On my way to Texas...

I spent half of yesterday preparing some posts to run while I'm gone so that you guys won't forget about me. All happy stuff, I promise!

As I've already mentioned, tomorrow (at the ugly hour of 5:30 a.m.) I fly to Dallas/Ft. Worth, then I'll head down to the cute little old town of Granbury, where my parents moved last year. I took these pics on last summer's exploratory trip before my parents' move. It's a cute little town, feels kind of "old west" to me. The property below is sited on the Brazos river (therefore worth a ton of money), and a large retirement complex is being built right behind this. However, I think it's really cool that the developers have saved the old building and sign.
I've seen a number of fences like this around town (this one stands behind the restored train depot). I'm not sure the significance of the design, but I haven't seen it outside of Granbury.
Cute tiny home-turned-shop in a downtown neighborhood (across the street from the beautiful new city park/beach on Lake Granbury, complete with palm trees).
I dig this building and signage.
License plate collection inside of Grump's - a Granbury institution. This place seems to be packed at all hours of the day. Grumps serves up some of the best burgers and chicken sandwiches around. Oh, and they make these fried jalapeno slices that are worth throwing any diet out the window for (at least for one meal...)
Merle's Gun Shop, right next to Grump's.
And while we're on the subject of guns, a local shop on the square displayed this cow-hide and leather chaise lounge with hidden gun rack. Just what every wealthy rancher needs.
I really, really want to restore this little Victorian cottage. It is in need of saving before it is beyond repair. Sadly, it's not for sale.
I found some really charming & unique architectural features and exterior paint colors in the downtown neighborhoods.
A detail of the cottage in the picture above. The odd brickwork on the Craftsman-style columns was really fun with the lavender and purple paint.
A 50's rancher with more unusual brick work.
Fun use of pastels, particularly on the porch railing. I'm usually not into all of the gingerbread unless a home is true Victorian-era, but in this little town it works.
This OLD stone home outside of town has a windmill in the side yard, and is on the National Historic Register. What you don't see in the picture is a bunch of junked cars and a clothes line. Interesting...
Granbury has a cute traditional town square, with the courthouse right in the middle. This is the old Opera House.
The "Nutt" House Hotel. Sadly, the old Nutt House building was vacant the last that I heard. I'd love to see this turned into lofts. Can you imagine "living in the Nutt House" (haha)?
Thank you all once again for all of your kind words of encouragement about my Dad! I am truly touched beyond words. If his condition continues to improve, my Dad should be released from the hospital today. Some of my father's test results came back with surprisingly positive results, though his COPD (pulmonary disease) is something that he will continue to struggle with. We are so relieved that the doctors have not been able to find any signs of the dreaded "C" word (I cannot even bring myself to say it or write it). I plan on spending lots of time with Dad & the rest of the family, finishing some painting projects for my parents, and perhaps I will even get a chance for some fun time with my darling nephews in Arlington. Have a great week everyone!