grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

Lucy and Annabelle go to West Village

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Lucy and Annabelle go to West Village (Dallas)Lucy and Annabelle’s latest adventure? West Village in Dallas. We spent Christmas in Texas and rented a dog-friendly Airbnb in West Village near our former neighborhood and favorite haunts. We saved lots of money this way. Not only did we enjoy a very cool Uptown apartment for less than the cost of a hotel room, but we were spared the expense of boarding Lucy and Annabelle for five days. Saving money at Christmas is very much appreciated, am I right?

Lucy and Annabelle grew up nearby, but this was their first official visit to trendy West Village.

They had a #BIGWoof time.Continue Reading

Lucy and Annabelle go to Klyde Warren Park

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Lucy and Annabelle go to Klyde Warren Park

On the day after Christmas, Lucy and Annabelle went for a walk around Klyde Warren Park. John and I went, too, along with half of the city of Dallas. Apparently lots of people in north Texas shared our game plan—to get out, enjoy the day, and step away from the leftovers. And no one was wearing those heavy sweaters and scarves Santa brought for Christmas. Folks dressed in shorts and threw footballs or lounged on blankets while barefoot kids splashed in the fountain. Although the weather felt more like the first day of spring break, there were plenty of gorgeous decorations to remind us of the season. Lest we forget.

Enjoy it while we can, I say, because it won’t last. Winter WILL eventually have his way.Continue Reading

G. B. Dealey Library at Fair Park

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Today on Six Blocks from my house…the G. B. Dealey Library in the Hall of State building at Fair Park.

Dealey Library, Fair Park, Dallas

I’m willing to bet most of you aren’t aware of the G. B. Dealey Library—even those who live in the neighborhood. Or maybe I am the last to know?

We wandered into this jewel of a library last fall during the State Fair of Texas after visiting the Big Tex exhibit. Tucked away from the nearby buzz of downtown, the space is as much art gallery as it is library. Hand-painted murals, hand-cut tiles, hand-hewn beams—every detail captures the austere Texas landscape.

George B. Dealey Library

And the best part? This library is quiet as a library should be.

Named for Texas Historical Society founder George B. Dealey, the library’s holdings include 2.5 million documents, 3,000 photos, 14,000 books and 3,000 periodicals including rare books and manuscripts on the founding of the Republic of Texas. If you are working on a Texas historical research project and need to access documentation, call in advance for an appointment. If you are simply looking for a quiet place to read and write, no appointment is needed.

Dealey Library Card Catalog

I snooped through the card catalog because I couldn’t help myself. The smell alone lured me over. (Know what I mean?)

There are entire drawers devoted to Dallas street names. And I learned something new… Worth Street—our street which was named for Captain Jefferson Peak’s son (Worth Peak)—was originally named Barksdale? According to the card, Barksdale was changed to Worth in October 1887.  Interesting.

There are SO many things to see and learn at Fair Park, even during non-State Fair times. Put George B. Dealey Library on your list.

Hall of State, Fair Park

Grace Grits and Gardening

SIX BLOCKS FROM MY HOUSE

 

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

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