Tag: Coastal living

Where to Eat in Galveston- Darlene’s Shrimp Shack

Where to Eat in Galveston- Darlene’s Shrimp Shack

Holly K. Ross

If you are driving down 61st street along Offats Bayou, you will see Darlene’s Shrimp Shack (a food truck) sitting pretty next to Aunt Margie’s Bait Shop and a shrimp boat named Darlene.  If you are thinking that a shrimp shack next to a bait shop with shrimping boats means that the shrimp in that shrimp shack is fresh- you would be correct!

The shrimp is fresh and locally caught (when possible) and battered as it is ordered.  You can get your shrimp battered or “naked” and choose from twelve different seasoning options.  The baskets come with 10 shrimp and 2 hushpuppies for about $12.00.  The shrimp are huge so reasonably you could share but I am not reasonable when it comes to sharing my food.

These shrimp are contenders for best shrimp on the island.  I have eaten there multiple times and have loved each and every bite.  Everyone in my office loves this place. The batter is on the light side, so you really taste the shrimp.  My favorite flavors are Cajun or Garlic Parmesan.  Other flavor options are lemon pepper, buffalo, plain, and more.

If the weather is pretty you can sit out at the picnic tables and watch the sail boats on the Bayou or watch the sea birds come and go.

From the family history I have picked up from talking with the folks who run the bait shop, Margie and Darlene were sisters.  Margie was the aunt who kept most of the kids when they were little.  When she passed, the family decided to name the bait camp after her.  Aunt Margie’s bait camp is a popular spot for bait AND they sell “eating” shrimp in there as well.  We have been buying shrimp, squid, flounder and more in there for years.  If the seafood is fresh, you don’t have to be a great cook to make great seafood.

Aunt Margie’s bait camp and Darlene’s Shrimp Shack are BOI (born on the island) and as local as you can get.  Give them a try, you will be glad you did!

A Writer’s Day

A Writer’s Day

Holly K. Ross

Today was a perfect day.

I woke up happy.

Spent time with God on my balcony.

Reflected on a sweet evening with daughter #2.

Did my workout.

Snuggled with a grandbaby.

Worked a couple hours at my paying job (transaction coordinator)

Worked several hours and wrote 5000 words at my dream job. (Writer)

Marked chores off my list.

Cooked dinner

Took a walk with the love of my life in the fog and misty rain.

Completed the week’s homework assignment.

Soaked in a hot bath.

I mean, it really doesn’t get better than this! I wanted it documented so I can reflect on it when the day isn’t so perfect.

I don’t want to blow by the sweet everyday moments that add up to a beautiful life.

What To Look At In Galveston

What To Look At In Galveston

Holly K. Ross

I have the pleasure of living in the East End Historical District in Galveston. This is the original spot where the city grew up first.

We even have ruins that a pirate called home.

With such an old place comes beautiful and diverse architecture. I walk about 20 miles a week with my husband and I never grow tired of looking around.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Welcome Fall!

Welcome Fall!

Holly K. Ross

Fall mean different things in different regions. For the Texas Gulf Coast, it means a slight break in the heat. We rarely get freezing temperatures down here, so we may be swimming in the Gulf until November.

But, fall is a nice thought- you know?

A Sunday Stroll

A Sunday Stroll

Holly K. Ross

One of the fun things about living in an actual neighborhood is the ability to walk all over.  I can walk to the park, restaurants, the grocery store, Strand shopping and to the beach.

I. LOVE. IT

I can also walk to church.  Along the way, I see all types of architecture in the homes.  Many of the homes in the historic district in which I live were built before 1900.  These homes survived one of the most massive hurricanes in history.  How I would love it those walls could talk!  There is great beauty all around us, its a different kind of beauty from the farm life we lived just a short time ago, but it is beautiful.

Here are a few of the sights I see on my Sunday stroll.

All sorts of jasmine thrive on the island, the smell is intoxicating.

Celebration Day! 27 Years Strong

Celebration Day! 27 Years Strong

Holly K. Ross

tony holly state park 2 2018

Today is our Anniversary!  27 years ago I made the best decision of my life!

As I sit here and think about what had transpired over these years, I am in awe.

There is a phrase I like to use about Tony when people are talking about marriage and so forth-

“Just as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, Tony Ross is a faithful man.”

It is the plain truth.  A few months ago, I was on my balcony watching the sunrise and reflecting on the past two years (this has been the most difficult season of life we have ever walked) and I said to God, “Just as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, you are a faithful God.”  It struck me then, I see God better because of the way my husband loves me.  THIS is what marriage was meant to be.

Big romantic gestures, long strings of words expressing his undying love are not his style.  He speaks love by his day in and day out small acts of kindness, grace, and faithfulness to me.

There have been those that have said Tony was too laid back for them or too boring. But here’s the thing- when the proverbial sh@# hits the fan- I don’t have to wonder where he is or what he will do.  I know- he will be by my side, leading the way, and telling me that it will all be okay.  Life is “exciting” enough, I’ll take a Mr. Steady over Mr. Excitement any day.

There are not adequate words to express what he means to me, to describe what 27 years of being one means, but I don’t want this day to go by without telling you how GRATEFUL I am at being Mrs. Tony Ross for 27 years!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Flowers I Pass

Flowers I Pass

Holly K. Ross

When I moved to Galveston, I was determined to make the most of every spare minute and spend those spare minutes on the beach.  I have been successful this far.

From my home, the beach is just under a mile from my doorstep. So, if I have a morning that allows me a walk before work- I go.  If I have a lazy afternoon that allows for a walk- I go.  If I need a walk to clear my head- I go.

Not only am I rewarded with sand between my toes and at the roar of the sea in my ears, my eyes feast on so many beautiful blooms along the way.

Here are some from my last walk:

Morning Glory

Morning glories!  These wild little devils can give gardeners fits!  They come up volunteer and drop about a million seeds and strangle any civilized plant in the reach of their little tendrils.  BUT they are so beautiful!  I love them!

pink crinium

crinium

Crinum Lilies come in ALL shapes and sizes in Galveston, they are a living part of history in the town.  With different blooming times, there are always beauties to admire.

Pride of Barbados Blooms

pride of Barbados

Pride of Barbados, also called the Mexican Bird of Paradise.  This large shrub/ornamental tree is a tropical beauty.  I had never seen these before and I thought they were Mimosa trees before the blooms appeared.  These pictures don’t really do them justice, I will have to try again!