the tindog coffeehouse

This last cold spell started getting me excited about the Fort Worth Stock Show. It’s still early; the stock show isn’t until January. But it’s one of the few things to really look forward to in late January. (You have to have something to keep you going after the end of college football season.)

On the surface it doesn’t really sound like anything too exciting: looking at a bunch of cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, and various other livestock. But it actually is a lot of fun. We head out there every year with the kids and then go out for barbeque afterwards. (I still don’t think the girls understand where that yummy brisket comes from.) It’s one of those days you feel like you’re reconnecting with what it means to be a Texan. If you’re from Texas, you understand.

There’s a petting zoo and carnival midway, which we don’t bother with. There’s also the rodeo, which is really great but also a bit expensive. We haven’t taken the girls to the rodeo yet since they haven’t been old enough for us to really justify spending the money. Maybe this year, who knows?

I’m just glad to have the opportunity for the girls to see (and smell) these animals up close to get a real appreciation for the role they play in our lives. Agriculture is still a huge part of our economy and our statewide identity, and it’s easy to lose sight of that living in the suburbs and growing up surrounded by a Wal-Mart, Starbucks, and Home Depot on every corner. After all, what would Cowtown be without the cows?