Winter Break

This past week was our Winter Break from school.  I took advantage of the break by going to Texas.  I spent a few days in the Dallas area and then headed down to Waco on the way back to Louisiana.  I also spent a few days at home catching up (at least partially) on tasks at home, and relaxing with friends.  It has been a very enjoyable break.

Saturday I went up to Plano, TX.  I spent time with cousin David and Jackie, along with their children Ethan and Jessica.  Ethan has definitely changed a lot since the last time I saw him.  He is very chatty, but not yet fully understandable.  He loves being a clown and wants people to notice him.  He is very cheerful about it as well.  Jessica is a precious two month old.  It was fun to hold her and compare her to my nephew and cousin who are also young babies.  While there, Jackie treated me to some delicious food, and we also enjoyed some time watching a movie (The Incredibles), looking at pictures, and playing a game (Carcassonne with some expansions).

On Tuesday, before I left the Dallas area, I met up with my friend, Marisol, for lunch.  Marisol has been working on a contract in Dallas for most of the school year, so I have only been able to see her occasionally.  It was nice to relax and catch up over some yummy sandwiches at a little cafe near her work.  From lunch I continued on to Waco.

Beside the trail in Cameron Park.

I arrived in Waco shortly before my former roommate, Rachel, had to head to class.  It actually worked out nicely because she was able to let me in to the apartment before she left for three hours.  I spent that time relaxing, napping, and reading.  I also put a casserole Rachel had made in the oven for supper when she returned.  Our evening was spent participating in a variety of fun and somewhat traditional activities.  We shared pictures, talked, drank tea, and watched Hogan's Heroes.  We had a wonderful time.  The next morning we started with a leisurely pace and made our way to Cameron Park to walk along some trails.  The weather was cool but sunny and the walk was excellent.  From there we went to a coffee shop to meet up with her boyfriend Nate.  It was fun to get to know him.  After coffee we returned home for lunch and then I left for Louisiana so that I could do the majority of my driving in the light.

Rachel and I at the coffee shop.

My drive was rather uneventful.  I took state highways most of the way rather than the interstate.  Driving state highways in Texas is nice, the speed limit is actually 75 mph most of the time.  When I crossed the border into Louisiana, my progress slowed considerable as the speed limits dropped to 55 mph.  Upon my return to town I stopped for gas and groceries before I made it home.  It was a very enjoyable trip and I am glad that I had the opportunity to do it.