My assimilation as a Texan.

I believe it was former Texas Governor John Connolly who said, and I quote, "Texas is a great place to start over." After slightly over two years in the Republic, I understand and appreciate that sentiment.

I often describe the people of West Texas to my friends and family in Illinois as "God-fearing people who love to kick up their heels and have a good time." On such gathering spot for those good times is a broken down old building just on the outside of Big Spring...The Stampede. About once a month during the summer, "Jody Nix and his Texas Cowboys" open the wooden dance hall and play western swing while Texans of all ages two step and waltz to their heart's content.

Carol forced me against my will to go there about a year ago. We stumbled around the wood floor running into more skilled dancers until I begged to go home.

Nix is the son of Texas music legend Hoyle Nix and is no stranger to Snyder. Jody is a 1973 graduate of Western Texas College and is very proud of it. He always shouts when we enter the place and he knows to play George Strait when Carol is ready to dance. I truly don't think she is more thrilled than when the Cowbodys rip into "Amarillo by Morning."

On the floor you can see an incredible mix of Texans. Proud people who understand their western heritage. There are 80-year-old women being squired by their 14-year-old great grand sons. There are ranchers and car dealers and Hollywood movie actors. Last night we ran into Barry Tubb, who is probably best remembered in Hollywood for his role as Wolfman in the Tom Cruise classic "Top Gun." Tubb has other credentials like a key role in the mini-series Lonesome Dove and several appearances on television. There he was, doing the Cotton-Eyed-Joe with his lady friend.

Here's the point of this entry....I have grown to appreciate the Stampede. I have mastered the two-step and the waltz to the extent that bodily harm is not afflicted on my fellow Texans. In fact, I think I cut a rather impressive swath through the herd. Carol was already proficient.

I don't think I will ever dip a "peench of Skoal between my cheek and gum" and Bob Wills is not on my I-pod yet...but I do sport my boots more and more and someday I am sure I will actually wear my Stetson as a form of formal attire.

Hell, I might even learn that damned Cotton-Eyed Joe before I ride in my last rodeo. Things like that happen when you "start over."

Illinois is getting further and further away.