This weekend, I took a trip to Beaumont. The trip was scenic during both good and bad weather with plenty of memorable sights along the way. The best part? The signs:
"Denny's Bingo 24 hours" - Since Bingo is mentioned before the "24 hours" part, I'd like to imagine they have bingo going all day, every day. Rock on!
"Stop in and try a ostrich burger" - Fuddruckers, I hope the Ostrich Burger is just what it's called, not what it's made out of. Not sure why that creeps me out, but I'm not about to Google it. Strangely enough, I was most bothered by the use of the wrong article adjective "... an ostrich burger... " Yep, I now feel like a snob and a jerk.
I wish I had a picture of another favorite: "Guitar and Banjo Studio". YES. I've always wanted to take lessons and pick up the classical banjo! (Also, the ukelele but that wasn't advertised at that particular location).
While we were there, we had to make a stop at The Book Stan' -- a comic book, tabletop gaming, and huge warehouse gaming store that opened in 1979. At length we perused the walls of miniatures, boxes and boxes of comics and wargaming books, and the incredible selection of tabletop board games. The Book Stan' also sells collectible figurines, cards, and shirts. One could spend hours just looking. We were able to keep our visit between 1-2 hours.
It was tough, but I finally narrowed it down and purchased "Samurai Sword". It's part of the BANG! Game System line. I was amused to find that it has original directions in Italian with the English translation (I took just enough Italian classes in college to get myself in trouble). I admired like the artwork on the box & cards from Werther Dell'Edera. It reminds me a lot of "Samurai Seven", one of my favorite anime series based on Akira Kurosawa's 1954 classic "Seven Samurai". Can't wait to play it! But it takes at least three people. Darnit. Time to use an excuse to catch-up with friends in order to play this game!
While I do wish The Book Stan' would have had more miniature hobby related products (i.e. paint, basing materials), I understand they're focus is more on comic books, gaming, and collectibles. I'll definitely be back if I'm ever in the area. It's the place you could visit many times and always discover something new that you didn't see before. Given the convenience of online shopping, it's really nice to know that "mom 'n pop" stores like the Book Stan' are still around!
