Texans, Again

Now, the first time we were starting to become Texans, I had the impression of Texans as swaggering and boasting, of LBJ (not one of my favorite Presidents), Mickey Gilley's bull rding bar, and of El Paso and Amarillo type scenery. Much to my great surprise and delight, most of Texas is not that way at all! Almost all of the people we have met have had a soft deep-Southern lift that is ever-so-pleasant to hear, and they usually have been kind, concerned, and friendly. The politics range from one extreme to another, just as in most places, and after visiting the LBJ Library in Austin, I have much more respect for Lyndon Johnson, even if he is still not one of my favorites. Some of the country music hang-outs are great fun, and there is some terrific music found there! The music seems to fill the air in Austin in the 6th Street area at night (remember that area from Jenna and Barbara Bush's escapades?), where at any given time you might spot Sandra Bullock, Lance Armstong, and any number of other celebrities. As far as scenery, forget the other ideas! Texas is now, in my mind, the San Antonio Riverwalk, the massive, beautiful Blue Bonnets in spring, and the lovely Hill Country rivers, waterfalls, and trees in all seasons, not to mention the Padre Island and Gulf Coast areas around Corpus Christi and Galveston. Art shows, museums, and galleries abound, and the shopping is incredible! The Johnson Space Center is awe-inspiring, and the Book Depository exhibit in Dallas, commemorating John Kennedy's assassination, is unforgettable. And, mmmmmm, the restaurants, from brunch to the famous Texas barbeques, are fabulous. So, we are now quite comfortable saying that we are Texans, y'all! But we will also be glad to keep wanderin' and find more treasures across this beautiful country! Cin, cin, y'all!