This is the continuation and final post of our stay in Waco, Texas, during March 2018.

George W. Bush Presidential Center

An hour and a half drive from Waco brought us to the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. At the Southern Methodist University, the Center houses the 43rd president’s library and museum, the George W. Bush Policy Institute, and the G. W. Bush Foundation offices on a 23-acre site of the Southern Methodist University near Dallas.

Included in the 23 acres is a 15- acre park and gardens that are open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. The park consists of native prairie grasses, seasonal wildflowers, and native habitats for butterflies, birds, and other species. Had we not been anxious to beat the commuter rush, we would have spent time wandering around the park.

One of the first exhibits visitors encounter inside the building is the 360-degree, 20-foot-tall high definition video wall in Freedom Hall. The video blends art, history, and entertainment through a variety of scenes that morph from one to the other. Some people might get dizzy from looking up at the videos too long. Railings to hang on to are not available like they had at Disneyland’s America the Beautiful theater in Tomorrow Land.

While gazing up at the video I noticed this geometric wood paneled skylight.

The first stop, once we entered the museum, was the introductory video in the theater that was already in process. We decided to go back later to view it and continued along the path. We walked around a corner and in the middle of a circular area two twisted steel beams—remnants from the twin towers—rose from the floor and held in place by cables attached to the ceiling. A half circle of monitors ran film clips of planes flying into the towers, explosions and fire, the collapse of the towers, people running through the debris that fell, news reporters trying to make sense of what was happening.

All the emotions I felt the morning of September 11, 2001, while I watched the events unfold on my television came flooding back. For weeks after that date, nothing else mattered to me except being close to my family. Work became insignificant and had no meaning. Tears welled up anytime I saw a flag hanging from an overpass, posted to the sides of houses, or flying from the back of a fire truck. My heart still ached for the men, women, and children that died and for the family and friends left behind without their mothers, fathers, sisters, or brothers. I averted my eyes the best I could and headed for other exhibits.

Displays on George Bush’s significant legislation turned out to be less threatening to my mental state. No Child Left Behind, the passage of Medicare Part D, Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act reminded me of all the good Bush did during his presidency. While Tax relief and the Iraq war made me long for the surplus Bill Clinton handed Bush before his inauguration and which blossomed out of control by the end of his two terms.

After peeking in at the full-size replica of the oval office and the exhibit featuring Laura Bush, Jon and I returned to watch the video. What was the first image plastered on the screen? The horrible event of 9/11. With no escape, I let my emotions wash over me until the film switched to other topics.

We took a break and ate lunch at Café 43 (named for the 43rd President) where they offered a wide selection of soups and salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Then we visited the First Ladies: Style of Influence exhibit running from March 1 to October 1, 2018. Each of the country’s first ladies was featured with photos and biographies.

I zeroed in on the Lou Hoover display because of her connection to the Girl Scouts, a group I participated in for a number of years as a young girl. She helped Juliette Gordon Low establish the national organization and served in many capacities between 1917 and 1929. Her duties even included troop leader in both Washington D.C. and Palo Alto, California, the locations of both of her residences.

Early scouts had more to do besides taking cookie orders and delivering them. They even had to bake them. I wonder if they earned a badge for demonstrating their baking and selling skills. Edith Wilson became the first first lady to serve as the honorary president of the Girl Scouts in 1917, and each first lady since has been invited to serve in that capacity.

Waco, Texas Wrap Up

And now it’s time to conclude our time in Waco, Texas. We kept busy while there and look forward to returning someday. It will be fun to see what new renovations the city will undergo in this down-home western town that treasures its history, where people are friendly, and restaurants are plentiful.

Speaking of restaurants, we had the pleasure of visiting three while in Waco. At Buzzard Billy’s, I enjoyed the red beans and rice while Jon dug into his andouille sausage. The food was tasty, but the best part was the view of the Brazos River and suspension bridge from our table.

We also ate Bon Mi sandwiches at The Clay Pot, a Vietnamese restaurant on Franklin Avenue in downtown and Taqueria El Mexicano Grill served up good Mexican food for lunch.

In case I didn’t include enough photos, here are a few of the buildings in downtown that are representative of the architecture in the historic district.

Next up we start our trek back to California making stops along the way in Texas and New Mexico.

Safe Travels