Category Archives: History

An American Hero: Chris Kyle

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Chris Kyle was a husband, father, son, Texan, American and a US Sniper who was murdered on February 2nd while he and a friend were trying to help a fellow soldier with PTSD. Many people know him from his book, some from reality TV or the fact that he holds the record for most confirmed kills in US history. Yesterday, a memorial service was held at Cowboy Stadium with 7,000 people in attendance. Today, a funeral procession was held from his home in Midlothian to Austin, some 200 miles. Along the way, countless people lined the highway to pay respects to a man who never stopped fighting for his country, family and friends and who is a true American Hero.

The funeral procession ran from the football stadium in Midlothian, down highway 287 to 35E to Kyle’s final resting place in Austin. Along the way, thousands waved flags and came to pay their respects. We arrived around 7:45am and soon we were joined by many others who came to do the same. Some by themselves, others with friends, some even had their small children but we were all there for the same reason, to say thank you and pay our respects to a man who showed what a man should be and continued to provide for his country even after he was out of the military.

When the procession finally reached us, the rain came to a drizzle and the atmosphere was silent except for the sound of the vehicles and the helicopter overhead. First, came the motorcyclists, then the hearse carrying Chris Kyle in an American flag covered coffin accompanied by his wife in the front seat. A helicopter flew overhead with a sniper hanging out the side, vigilantly watching over our fallen soldier. He was followed by a couple tour buses filled with family members. Thereafter, it was vehicle after vehicle filled with military members from all branches. Passengers were recording us, along the side of the highway. Some had video camera’s set up on their dash. You could see some of the passengers holding back tears completely amazed at the outreach the community was providing. Some waved, others provided a thumbs up, a couple even had their windows rolled down telling us thank you. There was no need to tell us thank you, we were there to tell Chris Kyle and all other service members thank you. Thank you for your support, dedication and loyalty to this country and providing an example for all.

The actions shown today make me proud to be an American and to live in Texas.

Granbury, TX at Christmas Time!

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January is going to be full of catch up posts I suppose. Here is another in another great town – Granbury! Granbury is just a short drive outside of the Fort Worth area and a town that I absolutely love to visit. The town square is where it’s at. Centered around the courthouse, the square is full of unique shops where you can find just about anything you are looking for (plus things that you’re not even looking for). It’s a great place to do some shopping with some girlfriends, a significant other or even just by yourself.
And a historic area it is. These signs can be found all over the place. Be sure to stop by a few to check them out!
Something that I love about these old Texas towns – the Courthouse. They can usually be found within the town square. I love Granbury’s.
To go with the antique signs, antique cars!

Here’s a another piece of history that you can catch in the area – I caught the tail end of a shoot out. I’m not sure what happened but as I walked over this lady had a gun and there was only three left standing (and one of them was a Sheriff) and there were about three guys down on the ground. Good thing they got the three year old little boy from the crowd to come take the bad guy away!

In all seriousness, Granbury is a very historic. As mentioned, there’s many, many historical markers, many old businesses and homes (which have been turned into B&B’s). Here is my favorite in town that was decorated so beautifully!

In each corner of the square around the court house, these giant Christmas trees were decorated. Yes, that’s a chair in the tree! They were all different! LOVE IT!

It was really nice to get out of the metroplex for the day and walk around this cute town. I can’t believe the holiday’s are already over. Did they seem to fly by to anyone else?

Looking Back on 2012

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Taking a look back on 2012, I really only think – man, where did the time go?! Does anyone else feel that way? I can’t believe that 2012 is already over. There were some great experiences. It’s pretty amazing how every year things happen that completely change your life and who you are. The most amazing thing for me was that I became an aunt. I love that little girl like no other!

Travel wise, I had opportunities to check out some great places. The more I write this post, I really wish I could include every place that I went because they were all awesome. I would really suggest visiting anywhere I’ve been in the last year. More importantly, I would really suggest just jumping in your car on weekends and just taking a chance at the great things you can see along the way!

In 2012, I had the opportunity to visit: Portsmouth, NH, Memphis, TN, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Vemont (3 times), and Grapevine, Wichita Falls, Austin, Greune, San Antonio, Ennis and countless other little Texas towns. Even in the area that I live, I had opportunities to explore Texas further, check out some great events and great music shows!

When it comes to traveling, I thought I would do a little recap and share with you some of my favorite spots from 2012 (in no particular order).
Food
The Salt Lick, Driftwood, TX
My mouth begins to water already. We headed to the Salt Lick for my birthday last August (one of the best trips ever). If you are itching for some GREAT Texas BBQ for a very reasonable price, this is your place. The rustic atmosphere is out of this world. It’s BYOB, be prepared for a wait but it’s so worth it.
Rendezvous BBQ, Memphis, TN
The South is known for food and in the deep South, look for pork inspired BBQ. Rendezvous’ atmosphere is on a completely different level, down home feel and the waiters wear bow ties (who doesn’t love that?!). Be sure to pick up a bottle (or two) of the BBQ sauce on the way out. You’ll be craving it the next day.

The River House, Portsmouth, NH

Honestly, still craving the lobster roll. That’s all I need to say.

Places
As soon as I was in Greune, I felt at home and I can’t wait to go back! Authentic, down home Hill Country greatness and did I mention Greune Hall?! The music is amazing and if that alone didn’t do it, Jeff Strahan actually sung me Happy Birthday. (You can see my sparkly earrings in the back.) Of course it’s going to make my list!

San Antonio, TX

Talk about visiting a lost treasure. The Missions in San Antonio are irreplacable landmarks. If you are in town, be sure to capture the beauty of these buildings (plus it’s free so there’s no excuse not to go). While you’re there, also be sure to check out the Riverwalk for a relaxing boat ride and one of the local restaurants along the river.

Portsmouth, NH

If you’re on the hunt for an old, Atlantic seaport town look no further than Portsmouth, NH. I visited last January for an old roommates wedding and completely fell in love. Try out some restaurants, microbrews but more importantly, be sure to soak in as much history as you can! Did I mention lobster rolls?! (See The River House above.)

Places to Stay (Hopefully I can expand this list in 2013)
The Peabody, Memphis, TN
Ok this list is going to be a little short as I didn’t get to stay at that many locations in 2012 but we did treat ourselves to a night at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Seriously, it’s so worth splurging a little bit. Seeing the ducks is a necessity as is relaxing and splurging a little on dessert. Do it! You know you wanna! Did I mention it’s on the Registry of Historic Hotels?!

Events

This was my first time checking out a Civil War reenactment and I really hope it’s not my last because I’ve been missing out (and you have too if you haven’t been). Whether or not you pick a side to root for, the authenticity and detail that goes into these events are absolutely outstanding. I really can’t even put it into words but when I saw the Union Army come out of the woods, it really took my breath away. Then the cannons went off and that took my hearing. I hear the Gettysburg Reenactment is the next one to check out. Who wants to go?!

 

My addiction to soccer began here and its definitely something that I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to catch another game.

 

Their first sold out show. Their first encore. One of the best shows that I’ve ever witnessed and it’s bittersweet to say that it will never happen again. The Lumineers have completely blown up over the last six months. They’re all over the radio and TV and rightfully so. If you think they’re great on their album, it’s really nothing until you’ve seen them in person. If there’s one band to check out – it’s these guys. Talk about authenticity!

 

If you’re looking for a little relaxation during the most stressful time of the year, look no further. Taking a couple hours to unwind on a vintage train and enjoy some local flavor is one of the best decisions you can make. It’s so totally worth it.

 

If you’ve followed my blog, you would know I’m a huge fan of the Texas Steak Cookoff in Hico. This year, I was asked to be a judge and I couldn’t have been more honored (and stuffed). Every year it seems like this event grows a little more but some of the faces are still familiar for those competing. My suggestion, go to eat (all day), bring your own beer and if you’re a good cook – just sign up and join in on the competition. Seriously, can’t go wrong! Plus it’s affordable and the whole family will love it!
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Looking back, I can’t believe the opporutnities that I’ve had in 2012. I feel truely blessed and am so excited to see what’s to come in 2013! Wishing you, your families and loved ones the very best in 2013! Get out there, check out what there is to see and by all means – please let me know what you run into along the way or if there’s a certain place that I should check out! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!