Monday, January 5, 2009

Who Shot Stella...I Mean J.R.?

We had our last outing with Stella over the weekend and let me tell ya, I truly believe that this was the best outing we could have given her while visiting Texas.

We asked ourselves, "What place says 'Dallas' more than any other? Where can we take Stella that could not be essentially re-created in any other locale?"

We took Stella to visit Southfork Ranch! For those of you who are not familiar with this place, it's where the famous TV show, "Dallas" was filmed for thirteen years. We live about nine or ten miles from it. We were hoping to run into J.R. or Sue Ellen, but no such luck.

I have to share with you that the idea of taking Stella to Southfork Ranch was Dirk's idea.

It gets better. At Southfork Ranch, they have daily tours and since this is a famous place, you actually have to pay to be on the property and, of course, to take any pictures close up. We didn't really want a tour, we just wanted to take a few pictures of the place with Stella.

Well, Dirk came up with this grand idea of me going inside and telling them about Stella and how this was for a blog project, right? Wrong! He felt that by me explaining who Stella was and what we were doing that perhaps they would allow us to go on the Southfork property for free.

I, of all people...Ms. confident, calm, brave and ALWAYS telling other people to just ask for what they want and also saying all they can do is say "yes" or "no" COMPLETELY CHICKENED OUT! LOL!!!

Dirk said, "Give me Stella. I'll go in and ask them for you." I about fainted. lol! Isn't he just the coolest husband?

Anyhow, he comes back to the car with a big smile on his face. He said the lady behind the counter got all excited when he explained it to her and that she understood what blogging was all about. She told him that we could park and walk the property without a tour person and take as many pictures as we wanted for FREE! Stella and I were tripping out!

I wanted to take more pictures than we did, but I also didn't want to act like I didn't know any better either....in any other words, I didn't want to take advantage of this FREE opportunity!

So, see in the pictures below Stella's visit to Southfork Ranch where the famous J.R. Ewing lived (on the show that is) for many years!



Look at the smile on Stella's face. It was almost as big as mine.
Or maybe Stella's smile wasn't even close to mine. LOL!
This pic below was actually taken from the street.
This one was taken right slap dab in the middle of J.R. 's front yard. You can hardly see us or Stella at all in the picture. But, hey....we tried!
The picture below is out on the deck where the Ewings gathered many times. I remember many fights in this pool.



Here's a very short clip that I found off Youtube that I enjoyed looking at. This little visit sure brought back a lot of TV memories for me. I am so not a TV person these days...but I did love me some "Dallas".





Stella's visit with our family has been a lot of fun. I think she has enjoyed her stay as well, but all good things must come to an end.

I still have something special to add to Stella's dress before she leaves us and will be adding it and of course, sharing with you in the next couple of days what I added. I will also let you know where Stella is headed to.

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

Daphine,

I had no idea this place really existed. How fun! I was young when this show was on and my parents didn't let us stay up past 9 so I didn't get to see a lot of it. I am so glad that Stella had a great time there. That is awesome that you got to show it to her free of charge. You go, Dirk!!

Speaking from the Heart said...

Daphine,

Like Liz, I had no idea this place existed. I remember watching the show every Friday night.

Jean

More Than Words said...

Daphine...I just have to say that that is the BESTEST ever!!!!!! My husband and his parents used to watch that show all the time!!! Wait till I show him this tomorrow!! What a huge blessing that you guys were able to walk around unsupervised!!!!! That is totally a trip!!!!!!!!!!

Lindsay-ann said...

Daphine
This is the most wonderful post. Jessica was almost late for school as we were enjoying reading it so much! I loved Dallas, I used to watch it in the early 80's. I screamed (really) when I saw where Stella was. I never realised Southfork was a real place you could visit. Well done to Dirk for thinking of the idea and for getting you all in for free. The pictures of you all are beautiful and the house is amazing. I look forward to seeing what you add to Stella and where she is headed next. Thanks so much.
Lindsay

Wendy said...

WoW! Daphine!! How can anyone beat that!!!Oh My! Southfork!!I used to love Dallas too! I'm so jealous of Stella!! ha ha! Brought memories flooding back! Thanks sooo much for sharing!
..x..

Lorrie said...

Daphine, like the others, I had no idea that Southfork Ranch was real. What a great story of how you all got in! Give Dirk extra hugs from the blogging ladies for that one! This is a fabulous post and a great end to her visit with you--thanks so much!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Wow..does Stella's hair blow in the wind??? This little lady is having the time of her life!
-sandy toe

CMB said...

I am finally catching up on my blog reading...sounds like stella had a stellar time at your place!

Neabear said...

Stella sure had a awesome time with you guys. It will be hard for anyone else to top this visit. I can't wait to see what you add to Stella and where she is going next. This is so much fun!!

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Way to go Dirk! You guys are seriously cracking me up.

Darlene said...

What fun!!! Isn't Dirk great to get y'all into Southfork without even paying?!?! We don't live too far from Dallas, we might need to go take a tour of it sometime....sounds like fun!

Kristin said...

Wow! I can't believe they let you go by the pool and everything! Y'all are so much fun....Stella's so lucky! LOL!

Tarah said...

Daphine,
Whoever decides where Stella visits, tell them I can take her to Ethiopia in June. :) She could fly across the world.

I love your joy about everything.

T

Laura said...

That is too cool! Stella is such a great idea, I love it!

Anonymous said...

So jealous over here!! Stella is one lucky... gal! :o}

This was pretty neat!

He & Me + 3 said...

That is so exciting and what a fun trip Stella has had with your family! Very neat and the pictures were great!

Stacey said...

Lordy Mercy!! When I was in high school we always watched Dallas. I used to always have to explain to people who weren't from Dallas that we didn't all live in houses like that!!

You have shown Stella such a good time! I'm sure that when JR and Sue Ellen see your blog they will be sorry they missed her!

April said...

Hey girl!

I finally was able to get the comment thing to show up! I can't figure out what happened!

I LOVED this post so much! I am bothered sick that you actually got to visit Southfork Ranch. My parents went there quite a few years ago since I had an uncle who lived in Plano. They thought it was so neat! I used to watch "Dallas" all the time when I was younger. Stella is one lucky girl...I knew you would show her a good time!

Two thumbs up to Dirk for playing along with all of this. Chris thought I was rocking off the edge most of the time while she was here. :) So glad you've had fun with her and I can hardly wait to see where she's going next!

Have a great day! Love ya!

Michele said...

Wow Daphine! Thanks! I have been to Dallas a number of times and had no idea this place existed. We'll have to do this next time Dallas is on the vacation agenda! Really cute posts about Stella too!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Daphine, this is a real hoot! I love it! Stella is a TV star! LOL! This is such a fun post. :-)

XO,

Sheila

Beth at Aunties said...

Daphine,
What a wonderful hostess you are! Stella looks like she is having the time of her life. Your husband is wonderful and thank him for all of us. Your daughters are precious:-)

Jill said...

Hey! I just checked out your blog for the 1st time. I always see your posts over at Mama Hen's place (she's my sister). Your blog is great - take care!

Heather said...

sooo cool! that dirk sure is amazing! what a guy you have there. reminds me of nathan. he would have been brave enough to ask for me since i totally would have chickened out too! i can't wait to see where she's going next.. wink wink...

Debra Kaye said...

Daphine,

I used to love that show! I can't believe the fun Stella has had...that girl sure does get around (in a good way...lol)

Your girls are so beautiful! Happy Tuesday to you, my friend! Hugs to everyone!

Anonymous said...

Oh how I loved that show! Larry Hagman was just the best... and Bobby was soooo handsome. This is a great post and I'm so glad Stella got to visit South Fork Ranch. She's a lucky girl.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Anonymous said...

That Stella is soooo lucky. And I can just picture your hubby carrying little Stella in and asking for permission to take her on a private tour. Not too many men would do that, my hats off to your real man. Can't wait till the next post.

Hugs,
Chris

4 Lettre Words said...

Oh, my goodness! That cracks me up!

Growing up, we watched Dallas as a family on Friday nights. Can you imagine???

Dawn said...

You are right! No other place could say Dallas like JR's home. I am glad you got in for free!!! Look at all the free publicitiy they just got :)

I sure hope Stella enjoyed her visit!

take care,
Dawn

Jenni said...

Hi Daphine~
I have heard of the show, but had never seen it. It looks like you all had a great time! So glad you have enjoyed your time with Stella. :)
Hope you are having a good day!

Brenda Heisler said...

Daphine,

I had so much fun with this posting. We used to watch Dallas all the time and joke about all their rich problems. What a fun thing to do with Stella. Perfect. Your husband was sweet to take charge of that project. And so fun for you and your girls.

Unknown said...

Daphine, I'm here from Lindsays blog, The Cross-Stitch House. Love that you took Stella to Southfork and that your husband was such a sweet guy to goin and speak to the lady. How fun! You have a lovely family. I enjoyed your adventures with Stella.
Tammy

Ms. Tee said...

I just came over from Lorrie's - how cute that y'all took Stella to South Fork. Your photos are great! :)

michele said...

This post was really fun for me to read!! My mom was a huge Dallas fan and then in my highschool years I became one! My aunt lives in Texas and when my mom went to visit her, I think they went to Southfork...but now I have to ask my aunt! Stella must LOVE staying with you guys!!!

Beth E. said...

Wow...I'm wishin' I was Stella! haha She's had a great time visiting you guys. I used to watch Dallas, too...I can remember all of the hoopla over who shot J. R.

Looking forward to your next Stella post!

Anonymous said...

Okay, of all your posts this has to be one of my favorites. I know that sounds crazy, but I just love it. Maybe because it literally hits so close to home. But I do think my favorite part is Dirk. What a guy? How fantastic of him to do that. And he was right (just as you usually are) it doesn't hurt to ask and all they can do is say no. I'm so glad he asked and that you got to show Stella a proper good time in Texas. I can't think of a better last excursion for her trip here. Way to go Reeves family. As Pastor Steve would say, you did a great job representing.

MamaHen said...

Wow, Stella is having an exciting life!

Sherry said...

Daphine, Stella couldn't have had a better trip!! Your husband is so cool (and understanding) to do that for you. I think mine would think I was definitely off my rocker!! It was nice meeting you and I can't wait to come back and visit.

A Stella Stalker
Sherry

CMB said...

Just stopping back by to let you know I have something on my blog for you today! :)

Jill said...

That is awesome! That Stella sure is a lucky girl ;) I can't say that I ever watched Dallas (I remember my mom watching it) but I thought the pics were cool.

Unknown said...

Every time I read your posts I want to move in with you : ). Really, do you have an extra bedroom?

I also LOVE your outfits and I am SO jealous of your weather. It is 28 here and sleeting.

No baby yet. Kaish found it in the garage and brought it in. He said he wants a baby to go in it. ME TOO! So I am leaving it there for a while so Gary will be motivated : ). I know I would get tired of looking at an empty bassinet after a while. Maybe I should move it to our bedroom!

Everyday Mom Designs said...

That is so neat. Good job to Dirk!

Jennifer said...

Love that story....that Stella is one lucky girl! So glad you guys had fun...and, there's no way I would have asked either!

Alicia The Snowflake said...

That's too funny! I remember Dallas. My mother watched it every week. Then she and my grandmother would talk about it on the phone.

That is too funny about Dirk. But it looks like you guys had a great time, including Stella!