Simple Living

Joe’s Bakery: A Breakfast Stop Worth Making Joe’s Bakery is definitely worth a stop for breakfast. They serve a delightful mix of Mexican food along with classic American bacon and eggs. The scrambled eggs are amazing, and the barbacoa is a standout. It pairs perfectly with some tortillas, creating a delicious combination. The prices are very affordable. I opted for the small half-price plates, which were quite filling for me. Also, these are my first few photos taken with the new iPhone 14 Pro’s camera. It’s an improvement over the 11—not a giant leap like the upgrade from the 6s to the 11, but still a noticeable enhancement.

Exploring Fort Worth: A Day of Good Eats and Culture I recently spent a day in Fort Worth, diving into some local highlights. Here’s a quick recap of my adventures: Cattleman’s Steakhouse: A Satisfying Lunch Ribeye Steak : I started my culinary journey at Cattleman’s, where I enjoyed a delicious ribeye . The steak was cooked to perfection and offered great value for the price. If you’re a steak lover, this is a must-try!       Billy Bob's Texas: A Surprise Experience Country Music & Beer : I stumbled into Billy Bob’s , the renowned honky-tonk, and it turned out to be quite an experience. While I was just there for a drink, the lively atmosphere and country music made for an enjoyable stop.   Fort Worth Stockyards: A Taste of Texas History Texas Cattle History : I visited the Fort Worth Stockyards and, although I missed the cattle drive, I got to check out a stagecoach , which was an interesting piece of history. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Artis...

Winter Visit to the Dallas Arboretum My recent visit to the Dallas Arboretum during winter offered a unique experience, albeit with less vibrant scenery than I expect during the warmer months. The price of admission was incredibly affordable, making it a great opportunity for a leisurely stroll around the grounds. Highlights of the Visit Brisk Walk: The winter landscape provided a serene backdrop for a brisk walk. While the gardens may not have been in full bloom, the tranquility of the space allowed for a peaceful escape from the city. Dining at DeGolyer: I enjoyed a nice meal at the DeGolyer restaurant. The ambiance was pleasant, and it was a great way to warm up after my walk. Looking Ahead This visit served as a valuable reconnaissance mission, giving me a chance to familiarize myself with the layout and offerings of the Arboretum. I’m already looking forward to returning in Autumn when the gardens should be bursting with color and life, creating a completely different atmosphe...

Epic Road Trip: Los Angeles to Dallas Overview I recently embarked on a thrilling 3-day, 2-night road trip from Los Angeles, California, to Dallas, Texas , covering approximately 1,500 miles . The route choice was a mix between I-10/20 and I-40; ultimately, I went with I-10 to Phoenix , then cut over to I-40 through Albuquerque. Important Reminder: Always check the weather! I ran into storm clouds over New Mexico and Texas, resulting in some harrowing moments on the road. Day 1: Los Angeles to Phoenix (400 miles) 11 am : Hit the road heading towards Palm Springs. 1 pm : Lunch at Felipe’s (delicious tacos!) and enjoyed some sights of the dinosaur attractions. 3 pm : Quick stop at Joshua Tree for the iconic desert views. 6 pm : Arrived in Phoenix, Arizona . 6 pm : Dinner at Nogales or Lupita’s Sonoran Hot Dogs (a must-try!). Day 2: Phoenix to Amarillo (705 miles) 🌧 7 am : Breakfast to fuel up for the long day ahead. 9 am : Scenic drive through Payson, AZ —mountains and beautiful ...

Drove to Austin.  About 300 miles one way.  In hindsight, I should have left earlier and with a full tank of gas. I ended up stopping halfway to fill up when the Camry could have easily gone all the way without stopping, but a brief 10 minute stop was nice. I’m total about 5.5 hours on the road.  I stopped at about 3 hours to fill up. Budget Hotel - $50 Gas - $67 Food - $50 Parking/Bike - $16 Total $183 Normally, the hotel would have cost $150, but used some Hilton points. Stayed in Pluegerville at the Tru by Hilton.  Decent place, the breakfast was free, it was simple fare with mostly oatmeal, waffles and scrambled eggs.  I’d prefer some choice of fresh cut fruits.  Enjoyed the unlimited free coffee. Room was small, but clean and comfortable. Breakfast at Tru. Austin River Walk.  Was over 91 degrees so could only stand it for an hour or so.  Tried a bike ride and that was fun. Lunch was at De Nada.  Mexican Food.  The Barbacoa was amazi...