Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Chicken Fried Steak and Cafe del Rio...Texas Style

Alabama in the rear view mirror (well, sort of!), we headed down the Natchez Trace last Sunday and scooted into East Texas, looking forward to a visit with Donna and Keith...oh, and of course, to the world famous Cafe del Rio. Donna and Keith introduced us to this "best of the best" Mexican restaurant on our last visit, and those warm tortillas served with honey and butter have been on our minds for awhile. We were not disappointed!!! They were, once again, simply the best!!! And what a fun time we had visiting!!!

How do you like this abode??

You may remember that Keith and Donna, sadly, lost their home in a fire last July. It was such a sad sight to see their once lovely home in ashes. And, adding insult to injury, on December 23rd a tornado destroyed the towering trees, grounds, fences and and some of the lake. It is heartbreaking to see it, remembering what an inviting bit of paradise their home was. They have handled the loss well, and moving on, they purchased a new home and are making it their own. (See photo above! :) or maybe not?)

In the meantime, they are staying at Southern Stable B&B, which is an inviting Texas style home and working ranch. They have the entire B&B to themselves, so we all had a little fun in the purely "Texas style" rooms.....


Donna and Molly in "Miss Kitty's Room"

.....and on the porch............



....and in the yard.......


.... and in the Barn...

Don't Mess with Texas!


Then there was another great dinner at Ralph and Kacoo's in Lufkin.....
...where I had the biggest Chicken Fried Steak I've ever seen.......

mmmm, mmmmm, goood! (Thanks to Keith for the photos borrowed from his blog!)


We played some mighty competitive games of Hand and Foot, in which the gals were the victors, and just enjoyed the wonderful companionship and hospitality of these fine folks!! We hated to leave them but we had more Texas fun waiting on us, so we had to mosey on.

Oh, and that top photo....well, that's just the outdoor bath house for the B&B...Texas style for sure!!

HUGS!

9 comments:

Mark and Dortha said...

Good to see you enjoying Texas! Looking forward to seeing you both real soon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Molly Wow that is a big Chicken fried steak my favorite thing to eat. If it is on the menu I have to have it. Wish we are able to join all of you in Texas but there is always next year.

Take Care
Brenda Brown

Norah said...

Looks like ya'll had a great time. Gotta love that Chicken Fried steak -- is that a whole side of beef?

Time to change your rig image -- although we do love seeing OUR motorhome pulling your toad. ;-)

Tumbleweed Dee said...

It's great meeting up with friends. Have a great time and dodge the SNOW.

Bob and Molly said...

Awwww, Norah, do we HAVE to??

Margie and Roger said...

Bet you were glad to see Red Bay in your rearview mirror and having more food/restaurant choices and new scenery ahead. Hope you are able to enjoy your new home now.

Anonymous said...

Looks like Texas is agreeing with you. Give Keith & Donna a howdy from us. The weather here in Idaho is snowy today but the thought of April keeps us going. I agree with Norah, where are pictures of the new rig??
Have a great visit
Hugs, Barb & Bob

Anonymous said...

Loved the photos!! Looks like you had tons of fun!! And that Chicken Fried Steak looks like a whole cow, not even a half!!!! Miss you guys!!
Bobbie & Sal

Denise Delgado said...

Hello!! I really enjoy reading your blog. Could you tell me how you find those wonderful wallpapers on the sides and how you add them. I blog also and I love them. Keep the travel info coming. It sounds like fun. Denise Delgado, on the road.