We were on the road to Katy Texas to see the Forbidden Gardens it looked interesting and would give us a glimpse into Chinese culture without actually going there. We were following the GPS ( blind faith) and we knew we were getting close. We kept looking for a marker but must have missed it. In confident voice the GPS told us that we had arrived at Forbidden gardens. Hmmmm we don't see it, must be on the other side of the road, sometimes it does that. Or off the side of a ramp, done that before. We made a u-turn and headed back, still no luck. We headed into a parking lot and called them, no answer, a quick Google search and Wikipedia told us it had closed in 2011 to make way for a highway intersection. I guess Michelle was right.when she asked are you sure you want to go there? We have since named it the misplaced gardens.
On to the next travel destination, the Texas lone Star, foot ball and Blue Bell ice cream, we hear it every where we go. So it seemed only natural that we head to the creamery in Brenham TX. The creamery that was started in 1907 eventually started producing ice cream, I believe their motto was "we eat what we can and sell the rest." On the way we made a choice that invoked a new travel rule.Never stop at a sonic when the temperature is below 60 degrees unless you are in a car. The sun was out when we stopped and it wasn't bad. By the time we got our order the sun was gone and the wind had came up. Dinner on the Coleman again.
It was a very interesting tour and they gave us free samples at the end. We stayed in Brenham for the evening. We have to comment on our accommodations that evening. We stayed at the Coach light Inn and for a modest priced motel we were so impressed we had to supply their link. They are doing everything they can to compete with the big boy's including complimentary water and a snack on the table when we arrived. Even a follow up email to check on satisfaction. Our hats off to them.
One of the places we would make it a point to stop at again. I believe. it was in the thirties the next morning when we headed out, a little chilly to be riding.
We had made a u-turn to take a picture of a tree that was filled with mistletoe.
As you can see we will make a u-turn for about anything. Until I met Steve in Murfreesboro I thought all Mistletoe was plastic. Fortunately we were pulled over to take the picture when we received a phone call from Deanna, a former classmate of mine. She had been reading the blog and called to wish us well, a happy new year and check on our location. Knowing that Gary is very interested in the civil war I mentioned that we thought of them every time we seen civil war markers along our route. Well I guess I opened the spigot. Did I get an impromptu civics lesson.
. "Gary is interested in the history of what made America great and the sacrifices that brought us to that point of greatness. We hope to visit all of the Civil War sites at some point. It is love of country that lead men (and in modern day, women) to volunteer to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy. Even those that were drafted and may not have chosen that path are to be admired and appreciated for all they gave of themselves so that we can enjoy the benefits of living in a free society. We must always remember and hold in the highest regard those that laid their lives on the line to preserve America’s freedom and to honor them not only on Memorial Day but throughout the year. Without their sacrifice, we would not be living in the America we know and enjoy. They fought and died for the principals they and Americans believed in and still believe in. Patriotism is extremely important and I hope we never lose sight of what a privilege it is to live in America, the land of the free, and TO BE AN AMERICAN. There I go again, Vern...I just get carried away. I am proud of Gary’s service even though it was in a very unpopular war (Vietnam). It still saddens me to remember that he and other returning soldiers weren’t welcomed. It was difficult for me personally to see veterans of that war shunned, spat upon, and called “baby killers.” Many were called to service and answered that call. They served their country and the President. I will always be grateful to every man & woman who served and continues to serve in the military today."
Amen! Deanna, she took a breath, said "now where did that come from." and went on to ask about our trip. "Take care of yourself and each other, drive/ride safely, and return with all sorts of wonderful stories to share" That phone call will be tucked away in my memory bank. .One of the things that has been rewarding on this trip and blog is friends checking up on us to see where we are and how we are faring.
The first person we met was Jim, I'm not sure if he was a ranger or volunteer. Immediately on learning we were from Minnesota, he informed us he was from Michigan, that they had more lakes than us and more golf courses than any place in US. It was hard to like him! (just teasing) We were about to miss the tour so he redeemed himself by sending us out and saying we could pay later.
The town of Washington was started while Texas was part of Mexico. In 1836 delegates from all over Texas met and drafted their Declaration of Independence.
Because of a ferry located in Washington it prospered and grew to a city of 2000 people. It was once the capital of Texas. A bad decision by the city caused it to seal it's fate. At that time the Railroad was asking $10,000 to be included on it's route. They declined and the city vanished. As people moved out because of the cost of materials, literally took the building materials with them as they pulled out. Dramatic proof of how our decisions affect others.
Back on the road again, a bobcat crossed our path at 3:34 PM ( Ruthie is a detail person) We spent the night at Crocket Texas, made a stop at the local Walmart and found a compact camera for Ruthie to carry. Thanks to a gift from her Mayo Clinic Co-workers
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