Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Texas

Heading to Dallas to meet up with Rafael was not as easy as it seemed. Traffic in Dallas, even on a Saturday afternoon, is a nightmare! It’s the first time I’ve hit any sort of issue with the highways, so it put me back a bit. I felt rushed to get to the gardens before they closed and have time to peacefully explore and get back across the city to Arlington, Tx for dinner. I don’t like having an agenda.

Traffic jam on 35.
I am in awe with all the overpasses here! I’ve never seen so many and to me it was artistic the way they interacted.
Another overpass shot.
As I was stuck in traffic I was able to capture this view of Dallas.
Isn’t it pretty!? Or is it just me?

I finally made it to the gardens. You had to purchase the tickets online for a specific time in attempts to stagger the crowds. I sat in the sun and struggled to get the time processed right. I almost gave up and was frustrated with their account system needed just to buy a ticket but also still weary from the stressful drive in.

I snapped at the worker when he was helping me and showing that I had to pay 10$ for parking. I thought that was ridiculously high. Am I becoming one of those old -not social cheap -asses? Being out here on my own is creating a possible monster. 😬 yikes.

Location was a bit outside the city.
Once inside the gardens I was overwhelmed by the size of the park. But I was instantly calmed once the greenery settled in around me.
What I loved about this botanical garden was all the sculpture throughout! And you could purchase it! I mean if I had money to spare, which obviously sleeping in my van – I do not🤣, I would purchase one of these for my yard!
The cactus were a great Texas touch.
And there’s my daisy again.
Girl power.
The gardens were filled with graduates and Quinceañeras getting their pictures taken.
This 15 year old literally had a dress like Cinderella. It was stunning.
In the women’s garden.
Reminded me of my twins. Yin & yang.
I can see why this garden had excellent reviews. I’m happy that I picked it for my one thing to see in Dallas.
Such elegance.
This walkway was obviously popular for picture taking. I always felt like I was in the way as I walked around. But then I imagine they just Photoshop people out of the backgrounds.
Sculpture adds so much to a garden. A perfect man made art and nature combination.
I don’t know why but I loved this one.
Mother snd daughter. Happy Mother’s Day!
Strangely this one felt sexual to me.
This one reminded me of my father when he used to carry all three of us girls upstairs to bed at the same time.
There were many flower gardens where people were taking notes. I imagine for their gardens back home.
The variety of color on these snap dragons I was appreciating.
How I feel sometimes. I could totally relate, but wouldn’t want a reminder of it in art form.
Couples were sitting on the benches throughout, resting in the shade or watching the fountain. A perfect date.
Landscapers deserve more credit when it’s done right.
Ratty wind blown hair. Don’t care.
Twisted trunks as I exited.
Taking off from Dallas….. I doubt I will return but it was a nice experience passing through.

Myriad Botanical Garden and Scissortail Park- Oklahoma City

Another must see in this city is their parks. The city planners should be commended for doing such a beautiful job with this. After the museum I drove two blocks away, had to pay the meter again anyways. I wandered past a children’s play park and thought, man, is this it? But as I kept walking I discovered an entirely landscaped botanical garden area.

This is what I love most about traveling with no agenda. I never know what to expect and am always pleasantly surprised with what I find/uncover. No room for disappointment!

I sat and talked to Sedona for a bit as I listened to the manmade water trickle down the cement falls. I couldn’t have been happier. My days have been one great moment after another. I have a feeling if I keep following my intuition, this may continue.

I appreciate the encouragement many of you are giving me along the way to keep blogging. It’s nice to be able to share my experiences and know that many are also inspired.

Sculpture at the beginning of the park.
The layout, which in Tonya-style, I only saw as I was leaving 🙂
Patterned brick walkways and plenty of trees for shade.
I loved these steps alternating with the grassy areas.
The were at the far ends of this waterway.
Overall look at where I am sure many concerts were held. Must be a fantastic summer venue.
Unfortunately this walkway was closed due to renovations. From what I could see it looked like it was filled with plant life inside, like a small conservatory bridge.
This black bird was unafraid of me. He looks like part of this zen sculpture.
Another view of the water and the glass walkway.
Beautiful flowers in bloom.
Now that is city planning with one hell of a landscape architect.
Some parts of the garden had an Asian feel. The detail of the curving sidewalk. Such thought and design.
The symmetry of the trees planted.
I loved this texture and color combination.
I was laying on my back face up while on the phone and snapped this shot to share with my daughter.
The water I was listening to. I chatted with a homeless man who was happy to be able to speak to someone.

According to Google maps there was another park nearby, so I figured may as well check it out. Wasn’t sure why it was so close to this one. I thought may as well check it out, I still had an hour on the meter. This next park was named Scissortail. Such a strange name I thought.

Had a lot of grassy areas filled with wildflowers.
Had more of a desert landscape approach.
Cute seating area. Inspired by all the ducks in the water I suppose.
I loved the curved large seating bench areas. The walkways trailed in and around several of these. I ended up seeing the homeless man again here and he ran over to say hi again. I told him we were both wanderers.
Check out the bridge in the background. My feet were tired so I wasn’t going to walk across it, but it was quite site.
A different view of the bridge. I noticed tents started to be set up socially distanced apart. Looked like Friday night was going to house some sort of outdoor market.
Not sure if this is every night, or just on the weekends. If I wasn’t alone I may have stayed to check it out. Looked like a band or DJ was coming to the stage and people were starting to set their blankets out on the lawns. But as a rule when I travel alone, I usually do not stay out late unless I know where I am sleeping and I still needed to find my way to the Airbnb tonight.
This city was filled with things to do and if I didn’t have a place to be tomorrow, I may have stayed another night to explore. Definitely a place to visit in Oklahoma if you are ever driving by!
This was the area I explored. Was heading to Bricktown next since it was an up and coming neighborhood. Afterall there was still daylight to be had.
Related image | Landscaping quotes, Mother nature, Landscape

Bricktown- Oklahoma City

This was one of the go-to places for an evening out, so I found the local brewery there as a starting point to my tour. Views are always better after a local beer eh?

I ended up renting a Lime scooter after dinner to discover the streets I may not have walked down and I’m glad I did. I found an adorable put-put course along the water as well as many night clubs which I imagine post Covid will come back to life. A great date night place which is also family friendly.

The entrance into this part of town is always under the overpass.
I absolutely loved the art on the walls of this underpass. It’s so happy! I think it’s such a great thing here, street art under the bridges. Seems there’s less vagrancy and garbage as if a respect comes to a place where someone took the time to paint and create positive energy.
Another view of this art.
I can appreciate this mural. It’s as if the images are peeking through the archways.
This image I related to with my van life experience.
When will the American flags be at full mast again? Sad all the violence.
The local brewery I fell into early before the crowds on this Friday night.
Absolutely amazing sandwich. Beer flight was non offensive. All tasters quite smooth with the exception of the stout at the end which was robust with coffee and chocolate undertones. Was a perfect ending drink.
I can see where this section gets its name. Seems all buildings are made of bricks. This restaurant was popular.
On the scooter I came across this baseball field and museum.
This sculpture was in the middle of the sidewalk and made me wonder. I felt like he was trying to heal the world with his energy.
I parked my Lime scooter. There were signs they were not allowed down in this section so I walked back to my car while enjoying the sights.
I really liked Oklahoma City. It’s small and thoughtful, but still big enough to house culture.
Bars and restaurants lined the stale waterway.
At the end of the walkway was this mural.
I’ve not seen these flowers before with their daisy like personality. But they brightened my day and hopefully yours.

Oklahoma City Art Museum- To All My Fellow Art Lovers

I woke up Friday morning at my lake side secluded parking spot and spread out my outdoor blanket onto the lawn and listened to the birds as the sun rose. The heat was already kicking in and made it comfortable to sit wearing my short sleeve ‘Love Wins’ tee.

I started to journal and then decided to stretch this old body out for a bit. As I did so- many clear thoughts came to my head. It was beautiful. The clarity received and direction spoken. I jotted down the short sentences and made a point to slow down next week a bit.

I’ve been so energized. I’m sleeping well and hitting the road. Appreciating all I am taking in and wanting to feed my head with more. But I need to remember to take these moments in too. The quiet and stillness of the days.

I made a reservation at the Oklahoma City Art Museum for 1:30pm. I was happy they were open but hated the time agenda. I had to hit the road, it was going to be about a 2.5 hour drive there. I did make a curve ball visit to the OSU (Oklahoma State University) campus in Stillwater. It is a beautiful campus! But very big and I didn’t have time to explore.

Arrived easily off the highway.
Across from the museum was a municipal building with a beautifully landscaped park out front.
And a view of the city’s center.
I had heard about this museum when googling things to do in Oklahoma City. This museum boasted about holding a permanent Dave Chihuly glass exhibition. I had recently come to admire his work when touring Columbus, Indiana. (yes I know I am late to the game) In Columbus, Indiana they had a chandelier in their visitor’s center made by him. I was fascinated. How anyone could create such works of art with glass.
I mean look at this sculpture!!! I must have taken 10 photos trying to truly capture it.
A close up view of the details. Each piece is individually blown and purposefully placed.
On the third floor of the museum, the entire floor was dedicated to him. This is a photo of the hallway I passed under that had a clear ceiling with his glass work laid out in an amazing artistic manner.
They advised you to look up and find the cherubs. I had to go through twice because I could not take it in all at once. See the cherub in this shot?
I could have sat under this for hours if they allowed it.
This display captured an under water feel to it.
Each piece of glass is laid out as Dave directs for the perfect final display.
How he layers it for an overall effect with the various movements, perfectionism. In the background of this photo is a painting that Dave Chihuly did. This is the method of the madness he uses to communicate his ideas and concepts. Abstract art and then he directs the glass team as they do the labor.
This boat display made me wonder how in the world they ship all these pieces and layer them in so perfectly.
Could stare at this for hours and keep seeing new works.
A great shot of both boats.
He pushes the limits to say the least with this medium.
Love the shadows working with it.
The colors here are stunning and they way each piece could not be possibly duplicated.
I probably should have read about this one, but honestly I just liked it. Felt natural yet not.
Another floor displayed modern art which I always enjoy.
Again admiring the lighting and shadows.
Check out the subtle line work and varying colors. So subtle.
I really enjoy sculpture but also the painting of the couple in the background.
Are you bored yet? I wasn’t.
Close up view of the below painting. Think about the time and mood of each color.
In the end for me created a seascape.
I love how simple they made their signs about the art. Not too complicated with the wording. Enough information for you to look at it differently.
I absolutely LOVE that this painting is placed in the middle of the others. Taking center stage. Making a bold statement.
Ferguson represented.
Info about the artist.
Last floor was regarding illusions.
These columns were actually clear but gave you the illusion of color by the artist inserting color inside.
These acrylic tubes were all the same color from one view, but varied from the top due to the sizing of each of them. This artist was more of a mathmatician.
Last shot. For all my art lovers and past art team back home. I hope you enjoyed.

It is so important to continue to fill our brains with creative energy from nature but also from creative venues. I feel they are one and the same and possibly overlap. Or maybe I just think this way because they both bring me such a high. Looking at things I can’t possibly understand and seeing the gift of the creator.

Creator Quotes - BrainyQuote

Salt Plains State Park – Oklahoma

This was another top ten must see in Oklahoma. I’ve never been to this state before so I wanted to see a variety of things if I could. I have the time. so why not?!

After hiking this am I headed 3 1/2 hours west to see this natural reserve. Getting there was no easy task. One lane highways down God’s country. Dirt and gravel roads that about gave Vanessa a heart attack. But we made it.

Just an FYI , on average I’m spending about 60$ a day. That includes food and gas. Really not bad!!! Tomorrow night I have arranged to stay at an Airbnb to get a weekly shower in🤣 So that will jump me up a bit. I’ve been getting by on body wipes and dry shampoo. It’s not been too bad honestly, of course I’m never around anyone to tell me otherwise.

I googled mapped my way here which was really nothing to see. But I did get a photo of a map of the area from the desolate visitors center and made my way to the salt beach.
This is apparently common around here. I was a bit nervous. Like where the hell am I!? what did I get myself into. There was nothing for miles.
Typical view out my car window.
I finally found my way here. All that light tan is salt beach. Yes I’m sure there’s a technical name for it but that’s what I’m calling it.
This was the dig site where they allowed you to dig up your own minerals. Well I had left my shovel at home darn it. So I just walked around and enjoyed seeing families gathered around holes with their kids finding the gems.
Like I captured a ghost along with my shadow.
I decided to get my hands dirty and channel my sand box days. Instead of coins my dad buried I found some rock formations.
As you walked along you would see some in the sand.
Made me appreciate geologists.
The view was unlike any. Hard to describe. I wished I were barefoot.
It was huge.
Some serious excavation work going on here!
Trying to capture how massive this place was. This is looking back at our cars. Can you see them?!
It looked a bit like another planet.
A view of the untouched areas.
Vanessa with her Florida plates.
Was up near the Kansas border.
I found my parking space for the night near a sandy beach section of the park. I attempted to get online via hotspot but no luck. Love how I captured a glimmer of myself in the screen.

Natural Falls State Park- Oklahoma

As the sun was falling the same day I went to Bartlesville, I headed to this park I’d read about. I wasn’t sure where I was going to stay/park. I never really plan ahead. I just drive to the place I want to be near next and then look for somewhere I can sleep overnight.

I lucked out totally with this park! You had to pay 10$ for a 24 hour parking pass which you did via text. Then I was able to drive around to find a completely empty lot! It was pitch dark, very different than my Walmart experiences where I have to block the light with positioning my pillows in the van.

The next morning I woke up by 7am and had to pee like a racehorse. To answer your inquiring minds, yes I can still at my age hold my urine for 12 hours which is a total blessing being a woman on this trip sleeping in odd parking lots. But I mentioned this, because today, I was not near a Panera where I usually go and I was forced to use my funnel for the first, albeit not last time.

( I was clued in when traveling in Colorado a couple years back by another adventurer that buying a cheap oil funnel really helps when you have to go to the bathroom publicly. And it does!!! ) TMI? A good tip is always worth sharing. Pay it forward for those that may need to know 🙂

This is where I parked. All alone my van and I. I think she should be named Vanessa”.
This was the trail I was aiming to hike. It was a blend of about four different trails and none were well marked. So it was fun!
Entered and within one minute was in awe.
Looking down at this roaring falls. I had to get down there!
And I did. I found a very steep trail along a cliff and I was able to sit and just take it all in.
Water teaches me so much. I could stare at it for hours and enjoy its wisdom about life and not controlling your destiny.
There were signs to not go in the water but I was tempted.
Loved my rainbow capture from the morning light.
Trails had cute signs but once you started walking there were too many side trail choices🤣
The bark on this tree with the view of the trail I had to capture.
I ended up on this trail beside this waterfall. But I never did see the sign, I just later saw it on AllTrails. Walking for two hours in the am, there was literally nobody on the trails. Just me.
As I was walking I heard the falls and made my way down to it. Does anyone else get a rush when they hear the running water of a river or creek? It’s something I will never tire of. Like a call to me. Instinctive.
Looking back to where the water ends up. Realizing I need to always remember to flow.
I sat on the log with my feet up for about 15 minutes watching the water. Noticing how it all splits apart as it falls down to where it eventually joins the others. I bet if I was stoned I could sit here for hours and solve the worlds problems just by watching the water fall.
So happy to be out and energetic and healthy!!! I’m sporting my new hat my neighbor Nancy gave me for my birthday. 💚
Once I crossed to the other side of the creek I started following downstream.
I stopped to admire the fern and the little yellow wildflowers.
When I turned around, up a VERY steep incline were caves. Yes please! The challenge of getting up was a strategic maneuvering on my part grasping the trees, placing my feet in between roots and stable rocks and pushing my knees to the limit.
But I wanted to take a look. And to sit inside for a bit.
The rock formations were different than others I’d seen. Reminded me of that Marvel superhero guy – The Thing.
Such natural homes.
I wish my camera skills would allow better depth perception because these were so tough climbs.
Just admiring the combo of the skinny trees and the fat massive rock.
The colors and textures of these rocks are beautiful to me.
I was definitely lost at this point and started following a creek bed. Then I spotted this cardinal who saw me but didn’t fly away. Instead he led me to an opening where I could ( with great effort and the help of many trees) climb up to street level.
I would highly recommend this place for anyone going through Oklahoma. Was a wonderful start to my day and an excellent place to crash for the night.
15 Hiking Quotes for National Trails Day - Huck Adventures
I saw this quote and it reminded me so much about that saying “think outside the box” and how I absolutely detested that saying as a creative person. I can appreciate this one much more.

Meeting my Brazilian Cambly Students in the USA

Everyone that knows me has had to endure many of my stories about my Cambly students. They add so much to my understanding and appreciation of this world and I speak of them as if they are an integral part of my life. Because they are! I speak to many of them more than I do my own family, sometimes three days a week or more -for years.

I absolutely love teaching conversational English simply because of the quality of the people I have met doing so. Also because I am like a black box” to them. I do not know anyone that they know, we speak virtually and if they want to tell me anything personal it is always safe with me. It creates a beautiful trusting friendship.

I have students from 17 different countries. I would hate to say I have a favorite, but the Brazilian people are so genuine and family oriented I adore them! Their country is similarly diverse and struggles with extreme polar politics. Their hearts are so kind and the students I have had the pleasure to speak with are highly intelligent, spiritually awakened and have helped me with life probably more than I have helped them with English 😉

While out west, I knew one of my students was living in Oklahoma so I looked her up and stopped by her house to meet her live. It was the first student I’ve ever met in person! We’ve been speaking for about a year now. I’ve seen such improvements with her confidence and speaking! (It’s tough to learn English when you arrive to the USA in the midst of Covid with a one year old son. ).

She’s an excellent baker and is always making fresh breads and cakes! She totally spoiled me by having 4 different snacks ready for my arrival!

My student Paula and I.
Look at the beautiful layout she had for me! I was so touched! All traditional Brazilian recipes! Sweet potato bread rolls, corn cake, cheese pastries and a carrot cake with dark chocolate frosting! Needless to say when she asked me if I wanted any to take with me I jumped at the chance. It was a perfect breakfast for me the next morning.
Her son is now 2 years old this month. He is adorable and super smart!!! If I lived closer I would love to babysit him to give her a break! He’s the best.
She told me you can get these at Costco. Great bite sized snacks! Highly recommend.
Her husband came home so I took off to reach my park before nightfall. I was happy to have met him as well. They are a beautiful family!!!

Another one of my students was flying in from Rio to Dallas for work. He’s a pilot in the Brazilian Air Force and was coming to complete some simulation safety tests. He had to be Covid tested prior to coming and also prior to his return. I teased him that if he didn’t pass and wasn’t able to leave the country he could join my van life adventures.

I am happy that he is able to receive the Johnson&Johnson vaccine while he is stateside! There are no limitations to receiving in many Texas locations.

I hadn’t planned on going to Dallas, but my plans are flexible and I decided to head south Saturday to meet him. By the way, I am not a fan of Dallas. Maybe I need a personal tour guide for this massive, overly crowded, heavily trafficked city. Just sayin.

I picked Rafael up at the outlets since this is one of their annual stops to buy electronics and other products for their families which are cheaper here. I found a few breweries nearby (20 minutes away- everything is about that far driving) but we got stuck in massive traffic and ended up by the Dallas Stadium where an MMA fight was going on. Literally I think we drove in circles for 45 minutes.

I finally decided these breweries were not meant to be, so we decided to ditch those plans and go to a Brazilian restaurant near his hotel.

Rafael and me. Yes my hair is out of control🤣
We started with a caipirinha then switched to splitting all the local Brazilian beers they offered. We literally closed the place! It was such a great time. We talked about so many deep subjects and I was always impressed by his open mindedness and points of view.
I’d never been to a Brazilian restaurant before and he taught me how you flip the cards to green if you want the meat carvers to stop by and to red if you are taking a break or are finished.

I tried Pudim dessert which was interesting. The textures throw me, but the flavor was great. Sweet! It was so much fun enjoying his cultural food while catching up in person in the USA. I literally feel honored sometimes to have connected with such beautiful souls using the Cambly platform.

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Driving to my first stop in Oklahoma via a corner of Kansas. Nothing but green flat fields as far as you can see. I’ve seen donkeys, miniature ponies, horses, buffalo, plenty of cattle, and llamas in the fields! Also an occasional dead armadillo along the roadside.

It intrigues me in the countryside how some houses have a horse literally in their side yard like a dog would be. Google takes me down some back roads which always give me a more interesting local view.

I was heading to Bartlesville. I’d read it was one of top cities to see in Oklahoma. A small town, not a metropolis, so I thought it was worth checking out. It also is home to the only skyscraper done by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Green flatland for miles!
I’ve not seen so many horses and cows in my entire life as I’ve seen here.
The bridge to Bartlesville.
This was the first building that I saw. A community center of some sort. I’m sure out of use since Covid. Although since being in Oklahoma, I spend so much time outdoors, I barely remember this virus exists.
Sculpture of 66 out front. Bragging rights for being on the infamous route. Imagine I will get a lot of that out here as I head west.
A beautiful sculpture of an embrace. This city was very clean and you could tell had some oil money funding.
View from the community center of the city.
This is the Frank Lloyd Wright building. I attempted to take a tour but was an hour off from the last time slot available.
In Louisville they have horses. In Cincinnati, pigs. Seems right in Bartlesville they have Buffalo art throughout their town. This one perfectly complimented the Wright interior.
I was able to snap a photo of the lobby when inquiring about the tours
A closer look at the Art Deco style which is majestic next to the blue skies today.
Another painted buffalo. Or is it bison?
These were the main Phillip Petroleum buildings. A lot of employees were taking walking breaks around the plaza. Was good to see people out enjoying the day.
Great design planning. Peaceful.
Found the town mural, I always have my eyes looking for street art.
A closer look. Seems to tell the history.
He seems to want to take flight. Who can blame him. I think a lot of people are itching to travel again.
I stopped for lunch in this cute diner. It’s apparently a chain called Boomerang. I’d never heard of it.
Had a 50s vibe.
I sat at the counter watching the world go by.
Bartlesville is an artsy town but not too much going on from what I could tell. I read that they have a lot of fun festivals in the summertime. I do hope those make a comeback.
Quotes about Your mind wandering (19 quotes)

Grand Falls- Joplin, Missouri

After my Springfield stop, I kept chasing the sunshine and driving west. I decided to stop in Joplin to see the Grand Falls site which I had read about. It was said to be a hidden unmarked treasure and it certainly did not disappoint.

Getting greasy and it was a chilly rainy day so I was sporting my flannel Zoe loaned me. I’m channeling my inner Findlay-small town self.
Finally blue skies again and clouds galore to admire and entertain me during my drive.
Love the rainbow halo around the hidden sun.

The Falls were down a country, local road and there is no set parking. People just pulled over on the side of the road and took in the view for a bit. An excellent curve ball on anyone’s trip.

I decided hiking boots were required. Very happy to have invested in these sturdy waterproof boots! Ugly but useful.
The view from the road.
You could walk right out onto it. Was great. The sound, the movement, the spray and sunshine.
I couldn’t get enough. There were local fishermen also spending some time on the edge.
Looking back as the sun set.
Happy with myself for finding this gem. It’s the simple things in life that fulfill me.
Tough to capture but the rock below my feet was so interesting. Had many different shades from warm tan, to pink to grey.
I sat my ass down and took in the sun and sound. Just because I could. I had nowhere to be and no agenda.
Postcard view.
I enjoy a good shadow shot. Check out all the different rocks naturally created from the years of water.
A last shot as I left to find a local brewery prior to nightfall.
Best Falls Quotes: Waterfall Chasing in 2021 | Routinely Nomadic

Joplin, Missouri

I decided to try out a local brewery called Chaos. Sounded like my style. As I was driving down Main street I couldn’t help but snap a few photos to capture this town’s charm.

The rest of the city is very typical with its chain stores and strip malls. I was struggling to find any unique places on google. I wondered why there isn’t a setting to find local shops and restaurants. I think that would be most helpful as I travel. Is there a different app anyone knows of for that? Guess I could google that ?🤣

Now this is just funny. Who would name their station this? Like the K’ makes a difference:)
A sucker for a mural, I pulled over to capture this wall.
I took this photo because it made me feel like I dropped back in time. If that far out front was an antique model instead you would think this was a vintage shot.
Apparently Joplin is a place where Bonnie and Clyde came and had an apartment.

“In 1933, infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde spent several weeks in a garage apartment in Joplin and robbed several area businesses.” Funny how we make heroes out of thieves. Of course I am a fan of the Mr. and Mrs. Smith movie so….

Part of the infamous Route 66 cuts through here.
And under the bridges were bright murals.

After driving past the brewery I realized it was not open until Wednesday. Then I googled again and found all the local breweries were closed on Monday and Tuesdays. But not the local dive bar- Whiskey Dick’s I chuckled at the name and decided this place was perfect.

When I first went in, it smelled of dried beer and cigarettes. But I ordered a pint anyways and asked if there was an outdoor area.

The bar I ended up at.
Alone outside, I intended to drink one beer and head out.

But a few other people came out and set up a cornhole game. It was near where I was sitting so I asked them if they wanted me to move. They instead asked me to play. So I joined them. It was interesting. There was no banter. No competitive spirit. Just a group of friends killing time.

After one more beer and two rounds, me always the losing combination on whichever team I participated with, I decided to take off and asked if I could snap their photo. It was interesting, they really could have cared less who I was. Never asked my name until I was about to leave. Just kind, easy going people.

I forget the one guy’s name, it was Irish- then there is Cassie and Super Dave. I think this would be a great summer venue complete with two live music stages and a pool table.
As I was walking out I caught this woman power wall of fame. YEP, I picked the right place!
Top 8 Scott Eastwood Quotes (2021 Update) - Quotefancy
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