It’s been a little over a year since we settled into life in the Southern California desert. And we absolutely love living here. But, goodness, there are some things I really miss about the Lonestar State! It goes without saying that most of all, I miss my family, my friends and the CrossBridge Community Church fellowship. But after living there for 17 years, I long for a few other Texas things as well. Here are the top six reasons I miss Texas.
Besties and boots just go together!
1. Cowboy Boots
While I lived in Texas, I wore my three pairs of boots more than I’ve worn any other shoes I’ve ever owned. You see, in Texas, cowboy boots are perfect with jeans. And shorts. And dresses. Really anything. My cowboy boots are my fave because they are super comfy, and literally every outfit I own will go with one of my three pairs. So when I arrived in California, I wore them… just as I did in Texas. It wasn’t long before I noticed that I was the only one sporting my boots on the streets of Palm Desert. In fact, I believe the only time I’ve seen cowboy boots out here was at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival last spring. How sad is that? I realize I can wear my boots anyway. But I pretty much don’t. And I miss them dearly! Thankfully, Stagecoach is just a couple of months away. >sigh<
2. Breakfast Tacos
The breakfast tacos in San Antonio are the best, hands down. Especially at this little dive that was just a few minutes down the road from where I lived. It may not look like much, but Comal Tacos is renowned for miles around. They make a mean breakfast taco a la Mexicana. Which is simply a taco with eggs, jalapenos and onions. Add their amazing salsa, and you’ve got one amazing taco. You could get an equally amazing taco at another dive, Picadillo. Here in the desert, Del Taco is apparently the only place to get a breakfast taco. Something is seriously wrong with that! Don’t these people realize what they are missing???
3. Alamo Draft House
There is something just awesome about a movie theater that has a restaurant and bar. They even serve you at your seat during the movie. Now I realize that Alamo Drafthouse can be found in states other than Texas. But it is based in Texas, and there’s not one here. Which is a serious bummer.
4. Bug Noises
You can’t beat the sound of bugs at night in Central Texas. Cicadas, katydids, crickets, locusts. They all join together in chorus on a night basis, especially out in the hill country where we lived. I’ll admit, the katydid invasion every few years could get a little freaky. Sometimes, drastic measures had to be taken. In fact I posted this on Facebook a couple of years ago.
The caption read: Yep–there’s a war at our house. Us against the katydids. The occasional invasion aside, we peacefully coexisted with the evening bugs of Texas, and I miss their nightly songs.
5. Gruene Hall and Two Tons of Steel
Our favorite Saturday pastime was hopping onto Tom’s Harley and heading down the road to Gruene (pronouced “green”) Hall.
Off to Gruene! With my handsome husband and my favorite boots,
From 1-5 each weekend afternoon, you could count on hearing some really good, live, Texas-style entertainment. Greuene Hall is the oldest dance hall in Texas, and it’s full of charm. We even loved hanging out at Gruene Hall in the sweltering summer months. There is no AC in the joint, just ceiling fans. And smoke. And an occasional really intoxicated and obnoxious person. But mostly it was just plain fun.
The only thing better than Gruene Hall itself was Two Ton Tuesdays at Gruene Hall. Two Tons of Steel is our all-time favorite band to watch. They are so unique and fun! Plus, I’m officially their number one groupie. Just ask Kevin, the bandleader. He’ll corroborate!
6. Bluebonnets and Armadillos
Every spring in central Texas welcomes a carpet of beautiful blue. They are just so pretty! Driving up and down highway 281 while they were in bloom is something I miss terrible. And the armadillos. Aren’t they the coolest looking creatures ever? (Except when they are squashed on that same Highway 281).
There are so many other reasons I miss Texas. I’m just thankful my ties to the great state are strong and deep and that we visit often. Do you miss Texas, too? If so, what?
xoxo,
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Texas misses YOU…terribly!
Andrea, I’ve gone the opposite way, from Northern California to Texas almost 5 years ago. I can definitely say I don’t miss California (other than friends and family). I’m Texan by choice.
I’m glad you get to come back often! Hope you make it back around Easter for those bluebonnets!
I think if I were to leave Texas now I would miss a few of the things on your list (bluebonnets, Gruene- well, really the Gristmill), but I’d also have serious withdrawals from HEB. Whenever I go back to California to visit family, I have to shop at the Safeway, which drives me nuts. There’s next to nothing there and it’s all super overpriced. No thanks.
My husband made the move from NoCal to Texas 21 years ago and I’m so glad he did! When people ask why he moved her (it was to attend college), I always say he was looking for me! 🙂
And, I agree, the Gristmill is a favorite! Our kiddos attend camp in New Braunfels and it’s tradition to have lunch before drop off.
I LOVE HEB and miss it so much!!!!
Oh sweet friend. Such a wonderful post. I have never had the pleasure of visiting Texas. But looks like I would miss it after reading this post. xoxo
Thanks, Katie!
My friends and just enjoying going to the Gym each morning and spending time with them. My life group The Hendersons each Sun. Night so up lifting and special.
On the bright side how many folks at my age 78 have the opportunity to go to a country like PARAGUAY and be able to assist their loved ones in doing the work that GOD has laid on their hearts.
Thankful for the Internet that allows me to keep in touch with my crossbridge family.
Blessings to you and Tom
So good to hear from you, Bog! How awesome that you are on a grand life adventure with your family. God bless!
I spent 14 years in the Southern California Desert (El Centro) and I missed Texas the entire time, not that I didn’t have fun and have loads of friends from El Centro, it just wasn’t Texas. I also missed so many things on your list and another thing that I missed was clouds and weather!!
We just retired and settle back on our little Ranch in our beloved state!
Hugs from Texas:))
Evelyn, I know what you mean “just wasn’t Texas.” Glad you’re back in your beloved state!
Girl, I totally got you on this! I moved from Houston to the OC 2 years ago to teach at the university and my husband and I were just discussing how much we miss Texas: the politeness and friendliness among people of all backgrounds and the greetings when passing on the street (when I say hi to people I pass on the street here they look at me like I’m mentally ill). The food (OMG, the Gulf Coast FOOD! So Cal has no good food, so I’m 10 lbs lighter. The warm nights, the flying cockroaches (well, yes, bugs in general — it’s like a bug wasteland here). Clouds and weather (yes Evelyn!). Cake (best bakeries ever). The long drives, the Lone Star State attitude. I wear my cowboy boots to teach at the university and everyone stares at me. I’m the only one on campus who wears them. It’s become my signature look, but also a source of amusement among the So Cal students. Come hang out with me at UCI, we can wear our boots and talk about Texas.
Well I would love to do that! You rock, boot wearing friend!
Gruene, Texas …just the best! Love the B&B and the Gristmill Restaurant! Wish you still lived here…I bet we would have had some fun!
Pam, I have no doubt about that!!!
I loved reading through your list! I do love Texas. We are not far from San Antonio, so next time we visit will have to make a stop for breakfast tacos, yum! And, love Gruene….introduced my Oklahoma Mama to the Gristmill last month. 😉
You seriously must stop for those tacos!!!
I haven’t even visited Texas yet, but my family and I would like to! Those all sound like fun things. Thanks for sharing!
I know how much I missed NC when I was living in MN. I hated it! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Totally Terrific Tuesday! I hope we see you again this week. Party starts tonight at 10pm!
Some of the many reasons I’ll never leave (again)!
:((( I miss Texas too!! I haven’t lived in Texas for almost 10 YEARS!!
I moved to Illinois and now to South Carolina. When I moved to Illinois my Texas pride was probably annoying to everyone; I wore my boots, my Texas shirts, and my Texas buckle. 😀 I’ve chilled out.
I still have Texas shirts, I need a new pair of boots, and I don’t know where my buckle went.
I actually miss Illinois too. Although, people do not look at me weird when I say Y’all here 🙂
Family, HEB, breakfast tacos, boots, San Antonio, Austin, and GOOD BBQ… I miss SO much.
XOXO