Famous Texan -- The Simple (and Complicated) Life of a Texas Titan: Ross Perot

A Texas Titan and legend has left the great state of Texas for the last time.

H. Ross Perot, age 89, passed away Tuesday, July 9th, 2019.

This man from humble beginnings rose to great heights.
Perot started as a paperboy -- not your average on-a-bike paperboy.
No sir, this Texarkana native delivered papers from the back of his pony: Miss Bee.
He attended the U.S. Naval Academy before spending time as a midshipman;
then went on to become a self-made billionaire through the launch of his company EDS;
funded a rescue mission of two of his corporate executives;
ran for President TWICE;
supported the Arts & medical centers;
championed POWs and returning veterans;
and lived by the work ethic: hard, honest work & family.

Colorful self-made billionaire H. Ross Perot dies at 89

Ross Perot would probably have told any listener that his greatest achievement was that of his family. He was intensely dedicated to them, employing a personal jet and coordinating his schedule so he could be home 'to say grace' for dinner and spend evenings with his wife and children.















If you read the current news & magazine articles and you'd probably win Perot trivia.
Ross Perot's 1st job? Delivering newspapers in Texarkana, TX.
Ross Perot's billion dollar company? EDS, started in 1962, with a $1,000.00 loan from his wife. Boy, did she make a smart investment.
Perot's employer before starting EDS? Yep, the big, towering giant: IBM.
Perot's run for the Presidency? Twice -- 1992 & 1996.
How much personal capital did Perot invest in his campaign? A cool 63.5 million.


He was a man who wore many professional and public hats in his life: dedicated business man, entrepreneur, world traveler, world advocate for POWs, Presidential hopeful.

But is that all there is to his story?

As I read through multiple articles extolling Ross Perot's accomplishments, I had to wonder about the more important basis for his life: his family, his value, his core beliefs. It took a bit of searching, but articles such as: Remembering Ross Perot -- and the Circus Dog, Traveling Outhouse and other tales he left behind, revealed the man behind the computer brilliance.


Apparently, odd family pets (a circus dog, a sun cub bear, a fishing eagle, a kangaroo, even a camel); pranks of the most extraordinary nature (initiated by Perot and often reciprocated by his family and friends); unusual family vacations (travelling through war zones); and a man intensely dedicated to his family were the real traits of Ross Perot.

When learning of Ross Perot's death (and Lee Iaocca, who is not featured here as this is a Texas tale) my husband reminded me of the bible verse: Matthew 19:24, 'I'll say it again-it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.' It was something to consider. Many rich people get lost & disconnected from their faith. Money becomes their master. But in researching the belly of Ross Perot's life, that doesn't seem to be the case. (I will offer the same aside that I told my husband: 'None can know the true heart of another man. Only God knows what dwells inside.') And while good deeds will NOT get us into Heaven, deeds -- especially those kept private -- can often attest to the true nature of a man . . . or woman.

His longtime friends said that he was a morally-convicted man, boldly, and sometimes brashly, charting his life by his own compass. He practiced anonymous philanthropy; many in his family unaware of the extent of his quiet support for people around the world. 'Buddies to the End'

'Perot will always be remembered for his "big, bold moves,"' long-time, personal friend, Langone said, '. . . nothing mattered more to him than his family. That came ahead of faith, country and friends — all of which Perot also cherished,' Langone said.

'He was a legend ... but he was the most down-to-earth, caring individual I'd ever met,' Langone said during the service.



Additionally, those who spoke at his memorial gave notice of Ross Perot's quiet and consistent dedication to improve people's lives. Perhaps, those who run in Texas philanthropy circle have heard the Perot name bandied about. Chances are, however, it would be his foundation that received the recognition. Living my life in Texas and tuning into local news stations, there were never any 'bragging' stories about Perot's life. Apparently, he truly believed in behind the scenes. It appears H. Ross Perot believed: doing good deeds with the goal of praise and adoration meant doing them for the wrong reason.

Additionally, Perot supported Scouting. Whether you agree with their politics, whether you are the outdoor type, even whether you think group activities are good for growing youth . . . Perot did. Ross Perot supported the scouting organizations. Starting in the 1960s, Perot pledged donations to support local and council levels. He was awarded several Scouting Awards including: Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver Antelope Award, Silver Beaver Award & the Silver Buffalo Award. He not only walked the walk through his donations, but Perot's son, son-in-law and five grandsons all earned the Eagle Scout Award. And if you know anything about the Boy Scouts of America, you'll understand the convergence of this prestigious award is hard-earned.

It is with heavy hearts that Texans say good-bye to a legend, a titan, a quietly dedicated man. Texans would say that living in the Lone Star State is like a piece of Heaven on earth. ON July 9th, Ross Perot traded in his cowboy boats for wings in the hereafter. He'll be missed.



As always thanks for stopping by my porch.
Do drop in again.

Matthew McConaughey Unveiled: his deep Texas roots!

For Texans, all paths lead home. That's home to Texas. It seems that actor, Matthew McConaughey is no different. From his native roots of Uvalde, Texas (a South West Texas town of a 17,000 or so residents), then straight up I-35 for the University of Texas (where he attended the graduate program for Film Directing), the actor has traveled quite a few roads in the Lone Star State. He's rather like a Texas tumbleweed, always on the move through the state and his fans never know where he'll turn up next.

For 30 seriously lucky University of Texas film students, they could brag Matthew McConaughey, alumni class of 1993, was their assigned professor as he took the students behind the scenes of his then-current film 'The Free State of Jones'. Few budding film-makers will ever tout this honor.
Matthew McConaughey teaching filmmaking course at University of Texas.

Thanksgiving came early for a group of first-responders (firefighters, police officers, 911 operators) in October 2018 as McConaughey spread a little turkey cheer. Showing up with a catered meal at the National First Responder luncheon, McConaughey wanted to give his own version of thanks to those who'd battle against the winds and rains of Hurricane Harvey. The 'turkey' was specific to his connection with the Wild Turkey organization and McConaughey's promotional tour. Before you get your feathers ruffled that this event was just a photo-op, keep in mind that the turkey was tasty, and the thanks sincere. All who watched news and weather coverage of the devastation left from Harvey and the multitude of heroes who stepped up for the challenge know that it doesn't matter who paid for the bird. Gracious thanks should always be offered to those who serve the many.
Matthew McConaughey gives back to first responders in Texas visit.

Friday Night Football is no laughing matter to Texans, and neither is their Saturday collegiate love affair. Matthew McConaughey, graduate of University of Texas, is a somewhat common presence at his alma mater. He's been known to show up on the sidelines of UT games, the Longhorn locker room, and even during football practice -- clapping and cheering on his favorite team. Clearly, the man isn't afraid of making a UT statement. The most faithful of the 'hook em' horns' alumni will trot out their burnt orange attire, but not many can claim the suit to match the team's uniforms. Actor takes in Texas practice.

Oh, and it isn't just football that gets Matthew McConaughey's attention: Texas alum Matthew McConaughey to be 'Minister of Culture' for Longhorns' basketball arena. Currently, the actor has been dubbed Minister of Culture for Longhorn basketball. Seems as though, if the Longhorns are involved and there's a ball in play, the actor is ready to cheer on the team.

While his energy and enthusiasm for the state can't be denied, Texans are equally enamored with the film star. Matthew McConaughey Gets Honored at Texas Medal Of Arts Awards with Family By His Side! The Oscar-winning actor was also the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Alum award: Tower Glows for 2014 Distinguished Alumni

And if you're still wondering if Matthew McConaughey likes Texas parts . . . well, just consider his role in the girl-squealing, power-tool-reeving, larger-than-life bad guy, 1994 remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre & the 2012 film, Bernie. The Texas tale based on an undertaker who murdered a woman in the tiny town of Carthage, Texas then stuffed her in a deep freeze so he could set out to do good for the town with the dead-old-witch's money. Yep, life is surely stranger than fiction in Texas and actor Matthew McConaughey embraced the role of the prosecutin' (that's Texas speak) attorney.




All-in-all, Texans don't need to head out to Hollywood to rub elbows with famous folks. We just attend a football game or stroll down Austin streets (the actor keeps a residence in Austin -- somewhere) or wait for the next Texas movie to start filming.

Whataburger -- Tasty Travels & Tr(EATS) in Texas

Whataburger - the Tale of a Legend

Whataburger opened its first store in Corpus Christi, Texas in August of 1950.

Hamburgers sold for .35C and milk shakes were .15C.

No inside – or for that matter outside – seating.

No Drive-THRU. (Although the drive-in burger joint was already popular.)

No phone-in orders or GrubHub deliveries.

ONE walk-up window to place an order.

What gave Whataburger the edge?

Perhaps it was their innovative thinking, entrenched with family-owned traditions:


1) The 5-inch paddy that required two hands to hold. (All others at the time served a 4-inch paddy).

2) The unique A-frame orange & white striped buildings. (Entrepreneur Harmon Dobson was a pilot and he wanted the buildings to be seen from the air.)

3) A woman at the helm – ‘Lady’ Grace Dobson took up the reins of Whataburger when her husband died in 1967 and continued until 1993 when their son took over as president & CEO.


4) Offer additional products that customers loved: Taquito (remember, this is deep in Tex-Mex country), Breakfast on a Bun, and the Whatachick’n, Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich.


5) Running brilliant promotions: the Nickel Coffee Mug, a promo designed to provide .5C coffee for Whataburger customers, as long as it was served in this mug, started in 1983 and instead of running through the year -- the original forecasted plan -- the promo run until 1997.

6) Sponsoring the community: Whataburger Hometown Heroes and multiple volunteer organizations.


7) And always, always, making the burgers fresh to order.

Folks who support a Whataburger (and that spelling is correct, and not to be confused with What-A-Burger, a completely separate organization) in their state will claim – loud & clear – their dedication to the family restaurant.

If you stop by any neighborhood Whataburger, you could see:


A wedding reception:

A few faces etched with ‘maturity’ and covered with a bit of snow on the top.
Living The Bold Life

Guests from around the world – African Children’s Choir

Corpus Christi, Texas still warmly – and hungrily – remembers those Whataburger roots.

The original stand may be only a distant memory, but a created-replica sits
@ 4126 South Staples Street in Corpus Christi if you’d like to stop by a photo opportunity.

But what to eat when you dine at Whataburger?
According to Ranker.com, the TOP 3 items are the Whataburger Patty Melt, French Fries, and the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. However, there is a load of Whataburger faithful who swear by the Breakfast Taquito.

(2nd ranking list @ Thrillist.com)

Ever stopped off at a Whataburger?

What's your dining favorite?

Is it a MUST-DO to travel to Texas for a Whataburger?
Nope . . . but there are loads of other reasons for visiting the Lone Star State as well.
However, Whataburgers are located in at least 10 states (Southern United States) with roughly 805 locations. Whataburger locations

On a sad note (at least, Texans consider it such) . . . Life changes and sometimes folks are just ready to retire and start a new chapter in their lives. As of June 2019, the founding family sold the Whataburger organization. Family-Owned Whataburger Isn’t Family-Owned Anymore

The blessings of a 'place' that has become a legend is the individual and shared memories. So many, raised in Texas, could recount some specific story from their childhood or teen years that featured Whataburger as center stage.

I can remember my dad golfing early every Saturday morning. Instead of visiting the 19th hole, dad came to the house and collected us kids then off to Whataburger we went for lunch. It was one of the original A-frame buildings with limited seating and always a line. Waiting for the burgers to be ready was expected -- because DUH! made fresh-to-order takes time. Then there was the smell of bubbling French Fries and searing meat. It was enough to make any kiddo bounce in their seat and swing their legs, but it was always worth it. BEST ketchup ever! I don't know why it's better; it simply is. That is a sweet childhood memory -- one that existed because of Whataburger.

My hubby remembers his mom taking him to Whataburger after pee-wee football practice for a large Coke. This is the South, folks, and all carbonated drinks are known as 'Coke' no matter what's in the glass. And please don't leave me a comment about kids drinking soda after physical exercise. This was a loooong time ago, before the invention of super energy drinks and healthy sports liquids. My husband's football coaches gave the team salt-tablets during 2-a-day summer training. Believe me, lots of things were nutritionally different in the 60s & 70s. The point is that he remembers his mom waiting for him in the stands during practice then off to Whataburger where he drank his Coke and she sipped a cup of coffee and he talked a mile-a-minute recounting every play and tackle all under the orange & white striped awnings. It's a good memory, and life should be filled with those.

Do you have any Whataburger memories to share?
Feel free to leave them in the comment section.
All will be appreciated.

Do drop by my porch again.
I'll be watching the lightning bugs with a glass of sweet tea and ready to take on another Texas Travel.

Other Texas Travels:

Giddy-Up to Galveston

Best Texas Barbecue - Sonny Bryan's

And be Summer Smart in the HEAT! 6 Smart Strategies for Surviving Summer Heat

A Must-See-EAT for Texas Barbecue - Sonny Bryan's landmark

Folks: a term meaning Texans and ‘others’ (anyone who hails from outside the Lone Star State) have enjoyed Bryan’s Barbecue since 1910.

When visiting Dallas, Texas, head down I-35, exit for a short drive up Inwood Road and find the original Sonny Bryan’s location. This hole-in-the-wall building (think old, ramshackled, faded paint, completed with a gravel-parking lot and that’s the picture) has been serving Sonny’s finest since 1958. Nestled among towering medical facilities, first-time visitors often think the interior of plank walls and old school desks belong on a movie scene. Regulars know it’s not the place but the food that counts, and old-timers still remember when saw dust covered the concrete floors, Sonny reminiscing about his favorite fishing spot, and brushing shoulders with a few socialite folks, including Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, several of the original cast from Dallas, Robert Duvall, and President George W. Bush.

The original location does TAKE-OUT on a grand scale.


That’s because the building is small enough to resemble the inside of a sardine can. Folks amble through, pick up their white to-go box and amble back outside.

Some slip into expensive Beamers or Mercedes.

Some settle on the tail of their beat-up pickup truck.

(FYI, Sonny’s does house a backroom, called the Mercedes Room which can accommodate parties of up to 50 BBQ-hungry patrons.)

If visitors are looking for an order line, they’ll wait in vain. The building—smoky and warm in the winter and smoky and down-right hot in the summer—is chaos at its best: jammed packed with every type of folk from those shod in custom Italian loafers to battle-scarred workboots to high-end athletic shoes. For those who want their fair BBQ share, speaking up, hollering, or even bellying up to the counter is all acceptable Sonny's behavior.


Grandfather Bryan first delivered smoky barbecue back in 1910 with Bryan’s Barbecue. The torch was passed to father, ‘Red’ Bryan who coincidentally named his 1930 location: Red Bryan’s Smokehouse. Finally, son, William Jennings Bryan, Jr. (known by all as Sonny) slipped on the white apron, stoked the wood fire, and opened the Inwood location in 1958. In the day, Sonny and crew served up smoked meats until the smoker ran out – or Sonny decided it was time to quit and go fishing – one of these usually occurred each day by early afternoon. But trends change and the area evolved. As of 2016, the original location keeps out their ‘welcome all’ sign twenty-four hours a day. As this quaint building snuggles near round-the-clock medical care, the decision was made to offer extended service for those hardworking hospital folk.

Why drive to the somewhat seedy side of Dallas to eat at Sonny’s place?

Because these fine folks have been serving up lip-smackin' barbecue for over a century. When Bryan people claim, ‘We know how to smoke it’: consider it gospel.


For the still non-believers, they’re welcome to check out the award wall highlighting a coveted James Beard Award to Texas accolades from the Dallas Observer & D Magazine to little screen, Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels and onto the USA Today award for 4th best Southern barbecue.

But it’s not the awards true BBQ connoisseurs consider.

It’s the smoke in the meat; the ‘bark’ on slab; and the original BBQ sauce to smother it (if visitors choose.) Barbecue at Sonny Bryan’s is good enough to eat with your fingers, lick 'em clean, and then snitch a piece or two off your neighbor’s plate.


Sonny Bryan’s chain currently sports 5 locations, all in Dallas.


My favorite memory of Sonny Bryan's was eating here with my dad. My father was a little sliver of a man, nicknamed RED, and worked in the beef business from the end of WWII and on. He'd learned a thing or two thousand about good meat. He wasn't partial to any barbecue that didn't come from Sonny's or from out of his own smoker. Dad's BBQ sauce was a version of Sonny's. NOT that Sonny gave away his secret recipe, but when two guys are standing around in a kitchen long enough, one of them stirring a pot and adding a pinch of this or a swig of that . . . well, the other one picks up some mighty fine tips. When Daddy finished making up his sauce, we kept it in the fridge (one of the secrets involved). But like most serious barbecue-eating folk, the sauce was nice but not necessary. My Daddy is smoking brisket for a higher crowd these days, but I will always treasure the good memories of eating at Sonny Bryan's with my father.

Other Texas Travels:

Giddy-Up to Galveston: How to get there, where to stay, what to do. Gotta GET to Galveston!

7 Tips for Travelling the Texas back roads -- weekend road trip!

5 Fabulous Fort Worth Bars - more than your average Honky-Tonk!

Giddy-Up to Galveston, TX

While Texas beaches may not often be mentioned in the top 5 beachfront areas across the nation, or boast the pounding Atlantic or even gentle lap of Pacific waves against our Gulf coast, Texans have long found a visit to Texas beaches well worth the trip.

Galveston, is a mere thirty-six miles south of Houston (well, Pasadena, which is South Houston). Houston Hobby is the closer airport if you’re planning on flying to the area. A taxi ride (Uber & Lyft would probably be comparable) is $75.00 to $100 one-way. For those on a budget: Galveston Island Transit operates a connecting bus service around the island and between Houston & Galveston.

Side-note: if you’re planning a cruise from Galveston (now, the second busiest cruise post in the nation), there are loads of ways from getting between Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU) and the port. For more information, go to: 6 Easy Houston to Galveston Cruise Transport Options.

Also, if you need to stay overnight prior to your cruise, or after returning to port, check out this article on where to stay on Best Galveston Cruise Port Hotels.

However, if Galveston is your destination, what is there to do?

Let’s take a look.


If you have a group – family of varying ages – consider your budget:

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center


From restaurants that serve Texas shaped waffles to the Palm Beach Waterpark (now, open daily until August 18, 2018)

TO Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

TO the Zip-line course

OR an evening spent on the beach with Bands on the Sand . . . Moody Gardens has a great deal for families of all ages.

If your hotel destination requires easy walking distance to most area attractions & right on the beach, consider Hotel Galvez (A bit more economically priced than Moody Gardens, but still loads of luxury and onsite things to entertain.

Consider:

The Commodore on the Beach (2-Star) Featuring an outdoor pool with waterfall; all rooms have a Gulf view; some rooms with poolside patios; other rooms with private balconies; WiFi throughout property; USB charging stations.





Best Western Galveston West Beach Hotel (2-Star) On the seawall . . . beaches are within a few steps. High-speed Internet connections available; complimentary continental breakfast; outdoor pool; exercise facility; and inside corridors if that's a requirement.


Beachfront Palms Hotel located on the Seawall, a stone's throw from the beach. Rooms feature WiFI. Price includes BREAKFAST, but only the morning meal. When it's time to fuel again, take a step outside and stroll down The Strand for loads of variety. Pool with seaside deck and free parking.

or The Tremont House (4-star Historical) One of the most historic hotels in Galveston, Texas, featuring three separate dining experiences; rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, HDTV, Wolfgang Puck coffee, bathrobes; rooftop (beachfront) bar experiences, and more. Oh, and there's valet parking for your convenience as well.

Now that you know how to hit Galveston city limits, and you’ve options on where to stay in Galveston . . . what are you going to do?????



Want to see a dolphin swim beside the boat? Check out BayWatch Dolphin Tours




Are sweets your idea of afternoon joy? Then plan a visit to: La King’s Confectionery (Demonstration schedules change. Make certain to consult website.)

For a true ole-fashioned dining experience, visit: The Star Drug Store

And what trip to a coast could be complete without a lighthouse or sailing ship thrown into the visit?
Point Bolivar Lighthouse (you’ll take a ferry for this one.)


1877 Tall Ship Elissa

And if you’re interested in more lighthouses and additional Galveston history, check out: Galveston History

No matter how you fill your days and nights . . . make certain to leave time to stroll the beaches.

From my Pinterest saves, I linked several great blogs to help you navigate Texas beaches.

Here’s one family's account of a Great Seashell Beach in Galveston
And another for a Day at the Beach
And finally, The Best Galveston Beaches

Special thanks to these travel bloggers who offered thoughtful information and details to aid in Galveston travels. Be sure to visit each of these bloggers for more great travel sites.