Saturday 1 April 2017

All hat and no cattle

We went to Texas, and we didn't mess, so after five days we came away with a new house and a new school for Pete.  Of course, the real achievements were discovering a barbecue place that served beer and had a kids' play area, and finding a cowboy hat in a thrift store.  All in all, our time in the Lone Star State was a success.

Hannah had to do some work while we were there, or at least go into work which - instead of the single office in DC - is made up of two Chevron skyscrapers linked by bridges and tunnels.  These are next to the Exxon, Shell, BP, etc. skyscrapers.  Unlike more liberal places we've lived, no one raises an eyebrow around here if you say you work in oil.  In fact the opposite is true.  Unless, like me, you decide to start telling people you're in ranching.

Houston seems to be a great place to live, at least in March.  It was warm and sunny - a far cry from the horror stories of British people melting when stepping outside (although it was technically still winter while we were there).  There are parks and restaurants galore, "ice houses" which are year-round equivalents of beer gardens, and none of those pesky laws about not buying wine in a supermarket (thanks, Maryland) or not being able to take your child into a bar (I'm talking to you, British Columbia).

I'll tell y'all, I'm fixin to think we Davieses might do fine in Texas, and if not plum then pert near.


It's March and we're playing in a splash park.  Are we on holiday?


First regular breakfast spot on Davies Tours (Texas Division) found: Snooze A.M. Eatery.


Five minutes after that last photo.


"You were such a good boy," Hannah told Pete, "that I bought you a present from the shop in my shiny new skyscraper."  The indoctrination continues apace.


This is actually my hat.


We sprinkled some culture into the fun and games!  This is The Menil Collection, a world-famous contemporary art gallery.  Pete and I also went to see The Rothko Chapel but it was raining and they didn't allow photos.


Art.


Enjoying a famous historical ice house.  Children and dogs welcome.


There is a Houston in Britain, but we're not from there either.  I'm more in line with these guys: http://www.ghpwcf.org/


Barbecue.  REAL barbecue.  On this diet I'll be the size of Texas myself soon...