Robert and I recently returned from yet another trip to Texas – my fifth trip in 12 months – and we definitely returned to our roots in dramatic way on this particular trip! Robert performed the wedding ceremony of his second cousin, Jason on Valentine’s Day, outdoors on the Eberly Ranch in Chappell Hill, TX.
Jason and his dad are big hunters as are many male Texans, and the groom’s cake was a true reflection of this passion….deer, deer blinds, deer feeders, trucks, guns, bows – all surrounded by deer antlers and photos of years of hunting trips!
Robert and I thoroughly enjoyed the reception – an amazing barbecue buffet, live country music, and dancing. And yes, we did do the two-step for most of the evening and might have even sipped on a salt rimmed glass of something yummy. Shhhhhh…..
The following day we had the opportunity to gather with more extended family in Sealy, TX for lunch. Robert’s grandpa Doug turns 90 next month and still runs his own nearby ranch nearly single-handedly. It was wonderful to see he and grandma Reba as well as Great Aunt Anna, Robert’s parents, and sister Karen with her family.
And if that were not enough Texas culture for one trip, I happened to remember that the rodeo was going on in San Antonio. Going to the rodeo with my dad is one of my fondest memories from my Texas childhood – oddly enough. My dad has been a sales rep for Resistol-Stetson for about 30 years, and in the past, attendance at the rodeo was just a part of his job. Not so much anymore, but he was glad to go with us. Here we are in front of the poultry barn! It was confirmed that we were no longer in New England when at the opening of the rodeo competition much ado was made about the American Flag…entourage of decorated horses, spotlight, soloist…and a special prayer was prayed by the rodeo announcer which he described as a “special rodeo tradition” while the 16,000 in attendance clapped and cheered!
The rodeo was held at the AT&T Center which is also where the San Antonio Spurs play their home games. (You know, kind of like the Ponca City, OK rodeo, Tamyra! 😉 ) I don’t know if the restroom signs there always have cowboy-hat-wearing-icons, or if this was special rodeo decor, but it tickled me, so I had to get this picture! We also lucked out by getting to see Brooks & Dunn as the concert for the evening….of the “boot scootin’ boogie” fame.
I’ll leave you with a few lyrics from these cowboy philosophers……
Her daddy gave her, her first pony
Then taught her to ride
She climbed high in that saddle- Fell I don’t know how many times
Taught her a lesson that she learned – Maybe a little too well
Cowgirls don’t cry- Ride, baby, ride
lessons in life are going to show you in time
soon enough your gonna know why
it’s gonna hurt every now and then
if you fall get back on again
Cowgirls don’t cry
Chrome it all out, jack it way up
You can build you a house up high on a hill
With a pool and a pond and a view to kill
You can make all the money in sight
But you aint livin the good life
Til you put a girl in it
You aint got nothin
What’s it all worth
Without a little lovin
Put a girl in it
Some huggin and some kissin
If you’re world’s got somethin missin
Just put a girl in it
🙂
Love, love, love it!
Jason can only hope his bride is as beautiful as mine after 16 years of marriage. Love you Mel. Robert
Just found you through Celiac Husband’s site. Looked around and then realized you are the author of Bagels, Buddy, and Me! How cool is that! I recommend that book on my site and share it with folks in my support group. In fact, I need to get another copy as mine has been borrowed and not returned. BTW, you should mention your book on your profile, too. There are so few books aimed at kids AND several adults have told me it’s been so helpful to them because it’s written in simple language.
That looked like a Texas wedding for sure! Never been there, but everything is big, right? We met an outspoken Texas on vacation in the islands once and he started out by saying, “I’m from Texas, what country are you from?” No kidding. LOL
Best,
Shirley