Texas ..

   I have been so excited to visit Texas. I have never been before. I have always imagined open skies, leaning weathered barns, cattle grazing, cowboys riding horses into the sunset, hats tipped, heads down, campfires with old bearded men and guitars. Our first stop was Austin. Its not at all the Texas of my dreams.  I left Jimmie in charge of booking the rental house where we would meet up with some friends. Our number one goal when renting a vacation home is location, location, location. With as much deliberation as he uses to pick a parking spot, I encouraged him just to pick something. Supposedly this house was a very “walkable” location. As we exited the freeway I thought, surely we are not close to our rental? But we were were only a few blocks away. Barred windows, graffiti, gangster looking folks, even the local market had so many bars around it, it looked more like a prison than a market. I thought this isn’t a walking neighborhood, its a running neighborhood. If you get out of your car you better be prepared to run for your life.

  In the end, once we locked all three dead locks on the front door and were tucked safely inside we had a great time with our friends. Curtis and Sara volunteer their lives in serving others. It was a pleasure to be with them, so encouraging. 

  Austin hardly fulfilled my Texas dreams. Instead of barns and cowboys there was sky scrapers and college kids. Like California cities Austin has a lot of homeless who have moved in and tent cities are under the over passes. But over all Austin is a nice enough city. We had a great time riding bikes around the city, The Colorado river and Lady bird Lake surround all the hustle and bustle of the city, and provide a nice slice of nature for the people living there. If your on a diet do not go to Austin. The food is really good! If you are a recovering alcoholic do not go to Austin. The drinks are really great. If you are over 25 prepare to feel old. Rainey st. Was a very hip, cool part of town full of interesting, eclectic architecture, great food, bars, and so-so music. This is a party city. College kids flocked to this area and were hitting the bars early, I can’t imagine how crowded and crazy this place would be at night. I never saw any cowboys, but people were friendly and although I’d never make a point of going back I liked Austin. Except for the bugs. My God! The mosquitos in Texas are on crack. They are out day and night and though I never got hit on by any cowboys the bugs think I’m hot. They love me, and those little bastards have eaten me alive.  

  We left at night and landed in Luckenbach Texas. I was exhausted, sleeping in the back of the van when Jimmie said “ wake up lets get a beer!” I half looked out the window and in the dark saw an old barn style building, twinkle lights and a few cowboys drinking beer. I laid my head back on the pillow. I was too tired. Jimmie was back a few minutes later and said “ Adam said we can sleep here tonight and he had already closed the bar, he told me he had  one last beer and he gave it to me.” Now that is hospitality. 

  I drifted quickly back to sleep, the cold air was crisp and heavenly. We wandered into Fredericksburg for coffee. Now this is the Texas I had imagined. Old western buildings, cute restaurants, quaint shops with the best selection of cowboy boots I have ever seen. I was salivating. Surprisingly there were many beautiful wineries. That was a surprise to us. I loved shopping around the town, people were friendly and the shopping was not so touristy but quirky and nice. We decided to head back to Luckenbach because I had slept through it. Now this was the Texas I was looking for. Old tattered wooden buildings, a live country band and cowboys as far as the eye could see. Everyone dressed the part. Adam was working so I had the chance to meet this darling, burly, young cowboy, who must be the worlds friendliest cowboy on earth. He was so proud, he said “ this is the best place on earth, I’m so glad you are here, I hope you love it as much as I do”.  We call it the center of the earth.” I love when people are so happy and proud of the place they call home. He was so genuine and sincere.

  We enjoyed a Lone Star beer while listening to the band under the oak trees, we sat in the chair where Willie Nelson sat, We kissed in the kissing booth. The band played … “lets go to Luckenbach Texas , with Waylon and Willie and the boys”….

   I had woke up from my sleep with that song stuck in my head. Now with the band singing that song and this Lone Star in my hand, my Texas dreams had come true. After all…. out in Luckenbach Texas …there ain’t nobody feeling no pain……