The Wacky Women's Waco-Wednesday

A little over five months ago our long-time friends, Ken and Gloria, who live near Seattle, Washington, surprised me with a visit. I say "surprised ME" because, sadly, Dan was out of town, so he didn't get to see them. It was a wonderful visit, but so short that it just made me want to spend  more time with them. Gloria and I were very close back in our Oregon days, when we were both busy rearing our "chicks." I hadn't seen her since she came to New Mexico, in June of 2008, and we had a week of fun, exploring the Albuquerque and Santa Fe environs together and catching up on what life had dealt us since our families parted ways ten years earlier. She's one of those amazing friends with whom I can just pick up right where we left off, no matter how long it's been.

So, you might understand how thrilled I was to hear from Gloria again, a couple weeks ago, asking if I was up for a couple of "girl days", since she would be in Dallas in early March and was willing to make the trek down meet me in Waco - less than an hour from my home. I couldn't say "YES" fast enough.

We met there, at the Hampton Inn, on Tuesday, March 6. We spent that afternoon talking up a storm and relaxing in our hotel room, and then went out that evening for a Mexican dinner at On the Border. The next day, Wednesday, would be our only full day in which to play and explore Waco, since Gloria had to leave Waco on Thursday morning to catch her flight home from Dallas. We vowed to make the most of our Waco-Wednesday.

After Wednesday's breakfast, we drove to Magnolia Market, because Wacoites Chip and Joanna Gaines' fame has spread even as far as Washington State, and Gloria was anxious to visit "the Silos." We didn't buy much, because Gloria's suitcase was already really full, and she didn't want to stand in line to have things shipped home. Also . . . beautiful as the displays and products are, Chip and Joanna are REALLY PROUD of their merchandise, making it all a little "spendy." None the less, there's no better place to get decorating ideas.

The City of Waco operates a free shuttle service in the Silo District, making it really easy to get around Downtown Waco. After shopping the Market, we hopped on the trolley and rode a couple blocks down the street to The Findery. The Findery is "more of the same," so to speak. It's full of home decor merchandise and ideas. Its original red brick building is only the beginning, because one more block down the street is their huge warehouse, which is also full of design ideas.

By the time we finished with The Findery, it was lunch time, but we decided to make one more stop before heading out to Homestead Heritage Village for lunch. I really wanted Gloria to see the old suspension bridge and the amazing bigger-than-life-sized bronze sculptures, depicting a herd of longhorns, the trail boss and cowboys about to cross the historic bridge, which was a part of the famous Chisholm Trail.

These kids were playing on one of the longhorns. We asked their mom's permission to take a picture.

From the bridge, we drove out to the Homestead Heritage Village. I've written about it before (here), so won't go into great detail this time. We ate a tasty lunch at their cafe, then roamed from building to building, talking with artisans who were working there and appreciating the many crafts.

The Basket Shop

This young lady owns the Basket Shop and was just starting a basket made of Texas pine needles.

Glorious Gloria!!!

A couple of ladies were working in the Pottery Shop

The waterwheel that provides power to the gristmill. This gristmill building was originally built in 1770, was dismantled and restored in this location in 2001. It continues to grind grains - three types of wheat, corn, oats, rye spelt, rice, buckwheat and soybeans. They grind with natural granite stones.

We both enjoyed our Wednesday together, and ended the day with a fabulous dinner at Heitmiller Steakhouse - a new favorite of mine; one I want to return to with Dan.

Thursday morning arrived all too soon. Gloria had to be on the road no later than 10:00 a.m., so we ate a leisurely complimentary breakfast at the hotel and said our good-byes. Gloria and I share so much in common - our history, our humor, our interests, our love of family, and our faith. She's definitely more of a sister than a friend! Until our next reunion, Gloria, God bless and keep you!