Vacuum Cleaner Hospital

Although dustier than your average hospital (: we had quite a good experience getting our Dyson repaired and serviced here. I liked the humor of the sign, which included a vacuum with its tongue hanging out and a thermometer. On South 14th St.

Allen's Taxidermy

Wow! Who knew? I previously knew almost nothing about taxidermy. What surprised me about this place were the iridescent feathers of the turkey, and the exquisite design of the bird. Allen's has an extraordinary reputation in the area for quality work and service. Evidently, during the White Tail season they have a 6 month+ waiting list for jobs. The animals and birds on display give one a good chance to look at them up close. The shop is off the highway on the way to Clyde. The purple flower was outside the owner's residence and I've no idea what kind it is, but it's beautiful and otherworldly.

ACU Walking Trail

Cool fitness and artistic concept: a wide, paved sidewalk interspersed with Bible verses carved into the concrete, adorned with fluttering flags of different nations and the 50 American states. Walkers pass by the fountain on "the hill" and there is a contemplative maze imprinted into the pavement opposite.

Also nearby, the Jacob's Dream statue.

Bloomin' Cactus

Rather wondrous, these cactus "flowers." Right in keeping with the rest of the plant they have spines, but are this gorgeous shade of burgundy pink.

Heff's Burgers

Burgers here are the size of dessert plates. No kidding, one patty equals the amount of meat you'd find in 3, even 4 burgers elsewhere. Lots of choices of shake flavors. 50's decor.

Beauty Is ... In the Eye of the Beholder

This giant gorilla sculpture can be found on Royal Crest Drive in Abilene. Notice the accompanying little baby ... gorilla.

Beauty Is ... Where You Find It

In the Fall ... @ Albertson's - a pile of glorious gourds. @ Natural Grocers - some unusual cauliflower ... relative? Almost like sculpture. Make your own museum exhibit out of a produce section.