The 900 Mile Loop Through Texas
With family…
My parents invited me to join them on a trip of nostalgia, visit’n, relax’n, eat’n and driving, lots and lots of driving.
We started off our trip by flying into Houston and visiting the Houston Memorial Cemetery to see my Grandpa and Grandma’s burial spot.
Grandpa & Grandma McGrew
From there we stayed with Jap and Louise Lott, who were longtime friends with my Grandpa and Grandma and are still close friends with my immediate family.
Jap & Louise Lott in front of their Houston area home
Jap flew P-51’s in the Pacific Theater during WWII and has stories upon stories upon stories to tell. Honestly, I never get tired of listening to any of his stories. Louise is my 1st cousin twice removed. They have been married 65 years and are still going strong.
Dad & I at the Battleship Texas
On our single full day in Houston we decided to visit the San Jacinto monument, where the Republic of Texas won its independence from Mexico. Which is commemorated by a huge monument (below) and the Battleship Texas [Dreadnaught Class] (above), which of course had nothing to do with Texas independence, though it did have a lot to do with WWI and D-Day and the Pacific Theater during WWII.
In a word, it was bad-ass! Unfortunately, we arrived after the Battleship Texas closed to visitors for the day, but we were able to hop the gate and get on board anyway (does that make us stow-a-ways?). While doing so, we met a volunteer who had just retired from 20 years in the Navy at the age of 37 and was volunteering on the Texas. He was able to give us a great short history of the old lady and truly loved what he was doing. We also met the ship’s curator whose life long dream was to be, well the curator. She shared with us that the voters of Texas approved $25M to place her in drydock and give her a major overhaul.
Washington DC Eat Your Heart Out
As I understand the Monument at San Jacinto is just a tad shorter than the one in Washington DC… Though, I am guessing it is bigger in other ways. Afterall, everything in Texas simply IS bigger.
From Houston we headed for my parent’s home town of Yoakum Tx which is about two hours from Houston. My Grandfather’s place is about seven or so miles from town and is over 400 acres, with a beautiful house placed right at the top of the hill with views of the surrounding farm all around.
View from the House of the South Pasture
A view from the Timber (Western edge of the Ranch)
View of the Shop and Northern Pasture from the yard
It is absolutely amazing out at the Ranch. There is something about the fact that the place as been in the family for three generations, not including my father and me. My grandfather (or Granddaddy as we call him) was born on the place and still lives there and works cattle. I guess it is the one place I have always called “home” even though I have never lived there for more than a few months at any given time.
Whenever I head down, I make sure to walk the pasture, play with the dogs, and soak up that hot Texas heat. I don’t care what time of year I go, it is always a small piece of paradise.
There were cousins, Aunts, Uncles, friends and all assortment of family that joined us. Usually on the back deck overlooking the “flat” and creek drinking cold perspiring bottles of Shiner Bock.
Just a few of us.
Just a few more of us
It is a close family and I love nothing more than getting together and talking (in the shade of course) about the past, the present and the future. With the addition of two new grandkids, the future discussions are just a bit less about politics, the economy, and of course ranch economics.
Sloane, one of the two new additions to the family.
I don’t think I ever saw my new Cousin-Once-Removed, Sloane not smile. I think it is a permanent fixture on her cute little face. I am guessing that she will grow up at the rodeo roping cattle and riding horses, just like her parents Tommy and Courtney. To be honest, this just makes me a bit jealous!
As for the rodeo, we made that too:
City Boy Enjoys a Bit of the Country (and learns not to wear flip flops to the Rodeo)
We were in Yoakum for my Mother’s High School reunion, which also coincided with the annual Tom Tom festival. Tom Tom was always a big event in Yoakum and has the Rodeo (above), parade (below), dancing (below) and a lot more in order to celebrate the annual tomato harvest.
View of the festivities from the dance floor
The "New" Edition Polka Band is tearing it up
Tom Tom Parade down Yoakum's Main Street
It was a great trip, I was able to see Jap & Louise, Grandaddy & Barbara, Aunt Linda, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Corliss, Uncle Owen, Aunt Kay, Uncle Mike, Uncle Howard and Cousins: Michael, Meredith, Wendy, Courtney, Jennifer, Rachel, Bret, and a slew of 2nd cousins, spouses, etc.
It was amazing seeing everyone and I thank you all for your hospitality and generous use of your homes, food and time!
Most of all, thanks Mom and Dad for inviting me to join you both on this amazing trip. I cherish the chance to take this trip and to spend this time with both of you.
More photos will be forthcoming… These photos were all taken with my iPhone.
Best quotes of the week:
“If you can remember when you lost your memory, then you haven’t really lost it”
“If arrogance and intelligence are a recipe for disaster, then my arrogance and stupidity are an excellent match”
“If I have to stay in this place any longer I am going to go crazy”
“I am eager to get to work so that I can get some rest”
“That rancher found the best cross-breed; oil and cattle”
900 Mile Texas Loop:
Houston >> Yoakum >> Cuero >> Yoakum >> Kerrville >> Austin >> Houston