Following our trip to New Mexico we began to take short trips so that we visited as many places on our list as possible. We knew that it was likely we would be leaving America at the end of the year. This week we visited the set of one of the most popular television series of the time. Dallas.
February 1986 – Trip to Dallas, #Southfork Ranch and Tornedoes
February 7th 1986.
Dear M & D,
Hope you are well… and as you can see from the letterhead which I pinched from the Marriott, we were in Dallas last week . David had a meeting so we thought we would combine with some adventures. The weather had been wet on the trip up but it dried out enough for us to go to Southfork of ‘JR Ewing Fame’ the next afternoon.
There is a long drive up to an impressive looking house and we went in for a tour. I think that they must film the interior shots, or some of them anyway in the studio as the actual rooms were a bit small by the time you get cast and crew in them.
The pool also didn’t seem to be as big as I expected in the scenes that they have with 20 or 30 people having a party around it. Still it was fascinating to be actually at the famous Southfork.
They did have a buffalo in one of the paddocks and they also offer something quite unique for visitors, and that is why this is a packet rather than an email letter. You are now the proud owners of “1 Square Inch” of Southfork ranch. Don’t ask me which square inch it is so don’t order an oil drill quite yet! It is all legal apparently and the ownership is registered with the Land Office…
We also did a little retail therapy and we are now the proud owners of our own movie player, rather than having to rent one when we hire a movie. This means that I can go to Krogers and pick up a movie for $1.50 any time I like. Unfortunately the television which is also a rental has decided to die, so they are coming with a replacement this afternoon.
We also experienced a different side to the weather on Wednesday this week when several tornadoes whistled down route 1960, doing a lot of damage and our municipal airport Hooks was devastated with a huge amount of damage to buildings and aircraft and 5 miles from here two people were killed and there were about 75 injuries. It must have been terrifying and I felt so sorry for the people in the trailer parks in its path as they have very little protection and can be smashed within minutes. In stark contrast today is brilliant blue skies and warm and just goes to show how weather here can flip on a dime.
We have also been talking about our future this week, and it looks like that the company is happy for David to stay until the end of this year before he returns to Liverpool to a job there. The problem is we don’t know if we want to go back. We love the weather, lifestyle and the people here and one of the things David will explore now we have the extra twelve months is to look at getting a job here in America. I realise that this means being away from you all but I will try to come home at least once a year, including this summer. I know that you enjoyed your stay in November and we would also hope you would come out to see us on a regular basis.
Tonight we have dinner with Walter and his girlfriend and he is going to be trying out his new wok. Tomorrow we are entertaining a couple of David’s colleagues from England and Monday David flies to Chicago and then Washington. We are having my birthday party the day after on Valentines and have about 20 people coming which no doubt will result in shenanigans and a late night dip in the pool which is quite cold at the moment… still the tequila will help keep us warm.
Will write again after the party… love from us both S &D.
Thanks for dropping in and I hope you enjoyed the trip to Southfork.. Sally
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – November 28th – December 5th 2020 -Partying, Aretha, Book Reviews, Aromatherapy and Funnies | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
This was such fun!
LikeLike
I was a big fan of Dallas back in the day but didn’t know one could actually visit Southfork! That would have been fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You still can Sharon if you are ever there..bigger and better I believe, but not sure if you can still buy a square inch of the land lol..xx
LikeLike
So much fun to take this journey back in time, Sally. I loved Dallas and Dynasty – how fantastic to visit the house! Toni x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Toni.. it was fantastic to see it first hand and hard to believe that Dallas ran for 13 years and was still being filmed when we visited. iconic show and location. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never watch soap operas, but somehow I sat down with my wife one night and started watching Dallas. I have to confess (though it may make me lose my man card) that I watched some of the episodes with her.
The bit about the tornadoes brought back memories from my childhood. I grew up in Tornado Alley. (the part of the United States where tornadoes occur with the greatest frequency). All the homes have basements for this reason. My family and I would sit in a certain corner of the basement listening to the reports of tornadoes touching down in the area. Scary stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is okay Pete you can hang on to your man card lol.. it was a good series and JR Ewing is a name that even those who didn’t watch the show still remember. As for your memories of tornadoes.. that must have been so frightening and I am sure everyone on high alert at certain times of year. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting how life changes our directions Sal. You thought you may live in the US and yet, you’re back from whence you came. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to be honest probably just as well as our life took many great turns following our return.. life has a way of taking you in the right direction..♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I keep the faith! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was great, Sally. I LOVED Dallas all those years ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elizabeth.. loved J.R… great storylines..xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a litle bit too young watching Dallas with enthusiasm, but i know very well about the told story. Amazing, and maybe predicting/ forcing? the later presidental elections, in the USA? 😉
At least very business oriented people there. Lol Honestly, what i am loving on the USA. 😉 A square inch of JR’s ranch. Lets hope he personally had a walk over it, Sally! Thank you for another great episode of your past conquering the “New World”. :-)) Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Michael… us oldies know how to party…and I also own an inch of Southfork and plan on claiming my rights lol… if you have not seen The West Wing…we are just rewatching and really does showcase the American political process…hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol So true, Sally! Thank you for the recommendation. Have not seen The West Wing yet, but will do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant writing and cast..
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-))
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a faithful Dallas watcher and never really thought of their being a place to visit. I have been to Dallas a few times and wish I had known that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Carla.. I see that they are still thriving although I expect they have been closed part of the time recently..https://www.southforkranch.com/tours
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well it will not be in the near future that I travel anywhere, but I will definitely get back out there again someday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another fun installment! I think you’re right about the interior Dallas scenes being shot in the studio.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Liz, it was very small inside and no way they could get actors in and cameras, but it was still fun to be there..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could see that would be fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great fun, Sally! Brings back warm memories of watching “Dallas” with my darling Mum. When Dad died, she bought a small house around the corner to ours in the UK, and whenever it was on or a dancing film/programme, she’d nip round. She was a graceful dancer herself and won a few awards when younger. You certainly used up some shoe leather in your time, Sally!! Hugs xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing that Joy.. your mum sounds like a woman after my own heart. We had some fun and adventures, and hopefully some more soon…your post going out at 1.30..♥
LikeLike