Amarillo to Abilene, Texas!

Today we were "up and at 'em" early because we had another day of driving before us - 280 miles to Abilene.

A big Thank you!! to my family and all of my wonderful friends who remembered that today is my birthday! I received lots of emails (some very amusing ones, especially thank you Susan!!) and even phone calls from Australia! - and a card from my husband which fronted with a picture of a 'Holy Cow!' I think as a reminder of all the cattle we have been seeing here in Texas!

The first photo today is what we've been looking at along those 400miles yesterday and 200 miles today.... 600 miles of very flat, very dry plains (Holy Cow!). I have invented new and interesting ways to fill in the time whilst not annoying David - just ask him!.... (I think)

The region is known as the 'llano estacado' - spanish for 'staked plain'. David says he couldn't find in his research the reason for it being named this way. Might have to ask a few locals and see what they have to say....

We stopped in Lubbock for an early lunch. Lubbock's claim to fame is that it was the home of Buddy Holly. There is even a museum here dedicated entirely to him. We really only had time to get some food because we wanted to get to the winery and then on to Abilene. There were lots of people standing outside of Denny's, then we saw a Pancake House across the road and began approaching - only to see people lined up outside it, also. It was about 11am and we couldn't work out why it was so busy? We parked the car and joined the queue - then realised that the people were on their way to the football match! (Come to think of it, we couldn't book accommodation when we were planning the trip either...) The waitress told us that today was also 'Parents' Day' and people were out doing the lunch family thing. I think the staff at the Pancake House were fairly exhausted too!

After lunch, we drove out of Lubbock (Holy Cow!) about 5 miles and found the 'Llano Estacado' winery. Their website is http://www.llanowine.com

David had read about them on their website - they are one of Texas' best - and he noted that their varieties were ones we prefer to quaff.... So we walked in and were offered a wine tour (Holy Cow!) as well as the wine tasting! What could we say but yes.....!

Enjoyed the tour, liked the shirts, savoured the samples, bought a few take-aways..... brilliant! (Do you like my take away box?)

Continued on our journey, arrived in Abilene (Holy Cow!) about 5pm - it was 101 farenheit (38 C?) when we exited the car.... OMG!

Staggered over to 'Outback Steakhouse' restaurant (after the sun went down) for a good steak and Dave enjoyed some ribs. Met the manager as we were paying the check - he heard our accents and thought we were from New Zealand! Had to sort him out on that one! He was wondering what we were doing in Abilene and whilst we were explaining, he organised another drink for us, which we thought was very hospitable of him. It was a lovely way to end the evening - what a great Birthday!!!

PS from David:- Scarlet didn't tell you about the "Retail Therapy" at the Abilene Mall, specifically Dillards where she came running out of the store in a panic because she did not know which of the three plus outfits to buy. Like telling an Irishman to take his pick of the shovels in the corner!!! It was the first time I have seen Scarlet in "Retail Overload". I'm sure Uncle Frank was guiding her!!