Preparation is underway for an event that exemplifies life in the Texas Hill Country. The next few months will bring a complete agenda that will be posted in thunderbirdnest.com and this blog. Here's a sneak peak of what's to come!!!!
Our Mission Because We Chose to Take It
Last Saturday (August 21), the mission of the Texas Thunder 2011 committee was to go out and photograph everything that represents Texas. As Texans, we are aware everyone is a Texan in the making...it's a state of mind. We want you, our fellow thunderbirders, to get in the Texas frame of mind. Before you ever get to Texas, your going to be using Texas lingo such as Ya'll (you all), Howdy (hello), and Fixin (which actually means I'm about to do it).
Preparation is underway for an event that exemplifies life in the Texas Hill Country. The next few months will bring a complete agenda that will be posted in thunderbirdnest.com and this blog.
Preparation is underway for an event that exemplifies life in the Texas Hill Country. The next few months will bring a complete agenda that will be posted in thunderbirdnest.com and this blog. 
The Cowboy Way
September 6, 2010
Texas is a state of mind. The advice of this blogmeister is to begin mental and physical preparations now. The first step is to strengthen your taste buds. As a precaution, sensitive palates may have difficulty consuming our fiery salsas without some type of training. It is traditional when visiting the San Antonio area to visit at least one of our many Tex-Mex restaurants.
The hill country also offers a wide range of eating establishments ranging from steak houses (of course we have steaks in Texas, we invented steak!) to German food. Many communities in the surrounding areas were founded by German Immigrants. German Breweries are popular destinations for thirsty beer lovers. The food available in such establishments encompasses Southern Fried and German. There is nothing finer than fried pickles with Sauerkraut and beer brats. 
The next step in your preparation is to try on some cowboy boots. If there is not a western wear shop in your area, just wait until you cross in to Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, or any other state where people smile and wave as you pass by. Boots are a staple in every Texan's closet. It's not necessary to purchase the cowboy boots, just try them on to become one with the Texas state of mind.
While you are in the western wear store, meander over to the hat section, and try on a straw cowboy hat. After Easter, every Texan puts away their felt hat and starts wearing one of their straws. Notice I said, "one of their straws"? Well a true Texan has at least four hats, two felt and two straw. In the winter, we wear the felts. One for work and the other is our Sunday best (or dress) hat. During the spring and summer, we pull out our straws, one for work and...you get the picture?
That's all for this week folks, Ya'll come back now...ya hear?
Texas is a state of mind. The advice of this blogmeister is to begin mental and physical preparations now. The first step is to strengthen your taste buds. As a precaution, sensitive palates may have difficulty consuming our fiery salsas without some type of training. It is traditional when visiting the San Antonio area to visit at least one of our many Tex-Mex restaurants.
The hill country also offers a wide range of eating establishments ranging from steak houses (of course we have steaks in Texas, we invented steak!) to German food. Many communities in the surrounding areas were founded by German Immigrants. German Breweries are popular destinations for thirsty beer lovers. The food available in such establishments encompasses Southern Fried and German. There is nothing finer than fried pickles with Sauerkraut and beer brats. 
For those of you with more refined palates, you may want to tour one or several of our wineries. The hill country has many vineyards and wineries. You may find yourself taking home a bottle of one of Texas finest wines.
The next step in your preparation is to try on some cowboy boots. If there is not a western wear shop in your area, just wait until you cross in to Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, or any other state where people smile and wave as you pass by. Boots are a staple in every Texan's closet. It's not necessary to purchase the cowboy boots, just try them on to become one with the Texas state of mind. 
While you are in the western wear store, meander over to the hat section, and try on a straw cowboy hat. After Easter, every Texan puts away their felt hat and starts wearing one of their straws. Notice I said, "one of their straws"? Well a true Texan has at least four hats, two felt and two straw. In the winter, we wear the felts. One for work and the other is our Sunday best (or dress) hat. During the spring and summer, we pull out our straws, one for work and...you get the picture? As you continue wondering through the western wear shop, try to avoid the belt buckles the size of hubcaps.You see, a belt buckle has to be earned. The true Texan knows that in order to earn a belt buckle, you gotta bust a few bronc's (that's break horses for you non-Texans).
That's all for this week folks, Ya'll come back now...ya hear?
Kerrville Texas
If you pass through the Texas panhandle, be sure to stop off at the Cadillac Ranch where ten Cadillac’s are half-buried nose down and facing to the west. We Texans have our reasons for doing things; it's just the way we are.
Those of you from the western states that are interested in taking I-10 through Arizona to enter Texas, might be interested in taking a brief detour off of I-10 to see the Marfa Lights. Marfa, Texas is a small town in west Texas whose large claim to fame was in 1956, an epic movie by the name of Giant was filmed in their little community. 1956 was the year after the Baby Bird first made its entrance into the world! Coincidence? This blogger doesn't think so. Marfa's other claim to fame is the Marfa Lights. These are mysterious lights that appear out on the Chihuahuan Desert plateau about ten miles outside of Marfa. The Marfa Lights are the main tourist attraction for this small town; however the community is becoming a great haven for artists.
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| Photo taken by the blogmeister... If you look close enough, you might spot Bigfoot somewhere off to the left... |
Several of our fellow thunderbirders will be entering through the Northeastern part of the state. Caddo Lake is worth a stop. It's a mysterious and haunting place. Caddo Lake sits just outside of Jefferson, Texas on the border of Northeastern Texas and Northwestern Louisiana. Since the 1960's, numerous Bigfoot sightings have occurred around Caddo Lake. If you are driving with the top down and happen to run into the big guy, just throw him your beef jerky (this blogger will tell you later where you can pick some up). He seems to like the stuff. Whatever you do, DO NOT TEASE HIM!!!
If you happen to take US 69/75 from Oklahoma, slow down as you pass over the Red River. The bridge you will cross over was replaced several years ago but is still a symbolic representation of a near battle that took place in 1931. Many people may think the rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas is about football, however, we Texans still remember how the Governor of Oklahoma showed up with the Oklahoma National Guard to fight the great state of Texas over the rights to the Red River Bridge!! We Texans were ready to hold off those Okies with just a couple of Texas Rangers!!!
According to comments posted on thunderbirdnest.com, individuals passing in to our state from the south are stopping off in New Orleans for some rest and relaxation. After your visit to New Orleans, you will take I-10 west to the Great State of Texas! As you stop at the rest stop on the Texas side of the border, you might want to take off your cowboy hat, place it over your heart, and recite this pledge...."Honor the Texas Flag...I pledge Allegiance to thee, Texas...one state under God, one and indivisible." Doing this will purify your heart after visiting our sister state to the east, for one must be pure of heart to reside for any period of time within the borders of this great state.
How to Skin A Rabbit Texas Style
September 19, 2010
Folks,
The Blogmeister has recently been reading threads on thunderbirdnest regarding rabbits and how to cook 'em. Nesters from all around the country have posted on the thunderbird site as to the best way to cook a rabbit. This blogger would like to inform you readers the steps one must go through in order to catch, skin, then cook the rabbit. In this state, all things are done the Texas way.
The first step is the drinking stage. You have the option of using any flavor of Thunderbird wine, or you can consume home brew made with love in a still. This will allow for better hunting as one might not spot the elusive Bunny without inbibing on some form of liquid refreshment.
The second step is the huntin' phase. In order to capture the rabbit, one must be very, very quiet. If startled, a Bunny could die of fright and the meat will become tainted.
When we hunt 'round here, we know that rabbits should only be hunted during the months containing the letter 'R'. If hunting any other month, you might run into a grubby rabbit. The meat on those Bunnies is prone to parasites and is dangerous for human consumption. If you are hunting in the proper month and found you a good 'un then just go ahead and do the deed in the most humane way. We respect our critters, but we do what we must for food.
Next comes the skinning phase. Depending on the rabbit size or unless it happens to have antlers like the rare Jack-a-lope (with the Jack-a-lope you will hang it by the antlers), you should always start with its hind legs. You hang the critter upside down, and let your spouse or significant other hold the Bunny by the hind quarters. Make a quick slice with your hunting knife and gut it. Make slice marks around the tail and the feet. Pull on the fluffy tail with one quick yank. The skin should come off from the tail to the tips of the ears.
The final step in preparing a rabbit is the cooking phase. The best way to cook a rabbit is to cut it up in sections like you would a squirrel...saturate it in wine, beer, or your special brew from your home still*, coat it in flour, salt, and pepper, then throw it in your cast iron skillet for some deep frying. After the rabbit is fried, drain the sections on a plate with paper towels. Use the leaving’s in the bottom of the skillet for white gravy.
This my friends is how one catches, skins, then cooks the elusive Bunny, Texas Style.
*Caution, if using your home brew to saturate the Bunny prior to deep frying, stand away from the skillet as not to get burned from the explosion...
Folks,
The Blogmeister has recently been reading threads on thunderbirdnest regarding rabbits and how to cook 'em. Nesters from all around the country have posted on the thunderbird site as to the best way to cook a rabbit. This blogger would like to inform you readers the steps one must go through in order to catch, skin, then cook the rabbit. In this state, all things are done the Texas way.
The first step is the drinking stage. You have the option of using any flavor of Thunderbird wine, or you can consume home brew made with love in a still. This will allow for better hunting as one might not spot the elusive Bunny without inbibing on some form of liquid refreshment.
The second step is the huntin' phase. In order to capture the rabbit, one must be very, very quiet. If startled, a Bunny could die of fright and the meat will become tainted.
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| The Elusive Bunny |
Next comes the skinning phase. Depending on the rabbit size or unless it happens to have antlers like the rare Jack-a-lope (with the Jack-a-lope you will hang it by the antlers), you should always start with its hind legs. You hang the critter upside down, and let your spouse or significant other hold the Bunny by the hind quarters. Make a quick slice with your hunting knife and gut it. Make slice marks around the tail and the feet. Pull on the fluffy tail with one quick yank. The skin should come off from the tail to the tips of the ears.
The final step in preparing a rabbit is the cooking phase. The best way to cook a rabbit is to cut it up in sections like you would a squirrel...saturate it in wine, beer, or your special brew from your home still*, coat it in flour, salt, and pepper, then throw it in your cast iron skillet for some deep frying. After the rabbit is fried, drain the sections on a plate with paper towels. Use the leaving’s in the bottom of the skillet for white gravy.
This my friends is how one catches, skins, then cooks the elusive Bunny, Texas Style.
*Caution, if using your home brew to saturate the Bunny prior to deep frying, stand away from the skillet as not to get burned from the explosion...
The Enchanted Rock 10/10/10
The Enchanted Rock State Park is one of the destinations selected by the committee as part of one of several terrific driving tours. The Enchanted Rock is a giant pink hill of solid granite that is near Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Llano, TX. The Enchanted Rock is a place of mystery and legends. A true fact regarding this giant behemoth, after a hot day, the Enchanted Rock is known to emit mysterious sounds as evening approaches. You might have heard the term, “Deep in the Heart of Texas?” This is actually the belly of Texas, whose stomach is groaning for some good Texas barbeque.
Native Americans feared the Enchanted Rock was haunted and would not walk upon its pink dome…the legend states the gods of old would strike anyone dead if they walked upon the hill on the night of a full moon. (Fortunately for you weary travelers, the moon will be entering its first quarter.) The legend also states that come night the Enchanted Rock has ghostly fires that burn atop the hill. This is the ancient gods calling for rain from the Thunderbird.
Thunderbirders, we have no fear of angering the gods of old. Legend also has it this hill is where the true Thunderbird resides. Because of our goodness and follow the bird, the Thunderbird will protect those that drive its chosen car.
It is interesting to note that all ancient North American legends began in the great State of Texas. As you cross our borders, you will discover for yourselves that Texas is a place of mystery and wonder.
Thunderbirders, we have no fear of angering the gods of old. Legend also has it this hill is where the true Thunderbird resides. Because of our goodness and follow the bird, the Thunderbird will protect those that drive its chosen car.
It is interesting to note that all ancient North American legends began in the great State of Texas. As you cross our borders, you will discover for yourselves that Texas is a place of mystery and wonder.
Stonehenge II 10/30/2010
Near Kerrville is a town by the name of Ingram, TX. Now dear readers, you might ask what is of interest for travelers going through Ingram, TX? I believe some of you might have recently traveled through Europe. A few might have even taken the opportunity to visit Stonehenge. Ingram has its own Stonehenge. Yes, that’s right, Stonehenge.
Of course if you read about the Texas version of Stonehenge on the internet, the writers of such nonsense will tell you something like it being a replica created by a gentleman by the name of Al Shepperd in 1989. Blah, ba blah blah blah… Readers, this blogmeister would like to tell you the “true” story of the Texas Stonehenge.
In 1541 the explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado came upon a very mysterious sight when exploring what is now the great state of Texas. He discovered a giant stone head like what is found on the Easter Islands and a strange layout of stone arranged in a circular pattern. Native American guides called this the Nest of the Thunderbird. They told a strange tale of celestial lights hovering over the Nest of the Thunderbird and small humanoid creatures that “walked through the fiery ring” of the stone nest. Legend has it that Coronado was so terrified by this tale that he ordered the stones be scattered and all traces of the site be destroyed. When one of the stones was discovered by a neighbor of Al Shepperd’s 1989, Shepperd and a few other fellows then created the replica that stands in Ingram, TX today.
Fellow thunderbirders, we hope you take the opportunity to take the short drive from Kerrville to Ingram to see this marvelous nest of stone. Take with you the legend of Coronado and the tale of the fiery ring. Look to the sky, for you too may see celestial lights.
Of course if you read about the Texas version of Stonehenge on the internet, the writers of such nonsense will tell you something like it being a replica created by a gentleman by the name of Al Shepperd in 1989. Blah, ba blah blah blah… Readers, this blogmeister would like to tell you the “true” story of the Texas Stonehenge.
In 1541 the explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado came upon a very mysterious sight when exploring what is now the great state of Texas. He discovered a giant stone head like what is found on the Easter Islands and a strange layout of stone arranged in a circular pattern. Native American guides called this the Nest of the Thunderbird. They told a strange tale of celestial lights hovering over the Nest of the Thunderbird and small humanoid creatures that “walked through the fiery ring” of the stone nest. Legend has it that Coronado was so terrified by this tale that he ordered the stones be scattered and all traces of the site be destroyed. When one of the stones was discovered by a neighbor of Al Shepperd’s 1989, Shepperd and a few other fellows then created the replica that stands in Ingram, TX today.
The Y.O. Ranch Resort and Conference Center 11/20/2010
Hello fellow Thunderbirdnesters. This week’s edition of Texas Thunder 2011 takes us to the beautiful Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center. This resort is hosting Texas Thunder 2011 in May 2011. The hotel offers many amenities such spacious guest rooms, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a large conference center, the Branding Iron Restaurant, exotic game trophies and western décor, and a richly decorated bar.
As this blogmeister has stated in previous blogs, the state of Texas is full of history and remarkable people that made this the great state it is today. As a nod to Texas history, the committee selected the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center to host our venue because this hotel, the Kerrville community, and the surrounding Hill Country are a terrific representation of what it means to be a part of Texas.
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| Hotel Bar |
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| Pool area with swim-up bar |
After much research, this blogmeister discovered that the hotel is allegedly haunted. Now I know what you just did…you reread the last sentence and your mouth fell open. Yes, I said the hotel is “allegedly” haunted. In the book Supernatural Texas a Field Guide, The author states, “Staff and guests alike report seeing the apparitions of cowboys sauntering through its courtyard at 3 am near the swimming pool.” First of all I’d like to say how exciting it will be to hang out with my fellow thunderbirdnesters. I’m going to go one step farther and state how exciting it will be to hang out with my fellow thunderbirdnesters and cowboy ghosts! Now the author doesn’t mention the bar isn’t far from the entrance to the pool area. In fact, all you have to do to get to the pool area is to walk out of the bar, walk through the lobby, and tada…there you are walking around the pool area and courtyard to get to your room. I am wondering if guests also report seeing flying pigs, purple spotted elephants, and alien visitations. Hmmm….I leave it up to you fellow thunderbirdnesters, if you run into the ghost of a cowboy, be sure to get a picture! Maybe he will even pose next to your thunderbird. Now that will be something to behold.
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| Courtyard |
(I feel confident in claiming that a prize will go to the thunderbirdnester that has the best cowboy ghost picture taken while staying at the Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center.)
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