of their camper. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time. I am not so sure about the cucumber basil ice cream though. As always— Happy days and safe travels.
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The ice cream was fun to try, but I won’t be giving up my mint chocolate chip any time soon! Michael has been using a projector for shows and to play games for over ten years. We did have a wonderful time. Happy days, and safe travels to you, too!
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You certainly “had” me at fitting a roll top desk into a Kia! I was thinking, “There’s no possible way!” We’ve been through Dallas a few times but have never stopped to explore. Beautiful home and patio! Happy you enjoyed.
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I am glad to know my “little fun” worked on someone! It was pretty hot the weekend we were there, so our options of exploring were limited. There is also the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, but it was closed because of Covid. The nice thing is they have a pool, so we really enjoyed that! Thanks reading and your comment. I hope you have a great day!
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Your $3 roll top desk made me put down my coffee, Betty. Before you clarified, I pictured it being marked $30 and you scraping off the 0!🤣 Just joking. Frugal Betty can talk them down without cheating.
The baseball players almost seem life-sized on that big screen!
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Even I could not talk down a roll top desk to $3! I made you put down your coffee? 🙂 Well, if you were in the KIA, it would have told you to pick that coffee right back up! Watching that game on the big screen was fun – and especially because the Cardinals won so big! Thanks for reading and your comment, David. P.S. I couldn’t cheat – not even for a roll top desk. I couldn’t take the guilt! Thankfully, my parents raised me right!
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I know a person who all but gave away their vintage roll-top solid hardwood desk. It was so heavy they were tired of loading it every time they moved. 😑
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Hopefully, he or she didn’t regret the decision later. In any case, I bet someone was really happy to get it!
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I was thinking the whole time… yeah, I’d probably try to get that roll top desk in that Kia too…😂. The last car I rented had the coffee break light too. If I’d stopped every time that car wanted coffee, I’d still be making my way back from Memphis.
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I know! It was constant! I am sure it can be reprogrammed, but we weren’t going to take the time to figure it out for a rental. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the weekend!
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Same to you!
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What a wonderful trip and time with family. You had me going with the roll top desk. All I kept thinking was, Dan’s poor back as he tried to load it in the car! We had Houston on our trip list for next year but decided to take it off for a number of reasons. Glad you enjoyed the city and the surrounding area. Have a great weekend.
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Yes, it was a wonderful trip. We don’t have Houston on our radar. You know, I’m not really a fan of big cities. Too much traffic – especially when pulling a travel trailer. I like the small towns. I enjoy the beautiful nature, the parks, the historic sites. I do want to explore more in Texas. Enjoy your day!
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Beautiful home! I love estate sales if I am looking for something.
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Thank you! I enjoy estate sales, too. I have to be careful though as I’m more in the “getting rid of” stage rather than the “accumulating stage.” But I do enjoy finding a treasure. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your weekend!
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What a fun trip and visit with your loved ones! I love Dallas – it’s so vibrant and yes, it is hot this time of year! I hope you share a picture of that roll-top desk in its new home, hint hint!
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There’s lots to do in Dallas, so we will have to visit again when it is not so hot! I have been making some, but slow, progress on the dollhouse on a part that is very tedious! Once I have this task finished, I plan to make another dollhouse post. So, it is coming, but I am not sure when. Thanks for reading, and Happy Labor Day!
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All those great, beautiful pictures but none of the roll top desk! lol Congrats on that, btw. We had one in our home when I was growing up, and I loved it. We own a Kia Soul, but it doesn’t have the “coffee break” display. However, we saw that on a Kia Sonata we once rented and it made us laugh. – Marty
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I couldn’t get a picture of the roll top desk without it being obvious what it really was. We had a secretary desk growing up. I loved the little cubbies and the little door in side the desk. The coffee break message made us laugh, too. Thanks for reading. Hope you are enjoying your Labor Day.
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[…] and I recently visited my son Michael and his wife, Allie, at their new home in Dallas. Allie loves plants and had several very interesting plants throughout their home. Allie’s […]
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That sounds like a wonderful trip. The new house is very nice!
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Thank you. Yes, we really enjoy our time there. Enjoy your day!
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Aww love this post, sounds like you had the best weekend and you did so much. I love playing games also. My son and his girlfriend are staying with us until lockdown is over in Victoria and I’ve played a few games with them. Have you heard of Qwerkle and Dobble. Such fun. Enjoy the rest of your week 😊
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Thank you! Yes, we have played Qwerkle, and it was fun. I have not heard of Dobble. I will keep my eye out for it. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the rest of your week, too.
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[…] long ago. I’ll add a few new pieces I make or buy – like the roll top desk I bought in Dallas when I was with my son, Michael. For ideas about design or how to do something, I’ll rely on […]
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[…] I gave Michael and Allie a family membership to the Dallas Arboretum. We visited the Arboretum when we visited in August. Of course, it was beautiful. The best part about this gift is that at the family member […]
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