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The train pulled into Mineola at 6pm on Tuesday. I thought it would be deserted, but no, there were around 20 people waiting to board, and of course 'my delegation'.... Well, Carol, David and their kids! What a charming station Mineola is. Part station, part museum, beautifully decorated with Christmas tree lights. It was great to see my friends waiting there in this lovely setting.
We headed out to eat straight away. I haven't eaten Chinese food in a long time, so trying out their local buffet restaurant was great fun. It was then back to their lovely house in the stunning East Texan countryside (which revealed itself in daylight the next morning, and what a lovely surprise). Wednesday was spent catching-up on news, exchanging stories and of course preparation for Thanks-Giving. Carol, I and the kids went to Walmart briefly before the throngs of last minute shoppers arrived. In the evening Carol and I sat and chatted over fajitas in their beautiful kitchen.
So, Thursday I experienced my first Thanks-Giving experience. The kids and I foraged outside for pine cones and branches to decorate the table, while David and Carol prepared the traditional fare in the kitchen. Their friends Lynette, AJ and Elena came over for the celebrations, which we kicked off with California champagne, iced tea and crudités, while watching back a taped recording of the Macy's Parade. The turkey was ready around 4pm and served with corn dressing (stuffing), sweet potato mash, mashed potatoes with skins and green bean casserole. The green bean casserole brought by Lynette was delicious! This was all followed by a large choice of sweet offerings in the shape of pecan pie (made by AJ, a budding chef in the making), pumpkin pie, cheesecake selection, cookies and chocolates! A day of indulgence indeed.
Friday was a day of chilling out and reflection on the fun of the day before. We avoided the 'Black Friday' sale frenzy at the local mall and went on a nature trail instead at Faulkner Park, near Lindale. First we went around the lake, then did the woodland trail. It was good to get out and stretch the legs, chat and see the countryside all at the same time.
Saturday, David was back at work, so Carol, the kids and I met up with Mia and queued at the local Mineola movie house to see the matinee of Frozen. As luck would have it (or not), the last ticket sold out just as we got to the window to make our order. So a quick Plan B was formulated. We drove 30 miles to Tyler and saw the 1545 show there. It was a great movie, sad bits, drama, romance and a smattering of humour, with great production thrown in. The kids (and the big kids) enjoyed it. A good holiday movie.
Today we've had French toast and are getting geared up to visit a store called Fresh. Quite an experience I'm led to believe. More later.
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