Well, now I have seen everything. Just when I thought I was becoming a grizzled old broad who could no longer be surprised, I saw this. A car dealership inside a shopping mall. I didn’t intend to see this, but there it was.
I was only getting some exercise. Yes, I am a mall-walker. Not every day, but here in Houston in August and September, it gets really hot outside. I only walk in the Galleria and only walk early in the morning. There’s less of a crowd then and it is easier to socially distance. Actually, if you know the mall well, you can actually walk a full 3 miles in about an hour or so. The time depends on how often you stop to engage in window shopping. I am glad to report that I am really good about not getting carried away with shopping during these early morning strolls. Also, since Covid, stores tend to open later in the morning.
Anyway, I was amazed and a bit gobsmacked to see a car dealership during my most recent trip to the Galleria. The view of this made my mind go off in several different directions. How did they get the cars in the mall? I need to go back and check to determine if the location is accessible without riding an escalator. Also, how does one take a test spin? Does one simply head off down the hallways past the restaurants and fashion stores? If you are taking a Tesla for a test drive, can you stop at any of the Starbucks for a latte? I have so many more questions, I might have to go back and investigate this matter further.
Finally, I would like to give you an update on my cat (and familiar) Hannah. You have seen her pictures many times in these posts. She loves to pose for the camera. Also, she has become a Zoom Queen. She loves to take part in any meetings or conversations I am engaged in on my small screen. Here is a picture of what she looks like “on camera”. While she is 16 years old, she has the personality of a much younger feline. When she went to the doctor’s office the other day, the veterinarian discovered that she has the beginnings of renal disease. She does not appear to be in any pain or discomfort at this time, but I will keep a close eye on her. Many thanks to the good folks at Richmond Avenue Animal Hospital for the quality care she receives. They are helping me adjust her diet and they are very patient when teaching me about this new phase in Hannah’s life. Of course I’ll keep you posted on her progress.
Until next time.….
Now, I have been visiting this Houston landmark since it opened in 1985. Back then you could easily run into folks washing their crystals in the wall’s fresh water on a Sunday afternoon. This is considered to be an energy vortex within the city of Houston. Since I did feel more relaxed after my visit, I guess I could vouch for the healing properties of the location. However, on this day, there was no one cleansing crystals. Rather everyone there seemed to be caught up in the art of the selfie. Back in 1985 I didn’t own a cell phone. And even if I did, it would not have had a camera for me to take pictures of myself everywhere I went. But that’s okay, because I did not have a social media account for posting such pictures. Of course neither did anyone else. My how times have changed.
After this wonderful visit I realized that I was within walking distance to the Galleria. This was one of many places I had not set foot in since the beginning of the pandemic. Curiosity got the better of me and I put on my mask to venture inside. I felt so very brave and adventurous! Of course the first thing I saw was the ice skating rink with actual people skating. In this picture the Zamboni machine had just finished resurfacing the ice and children had received the all clear to resume skating. As I walked around this mall, I was pleasantly surprised at how many shops were still open and doing a good business. There were lines at the Lego store and a jewelry store whose name I can’t remember. The Galleria has more than a few jewelry stores. Some people wore masks and others didn’t. I wore mine and I also tried to maintain a good social distance from others.
The one thing I didn’t see were any hints of Halloween decorations. I have been keeping up with a countdown to my favorite holiday. I have been reading on Facebook how some across the country were seeing stores selling the season’s first ghosties and goblins and ghouls.….Oh My! In hopes of finding my first sighting of Halloween supplies for 2021, I went by Michael’s on the way home. Alas, it was not to be. Empty shelves. Fourth of July decorations gone. It is my hope that these shelves have been cleared out to make room for haunted bits of mischief.
