I need to put tape on my map already!

It's true. When I moved to Dallas, I got a map at one of the gas stations and have started to wear holes in it already. I use it for everything: finding my exit, finding alternate routes, to write on when filling out job applications, swishing flies out of the car, et cetera, et cetera. I have notes on it, arrows, my address and circles around favorite places so I can find them again. It's the best $2.99 I ever spent.
Today I used it to find my way to the Galaxy UA theater on the east side of town.
First I went to Half Price Books, one of my favorite places here, and strolled around, browsing and browsing books and books, making a wish list. Then I headed over to the movies. On the way, I wanted tacos so I pulled into a shopping strip where I saw a sign that read "MexiCali Mexican cantina and cafe".  It was situated along side a steak diner called The Lonestar and a Thai/Asian market that I can't pronounce and a laundry mat. At first I couldn't tell if it was even in operation, but I drove closer and noticed the neon sign blinking in the window "open". It's quite a nondescript place, like I said, I couldn't even tell if it was open for business, but I went in anyway. I was greeted openly with a smile and "Hi there! Table for one? Sit anywhere you like, we'll get you a menu."
A girl brought out chips and a brownish-red salsa that was actually pretty good; just spicy enough to want to drink a beer with it. I told the waiter I just wanted a couple of tacos and he suggested the lunchtime special: two tacos with rice and beans for $4.99. I got two chicken, one crispy and one soft.
I gazed around at the decor. Mostly typical for a Mexican cantina: red and green walls with the chile peppers hanging down and blankets draped over stuff. Then I noticed the homemade light fixtures made out of coffee cans and the wear and tear on on the doors and some of the floorboards. It seemed like a local place and I asked the waiter about it. He said "yeah, it can get a little crazy sometimes, but mostly it's pretty calm. Lots of regulars."
While the food wasn't that great, I did enjoy the atmosphere  and the friendly staff.
Next on my faded map, I found White Rock Lake Park. After making one or two turn-arounds, I was driving along the lake where bicyclers and casual strollers were out and about enjoying the 100 degree heat. On the other side of the road were huge houses, miniature mansions really, and beautiful. One street I drove down had tall trees that draped over the road and the houses were set away from the street. For a few minutes I felt like I was back East, then the next corner I was back in Dallas. I could see the tall buildings off in the distance behind one mansion.
The park was nice and I think I would enjoy finding it again when the weather is about twenty degrees cooler.
For now though, I need to tape up my map.

White Rock Lake: fishing, boating and trails for bicycling and strolling- all in the middle of the city!