Tag Archives: Texas

5 Years Ago Today

Five years ago today, I was here in Texas to be a bridesmaid in my college friend’s wedding. (Today would have been the rehearsal, tomorrow the wedding.) In my mindset, I was ready to move away from Vermont onto somewhere new but where that “somewhere new” was, I wasn’t quite sure. I had just finished visiting a different college friend in Colorado and wandering around Colorado and Southern Wyoming before I flew into Dallas-Ft. Worth for the festivities. Little did I know how much my life was about to change.Wedding 122

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Via Terrell Family Fun
At the wedding, I met a ton of great people and was having such a great time. Then they found out that I was thinking about moving and began their conspiring and convincing escapades to get me down here. In the end it came down to moving somewhere where I knew no one or moving somewhere where I (now) knew a group of people. Well, Texas won out. I arrived in Texas on St. Patrick’s Day in 2008 on a leap of faith, a car full of belongings and without a job.
Here I am, five years later – still in Texas. I was never sure how long I planned on being here but I’m still not ready to leave (sorry family). I’ve seen and experienced things that I never would’ve been able to back in New England. I’ve made some great friendships along the way, witnessed beautiful weddings and met new, cute little babies. I guess it goes to show that sometimes, taking a leap of faith can turn out to be a great thing.
Go Rangers!
Texas just wouldn’t be Texas without Longhorns.
Texas also wouldn’t be Texas without live music!
The Lumineers may have been the best show ever.

Christmas time is one of the best times. People really go all out decorating!

 

US Women’s Soccer!
(Burrr, that was a COLD day.)
Have I ever mentioned how fantastic the food is down here?!
I can’t even remember what life was like (food wise) before BBQ.
Absolutely love those small Texas towns.
Dallas – Ft. Worth From the Air
This isn’t even a fraction of what’s gone on. It’s been a great ride!
Congrats Heather & Kyle on five years!
Do you remember what you were doing five years ago?

Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2012

Last Saturday morning, I woke up early to take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Meadowmere Park in Grapevine, TX. I had never been to Meadowmere Park but it was so serene and peaceful first thing in the morning. There was a slight chill in the air, definitely a breeze, the Alzheimer’s Association had the park reserved just for the walk, it was perfect. We got there a little early so we were there to watch everyone begin to roll in.
Once we “signed in” and got our t-shirts, we went to the flower station. Each participant would receive a pinwheel flower. The color of the flower was based on why you are participating in the event. The flowers were intended to be placed all together to form a garden while we walked but since it was so windy outside, we took them with us.
There were four flower colors:
Blue – Individual who has Alzheimer’s.
Purple – In memory of loved ones that have passed from Alzheimer’s.
Yellow – Representing those who have a loved one who currently has or is a care giver for Alzheimer’s.
Orange – Supporting the cause.
Before the walk, there was some live music, a short ceremony and a t-shirt contest (for the groups that designed t-shirts specifically for their team). It’s really amazing how many people came out to participate in this event and how into the event some teams got. It’s pretty special.
And then our two mile walk began! There was even a snake hanging out on the road along the way. (All the men stopped to look.)
It’s pretty special to take part in such a great event. It brings everyone together, young and old whether you have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, currently have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, are a caregiver or just want to support the cause. It was really nice to take part in and is very personal. Before the event, I received a hand written card from one of the hosts of the event for having a team. How often does that even happen anymore?
Thank you everyone who donated to the walk. Without your donations, the Alzheimer’s Association would not be able to provide care and assistance for those in need and fund research to find a cure. It truely means everything!If you would like to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, please check out the link, here. There are walks all over the country. It is definitely something to be proud to take part in. I encourage you to participate in an event near you!

Good Guys Car Show, Texas Motor Speedway

Saturday afternoon, we headed over to Texas Motor Speedway to check out the Good Guys car show. I was pretty excited about going (if you have seen my previous posts, this would be apparent). I have this infatuation with old trucks. I love them. I love them. I want one. Oh pretty please! Yes, this was Diana envy.
The air had cooled down the night before. I think the high on Saturday was in the 50’s (this is cold for Texas) and the wind was blowing (hence my hair). The wind makes it feel a little chilly but it’s just a good reason to wear vests and hats! It’s also a whole lot nicer than sweating in the sun.
Neither one of us had been to TMS in the past, let alone been inside the track. It was pretty neat being able to walk down to where the trucks / cars drive down and then walk underneath the race track. When we first got there, they had this extended race car that was giving rides around the track. It even stopped at the top of the track (see the pic below) to give the riders a glimpse of the angle the track sits on. Looked pretty fun but I’d rather be in a real race car going around. Wheeeee!
Our first view when walking inside the track. I can only imagine what it’s like on an actual race day with 40,000+ fans in the seats and the sound of the cars going around the track. I didn’t realize it but when the race cars go around, the sound doesn’t catch up to them until they’re on the other side of the track.
Speaking of sounds. The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show was going on just down the road. We got the best of both worlds. A few planes kept flying over (pretty low) and giving us all a show (or maybe they just wanted to check out the cars)!
Speaking of checking out cars, here are a few that we saw…
If this guy didn’t have his hat and eye wear, I don’t think I would’ve loved it as much (although the bell does win him extra points).
Then, there were some particularly unique vehicles…
Then a American favorite…
Then our favorites…
This was Sy’s…
This was mine.
It was the perfect shade of green! Matched my shoes!
Oh wait, a few more that we could race down the street in.
A few alternate methods of getting around the car show. Yes, these people definitely just looked like they were having fun on these before they got off for their pit stop.
This ride, actually looked like a whole lotta fun!
If only I was rich, could I travel across North America checking everything out and sharing it with all of you! (Maybe someday, here’s to hoping!)
Overall, the event was a lot of fun. We went in the late afternoon and actually got a cut on the price of admission (which was super because it was $18/person). There is also a flea market section and business area. Lots of cars, autographing opportunity and the cars even drive around the track twice a day. If you love car shows or hot rods, this is an event that I would recommend checking out at least once!

Do you have a favorite?