Texas is an enormous state so grab something to drink and a snack for a big blog photo dump! I have been fortunate to have met many of Steve’s relatives scattered about the country with quite a few residing in Texas. We decided to take advantage of our travel circumstances and planned about a two month stay to visit with Steve’s relatives and spend the holidays with his mom. During our time we took a few road trips to check out some sights!
First stop in Texas was in Lipan to visit with Dale (Steve’s cousin) and Garland for a couple nights. The weather was beautiful so we took a few walkabouts and caught up on life.
After dropping the Scamp off in Greenville (Steve’s mom’s house) we took a last minute scheduled trip to Houston, TX and spent the night with Steve’s Cousin Ben before jumping onto a cruise ship in Galveston. We were able to find cheap tickets and the port was drivable so we went for it! After months of living very minimally we thoroughly enjoyed some pampered time on the ship. Our overnight in Houston was full of cousin stories with amazing home cooked meals. If you are interested in ginormous fish tanks check out Ben’s YouTube channel called Reef Beef Podcast. You can watch his latest episode at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y17p9wupLCg
Jamaica mon!
Upon return to Greenville, TX we planned out a future three day excursion to include Austin, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio. It was fun to just take the car and not tow the Scamp - traveling became much less complicated. We packed in our sightseeing and basically ate our way through these amazing cities!
State Capitol - Austin, TX
Beer, Honky Tonk, a little Two Step instruction, and Chicken Shit Bingo at the Longhorn Saloon! After all that excitement we headed out for some big TX BBQ!
Fredericksburg, located in Texas Hill Country, was founded on May 8, 1846 by German immigrants under the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. Interesting architecture, tasty German fare, and Blue Grass entertainment made for a fun adventure!
I had to make at a stop at Woerner Warehouse - recommended by one of my favorite YouTube friends!
The Alamo - Battle during the Texas Revolution that occurred from February 23 to March 6, 1836, in San Antonio, Texas. It ended in a decisive victory for Mexican forces over Texan volunteers.
San Antonio Riverwalk
Lunch, a lively serenade from three amigos (thanks Steve!), and dessert at the Historic Market Square, San Antonio.
San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio
A sarcophagus possibly containing the ashes of the Alamo occupiers - historians believe it is more likely that the ashes were buried near the Alamo.
Thanksgiving was spent with Steve’s family in Greenville which included his Mom Shirley and Cousin Mark. We were thrilled that Steve’s Aunt Nancy, Uncle Bob, and Cousin Ellen also drove down from Arkansas to celebrate with us. There was much joviality, food, and wine!
I decided to fly back to Buffalo to visit family for Christmas while Steve stayed in Texas to be with his mom. My three week Buffalo trip turned into four with the immense snow storm creating havoc. We were fortunate to maintain electricity and had plenty of food to remain sustained after all of the shoveling!
Quilt by Shirley Cotten! She spends many hours making quilts for family, friends, and donations to the community.
Holiday doggie pics: Jack, Berkeley, and the Doyle’s new puppy Charlie! Let’s go Buffalo Sabres!!
Although we have been in Texas for quite a while the time has passed by quickly. I learned about quilting from Shirley. Steve got to make a big fire and dig a long drainage trench ;-). We saw our first (and hopefully only) land crayfish. Mark spent hours on Rav 4 maintenance (Thank you, Cousin Mark!!). We were awakened each morning by neighboring roosters and cows. I ate plenty of donuts. There were a lot of laughs and fun shared with Shirley and Mark. [Steve: Thanks, Mom!! :-)]
We have been traveling the Scamp Road for eight months now with just a couple more to go before returning to our new home in Buffalo and are thankful to have been able to spend this much time here with Steve’s family - they will be missed. On our way to Louisiana!
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”
“You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas” – Davy Crockett
“Only Texas could turn defeat into a legend–and a song, and a tourist attraction, and a major motion picture.” ~Rosemary Kent, speaking of the Alamo.
“For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.” – John Steinbeck
Link to Steve’s music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fW5lsWiZG5TcOlhukK4pu?si=2NngXMjoR7mUJLreexbIAw&utm_source=native-share-menu (Let me know if you are interested in purchasing a CD/$10)