The DFW Metroplex is a huge city covering thousands of acres of land and including millions of people, and I should tell you that the road system reflects that. Ongoing construction makes a GPS almost useless, and signage is minimal. We counted 7 freeway interchanges of 4 levels or greater on our trip into town. Most of these are not even Interstate highways, but are State Highways and even city streets that could very well pass for US highways.
As we approached the site of the book depository, we crossed the Trinity River, with it's unique Trinity Bridge.
After purchasing our tickets, the elevator whisks visitors directly to the sixth floor of the infamous building. A small alcove between the elevator and the entrance to the museum affords a view of downtown.
Photographs of any type are prohibited on the sixth floor, so we can't give you an insight into the museum, but, with the help of audio devices tied to specific displays, a complete minute by minute account of the tragedy is available, and the aftermath of international concern, conspiracy, and Warren Commission results are detailed.
A short set of stairs led to the seventh floor where windows provide a great view of the street where President Kennedy was assassinated, and the tree covered grassy knoll behind it.
From the lawn in the area of the tragedy, the building doesn't appear very imposing, but the famous three shots emanated from the square window on the extreme right, below the double vertical windows of the seventh floor.
The museum is well thought out, but a bit heavy on details. Each and every aspect of the assassination are examined in minute detail. We noticed that many visitors under the age of 30 skipped many of the exhibits. Those of us who remember living through the event spent a lot of time remembering "where we were when".
Just behind the so called "Grassy Knoll", is a great view of Reunion Tower. It's on our list of to-do's, but not today.
Our next stop, only six miles away, but several OMG's on the highway, was the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
The Museum is one of the most technologically advanced of any of the Presidential Museums and Libraries. The entire facility is one of understated politics, where the human side of President Bush and Mrs. Bush are presented. The result is a picture of a man and a family that has strong moral values and principles.
Campaign trivia:
A large steel girder from the Towers:
Which led to a national effort:
One of the most noticeable things in the museum was the use of interactive displays. In one room, the visitor can make decisions via a computer screen based on information presented, and then that decision is compared with the actual decision made by President Bush, to see if they compare. The scenarios were actual events that occurred during Mr. Bush's administration. Other displays show when and where various events in the war on terror occurred.
The family's two Scottish Terriers have a prominent place in the family area.
And a painting of Mrs. Bush with Barney and Mrs. Beazley:
Several of Mrs. Bush's gowns are on display:
Along with a painting of the First Lady, who describes herself as a "Librarian":
As we left, we noticed that the Library and Museum is located on the East Campus of Southern Methodist University because Mrs. Laura Bush is an alumnus of the University.
The entry lobby is very impressive:
One of the phrases that we will remember is a quote from President Bush just after September 11th.
"Life will deal you a hand that you do not want to play. It's not a matter of if, but when. What's important is how you play the hand".
Well said, Mr. President.
On the way back to Aledo, we passed Six Flags Over Texas amusement park,
And right next door, the house that Jerry built:
AT&T Stadium is reputed to be the most expensive football stadium in history. The moveable roof panels alone would account for that, methinks.
The sheer enormity of the structure boggles the mind. The glass walls provide ample light into the private suites and offices inside.
Normally the stadium is closed on Sunday, except for game days, of course. Since the Cowboys were playing in Seattle today, we didn't expect any activity in the parking lot, but a Pop Warner event was being held, and hundreds of small football players were streaming in and out, along with their support teams.
In Texas they aren't afraid to be politically incorrect:
The local news is again predicting widespread and severe thunderstorms this evening, with winds up to 70 mph. As I write this, the winds are about 35 according to the Weather Channel. Large hail, severe rain storms, and possible tornados are predicted. We're going to try to batten down the hatches and ride it out. We'll bring in the slides, close the windows, and hope for the best. We'll let you know how it went when we post tomorrow. Assuming we're still here and not in Kansas…..
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