The Traveling Pineapple

That's A Wrap

2007-10-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

Last year, mad had a fantastic idea that I start a photo blog to show off all the super fun places that I went for work. If you read my other blog, The Pineapple Report, then you know that I no longer have the job that took me to the fabulous small towns of Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma depicted on this blog. I'm still taking pictures and I've even been to Aggieland since my August post (thanks for pointing that out Evil Spock), but I've decided that I am going to do all postings on The Pineapple Report until further notice.

Thanks!

The "ica" Building

2007-08-16T21:20:00.000-05:00

Austin, Texas
August 10, 2007

This a picture of the famed "ica" building (also known as the Bank of America building run by people too lazy to fix the lights on their sign). I'm just saying...

tags: Austin texas Photo ica Bank of America

Inner Space Cavern

2007-08-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Georgetown, Texas
August 4, 2007

In 1963, the Texas Highway Department began testing the ground in Georgetown to build I-35. They started drilling holes to test the strength of the ground. This is when they discovered Inner Space Cavern. Naturally, they went ahead and built the highway right over the cavern.

You are not allowed to touch anything because it will stop the growth of the formations in the cave, but there is one place that they allow you to touch. We decided not to touch it because the child sized germ factory in front of us had something that sounded a lot like whooping cough or TB. Gross.

If you do touch anything, you turn into black and white statues from the 1960s.

You can buy furry hats in the gift shop. Nothing says "caverns" like a furry hat. But Sylwester does look really cute!

Our tour guide told us that this formation was a sumo wrestler eating ice cream. I can see the sumo wrestler, but can can she be sure that he is eating ice cream? And what flavor? I would have asked her, but when she offered to take questions she always cut off the kid with really good questions. It was kind of like going on a tour led by a hall monitor.

Here are a bunch of other picutres I took of the cavern.

tags: Travel Texas Georgetown Inner Space Cavern

So close, yet so far away

2007-08-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

Georgetown, Texas
August 4, 2007

Cactus Pryor used to do these radio commercials for Gold's Department Store in Georgetown and one of it's selling points was that it was "just a conversation away." Back when those ads were running, there was actually pasture land between Austin and Georgetown. It was a nice drive. Now it is just bad traffic and strip malls. It isn't a conversation away anymore, just road rage and stress. Two cheers for progress. My friends were in town and wanted to go to Inner Space Cavern so I drove them up there. Once you get to Georgetown, it isn't a bad place even if you have to drive through Round Rock to get there from Austin.

Back in the day, Georgetown was covered in cow poop because The Chisholm Trail went through the heart of town.

I don't know what this building is, but I took a picture because I thought it was cool.

And because anytime I go to the county seat, I take pictures of the courthouse. Old habits die hard.

tags: Travel Texas Georgetown Chisholm Trail Cactus Pryor Golds photo

Is that right?

2007-08-03T16:53:00.000-05:00

Waterloo Ice House
Austin, Texas
July 14, 2007

I've never been a new mother so I can neither verify nor dispute the truth of this statement. But either way, I thought it was a strange marketing ploy. You know, not everyone is a new mom. Does this mean that the non-new moms among us should be eating something else instead?

tags: Texas Austin Waterloo Ice House Photo New Mom Cheeseburger

The Big Texan

2007-08-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

Amarillo, Texas
March 30, 2005
(more phone photos)

The Big Texan is a steakhouse, a motel, and a horse hotel. And they have a gift shop too.

and a really big cows. You know how much I love fake animals!

This is a picture of the 72oz. steak. When you order this, you sit at a table on a stage in the middle of the restaurant. It comes with a baked potato, salad, dinner roll and shrimp cocktail. You have to pay the $72 up front, but if you can eat the whole thing in less than an hour, they refund your money and you get a T-shirt, a souvenir boot mug and a certificate.

tags: Travel Texas Amarillo The Big Texan steakhouse 72oz. Free Steak

I-44 in Oklahoma

2007-07-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

Stroud, Oklahoma
June 13, 2005

As I was looking through some pictures I took with an old phone (during my pre-digital camera days) and I found some special pictures I took while I was in Oklahoma. I spent the summer of 2005 working in Oklahoma and went to a lot funky little places and saw some strange things. Unfortunately, I did not take many pictures. However, I saw this speed limit sign when I exited the interstate at the toll booth in Stroud and managed to get a picutre of it. I really wondered, why 17 mph? Why not round it down to 15 or up to 20?

tags: Travel Oklahoma Stroud I-44 toll road photo

I always enjoy a pun!

2007-07-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

Ha ha! Cops & Joggers instead of Cops & Robbers! Get it? Well, when I saw this, it got me thinking. Wouldn't it be more fun to watch the cops chase the robbers through a maze instead of a bunch of people running down the road? Am I wrong?

tags: Austin Texas funny pun sign photo Cops & Joggers

Ted Nugent, really?

2007-06-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

As a general rule, I post photos that I have taken. However, my obsession with my sitemeter has led me to Ted Nugent (see photo, left taken from www.tednugent.com). No foolin'. I admit, I was really curious. How could Ted Nugent's site possibly link to mine? I clicked on the link and it told me I had to register. Fine, no problem. I registered. But then I discovered that in order to find out what is in the hunting forum (where the link to my page is located), I have to subscribe. This is very different than registering because it requires a $20 payment. Well, Ted, I'm curious but not that curious. So, if anyone happens to get to my page from Ted Nugent's hunting forum, I am dying to know the context of the link to my page.

tags: sitemeter Ted Nugent hunting forum pineapple photo

Mean Eyed Cat

2007-06-26T00:36:00.000-05:00

Austin, Texas

That's right. Just like the Johnny Cash song. What else could you do with the old Cute-Rite chainsaw repair shop? Turn it into a funky Johnny Cash tribute bar, of course.

Well, actually some developers really wanted to turn it into condos. And now developers have snatched up all of the land around it and are busily putting up yet another place to buy overpriced things that nobody really needs (or can really afford) and more lofts (we don't have nearly enough of those in Austin). And even though the Mean Eyed Cat has been in business since 2004, the zoning doesn't allow for a bar and they just don't serve enough food to be a considered a restaurant. Well, now they have to face the music and try to get the property rezoned to stay in business. It is a kick ass little dive despite all of the crappy development around it. Of course there is a petition to save the place, and they have had a benefit concert to save the place (this is Austin afterall and we have got to keep it weird). Naturally, the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association is against the zoning change. Why? Because they think if there is one bar near their neighborhood then there will be a million tomorrow. Frankly, I would be more upset by the new development than the cool bar if it were in my neighborhood. Personally, I'm rooting for the Mean Eyed Cat.

For those of you unfamiliar with the song I have included the lyrics for your reading pleasure:

Mean Eyed Cat
by Johnny Cash

I give my woman half my money at the general store I said, "Now buy a little groceries, and don't spend no more." But she gave ten dollars for a ten cent hat And bought some store bought cat food for a mean eyed cat.

When I give her ten more dollars for a one way ticket She was mad as she could be Then I bet ten more that if she ever left She'd come a-crawlin' back to me When I woke up this mornin' and I turned my head There wasn't a cotton pickin' thing on her side of the bed I found a little old note where her head belonged It said, "Dear John, honey, baby, I'm long gone."

When I heard a whistle blowin', and the big wheels a-turnin' I was scared as I could be I put on my overalls and I headed to town Gonna bring her back with me.

I asked the man down at the station if he'd seen her there I told him all about her pretty eyes and long, blonde hair He spit his tobacco, said, "I'll be dad blamed...... I believe I did see her leavin' on the east bound train."

I bought a round trip ticket on the east bound train I was broke as I could be But when I come back, gotta buy another ticket Gotta bring her back with me.

Well, I got off the train somewhere in Arkansas And I worked up the guts to call my Mother-In-Law She said, "I'll tell you where she is, if you act right." "She's workin' four to twelve at Trucker's World tonight."

When I walked in she saw me, and she took off her apron And she grabbed her goin' home hat She bought a ticket with her tips And now we're curled up on the sofa, me and her....and that mean eyed cat

tags: Austin Texas Mean Eyed Cat Johnny Cash bar photo

Is that a fact?

2007-06-26T00:05:00.000-05:00

Austin, Texas
June 9, 2007

I usually see this guy standing on the corner of 38th and Guadalupe on Saturdays. His signs are odd, yet always religious in nature. He usually wears this tie-dyed shirt and a wig. I never have my camera. Except this time I did.

tags: Austin Texas religion photo

Smithville, Texas, the home of Hope Floats

2007-06-25T23:57:00.000-05:00

Smithville, Texas
June 10, 2007

Ironically, when we got home that day Hope Floats was on cable so I decided to watch it and I actually saw this lovely blue bull in the movie. Has this been sitting there in this parking lot all of this time?

tags: Travel Texas Smithhville blue bull Hope Floats photo

R.O.T. Biker Rally Parade

2007-06-04T12:02:00.000-05:00

June 1, 2007:

Every year, thousands of bikers come to Austin for the R.O.T. Biker Rally. One of the highlights is when they ride through Austin for their parade. Here are the pictures I took:

And here is the video I shot:

tags: Austin Texas R.O.T. Biker Rally Parade 2007 Harley Bike Motorcycle Video Photo youtube

Memorial Day 2007

2007-05-31T14:29:00.000-05:00

I suspect that this Memorial Day will be very memorable for my neighbors. I came home early from my friends' anniversary party and was relaxing on the couch when I heard lots of squealing tires. I heard the car screech around the corner and start down my street. I got up and ran out on the front porch. That's when I heard the crash and screams. I took off running down the street. That's when I saw a guy running down the street and the truck crashed into my neighbors' house. By the time it was over, we had two fire trucks, two ambulances, and five cop cars on our street. The driver was found and arrested. Luckily, the only thing that got hurt was the house.

tags: Austin Texas Memorial Day truck crash house photo

Where in the world was Pineapple?

2007-05-30T12:54:00.000-05:00

May 11, 2007

Look! I'm in New York...

Oh, that's just the other Statue of Liberty in front of the Midland County Courthouse...

tags: Texas Travel photo Midland

"Home" of W

2007-05-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

May 10, 2007
Midland, Texas

There is an old saying: Just because a cat has her kittens in the oven, that doesn't make them biscuits. So here is the deal. Baby Boy Bush may have lived in Midland as a child, but he was not born in Texas. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He is not and never will be a Texan. That being said, here are pictures I took when I drove past his childhood home.

Aren't you excited?

I guess they are expected big crowds because the parking lot is HUGE!

But if by some chance, that many people wanted to visit at the same time they couldn't all fit inside. I guess they would have to visit the gift shop next door.

tags: Travel Texas Midland Bush

Garden City, Texas

2007-05-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

May 9, 2007
Garden City, Texas

I bet you are wondering -- "where is the picture of the garden?" Well, Garden City is one of the many towns in Texas with a name that is ironic or perhaps just hopeful. I got to visit two of them in one week (Big Lake and Garden City). While I was there, I bought a lottery ticket and decided that if I hit the jackpot, I would build them a much needed garden. When I asked about the town name, no one had an explanation. However, after a search on google, I discovered that the town was supposed to be named after a store proprieter named Mr. Gardner, but it was misspelled.

This is the Glasscock County courthouse, built in 1910.

This is the old jail (built in 1894).

I don't know what this is, but it was on the courthouse grounds.

This is the new jail and home of the tax assessor's office. Naturally, the sheriff jails people and collects the taxes.

tags: Travel Texas Garden City Glasscock County

Lake! Big Lake!

2007-05-10T19:44:00.000-05:00

May 8, 2007
Big Lake, Texas

Did Long Duck Dong wreck Grandpa's car here? Probably not. Apparently the Big Lake was drained in 1975.

But because it was raining, I had my own personal big lake in front of my motel. Yeah, me!

And because I take a picture of the courthouse in every county seat I visit, here it is.

This is La Mula, the mexican food restaurant. Yummy!

Too bad, there weren't enough people to keep Poppa Joe in business. Sho-Nuff!

tags: Travel Texas Big Lake

Rankin, Texas

2007-05-09T23:01:00.000-05:00

May 7, 2007
Rankin, Texas

Mmmm, rusty water tower...

This is the courthouse. Exciting!

This used to be a place to eat. Now it is an out of business junk shop that still has a cow on it and a sign that says "eat." When I first saw the cow, I was excited because I found the place I wanted to eat lunch. I was sad to discover the truth. Instead, I ate lunch at La Familia and it was really good. You should eat there if you ever end up in Rankin.

This was the Yates Hotel, home of the Rankin Museum. It is closed like just about everything else in Rankin. Once upon a time, Rankin was a hoppin' little town with the Yates Hotel, a country club, places to eat, and so on. Unfortunately, the economy went South and so did the people.

Here is an odd piece of yard art in front of the former Yates Hotel/Rankin Museum.

And some more yard art next to the building. It makes you wonder what could have been inside the museum...

tags: Travel Texas Rankin Yates Hotel Rankin Museum photo

I'm a lucky pineapple

2007-05-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

April 29, 2007
8 Miles East of Columbus, Texas on I-10:

So I am driving down I-10 on my way to Houston when I hit something and the tire blew out. This is what it looked like after we took it off the car:

So here is the scary part. There was something else in the road and this is what made me lose control of the car. This is the point when I did a 180 across two lanes of traffic and ended up facing the wrong direction in the median. Of course, the car did not stop before it hit the fence in the center of the median. Here is the damage:

This was probably one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. But now that I have had some time, I can recall a couple of things about this that were pretty damn funny. For instance, after the car started spinning out of control, MOTL told me that I should slow down. Gee, thanks! Then, when I called the handy-dandy number on the back of my license for road side assistance I was explaining to the dispatcher where I was and she said I think you are near the wreck that was called in. I told her that I didn't see a wreck and she replied that I was the wreck. Duh!

Disclaimer: Do not try this at home (or on a busy highway).

tags: Travel Texas Columbus Houston car wreck blow out tire

Another dumb sign

2007-05-01T22:59:00.000-05:00

I was in Houston at the Harris County courthouse when I saw this wonderful sign.

Do you think that they realize that chairs are, in fact, furniture?

tags: Houston Texas Harris County courthouse dumb sign

Today's lesson is: SHARP!

2007-05-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

I have these neighbors that decided to do some landscaping recently. Their choice of ground cover is quite interesting. It is broken glass. I found this interesting on many levels. For one thing, it should make for an interesting gardening experience when they decide that they want to plant things. Sounds like fun to kneel in a big pile of glass and dig around, does it? The other thing that is interesting is that they have a small child. I bet once that kid starts walking, it won’t take long to learn about sharp things. Oh, and the other fun thing is that they decided to fill in the cracks on the sidewalk with broken glass. It is not fun to walk through glass wearing flip-flops. I learned about sharp that day (and to walk on the other side of the street).

Here is a close up of the broken glass.

and a pretty picture of the the future good times they will have gardening.

And the whole picture.

tags: broken glass landscaping

I want to meet the "Queen of Pies"!

2007-04-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

(Click Picture for BIGGER!)

I've never eaten at Home Slice Pizza. But when I do, I hope I get to meet the "Queen of Pies".

tags: Austin Texas Home Slice Pizza Queen of Pies Photo

National Day of Prayer

2007-04-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

It seems like this sign implies that 2 Chronicles 7:14 says: "America, Unite in Prayer." I don't remember The Bible making any direct reference to America. I guess I could be wrong.

tags: National Day of Prayer 2 Chronicles 7:14 Sign Photo

Please help me

2007-04-29T12:51:00.000-05:00

I'm just wondering what color this is.

tags: Ugly Car Color Photo

A bridge to nowhere

2007-04-25T15:33:00.000-05:00

April 22, 2007:
Outside of Smithville on Highway 71, there is this lovely section of bridge that goes nowhere. You, too, can have one of these lovely bridges that goes nowhere. Oh! To dream!

tags: Travel Texas Highway 71 bridge photo

Bumper Stickers are Fun!

2007-04-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

April 5, 2007:
Rockport, Texas

I saw this bumper sticker on my way out of town. I'm guessing that this guy isn't a big fan of cats. I couldn't get a good shot so I followed him to the Whataburger. I was hungry so it worked out. I got a greasy burger and this picture.

tags: Travel Texas Rockport bumper sticker

I love puns

2007-04-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

April 4, 2007:
George West, Texas

I really love church signs when they are trying to be funny or clever.

tags: Travel Texas George West church sign

My Bluebonnet has a friend!

2007-04-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

I used to have one bluebonnet but now...

tags: Texas Wildflower Bluebonnet

Gotcha!

2007-04-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

March 9, 2007:
The Pineapple Parents have had some troubles with critters living under their house. I was at the Pineapple Parents' house on this particular day and we kept hearing a cat meow. The Pineapple Dad sent me under the house to check it out. Yeah, me! There was something in the trap and, thankfully, it was only the next door neighbor's cat. MOTL was not so lucky the day the Pineapple Dad asked him to help relocate a possum and her babies...

tags: Julius is Under The House Again! Cat Cage photo

Wildflower

2007-04-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

April 3, 2007:
Although we are still in a drought, we recently had a lot of rain and the wildflowers finally started blooming. Thanks, Lady Bird Johnson! Why thank Lady Bird, you ask? After LBJ returned to Texas, Lady Bird persuaded the State of Texas to seed the highways with bluebonnets, the state flower, and other wildflowers. It makes for a pretty drive. This is the one bluebonnet in my front yard. Pretty, huh?

tags: Texas Travel Wildflowers Bluebonnet Lady Bird Johnson

Fire!

2007-04-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

Feb. 20, 2007:

I saw this grass fire south of Austin on Hwy. 183.

tags: Texas Travel grass fire photoblog

Power lines

2007-04-19T19:23:00.000-05:00

Feb. 20, 2007:
I saw this truck while I was sitting at a light.

But my car isn't nearly as tall, so I'm not really sure why I was being warned about power lines...

tags: Texas Travel Truck power line photoblog

Jisus!

2007-04-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

Thats right I said:

tags: Travel Texas Jisus

Luling, Texas

2007-04-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

Feb. 9, 2007
Scenes from Luling, Texas, home of the Watermelon Thump.

The watermelon water tower.

The pump jacks in town have been decorated.

Welcome to Oil City!

tags: Travel Texas Luling

What is this?

2007-04-17T21:29:00.000-05:00

Feb. 9, 2007
This tree is outside of Refugio, Texas. There is a historical marker sign, but since it is on the highway and there is no place to pull in I have no idea what was so special about this tree.

UPDATE: I started thinking about why these trees are so important and googled them. Duh.
As per the Texas Settlement Region they are the Urrea Oaks.

Urrea Oaks
US 77, S of Refugio
Refugio

Year Marker Erected: 1973
Location: From Refugio, take US 77 south about 15 mi. to median park area.

Marker Text:
By tradition, camping place in March 1836, during Texas War for Independence, of Gen.Jose Urrea of Mexico. Strategically located, this was Urrea's staging area. Capt. Amon B. King came from Goliad with his Texas volunteers to support the Refugio townsmen, who were taken into the safety of Mission Nuestra Senora Del Refugio. Then Lt. Col. William also arrived on March 13, and the "Battle of Rufugio" began. Both King and Ward left protection on the Mission, and Urrea won final victories over them, capturing King's command on March 15 and Ward's on March 22.

tags: Travel Texas Refugio

Gonzales, Texas

2007-04-17T21:03:00.000-05:00

Feb. 6, 2007
I drove through Gonzales and saw these things:

This is the courthouse.

This is picture is for Henry.

And this is for my friends over at LBI.

tags: Travel Texas Gonzales

Oooooh Spooky!

2007-03-01T16:49:00.000-06:00

I found some old pictures on my phone recently. I took these at Green Pastures when we were there celebrating the Pineapple Dad's birthday last November. Green Pastures is famous for its kick ass milk punch, white peacocks and for being the childhood home of John Henry Faulk.

tags: Austin Texas Green Pastures Peacock John Henry Faulk Milk Punch Pictures Photos

Bull!

2007-02-06T11:55:00.000-06:00

Why would you tuck this fabulous yard art away? If I had this, I would have it in my front yard, not on the side... But that's just me.

tags: Travel Texas Refugio Yard Art Bull

Yard Art!

2007-02-06T11:16:00.000-06:00

The source of some excellent yard art comes from Odem, Texas. I hope that one day I will have time to go in and find my own special piece of art. Perhaps something in a pineapple? (Please click on the photos to enlarge)

This is their yard -- well, part of their yard.

and more of their yard...

Gorilla vs. Crocodile. I hope that fence can keep them apart...

This was about the size of a baby elephant. Why be classy when you can be large?

Love the sea serpent

I didn't know that rabbits were bigger than dinosaurs, but apparently they are!

tags: Travel Texas Odem Yard Art

Mmmmmmmm!

2007-01-30T22:12:00.000-06:00

I don't know what a mixed pork chop is, but... well, I don't know what a mixed pork chop is, do you?

tags: Travel Taft Texas Mixed Pork Chop

This post is brought to you by the letter "N"

2007-01-30T22:10:00.000-06:00

...as in frozeN.

tags: Refugio HEB Froze Frozen Foods

Some funs signs

2007-01-30T21:58:00.000-06:00

January 29, 2007

I saw this in Cuero (you may recall from an earlier post that Jesus is King of Cuero). While Jesus may be king, someone is queen of hand washing at the Conoco. I don't want to know what happened to compel someone to add "thoroughly" to that sign, but I kept imagining some showdown on the proper way to wash your hands.

I saw this at the HEB in Refugio. I particularly like the instructions on washing your hands between handling different species. Wow.

tags: Wash Your Hands Cuero Conoco Refugio HEB

brrrr!

2007-01-30T21:54:00.000-06:00

January 17,2007

tags: Austin Texas Ice Storm 2007

Beavers

2007-01-30T21:19:00.000-06:00

January 10, 2007

One day I was driving down I-10 and saw a huge billboard with a picture of this same beaver. My first though was that it was a secret advertisement for a brothel. But actually, it is the logo for Bu-cee's. I didn't get a hot tip on any brothels while I was there, but they do have the cleanest public bathrooms I've ever been in.

tags: Buc-ees Beaver

You Know You're a Rich Redneck

2007-01-30T21:13:00.000-06:00

If you have your own brand of beef jerky.

tags: Jeff Foxworthy Beef Jerky

Remember the ugly pink duffle bag?

2007-01-30T20:49:00.000-06:00

November 16, 2006

Well, it is gone. The Ladies decided that my personal fight against terrorism should end. They thought my hideous pink duffle bag would make a fantastic chew toy instead. Bye bye ugly pink duffle bag!

tags: The Ugly Pink Duffle Bag Is Dead

Christmas in Hallettsville, Texas

2007-01-30T19:53:00.000-06:00

November 15, 2007

Apparently, the folks in Hallettsville are not up on certain topics -- like separation of church and state and urban legends because this is a sample of how they decorate the courthouse for Christmas.

For Example, they believe that the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" is a song about Jesus.

Let's just skip the part about how Jesus doesn't really belong on government grounds. Let's get right to the meaning of the song. It is about giving gifts, dancing and having fun (you go lords-a-leaping!). This song is not a secret device for oppressed Christians to remember the tenets of their faith or any other such nonsense. Read more here if you are interested.

An candy canes are just candy. It is not a secret symbol for oppressed Christians (when have Christians ever been oppressed?) or red because Jesus died for your sins and white because he is pure. Learn about how they are not religious candy here.

tags: Travel Texas Hallettsville Christmas Urban Legend First Amendment

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil

2006-12-13T12:27:00.000-06:00

November 7, 2006
Funny pictures from a non-traveling pineapple kind of day...

tags: See no evil hear no evil speak no evil

Funny things I saw

2006-12-13T12:18:00.000-06:00

October 27, 2006

I should rely on the cashier of a convenience store in Brookshire for information on the threat level? For real?

For those of you that like to buy racy products...

The ho ho ho express (click to enlarge and get the full enjoyment of this).

tags: Travel Texas Homeland Security Bimbo Ho Ho Ho Express

Refugio

2006-12-13T11:58:00.000-06:00

Oct 25, 2006
Refugio (pronounced re-fury-oh) is not only home to cheap gas at the HEB

But is also the birth place of Nolan Ryan (pitcher and rancher extraordinaire).

You can fulfill all of your liquor needs (and possibly other activities here).

And enjoy the historic courthouse. It is also home to many store claiming to have "good junk" yet they always seem to be closed when I drive through town. I guess their junk isn't all that good...

tags: Travel Texas Refugio Nolan Ryan

Luckenbach, Texas, Population 3

2006-11-07T14:02:00.000-06:00

I wasn't there with Waylon, Willie and the boys but it was still a blast to hang out with the newly married couple et al...

They had kick ass old fashioned lemonade here -- yes, it was freshly squeezed and super sweet

This fancy building house the bathrooms

My personal favorite is the "A AGGIE" plate...

At the post office you can get all of your Luckenbach gear and beer, lots of beer

Usually, I only take pictures of fake animals, but I usually don't see roosters perched up in a huge oak tree either.

tags: Travel Texas Luckenbach

Historic Homes

2006-11-07T13:56:00.000-06:00

Some historic homes are made into museums, like the childhood home of LBJ

While others, like the childhood home of Chester Nimitz in Fredericksburg, are now arts and craps shops.

tags: Travel Texas Johnston City LBJ Fredericksburg Nimitz

Johnston City

2006-11-07T13:37:00.000-06:00

You should click to make this bigger so that you can see the guys climbing up the wall. This got my attention, but it was the house that made me turn around for pictures

Some one spent a lot of time doing this because there are shoes that are almost the same, but only one true pair.

This place had good food

And lots of stuff to look at

But what really made it special was that this was hanging over my head while I ate.

tags: Travel Texas Johnston City Feed Mill

Go vote today

2006-11-07T09:21:00.000-06:00

Today is your last chance to vote. And if you don't vote, then you have no business complaining about what is going on the in the world.

Swiss Alp

2006-11-03T11:12:00.000-06:00

October 18

Swiss Alp is located on a little hill between Hallettsville and Schulenburg. Skiing, anyone? Maybe some mountain climbing?

Let's take a trip in the way back machine...

2006-11-03T10:58:00.000-06:00

October 6

So does it make you a lucky lady if you surrender yourself to god in a run down bar in Corpus?

Here is a big rooster in Lockhart. I love fake animals!

And this is the Harvest Moon

A shout out to Master Officer Brooks!

2006-11-03T08:51:00.000-06:00

Last week when I was in Houston, I had a blow out on I-10 during Friday afternoon traffic. I got very lucky, my tire exploded right before an exit. Right after I pulled all the way over on the access road, a cop pulled over a speeder. After he issued the ticket, he came over and called me a "friendly wrecker". I had never heard of it, but the wrecker comes and the guy changes your tire for free. Not that this Pineapple can't change a tire, but it was a lot cleaner to have someone else do it. I'm not going to turn down the offer to have someone else change my tire. Anyway, while we were waiting I got to talking with Master Officer Brooks. This man, even though he was an Aggie, was a lot of fun. When I told him I was from Austin, he said, "Don't tell me your one of those tea sippers." I replied, "alright, I wont tell you." After we had been chatting for a while he commented on all the rubberneckers. He guessed they were wondering if I was going to get arrested. Then he said, "If that wrecker doesn't get here soon, I'm going have you frisk me and give these people something to think about." I almost fell over laughing. Could you imagine seeing that as you were driving home on a Friday afternoon? Unfortunately, the friendly wrecker showed up then. Oh well. Maybe next time. Thanks for all of your help, Master Officer Brooks. You helped me out of a tight spot and made a crummy situation fun.

p.s. I never did get a chance to take a picture of that tire, but it was a sight because it was completely destroyed...

I promise

2006-10-24T11:37:00.000-05:00

I will post new pictures soon...

Gas!

2006-10-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

The last time I was in Corpus, I bought gas for $2.09.

But today I bought gas for $1.99.

tags: Travel Texas Gas

Another room with a view

2006-10-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

First of all, I always like to stay places where they have a personal message welcoming me. It is so nice to be appreciated!

I took this picture when I was here two weeks ago, but since I'm staying in the next room over this time, so the view is the same.

Tennis, anyone? Just in case you were wondering, this the top of the parking garage.

and another picture of the high class tennis facilities

I don't recommend going to this restaurant. I went there a few weeks ago with The Pineapple Aunt and the service was horrible. Not only that, but when we asked for some lemon they brought us lime. When we questioned them about it, we were told that lemons were out of season. We burst out into laughter at that one. My question is what part of the year are limes in season, but lemons are not?

tags: Travel Texas Corpus Christi

Taft

2006-10-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't know how friendly they aren't because there isn't much of a reason to stop.

Unless you like your chicken good-n-crisp.

tags: Travel Texas Taft

Sinton still rules... not

2006-10-05T22:51:00.000-05:00

I love HUGE fake animals. I almost have enough to start a collection.

Despite the name, there is no real butter. And the food sucks. Bleck!

I'm sure that clever rhyme really keeps the bored teenagers of Sinton very sober.

tags: Travel Texas Sinton

Alright, I'm back

2006-10-05T22:34:00.000-05:00

So I have been really lazy about posting my pictures lately. But don't worry there are plenty to come. But before we take a trip back in time (well, the past two weeks) I just want to show you what I did tonight. Had I been inside of a Hooter's my jokes about the family titty bar would have been much better. Now I have actually been inside of one.

You can be a size negative 2 and your ass still looks huge in those tight orange polyester shorts. What asshole came up with that idea? Unfortunately I did not get a picture of the wire they put the orders on. It is really great because they have to reach up and clip the ticket on and then push it to the kitchen guys. Great exercise and you really get to show off your hooters...

And you get your own hooters for only $14.99. Nice.

tags: Travel Texas Corpus Christi Hooter's

I should change the name of my blog...

2006-09-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

... to "The Lazy Pineapple" because I have tons of pictures but I still haven't posted anything in FOREVER!!! Oh well. Maybe later today or tomorrow? Soon? Late? I don't know.

6' Cole, this is for you...

2006-09-19T23:56:00.001-05:00

I saw this in Corpus Christi. A bulldozer driving through downtown with the meter maid hot on its tails in her golf cart frantically calling for back up. Awesome!

You know how much I love yard art...

2006-09-19T23:56:00.000-05:00

This is what I saw in one yard in Agua Dulce, Texas:

tags: Travel Texas Agua Dulce Yard Art

The Hub City of South Texas

2006-09-19T23:41:00.000-05:00

Where is that, you ask? Alice!

This is the proof that Alice is the Hub City of South Texas. I'm not really sure what that means, but it is true.

This is the Jim Wells County courthouse.

I don't know what an "Astromatic" Car Wash is. I might have gotten one, but there didn't seem to be much car washing going on...

tags: Travel Texas Alice Hub City Astromatic Car Wash

San Diego!

2006-09-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

You thought I meant the one in California didn't you? How wrong you are!

This is the lovely Duval County courthouse

You can get your groceries and your decorating supplies in one place. I love one stop shopping!

The San Diego Cafe has great home cooking. Well, it is the only game in town so it is a good thing the food is good.

tags: Travel Texas San Diego

This looks like a great place to pollute

2006-09-19T23:26:00.000-05:00

This is Three Rivers, Texas where the Atascosa, Frio and Nueces Rivers converge. What a lovely place for a refinery!

tags: Travel Texas Three Rivers Atascosa Frio Nueces River

Three Legged Willie

2006-09-19T23:14:00.000-05:00

If you go to Columbus, Texas you can see this:

tags: Travel Texas Columbus District Court Tree Three Legged Willie

I didn't get out much in Houston

2006-09-19T23:02:00.000-05:00

This is the water wall or wall of water, or whatever.

This guy pulled up next to me at a light so I asked to take his picture.

tags: Travel Houston Texas

Muleshoe

2006-09-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

They really should repaint that sign. I always hope to see him there. Matt Houston, anyone?

This is the world famous mule. As I was driving through town last Friday, I saw the sign for "Mule Days" on September 9th. Do you see the problem with this? Anyway, had I known that there was a mule jumping contest I would have stayed. It sounds better than Donkey Baseball. I'll just have to catch it next year.

tags: Travel Muleshoe Texas Mule Days

Indians!

2006-09-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

I guess you figured out that Seminole is home of the Indians.

tags: Travel Seminole Texas Indians

Holy Toast!

2006-09-09T14:12:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Consider Holy Toast. It rules!

Here a a couple more presents I got. Love the pink hat and so does Laverne. Turns out she likes to play dress up. If you look closely, you will see the cool pineapple pin on the hat.

Thanks for a kick ass birthday!

tags: Pineapple Birthday Holy Toast Cowgirl Hat

Not much salt in Morton, Texas

2006-09-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

Ha ha. Very punny...

The courthouse is nice in Morton.

So is the yard art.

I'm not exactly sure what kind of business this was, but with a name like that I just don't understand why it is no more.

And here is a special picture for the Pineapple Clan. Just in case you were wondering, half of it is a video store and the other side sells books and used computers. They were both closed when I was there.

tags: Travel Texas Morton Yard Art

Nicole, this picture is for you...

2006-09-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

I know how much you enjoy tractors driving on the highway!

tags: Travel Texas

Some of the finer points of Portales

2006-09-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

When I drove into town, I saw feedlots, junkyards, and a lot of run down houses. Since Portales seems a little slum-like, I thought there might be more grouches than this sign claims.

When I drove up to the courthouse, it seemed nice enough.

But then there was the SMELL. The only way I can describe it is a combination of urine, bird crap and chemicals. Then I noticed the jailbirds cleaning up the courthouse grounds. Cleaning up the dead birds. See all the feathers? The whole lawn surrounding the courthouse is like this. That is not right.

This lovely art is showcased within the courthouse.

And this is the sink that is in the records room. My only question is: where is the toilet?

Muffler Galaxy, home of muffler art.

tags: Travel New Mexico Portales Roosevelt County Mufflers Dead Birds

Wanna buy some guns?

2006-09-07T00:07:00.000-05:00

There seem to be a lot of gun shops in Clovis, New Mexico

That sounds a little scary. I would feel better if they had everything for the hunter instead of the shooter...

The only thing missing from this place is the beer

I guess this one is for the precision shooters of Clovis.

tags: Travel New Mexico Clovis Guns

Jesus Is King of Cuero

2006-09-02T23:13:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

tags: Travel Cuero Texas Jesus

Finally, a picture of the hanging tree!

2006-09-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Historic Goliad

This is the courthouse. Luckily there is a huge oak tree outside to hang criminals

There was a time when they would take those convicted of capital crimes directly outside, throw a rope over a limb and hang 'em. Swift justice.

tags: Travel Goliad Texas Hanging Tree

Fancy car in Sinton

2006-09-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

Wanna race?

tags: Travel Sinton Texas Race Car

Sinton has special art, too!

2006-09-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

This special mural is on the wall of the Butter Churn Restaurant.

Celebrate the Bicentennial!

I had to put this in two pictures because there was a tree in the way.

But even in two, you can see that it is a very special mural.

tags: Travel Sinton Texas Art

More fake animals

2006-09-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

I had to stop in Taft, Texas to take a picture of this special yard art.

tags: Travel Taft Texas Yard Art

Some highlights of Corpus Christi

2006-08-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

You can't go to Corpus Christi without seeing the Selena Memorial.

Someone even left her some silk roses (no wilting!).

And there is the USS Lexington

And you should go see whatever this supposed to be...

tags: Texas Travel Corpus Christi Selena Memorial USS Lexington Art

A room with a view

2006-08-31T18:48:00.000-05:00

There is a lovely view from my room. But if you turn your head you see:

The two story Whataburger. Fancy!

And the Police Department. Whoo whoo goes the siren in the middle of the night!

tags: Texas Travel Corpus Christi Whataburger Police

Plates!

2006-08-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, my one true love and I were getting Pineapple Party supplies. He told me that there was a HUGE stack of plates on the side of the road. I went around the block so he could take a picture. Isn't it impressive?

tags: Found Plates

Airplane!

2006-08-30T22:34:00.000-05:00

I saw this on my way to catch a plane in Lubbock

tags: Travel Texas Plane Lubbock

I've got some catching up to do!

2006-08-30T21:16:00.000-05:00

I saw this on my way out of Roswell. I took the picture because it goes with the cow from Carlsbad. I'm thinking about starting a fake animal section...

It seems like it rains everywhere I go, so maybe it will rain when I go back.

I can answer that...

2006-08-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

This was in the Women's restroom in the Chaves County Clerk's office. I never did get the chance to see if there was any sexist "artwork" in the men's room.

btw, the answer is yes, he is still wrong.

Alien sightings around Roswell

2006-08-25T11:50:00.000-05:00

All of the street lights are glowing green alien heads.

I always wondered about Ringo...

Yes, please! Where is the closest dealership?

I couldn't resist when I saw this in the guest directory. It read: The Roswell Spacewalk. See the Roswell Mystery in a different light..." These crazy people made this "tunnel" that you walk through and you look through the "portholes". Because it was a black light exhibit, I made a really bad video of the Roswell Spacewalk instead of taking pictures. I didn't want the flash to interfere with the black light art.. Enjoy!

tags: Travel New Mexico Roswell Aliens Spacewalk Worst Video Ever Made!

Eating in Roswell

2006-08-25T00:17:00.000-05:00

This where I had lunch. It is the former Crashsite Cafe. My how things change. One day it is a crashsite and the next, a government cover-up. The Crashsite Cafe had "World Famous Ribs & Brisket featured on The Bobby Flay Network" (I saw the ad). I thought that Bobby Flay had a show on the Food Network, but I guess he is more important that I thought. But then again, the Crashsite Cafe is no more.

After work I was thirsty so I went here. It seemed more interesting than getting something from a convenience store.

I thought I was in New Mexico, people. If I wanted to eat Texas Pit BBQ, I would eat it in Texas.

The woman at the Roswell Spacewalk told me about the big McDonald's wall, so I had to check it out.

Nice how they worked in their logo.

And it wouldn't be complete without the Hamburgler in a spaceship.

tags: Travel New Mexico Roswell Cover Up Cafe Not of this World Texas BBQ McDonalds Aliens

You can find

2006-08-24T23:03:00.000-05:00

All of the worst things in New Mexico in this store:

tags: Travel New Mexico Roswell Tourism Gift Store

Arby's Roswell Style

2006-08-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

I wish I spoke alien so I could read the writing under the greeting.

UFOs!

2006-08-23T23:31:00.000-05:00

Today, I went to the International UFO Museum & Research Center. Aren't you jealous?

This alien greets you at the door.

And this is the space ship. I'm sure it is very realistic

And don't worry there is lots of parking for your UFO.

From Hobbs to Roswell

2006-08-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a glimpse of my journey today...

Um. No thanks, I'm not thirsty.

So what do you do after you no longer play for the Chicago Bears? You move back to your hometown of Lovington, New Mexico and sell used cars!

As I was driving to Artesia, there was a traffic light and no cross street (and a sign telling me to expect delays up to 7 minutes). Interesting.

This was right next to a huge orchard. Whatever they grow in Artesia I don't want any. I had a headache from the time I got to town and it lasted until well after I left. This town is full of processing plants. I suggest driving around Artesia if you can. I'm not sure how anything can survive there.

tags: Travel New Mexico Hobbs

Fine Eating Establishments

2006-08-23T22:50:00.000-05:00

I just wish that Spaghetti-Yo's was still open for business. I really feel like I missed out on one of Hobbs' finest eateries.

tags: Travel Hobbs

I love craters

2006-08-22T23:15:00.000-05:00

I had some time to kill on Friday because the courthouse in Sterling City closes at 1:30 on Fridays. So instead of waiting at the airport for any extra hour or so, I took a trip to the meteor crater of Odessa. I am so glad I did. They had kick ass shirts for sale and a hilarious coffee mug with a flaming meteor coming towards the earth with a preexisiting crater.

On the road to the crater, I saw this family cemetery. My first thought was that it isn't a very big family. Then I realized that the only family member here may not have been very well liked since the Henderson family spent a good deal of money on the gate and fence, but only tied together a couple of sticks to make a cross instead of buying a headstone.

Not that I was thinking of drinking the water from the faucets of the Ladies Restroom at the Meteor crater Museum, but I'm glad they warned me. It did make me wonder if it was even safe to wash my hands.

I know that this is West Texas and that there are a lot of snakes, but I don't think that they know to stay off of the path.

When this crater was discovered, it was just big hole in the ground so naturally, someone filled it up with sand. It was so much more impressive this way

I thought the garbage bags in the middle of the "crater" was a nice tough. Don't you?

tags: Travel Texas Odessa Meteor Crater

Sterling City

2006-08-22T23:11:00.000-05:00

There isn't much to Sterling City -- the courthouse and jail, the cafe, gas station, and the candle store-- but I highly recommend visiting Maxine at the City Cafe. You better hurry because she is going to sell it soon.

No, this isn't me (or Maxine). This is super fabulous Pineapple Friend Nicole at Maxine's cafe. Her food was awesome.

The decor was divine

And after telling us that we had to get a picture of Gumby because they had gotten drunk together quite a few times, Maxine told us a funny story about a certain public official that doesn't look her in the eye when he speaks to her. In fact, she had to tell him to stop talking to her vagina.

Driving through West Texas

2006-08-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

I forgot to fill up on my way out of San Angelo and was thinking I wasn't going to make it to Sterling City. Fortunately, this gas station was in Water Valley. As best I can tell, not so much water.

The way this guy was driving, it is always "Beer 30". I'm not sure that is something that you really want to advertise while you are driving.

tags: Travel Texas San Angelo Water Valley Beer 30