It's A Texas Thing!

Bas here, I have decided to concede the blog to Mom this week. I know I promised to tell you all about my adventures as Indiana Bas, but I think it would be in my best interest to wait till the next blog. You see it's a bit of a sore subject around this household. Apparently, Mom and Dad didn't like the idea of me going on adventures without them. So in order to let the heat on me cool down a bit I've asked Mom to write this week all about Texas...seems there's an important anniversary happening.

Thanks Bas. It is indeed a Texas thing! It is Texas's 175th anniversary this year. On March 2, 1836 Texas declared it's independence from Mexico. Texas did not become part of the United States until 1845. This little fact has always set Texas, and in particular Texans, apart from the rest of the US. Oh, don't get me wrong we are proud Americans, but truthfully we are even prouder Texans. Texans kind of have a different little swagger to their step or maybe a bit of a chip on their shoulder. With the exception of perhaps New Yorkers (from NYC) we are a bit more boastful about our state. You can't drive down a street, go to a sporting event, or do virtually anything without seeing a Texas flag in Texas. I remember watching the World Series and Super Bowl. As the Rangers went through the playoffs and the WS, you could see several Texas flags waving in the stands. Even though no Texas team was in the Super Bowl, it was held in Dallas and once again you saw the flags waving. Not once did I see a New York, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, or California flag in the stands (not including the mandatory one flying over the stadiums), but you did see the Texas state flag in other state's stadiums...they were all over the Rose Bowl in California when TCU had it's game. Our Texas pride is so high that often times you will hear a Texan say, "I'm a Texan first, American second." Yes, I've said it, too. In fact you may have noticed the cover photo for the blog features the Texas flag not the US flag. The big question is why are we so proud of ourselves. The answer really lies in our history and how we've embraced it.

Most of the history we look to falls back to the years of the Texas Revolution between 1835-1836. Texas has flown the flags of France, Spain, Confederacy, Texas, the US, and Mexico all of which have considered Texas part of their land. Mexico, in particular, was a large controlling faction. In 1824, Mexico declared it's independence from Spain and set up different states within it's holdings, one of which was Texas. After it's war with Spain, Mexico was essentially bankrupt and had very little money for military purposes. This caused a problem because with all the new land they aquired they had also aquired a great many indian tribes. Tribes who were quite hostile and known for raiding whether for self preservation or simply personal gain. Without money for the military to help combat these hostile raids, the Mexican government turned to it's own people to forge militias. In order to form militias in the new lands however they needed settlers. Where do you get new settlers, where else the US. To lure these settlers, Mexico promised levies on taxes, land, and new lives. This worked out great as Mexico gained a large contingent of citizens. Until Mexico realized they were being outnumbered. In 1830, Mexico shut off all immigration from the US and also decided to take away all of their promised tax levies and even land. Well, US citizens who had immigrated were quite accustomed to their old freedoms in the US and weren't exactly happy with the new arrangements. Mexico took a further stance and removed many other rights and promises as well. Texans grew increasingly angry. Texans lost their political, judicial, and religious freedoms. They lost their voice in government when in 1833 as Generalisimo Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna took over as president. He abolished state legislatures, militias, and the constitution of 1824 which granted Texans their freedoms. Enraged the Texans began forming and by the time Mexico had switched from federalism to centralism in 1835, the Texans were in full revolt.

On October 2nd, 1835, Santa Anna sent soldiers to try and squash the building rebellion...in particular to retrieve a cannon that had been left to control indians. The Battle of Gonzales began the revolution as Texans raised a flag over the cannon saying "Come and Take It". Texans won their first battle and more combatants began to join the revolution. Armed with this first small victory and with the Mexican army unaware of their numbers and intentions the Texans managed to take a presidio and an old mission....Goliad and the Alamo..with little resistance. By the end of October, however, Santa Anna had decided it was time to take care of this little rebellion and started readying troops and by December he had amassed 6,000 troops. By the end of December they were marching towards Texas, however, due to supply problems and weather they were continually delayed. Eventually they reached Texas and many settlers evacuated as Santa Anna burned homes and land as he marched through. As Santa Anna marched, the Texians (as they were known then) began to establish their own government and by March 2nd, 1836 that government was in place and Texas had declared it's independence.

Santa Anna began to slowly split his forces, sending a small group to Agua Dulce. After a small victory there, that same group marched towards GOLIAD. A Texas army had formed at Goliad led by Colonel James Fannin. Upon getting information that the Mexican Army was on the way Fannin was ordered to retreat. His retreat was delayed, however, and the Mexican Army captured all 340 of his men upon Fannin's surrender. Santa Anna made his first significant military mistake. He ordered the execution of Fannin and his troops ...all were put to death and burned. This obscene act drew the fury of not only Texians, but the world and things would start to take a turn for the worse as Santa Anna himself marched towards San Antonio de Bexar...THE ALAMO.

I'm sure during football season you may have heard me say that there are three things that matter in Texas...God, The Alamo, and football...and you don't mess with any of them. The Alamo will always be close to Texans hearts.

The Alamo was an old, crumbling mission originally made to bring religion to the indians, but it had eventually become something of a fortress. The Texians had originally taken control of the Alamo in December 1835, but now a force of almost 4,000 Mexican troops was heading towards the small group of 130 Texians. Colonels William Barret Travis and Jim Bowie commanded the Alamo. The General of the Texian Army, Sam Houston had ordered Travis and Bowie to burn it down so the Mexicans would not be able to use it. Travis and Bowie, however, had other ideas. As Mexico marched on Bexar, Houston's troops were being recruited and trained much farther away. Travis decided to remain at the Alamo and attempt to delay Santa Anna giving Houston more time. Volunteers began to arrive up-ing the number inside the garrison to roughly 182 (actual number unknown). Among these volunteers was a group from Tennessee led by the legendary frontiersman and congressman, David Crockett. On February 23rd, Santa Anna's army began to arrive, catching the Texians off guard and forcing them to rush supplies and men into the garrison. By that afternoon, 1500 Mexican troops were inside Bexar just outside the Alamo. Santa Anna ordered the blood-red flag signaling "no quarter" . Over the next 13 days the Mexican Army fired cannon after cannon into the Alamo as Alamo defenders won small skirmishes along the outer areas. On March 6th, the Mexican Army went on full siege of the Alamo. Bombarded with cannon fire and Mexican troops climbing over the walls the Texians fell in the early morning hours and all were killed, but took 400-600 Mexicans with them. Santa Anna ordered all the bodies as well as the Alamo to be burned. This became the Siege of the Alamo and the rallying cry for the Texians..."REMEMBER THE ALAMO". After the Alamo, Santa Anna split his army in two to chase after the main Texas Army.

General Houston realizing his army was small and untrained, retreated to the US border forcing Santa Anna to chase him and allowing him more time to train and come up with a plan. After a while though, the Texians tired of running and vowing for revenge of the Alamo and Goliad stopped running and headed for Santa Anna. Santa Anna had divided his army and only left himself 1200 troops. On the morning of April 21, 1836, on the San Jacinto river Houston caught Santa Anna off guard and attacked. With "Remember the Alamo" and "Goliad" firing up the Texians they charged ahead. Santa Anna convinced, by his own ego, that the Texians would not attack had ordered his men to stand down that morning. The Texas Army won the Battle of San Jacinto in 18 minutes. Santa Anna retreated and disguised himself as a corporal. He was caught by the Texians who suddenly realized who they had as Santa Anna's captured troops came to attention. Santa Anna was taken before a wounded Sam Houston and forced to sign a treaty giving Texas it's independence.

From 1836 to 1845, Texas was it's own country and even it's own culture..still is today. When it joined the union in 1845 certain privileges were allotted including the right to have the Texas flag raised at the same level as the US flag...all other states must have their flag slightly lower. Texas stands out a bit beyond cowboys, indians, and oil wells..it has a certain mystic. It has benefitted from the influences of various cultures. Then there's just the size...it takes 11 hours to drive from El Paso to the Panhandle, you can have the sea, lakes, canyons, desert, skyscrapers, and sometimes even snow...all in one place. So now the answer to why Texans sometimes set themselves a bit apart...I guess the meer fact that we were once on our own and what we had to do to get it just makes us puff out our chests a bit more. Or maybe it's just a Texas thing.

Reflections of a Year

I decided to get off my butt or maybe that's sit on my butt and get back to the blog I have neglected the last few months. Guess I got carried away with baseball, football, and the holidays. What better way though to return than to reflect on my first year in the Netherlands and share some of my favorite memories.

Well, to begin, my language skills aren't quite where I thought they'd be right now, I thought by the end of the year I'd be fluent...hahahahaha...talk about unrealistic. While it may have been unrealistic, I am doing better just taking baby steps I guess. Bear with me, eventually I will get it. I have learned my way around the grocery stores, Overdinkel, Losser, and even a little of Gronau. I'm re-learning how to ride a bicycle..I swear they are different here....so I can get around a little more on my own. So I'm getting there, hopefully next year at this time I'll be doing even better.

Now on to my favorite memories of the year in no particular order.

Dec 25-26, 2009 (I have to include this as part of my year)

After surviving and escaping Tulsa, Oklahoma's first ever blizzard, 4 different airports, and more than 24 hours on planes and in airports I arrived at 15:45 on Dec 26th. The best thing about this...my Joost waiting for me on the other side of that window at Schipol. Waiting with a relieved smile, a teddy bear, hug, and a kiss...it was the most wonderful thing in the world. I was home, safe, and loved.

New family and friends

Meeting all my new family and friends was just as wonderful of an experience. Welcomed with open arms to say the least. Joost's parents are absolutely wonderful, his Mother was this wonderfully strong and welcoming woman, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to know her better as she passed last year. Joost's Father is a character, loveable and cute. When he smiles his eyes light up. I was blessed to get to spend a little time alone with both his parents and even without knowing the language I could tell there was a lifetime of love between them.

Also got to meet Joost's son, Timo, you may have seen him in a blog with Bas. A great young man and a typical teenager. Also had the privilege of meeting his two lovely nieces, Floor and Karlijn. Joost introduced me to many of his friends and we have had the pleasure of their company a few times. Everyone from family to friends have been most welcoming even when the language barrier sometimes intercedes I still know I am always welcome and I am thankful for that.

Bas!!!

How could I possibly review my year and leave out Bas. Bas, is our giant breed, Anatolian Shepherd we adopted from a divorcing couple last year. He's my boy! What else can I say?! He's a Momma's boy, that's for sure, but he has certainly provided us with a great deal of entertainment and alot of unconditional love as well. From his fear of bunnies to just his clumsy size he never fails to entertain. When you come home and you hear that "thump, thump, thump"of his tail you know he's just been dying waiting for you. And I'm sure he let all the neighbors know as well...he tends to howl and whine whenever we're both gone, but only because he loves us.

"Do You Believe It Ranger Fans?!"

"One ball, 2 strikes, 2 outs...6-1 the Rangers lead in the top of the 9th. Feliz, the high set, here comes the pitch....breaking ball...STRIKE 3 CALLED...THE RANGERS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!"

Ok, so this didn't happen in the Netherlands, but I was getting up at 2am most of the month of October just to see it. Joost went out and even bought new speakers for the computer for me just so I could hear the games without headphones. And what games they were.

As a Ranger fan you don't see much of the playoffs, usually the Rangers are out before the season is even over. The few times they have been, they lost dreadfully to the evil New York Yankees, in fact, they only won one game out of 13 playoff games. But our time had come. The Rangers won the West Division and went to the first round of playoffs against the Tampa Devil Rays beating them 3 games out of 5 to advance to the American League Championship Series. Who was waiting for them at the ALCS, none other than the Ranger killers themselves, the New York Yankees. Pretty much in baseball if you're not a Yankees fan then you really dislike the Yankees, but if you are a Boston, NY Mets, or a Rangers fan then you just downright hate them. For Ranger fans there is one player in particular we don't like, former Ranger Alex Rodriguez, a player who upon leaving Texas for the evil empire had more that a few insulting things to say about Texas, the ball club, his teammates, and Ranger fans. Needless to say, A-Rod (or A-Hole in Texas) is the for the most part...the most hated man in Texas. So in general...we don't like the Yankees. Facing them for the American League Championship was more than a bit daunting, but this was a different team than the one I watched with my Mom so many years ago. This team was having fun and they had heart...something the Yankees rarely have. But can heart beat the $220 million dollars the Yankees spent on players last year? Can this lowly $55 million team from Rangers even stand inside the same ballpark with them? YEP!!! They faced off with the Yankees winning the ALCS 4 games to 2, and the final out belonged to a rookie pitcher who threw a breaking ball right past rotten ol' A-Rod....how sweet it is!! The Rangers went on to make their first World Series appearance after 38 years in the Metroplex they had finally beaten the Yankees and were in the BIG SHOW! Which they, unfortunately, lost to the San Francisco Giants. What's funny though, if you ask a Rangers fan about losing the World Series, every one of them will smile and say "yea, but we beat the Yankees!" I loved watching every single game, I loved remembering how much my Mom loved the Rangers, and I loved remembering her as I watched. It was raining the night they beat out the Yankees...I think that's because my Mom was up there jumping up and down on the clouds celebrating.

World War II

Why is one of my favorite memories WW2? I am a history buff, in particular, World War II. I've read as much history as I can get my hands on, watched countless tv shows, movies, and documentaries, and I've even been to Pearl Harbor, but being here where so much more of it took place just takes my breath away. We went to the American cemetary in Margraten and visited the memorials. There's both a sadness and a pride that swells up when you see something like this. Sad to see that so many had to die, but proud of what they accomplished. After seeing something like this, I almost feel it is my duty to feel proud to be an American...because so many died to make sure we could. As we drove through the Limburg area last April, I couldn't help, but look out through the trees and just imagine everything that took place there so many years ago. I saw soldiers from both sides, resistance, bravery, and even fear. It was a frightening time and time we must always remember. We tend to push those events to the back of our minds except when a memorial holiday comes around, but in truth, we must always remember. It is both wonderful and sobering to see the places I've only read about. It's even more real when you see the schrapnel holes in the side of church or meet someone who lived through it. The best part is there is so much more for me to see and hopefully get an understanding off. Perhaps then I won't put it to back of my mind and only remember on holidays.

Well, those are my most favorite memories of 2009-2010, but not all of them. Honestly, there are too many to even post here, but they are all certainly memories I will always cherish.

Don't miss the next blog..Indiana Bas and the Woods Crusade!

Edited to fix spelling error...Margraten.

Thanksgiving...I'm in!!!!

Finally!!! I can get back to my blog. Bas here, Mom has been hogging the computer for the last month all because of baseball. For a solid month she's been screaming and yelling for those so called Texas Rangers. Apparently they made it to the World Series for the first time ever. I don't get it, if it's the World Series why aren't countries other than the US playing. Mom explained that it represents players from all over the world and really it's just a title that helps to let you know it's different from the colleges....whatever. Of course, she's also been yelling about this football thing, too. I think I may as well give up on Mom till after February when football's over. Since I've trying to keep up with Mom and her craziness, I've been exploring some of the American traditions....baseball, football, Christmas, and I happened to discover one tradition that's right up my alley..Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks and a day filled with FOOD....I am so in!!!

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all you have been blessed with for the year...family, friends, dogs, bones, etc. It´s also to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Now I agree with appreciating what I´ve been blessed with family, friends, and bones..but the harvest thing, well frankly, I don´t like veggies anyway. Apparently, way, way back in the old days settlers in America decided to celebrate the great harvest with their indian (Native American) friends. To celebrate they threw a great big feast. And Americans have been celebrating ever since. Nowadays, they celebrate with family and friends. Everyone gathers cause everybody´s off since it´s a national holiday and everyone eats till they bust. I´M IN!!! Then they watch parades and football all day, while nibbling on leftovers for the next 3 or 4 days. Like there will be leftovers with me around.

Mom says it´s one of her favorite holidays and she has lots to be thankful for like Dad and me, of course. She´s also thankful for all her new family, friends and new adventures. I think Mom is planning a Thanksgiving Dinner here..apparently you can have turkey, ham, chicken, duck, pork...just about anything on Thanksgiving. Plus a stuffing, sweet potatoes and lots of yummy desserts. I can´t wait to see what Mom makes...and I know I´ll get a plate, too. If I don´t, well let´s just say they´d better keep an eye on their plates or something might just end up missing. I´m not saying I´m a thief...I´m a Master Thief...just asked Dad how many broodjes he´s lost.

Well, time for me to go and I´ll let you know more about this dinner as time gets closer. Man, I´m drooling already...well ok, I´m normally drooling.

The insanity has begun....

HELP ME!!!! Bas here and I need help. It's Mom she's gone nuts. She keeps yelling at the computer screen during these things called football games. Now they're not like the voetball we're used to here. Seriously, I think these guys try to kill each other and Mom tries to help by yelling things like, "get him" and "go, go, go"at them. She yelled so loud once she scared me.

Apparently there are these animals called Longhorns and Horned Frogs and then these people called Cowboys. Now these animals look oddly like a bunch of guys wearing some silly costume and the Cowboys do the same. This week though Mom's even thrown in these things called "Sooners", now what the heck they are I have no idea. I tried wiki dogpedia, but couldn't find a listing. Apparently these "Sooners" meet up with Mom's "Longhorns" every year and battle. This weekend is supposed to be the big battle and Mom's all geared up for it.

They call it the "Red River Rivalry" . The University of Texas at Austin meets the University of Oklahoma half way between the 2 schools at the Cotton Bowl. Now this must be a really big bowl because they manage to fit 34,000 Texas fans and 34,000 Oklahoma fans in it. They say the equal split of fans goes right down the middle along the fifty yardline, one side burnt orange for the Longhorns, the other crimson red for the Sooners. These two teams have been meeting up since 1900. Texas has won 59 meetings, Oklahoma 40 with the rest being ties.

This is a huge deal in Texas and Oklahoma and the taunting usually begins the moment football season starts. You'l hear the famed "Hook 'Em Horns" from the Longhorns and "Boomer Sooner" from the Oklahoma Sooners. Of course, each side has there own insult to the other teams slogan. Sooners love to take the Longhorn symbol and turn it upside down...horns pointing down...haha. Texas takes a more direct approach and simply cries out "OU SUCKS". Fans shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars each year purchasing anything that is derogatory towards the other team. Guess you could say the rivalry is almost as big as Nederlands vs. Duitsland. In fact, it is one of the biggest games of the year in the US.

So as you can see I have my work cut out for me this week. Mom's already been trying to teach me to say "OU sucks" and I think she's been measuring me for a Texas jersey. It's going to be a long week. Think maybe I'll get in a little extra sleep before she starts yelling again.

September 11, 2001

There was a question on the Discovery Channel Hyves Page about where you were on 9/11. I was at home in Fort Worth, TX USA watching Good Morning America as I always did. The report was an hour behind time in Texas and they interrupted the newscast with the story of the first plane hitting the WTC. At this point, everyone just thought it was a horrible accident. As I continued to watch, the second plane hit. I love this morning news show because of the very calm and unflappable anchors, Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer (at the time). Both myself and Sawyer had the same reaction..." My God!" The two newscasters rarely showed any strong reactions to incidents always professionals, that's why I remember her words that day, not just because I had the same reaction. My mind like so many others was just racing. Fear, anger, sadness, confusion, and pure shock set in all at once. I had to go to work that day, so I continued to get ready...but only getting out of view of the TV for as little as absolutely necessary. I watched as Tower 2 fall (2nd hit) then prayed that the other tower wouldn't fall....I had a strong feeling of not wanting whoever did this to win. Of course, the tower fell. I went into work, where everyone was just in shock and unfortunately, we all had the same feeling of "we're at war". We didn't have a TV only a radio to listen to, but it was on as loud as it could go. We heard about the Pentagon, then the Pennsylvania plane went down. I only had to make a delivery for the restaurant that morning so I left to do it. When I came back news reports were coming in that planes had been shot down, more planes were in the air, bombs in other buildings throughout the country, bombs on busses, subways and many other crazy reports. The reports were coming in so fast and furious that day that truthfully no one had a clue what was going on...the first 24 hours was absolutely frightening. Our restaurant was next to the Joint Reserve Naval Air Station formerly known as Carswell, it had been put on lockdown immediately. Military planes were going in and out....patrolling the skies. A bomb threat came over the radio for buildings in both Fort Worth and nearby Dallas. The restaurant dropped down from it's usual 60 person crew down to just about 6, no one was coming in....nor did they for the next 2 or 3 days. I wasn't needed so I went home.

Once I got home, it was right back to the TV. I watched as the President flew all over the country because they feared for his safety if he landed. There were reports of missing planes as late as 3 pm that day. As I recall the President landed once or twice at other airfields before finally landing in Washington. I don't remember when he spoke to the country, although I do remember him addressing the country at one of the stops prior to Washington. I do remember our Congress coming out, speaking, praying, then together they sang "God Bless America" while the Pentagon was still on fire. The Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) can't get together for anything...this was amazing...and it made me proud. It was hard to go sleep that night and I remember waking several times and turning on the news.

The next day news crews were still trying to make some sense of everything, but there was a different feeling slowly starting to emerge throughout the country. The country was uniting again and perhaps more strongly than it had since World War 2. While flags were at half mast at buildings and such you started to see flags on cars, windows, clothing...they were everywhere. There was a sadness that you could see on everyone's faces. A sadness but also a very defiant look as well. There was already a feeling of getting up and dusting ourselves off.

The next morning I went into work and once again no one was coming in. So we just listened to the radio and someone had brought in a TV. I do remember swelling with pride and thinking we need this as Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American"played on the radio...you heard it as well as many other patriotic songs for the next several weeks. I even felt a great comfort watching the guards at Buckingham Palace for the first time ever performing the US National Anthem...guess it helped knowing we weren't alone in our grief.

The next few days I watched TV. You couldn't take yourself away from it. I spoke with a coworker who had said the same thing...you just couldn't stop watching. Maybe it was a feeling that if you stopped watching you were giving up hope of finding survivors or maybe fear that something else would happen if you didn't watch. I was asked why we keep watching the programs even today...the only asnwer I have is we need to remember...not just the victims or events, but the feelings and thoughts of that day...perhaps so that we never forget.

The evening of September 11, I remembered a friend from college who worked at the WTC. I waited two days to call his family (getting through to New York was impossible) to see if he was alright...they had no word other than he had reported to work that morning. He wasn't supposed to be there that day. He did not survive. The upper portion of his burned and decaptitated body was returned to Texas at the end of October.

I still cry when I watch the towers being hit and collapsing, I don't think it's solely because of losing a friend, I think all those emotions of the day come flooding back, but that's a good thing because it reminds me why I am proud to be an American. Why am I so proud, because I know I'll always have that feeling of getting back up again no matter how hard you hit me... and I'm likely to be more fierce than ever. Japan's World War 2 Admiral Yamamoto was correct when he stated afetr the attack on Pearl Harbor "I fear all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." Right or wrong... knock us down, we'll get back up and be more determined than ever.

ROAD TRIP!!!!

On the road again, I just can't wait to get on the road again....yep, I, Bas, had my first road trip with Mom and Dad last week. Went down south to Geleen to visit my Opa and drop off my boy, Timo.

It started off wet and rainy, which by the way, I hate...seriously why is it necessary to get my paws wet. In fact, when we first started to leave the house I protested until I realized that I didn't have to walk in the rain. I gladly jumped in the back seat where the boy was....you know he was taking up half of my seat. Apparently someone forgot to inform him that the entire backseat is mine! That's ok though, I made good use of him...he's quite comfy as a pillow. Was he comfortable, who cares..it's my backseat....just kidding Dude! If I really wanted him to move all I had to do was ....ummmmm... how to put this politely....release by personal air unfreshener into the air...he would've moved pretty quick. Which I almost had to do...he thought I was his pillow.

Now I thought this was just going to be a quick trip with all the usual smells...whoa Nelly?!?!?!....3 hours of non-stop new smells. I didn't know what to do with myself or rather my nose...it was stuck to the top of the window. I don't have a clue what all those smells were, in fact I've still got a few left in my nose that I'd love to find out what they are.

Before heading to Opa's we dropped off the boy...thank goodness I could finally get comfortable. I no sooner got comfy than we were at Opa's. I finally got to meet my Opa and as always I gave a great first impression...I immediately went to sleep on the floor. Hey, car rides make me sleepy...well, ok everything makes me sleepy. He just could not get over my size, you know, what's the deal I'm not a freak...did you ever think that all those small dogs might be the freaks...I mean seriously some of them do have a bit of an attitude. But actually my Opa thought I was a very good boy and rather handsome I might add. We stayed for dinner and I got fries from Dad (that's my face in the bag) and a few cookies from Opa. He's a pretty cool guy, can't wait to visit him again soon.

Well, we headed back to Overdinkel, I tried to take in a few more of those scents on the way home, but the whole trip had been exhausting so I slept a bit, too. Of course, it took the next 2 days to fully recuperate from my road trip..but I'm ready to go again.

Well, that's it for my road trip. Uh-oh, I'd better go Mom is coming and she has been talking about nothing but football all week...apparently American college football starts this week.....oh, gotta go she's singing the Texas fight song....think I'll pretend to be asleep...Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Yes, I am crazy.......

To experience the full effect of this post, please allow the youtube video attached to play as the musical background. No need to actually watch, unless you're a Cowboy fan.

Yes, I am crazy...about my Cowboys. IT IS FOOTBALL SEASON....or at least preseason. There are only 3 things that matter in Texas....God, The Alamo, and FOOTBALL.....and not necessarily in that order. This time of the year in the US and 10 times more in Texas... all attention is turned to the gridiron ...that 100 yard, green, sometimes muddy, field with a goal post at each end. Two teams meet and square off trying to get into each others end zone. Hmmm, ok, it does sound alot like voetball....until you add the pads, the funny looking ball, helmets, cheerleaders, and the players who are obviously trying to kill each other. Some question the toughness of American football players, but to be honest, after watching the World Cup and watching players flop around on the ground after the slightest of hits...I still think American football players are pretty tough. Just wondering how Wesley would do with a 150 kilo defensive lineman trying to throw him to the ground. No offense, of course, I actually got into the Cup a bit...and the skill shown was incredible..and just for the record I played voetball in high school myself. Of course, some would say the US is "action horny" (quoting my Joost)...true, very true...we can not sit still long enough to watch only one goal being scored...we need our high scores, our tackles, our spectacular jumping catches, and watching one man try to run though 3 or 4 other players twice his size. Yep, we are "action horny", we get bored when the score is 0-0....we love a good, close game...21-21...sounds great to us...or if its your team 34-21 is even better. Football in the US is the mainstay of every weekend. On Saturdays...it's college football....which would be my University of Texas at Austin Longhorns...HOOK 'EM HORNS!...or my Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (no, there's no such thing as a horned frog...just horned toad) GO FROGS GO! Then, of course, it's Sunday (and sometimes Monday)....it's the NFL...and of course, the DALLAS COWBOYS... HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!! On Saturday, Sunday, and even Monday night...it is football, football, and more football.

So who are these Cowboys, Longhorns, and Horned Frogs. We'll start with the Horned Frogs of TCU. TCU is the largest university in Fort Worth where I grew up. It's a small, private school that I lived less than 1 km from most of my youth. My high school often performed with their marching band at games. I even attended for one year. The TCU frogs have never been one of the big college teams, but they've always been fun to watch. Last year they were actually ranked #4 in the country...first time in many, many years that they even broke into the top ten. Oh, the "rankings" are done based on win-losses and also based on who plays who, most smaller schools can't really compete with the larger ones so TCU (being smaller) making the top ten along with some of the bigger schools was a big deal. Anyway, TCU will always have a little place in my heart because I practically grew up with them.

Now the Texas Longhorns. The University of Texas at Austin is the largest university in Texas and one of the top universities in the country. It's produced presidents, congressmen, movie stars, scientists...you name it. The Longhorns continually make the top 25 in the rankings and have won 4 National titles..the last in 2005...they were in the championship game last year but unfortunately lost to Alabama. The 'Horns are part of the Texas pride. Whether you attended the school or not, most Texans at least recognize the school fight song. Oh, fight songs, hmmm..how to explain that...fight songs are 'pump up 'songs played throughout games, parades, rallies etc...to cheer on the teams. The fight songs are such a part of college football that when former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson (LBJ's wife) passed away...the Longhorn Band played "the Eyes of Texas" at her funeral. Lady Bird was a UT graduate and proud supporter of the 'Horns, it was considered an honor and very respectful that the band played for her. Anyway, back to the 'Horns. If you are from Texas, you proudly know the burnt orange and white...unless you attend Texas A&M..in which case you despise the 'Horns. That's part of the fun of college football. The school rivalries...some are within their own states, some are with outside states. One of the biggest rivalries is the Texas Longhorns vs. the Oklahoma Sooners...called the Red River Rivalry or Shootout and it's one of the most watched national games on TV. Every year the two teams meet half way between their hometowns in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl ('Horns are in Austin, Sooners are near Oklahoma City, OK)...each has an equal number of seats for their fans...35,000 each. The roads leading to the Cotton Bowl are jammed the day before the game...both directions. No matter how either team has played all year...this game is always different. The winner takes home a gold ten gallon cowboy hat. The Red River Rivalry is even mentioned in wikipedia..that's how crazy it is and I'm sure you'll hear more about it when it comes in October. Oh, and if you happen to see me with a strange hand gesture..first finger and pinkie finger up..all others down...that means Hook 'Em Horns...it's just a way of cheering in the team...I promise I'm not being rude.

By now the other video is done, to continue the experience play this next one. Again, only need to listen unless you're a Longhorn fan.

Ok, enough of that....let's talk COWBOYS!!! If I "practically" grew up with the frogs...then I was raised by the Cowboys. Yes, my beloved Dallas Cowboys, America's Team. When I was kid, my Mom (yes, Mom..she was a bigger fan than I am) would go to at least one game a year at Texas Stadium...where there was hole in the roof so God could watch his team...and never missed a game on TV. I remember watching da 'Boys when the legendary Tom Landry was coach and Roger Staubach was Quarterback. I remember the names of the players when I was little... Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Charlie Waters, Cliff Harris, Drew Pearson, Harvey Martin, Randy White, Tony Dorsett....just to name a few. I remember watching Roger Staubach losing part of his finger during a game and continuing to play...throwing hail mary passes to Drew Pearson. I remember Too Tall Jones crushing quarterbacks. I remember Cliff Harris making spectacular interceptions. Those were the early years and under Tom Landry the Cowboys won 2 Super Bowls. There were a few lean years where the 'Boys didn't do so well. Then the team rebuilt under coach Jimmy Johnson and new owner Jerry Jones...they managed to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years (although Jimmy was replaced for the 3rd Super Bowl win). It was a return to the glory years. This time it was Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Darryl "Moose" Johnston, Darren Woodson, Bill Bates, and Charles Haley that dominated the field. Aikman, Irvin, and Smith became known as "the Triplets"... together they were unstoppable. Aikman passing, Irvin catching, Smith catching and running. This Sunday the last of the Triplets, Emmitt Smith will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame...he will take his place along with 17 other Cowboys. Smith is the All Time leading Rusher in the NFL...he gained more yardage than any other player in the 90 year history of the NFL. But that was then, this is now. Today's Cowboys are Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Marion "the Barbarian"Barber, DeMarcus Ware, and Jason Witten. Unfortunately, the 'Boys haven't been to the Super Bowl since 1996 (don't forget though the Cowboys are still tied with the most Super Bowl wins and appaearances). Last year the Cowboys made it past the first round of playoffs for the first time since 1998. This year the Super Bowl will be played in Dallas at Cowboys Stadium (new stadium opened last year..and it has a hole in the roof, too) for the first time ever....and the Cowboys seem determined to defend their house. Training camp started 2 weeks ago and there seems to be an even bigger swagger in the clubhouse. I say bigger, because when you wear that star on your helmet it automatically adds a little swagger. So with some luck and some great football Romo and da 'Boys will be back where they belong...in the Super Bowl

Well, that's what my obssession is with football. It's funny, I was amazed by all Oranje stuff everywhere till I remembered...during football season the US can be even worse...with college flags, team flags flying everywhere, everyone sporting a jersey, tailgate parties at stadiums, bbq's at home to watch....yep, sports fanatics are sports fanatics so matter what country you are in.

Oh, and just for the record...my all time favorite players TCU..LaDanian Tomlinson, Texas...Colt McCoy and John Shipley, Cowboys...Coach Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, Bill Bates, "Moose"Johnston, and Marion "The Barbarian"Barber. Well, I leave it at this for now...season hasn't officially started yet so I have to save some stories for later...and I do have stories ....Hey, stop rolling your eyes... these are good stories. I will warn you though if you happen to hear alot of screaming...yelling ...Go! Frogs! Go!...Hook 'Em Horns....or How 'bout them Cowboys...don't worry it's just me watching a game.