The Golden Triangle

Storm blowing over Port Arthur

Happy Sunday evening!

I am now 4 weeks down in my assignment and movin' right along here. I'm still stressed about trying to be productive and effective (see previous post if you're confused). That's all I'm going to say about that right now. 

Today has been uneventful but in a good way. I've done all my laundry and ironing and caught up with my exercise program. Not to mention two successful naps. Yesterday and today I went to the pool- the water could definitely be cooler but it's TX and stupid hot. One of my COTA's and her husband came down to hang out at the pool yesterday. It's sometimes nice to socialize with others than just my dog. 'Socializing' with Bella is just talking to a one-eyed canine version of myself. If this said COTA has sunburn tomorrow she will not be getting sympathy from me because she declined my offer of sunscreen stating "oh we don't use sunscreen." 

Bella and I are going to take a brief sabbatical to STL soon for some scheduled time off and we will be flying. Stay tuned to see how this goes with flying with a sedated dog- she won't be completely knocked out but for everyone's sake she needs something. 

My grandma made this blanket so I'm laying on it. I prefer homemade blankets. 

Are you wondering about the title and what the Golden Triangle is? 

First, I'll tell you what it is not:

- a knock-off McDonald's

- a strip club

- the name of a ranch

- a restaurant

- a specialized instrument

- a martial arts move

While I feel like those are all good and valid suggestions- the Golden Triangle actually refers to 3 cities here in Southeast TX- Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange.  There are Golden Triangle Urgent cares down here. 

Lake Charles, LA

Last Sunday, Bella and I drove to Lake Charles, LA- what some may call the Cajun Vegas? Not my words. There are quite a bit of casinos in this area (which I keep calling St. Charles) but we really weren't looking for those. Lake Charles is right inside the LA border and about an hour Northeast from me in Port Arthur. 

at the Visitor's center. Dog not interested in pictures. 

Somewhere in this picture is a gator.

I feel like we all know someone who looks like this guy.

The visitor's center is right off the highway and is a nice stop. It looks like the Cypress Nature Trail was a couple exits before. I wasn't interested in bugs, heat, and excess sun- as we all know I'm delicate in regards to sun exposure. 

Everything is right on Lake Charles- makes sense, huh?

Historic City Hall 

Courthouse

Old church

So I'm going to be honest and tell you I don't really know much about the town so every thing I'm going to tell you right now is from the pamphlet/map. Lake Charles is in Calcasieu Parish and has some beautiful historic houses in the Charpentier District. There are walking tours you can take to see these houses- I don't know if you go in or just hear info about each house. The houses are gorgeous- reminds me of the Azalea District in Tyler, just a different vibe. I would love to go on a tour but driving was enough for that day having a dog in the car. The Charpentier District is kind of hip and trendy-looking but appears reminiscent of New Orleans. There are also walking tours along Shell Beach Drive to see these beautiful lake houses- so we drove down there too. I think we only got to the tip of the iceberg that is Lake Charles- if there is something going on in the area it is likely happening there. The Golden Nugget casino has some good looking concerns coming up including Starship!!!!

Nothing else to report of interest. 

Here some more fun facts for you:

- the earliest form of ballet has been traced back to the 1400s

- wire-haired Fox Terriers see in color

- Praying mantis' are cannibalistic- the female bites the head off her partner after mating (yikes). 

Peace, love, and fountain soda, 

ME