Dogwood Trees
12 Apr 2010 Leave a Comment
I’m glad I moved to Texas. Austin, in particular, suits me well. But, sometimes I do miss the glorious natural beauty of where I lived for the first 20 years of my life. And while the saying “Everything’s bigger in Texas” might hold water in some parts of life, there’s not one drop of truth to it when it comes to trees. The trees in northwestern Alabama are so big and thick they almost engulf you. For some, it can be a suffocating or claustrophobic feeling–especially in spring and early summer when the trees grow so thick and dark green that they create tunnels around the road, even dropping the temperature.
We used to drive to the river near our house to swim and every time we turned down on road that was surround on both sides with trees, my brother, sister, and I (in the back of the truck) would reach for a blanket to cover up because the tree cover made the air cool enough to chill us–even in muggy July.
I recently drove from the coast of Alabama to the northwestern corner, and as I drove I noticed how the trees were so thick and consistent that they became more and more monotonous the further north I drove. But every mile or so, I’d see a Dogwood tree, peeking out of the thick green. The Dogwood tree might be the most beautiful part of the south where I grew up. Their delicate white and/or pink blossoms punctuate the otherwise lush, green landscape in the spring, leaving a trail of color.
Photo by Amanda
I was so excited to see them and even more excited to let Dalton and Lily experience them for the first time.
Photo by Amanda
My in-laws planted this little fellow in their backyard. He seems to like his home. I’m not sure he appreciated the blossom removal my kids gave him.
Photo by Amanda
Photo by Amanda
Review: Burris Farm Market
08 Apr 2010 3 Comments
3100 Hickory Street, Loxley AL
burrisfarmmarket.com
If you’re driving along Hoghway 59 in southern Alabama (or anywhere near there), be sure to stop by Burris Farm Market–if only to inhale the goodness of the aroma outside. Chances are that you’ll get one whiff and mosey on inside to sample a fresh-baked cobbler, apple dumpling, strawberry shortcake, or peach turnover for yourself.
This covered, open-air produce market/sweet shop is a great place to load up the car with fresh fruits and veggies. They also stock an assortment of jams, preserves, jellies, and spreads as well as other unique canned items. Two that caught my eye: “Mad Mango” salsa and pickled quail eggs. If you’re lucky enough to visit during strawberry season, buy a flat and sink your teeth right into ruby red sweet heaven. Berries not your thing? Maybe a homemade chocolate ice cream cone is. Or, maybe you should do what I did and try both.
But, don’t just believe what I say. Ask these kids, too:
Photo by Amanda
Photo by Amanda
Photo by Amanda
One Thousand Words
06 Apr 2010 Leave a Comment
in Travel Tags: kids, road trip
After 15 hours on the road, here’s my thousand words:
The Girlfriend’s Guide to Salado, Texas
01 Feb 2010 Leave a Comment
in Travel
For part of my birthday bash last weekend, my friend Rebekah took me to Salado, Texas, for a day of shopping. We had a blast, and I recommend spending some time in this awesome town:
How To Get There
Salado is easy to find–it’s an exit off of I-35, 48 miles north of Austin and 18 miles south of Temple.
Where To Eat
While Rebekah and I were only there for lunch and a snack, I wholeheartedly recommend the food we found:
- McCain’s Bakery and Cafe: An American fare coffee shop and small diner, lunch at McCain’s was very reasonable and delicious. I recommend the salad and soup combination. My house salad was fresh, and I liked the blend of spices in the chicken enchilada soup.
- Wigglesworth Fudge: Nestled in a small pottery shop on Main Street, there are some unique and delicious types of fudge. Wigglesworth sells his fudge by the square, and this square is large enough to last you all year. It’s also moderately expensive. If you go with a friend, be sure to sample a few flavors, but consider buying one square and splitting it.
Shops to See
There are so many arts, crafts, home decor, and antique stores, I’ll have to visit Salado several times to take them all in. My favorite store is Sassafras, a women’s accessories boutique. The owner was friendly and helpful, plus she gave me an extra 5% off my purchase when she found out it was my birthday!
Places to Stay
While I only spent the day in Salado, we did drive by some super cute bed and breakfast and cottage options for overnight stays. For my next trip, I’d definitely check into staying at The Rose Mansion.
Have you been to Salado? If so, let me know what I should see the next time I visit!
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Fly SWA
21 Jan 2010 2 Comments
in Travel
Mary Kay built her cosmetics empire on one main idea: under promise and over deliver. If there was ever a company to take customer service to heart, it’s Southwest Airlines. Here’s a letter I recently wrote to them:
Dear Southwest Airlines,
I commend Les, a Skycap curbside employee in Austin, Texas, for his superior customer service.
On Tuesday, December 22, I was supposed to depart Austin at 8:05 a.m. I arrived an hour before my flight, but quickly realized the long line at baggage check and at security would probably prevent me from making my flight. I chose the curbside check in because it was a shorter line. Halfway through the wait, I called 1-800-IFLY-SWA and an agent helped me book a later flight for the same day. When I approached the curbside counter, I explained my situation to Les and asked if he could print my new boarding passes. Even with all the mayhem going on, Les took the time to listen and help me. He gladly took my large suitcase from me with a smile, printed my new passes, and gave me my gate information.
I didn’t have any cash on me at the time, but I wanted to do something to express my gratitude for how Les treated me as a customer. Please give him the recognition he deserves. I didn’t get the name of the CSR who helped me book a later flight, but please let your CSRs know what they do matters. Thanks again for being the very best airline out there!
Sincerely,
Whitney
