George W. Bush Presidential Library – 9/16/2016 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

The Holiday Inn had a lovely breakfast that Michael and I enjoyed. We left Paris around 10:30 AM and headed out to Dallas, a little over 100 miles away. The weather was clear and HOT! Also, Texas miles seem longer for some reason.

We got into Dallas and headed straight for the George W. Bush Presidential Library. The area of the Library is beautiful, mostly SMU (Southern Methodist University) grounds. Beautiful grand brick buildings everywhere. The parking for the Library was across the street and you have to pay (I think we paid almost $8.00 for the time we were there.)

Once we got inside, we had to go through security. It seemed much more intense here as there were people watching the actual security people. Weird. We then got our tickets ($14.00 each) and were told what each side of the building was. We headed to the George W. Bush side and explored. First thing up was a short video to give a little history lesson on his Presidency. We then walked through all the exhibits – to include his time dealing with the 911 tragedy. There was also an area that was mostly relating to Laura Bush and what she accomplished during her time at the White House. My favorite part was a short video dealing with humor in the White House and how funny George W. Bush is. It is a new museum/library (opened within the last few years) and is very technological. Really enjoyed it.

The Presidential Seal in 3D, way cool. Directly in back is a large open space and about 30 feet up you see what looks like blue misty mountains. This turns into a 360 movie screen and about a 10 minute film plays that is wonderful. You spin looking forward, then back, it is very touching.

Mrs Bush's focus on education and reading is displayed. — Mrs. Bush’s focus on education and reading is displayed.

They all start with great hope and end up likable in the end.

I was shocked they devoted a section to this, I though this was one of his weakest areas. — I was shocked they devoted a section to this, I thought this was one of his weakest areas.

Of course, 9/11 was much of the library.

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The library flowed with the events that defined his presidency. — The library flowed with the events that defined his Presidency.

The display highlighted the reasons for action and downplayed the misinformation.

The technology is fantastic. Many interactive screens and scenarios.

A treasured note from Ted Kennedy. — A treasured note from the late Ted Kennedy.

Resolute desk. I can't help but wonder if they have already made President Obama's. — Resolute desk. I can’t help but wonder if they have already made President Obama’s.

They try to discourage kids (Edie) from turning it into an electronic air hockey table.

Electronic globe. Touch a button and democracies turn green.

President Bush devoted a lot of resources and effort to Africa which is well explained as the library.

Improtant documents with the rest in proper boxes behind. — Important documents with the rest in proper boxes behind.

Some more doctrine and the companion entity to advance the views of President and Mrs Bush. — Some more doctrine and the companion entity to advance the views of President and Mrs. Bush.

A simulated opportunity to be the president. You pick which among your staff brief you, and under time constraints you explore your option and then time is up and a decision has to be made. Katrina, Hussein and the economy are the three topics. — A simulated opportunity to be the President. You pick which among your staff brief you, and under time constraints you explore your option and then time is up and a decision has to be made. Katrina, Hussein and the economy are the three topics.

Edie and I really enjoyed the high tech nature of the displays/ . — Edie and I really enjoyed the high tech nature of the displays.

The other side of the Museum was a special exhibit about “The Path to the Presidency,” which was interesting and brought back many memories. They had an old 1950’s or early 1960’s living room with the big wooden television box playing commercials of the people running for President. They had an old polling place with the booths that had the fabric material. Good times.

There is a temporary exhibit that explains the path to the presidency and looks at elections over the years. — There is a temporary exhibit that explains the path to the Presidency and looks at elections over the years.

They display it as an 8 step process. — They display has an 8 step process.

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Acknowledging the tenacity of Harold Stassen.

Interesting display covering who can vote over the years. The first voters were white, male, property owners.

Insightful analysis and artifacts from the past elections.

A mock living room. Circa 1980's — A mock living room.

We left the main part of the Museum (the only way out was through the gift shop, of course) and headed over to Cafe 43 to have a little something to eat. Wonderful restaurant and great service! First class all the way. Michael and I both had what was advertised as Laura Bush’s favorite sandwich – mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and avocados on toasted bread with mayonnaise. Delicious! I got a peach cobbler for dessert but was very disappointed in it after only two bites! Bummer.

Many displays of gifts arranged by country of origin.

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Pretty woman glad to sit for a while and ready for some sustenance.

We both had the Laura Bush favorite sandwich with fruit. It had tomatoes, mozzarella and avocado on it and was delicious.

It was getting late and we were worried about the traffic so we headed off to Prosper, Texas to find a grocery store to get a little something to take to my niece Natalie’s family.

Natalie putting Shadow through his paces.

We are staying the night with them and catching up as we haven’t seen them in a couple of years. They moved from the Sacramento area to Texas a little over two years ago for her husband’s job. They live in a lovely huge home and we had a beautiful guest suite to stay in (with our own bathroom). Just beautiful.

Natalie and her family wanted to go to a favorite Texas restaurant of theirs called Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, Texas. Great food with very large portions. Natalie said it works out well for them because she has two teenage boys who like to eat.

Just don't see this sky in California. See it in old paintings on Antiques Roadshow though. — Just don’t see this sky in California. See it in old paintings on Antiques Roadshow though.

AKA: Meat City. Very tasty and more meat than we have had in a long time.

Edie's selfie of Nat's handsome family. — Edie’s selfie of Nat’s handsome family.

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After eating, Natalie’s husband and the boys went back home and Natalie gave us a “tour” of McKinney. What a quaint little town. She said they considered moving there but decided on Prosper. (On the news the next night we heard that one of the public schools in McKinney was building a new $70 MILLION dollar football Stadium. I, personally, think the school board should be fired for allowing funds to be spent in that way but I guess Texas loves their football.)

We got back to Natalie’s home, visited for awhile, and then went to bed. That was our day. Hope yours was great!