After nearly a year in Texas, I have decided that the only people who don't like Texas...are people who ain't got here yet!

Now I'm not talking about some of the more annoying traits. But, frankly, racism and ignorance have been around in EVERY city where I've ever lived...and, I'm inclined, exist in every corner of the globe. I'm talking about the general attitude that make Texas great.

First off, I have a million stars, no waiting. On a clear night, all I have to do to see the Milky Way is step out in my front yard with the porch lights off. The cool evening wind makes just such a jaunt an enjoyable, relaxing experience.

Second, these people know what a good steak is. I don't have to worry about showing up at somebody's house and getting "Tofurkey", or about some "pleather"-clad moron in Birkenstocks (which are, oddly enough, made of LEATHER) lamenting my cruelty in gratuitously covering my grill with delicately carved sections of animal flesh.

But what I really, REALLY love about Texas...is that these people are just as stubborn as I am. Though we disagree frequently, these are people that know what they believe and unapologetically defend it. Right or wrong, they are who they are, and you can't change that.

I'm quickly changing my status from "Rambler" to "transplanted Texan".