I took myself away for a few days and visited my dear friend D’Anne in North Texas. She and I have known each other since 1992; we worked together at Dunder Mifflin and were first time preggers together. Basically, we met at work each day, discussed when and where we would eat as we were always famished. We also attended birthing classes together, which I had forgotten about until she whipped out this photo of our Graduation Day.
I’d also forgotten that Coach had knee surgery while I was extra pregnant. He probably did that so I didn’t get all the attention.
I’d not been to D’s new home nor that neck of the woods, ever. Ya’ll we were so close to Oklahoma; I’ve not been to Oklahoma, but I hear it’s OK.
It was a lovely time, the weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold. We only had one plan and that was to see Drake Milligan at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. (I didn’t know who he was, but D had seen him before and was a fan. He was on America’s Got Talent, and is from Fort Worth) The SHOW was outstanding; D, her Sister and I had a blast. Everything’s bigger in Texas, including my personality.
We decided to save a Cowboy and ride a bull. If you know, you know.
One of the funniest things happened when we were trying to get off that fake bull. You can’t see, but on our right side it dropped low and there were steps going down. But, the Bull was on a deep decline/angle. We had to get off one at a time, mind you, this was at least 12:30 am and cocktails had been ingested. D couldn’t depart the bull, till I got up. But I couldn’t get up because her sister had slid down onto my shirt.
D: Suz, you need to get off, so I can get off.
Me: I can’t; your sister is riding my ass!
D: Hell, she’s been riding mine for 60 years!
Then the three of us were hysterical and it was even harder to get off the bull while belly laughing.
We ended up being out until almost two a.m, watching people dance and enjoying ourselves.
Two a.m!! Where is my gosh darn gold ribbon?
Other sights to be seen: Texas Longhorn cows, a skinny cowboy, my small -vs-D’s swimming pool sized margarita, The Fort Worth Stockyards, a sunset from D’s backyard.
There were lovely patches of Blue Bonnets and Indian Paintbrushes along the highway; I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors…but when the speed limit is 75, you’re not able to photograph them and also survive.
I wrote about Kelly, D’s son who left us in 2021; D and I talk about him all the time and it wasn’t even 24 hours before we had our first good cry. It happens. But we also laugh a lot…there’s a balance and I’m glad I can be that kind of friend for her.
So, home again, home again, back to the grind that is regular and amazing life.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen the famous Texas Bluebonnets in person! If not, when is the last time you rode a bull or a cowboy? 😉
XOXO