A Salute to Texas

I have always loved the Great state of Texas. That is one thing I need to make abundantly clear. There have been times, through some of my political hubs that I have said things against certain politicians, or laws we have here in our state, but if I didn't love my state so dearly, I wouldn't even bother to try to stand and protect it.

I love my family and friends, but that doesn't mean I don't see their flaws. I love myself, that sure doesn't mean I can't see and admit my own flaws - usually. So when someone tells me that if I don't support our Governor that means I'm not a true Texan - - - They can kiss my ass!

I come from generations of Texans. I was born and raised here and have lived here for most of my life. I remember long hot shimmering days growing up in San Antonio. Laying in the grass and looking up at the billowing clouds on a glorious summer day. I do think Texas skies and clouds just somehow seem more grand than anywhere else in the world. I love the heat. The only thing I don't like about it, is always hearing other people complain about it.

It's fun to come out of a cold movie theater in July and open up and sit in a scalding hot car. Really - that's one of the things I look forward to about summer. Or lay by the pool soaking up the heat, and just before it feels too hot, a Texas breeze dances along and caresses you in a most delightful way. If you really do get too hot, a jump in the pool is a quick cure, and it feels wonderful. If the temperature is in the 70's or 80's, I don't think having a pool would be nearly as much fun.

I do think certain parts of our state are prettier than others. I love San Antonio and the hill country the best, maybe because I grew up there. Every time we had relatives visit when I was little, they always wanted to go to the Alamo. A lot of school field trips were taken there as well. What a lot of people don't realize is that are still other missions around too. They are beautiful and majestic, each in their own way. Mission San Jose was established in 1720. There are also Missions Concepcion, San Juan and Espada. You can just feel the history in them, and even poke your finger in some of the remaining bullet holes when no one is looking.

I must also mention the awesome San Antonio River Walk, it is the number one tourist attraction in Texas. I've always loved it every time I've gone there, both as a child and as an adult. There are river barges or taxi's that you can take a ride on, and float past all the colorful bars, bistro's and shops that line the way. My favorite memory of the River Walk is from one New Year's Eve that my husband and I were supposed to drive from Dallas to San Antonio and meet a group of friend to celebrate the night away. We had a late start and it's about a five hour drive. It was about five minutes to Midnight and we were holding hands and running along the River Walk trying to make it to Dick's Last Resort on time. We arrived laughing and breathless with about two minutes to spare.

We have the ocean (well - the Gulf of Mexico) along Galveston to Corpus Christie to south Padre Island, which is very popular for Spring breaks. West Texas is the part with actual deserts, Houston and East Texas has pine trees,The Panhandle has, umm, snow in the winter. Austin is really beautiful, and popular with celebrities. Sixth Street is almost like a mini Bourbon Street.

The trees and flowers in that area are beautiful too. Oak, Cedar and Mesquite trees are the most common and flowers are bright, vibrant and plentiful. In my humble opinion, the very best thing about Texas is the people. Tejas (or Texas) means friendly,and that's just what we are. We tend to smile and say "Hi", to everyone. And we usually like you, unless you give us a reason not to. If you piss us off bad enough, we will kill you (Texas has the Death penalty).

Living in a suburb North of Dallas, it is not uncommon to walk out a front door in a neighborhood and see rabbits, owls, and other small critters around. On country lanes at night, there are times you have to be careful not to hit a deer with your car (or truck) At times we see bob cats, armadillos, opossums and skunks around too, but they tend to shy away from humans, unless of course, they are rabid. Then you should run, lol. There are also snakes, mostly if you live out in the country. Rattle snakes and Copper Heads come to mind, but I know there are more than that. That fact shouldn't really scare anyone though, because I don't really know anyone that has ever been snake bit. Not to say it doesn't happen, but there are places and times that you should know to be careful.

Every part of the country has something people should be wary of. Earth quakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, lighting, wild fires, serial killers. Always something - or someone (don't forgot, I write Thriller Novels).

It's true that football is almost a Religion here in Texas. The show called "Friday Night Lights" was pretty much on target. Sports in general are a big deal in Texas. We also still have bull riding and rodeos. Every year, Ft. Worth has a big Stock Show and Rodeo that is attended by people from counties all over the state. Last year over 900 thousand people attended.

My sister that is visiting from Illinois, said I should mention the constant road construction and traffic snarls that are common now. I'm sure I have left out a lot of things, and people will be sure to point those out. Heck, I'll probably go to bed tonight and think of a bunch of stuff I should have added, so don't be surprised if this hub grows over time. (if you've noticed, I'm slipping more and more into my native tongue).

Texas is Big, Bold and Beautiful, and I think most of us carry guns. Yall come visit now, ya hear? (She ends with a Texas size grin)

Drive Safely,

KT Banks