And so, to Houston TX

After all the grim warnings about flying Continental, and Continental’s own grim warnings that there would be no meals served on the flight from Newark to Houston, the flight was smooth, the service friendly, and they served us pizza, baby carrots, m&ms and fresh coffee – all included in the service. I didn’t have a great view, but I did notice one very long river, flowing north/south, so I am going to assume it was the Mississippi.

Lyndsay met me at the airport, she hasn’t changed a bit. We drove to the Woodlands Mall, in an attempt to meet up with her mother, sister and nieces, had lunch at Panera Bread and a bit of a stroll around. The Mall is way out of town, in a pretty setting with lots of trees around, and a kind of moat, with a water taxi.

Lyndsay shares an apartment with another actor called Jennifer, and two cats. It’s upstairs, and if you didn’t know there was a downstairs, you would think it a house, rather than half a house (the top half). It’s very roomy, almost twice the size of Iain and Jessie’s place in Hoboken, with a verandah out the back overlooking the back garden/yard. I don’t think the girls do much gardening.

Lyndsay’s house, and carFlloyd and Lyns on the front porch

Last night, I saw “Mr Pim Passes By”, by A A Milne, at Main Street Theatre, (http://www.mainstreettheater.com) with Lyns playing Anne, the maid. She hasn’t a lot to say, but is very much part of the family and a great presence. I loved the play, and the production. The performances were all excellent, I would even say classy. The play has a delicacy you don’t see these days, very funny, thoughtful, even moving. I was sitting next to Jim Johnson, the dialect coach for the production, (also teaches at Uni of Houston) and his son Levy. His wife, Carolyn, plays Olivia, a gorgeous portrayal of a gorgeous lady.

Lyns, Jim, Carolyn, Levy and I went for a meal after; there was much deliberation in the foyer as to where we should go, but when they realised I didn’t know what Fried Pickles were, the choice was simple. For the record, Fried Pickles are sliced dill pickles dipped in a light batter and deep fried, served with Ranch Dressing. We had them for starters, and boy they were yummy. Some Pollo Guape and a locally brewed Honey Blonde beer later, we headed home and crashed.

By the way, for those who haven’t been here, it is apparently quite normal for a beer to be served deliberately with no head. Cold, but headless. Interesting, eh?

 This morning, Sunday, breakfast was 2 eggs, sausage, french toast and coffee, $7.43. Not only reasonably priced, but so nice I nearly ate it all.

It’s raining now. A rainy day in Texas. And there is a bead shop round the corner…