Talia loved being with Joy and Joel. They treated her like a princess, even giving her a crown to prove it! The above picture shows them at the Dallas Home Show.
Talia loved many things about the Marlowe's home, especially the dogs. She loved to pet them...
Relish their wet kisses,
And play with them.
Talia enjoyed a Potbelly sandwich, where we happened to run into Joel's dad and his wife. They helped spoil Talia, too.
Joy and Talia became good friends. Joy taught Talia how to use a fork.
Joy gave Talia plenty of walking practice.
Talia also made friends with Sofia and Brenden. Here she is calling Daddy on the phone (she really said, "Hi Dada").
We casually looked for a Stetson for Talia. Not finding one before the flight home, I bought a rather inexpensive "Made in Mexico" hat at the airport. It may have cost $6, but she makes it look like a million bucks.
We are still working on her "yee ha."
Talia ended the trip with a big kiss for Joy. I think they will miss each other, but you should have seen her smile when she saw Daddy waiting for her at the airport!
Now for my thoughts...
Texas has it's own amazing personality. State pride is evident just walking down the street. Many houses flew the state flag or had the lone star ensignia was everywhere. Even the commercials advertising a Texas beer alleged that if you can't find their beer, you must be in a foreign country.
The Texans I met were warm and friendly. Joy and Joel's neighbors waved as they passed by. The owner of the local Chick A Fila spent probably 20 minutes chatting with Joy initially about an inquiry and eventually about life in general. A Texan couple offered to help me at the airport. I got a kick out of the woman at the drug store asking, "Are y'all kin?" Probably one of the nicest evidences of the town pride was an enormous playground that the community built for their children. It was the biggest playground I have ever seen and was financed solely by community donations.
The best part of the trip (and the primary reason for going) was visiting my good friend. Joy reminded me that we met 16 years ago and have been great friends since. We remenisced about our old antics and adventures and spent many hours discussing our lives since then. As is tradition, we played cards and drank Martinelli's sparkling cider. The three girls went on several walks, and Joy and Joel introduced me to Wii Fit. I am very grateful to Jon for allowing me to fly to Texas. It was a selfless act and I truly appreciate his encouragement in making this trip happen. Perhaps we will make a family trip to Texas in the future.
Why the title? The whole time I was in Texas I had a variety country songs running through my head. Songs about yellow roses, Felina, exes, and the promised land created a fitting backdrop to our trip. While Texas has its faults, as do all earthly homes, there is a charm, warmth, and ruggedness that pulls at the heart. So I say it again,
God bless Texas!
