A Change of Scenery is Healthy 7/22/21

The pandemic took its toll on everyone's ability to travel and squashed the wanderlust in many of us longing for a change of scenery. Last weekend we planned to travel to Santa Fe, but what appears to have been a heel spur changed the plan. Santa Fe is a strolling town and to enjoy the many art galleries one must be able to walk for a length of time. I was disappointed and bit depressed that my body was playing this cruel trick on me. Knowing this my husband, Bobby, suggested a short trip to Lake Texoma and a stay at Tanglewood Resort. As it turns out, I had never visited Lake Texoma, the trip was short and very little walking was required. My response, "Let's go!"

When we arrived on Sunday the place felt deserted. We walked in and got a room in The Tower. The Tower only has one room per floor and each room is themed. They gave us the James Bond Suite...now that's a change of scenery! James Bond photos surrounded us and to their credit they did not focus on just one of the several actors who played James. Oh, James! Definitely, more than one woman has uttered those words.

The photo of Sean Connery as James Bond was a bit weird. It did not matter where you were in the room, he seemed to be looking at you, as if he was a voyeur.

The suite was located on the 4th floor. It was a beautiful day; the pool area was lovely, and the view of the lake and the marina melted the stress away. The small, quiet area of the balcony allowed the woodsy, lake scent to wash over us and renew our spirit. It was so peaceful.

Of course, the question of the day was "Where are we going for dinner?" Unfortunately, this sleepy place had only one pool food restaurant available on Sunday. So, we made reservations at the 1832 Steakhouse located inside the Choctaw Casino approximately 20 miles from the resort. It was worth the drive. Our meal of steak and lobster was absolutely divine. Plus, the wine list had an extensive selection of marvelous wines. It was a splurge night!

The next morning, Bobby had rented a Yamaha Sport boat for us...or maybe for him...he has a fondness for being on a boat and he truly relishes being the Captain of the "ship". When we are together, everything is an adventure, and this proved to be no disappointment as we GPS'd our way back to the marina. I must say it was "awesome" to be on the lake, take a three-hour-tour, and actually find our original dock without the lake patrol!

We had decided to head home after the boat ride, but we did not let our short-lived adventure end at the moment we left the marina. Instead, we went in search of: "Where are we going to dinner?" As Bobby drove towards home I researched restaurants and found Rick's Chophouse in McKinney.

McKinney is an adorable historically preserved town and Rick's Chophouse was in the historic Grand Hotel. The leather and wood lounge had decorative tin ceilings and offered cool air and wonderful food. We had hot crab dip (best I have ever eaten) and then fried catfish, because it felt like the right choice after a day on the lake boating! We will definitely go back for another dining experience.

In closing, I must say that my blood pressure was down, but my weight was up two pounds. My mental attitude was vastly improved, I did not feel blue, I just felt relaxed and ready for the next adventure! Don't take my word about the benefits of traveling read more about the Benefits of Traveling.

P.S.

The photos on the bottom of the collage are two of the views from the Bond Suite. The good-looking man at the steering wheel of the boat is Captain Bobby.