Month: April 2024

Here Comes the Sun, There Goes the Sun, Day #3 “D-Day”

by reissmd, posted in Dallas

Well today was the day I’d been waiting for since August 21, 2017.  As I posted 2 days ago that day in 2017 our family had traveled to Nashville to see a solar eclipse only to be disappointed as clouds blocked our view just seconds before totality.  This time had to be different, didn’t it?  Maybe not, below is what I saw on my phone this morning.  

Clouds predicted to arrive between 10 AM to 2 PM. The eclipse totality was to be at 1:40 PM. No! No! No!

In addition, the morning had an ominous start when our daughter called to tell us that her baby and her husband both had a night filled with major gastrointestinal misery.  Next I saw Patrice headed to the bathroom with her own GI trauma.  Being the good husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather that I am I said “damn with the eclipse I’m staying with my family.”  Well that’s not exactly correct.  I did say the part about staying with my family but I didn’t mean my sick travel partners but rather my son, David’s family.  So I gave the car key to Patrice put myself in David and Robyn’s hands (actually their car) and headed west in search of clear skies.  

We stopped in a parking lot in Arlington nearby where the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Texas Rangers (MLB) play. We were unable to get into their parking lots but did find a place close by that was essentially empty. We did see some other eclipse chasers and we all waited for the big moment. Unfortunately about 15 minutes into our wait a security guard ambled by and said you cannot park here for the eclipse. We saw a few of the other travelers leave but Robyn headed to the guard to have a chat. I should have warned that guy that he was overmatched but instead I decided to just watch her do her handiwork. Sure enough about 10 minutes later I saw the thumbs up sign that we were good to stay put.

The security guard might not have been a match for Robyn but mother nature proved to be too much for us. As the moon began to encroach on our view of the sun, clouds started to gather nearby. The masterminds (David and Robyn) huddled and it was decided to move further west (or was it east? I don’t really know, I was just glad to have a ride). We next found ourselves in this unlikely location.

Interesting combination, Jewels and Firearms.

We started to view again and were even joined by a couple of employees from the store. They had no problem with us taking a parking space and I finally felt like I could relax. The eclipse was progressing nicely with about 95% of the process completed. But David and Robyn had concerns about the clouds and again we off to seek clear skies. At this point I was starting to get a bit concerned. We were very close to the moment of totality and we were in the car. Robyn was doing her best to get us to a good spot and David was doing his best navigating. We made a stop which I though would be our last but seconds later we were back in the car. Time was precious so I said all clear even though I had not had time to put on my seat belt. Robyn was flying down the highway and I tried to grab the seatbelt while holding on as tight as I could to the seat. This proved to be a hopeless effort but I am happy to report I didn’t not soil myself but I did come close.

We finally stopped in a parking lot and had a small area of clear skies and we saw it! Yes we saw the total solar eclipse. It was spectacular. It exceded my imagination and made all the efforts worthwhile. I have to thank David and Robyn because without their efforts I would not have been able to see it.

David was especially helpful in explaining different phenomena associated with the eclipse. I was so proud listening to him explain all the things thinking what a smart son I have. I also was very proud of me becuase I actually understood what he was saying. Well, to be honest, not all the time. But my 15 year old grandson, Owen, did. David pointed out that we would be able to see a sunset in all directions during the eclipse. Here is a video I took of that moment,

I have done it. A life goal has been achieved. And at my age who knows how many more oppoturnities I would have had. I can check this one off my list and move on. Of course what about doing it again August 12, 2026 in Spain? Why not!

Here Comes the Sun, There Goes the Sun, Day #2. “Eclipse Eve”

by reissmd, posted in Dallas

Today was a wonderful day. First I have to tell you that this hotel has been very unimpressive. We are staying at the Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center. We started our day with a mediocre breakfast at the hotel. It was a buffet that makes a Residence Inn breakfast seem like a feast. Prior to that I worked out in the gym which was more like a sauna. When we got back from our day in the city, the rooms had not been serviced. Unlikely this place will get any reservations from followers of my blog.

Then it was off to tour the city. Our daughter-in-law Robyn always does a great job arranging tours when we travel. She set up today’s tour. Much of it included the area around where John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Having been an early teen on November 22, 1963, it is still hard for me to be taken back to that fateful day. I could feel myself getting tearful talking about it.

The highway is marked at the two locations where Kennedy was shot. Maybe I am just too sensitive but it irked me to see people taking selfies or posing at the two spots. One genius even had his picture taken while lying down in the middle of the highway. Just to be clear this is an active and busy highway. It reminded me of when we were at the 9/11 Memorial in New York and the Atomic bomb memorial in Hiroshima. How people can treat these locations like tourist sights is beyond me. These areas are meant to honor the dead not be an amusement park like Disneyland. Sorry if I am ranting a bit.

After the tour we were off to lunch. Robyn knew what great BBQ fans Patrice and I are so she suggested we eat at Terry Black’s BBQ (3025 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226). This place has the reputation of being the best BBQ in Dallas. When we arrived there was a line beyond belief. See below.

This is only part of the line,.

Our daughter, Lindsay, made it clear that this was not a place that she could wait with her 2 year old. I was so glad to hear her say that because my back started to ache just looking at the line. But thanks to our ever resourceful daughter-in-law, Robyn, we were saved. She found out the the line outside was for the BAR! So glad to learn they love their guns AND their liquor in Dallas. Robyn got us a table, so we entered the restaurant and had a meal beyond my ability to describe. We were joined by Patrice’s cousin Paula and her husband Tim. See the picture below.

The Reiss Clan in Dallas at Terry Black’s BBQ

After lunch we went back to the hotel to relax by the pool. Catch a glimpse of Patrice and me relaxing at the pool. I asked someone to take our picture but clearly they aren’t very proficient at using a phone camera. See below.

Tomorrow is the big day. If the skies look anything like today I will be saying, “Looking forward to Spain August 12, 2026”.

Here Comes the Sun, There Goes the Sun, Day #1. “Why Me?”

by reissmd, posted in Dallas

I’ve been waiting for this day since August 2017.  Back then we traveled to Nashville to see the total eclipse of the sun. Followers of this blog might recall that the weather has not always cooperated with my travel plans.  Fog prevented us seeing a crater in Costa Rica.  That wasn’t nearly as upsetting as going to Brazil to see the Christ the Redeemer statue only to be limited to viewing from the waist down again due to fog.  But probably the most frustrating was Nashville in August 2017 when we went to see the total eclipse of the sun.  We were having a great time as the sun/moon moved toward totality.  With the sun approximately 98%, covered clouds crept in front and blocked our view of the big event.  This was especially upsetting because one of my friends decided in the last minute to make the trip.  He couldn’t get a room in Nashville because of his last minute decision.  Instead he was outside of town and saw the eclipse perfectly. 

We decided to give it another try this time. Our son, David, is also going to attend with his family.  Our daughter Lindsay is traveling with her family as well.  The big moment is Monday April 8th.  So to play it safe we reserved tickets to Dallas on a Saturday 9 AM flight.  We didn’t want to take a chance that anything might happen on Sunday preventing us from getting to Dallas in time.  The night before our Saturday departure we were notified that our flight was going to be delayed and we would be leaving at 1:00 pm instead.  This was particularly upsetting since we would be traveling with our 2 year old grandson who has a very regimented schedule.  We did some whining about the change but finally became adjusted to the new departure time when we were notified that the plane would leave at 2:00.  Hmmm, then a few minutes later it was changed to 2:30.  What horrible thing did I do to deserve this?

Luckily we did take off at 2:30 and had a smooth flight to Dallas.  Arrival and getting to the hotel was relatively painless (if traveling with a 2 year old can ever be painless, no matter how cute he is).  So we are settled in our abode and trying to decompress after a very stressful day.  Sorry, no pictures of food or anything else today.  But I will leave you with a description  of a billboard  we saw off the freeway.  It was an advertisement and read “14 Acres of Guns and Gear.  You are in NRA Texas”.   Needless to say, we will be leaving shortly after the eclipse. 

The Keys to Enjoyment Day #4: “Heading Home”

by reissmd, posted in Florida Keys, Key Largo

First of all thank you for the comments to yesterday’s post. I really hate to think I am writing to no one so all the comments yesterday really warmed my heart. Making a comment is very easy. If you are a subscriber to the blog you should receive an email. If you simply reply to that email it gets posted as a comment.

Another great trip has ended.  We had a wonderful time exploring the Keys.  I’m sure we would come here often if we lived in the east or a nearby cold climate. Luckily we live in paradise so I don’t think we will plan to come here again in the near future.  

Although it was a fun trip there was one thing I need to warn you about.  Being a bit humid here (not overwhelming in March) makes it a haven for mosquitoes.  Unfortunately the critters seem to love me.  Next time I’ll remember to bring insect repellent.  

There were other interesting things about the trip:  

In Key West there were chickens and roosters all over the place.  No one gave us an answer why they were there. They were numerous and they were loud. 

One of many roosters.
Another hanging out by a food truck.
Here is one in a tree.

Back at the hotel if you don’t want to be disturbed you put this on your room door handle. 

Is this supposed to mean “Do not disturb, I’m in the process of hanging myself”?

Okay here is the trip quiz. 

Does anyone know the name of this fruit? It was very tasty,.

Speaking of tasty, I saw this in Key West. 

I spent the rest of our trip trying to convince Patrice that they were referring to me.

And lastly, I loved this sign on one of the many bars we saw in Key West. 

Thank you so much for all your comments. If you enjoy the blog feel free to share it with friends and family. You won’t have to wait long for my next post.

Saturday we leave for ………………

The Keys to Enjoyment Day #3: Our Final Day in Key Largo

by reissmd, posted in Key Largo

Last night we had a great dinner at the Atlantic’s Edge restaurant located in the Cheeca Lodge and Spa. The hotel complex was a favorite of George H.W. Bush who put his name on two different fishing contests sponsored by the hotel. Jack Nicklaus was also a frequent guest and he designed their 9 hole golf course. There are a lot of photos of both of them at the hotel (including one of Nicklaus playing tennis). Other celebrities who purportedly frequented this hotel include baseball legend Ted Williams, sportscaster Curt Gowdy, and actors (husband and wife) Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The hotel can now boast of a visit by the famous travel blogger Robert Reiss.

For dinner we had the yellow snapper which was recommended to us by Patrice’s sister (and loyal blog follower), Fern. We both loved the dish. See below.

As was the case last night Patrice had the Lobster Mac and Cheese. This time we shared it as an appetizer.

This morning I got up early and RAN 3.2 miles in the hotel fitness room. It was very crowded and some jerk asked me, “Sir, how long until you are done with your walk?”. Grrrrrrr!

We then had breakfast and we were off. Patrice found something that looked very interesting. Not too far north is the Everglades Alligator Farm. It included a ride in their air boat (very similar to the one that capsized in Miami two days ago) and a lecture about these fascinating creatures. The ride was disappointing unless you are interested in getting your pants soaked. The lecture was a little more interesting. I would recommend you take a pass on this adventure. We did get a nice look at a number of their gators. That was interesting. See below.

Our guide said that, unlike crocodiles, alligators don’t eat people. I prefer not to test the vericity of his statement.

One other thing I liked about the alligator farm was how they acknowledged my celebrity. See below.

I thanked the staff but asked that they keep others from asking for autographs.

Then it was back to the hotel to do my favorite activity, chill by the pool. This place is really beautiful. Here are some pictures:

A view of the pool.
Playa Largo Resort and Spa lobby.
Our room.

In the early evening I logged in to my book group meeting back home and then it was off to dinner. Patrice found a gem on Yelp called, Hobo’s Cafe (101691 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037). It is a low key restaurant (oops, unintended pun) with excellent parking, service, and oh yes, food. Prices are reasonable. Very reasonable compared to the other places we have been to on this trip.

I had the Lobster and Shrimp Po Boy. Yum.
I am sure you could guess by now, Patrice had the Lobster Mac and Cheese.
We shared the Cracked Conch (again, pronounced like conk) as an appetizer. We liked the Conch Fritters at Sol much more than this.
I think we look like happy diners, no?

Tomorrow is getaway day. Not sure if I will have much to post. I am not sure if it will matter because I am only seeing a handful of comments. Is it time to close this thing down? If you are reading, please make comments.

Later, y’all.