Our RV neighbours in Terrell told us to watch the news weather report. We did, change of direction. Taking a longer route to Lubbock, Tx. Storm with hail will be passing N-SW of Dallas so we hit the road at the crack of dawn and headed straight North on 34 and then West on the 380 around the top of Dallas. It added a lot of miles and a lot of time to our drive but also reduced the driving stress level by a ten fold. We also found my 'other' garage in some town somewhere. 
Evidence of the terror of the storm from two days ago was everywhere. Check out the giant bull statue marking the entrance to one of the huge Texas Black Angus ranches. This was on a crest of rolling hills totally exposed to wind from any direction. Not sure what Indian name would be appropriate but I am sure some of you can come us with an appropriate expression.
Rain squalls caught us a few times but mostly there was just miles of cattle country and surprisingly good road conditions, except for the pull offs. The rain has turned everything that is not pavement into Gumbo. The truck is filthy and I am remembered of stories my family told of the Saskatchewan gumbo that showed no mercy.
One disturbing point was the number of 'dead' little towns. Rule, TX caused me to stop and take pictures because at the intersection of Main and Nowhere the only evidence of life was a bank building with a modern sign and temperature gauge. Which was only reading 37F by the way...brrrrrr. Check out the rest of the photos I posted on FaceBook by clicking on this link.
There was no way that we were going to make it to Lubbock today without killing ourselves; Kaye was looking up RV Parks in the AAA guide as we approached Graham, TX, and then the light in the sky shone again. It was like the old Batman searchlight beacon. Holiday Inn Express, brand new, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Kaye said something like; "Oh we could use their phone to call and see if an RV Park is open". Her eyes however, said; "Oh boy a real bath tub"! Same story at the front desk, pool still closed for the season, but the bath made up for it all.
We asked the ladies at the front desk to recommend a Mom and Pop diner. Hands down recommendation for 'Sanderson's'. Been around forever. So it is written and so it should be. Old Mrs. Sanderson recognized us as new guests and came over for a long chat. At the table beside us, a regular told 'Ma' that he had sinned and gone to one of the new chain restaurants in town last weekend. He said that her business was safe because the food at the chain was garbage. Too bad that this is not true, advertisers have somehow found the way to convince people to pay too much, for too little, and of lesser quality, all because they bombard us with advertising, telling us how good they are.
Graham to Lubbock was a nice uneventful drive but I froze my butt hooking up the truck and trailer in the morning. It did drop below the freezing point. Kaye found an RV park right in the city that had everything we needed. We booked for two nights to give us a full day to take in the museum and explore a research nature park that had four miles of trails. Lubbock has a lot to offer.
The Buddy Holly museum is small but very well laid out. Sorry, again, no photos allowed. I did not know that Buddy was only in the spotlight for 18 short months. Wow. The museum building has an art gallery that sponsors revolving exhibits and the current one was a political expression by Zach Tate. 'Very Disturbing' was what I wrote in the comment book. To see more of Zach's work follow the link to my FaceBook Album.
After a quick bite at the Cast Iron Grill (highly recommended) we headed to the nature reserve on the North side of the city. Kyle was doing his Jumping Jack routine as soon as we put him on his leash. It looked a lot like desert shrub land but the trails appeared well groomed. Just as we were starting down the path a lady shouted to us from the research building. Our worst fears came true. Kyle was not allowed on the paths, only the parking lot. We had a nice chat and introductions and then out of the blue, Susan says; "Why don't you let me look after Kyle while you folks go for your walk, we all love dogs". Jaws dropped, but then, who can say "No" to a three legged dog.
We went on a quick tour of the research centre and learned that Susan is an educator whose last class had just left and she would love to look after Kyle. We did about 3.5 miles and as we crested the last hill we could see Kyle and Susan out for a walk. What a great day for all of us.
Lubbock is a happening place. First time we can say that on this trip. There was new home construction everywhere including condos and new retail spaces. Don't know why but this city is expanding vice imploding. Nice to see.
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