A Silly Farewell

So one of my husband's dearest friends also happens to be an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, and hilarious and witty to boot.  We had some friends over recently, and he was finally given the opportunity to share a little goodbye diddy that he wrote for my husband when he resigned.

A few things to note about my husband and I before reading (and singing aloud!) the following lyrics: we are from the east coast and grew up eating fresh (as in just caught from the ocean, cooked and put on our plate) seafood, and we grew up with Carolina barbecue (as in pulled pork and vinegar sandwiches).  Just two of what I'm sure are many MANY things he likes to pick on my hubby for. :)

Anyway, onto his song, sung loud and proud to the tune of Victory In Jesus:

I heard about a guy boast

About coming here from the east coast

How our cuisine did not compare

To the food he had back home

Our seafood ain't good enough

Cuz it comes from the oily gulf

Well sit down in that chair right there

And I tell you how it goes

Oh Bar-B-Q in Texas

Smoked brisket forever

Beef ribs, I got dibs

Now who's got a plate for me

No vinegar sauce on pulled pork

Just Texas beef on my fork

We know real Bar-B-Q

Comes from a beast that moos

Oh Texas, dear Texas

Y'all came here, now you're stuck here

Not to be rude, but you got...

The short end of the stick

You may love us or hate us

But nothing can separate us

Cuz Texas may not be your home

But you made some Texans of your own!

We have sure made some wonderful, sweet friends here in this great state of Texas, and truly enjoy living here, in spite of the barbecue! ;)

Good, Clean Family Fun-Texas Style!

Today the city of Fort Worth had what they call "Day in the District," and there were several activities and shows for families to attend. Just about everything in the cultural district was open and free to the public, so we decided to be tourists and enjoy some of the local attractions.

First, we explored the National Cowgirl Museum (yes, there really is such a thing! haha!). Some of the women featured are truly amazing. The museum boasts women ranchers, country western singers and even rodeo performers. The most fascinating to me were the ranchers. I cannot even imagine herding and branding cattle, not to mention all the other arduous tasks these women did each and every day, and from what I could tell, loved it! I, apparently, am not the outdoorsy, adventurous, laborious work enduring type of gal.

I know the hubby looks bored, but he really did enjoy it. This was just a waiting for the elevator moment.

My sweet girl loved all the exhibits and especially the people watching. And believe me, there were plenty of people to watch, as there was quite a large crowd (Which I believe I can safely attribute to the fact that everything was free). We were hoping the gift shop would have a 9 month-old-baby size cowgirl hat, but alas, they did not.

We then headed over to Log Cabin Village, a collection of log homes, shops and other buildings from 1800s Texas. Some of the structures were original to Ft. Worth, while some came from all over the state. There are men and women who dress in old-time attire, and perform various tasks from back in the day, such as cooking over an open fire, making rugs and blankets on a loom, and a blacksmith, explaining what his job would have entailed. There was even a schoolhouse, and a working mill (my favorite!). While it is a very fun place to visit and learn about Texas history, it would undoubtedly be more fun if it were just a teeny bit cooler (it was about 90 degrees) and ever so slightly less crowded.

One of the log cabin homes.

Me and my girl.

It was a fun-filled day which left one and all good and tired. I learned a little bit more about life in the southwest, including cowgirl boots and saddles, log cabin living, and the intense life of a cattle rancher. Needless to say, just a little bit different from the east coast life that I'm used to!

What I love about TEXAS

Lately I have been feeling a little homesick, so rather than think about or tell you all the things I love and miss about Virginia (the beach, ok I'm done), I thought I would focus on all the wonderful things about this great state of Texas! So here goes:



1. Everything is bigger in Texas! You hear this all the time, but you don't know how true it is until you get here!

2. It's a good kind of HOT. Yes, in the middle of the summer, it gets up to 108 degrees, but it feels so good, because it's not the sticky, humid hot of Virginia!

3. Houses are cheap. Now, I know the housing market stinks and you can probably get a good deal just about anywhere, but houses are cheap here all the time! You get so much more for your money.

4. Professional sports teams! Ok, so I'm not a huge Texas Rangers fan (or Cowboys, or Mavericks), but they're right here, and we can go see them whenever we want! Plus, I get to see my Red Sox play when they're here!

5. We can secede from the Union! That's right, Texas could secede. I'm not saying it should and/or will, just pointing out an interesting fact.

6. It's like watching the live version of King of the Hill. I'm not kidding, when we would watch this silly cartoon back home, we assumed it was an exaggeration! It's not. It's actually a pretty accurate take on the people and state of Texas. And I love it.

7. No state income tax. The only ones who take our money here are our good friends in Washington.

8. My daughter was born here. That's something, right?

9. People actually wear cowboy boots. Everywhere. Even to church. AND, there is a Cowboy Church! Yes, that is what it's called, The Cowboy Church. (Don't ask me what it is, I'm not really sure.)

10. We have been welcomed with open arms. The people we have met here have been loving, and made us feel more than welcome. They take care of us and our beautiful girl, and I'm so incredibly thankful for the love we have found here.

Well, I could probably keep going, but 10 is such a nice number to end on. So there you go, 10 wonderful reasons to love Texas. If you're from Texas, feel free to add to the list. If you're in Virginia, come and visit sometime! :)