Decatur, TX (USA)

The job search has been very time consuming - and has limited travel opportunities. Today, however, I decided to take care of some business I've put off for a while (registering important documents with the State of Texas). I called up to the Wise County offices (since I've been getting help from them a lot, lately) and they told me it wouldn't be a problem. Mollie and I left Fort Worth around 1445 and used US-287 to get to the center of old Decatur. On the way, I realized my watch was still set on Mountain Time (I haven't worn it since then!). We watched the Thunderbirds (flight demonstration team) practicing near the Alliance Airport - that was cool. As we approached our destination, we got a great glimpse of the courthouse - one of those impressive buildings that dominates the treeless prairie for miles in every direction. We passed the petrified wood gas station as we went into town (1530). Found the County Clerk's building and spent some time with the nice ladies there. They took good care of me and my important paperwork - permanent record, safe and secure for all eternity! We also watched the ranchers coming in to file their brands in the County records. One of the ladies showed us the books and all the creative cattle markings from ranches nearby. We explored the square for a little bit - it was actually a busy (!) - before driving west to intercept US-287 again. That part of town is much newer and busier. Shopping for important supplies at Walmart, ice cream at Brahms (mmm...). On the way home we stopped at the Fresh Produce Market, a little place on Walnut Street. The family that runs it was very friendly and made buying their local fruits, vegetables and beef (most of it was from Muenster Meat Company - see APR 2010). We stocked up (!) and then drove home. Back at our house at 1730.