OPENING OF ANOTHER FRED'S . . .

We have a longtime local favorite restaurant in Fort Worth called Fred's. It has been described as a complete dive. Its decor is very eclectic. It sports gold vinyl barstools with duct tape holding the seats together, plastic patio furniture and has what is likely the most charming patio area in Fort Worth, simply due to its completely unpretentious atmosphere that's both strappy sandal and flip-flop friendly. Fred's is named after the family dog, who belonged to the owner and chef Terry Chandler and just like the faithful companion, Fred's remains loyal to its patrons by refusing to adjust to the modern market surrounding it. Fred's has even been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives". Everyone from doctors, executives, cowboys and rockers agree that Fred's has some of the best hamburgers around and love to sit on the patio in the evenings and listen to live music, eat their burgers and have their beer.

Well, like so many other restaurants in town, Fred's has decided to expand and has opened a second one called "Fred's North" and it is run by my son-in-law's brother-in-law, Quincy (Doug's sister, Melynda, is also helping out in addition to her full-time job). I was privileged a few months ago to be invited to the soft opening of Fred's North.

While it is located in a strip shopping center and the building is new they are trying to bring it down to the level of the original Fred's. Melynda even said that they will have the gold vinyl on seats and barstools in the near future.

Family and friends were invited to sample anything on the menu and enjoy the atmosphere - we were able to choose which time we wanted to attend and I decided on Saturday afternoon. Doug and Melynda's Dad and brother, Robert, would be there along with my daughter, Doug and the grandchildren.

Quincy has worked for Fred's for years and continues to, not only be co-owner of Fred's North, but oversees the operation at the original Fred's.

Miss Kylie calls him the "Q Man" and loves for Quincy to pick her up and show her some attention.

Doug's sister, Melynda, spoils the little ones like crazy.

Miss Wesley came all dolled up for her first outing at Fred's North.

As you can see she really wanted to get a taste of the chicken friend steak her daddy ordered. It was huge - two people could have made a meal out of it and had some left over to take home.

The little man was in awe of the decor and all the "wild" animal heads hanging around.

This is a picture of the Q Man back in the days he did the rodeo. A few years ago he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis so he has had to cutback on some of his activities.

With three little ones it is easier to have one adult and one child together, that way you can make sure they get enough to eat. I helped our little princess and my daughter took Miss Wesley, while daddy handled the little man.

It so happened that the day the soft opening was held it was also Robert's birthday so Melynda had a cake waiting to help in the celebration. Of course, Kylie could hardly wait to taste it.

Luke, on the other-hand, was wondering what that large drink was that Robert had ordered.

While Miss Wesley tried and tried to reach food from her daddy's plate.

I wish Quincy and Melynda God's blessings on their new adventure and plan on visiting again soon.

A GRANDMOTHER'S NIGHTMARE . . .

It was a very hot Texas day, 105 in the shade, and Lyly was in a hurry to get the grandchildren to swimming lessons about 35 minutes south of where she lived. First she had to drop off baby Wesley at her mother's house and then hurry back to Miss Shelly's for the start of the 5pm lessons. She pulled through the gate at Shelly's house, parked under a large shade tree, turned off the car, took the keys from the ignition, placed them in the cup holder beside her, and opened the driver's door. The door closed behind her and she turned to open the rear van door to let Kylie and Luke out of their car seats - the door was locked. She turned back to open the driver's side door so she could release the lock on the back door but much to her surprise and horror the door was locked also.

You have to understand that this was her daughter's car which she would keep anytime she had errands to do or needed to transport all three children to school, doctor appointments, etc. Lyly's car was different - any time you had all the doors locked, you removed the key from the ignition and opened the driver's side door that door would remain unlocked until you locked it again. Not this car.

Another family pulled up just as Lyly discovered all the doors were locked and her cell phone was locked inside too. The dad, Andrew, got out and asked if everything was okay and was told that the grandchilren were locked inside the hot car and she had no way of calling for help. He kindly let her use their cell phone to call 911. After what seemed like a hour (but was only about 15 -20 minutes), and a lot of prayers, the fire department showed up. They worked on trying to get the car unlocked but with two children, 4 years old and 2 years old, screaming and crying in the backseat, they decided it was time to break a window.

Thank the good Lord they were safe. Luke was the first one to be released and came immediately into my arms, hugging me tightly; however, one look at the huge fire truck that was there, he forgot about everything that had just happened. Kylie was brought out and held by one of the firemen and she too could only stare at the fire truck. You see their PaPa was a retired fireman and this was the first time they had seen a fire truck up close and personal.

After a drink of cold water they were ready to go into the pool for their lessons. It is amazing how fast children can bounce back from something so frightening; however, it took me much longer.

I have never experienced anything so scary in all my life and hope to never experience it again. Thank goodness for the help and support that the other parents gave to me and for the goodness of God who kept the children safe and unharmed during this mishap.

MEMORIAL DAY IN THE "FOREST" . . .

This year I stayed at home on Memorial Day and worked around the house. However, my daughter, son-in-law and their children decided to go south of the Metroplex to spend the day with one of Erin's co-workers and some of their friends. Kylie told me that they were going to the forest - it seems like there are a lot of trees on the ranch property. They have a stock pond where the cows hangout and the children could play in the water.

There was also a 4-wheeler that Doug got to drive around and he took each child for a ride. Miss Kylie thinks she is so big pretending like she is driving it.

Here they come heading toward the mom and the camera.

Next it was the little man's turn to try it out.

All the little girls got to ride in the back of the other 4-wheeler while the boys were off on the other one.

Luke and Jessie decided to try and fit into a little tub, guess they were pretending to be swimming.

All the little ones enjoying their nice cold watermelon.

My daughter, Erin (on the right), and two of her little ones. Sure does look they are very hot on this spring/summer afternoon.

This is Melissa, one of Erin's high school friends and our baby Wesley.

Seems like a nice way to celebrate Memorial Day - with friends and family and a little trip out of town.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA . . .

Hope everyone has a relaxing and safe 4th of July.