Dallas & Denny's

Today was my birthday and it was somewhat different and eclectic compared to the fantastic British themed 40th birthday party I had last year (http://player.vimeo.com/video/102307747).

We decided to have a quick trip into Dallas and our first stop was Pioneer Plaza which has bronze statues of a herd of 49 longhorns and three trail-riders (cowboys) to commemorate the Shawnee Trail cattle drives.

Pioneer Plaza

Next stop was Dealey Plaza, a National Historic Landmark famous for being the spot where JFK was assassinated. Cue morbid fascination with the details of this tragic day from certain members of the family. There is a JKF memorial, a museum and X's on the road to mark the spots of the two shots. As we're standing on the Grassy Knoll a long train loaded with shipping containers, some of which look like ours, passes by on a bridge, and our container docked in Houston five days ago...

X marks the spot, which apparently moved.

"He shot him from up there".

Hanging out on the grassy knoll.

Er, is that our stuff?

We'd managed to work up enough of an appetite for something to eat, so we went to the classic all-American diner, Denny's, and had lunch on the Turners (one of our leaving presents, thanks guys!). Chocolate chip pancakes along with sausages that met David's approval were a big hit. French toast, bacon, maple syrup and a decent cup of tea later, we're ready to roll out, literally!

He actually likes the sausages, faint.

Happy birthday to me,
Having a lovely cup of tea...

Our final destination of the day was Ikea as we need a sofa for the kids playroom - I did say it was an eclectic day! It was just as chaotic as Ikea in Cardiff on a Sunday, and was notable for being the first time I have been shopping in Texas and not parked within the first few spaces outside the shop entrance. A sofa was chosen, but I'll have to go back another day with an empty car to collect it.