It was a lovely fall day and I thought perhaps Lucy might like to get out of the house again, and what better place for a girls' day out than White Rock Lake in Dallas.
Being a weekday, it shouldn't be too busy and we could just spend a relaxing day together.
Lucy was all for it, so off we went in the "lalamobile".

As we are driving along they are giving a weather report.
Seems that we will be having 40mph wind gusts today... and yes, as we cross Lake Ray Hubbard I can feel the force of the wind on my car.
Hmmmm... so maybe this is not such a good plan as I surely wouldn't want to risk Lucy losing her wig, but we ventured on.

Upon arrival at the lake, it was gusty indeed.
Oh dear, what to do? Best thing would be to find an area sheltered from the wind.
So I find a perfect spot and proceed to get out of the car and get Lucy's cart out of the back. About this time, I fella is approaching my car with an inquisitive look on his face.
Oh yes... it must be about my multitude of bumperstickers.
Now I wonder, is this going to be a positive or a negative encounter.

It was my lucky day. The more he read, the more he laughed, and then we struck up a conversation.
By this time I am sure he figured out that I am an "outrageous older woman" (just like one of the bumperstickers says!).
Anyway, who else would plaster the back of their car with so many bumperstickers?
I simply explained that I have gone rogue in my old age, have kept mum about a variety of subjects due to my professional standing, but now, it is my time to speak out.

He shared with me that he has been caring for his 90 year old mother who is in poor health, and as a nurse, I know how very exhausting and stressful this can be,
and he looked like he was in need of a good laugh.
That's when I explained that I brought my special friend to the lake today, and would he like to meet her?
Well, of course he would.

We walked to the passenger side of the car and he was prepared to meet my friend but I don't think he was prepared for what he saw,
when suddenly he broke out in laughter and wanted to know what this was all about.
More chatter ensued. What a pleasant exchange and a lovely beginning to our day at the lake!