Arts Festival!

Yesterday was a fun day spent at the Main Street Arts Festival in downtown Fort Worth. Because of parking concerns, my guest, Marian, and I went there on the Trinity Railway Express. We landed just east of Main Street, and took off to lunch at Grace, owned /operated by family. And had wine, assorted hor d'oerves, and bumped up against other family that turned up for the same thing. We then walked the mile or so up then down Main Street looking at the beautiful art of all types. My house has 6 pieces that I have purchased in previous years. Fun fun event.

Three Feasts

Thanksgiving was the usual eat-too-much, but oh-so-good, day.  Lots of family (16 of us) were around for over 7 hours (at least that is when I left), and good visits with everyone.  It was the first time that all three of Husker's wives were present under the same roof.  They are both such talented ladies!  During non-eating time, I worked on the Blue Yonder socks -- one down and one almost done.  (I have had hints from two people that they would like to have them.  In fact, one person reminded me that we wear the same shoe size.)

If Thanksgiving was not enough food, we followed up with more family (18), all down at Grace Friday night for another food extravaganza.  Grace overlooks the route for the Parade of Lights that occurs each year down Main Street, which meant that the valet parking was diverted to a another location a block or two away.  I dropped off my car and hoofed it to Main.

That was not the end of the evening, only the beginning.  We then carpooled to Billy Bob's Texas to see a concert by the Eli Young Band.  What a night! 

Did I tell you how fat I am getting?  Obviously, I was not starting a diet yet because there was one more feast Saturday night before out-of-towners head home that I must tell you about.  Maybe I should have prepped by going for a long walk -- like 5-6 miles.  This time, 20 of us were present for one final sit-down dinner of home style pasta, salad, garlic-cheese bread, gelato, and wine and wine and wine ... lots of laughter and memories were made.

By the way, the Little Husker sweater and cap are finished, but I have started the booties four times!  I am making the Lovebug Booties designed by Carrie Bostick Hoge, but seem to get my fingers in a knot or something.  I have done something stupid three times and have started over.  Can fourth time be charmed? 

Once a Year

The Fort Worth Stock Show began today with the parade downtown this morning.  Husker and I were guests at Grace, sitting on the curbside patio overlooking Main Street.  We were treated to our choice of coffee or hot chocolate, plus breakfast burritos like only a top tier restaurant would make.  Thank you, Adam. 

This is the time of the year that -- if you got 'em, wear 'em -- your boots, of course.  And jeans, hats, fringe, bling.  It all comes out of the closet for the Stock Show and Rodeo and the parade.  The parade is as much about the horses, wagons, bands coming down Main Street as it is about the folks wearing their western finery.  Except me.  I am a native Texan and don't have any boots!

The parade is the world's largest unmechanized/unmotorized parade in existence.  Wheels are okay as long as the power is four-legged.  There was a lot of that ranging from miniature horses pulling small single seat buggies up to teams of horses pulling restored trolleys, wagons, and buggies.  Plenty of cowboys and vaqueros, marching bands, riding clubs, and one-offs just wanting to be in the parade on their horse.  There were a few donkeys, and there is usually a longhorn steer or two.  Yes, you can ride a steer.   260 official entries in the parade. 

May I brag about the Parks and Recreation Department?  Always, always -- they follow behind the last parade participant and scoop the manure and sweep the street so that -- literally -- you can't tell that anything has happened.  They are finished within minutes of the parade's end.  They are so well organized!

I wore my blue Tuva hat and Just Enough Ruffles scarf to ward off the morning chill (40's), but had to lose the fleece jacket by mid-parade (low 60's).  Sunny, no wind.  Perfect parade day to sit on the patio on comfy sofas with our feet up, hot coffee and burritos in hand and watch the parade pass us by.