December Vacation - Day 1

Lawrence and I decided we would take a week long vacation as it had been a long time since we have had one of any length. Namely, about three and a half years. We were long overdue! We weren't sure for a while exactly where we would go as the weather is tricky this time of year, so up to departure day we watched the forecasts for different areas of the southern U.S. To visit. Discussions included West Texas to see mountains, then up towards Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon. Other ideas were to go north towards Oklahoma and hit some casinos, and maybe on to Kansas City for the same reason, then curve back down to Texas.

As we prepared to leave, it was decided. North to Oklahoma, then east towards Shreveport, Louisiana, then back south to Lake Charles, Louisiana, then back to Houston. No Kansas City this trip.  We'll make an appearance there next June when we head up to Minnesota.

As usual, we got a late start out of Houston. I slept-in late, then had some laundry to do before packing, then we had to do some shopping to pick up some accessories for our new iPhones and iPads. The car was loaded with suitcases, all sorts of electronic gear, and of course, Desiree the dog and all her supplies. We first went by and visited with my mom who is temporarily in a nursing center. She is nearly 93 years old and pretty much needs full-time care.

We finally departed Houston around 4pm and turned north towards Dallas. I decided to take the Hardy Toll Road out of Houston as traffic on I-45 can be brutal. We got about one mile on the toll road and hit a wall of traffic. They had the whole thing shut down for roadwork and all traffic was diverted to the service road. We finally made it through and there were no more problems from there. We of course stopped at Buc-ee's in Madisonville for potty breaks, a pulled pork sandwich, and a beverage. It's a law in Texas that you have to stop at any Buc-ee's you approach. Not really, but it should be. Great place.

It was well after sunset when we hit downtown Dallas. We transitioned onto I-35 northbound towards Oklahoma, and let me just say here that I despise this stretch of freeway between Dallas and Denton. It's always under construction, you got jockeyed around all sorts of detours, and the lanes are very slim. I drive a big car, so it's like driving in a destruction derby.

We made our next stop at the enormous Winstar Casino, which is at Exit 1 as you cross into Oklahoma from Texas. They call themselves the "Worlds Largest Casino", and I think they're right. This place is huge! I lost a little more than I wanted to (?), and Lawrence was only down a few bucks. We are now checked in at the Rodeway Inn just outside of Gainesville, Texas. A little ratty, but the price is good.

We'll be out of here about noon tomorrow, get some gas, and head back to Winstar for a short time before heading north to Oklahoma City and the Riverwind Casino. Hopefully, I'll do better there.

Yeah, right.