Northeast Texas Transplant from CA Speaks (Houston, Spring: home, rent, travel)

[CA2TX]

Picking up from where Go East Young Lady started.

As I've been trying to do for a while now, I have some positive experiences to report about this area, Mount Pleasant, and I finally have a chance to post them.

Weather: There are those who want their weather constant, mild, generic, predictable, the same, all the time, every day, which is why many think California is perfect. Well, yes, basically, the weather in SoCal is pretty much like that... I found it boring. And, remembering the North Ridge earthquake makes me, well, quake. Here, the seasons are distinct and invigorating. And Fall is the prettiest, to me. The trees casting their leaves to the pale grass in fiery reds, oranges, comely yellows, and a shade of wine that suggests the aged rind inside the cask that decants a melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate cabernet. Summer is as brutal as anywhere else in Texas, but at least the verdant hills offer some shade. I'm looking forward to Spring.

Recreation: I'm not yet able to crack the local's code in order to know where the "in" crowd goes for fun and what that fun entails. So far, it seems, on the surface, to be about leaving town. There is woefully very little in town to attract anyone younger than 50 to stick around. The dryness of Titus County is a restricting factor. For good or ill, the residents are not trusted to control their own alcohol consumption, so, it is banned--with an exception. There is a winery south of town where a person can enjoy wine-tasting, which I've not yet been able to try (I've been sick). I understand that wineries have been granted special exemption from the alcohol ban and it is based on creating revenue. I hope it's working! I'd rather live in a town with lots of vinyards than chicken plants or coal mines. This town could be the Napa Valley of the South (Mid-West/West/Whatever you like), but I don't think it has occurred to the community leaders. Maybe it has, but they don't want to do so in an overt way, which takes longer but doesn't ruffle feathers. So, we'll see what happens.

People: Ok, here's the deal. When I first got here, meeting people out and about in the stores and restaurants and such was really no different than it is in CA. They keep to themselves, don't smile and don't get involved. I was dismayed. I was so hoping they'd be open, cordial, inviting or at least smile and say Howdy at me. Well, I decided I'd have to find another way to connect with others outside of the church. I found a way, which I'm not going to reveal at this time, but it was a good idea. I started to find and make friends with people who are extremely nice, kind, generous and caring. So, they do exist! They're just kind of a well-kept secret, without meaning to be, I think. So, ultimately, I'm still learning about how the town works and it's taking a little longer. But the people I've befriended are fine, sweet and very giving folks. I am blessed, truly, to know them.

Other Towns Around Here: I think the prettiest town is Pittsburg because it has lots of greenery deep inside and around its downtown. And its downtown is quintessential Small Town USA, down a mainstreet with circa 1800's architecture and signage. It's south of Mount Pleasant, which has a different downtown structure. Here, there's a town square, surrounded by government buildings and non-retail businesses, so it is a little less quaint and not quite as inviting to strollers or tourists. There are very few trees, except in the small park, which is very lovely but somewhat detached from the downtown area. The square itself is, well, rather featureless. It, right now, looks more like a parking lot than a square. It is building a bell tower, which will help.

I've only been to Winnsboro to look at its liquor stores. No, really, just to look. Honestly. No, really. Would I lie to you after all we've been through? I've been to Sulphur Springs, about a half hour drive, just to go to the movies. The theatre has more screens and seems to not have the same religion-restricted line up.

Ok, that's all for now. Kind regards to you all and until again!

[Just Lookin]

Well, thank you for that. Don't stay away. You know that area is where I am looking so I do appreciate it a lot. Glad you are doing better.

[LeeLee82]

Good writing, CA2TX, keep it up, it's fun/interesting to see how you experience the transition.

DH (dear husband) and I moved to similar sitch--isolated, small, DRY county in N. Texas. We'd been in Houston prior to this, but we're "Yankees" or worse, former Californians. LoL

We're not big drunks but it was still so, well, bizarre, to move to a place where they think they can regulate alcohol consumption this way. We haven't been here long, but I'll tell you, we surely have a respectable per capita of alcoholics here in this "dry" county. EVERYBODY seems to know exactly, to the tenth of a mile, how far away it is, in every direction, to purchase booze.

Keep us posted.

[CA2TX]

LeeLee82, ain't it true? LOL! Maybe if modern travel didn't exist, then it would take a lot longer to get to a beverage, then having alternating dry/wet-ness wouldn't skew the desired dryness. But, bid'ness will always find a way to prevail, 'tis the Texas way. It tries to keep from annoying the church folk, but, people gotta' make a living. (For the first time in my near-teetotaling life, I was actually looked at like I was a drunkard for just asking. ROTFL!)

Latest about the Doctor-ness: As a womanoid, I have experienced my fair share of male doctor emperiousness. You have an issue, they ask you if you're feeling a lot of stress. You say yes, well, work has been stressful. He jumps to The Conclusion, and declares here's a sample of the newest anti-depressant (translation: I think you're just looking for attention, you're just depressed; oh, it's extremely expensive so wait til you have to fill the scrip for some real stress). It takes two weeks to feel anything, thank you, goodbye, stop at the front to pay the bill. But, wait, I think to myself. I'm not depressed. Although, you're doing a good job of depressing me with your dissing 'tude. Think I can, um, tell him he's wasting my time and money, he needs to take me seriously, and yet still feel like he and I will get along famously? Erm, mebbe not. So, not surprisingly, I tend to favor women doctors. I'll let you know if I find one I trust.

Yeah, sure, I got some of this when I lived in CA, but not quite so, shall we say, uniformly. Likely, though I'll have to drive minimum an hour and half to find one. So, I'll let y'all know.

You've heard of Tupperware parties, lingerie parties and Mary Kay parties? Well, here there is a line of gourment quality, pre-prepped food, packaged for you to add your fresh ingredients and finish at home. It's called Tastefully Simple. I've never heard of it before but I have tried some of their stuff. Really, really tasty. Now, if a restaurant were to serve dishes based on this product, it would be great. I'm sure that's not allowed, but you get the idea. Naturally, they're a little pricey for a single person, but for a family, I think it's cost effective. No, I'm not selling it. This is something designed for and targeted to the West/Southwest/Southern palate, which is why I never hoydovit.

BoundForTexas, thank you , will do.

[Just Lookin]

Thanks again CA2TX. I sure do want to know about that lady Doctor. I really can't take a male doctors telling me, its all in my head. Not at 62. Shhhhhsh. Well, I do hope it gets better.

I don't drink, go to church, even though I do believe in God, gamble. I do smoke though. I can hear it now. THey will probably hate me. I just want to be left alone. I am not going to come all that way and be treated like a child.

Things I need to do at my age. I have done the right thing all my life and who needs it. I won't impose on others and I don't want others to impose on me.

[Martie A]

Originally Posted by CA2TX

Picking up from where Go East Young Lady started.


Recreation: I'm not yet able to crack the local's code in order to know where the "in" crowd goes for fun and what that fun entails. So far, it seems, on the surface, to be about leaving town. There is woefully very little in town to attract anyone younger than 50 to stick around. The dryness of Titus County is a restricting factor. For good or ill, the residents are not trusted to control their own alcohol consumption, so, it is banned--with an exception. There is a winery south of town where a person can enjoy wine-tasting, which I've not yet been able to try (I've been sick). I understand that wineries have been granted special exemption from the alcohol ban and it is based on creating revenue. I hope it's working! I'd rather live in a town with lots of vinyards than chicken plants or coal mines. This town could be the Napa Valley of the South (Mid-West/West/Whatever you like), but I don't think it has occurred to the community leaders. Maybe it has, but they don't want to do so in an overt way, which takes longer but doesn't ruffle feathers. So, we'll see what happens.

People: Ok, here's the deal. When I first got here, meeting people out and about in the stores and restaurants and such was really no different than it is in CA. They keep to themselves, don't smile and don't get involved. I was dismayed. I was so hoping they'd be open, cordial, inviting or at least smile and say Howdy at me. Well, I decided I'd have to find another way to connect with others outside of the church. I found a way, which I'm not going to reveal at this time, but it was a good idea. I started to find and make friends with people who are extremely nice, kind, generous and caring. So, they do exist! They're just kind of a well-kept secret, without meaning to be, I think. So, ultimately, I'm still learning about how the town works and it's taking a little longer. But the people I've befriended are fine, sweet and very giving folks. I am blessed, truly, to know them.

I've only been to Winnsboro to look at its liquor stores. No, really, just to look. Honestly. No, really. Would I lie to you after all we've been through? I've been to Sulphur Springs, about a half hour drive, just to go to the movies. The theatre has more screens and seems to not have the same religion-restricted line up.

Ok, that's all for now. Kind regards to you all and until again!

Well, you crack me up... I am a California transport from nearly 15 years ago. When I moved to Sulphur Springs in 1992 I remember thinking 'what is the deal with these people?' 'How do I get in to the click?'

I believe it is getting involved. Whether it's church (which I do occasionally) or the local fund raising activities, or reading your local paper to see what community events are going on or charity events.

Unfotunately for me, I had to work, so there was co-workers. I think my kids were involved in every possibly activity (an advantage of a small town is the proximity to all schools, scouts, dance class etc.).

I don't find the people to be like Californians at all here. People in Sulphur Springs are friendly and welcoming. And as far as a good doctor, Dr. Ely (a male, sorry) in Quitman is excellent. A general practitioner he is informative and thorough and always takes the time to explain things and LISTEN.

You said something about Winnsboro's liquor stores... I think you meant Newsome? Winnsboro does have 'Lou Viney Winery'. The downtown area is awesome with antiques, restaurants, and even a small 'music venue' where you can sit and listen to rock, country, blues, bluegrass... stop in to the Crossroads cafe next time your at Winnsboro and pick up their calendar.

Glad you enjoy Sulphur Springs!! We are getting our own little music cafe downtown soon, so ya'll come back n see us!! lol

[CA2TX]

Hi y'all, a brief update.

Yes, as soon as I can get mobile again I will be going to Sulphur Springs to do a lookiloo, just for funzies. I hope the musical cafe does open, and soon! Now that's the kind of place these parts sorely lack.

Bound for Texas: I won't tell a soul. Smoking is actually quite common place in public places, though maybe not in the teller line or inside most retail spots. Here the restaurants do have smoking/non-smoking areas. At least, for now they do.

The town I go fetch beer at is Winfield. (I knew it was win- something.)

Today was sparkling crisp and clear, shimmering a mild chill, open and inviting.

[looking for new home]

I have a question for all transplanted folk. Why move somewhere and wonder why it's not like where you left?

I've been out here for over 22 years (from S. Ca), have lived near Seattle, LosAngeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston, Albequerque... None were like the others and I learned to find things there to make it a new home!

When we retired from the military, we found so many places had started to resemble S. Ca. that's so sad! It will take years to visit all over TX, try that instead!

[CA2TX]

Originally Posted by looking for new home

I have a question for all transplanted folk. Why move somewhere and wonder why it's not like where you left?

No one here is wondering why TX isn't like CA. What I've been doing is compare and contrast. There are aspects of CA that would work very well here, too. TX would benefit, Texans would benefit. But it's just my opinion. Naturally, I can't offer someone else's. So my posts have been about what I'm learning while I live here, what is different from what I knew, what I think worked really great or not so great or really sucked back in CA. I'm not here to sell TX. There are plenty of folks, apparently, who want to do that. I'm not a realtor.

Long ago and far away in a galaxy... uh, sorry, I regress.

I don't know why, but ever since I started posting here, when I first began my trek, I quickly encountered a brand of native who seems to feel compelled to stick up for Texas. Now, I don't know, I didn't look at other states, but I've wondered if this phenomenon occurs at their forums, too.

It's entirely unnecessary folks, Texas doesn't need defending. But some Texans get their chaps all twisted over someone's opinions if they aren't wholly glowing and braggadocious or Lone Starry-licious.

Where was I... oh yeah, coping with what is really the larger issue of my move: size. I relocated from a large Metropolis MegaMart Extravaganza to a Corner Mom N' Pop General Store. Neither is bad, neither is great, before someone starts putting up their dukes. It just IS.

I'm not going to re-state, yet again, the why's and wherefors of the IS, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah... the IS is what it IS. Just roll with it.

It's way past my bed time -- later!

[movinonup]

Originally Posted by CA2TX

Picking up from where Go East Young Lady started.

As I've been trying to do for a while now, I have some positive experiences to report about this area, Mount Pleasant, and I finally have a chance to post them.

Weather: There are those who want their weather constant, mild, generic, predictable, the same, all the time, every day, which is why many think California is perfect. Well, yes, basically, the weather in SoCal is pretty much like that... I found it boring. And, remembering the North Ridge earthquake makes me, well, quake. Here, the seasons are distinct and invigorating. And Fall is the prettiest, to me. The trees casting their leaves to the pale grass in fiery reds, oranges, comely yellows, and a shade of wine that suggests the aged rind inside the cask that decants a melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate cabernet. Summer is as brutal as anywhere else in Texas, but at least the verdant hills offer some shade. I'm looking forward to Spring.

Recreation: I'm not yet able to crack the local's code in order to know where the "in" crowd goes for fun and what that fun entails. So far, it seems, on the surface, to be about leaving town. There is woefully very little in town to attract anyone younger than 50 to stick around. The dryness of Titus County is a restricting factor. For good or ill, the residents are not trusted to control their own alcohol consumption, so, it is banned--with an exception. There is a winery south of town where a person can enjoy wine-tasting, which I've not yet been able to try (I've been sick). I understand that wineries have been granted special exemption from the alcohol ban and it is based on creating revenue. I hope it's working! I'd rather live in a town with lots of vinyards than chicken plants or coal mines. This town could be the Napa Valley of the South (Mid-West/West/Whatever you like), but I don't think it has occurred to the community leaders. Maybe it has, but they don't want to do so in an overt way, which takes longer but doesn't ruffle feathers. So, we'll see what happens.

People: Ok, here's the deal. When I first got here, meeting people out and about in the stores and restaurants and such was really no different than it is in CA. They keep to themselves, don't smile and don't get involved. I was dismayed. I was so hoping they'd be open, cordial, inviting or at least smile and say Howdy at me. Well, I decided I'd have to find another way to connect with others outside of the church. I found a way, which I'm not going to reveal at this time, but it was a good idea. I started to find and make friends with people who are extremely nice, kind, generous and caring. So, they do exist! They're just kind of a well-kept secret, without meaning to be, I think. So, ultimately, I'm still learning about how the town works and it's taking a little longer. But the people I've befriended are fine, sweet and very giving folks. I am blessed, truly, to know them.

Other Towns Around Here: I think the prettiest town is Pittsburg because it has lots of greenery deep inside and around its downtown. And its downtown is quintessential Small Town USA, down a mainstreet with circa 1800's architecture and signage. It's south of Mount Pleasant, which has a different downtown structure. Here, there's a town square, surrounded by government buildings and non-retail businesses, so it is a little less quaint and not quite as inviting to strollers or tourists. There are very few trees, except in the small park, which is very lovely but somewhat detached from the downtown area. The square itself is, well, rather featureless. It, right now, looks more like a parking lot than a square. It is building a bell tower, which will help.

I've only been to Winnsboro to look at its liquor stores. No, really, just to look. Honestly. No, really. Would I lie to you after all we've been through? I've been to Sulphur Springs, about a half hour drive, just to go to the movies. The theatre has more screens and seems to not have the same religion-restricted line up.

Ok, that's all for now. Kind regards to you all and until again!

If you have found a way to connect to people--what's the secret? Why not share?