My friend Carol suggested her and I are like the town mouse and the country mouse (me, hailing from London, UK; Carol, hailing from rural East Texas). So, yesterday we had an afternoon of adventure at The Fresh store in Tyler. It's similar to Whole Foods, an emporium of treats from around the world, freshly prepared ingredients either made up into a meal, or ready for you to cook up for yourself. I discovered there's even Texan wine. I bought a Chenin Blanc, wh...

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...