Here are some happenings while we were home. We got home just in time for Halloween. It was fun to decorate the porch. We get lots of little kids and some big kids that probably drive themselves to places to trick or treat. I wear a witches costume for the occasion. A few of the families have pictures taken with me. What fun🎃!

Doogie was was born on Halloween. He’s 5 now. Happy Birthday Doogster!

On Wednesday a bunch of us rode from the RBM on Garland Road to City Hall in Dallas. The kick off for the development of “The Loop.” The Loop is a plan started by Mike Terry, Jeff Ellerman and  Larry Dale, who are cyclist that enjoy riding in the Dallas area. They soon realized there  are a lot of paths, but the paths would just end. Their goal with The Loop is to connect all the existing routes which would encompass the city as well as routes through the city. The reflecting pool in front of city hall was full of floating pumpkins. A group photo before we go in for the unveiling of “The Loop.”

Before the meeting I passed a case and inside it were the papers deeding 7 4/5 acres to the city for the site of the State Fair of Texas. The Fair was established in 1886. Many issues happened that almost shut it down. Especially when the Texas Legislature banned gambling. The Fair had a race track a major source of income. The Fair sold it’s property to the City to protect it and an agreement was made for the annual State Fair to happen in the fall each year.

On to The Loop!  Here are the men with Woody who started the whole thing. Mike Terry, Larry Dale, and Jeff Ellerman. The Mayor, Mike Rawlings was there supporting and is excited, looking forward to the livability The Loop will provide.  The board shows Friends of the Loop. Richardson Bike Mart and Jim and I are among the many who are supporting the development. Those of you who want to explore the city by using “The Loop” Are more than welcome to help make it happen. Find out more on                       theloopdallas.org

We are headed to the  hill country. On the way out of town we kinda got lost. It was interesting driving through downtown pulling our 40 foot fifth wheel. On the way we passed this interesting sculpture. artist Keith Truman made the 20′ wide bowler for a British furniture store. The Bowler was suppose to be perched on the corner of the building. It didn’t comply with code so the 2 ton hat wound up angled on a giant coat rack in a vacant lot.

We also passed the Gloco gas station. I found this photo of the original and now how it looks. Built in 1939. The Good Luck Oil Co. founded in 1931. They built 50 stations, 3 were Art Deco stations. This is the last remaining one. It has been several different shops since.

When we were headed back home we got a call from Will Rotzler. We have know him from the bike racing scene. For years he has been putting together the Tour de Greune. A great bike rally and a time trial down in the hillcountry of Texas outside the city of Greune. He invited us down to ride the rally. Also he invited our great friends Mike and Judy Pluto. So here we go.

The night when we arrived they had a dinner. The Pavillion is huge and they put on a great meal. I had to take a photo of this sign.

The hill country of Texas is a great place for cycling. This bike rally is well worth the trip. Judy and I with the German guy. The ride started at th RV Park we were in and the  Wurstfest was happening in Gruene.

Chis Carlson and Brett Crosby getting ready for the time trial.  Chris has held the first place title for several years. Unfortunately they would come in second this year. But hey, their time trial kits were awesome.

The next day we stopped a for lunch at the Lone Star Float House. Awesome bugers. Mike Pluto with his Lone Star beer🍺.

Headed back to Dallas we always make a stop at BUC-EE’S. It is a huge Texas convenience store chain. They don’t serve big trucks. This one has 129 pumps.If you haven’t stopped there, when you do, plan about an hour. You will spend that much time there the first time. It’s interesting we have often started many drives in foggy weather. Leaving the hill country, sure enough fog.

Back home we ate at Sushi Rock. A friends who owns a Tai resturant her sister has opened this sushi restaurant.  I normally don’t take photos of food, but this was really pretty.

Friday night at Rock Fish. Bicky and Jamie are down in Fredericksburg in the hill country for a week. Sending a picture to them. We miss them. We do know they are having a wonderful time there.

Rode down to White Rock. A beautiful day. The pelicans have arrived and will be here to spring. On the spillway at the Dam birds are hanging out. We spent the day with Legacee before we left town. It was a lot of fun. I had a great time shopping with her. It was interesting shopping from a 14 year olds perspective.

Getting ready for our winter trip. We will be heading out after Thanksgiving. Heading south to visit Grandson, Payton in San Marcos and on to Port Aransas to fish with Gerald and Mary Lynn.