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We were met at Dallas/Fort Worth by Ned and Marsha Abernathy, friends who we have known for several years. They live in a small town called Paradise which is some 60miles north west of Dallas. En route to their home we called at the 'Olive Garden' Italian restaurant in Grapevine, not too far from the airport, where we ate tortellini and salad before the drive to Paradise. Once there we caught up on each others news before retiring to a welcoming bed.
The Abernathy's home in Paradise, Texas
The following morning was spent lazing about though I did help Ned raise the Union Jack on the porch. We ate pot roast for lunch and in the evening drove to Decatur to visit one of our favourite eating places, 'Yesterdays'. here we had 'Bob a loo fries' - chips as we English call them covered with melted cheese, bacon, onions, peppers and japelinos, all served up in a skillet (frying pan!). To follow was hot apple pie and ice cream, again in a hot skillet....yum yum!!. We returned home to watch the video 'Hannibal'.
At the Races, Ned, Marsha & Linda
Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie and a plate of Nachos
Friday morning we took advantage of the sun before doing some shopping at the North East Mall in Fort Worth before going on to visit Marsha's parents. In the evening we went to the races at Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie. We had a lot of fun, betting on each race and coming out on top by $32. We had a table inside where we could watch races around the country on TV or on the big screen. It was here we had the biggest plate of Nachos we've ever seen - beef and chicken mix - delicious!
Pictures taken with Gerro at the University of Dallas
Saturday morning we again did a bit of sun bathing and then went to meet the Abernathy's 'adopted' son, Gerro Gachevski who comes from Bulgaria. Last year he stayed with them whilst on a exchange programme and had a years education at Paradise High School. He has now returned to continue his studies at the University of Dallas. He showed us round the campus and we all went for a meal at Mondos, an Italian restaurant in Dallas. In the evening we watched Mississippi Masala on video.
Sunday we spent almost the whole day relaxing in preparation for what was going to probably be a hectic week or so. we sat outside and read, ate New York Strip Steak and watched a video, East is East.
Monday morning, Ned took us back to Dallas/Fort Worth airport to collect a hire car for the next leg of our trip.