Man, I love my home state! I currently reside in Florida, and, while it certainly ain’t bad, it AIN’T TEXAS! Texas is and always will be home to me, and that’s why hubs and I just spent the last week there, looking for our own little slice of lone star heaven to retire to one day. We centered our search in the beautiful Hill Country (the area between and around Austin and San Antonio, for those not familiar), and there are things that are so distinctly Texan in that area, that I just need to share.
When you’re going down Main Street, in just about any small town in the area, you’re likely to see a line-up like this:
Mostly trucks and SUV’s, with cowboys and longhorns on the signs.
And, there is sure to be this:
I mean, where else are you going to get your Wranglers?
If it’s Biker’s Week, then you’ll see this:
When it’s time to eat, you’ll sit at the dawn-to-dark restaurant,
sandwiched between a local elderly couple and a Harley-riding, leathered-up couple at a long table, where you eat the best Migas you’ve ever put in your mouth.
Then, you’ll walk outside and visit with the
local, self-appointed “counselor” to whom you can tell all your troubles.
I like to call him Buffalo Bill. You’ll enjoy a mighty fine chat.
Of course, no trip to Texas is complete unless you see one of these:
Or maybe a whole parade of them:
As you’re hanging around town, everyone will call you “ma’am” or “little lady”, as in
“Well there, little lady, you and your man are welcome to come down to the VFW hall for the Wild Game Dinner on Saturday. It’s to benefit our kids in the 4-H.”
We’ve gotten so far away from names like that, that one might be tempted to think it demeaning. To me, it’s lovely, respectful and down-right mannerly.
We Texans are up on current events. Just in case you’re not sure who to vote for in the upcoming elections, you can stop by here:
However, if you’re looking for the other guy, you might be out of luck, because most of the people in this neck of the woods always claim to be “right”.
Maybe by now you’ve had just about enough of the “city” life and
need to get out of town and clear your head.
There are miles and miles of beautiful hills and valleys.
Balm for the weary spirit and fodder for the dreamer.
It’s beautiful. It’s home.
Texas, MY Texas.
Is this the slice that y’all picked?! Oh how fun your time must have been! XOXO
Melinda, I’m not sure whether I should admit it or not, but I’ve never heard of Migas before. That’s probably a dead-giveaway that I’m not from Texas 🙂 Glad you had a great week!
I have never been to Texas but will have a great reason to visit when you are back there!
Missed you!
Jen
My kind of country Melinda. Truly is. I believe places like that are simple slices of heaven on Earth!!!
Thanks so much for sharing. It brightened my heart. 🙂
Hugs,
Fran
Truly, I was meant to be a cowgirl…just ask my husband. You have beautifully chronicled my wildest dream! I want to live a rodeo life, in my boots, with weekends spend line dancing and laughing with the locals. If you only knew, girl. If you only knew.
peace~elaine
Thank YOU !
My son wants to be a cowboy, I’ll be showing him your pics!
The only time i went to TX was after a hurricane, and got bit by red ants……won’t be back, with all do respect.
It looks beautiful! Glad you had a wonderful trip! Like Lisa asked, is this the little slice of heaven you picked???
hugs,
steph.
I love the Hill Country. Every Texan does. Toobin’ down the Frio. Takin’ in a sunrise or sunset. The Austin-stone buildings and metal roofs. Those twisty live oaks with so much character. I just want to breathe it in and hold my breath for a moment.
Ahh.
Thanks for the little retreat.
Glad you made it “home” safely. Hope to hook up sometime when you’re back around.