Dallas

Wichita Falls, on the way to Dallas, was lovely. The park is on the banks of the river, with trees, birds, and the friendliest camp hosts imaginable. The only downside was that we spent the afternoon and evening nervously studying the weather reports, as we were on a tornado watch for 9 hours! We had instructions as to where to shelter in the event of the sirens sounding, as they apparently do when the tornado watch becomes a tornado warning (which means that one is on its way!!) We don’t often live in other lives, and at times like this, I was really glad about that!

Driving to Dallas was pleasant – no steep hills, and the countryside became pretty and pastoral, trees and rivers and green grass, a lovely change from the desert scenery. We were looking forward to seeing Sharon Nel, (one of my Grey Junior Library Moms) , and her family, who moved to Dallas Texas 7 years ago, and what a wonderful welcome we had.

 The whole family hosted us with Texan generosity and kindness, and we spent a really special few days with them, seeing more of the lovely city of Dallas than many of the locals!  We went sight-seeing, amazed to learn that there is a network of shops and restaurants beneath the streets of Dallas, as it is just too hot to be outdoors in summer, when the daily temperatures soar to 104’F (40’C) regularly.

 We met a number of other South Africans who now live there too, and were treated to real (enormous) Texan Ribeye Steaks, grilled to perfection out under the wide night sky, a meal that left us hardly able to stagger to our beds!! We were sad to leave our friends when the time came, but have memories that will entertain us for many a long year