As I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, I’ll acknowledge that this is being posted days later than expected-my bad. As is customary, each December I visit my sister in Kansas and her family. Unlike customary, this time I drove a vehicle out there and flew back on Allegiant Airlines. The circumstances as to why won’t be explained here-it’s nothing for anyone to worry about. My sister and her family are doing fine; it’s always nice visiting them, although as always chaotic because all three children are young boys.
The first day I drove to Vicksburg, Mississippi. That was unremarkable aside from more than half the day being ugly & rainy. I did have a late lunch at a Whataburger; the chain isn’t top-tier yet they haven’t had a location in Central Florida in years. Dinner was had at Ward’s, a fast food joint I only recently learned was a Mississippi staple. They did have a tasty burger & fries. The hotel was a Comfort Inn; while the TV picture was comically bad, I otherwise can’t complain about the room-clean and with a microwave/fridge.
The next day, I drove to Oklahoma City, stopping at a few locations. I ran behind the entire day so not as much time was spent in Dallas as expected. Alas… while in Monroe, Louisiana for a meal, I learned that a Duck Commander museum/gift shop was a few miles away. I never watched Duck Dynasty-“reality” TV isn’t for me. However, it did give me something to discuss as a few minutes was spent looking at their small gift shop. The traffic in Louisiana and Texas was quite bad-it’s not just Florida where people’s driving skills have eroded through the years and you experience deranged lunatics.
While in Dallas, a stop at a place I wanted to try for years was made. In-N-Out is a cult favorite with a devoted fanbase so I’ve been curious for ages. Finally, I can say… the fries are good (as long as you don’t let them get cold) and the pink lemonade was tasty… as for the burger, it was very good. If they had a location around Orlando, it’d be a place I’d frequent at least once in awhile. The hotel I stayed at in Oklahoma City wasn’t very good but that will have to be discussed next time-I don’t want this entry to be the length of a novel.
The third day I drove to Wichita, where I spent my time until flying back on Friday the 11th. On the drive to Wichita, I was on the historic Route 66 for a few miles to visit a fancy gas station known as Pops-they are known for having hundreds of different obscure sodas. I did pick up two to have in Wichita. As for my time in Kansas, one afternoon I returned to the Scheels sporting goods store-but didn’t purchase anything-although a purchase was made at a Duluth Trading Company store. Another afternoon I had fast food chicken at Golden Chick, a regional chain new to me yet judging by their website, they originated in Texas. They had fine food. An unexpected delight was finding cans of a drink known as Spylt Milk (great name), which is caffeinated flavored milk. That was actually very good. Sadly, they don’t sell it anywhere near Florida.
The night I flew back to Florida, it was Allegiant Airlines-meaning that it was no surprise there was a massive delay. At least I didn’t have to spent hours stuck at the airport in Wichita-a late dinner was had at the airport’s River City Brewing location-they actually had good food. Unlike the disaster that was last December when I was stricken with the worst food poisoning of my life and barfed more than once while on the plane, this flight was more normal. The delay lasting so long that I didn’t arrive back at the house until after 3 AM wasn’t delightful but otherwise I can’t complain.
To reiterate, it’s always nice seeing that side of my family at this time of year. I’ll return at the end of 2025 to discuss a few things-by that time I’ll have finally seen Avatar: Fire and Ash. There hasn’t been the right time yet to see that over 3-hour long picture and I hope the crowds aren’t as large for the movie after Christmas.
