I'm going home.....exile is over

“Looks like I'm going back to Texas. YEA HA!!!! And I really mean that!

It's been two years almost here in Atlanta Georgia. I can only give three things I will miss:

1. My job
2. Rad and Jen
3. The mountains

Nothing against this fine State and her people but it just ain't Texas. Someone once said Texas is like a good woman, Once she's got your heart, she'll never let go.

I will be taking the family down to Dallas to our new home at the end of this month so my wife can start her new job on March 5th. I'm flying back because my job wants me to do some more training of techs before I bail on them. I could use the money, don't have a job when I get to Texas.

As for hiking, I think it's going to take a back seat to SCUBA and Texas Ranger re-enactment and living history. I'm just trying to think of some places that are still as wild and remote to hike in as they have here in GA.

Anyways, I will still visit here and read about all the fun you folks are having on those ECT. I'm just sorry I didn't get to meet more of you in person. The ones I did meet I really liked, Rad, Spam, and Evergreen.

They say Texas is a State of mind. I have to agree with that. She's not the most beautiful of states, I know that more now then ever.

My wife claims all Texans have a homing device in them that draws them forever back. Guess she's right.

Sorry to go on about it....I'm sure ya'll are sick of hearing about it by now.”

“Congrats, Lonestar! I wish you a safe and timely transition. :o)”

“Lonestar, what type of job did you have in Atlanta? I'm thinking of moving there, more jobs for my field. I'm a Web Developer and I can't find work here in Miami, plus to be close to the mountians would be cool. Other than your desire to go home to Texas, what would you say about the life there in Atlanta? Will the traffic drive me mad?? Any advice will be helpful.”

“I wish you luck in your adventures, Lonestar. Having lived in Austin, Texas for a number of years, I can understand why you'd want to go back. Good luck in the Big D.”

“Fasttime, Live North of Atlanta, near RAD! Get a job on the same block as your house and you'll be fine. Traffic is bad, but nothing that I'm not sure you haven't seen in Miami. I'm a tech for Galileo International, I support a Web based connection software that lets travel agents connect to our reservation services via the net.

Skiracer, Austin RULES! I'll be spending a lot of time diving there with my hippie buddy on the shores of Travis.”

“how much longer till the big move there Mr Star?”

“Traitor! what ever could make backpacking take a back burner? I'm just messin witcha! LOL!”

“Lonestar,

I spent 15 years in the Dallas area, from the 4th grade all the way through college. I know what you mean by the lack of hiking but the fine folks of the state of Texas help make up for that. It's a long drive to get anywhere but I often made trips down to the Guadalupe, Big Bend, Turner Falls near Ardmore, Ok, Tyler and New Mexico and Colorado.”

“Hey Lonestar...I can honestly say that Lake Travis was one of the best hangout places I've been to. Windy Point sure has some great ...and I do mean really great memories. I feel that calling to go back often. Lucky you!”

“Say hellow to J.R. & Sue Ellen for me, lol.”

“Texas ... you mean you actually like it there? LOL”

“Spam, I wish I'd hiked more with you. You're good trail folk!

Dunk, I was born in Irving, lived all over MY great State. I agree, people MORE then make up for the lack of scenery. I miss the people the most I think. I'm just not meant to live outside of Texas.

Bubbur, good one, but I think its...The stars at night, are big and bright....

Tundra.....Windy point is VERY special to me as well, GOOD, I MEAN GOOD memories of that place. I have over 100 dives logged off the private side. DId you do any SCUBA there? When were you there last?

Lipstick, I grew up watching that show.

Steve, You can take the Texan out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the Texan. It's not for everyone.”

“Lonestar, I spent my time in Garland, Plano (go Wildcats), Sherman (where I went to high school) and Arlington (UTA). Another thing I miss is the dramatic storms.”

“hey lonestar, good fer you! we get to visit your fair state this july. have to bring the grandbaby down to ft worth area for nana and gramps. it's HOT and there aren't too many trees to speak of but the folks are kind and there's a 7-11 on every corner! never saw a convience store that sells gas and beer before i visited texas! i'm glad for you and yer family.”

“you never saw a convience store that sold gas and beer?!?!?!?

oh, the hu-MANITYYYYYYY!!!!!!!”

“Raddy, up in Joy's neck of the woods they have real liquor stores. All alcoholic beverages are sold there. No beer or Thunder Bird at the gas station/quickie mart and then making a trip to the ABC Store for the hard stuff! LOL

Lonestar- I'm glad you're happy about the move home. Being close to family when you're raising one can be great. I guess this means no Wilson Creek trip for you?

My little sister recently moved to McKinney. She hated it at first but it's starting to grow on her. She just misses being "home".”

“pam, we not only have liquor stores, but we also have LIQUOR WAREHOUSES!!!

vast temples of distilled bliss.

but i can't imagine having to go there everytime i needed gas AND a case of brew. you yankees lead a hard life.”

“Lonestar, I went to High School in Irving, Go Cardinals class of '74!”

“Our seven elevens sell beer and what some would call wine but no gas. And we can get beer at the grocery, just no liquor.”

“A Seven-Eleven without gas!?!?!??! Horrors!

How's the TT cutie pie doing? Have you sized her for boots yet;-) Pictures PLEASE!”

“At least Yanks can buy on Sunday!”

“Hey Lonestar, good for you!
I know how ya feel - I lived in another state for about 6 months or so, and I wanted to go home every day.”

“Pamster, she's great. No boots yet but we've got a pair of mocassins for her. Soon we'll have a photopoint page hopefully. I don't want to get Matt riled posting pictures!

You mean you can't buy beer on Sunday?! What do ya do if a pal drops by and drinks all your beer on a Sunday afternoon?!”

“Go over to grandpappy's still for a snort of the good stuff!”

“You can buy beer here on Sunday an gas at the same place but you gotta go to the "Icehouse" to get it LOL!!!!!!! What the h%ll is an Icehouse?? I moved here an heard that an thought they were talking about a convenience store named the Icehouse but no it's just what they call any local convenience store an "Icehouse" Cute Huh? I live near Houston”

“Oh we've come a long way here in North Cackalaky. We can buy beer and wine on Sundays as long as it's after 12 noon. None of the hard stuff unless you're in a restaurant ordering.

Little tiny mocs! How adorable!”