Day 30 - Shelley Bernd, Arlington, Texas

Because we knew we had some time before Shelley got home from work, we were able to make a couple of stops on the way north. (We’re on the homeward trail!) The first stop was in the town of West, Texas. We had been told that this would be a good stop for Czech pastries. We found this true – and bought a dozen Czech Kolaches to bring to Shelley’s place.

Our second stop was for a haircut – after 4+ weeks on the road, we were looking pretty shabby. Eventually you need a hair cut! We stopped in a place called Hair Biz, and fortunately for us they were open on a Monday and were even able to take us. The employees working were even the first team – the owner cut Sandy’s hair. We feel 10 pounds lighter and well manicured. And looking our best for Easter which is rapidly approaching.

We got to Shelley’s about 15 minutes before she got home from work as a Paralegal with a local law firm. Not enough time for us to cause any damage. Shelley is Sandy’s middle sister. She lives with her husband Mac and their dog BoBo in Arlington Texas. Mac was out of town, so we were disappointed to miss him. Shelley had a fabulous supper all planned out – shrimp cocktail as an appetizer to go with the wine that we had already started (this was only a 3 cork stop! LOL!), rib eye steaks, salad, baked potatoes and the two “s’s” in dessert for dessert (duh – strawberry shortcake! LOL!) It was a long leisurely dinner. Good food, good family, good conversation.

After dinner Sandy and Shelley decided to see if sister Kathy was at her computer so we could Instant Message. It turned out even better than we imagined so we are writing a separate blog about that.

During pauses in our visiting, we walked around the house and saw their successes. There are many framed articles that Shelley has had published in Hot Rod magazines, pictures of Mac with Presidents and Governors, and Mac’s certificates of accomplishments(Mac just retired as Superintendent of the Arlington School District – one of the largest school districts in the nation). There were many pictures of their cars and hot rods and displays of their trophies. They even have a Harley Davidson motorcycle in their front foyer. Ok you may think that sounds a little strange, but it really works! It’s like a piece of sculpture. Shelley also has a hot rod website that she has created and it is doing quite well. You can visit it at: www.hotrodhappenings.com.

After a little more visiting, it was time for bed. Another wonderful visit under our belt.