Monday, July 14, 2014

     The four of us, Jack, Jeannie, Richard and I set out on a mission to tour the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas. 
     But first, we HAD to go to the Container Store.  I wish we had one in Jacksonville, but I do just fine ordering things from there over the Internet.  I have no idea why I have such a passion for containers, but they make me almost as happy as a brand new stove or refrigerator.  Containers just make my life simpler especially in the bus where there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide and only few places for storage.
     Richard and Jack sat patiently in the center of the big store, each carrying on a conversation on their cells.  Jeannie and I met some of our walking goal by not missing an aisle in the entire store.
     Our next stop was at the Bush Library.  Since we had done so much walking, we decided to eat before going into the center.  They had a wonderful bistro call Cafe 43, which represents the fact that Bush was the 43rd President of the United States.  It was really a classy place to eat.  I had cucumber gazpacho, which was wonderful since it was soooo hot outside.  For dessert, I had a beautiful piece of lemon pound cake topped with strawberries, marscapone and honey.   And yes, I have found a recipe that I think will come very close to duplicating the pound cake.
     I thoroughly enjoyed the museum.  It opened to the public on May 1, 2013 and is located on the picturesque campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.  The center presents the life and time of President and Mrs. Bush and his American Presidency.  The museum has interactive galleries.  I found the one about the Twin Towers very heartbreaking.  I felt silly sitting in the gallery with tears streaming down my face. Several men and women sniffled and wiped their eyes.  I wasn't alone.
     There are fifteen acres filled with native Texas prairie grasses and wildflowers.
     They have a replica of the Oval Office.  The professional photographer told Richard to sit at the desk and pretend he was President Bush.  Richard mumbled something about he'd rather pretend he was President Clinton.  I pretended not to hear him, which most of you know I do anyway.  :-)

Until later,
Dolores

                                                     Jack and Jeannie in the oval office.

Richard and me at the Bush Presidential Center.