Texas Governor Abbott Should Reprieve Innocent Inmate Rodney Reed Off Death Row

All across Texas, and the rest of the world, people are calling for the immediate reprieve of Death Row inmate Rodney Reed.

Irrefutable evidence has proved Rodney Reed innocent of the murder for which he was sentenced to execution.

Demonstrators demonstrated in support of the release of Rodney Reed at the Texas governor's mansion.

The clock is ticking on Rodney King's execution date.

How can any governor, with a conscience, and even a small iota of common sense, of any state, with the power to do so, not immediately grant clemency to a citizen shown to be innocent?

Saturday July 13, 2019 Parker County Peach Festival in Weatherford Texas

The second Saturday of July arrives this coming weekend.

Which indicates Saturday, July 13, 2019 the annual Parker County Peach Festival, takes place in Weatherford, Texas.

Rumor has it that conditions have been perfect to produce a bumper crop of super tasty, super sweet Texas peaches this year.

The Parker County Peach Festival is a one day event. The entry fee is a bargain $5, with this being a bargain because the festival is so BIG with so much to see, along with multiple stages with multiple entertainments of various sorts.

And those Parker County peaches, in a variety of iterations, from Peach Julep, which you see above, to Peach Ice Cream, to Peach Smoothies, to Peach Cobbler, to Peach Pie, to Peach Jam, to Peach Salsa, to many other Peach themed treats.

Go early, stay late, follow the signs to the various parking locations.

And remember your sunscreen...

2018 Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup

What with today being the second Thursday of March, if history repeats itself, today marks the start of the annual Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas.

The Eyes on Texas have only seen the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup once, early in this current century.

A video was made from that visit, along with a Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup webpage.

There are many people who object to what they believe to be the barbaric practice of rounding up rattlesnakes, to be milked, butchered, skinned, and eaten.

Every year we receive multiple missives from people who somehow think we are involved in the rattlesnake slaughter to which they so vehemently object, including many people from the United Kingdom, such as the individual who sent, yet again, a missive received a couple days ago...

If you're wondering, we're still on your case.  Leave those Rattlesnake alone!!!!

Signed., Robert Piller <cates1980@hotmail.co.uk>

Well, Robert, we really were not wondering if you were still on our case, or not, but we can assure you we will not be harming any rattlesnakes.

Below is the video of the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup from way back in 2002, or was it 2003?

State Fair Of Texas 2016 Big Tex Choice Awards With Fried Jello & Cookies

That tasty looking concoction you are looking at here is the winner of the 2016 Big Tex Best Taste Award.

Fried Jello.

You can taste Fried Jello and the Most Creative Award winner, State Fair Cookie Fries, along with the other tasty contending finalists for this year's Big Texas Choice Award at the 2016 State Fair of Texas, starting up September 30 and running through October 23.

In addition to the two winners the other contenders were...

Caribbean Pineapple Korn-a-Copia created by Stephen Alade.

Southern Fried Chicken & Dumplins created by Clint Probst.

Injectable Great Balls of BBQ created by Glen Kusak.

Fernie’s Down Home Chicken Pot Pie Pocket with Mac ‘n Cheese Dip created by Christi Erpillo.

Deep Fried Pulled Pork “FUNYUN®” Dings created by Chris Howard.

Deep Fried Bacon Burger Dog Slider on a Stick created by Brent & Juan Reaves.

From the Big Tex website the complete description of the two winners...

Fried Jell-O® created by Ruth Hauntz. (Best Taste Winner)

For the first time in Big Tex Choice Awards history, America’s favorite childhood dessert is given a State Fair of Texas twist! A classic cherry-flavored Jell-O in a panko-crusted breading, flash-fried to perfection, and then dusted with powdered sugar. 

State Fair Cookie Fries created by Isaac Rousso. (Most Creative Winner)

A unique play on America’s favorite savory side dish. The cookie fry may look like it needs ketchup, but don’t be fooled by the classic crinkle-cut appearance. Offered in traditional cookie flavors like chocolate chip or sprinkles, these sweet treats are served with your choice of the accompanying strawberry or milk chocolate sauce. Just consider it an undercover cookie in fry-form disguise.
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My all time favorite Big Tex Choice Award Best Taste was years ago when Deep-Fried Butter was the winner. I am not a fan of jello in its natural form. I suspect I would also not be a fan of the flash-fried jello version.

But, one does not know until one tries something....

Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival April 14 - 17

Fort Worth's annual Main Street Arts Festival is the best such thing I have ever seen.

Music, art and food.

The festival is free. Exxcept, you do have to pay for food.

Follow Facebook's Traces of Texas For Lone Star State History

If you are a Texan, or an aficionado of Texas history, there is a Facebook Community page called Traces of Texas which you might want to check out and follow.

Traces of Texas posts extremely interesting historical photos, usually sent in by readers, with the photos sometimes being of a general interest sort, with others being photos showing ancestors from long ago living life in Texas.

The explanatory text is often colorful and as illustrative as the photos.

For example the following text describing the photo you see below the text.....

"Traces of Texas reader Guy Choate kindly shared this sensational photo of a group of bicyclists in San Angelo, circa 1900. The "San Angelo Wheelmen" were a bicycling club that formed during the bicycling craze that gripped early 20th century America. I don't know if there are words to describe how good this is. Look at the clothing being worn by the girls in front. And it's hot enough riding a bike in Texas in a t-shirt and spandex. Can you imagine doing so attired thusly? Wow. Every person in this photo is wearing a hat."

As a modern day mountain biker, who frequently gets flat tires, the above was quite interesting, causing curiosity as to what constituted bike tires way back in the early 1900s.

The Mountain & Canton First Monday Trade Days

Canton's First Monday Trade Days may be the biggest such event in the world. Well worth a visit.

Recently we received a blog comment about Canton and First Monday Trade Days which included so much good information it is worth repeating here....

If you haven't visited Canton Texas lately, either for the First Monday Trade Days or any time of the year, now is the time to revisit!

During market weekends or even during "off-market" times, you'll want to stay on The Mountain in Canton! Meandering footpaths and wooded trails lead to quaint and cozy bed and breakfasts nestled among the trees, where blue jays and other songbirds help start the day! And in the early summer evening let the fireflies light your way!

The Dockside Cottages is one of several B&B's that offer accommodations throughout the month. Rooms are crisp and clean, hosts are warm and hospitable, and the getaway will rejuvenate your soul! Rates start as low as $95 per room, per night.

If planning an special event, be sure to check out the newest private event venue in the region, Boot Hill, opening on The Mountain in Canton, Texas, March 5, 2016 at 5:30PM. The soft opening will be during First Monday Trade Days with a fun night of Karaoke starting at 8:00PM.

For hosting your own private event, you can book the entire place (complete with full catering kitchen) at Boot Hill, or book the big outdoor decks for an enchanting event under the tall oaks and cedars!

You can find more information about Boot Hill on Facebook at Boot Hill Entertainment & Private Event Venue - and the new website will be coming soon to www.BootHillPlace.com

The Dockside Cottages is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheDocksideCottages/

Call or text them at 214-463-8463 

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An overnight stay on The Mountain in Canton would be fun. We saw The Mountain on the last visit to Canton.

A map to help you find your way to Canton and The Mountain and First Monday Trade Days.