Friday morning April 8th, found Don and Vivian on the road to Ft. Worth and the Will Rogers Coliseum complex, a place with such wonderful memories of a very early “Don and Vivian date” to see “The Statler Brothers” in concert (May 12, 1979) and sitting on the floor in seats #9 and #10, $6.50 each, three months before our wedding with the opening act, starring Barbara Mandrell. But this day, we were on the way to even better entertainment— seeing Granddaughter, Ella, dance competitively while visiting during free time with the rest of the family, too—Waylon, Mary Anne, and Luke! And, there was even more!
After driving about 36 miles on I-20, Viv and Don stopped for a much-needed caffeine break at Sonic and then headed on the rest of the way (27 miles) to the Ft. Worth Stockyards and drove around the grounds on bumpy, old, historic brick roads until we found a $15 parking bargain quite near to where we wanted to begin our morning’s exploration.
One place we visited was the RFD Television and Radio Office—“Rural America’s Most Important Network, Re-Connecting City with Country”—where we enjoyed their displays and visiting with the nice lady at the desk until it was close to time for the highlight of the morning, “The LONGHORN CATTLE DRIVE,” before which we heard this loud announcement: “Please do not stand on the brick roadway; stay on the sidewalk area. Stand and do not sit, for it is easier to run when you are standing! Parents, look after your small children!” Staff members stood in and around the roadway to make sure no one was “trampled!” The cattle drive takes place at 11:30 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. each day (except during “threatening” weather) with “real Texas cowhands” (drovers) and authentic/historically accurate saddles, chaps, boots, hats, etc. The herd is 17 Texas longhorn steers of up to 2500 pounds, each representing a decade from the historic past, and sporting horns that are from six to more than nine feet tip-to-tip. These magnificent animals have been donated by ranchers, who support the “program” and love the animals and the Western way of life.
We also visited some of the many shops. “The Candy Barrell” sold just about all types of candy, and customers can take a bag, fill it up, and pay for the “bulk” candy. “The Cross-Eyed Moose” sold antiques and collectibles and other neat things that “folks just can’t live without!” “Texas Jake’s Trading Company” sold so many interesting items—Viv bought “squeeze toys” for Ella and Luke (frog and snake) that did strange (not dangerous) things when squeezed. The “Grands” loved and played with them off and on for two days!
As we neared our time to finish sight-seeing, we were glad we had saved time to eat at the STAR CAFÉ, a “throwback” to “olden days,” with so many items and displays that we could have looked around for another hour after eating “chicken-fried steak” and “chili burger” and “sides” and “fries” and “salad.”
Right next to and above the café is the ”Mollie’s Bed and Breakfast Hotel,” which at one time, long ago, was a “brothel.” On our list for another week-end is “staying a night in that historic inn!”
We spent the night at a Hotel that had “cooked-to-order omelets” that were wonderful, and we “snacked” at various places, but the whole crew, all six of us, did “eat out” at a restaurant, picked out by Mary Anne after our 1st choice had a “forever” waiting time—and we were glad we went to the 2nd choice. It was called “Rio Mambo— Tex Mex Y Mas,” and everything we ordered was delicious. Viv and I shared the “Rio Grande Platter” and the “Flautas Martini.” Oh, man, we “waddled” when we left to go to the room!
The 2nd day we slept fairly late and then took advantage of the “omelets and waffles,” before returning to the Will Rogers Event Complex to watch and cheer on Ella and her “dance studio,” as they took home several trophies, banners, and other awards. Of course, Ella was the “star” in our opinions!
We had a great two days and recommend the Ft. Worth Stockyards area and the rest of the downtown area, too, if you are in the mood for sightseeing and dining! WATCH OUT for the STEERS. Their horns are UNBELIEVABLE. And don’t forget to purchase your “frog and snake!” All this fun is fewer than 65 miles away!
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