I've been totting up some figures and thought you might be interested in some stats. Over a three week period I've travelled through twenty four US states and one Canadian state, stopping at fifteen towns, travelling eight Amtrak routes (Crescent, North East Regional, Empire, Lakeshore, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Sunset, Texas Eagle), staying in five hotels, visiting six sets of friends and sleeping on five trains, (well keeping one eye open when travelling...

What a difference a day makes! The weather has turned and it's cold already. Ice storms are expected here in Texas. Who knew?! Flask of coffee in-hand, Carol took me to Larry's hair salon in Mineola. The shop is alongside the highway (like many outlets). It a cute hut-type structure bejewelled in gorgeous icicles and sparkly lights. Inside is a very sophisticated look and the Christmas decorations look like they are out of a Hollywood movie set. On a suspended t...

The weather was stunning today, so I was able to sit out in the sun to catch some rays before the next cold spell sweeps in. My friends property is deep in the countryside, and as I don't have a car I decided to go for a walk. Carol had mentioned they sometimes walk a circuit near by. No one was around so at the tiny white spired church I turned left, walking and talking on my mobile. I walked for about an hour and a half solid! Across two wooden bridges, past fo...

Carol, myself, L1, L2 and L3 (as Carol affectionately calls her girls) had a fun day mulching around Mineola. We started with coffees and a bite to eat at Henry's House of Java. I was able to get wifi connection and so made a Skype call to London. I was able to introduce Sandy, Mads and Clem to my good friends here in Texas. This is when technology is great. We wandered around the back streets of town catching a glimpse of different buildings. The town is almost...

There's a new restaurant in town, and the consensus is it's good! The full car park last Tuesday was not a fluke. It was a sign! We went mid-afternoon, around 3pm and had a feast. Warm tortilla chips and dips, with excellent guacamole on the side, followed by vegetable fajitas for me. All fresh and sizzling. Carol was embarrassed her Tex-Mex off spring ordered their cheese burrito with a side of mac & cheese, plus fries. They seemed happy though! So that's ...