Patrick S. West

Jan 1, 2011

Home Depot Kids Workshops

Home Depot is starting the New Year right. They moved the Kids Workshops to later in the day (gives all of us the opportunity to sleep in a bit later).

Grab the kids, go have some fun. There are plenty of stores in DFW.
We're heading out now.

Welcome to 2011

Another year has passed.
Holiday weight has been gained.
Goals have been set.
Priorities have been evaluated and re-evaluated.
Resolutions have been made.
What are you going to do with this year?
What do you want it to bring?
What will you do to make yourself and your part of the world better?
What are your big dreams?

I know mine. And no, I'm not sharing with you.

Just remember, as long as TheBetterHalf® and TheKiddo™ are healthy and happy, the rest will be gravy for me.

Dec 4, 2010

"Feel the appeal" - Granite Division

Dec 3, 2010

"Memories" - Hospice Of East Texas

Dec 2, 2010

"Dr. DeHaven" - DeHaven Eye Clinic

Dec 1, 2010

"What's Next?" - Tyler, Texas

Nov 27, 2010

Dallas' worst playground

Within walking distance of the house, there's a cute urban park. TheKiddo loves to take 'gran aventuras' to play there.

TheBetterHalf and I, however, worry about her playing on the toys. They're solid metal, so they're scorching hot in the Dallas summer sun. Plus, they seemed to have been designed by people who've never actually seen children at play.

Dallas Parks and Rec missed badly on the development of this.

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Sep 21, 2010

Norma's Cafe is Dallas' best diner

Go to Norma's. Get the pie.

I know there are several spots in DFW that people swear by when it comes to diner food. I won't name them, because I personally think they are horrendous - especially the outrageously over-priced one on Oak Lawn(you know who you are).

Granted, TheKiddo™ and I are fans of breakfast at the Original Market Diner - http://www.originalmarketdiner.com - but the comfort food and pies at Norma's Cafe - http://normascafe.com - are sublime.

With portions large enough to make you check your waistband, and prices low enough to make you check your eyesight, Norma's Cafe is simply outstanding.

TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I highly recommend the fried pickles and chili-cheese fries as appetizers (but don't order both unless you have a horde to feed). And I've not found a better chicken fried steak anywhere. I've even tried to convince some food snobs it's a must-have (though none have acquiesced as of this writing).

Save room, or make some room, for the sky-high pies. They are as delicious as they are daunting. In fact, the pie alone is worth a trip to Norma's Cafe.

Next time you want some food that is big on taste, comfort and value, but low on pretense, grab some grub at Norma's Cafe. Fair warning: Consider wearing something with an elastic waistband when you do.

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Sep 11, 2010

Catch an MLB game

TheBetterHalf and I decided to take TheKiddo to see the Yankees vs the Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington. We picked the evening game because fireworks were scheduled to follow the game.

First pitch was at 7:05, so we figured we'd be done with the game and fireworks by 11. Didn't happen.

Instead, the game went into extra innings and the Rangers set a record (not sure if it's team or MLB) for using 11 pitchers. Pitching changes seem to add years to the length of a game.

The Ballpark is a wonderful place. And even sitting high in the upper deck, we had a great view of the action. (That was not a successful steal of second, by the way.)

Granted, concession prices are outrageous. That's simply a fact of life at any professional sporting event.

TheKiddo enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as a Dallas Mavericks home game. Don't know that we'll do it again. Especially since we had to bail before the end of the game and didn't see fireworks. But it's definitely worth doing once.

And the Midnight stop at IHOP was fun. Though I didn't expect to see Kraft mac & cheese on the menu for 5 bucks a pop.

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Sep 4, 2010

Great Italian grub in Dallas

TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I were casting about for a place to eat on a recent Thursday evening. We figured pasta was a good way to go, since TheKiddo rarely refuses noodles in any form. From lasagna and lo mein to pad thai and spaghetti, she's open minded.

A friend of ours suggested Patrizio's in Highland Park Village. http://www.patrizios.net

It was incredible. If you're looking for delectable Italian cuisine in DFW, you must try it.

The interior was quite loud, so despite the scorching heat in BigD, we sat outside. The fans kept it bearable, and the smaller crowd outside probably enhanced the service we received.

We'll be going back on a regular basis. Look for us. We'll be outside.

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