Musings on Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri....

1) I learned a new saying in Texas: "I like yawl's guys' ...(fill in the blank)

2) Texas and Oklahoma has pretty varied road kill. Just ask Al, he doesn't miss any of it and tries to identify it all. Like armadillos and all the coyotes and the breed of the dogs. STOP! I don't care what it was! (it was a long trip)

3) I wish they had "pay at the pump" at the diesel pumps at the truck stops. It's a pain first off trying to find diesel when you are pulling a big camper, but then it's a pain to have to go in every time. And you can't just pump, then pay. You have to pay cash first or leave your credit card with the clerk, then go back in to sign.

4) peopleofwalmart.com is mostly from Missouri. Again, just ask Al about this one. Although I did see some good ones in Texas, as well.

5) I don't think there are dentists in Missouri (OK, to be fair, this was only Southwestern Missouri, so don't hate on my if you are from somewhere else in Missouri!)

6) It's interesting to think how different your life would be if you grew up on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico instead of Wyoming, or Iowa. You would have such different experiences.  You wouldn't experience snow (usually), and you would grow up around the ocean and beach instead of the rivers and lakes. I know we had Glendo when we were growing up and the beach there, but it's just not the same. Even the type of grass and trees are different. There are no lilacs, roses or sagebrush, but there are palm trees, beautiful Live Oak trees and Fiddler Crabs that scurry away from you in the dark.  You would also grow up experiencing hurricanes, instead of tornados, both of which I could do without.

7) On a good note in Iowa you don't have to clean the sand out of your vehicle every week. Is that a good note? I think I could live with having to do it all the time. It's better than having to wash it to get the salt and grime off in the winter!

8) I love that you can go to bars and restaurants and they all have outdoor seating.

9) I also love it when you order a Sol, Dos XX or Tecate (probably a Corona, too, but Corona is icky) and they ask if you want it dressed. My answer is always YES!

Undressed:

 

Dressed:

10) Oklahoma does not like ethanol gas. They even have signs proclaiming proudly that they don't carry it.

11) In Texas it's evidentially okay to drive on the shoulder of the road. Don't be surprised if you come up behind a car on a two lane highway and they suddenly pull over on the shoulder to let you pass (all the time keeping their speed).

12) I still hate Dallas traffic. We did figure out how to by-pass Austin & San Antonio traffic, but still have to go through Dallas. And it always seems to be at the worst time (on the way back this time is was 4:30 pm on a weekday!)

13) I think the contrast of having both oak trees and palm trees in the yards is different.  It's like Mexico and Iowa backyards all mixed up together.

14) There are wildflowers everywhere in Texas this time of year. Along every road, in every field, in every color. It really gets you in the spring mood and lets you know that summer is on it's way.

We had a great trip, but it is nice to be home. The daffodils and crocus are blooming, the snow is all gone, the grass is green and the geese and ducks are back on the pond. The deer have been up on the deck (as evidenced by the little presents they left) and eating the day lilies that are coming up.  It's definitely spring!