Friday, August 24, 2012

You Know You're in Texas.....If Your Hotel is in the Middle of a Cow Pasture. True Story.



Okay, there are many things to love about the state of Texas, but when we pulled up to our La Quinta of the night and saw that it was surrounded by cows, I knew I had a new reason to love it.

Usually, our drives across the country involve two days spent in Texas.
Not this time!  Surprise to me as I didn't plan the route this time.

Today was spent mainly in Louisiana. "We", meaning the Bostons were much more relaxed today and slept a good amount.  First day on the road Miss Panda never put her head down.  Today, she finally did.



 While it's coastal areas are familiar to me with the elevated highways over the bayous, 

My view from behind the windshield which seems to attract all sorts of dirt and bug guts.


...we were not prepared for a very barren drive up the center of the state towards the Texas border.  Bordered by trees, not a bad thing at all, the drive was a bit monotonous, although nice and green. 

I have the belief that every state has it's beautiful areas and unique characteristics.  


Again my views from behind the windshield and through the side window.
Louisiana has a lot of beautiful waterways and greenery.

There are more to our states than what they are traditionally known for.  I look forward to one day coming back to Louisiana and exploring their fascinating cemeteries and historical districts.

Roads could have been smoother.  We couldn't listen to our book on tape because it kept skipping with the bumpy road. 


 And we were at a crucial point in the story!!!
Great, epic story, by the way.

THEN.
We crossed the state line.

Look at that windshield! We are like a magnet!

The roads smoothed out.
Our cow-surrounded hotel was not far off and we got to hear a bit more of our book.

We are spoiled.
Just look at Miss Panda as she arrives at our La Quinta for the night.
Can you say "Diva"?  Told you CG!



Our hotel is actually surrounded by cow pasture and I can't wait until morning when I can take some more pictures.  



The little calves were very curious about the Bostons and had their ears pricked up.



Had dinner at a great nearby restaurant that had a "chandy " that looked like this!



Wow!
Of course I had to alert SUEBEE and Kathy as this would be right up their alley.
Awesome.

PAT!!!!!! HI!!!!!!
 We didn't get in until about 8 as predicted.  
Next time, my friend, next time....

Tomorrow.
Will we be able to drive out of Texas, past Amarillo? 
Or will we just say, let's stay for one more night.
Depends on lots of things.

Guess we will find that out tomorrow.

I promise to go on Mr. T's iPad at some point during the drive and visit all my favorite blogs.  I feel that I have been neglectful...neglectful, but busy.

Our thoughts are with all those in the path of Hurricane Isaac. Haiti, in particular, which does not need another disaster to add to it's sorrows and struggles.  Of course we are also thinking of our family and friends in FL. Our son and DIL, will be in Tampa for the next week while The Writer covers the Republican National Convention.  We are so proud that he has this opportunity as well as to travel to Charlotte to cover the DNC.  My brother, Mr. Connor also lives near Tampa and has his fair share of hurricane drama and damage. We will be following it's path and hoping that all in it's path remain safe.

14 comments:

Razmataz said...

I am happy that those Texan cows are in a pasture and not a feed lot. Although I doubt they could put a hotel beside a feed lot.

Hope the hurricane bypasses St. Petersburg...

Safe travels.

centerofgravity said...

I still don't think your doggies are divas. So there!!!!! LOL. I'm glad to hear that they have gotten used to their new surroundings and can now sleep. They were probably tired from staying awake all day on Wednesday. I'm sure that makes driving easier for Mr. T as well. I love the cows, too. Just something peaceful about having cows in a pasture nearby. Good luck getting across Texas in a day. CG

centerofgravity said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mr. Connor said...

Well ~ good progress, right ? Nice Chandy ~ recycle problem licked and made a profit. Issac is just about the same time as Hurricane Francis was in 2005. We shall see how this plays out.

Unknown said...

If that picture isn't Texas then what. Alan just like "la finca" in Atalaya. Ann you should remember that also. Keep up the pace, you are moving along.
We hope the storm will turn West after you get out of TX.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Welcome to a TEXAS Cow Pasture; courtesy of La Quinta! LOL...

Love that picture of Panda...and the curbside pickup!

take care, Pat

Mr. Connor said...

Error - Hurrican Frances was Labor Day weekend 2004 . What a nightmare ! ! !

Chatty Crone said...

Miss Panda is SPOILED! I know it must be hard for them to relax as they have no idea what is going on.

So a motel in the middle of a cow pasture.

Are you riding with your hubby or driving the car alone?

sandie

Olive said...

That is so funny Ann. I am currently at the old house downstairs as squirrels run up and down the upstairs hall way. Panda could not be cuter on the luggage rack. Stay safe y'all. xoxo, Olive

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
I really enjoyed your pictures. It is so interesting how each state has it's own beauty, as well as different sorts of landscapes within the state. I would be at home with the barren, "boring" drive through Lousiana - although here in Saskatchewan it is without lovely trees - just miles of fields, but with it's own beauty as you say.

You have a great approach, to appreciate each area with it's own unique beauty. :)

I am envying you somewhat, as you make your way through such great scenery.

It's great to see the Bostons settling in - it hasn't taken them long! I think they indeed must wonder, but must feel all is well, with you and Mr. T in charge.

I love the cows, and maybe the calves, thought Panda and Maisie were very small cows. :)

Happy trails, and enjoy!
Cheers!
Brenda

P.S. Arthur said he thought, Miss Panda riding on the trolly looked like alot of fun.





Dexter said...

You are so right. Every state (even tiny Rhode Island) have enough treasures to explore for weeks. Thank you for sharing your travel photos.

Mango Momma

Unknown said...

Did the La Quinta has a cattle guard to drive over at the entrance of the parking lot?

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm catching up on your moving posts! WOW! You've traveled many a mile this week!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Love the chandelier! Yes I agree that each state has their own charm and lots to see. America is beautiful. Okay, I couldn't help but think of the BEE movie from a few years ago with all the bugs on the window.