The Lady's Visit - Part 2 of 3

Before our trip to Natchitoches, we made a quick stop at my old neighbourhood (the lake area). I needed to check on the house - to make sure that nothing got blown off or broken by the recent bad storms. We decided to walk down the pier and take in the view of the lake. It was so serene and breezy.

If we had time to relax, we would have put out a couple of chairs, brought out some drinks and spent the whole afternoon there.

Due to our long road trip the next day, we were back home by 5:00pm. We were going to stay with my friend, Marion, in Copperas Cove, Texas for three days. My dog, Peanut, knew something was up. He was watching me intently as I got the dog carrier ready, a bag of his food - one packet per meal, his soft pet bed, towel and blanket. (Yes, I pamper that little mutt!).

We took off about 8:00am next morning and it looked like we packed for a week's stay. Pat and I always had the habit of bringing a little extra on our trips ... just in case. :) Peanut got over excited when he saw me reach for his leash. I had to wait for him to calm down before I could hook it on to his collar.

We made a three pit stops on the way - Jasper, Texas for breakfast, Indian Village, Texas for bathroom break and a little shopping for Pat. She was in search of some native souvenirs from the Alabama-Coushatta tribe.

The Alabama-Coushattas (ah-lahbam-ah-coo-SHAH-tuhs) consist of two allied tribes, originally from Alabama. They have a small reservation in the Big Thicket of East Texas. To help them economically, they have developed several successful tourist attractions. To learn more about Indian tribes in Texas, click here www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4000_0016.pdf

Our third stop was in Copperas Cove, just before arriving at Marion's house. We were so hungry and in need of a bathroom - we could not wait. Besides, I did not want to arrive at Marion's and request to take a tinkle immediately. We relaxed that evening with good food and company. Marion and her husband had some friends over and they fired up the grill. We had barbequed beef and potato salad.

Next day, Marion took us to Fort Hood, Texas. Fort Hood, a military base, is located outside of Killeen, is the only two-division post in the United States, and is the home of III Corps. The two divisions on the base are the 1st Cavalry Division and the 4th Infantry Division. (from Wikipedia). We took a drive through the army post and stopped by to visit the 4th Infantry Division Museum.

My other vehicle ... :P

After an interesting walk through their memorial park (dedicated to the fallen soldiers) and museum, we decided to get something eat.

Pat and I have never been to Hooters and thought it would be nice to check out that establishment.
Hooters targets male customers with a serving staff comprising only waitresses, although Hooters does employ males as cooks, hosts (at some franchises), busboys, and managers. The menu includes hamburgers and other sandwiches, steaks, seafood entrees, appetizers, and the restaurant's specialty, chicken wings. (from Wikipedia)
We ordered the chicken wings since it was supposed to be well-known. Some men I know swear they go there for that dish. After tasting it, I have to say - liars! The men go there for the waitresses. Clearly, those waitresses looked good in their uniforms with the help of padded, push-up bras. (Having a tight body helps too).

If you have not been to Hooters, and wish to, the closest one (for Malaysians), I heard, is in Singapore.

At Hooters with Pat and Marion.

That evening, at home, we sat around in the living room chatting (in between watching TV) while I checked on my emails and transferred photos from my camera to the laptop (talk about multi-tasking). I contemplated blogging about our trip then but I was too tired from the day's activities to think. I asked Peanut if he wanted to do it. This is what I got from him ....

"Hmm... let's see. What shall I blog about?"

"On second thought, forget it. I am tired and have a headache."

That dog has to learn to earn his keep.

The Lady's Visit - Part 1 of 3

It was one week ago when Lady Patsy left for Malaysia. I sent her to the airport, which is one hour away from my house, at 3:30am Monday morning. This gave her ample time to check in her luggages (yes, she bought an extra bag on her short holiday). After she made her way to the departure gate, I left the airport. I can't say it was an easy drive back to my house. I was sleepy due to a late night. I had to catch another episode of Army Wives - re-runs of first season, which I missed all but the last two episodes (we had just moved from Germany last summer). I am hooked on that show and can't wait to see the new season in June.

Contrary to Pat's blog announcing that she is on holiday, I assure you she is not. I am very sure she is back in Malaysia. If not, I would have received a come-and-get-me call by late morning, last Monday (while I was zooming around on my riding lawn mower).

Anyway, here's what both of us were up to in the past weeks:

China Grove Church and School, circa 1870s.
Doesn't this remind you of the church and school on the 70s TV series, Little House on the Prairie?

This was taken in the historic part of downtown Leesville, Louisiana. By the way, Leesville was named in honour of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, one of the most celebrated generals in American history.

After galavanting around Leesville (while trying to get over the tiredness of a long flight from Malaysia) and taking more photos, we ventured out to Nachitoches.

Part of historic Natchitoches.

Natchitoches was established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. It is the oldest permanent settlement within the borders of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches was founded as a French outpost on the Red River for trade with Spanish-controlled Mexico, with the French presence beginning as early as 1699. The settlement's site was established near a village of Natchitoches Indians which give the city its name. (from Wikipedia)

Pat's lunch at Landing Restaurant in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Catfish sandwich and a bowl of gumbo.

After lunch, we decided to walk off our meal. We stopped by The Steel Magnolia House which was built in the 1830's. The house is rich in history and culture. From the unique architecture to its involvement in the Civil War, this home is truly a piece of Southern history. It is known for the on-site filming of the 1989 award-winning classic "Steel Magnolias".

Later, we walked by the river and found these ...

Ducks by the river, near the restaurant.
Notice the odd one out? Married into the family or visiting relative?

To know more about Natchitoches, read here (when you have the time).

By the way, these are the last photos I took before leaving beautiful Malaysia.

Vacium, anyone?

Tagged - Favourite Links

I was tagged by Mat Bangkai more than a month ago. Now that I have found some time to blog again, I decided to tackle this first before sharing more on my recent holiday activities.

The Linking Tag Rules

List out five favourite links - the links can be of business sites, affiliate links or whatever that suits the blogger.
Tag five more people to share their links, so hopefully, at the end of the tag, we would be able to share good links with each other.
The links MUST be clean. No X-rated sites.
List out only FIVE links.
You MUST tell the FIVE people you chose.
Provide the link back to the person who tagged you.
Obviously, it should be an active link.

I have several favourite websites and wish to list most of them (and not only FIVE links) ... sometimes I am not too keen on rules. :) And speaking of rules, I am not going to tag anyone else. Some people do not enjoy doing tags (as I have learned since I started blogging). So I am not going to impose. Feel free to pick this up, if you wish to do it.


1. Facebook - a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. Enjoy looking at photos and knowing what everyone is up to.

2. Malaysia Today - my news source about Malaysia.

3. Weather.com - gives me information on weather. That way I can plan lots of my activities around the weather and temperature. For example, choosing a good day to do some garden work. I do not wish to suffer a sunstroke while mowing my lawn or, God-forbid, struck by lightning.

4. Dictionary.com - need it because I am not a walking dictionary.


5. Reciva Radio - a good place to listen to radio stations from around the world.

6. wwiTV - a place to check out TV stations from around the world. RTM 1 and 2 used to be there but was removed almost a year ago. sigh ... It was nice to catch local TV when I wanted to get the feel of 'home'.

7. WalMart - A place where I can save money and live better. :P
seriously ....

8. Amazon.com - Love to shop there, when I can. Books, apparel, electronics, etc.

9. Tiger Direct - Good deals offered for computers and electronics. Love to browse this site even when I am not looking to buy something.

10. Victoria's Secret - need I say more? :)

Random Report

I was not going to blog until a few weeks later because I have a visitor at home but I figured too much caffeine intake is bad ... and this blog is due for an update. Anyway, my visitor hails all the way from Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. Meet Lady Patsy...

She will be with me for the next two weeks.

Her first meal in the States. Dallas Airport, Terminal B ...

Now this is what I call French Fries!

Go here to read Patsy's report ....

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Holiday in Malaysia

The journey ...

My lunch at Incheon Airport, Seoul, Korea. I can still taste it!


Where's my bag????

I always have this slight fear that my bags will never arrive its destination especially when it has to go through more than two airports.

In Malaysia ...

Here are some photos taken during my holiday.

Assam Pedas, The Curve (bloggers gathering organised by Mat Salo)

Lady bloggers (not bored or unemployed!!!)

From left: Galadriel, Mat Salo, Vijay (Photo courtesy of Galadriel)

Stephen Francis and me (Photo courtesy of Galadriel)

At Coffee Bean, Queen's Bay Mall, Penang with Daphne Ling.

(I don't remember being able to afford Coffee Bean treats during my college days. Then again, Coffee Bean did not exist in Malaysia wayyyy back then).

Ruby Ahmad and me at the Dome, KLCC

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Mee Rebus at Kak Ton's ...

Zorro, Elviza and me

Elviza and I arrived later than the rest (oh yeah... Husnah was also late). By the time we got down to eating the bestest mee rebus in the world, Kak Ton had a couple of halved hard boiled eggs left. I believe Husnah had one and the other was going to Zorro (a second round, I suspect). When Zorro declined (good for him ... haha), Kak Ton offered it to me. I happily announced that I now have Zorro's telur in my hands.

Sitted from left: Daphne, Pi Bani, Me, Husnah.

Standing from left: Elviza, Marina, Kak Ton, Dalilah (not so standing)

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Suite at E&O Hotel, Penang

Me and photos of my forefathers (E&O Hotel) :P

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Till the next update, take care y'all.