Staying With Carolyn Cole: A lovely Devotee & New Friend... (And...Out Dancin' The Two Step!) April 23rd through 27th

I departed from the Sangha House on Wednesday the 25th, and was most graciously welcomed into the home of Carolyn, a true native Texan with the most wonderful Texan drawl EVER! The woman is completely amazing... at 78 years old, she is very active with a very young and lively spirit. She has had 2 knee surgeries, and while a tad nervous about kicking up her heels with me at a famous cowboy dance hall (called the Cowboys' Red River Dancehall), she nonetheless mustered it and came with. And boy, despite her modesty about it, could this gal dance the 2 step! We took part in a free lesson for the first hour of the night, which was great fun in and of itself... I fumbled and bumbled my way through it, but she picked it up (after years of being away from dancing) like a pro. I was MOST impressed! 

I got invited to dance a handful of times... it was fun, albeit somewhat embarrassing, but I don't think I did any real damage to any gentleman's toes! It DID inspire me to want to learn this dance...it was SO fun and beautiful watching other, seriously proficient dancers, swirl and twirl their way joyously around the spacious dance floor! The classic country music was pleasant... the live band, not so great. We stayed a couple hours and truly had a wonderful time!

Her home was very lovely and comfortable... I felt like a queen in a palace, with my own upstairs bedroom and bathroom! Her cute little dog--aptly named "Peanut"-- was affectionate and fun... and it was just generally a wonderful stay for the 5 nights. It is such a blessing, having this wonderful new friend in Dallas! 




Yes, you guessed it: Cowboy hat and boots--hard to see in the photo JUST how ornately pretty they are--obtained at the Mexican mall. (Mary Theresa's explanation for going there was that the Mexicans in Dallas are the most serious--and stylish--amongst Texan cowboys! From what I witnessed at the dancehall, this really did seem to be the case!) The jeans, however, were a happy procurement from Ross's...but shhhh, don't tell anyone! 


The two happy dancers, stylin' with their roses! 


Peanut, the adorable mixed-breed rescue dog: chihuahua, rat terrier and daschund! Crazy combo, yes?! Really cute and funny little girl!







 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Albuquerque: Sweet City in the "Land of Enchantment!" Part One (January 31st to February 11th)

Image
 Arriving in town around noonish, I made my way to my first house and pet sitting gig here in Albuquerque (or, simply "ABQ" as it is often written...no surprise there!). I obtained this "job" through a platform called "Trusted House Sitters"-- a site that enables the traveler to find places to stay around the world, in exchange for taking care of the house and whatever pets reside there. Although I am a professional pet sitter and accustomed to being paid, it seems a fair trade when traveling, since I no longer have a "permanent" location for which to advertise/promote my service. The fees I had to pay to become a member were well worth it: if I had to find Airbnbs to stay in (anywhere in the U.S.), I would have to spend hundreds of dollars per month. In short, I am MOST grateful for this brilliant arrangement! Both of these rescue dogs are the canine children of Marie, a most lovely and generous woman who lives in the sweet, clean and well-organ...
Read more

The Nomadic Journey Begins! Death Valley National Park, CA. (January 18th -- 22nd)

Image
  Not realizing it was a holiday weekend, I was somewhat dismayed to see 'my' beloved sand dunes crawling with people... oh well, the scenery that greeted my eyes upon arriving in Death Valley was still quite lovely.   My new nomadic journey officially began on Saturday, January 18th. I left Sacramento with my Kia Niro Hybrid stuffed to the gills with everything I figured I would be needing for months on the road: Clothes, food, camping gear, cooking gear, my cushy mattress for sleeping in the car, a basic "pantry" of food, cold stuff in a small cooler, toiletries. In short, more than I would take for international travels-- I have the "luxury" of a car, after all!-- but still living as a minimalist.  AND... it is STILL too much!  Early morning fog in Sacramento as I prepare to depart in Dharmini, Saturday the 18th Yep, pretty stuffed, my little Kia Niro! A semblance of organization is essential for the nomad!  The biggest challenge I have faced so far is m...
Read more

Tijares -- Sandia Mountains above ABQ-- Dog Sitting for "The Beast"! (And Other Critters) March 14th - 28th

Image
 One of the most amazing Rover jobs I have had to date was the two-week gig I spent caring for this "beast"-- a pit bull by the name of "Moto Moto"-- in the Sandia mountains. Although totally different terrain, and having a very remote feel, this small community of Tijares is only a 25 minute drive up the mountain from Albuquerque. Furthermore, the drive is fairly scenic, and follows the historic route 66 (Although, sadly, a major interstate--route 40-- now usurps the quaint 66.) The beauty and charm of the pine forest and mountains is in stark contrast with the dry, brownish aspect of ABQ itself, and was a wonderful change of scenery for me. It is at 6300 feet, and as such, does get a modicum of snow in winter-- hence, the delightful, light snow fall I was graced with during my first couple of days up there.  As for Moto Moto (so named by the teenage son after the hippo character in the anime movie Madagascar), he was a force to be reckoned with! Only two years old...
Read more