Texas Bucket List

Texas Bucket List

Simmons Bank

The Texas Bucket List – Goodstock by Nolan Ryan in Round Rock

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Round Rock – Cattle ranchers across Texas work all day, every day, to produce some of the finest filets of beef you’ll find. The best place to find these cared for cuts of beef is your local butcher, and in Round Rock, there’s a meat market that showcases a particular rancher’s array of beef, Goodstock by Nolan Ryan.

Nolan Ryan is a name any red blooded, meat eating, baseball loving person in our part of the world should know.  Considered the greatest major league baseball pitcher of all time with his 5,717 strikeouts and 7 no hitters, he dominated the diamond for over four decades, playing for the Mets, Angels, Astros, and Rangers. “I was very fortunate that I was able to spend 14 of my 27 years in Texas playing for one of the Texas teams,” said Ryan.

Nowadays, Nolan still has his hands in baseball as a co-owner of the Round Rock Express but when he’s not dealing with business at the ballpark, he’s got beef on his mind.

When asked if it harder to tame batters or bulls, Nolan answered, “Well, let’s put it this way, we call bulls on disposition and you can’t call hitters.”

In 1966, when Nolan made his MLB debut with the Mets, the life of professional baseball player was a bit different then. Having a beef business had always been on the back burner.

“While I was playing and never anticipating my career to go 27 years, I started trying to prepare myself for what I wanted to do and would probably do after I retired, and the cattle business was definitely one area that I had a passion for. And I had a passion for it from the time I was five or six years old. Why that is, I don’t know, but baseball allowed me to pursue that,” Nolan said.

Winning his World Series Ring afforded him a reliable job for a really long time and he was able to purchase his first piece of property that he still owns today. “Being on a World Series team in ’69 with the Mets. In those days, what we called your World Series check was three times what my salary was, so that was a big windfall for Ruth and I to be in a position to receive that kind of money. And so I took that and bought the first piece of property that I own, and I still own it today. And so it allowed me to start pursuing what my interest was,” said Ryan.

Nolan is still active and out on the ranch doing things today. He said, “I think that the challenges of being active and being involved in things that you have a passion for makes a difference. We take a lot of pride in the cattle that we raise and have established, I think, a reputation of having good cattle.”

That’s why Nolan created Goodstock – a chance to show off his beef in an old school butcher shop.

“Ranching’s a passion of mine. And so, to be in the retail beef business gives me an opportunity to see how our product performs and I feel real good about it. And when I sit down and have a steak and it represented what I was anticipating, I feel really good about it,” Nolan stated.

Goodstock is awesome because fans can actually come in and see some of Nolan’s ranching memorabilia, as well as have an opportunity to talk to the butcher and discuss different products, which broadens their perspective on beef. The memorabilia you’ll find at Goodstock is different than his baseball memorabilia, such as a set of spurs Nolan’s friends had made for him and the books he used to read while on the road during his baseball career about the cattle business.

While we know there are a lot of amazing moments in Nolan’s baseball career, there have also been some on the ranching side that are comparative. “Well, when I received a Golden Spur Award, I was very proud of that, and I was very honored that I was selected for that. And that’s voted on by the Quarter Horse Association, Texas Feedlot Association, Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers, and the Farm Bureau,” Nolan mentioned.

But if cooking meat isn’t really your forte, you can always experience Goodstock at some of our favorite BBQ joints across the great state of Texas, including 1775 Texas Bit BBQ in College Station and SLAB BBQ in Austin. “I think barbecue places do a real good job of promoting their product and promoting their individual restaurants. And when you have a popular place, you take a lot of pride in the fact that they’re using your product. And so, you want it to be a good experience,” said Ryan.

With their beautiful selection of beef, Goodstock makes for a great stop on The Texas Bucket List.  For me personally, it presented  chance to check something major off my bucket list.  Playing catch with Nolan Ryan.  Talk about checking off the list!

The Texas Bucket List – Pit Row Pit Stop in Livingston

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Livingston – The 50’s spirit is alive and well inside the Pit Row Pit Stop on the east side of Livingstone. “The service is good, the food is good, and the owner is great,” said customer Wayne Woods.

“I’m old school, just like my old truck out there,” joked owner Frankie Vinci. Frankie is known for his fine burgers and fries at this fine establishment that’s fond of the fabulous fifties.  There’s also the famous seven scoop sundae!  But surprisingly enough, they’re actually known for something else. “It’s the best ribs you can get anywhere,:” said customer Bruce Horton. “Everyone says that they’re the best that they’ve ever eaten, the best I’ve ever eaten,” said customer Holly Scott.

Not exactly what you’d expect from a guy who was born in Brooklyn and grew up in California. “I didn’t know a thing about brisket four years ago. I just cooked a couple of briskets and 12 racks of ribs just to see if they liked it. And now I do 1200 to 1500 pounds of brisket a week and we sell 400 to 450 racks of ribs a week. Besides the diner food,” explained Frankie.

The former carpenter used to build theme parks but decided to build a restaurant when he moved to Texas in 2014. “I thought that it would be really cool to build a diner. I ain’t never known nothing about a restaurant before. Let me tell you something, bud. My first six months here was a train wreck. I knew nothing about the restaurant business,” explained Frankie. “A little baptism by fire when it came to this,” I responded.  “I had a baptism by fire in prison,” stated Frankie. Not the turn we were expecting either. It turns out Frankie has a bit of a past but if it wasn’t the spirit of the fifties that saved him, it was a much higher calling.

“Some drug dealers hurt a little person in my family, little girl. And I went and made them pay for it. They put me away. I did 10 years. First off, I turned my life over to the Lord and 50 years came off my sentence. A chaplain walked me to the Lord and I surrendered my life,” expressed Frankie. Today Frankie continues to walk the righteous path, not just with really good ribs but with a care for the community and by providing an outreach for believers and those in need.

“He looks into the future so much. And how many people he’s helped. Some of his people are recovering alcoholics and all, and he gives him a job and he tries to help him straighten out. He’s a good guy. He really is,” said Doug Marchese.

“I go to the prison as a ministry and try to get the guys to see a different side of life instead of the revolving door. Walking back into a prison after being free from one, first two or three times I thought, what am I doing? But the foreboding look on their face, you smell the smells, you see the razor wire. But I got past that, and there’s a reason to be there. To get people to see that every single one of us has a purpose and a gift. It all comes from the Lord. And if we use that light, we won’t be involved in all that mess. And I enjoy doing that. I do,” expressed Frankie.

While his ribs may be a religious experience, hearing Frankie’s testimony and seeing his care for the community is what makes the Pit Row Pit Stop the perfect pit stop on The Texas Bucket List.

“We have created a family of friendships here in the diner. Literally a family of friendships. And God has just blessed me. And we share Him in here. We love, we cry. We know each other’s ups and downs. I guess I cook good food because we’re busy all the time,” expressed Frankie.

“Frankie is very very blessed, and the reason his business is so good is because he gives almighty God the credit,” said Wayne.

“This place is all to the glory of God. It is. And the community is a blessing for me. So I’m glad to be here,” said Frankie.

The Texas Bucket List – God’s Garage in Conroe

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Conroe – On the east side of Conroe, you’ll come across a mundane mechanic’s garage.  Monday through Friday, you’ll find you regular guys working on everyday cars but what they’re doing could be considered miraculous.

“We have several volunteers that are retired, but we have a lot of guys that they just take their personal time to come up here and work on cars,” said Brad Thompson, the Board Director for God’s Garage.

“This is one of the neatest things I think I’ve ever been involved with,” expressed Brad.

He helps in the handiwork of this heavenly repair shop. “We’re all just stewards of this. We get an opportunity for a period of time to serve in this role. And we’re going to do the best we can to move it forward. But in the end, God’s got this ministry. It’s not ours,” said Brad.

Now God’s Garage isn’t just using the almighty as an advertising ploy. They are literally performing miracles by tuning up and turning out tons of cars for those who need it most.  Widows, single mom’s, and wives of deployed military members.

“These moms, they need a car. They needed to be safe. We have a certified mechanic that verifies that everything we put on the road is completely safe. We do this because we know that they’re vulnerable when it comes to getting their car worked on or get it repaired or being told what needs to be done. So we know that it’s a big relief of stress to them. And it’s really where the heart of the ministry started and we just haven’t deviated off of it,” explained Brad.

God’ Garage got started in 2011 after a simple act of kindness. “Our founder, who is a youth pastor, a longtime pastor, had a heart for fixing vehicles, was a car guy, and he was on his way home from church over on the other side of Montgomery and saw this lady walking in the rain down 105 in the dark with her child. And he stopped and said, ‘What are you doing out here? It’s not safe.’ And she’s like, ‘Well, I can’t afford to get my vehicle fixed.’,” said Brad.

Repairing that one vehicle turned into a mission. A mission from God. “We can fix a lot of this stuff ourselves. We got a bunch of guys at the church that know what they’re doing. Let’s fix them ourselves,” stated Brad.

It wasn’t long until God’s Garage started going above and beyond repairs and started giving away vehicles. “It’s amazing to see the difference it makes in somebody’s life. When you can give them a vehicle, it enables them to really then start living a life that’s more fruitful and productive. They spend so much time and energy just trying to get around. It’s unbelievable,” said Brad.

“When you’re going through things, you think there’s people that don’t care. And there is,” expressed Lucy Wilson. Lucy is a recipient of one the divine drivers and the people that are most impressed are her kids. “They’re able to have a smile on their face because the other car, we didn’t know if we were going to go somewhere and it wouldn’t start no more, so it’s really awesome. It’s really awesome,” said Lucy.

“Unfortunately, for whatever reason, they land into circumstance. And if you think about how hard it would be to hold a job if you can’t get to the job. And most of these women have kids, two to three kids, so if you think about every woman we impact, there’s two to three kids that their life’s instantly better because now their mom can go to the store, can go to the doctor, can take them places,” explained Brad.

But it’s not just a means of transportation that God’ Garage is giving away, it’s also a few life lessons on how to get through this crazy thing called life. “We try to not only give them a car to kind of be a bridge for them for a better life, but we also try to teach them some skills that more than likely they’re missing and would really help them get a job, write a resume, dress for their resume, nutrition, financial management, a bunch of stuff that the rest of us maybe had somebody in our life that was a mentor that taught us how to do those things. These ladies, a lot of times don’t have that. So they all go through a class to do that,” explained Brad.

“I never expected to get the help that I have gotten with God’s Garage because without them, I wouldn’t know right now how I would be able to go to work, support my family and my children, so,” expressed Lucy.

Cars get cranked out of here with 150 repairs and 150 giveaways happening each year. Despite the constant turning over of vehicles, handing over the keys to a new lease on life never gets old. “It’s always hard to even just maintain your composure through the giveaway because we know what a difference it makes,” said Brad.

“Knowing that they don’t know you. They don’t know who you are or where you came from. And then, once they get to know you and they’re able to help you and they’re able to give you that push, it’s a blessing. It’s a blessing. And I wish that it was a lot more people like them,” explained Lucy.

While God’s Garage isn’t your typical type of place we put on The Texas Bucket List, showcasing the folks that make Texas what it is always is well worth a stop.  People that take care of their fellow Texans to get them on the road to a righteous path. “We’re going to do the best we can to kind of keep this going and make it as impactful as possible. And there’s not a better place to serve than to do what we do,” said Brad.

“I know that God has blessed me and has blessed a lot of women that needed cars through them because without God’s Garage, there’s no way that a lot of them would be able to get back on their feet,” expressed Lucy.

 

The Texas Bucket List – Sunshine House Coffee in Jourdanton

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Jourdanton – Just south of San Antonio you’ll find the community of Jourdanton.  Situated smack dap between Pleasanton, Poteet, Charlotte, and Christine, Jourdanton is a hub for how things are going around Atascosa County. To find the most popular place to talk about the day’s events, just follow the rays of sunshine to the Sunshine House Coffee. “I’m really proud of how it turned out,” said owner Audrey McCleary.

Audrey and her husband Kevin are the couple that got things roasting on this coffee shop for the community. With friends and neighbors pouring into the place to show their support, the reason Audrey, a former ER nurse, and Kevin created this place wasn’t because they wanted to, it was because they needed to.

“It is a hard story to tell, but it is our story. In 2017, both of our children were killed in a car accident. On their way to school, they went to Jourdanton. Our son was in sixth grade, he’s 11, his name is Tanner and then Madison was a senior, she had just turned 18 and I’d actually already been in the ER that day at work and got a call from Kevin who was one of the very first people on the scene. And so, one of my coworkers drove me to the scene. So, we were there at the scene of the accident. And so, seeing someone do CPR on your children, I’m thinking of going back to that in the ER was more than I wanted to do. And so, when all your plans for what you had planned for your life change in an instant, you’re left thinking, ‘What do I do now?’,” explained Audrey.

Community support poured into Audrey and Kevin’s life. “You know, we leaned on each other a lot. I know a lot of couples kind of turn on each other or do the blame game and no it was your fault. I don’t know, instead of pushing us apart, it just drew us closer I think,” said Audrey. “Between us, religion, God. And like I said, community of friends, that’s the only way, if not, then I don’t know how anybody would be able to do it,” expressed Kevin.

To keep their memory alive, the Sunshine House Coffee was created.  A chance to share in Madison and Tanner’s love for the occasional stop at coffee shops across the state but also something else.

“It’s more than a fancy coffee shop. You know, there’s lots of towns that have fancy coffee shops. That’s not what this is. This started as what I would call, I guess the medicine that this community needed to heal,” said customer Trace Blair.

Audrey wanted to keep the memory of her children thriving through the community, so she created a movement based on caring for each other.

“Our kids were amazingly kind kids. They were just they’re empathetic and never wanted anyone to be left out and stood up for someone who’s being bullied, and they were awesome. And so, they’re a legacy of kindness, I wanted to keep. I had this crazy idea to encourage people to do acts of purposeful acts of kindness, and then put the hashtag spread kindness for M and T. And so that we can see kind things being done in honor of our children. And it was just amazing how it took off here,” said Audrey.

At the front door to the Sunshine House Coffee you’ll find a jar full of bright blue bracelets that serve as reminders of Madison and Tanner and encourage those acts of kindness.

“There are so many acts of kindness done for strangers and their owner, and even not only did it all over our community, but then all over Texas, the United States, and even the world,” expressed Audrey.

“The bracelets are common in this community. You can’t go a day. If you look, you won’t go a day without seeing someone wearing it,” said Trace.

“Seeing people with the bracelets, doing acts of kindness for people there, it was just, it’s amazing. And to know that people are remembering your children and perpetuating their kindness legacy. So that was amazing for us,” said Audrey.

The healing didn’t stop there.  To help others who have lost a child, Audrey created a wall dedicated to the young souls who have left this earth and their families too soon. Each radiant circle has a name, 51 names in all.  “All parents who’ve lost children have an automatic bond, cause you’re in the club that no one else wants to be in. You know? So, it automatically gives you a bond. And so, no, it was easy to talk to most of these parents, of course emotional, but a lot of them really appreciated being able to share their story of their children. While difficult, it’s rewarding as well, cause we all want to talk about our kids,” explained Audrey.

“The legacy lives on with her kids. And she’s not only included just her kids as evidenced by the wall outside. I mean, all the others that have lost children,” said customer Benita Muckleroy.

“Through their faith, through their perseverance and through their commitment to honor the memory of those kids, they have turned a tragic situation that they couldn’t change into something that has had such an impact on so many lives,” expressed Trace.

“Even though it was cut short on life, they did make an impact that people noticed, great. That’s all we could ask for. And they still are, which is helps our hearts a lot,” expressed Kevin.

Audrey and Kevin have to drive past the scene of their children’s accident every day, it’s only half a mile from their house.  But something at that home is about to change. “We thought about moving but then you’re moving away from where you have memories of them, not moving towns, but moving houses. Maybe in the future, but right now that’s where all our memories are of them. So, we haven’t touched their rooms they’re exactly how they left them. So, but we that’s on our project list because starting actually tomorrow nights, starting tomorrow night, we start our foster parent training classes. So we’re going to be foster parents,” said Audrey.

Life is already too short. Madison and Tanner never got to experience the amazing journey of attending college, starting a career or becoming a parent but Audrey and Kevin did, and they’ll do it again.  “We did tell them that we would take teenagers, bratty, stinky teenagers,” joked Audrey.

“The little moments turn out to be the big moments and the moments you miss the little things. Take lots of pictures, hug them every day.” “No matter how bad it gets it’ll always be worse, no matter how bad they mess up,” expressed Audrey and Kevin.

“I think a lot of us have kept that kindness while we’re especially with what we’re going through right now. I think you’ll see this whole community is pulled together,” said Benita.

“The tragedy that was the loss of those kids had such a tragic impact on our community. This coffee shop is fixed that,” said Trace.

“We love what we are doing here and hope other people learn about us and come see us and see what we’re doing. We’ve love that.” said Aubrey.

The Texas Bucket List – The Chainsaw Chick in Dickinson

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Dickinson – Just an oyster shell throw from Galveston Bay, you’ll find a palapa palace known for putting together a tropical feeling for folk’s backyard landscapes. With the sound of a chainsaw churning out it’s daily duties a constant around here, you’d be surprised to see that on most days, it’s not palm trees or bamboo being cut.

“I mostly use cedar because it’s a softer wood and it has like a fine sand sawdust to it and you can get a lot of detail out of it,” stated Della Meredith, a chainsaw artist with a love for art that a cut above the rest..

Della is usually in pinch to get orders put out for customers who really like carved art. “I’m from the woods, I love carving. Well, I’m from Tarkington Prairie so it’s pretty much in the woods,” joked Della.

This mother of 4 has always been enamored by art. She majored in it, she taught it and now she creates it. “I’ve just always had a passion for art since I was a little kid, I love to draw and paint. And my mother’s an artist and my grandmother was an artist… Well, I did wood shop in college and metal smithing, so I had the shop backgrounds, but we didn’t use chainsaws,” explained Della.

Originally a painter of murals, it dawned on Della that she wanted to create some three-dimensional designs. “I feel like I learned it pretty fast. I watched a couple of videos on YouTube,” stated Della.

Now there was a learning curve to using a chainsaw.  It’s sort of like working with a stubborn mule, you never know when it’s going to kickback. “You just like hit the wrong spot and it’ll fly at you,” said Della.

Being so close to the coast, the most carved items include things you’d find close to the bay. “This community is a big fishing community, we’re out by the coast so I get a lot of orders for pelicans and fish of different types and fishing rod racks, tikis, just the beach type stuff. People order the same thing over and over so I’ve been making a lot of flamingos lately and pelicans, and that gets a little bit redundant, but it’s still fun,” said Della.

From superheroes to superstar athletes, there’s not much Della can’t do and that includes making some magnificent pieces of art made out of hurricane damaged trees. “Art is not perfect so just try to make it the best that I can. Whenever you get out there and hustle and you have that drive, you just keep pushing forward and keep moving forward. And I just get a little bit of success and then it would just keep going and keep going and it’s like that now too. I mean, I have a lot of orders, but I know like I could still grow more too and I’m working on that,” explained Della.

It turns out that taking some off the top of the timber is more than just an income for Della, it’s an escape for her and for those who appreciate her art.“I love making art every day. It makes me happy and other people say it makes them happy, which I didn’t anticipate going into this, that’s just like a bonus for me like that they’re like, ‘Oh, we love looking at your work.’ It’s exciting to see everything. So I enjoy that part of it,” expressed Della.

So drive on down to Dickinson to get down with Della as just chisels out here coastal creations while carving out a unique stop on The Texas Bucket List.  “It makes people happy and when people are making art, they get into this space that is, it’s really a good place to be and it’s good to see and it makes the world a better place, I feel like,” said Della.

The Texas Bucket List – Deputy Bill Hardin in Cleburne

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Cleburne – The wild west was a lot different back in the 1800’s. The images we have of law enforcement prior to police cars can be somewhat preconceived. But if you head to the Chisholm Trail Museum in Cleburne, you can still get that western shootout show and get a look at what old school law enforcement was really like.

“This museum is dedicated to law enforcement. Originally, it was going to be about Texas Rangers. We were able to acquire a number of photographs that you see around the walls,” said David Murdoch.

David Murdoch is the chairman of the museum and the Chaplin for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, he was excited to showcase a unique section of the museum that tells about the life of a unique Texas lawman, 98-year-old Deputy Bill Hardin.

Now Bill’s not on any most wanted top 10 list but he does take the case when it comes to another title. “I’m the oldest working police officer in the world. I’ve been a police officer longer than anybody in the world,” stated Deputy Bill Hardin.

How long exactly? “I started February 1st, 1947. These stripes represent five years of peace. At 70 years worth of stripes, he’s got 74 years. And in June, we can add another stripe. So, he’ll have another five-year stripe,” explained David.

“Really been a pleasure, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done with the exception of a time or two where things didn’t go just exactly right,” said Bill.

Born on March 1st, 1923, Bill joined the Fort Worth police department in the 40’s after spending his rookie years with Breckenridge PD and back then things were a lot different for those behind the badge.  Walking his beat was the norm and two-way radios were not a thing. “They had mailboxes on the posts, telephone posts, uptown. And you took the brass key, and when you opened the door and picked up the phone, the dispatcher answered you. You told him what you needed.  Usually, you had a drunk in one hand, and trying to hold him and talk to the dispatcher. That didn’t work out too well, but that’s the only communication they had,” explained Bill. Bill relieves his memories as a young policeman with vivid detail and crystal-clear clarity as if these events that happened a lifetime ago, took place just the other day.

While his days of dropping the hammer or throwing a bad guy behind bars are behind him, he still gets to work on cases thanks to having a mind that’s like a different kind of steel trap.  “I’m a reserved investigator. My office is right across from the secretary and the sheriff’s right over there. He told somebody he put me up there so he can keep an eye on me,” joked Bill.

“Bill is such a … he’s such a young-minded person in an old man’s body,” said David. “He recalls all of the stories. He recalls his career. He’s a great asset to the county because when something comes up where they need the information back in the day, they don’t have to go look in the archives. They can just ask Bill, and he usually has names, and dates, and places. It is. It’s amazing. It’s truly amazing,” explained David.

Why is he still doing it?  “I love people,” stated Bill. “That’s really what makes you like police work … when you’re able to save a life or help somebody. In my time, I have helped a bunch,” said Bill.

“I’ve had young people come to me. Like, the young girls that were into prostitution and doping. I’ve had those girls come in there … not one, but several, say, ‘Mr. Hardin? Do you remember me?” And I said, ‘No, I’m sorry. I don’t.’ And they tell me who they were. She said, ‘You helped me get off of drugs. I’m off of drugs and I’m married.’ Talk about making you feel good. It really makes you feel good,” expressed Bill.

Being able to hear Bill tells these stories of nearly a century of police work makes you realize the unreal things he has been a part of.  From busting up big drug rings, horrific cases of homicide, and even having to guard the grave of Lee Harvey Oswald.

“He’s a great representative for the law. He really is,” stated David.

What did Bill think about a museum for your service?  “Well, I’m humbled,” stated Bill. “It’s still the most rewarding job, and it’s the only job that I know of that you’re required to give your life to save somebody else. A fireman’s the same way. They have to do it. But everybody loves the firemen, but nobody likes the policeman because he gives you tickets,” joked Bill.

The Texas Bucket List – Mayor Charlie in Whitehall

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Whitehall – In the small Texas town of Whitehall, there’s not a whole lot happening on most days.  You’ll always find folks at the feed store and the Whitehall Café is a popular meeting place but the Whitehall grocery store is where everyone comes to talk.  Now subject is steered around at the store including the hot topic of local politics and the job Mayor Charlie McMillan is doing.

“If you’re here for like an hour, you’ll meet everybody in Whitehall, including the Mayor,” said Whitehall local Don Schoenburg.

“He’s one of the few Mayors that we’ve had, who has run for two terms and been elected twice. And we anticipate supporting him for his third-year term next year,” said Whitehall fire chief Freeman Vickers.

You see it’s hard to say anything bad about the local Mayor considering the little man can barely walk.

“We think he is a tremendous representative of our community and a leader among 18 months old,” said Chad McMillan.

Chad and Nancy Jane McMillan are Charlie’s parents, and they see the Mayor in a whole other light. “Well, he just sleeps on the job and is on the bottle all day,” joked Nancy McMilan.

Mark Twain once said, “Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”  Charlie couldn’t agree more. Now being a parent is already exhausting enough but being parents the Mayor is all sorts of extra work.  You’ve got music lessons, chess lessons, art lessons and of course meet and greets with community members and Texas TV shows.

Now Charlie wasn’t elected into office, he won the position at a charity auction for the town’s volunteer fire department. “It’s the best Mayor money can buy,” joked Freeman Vickers.

Freeman Vickers is Whitehall’s fire chief and he has no problem with having a baby as a boss. “Well, I’ve answered to younger supervisors in the past, so this is nothing different,” joked Freeman.

“Charlie is not a Republican, he’s not a Democrat. He loves everybody and committed to spreading good cheer and love and encouragement and we think he’s a wonderful example of what a politician could be,” explained Chad.

Now with being an elected official, we just had to know what his responsibilities were.  “Since Whitehall is an unincorporated community there are no legal responsibilities. Charlie has no power but he has great influence. He attends the monthly meetings and is recognized as the leader of the community. His main responsibility is to love people and he does it so effortlessly,” said Chad.

This little mayor also has to have some things he stands for. “Yeah, he has three main platform planks. Pro-life, pro-adoption, and pro-puppies,” said Chad.

Charlie’s parents are obviously very proud of their bundle of joy but just having him here is the greatest gift of all.   You see Chad and Nancy Jane adopted Charlie and they’re doing everything they can to provide him with a life full of love and a little bit of community service. “Charlie thinks that every kid ought to have a shot at life and that there’s lots of families that would love to adopt a baby. We have the privilege of bringing Charlie home from the hospital. After his birth mom handed us this little miracle and he had such an incredible opportunity to come live in a family that would love him and care for him. Live on a farm with lots of farm animals so he wants the world to know that every kid deserves a shot at life,” explained Chad.

“With a new life there’s also new hope and without new hope, Charlie wouldn’t be here. So we’re thankful for that,” said Freeman.

Charlie’s parents still communicate with his birth mom and give her updates on Charlie’s campaign but most importantly, they tell her thank you for having him. “What we continuously tell her is what a gift she’s given us. And we’re just so grateful to have the opportunity to raise a child together in that there are a ton of families just like us who would love to have the opportunity to pour their hearts into raising a little one and with Charlie’s platform, in a winsome way we can spread the word about what a beautiful gift adoption is and how important it is and how it’s changed our lives. And it’s changed his life,” expressed Nancy.

Being that Charlie’s made it mayor in such a short time, there’s no telling what his future holds as long as his parents keep him under control. “Keep him alive. That’s our number one goal,” joked Nancy.

So if you ever wind up in Whitehall be sure to stop by the ol’ grocery store and you never know, you might just meet the Mayor and that’s well worth a stop on The Texas Bucket List.

“We’re just a nice small community and it’s nice that we can pick a Mayor that we all get behind and appreciate,” said Don.

The Texas Bucket List – Harrel’s Pharmacy in Kingsville

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Kingsville – When it comes to Kingsville, the King Ranch is king in these parts. Getting a tour of the sprawling spread or just visiting the saddle shop to breathe in the bouquet of that fine leather is what brings most folks to town. But you might get a whiff of what’s coming from across the street at Harrel’s Pharmacy.

“It’s kind of like our living room almost, just lots of stuff in it,” said Nick Harrel. Nick Harrel III has two distinctions down in Kingsville. He is the third generation of Harrel’s to own this over 100-year-old drug store and he has the best handlebar mustache that he has been growing for about 45 years!  “Here in kind of some barren land and there’s not a whole lot of shade so we have to make our own, or we just grow it,” Nick joked.

Nick’s grandfather Nick Harrel Sr. started the drug store back in 1916 and ran it for 50 years before passing it down. Nick number 3 took it over from his father in 1982, but he’s still not the longest tenured staff member! “Right now I’m up to being second in seniority around here. We have an employee that’s worked here for over fifty years…Red,” said Nick.

They call him red because he used to have bright, red orange “carrot orange” hair. Red’s real name might remind you of your favorite kid show. “My name is Oscar, like Oscar the Grouch,” joked Red.

But Red is no grouch, he really knows his stuff and since 1969, he’s been the heart and soul of Harrel’s.

“He’s a pharmacy tech. He can probably tell you were everybody in town lives… and their genealogy,” jokes Nick.

Over the past 50 years working at Harrel’s Pharmacy, Red only has to work five days a week but he sometimes still comes in just to make sure everybody is doing everything just right.  “They think I’m crazy but I said ‘Well look at all these I have worked with,” joked Red.

Working side by side with Nick, they fill folks’ medications and dispense helpful advice for a longer life.

“If you quit listening to the news you’ll be much happier,” Nick jokingly tells a customer over the phone.

While Nick and Red are a popular act, the headliner of Harrel’s is the soda shop, that’s been a hot spot for locals for a long time. “I used to walk over here with my friends from school,” explained customer Gloria Ponce. Gloria Ponce enjoys relishing in her recollections of this place with her great-granddaughter Zoe. “I feel like I won’t forget this day because I’m sitting here making memories with her and I feel like it’s gonna make her happy,” said Zoe.

Making these special memories wouldn’t be complete without a meal, and at Harrel’s you’ll wish the prescriptions had the same prices as the provisions. The menu looks like the menu you would expect to see in 1982! A delicious double meat cheeseburger will only set you back $4.50. “As long as we can have quality food, we can keep the prices down. If it doesn’t run out of business it’s not hurting us,” explained Nick.

It remains important to Nick to keep a community gathering place open. So whether it’s getting a big burger and a shake from the soda shop, or getting a chance to chat with Red about his tenure at this meeting place in Kingsville, taking a stop at Harrel’s is one heck of a stop on The Texas Bucket List. “I keep telling myself I’m going to quit, but I never do… I love working with people, God has blessed me,” said Red.

The Texas Bucket List – Stella Moon The Fire Mermaid in Port Aransas

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Port Aransas – Fun in the sun is the name of the game when down on the Texas coast. Some folks are even lucky enough to live with the ocean in sight. “It’s a really good place to live if you like the beach and you like fishing and you like just being by the water,” said Amber Frazier. Amber is a realtor in Corpus who helps folks find their perfect place near la playa.“You can find a nice house on the island for around $115,000 to $200,000,” she explained. Now being a realtor is a good gig, but Amber has another career that’s a bit more exciting. “Very much more interesting,” she agreed. As the night falls, Amber has a transformation into Stella Moon the Fire Mermaid.

Every Saturday night during the summer you’ll find Amber… I mean Stella Moon, at Bron’s Beach Carts in Port Aransas putting on a show that puts people in a trance. “She adds an exciting flare to the night,” said Kristy Jackson. “How could you beat that?” added Woody Gordon. “Generated a lot of excitement around here,” claimed Bron Doyle.

Stella lights the state on fire, literally! While we’re used to hot temps in Texas, it’s a whole other world to see her dance so close to the flames. “I get little burns here and there, but that’s just the name of the game. Play with fire, you’re bound to get burned,” Amber added, nonchalantly. “I just learned to get better and better and now I don’t burn myself at all.”

After 10 years of fire dancing, Stella Moon shows off here moves at Bron’s and brings her fire dancing show anywhere that needs to see the light. She’s performed on stage with rock legends and been all over the world bringing her fire to the festivals. It’s like people have money burning in their pockets to see her. “It keeps me going and keeps me flowing and everybody knows, they’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’s Stella Moon, the Fire Mermaid.’ And it just really makes me happy. It makes my soul really, really happy… It brings joy to people. It’s such a unique trade and a unique performance,” said Amber.

 

What starts out as fire dancing quickly escalates to fire hula hooping, fire throwing and fire whipping! “My favorite trick is my fire whip. It’s wild,” she said. “That crack of the whip, I don’t care if you’re just locked in the show, it’ll make you jump,” said Woody. “[The most difficult trick is] fire spitting. You can aspirate your lungs and die immediately. So it’s the most dangerous trick when it comes to fire dancing,” Amber explained. “It’s just all about practice. Practice makes perfect,” she added. “I’m not worried about her playing with fire. She’d been doing it a long time. I think she’s super safe about it. She’s got a lot of people helping her, and so I think ultimately, she’s an entertainer,” said Kristy.

There’s no smoke and mirrors here, just the sight of fire dancing in ways it’s not supposed. If your ears are burning, chances are it’s from the dull ripping hum of the combustion cutting through the air. “When I’m fire dancing, I don’t see anything or anybody around me. It’s strictly on the fire and the sound of the fire, it’s just calming,” said Amber. “She’s so good at it that she can get close to people and do all the tricks that she’s doing and she knows she’s in control,” added Bron.

“It’s a dream come true. I love it. I get to bring joy to people’s lives and it’s literally mesmerizing. So it just makes me so happy. It’s changed my life completely,” explained Amber. “I don’t know of anywhere else in Texas, and I was born and raised here, that offers that kind of experience,” claimed Kristy. “I haven’t been anywhere else where you can see something of that quality, that amazing,” agreed Woody. “She’s definitely the best fire dancing real estate agent in the state of Texas, hands down,” confirmed Bron.

 

 

The Texas Bucket List – The U.S. Air Guitar Regional Championship in Houston

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Houston—Every June an eclectic gang of curious people come together to celebrate their love of music. They come dressed to impressed because putting on a performance is what this collaboration of creative entertainers is all about. Just don’t expect to see any real instruments. Welcome to the U.S. Air Guitar Regional Championship!

“Texas has some great air guitar players…We have it all,” said organizer Randy Garza. Randy is big fan of Rush and the man who rushes to put this peculiar competition together each year. He’s also known as El Airachi. His alter ego has made it all the way to the National Semifinals in Chicago, a riff away from the World Championship held in Finland every year.

“When I was little, I used to always emulate playing a guitar. My mother, God rest her soul, she used to always say, ‘Someday there will be something that will have air guitar and it will pay off. You will be the winner,’” Randy recalled. The competition at the US Air Guitar is stiffer than the brisk winds coming off the gulf with great competitors like Stonehenge, Wild Child Roshi, Uncle Hot Dog, and even Xena. “I don’t know how to play the guitar,” Xena confessed.

Good news is, she doesn’t have to. These masterful melody imitators take this face off very seriously, even without instruments. “This is something that I love, and something I love to perform, and a friend of mine a few weeks ago said ‘Randy, some people get it, some people don’t. But guess what, a lot of people get it,’” said Randy.

The judges are serious too. Grading presentation, strumming, plucking, picking and playing of an abstract guitar. “I think one of the main things that a lot of our judges really look for is what’s called airness. That is your little unique qualities that no one else is possessing. That evening, or ever,” Randy explained. “The judges will see it and they’ll pick up on it.”
I guess we’ll go ahead and rock on.

“You’ll see people do it, and you’re like, ‘oh, okay.’” Said Patrick Friend. Patrick placed fifth his first time out. “I know some people, I see them try to play air guitar and I’m going ‘Wow, you’ve never even seen a guitar played, have you?’” he laughed. Patrick loves the competition because it lets him let loose and literary throw away the crutches to perform.
“I go by GimpDaddy in the air competition, primarily because I was born with spina bifida,” he explained. “I don’t like to use my handicap to an advantage, but I do understand that it does bring out a certain element that a lot of people aren’t expecting, and they’re like ‘Wow, someone like that did that.’” An extremely tough competitor, Patrick feels the music rush through him and for a few seconds he’s a rock god. “For those of us who didn’t have talent, but still have that appreciation, this is a way for us to perform…It sounds silly, but it’s a thing, and it’s enjoyable,” he said. “You’re like a rock star for just a few moments, you know? If you’ve never been a rock star, if you’ve never been on stage like that, it’s the best feeling,” confirmed Randy.

In the end, it’s a competition and only one can move on to the US Air Guitar National Championship. For a few hours it’s also just a chance for people with regular day jobs to pull a Page, keep up with Clapton, sling some Stevie or act like Angus. They come together for their love of music and leave us all with a feeling like we’re floating on air, making it well worth a stop on The Texas Bucket List. “Music has been a huge part of my life, I’m always listening to music, always rocking, and this is just a huge extension of it,” said Randy. “I just have fun, you know? I suck at being a shut-in, and so I get to come out, I get to enjoy music, hang out with people who are just… really good folks, and it’s just fun,” concluded Patrick.