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Favorite thing: Texas is the second largest state, in the USA.. and the largest in the continual continent. Alaska is the only state larger than Texas.
The population of Texas is currently estimated at more than 22,000,000. which is aproximately the population of Australia.
Mexico boarders the southern portion of Texas, which has lead to the state having a larger Mexican-American population than most other states. This has created a cultural atmosphere unique to Texas.
Festivals honoring the states Mexican heritage are held each year. Texas is also the place where Tex-Mex food was created. Tex-Mex cuisine has all the flavor and spice of authentic Mexican food, with some variations.

Fondest memory: The Tex-Mex food is definitely one of the things I miss.

Favorite thing: Texas is known as the Lone Star State, because the state flag is flown with a single star on it. This flag has been representative of Texas since it was its own individual republic.

Six different flags have flown over Texas during eight changes of sovereignty. The accepted sequence of these flags follows:
Spanish - 1519-1685.
French - 1685-1690.
Spanish - 1690-1821.
Mexican - 1821-1836.
Republic of Texas - 1836-1845.
United States - 1845-1861.
Confederate States - 1861-1865.
United States - 1865 to the present.

The state flag's colors represent the same virtues as they do in the national flag: Red means bravery; white, purity; and blue, loyalty.

Flown out-of-doors, the Texas flag should not be flown earlier than sunrise nor later than sunset unless properly illuminated. It should not be left out in inclement weather unless a weatherproof flag is used. It should be flown with the white stripe uppermost except in case of distress. When the flag is displayed against a wall, the blue field should be at the flag's own right (observer's left). When the flag is displayed vertically, the blue stripe should be uppermost and the white stripe should be to the state flag's right (observer's left). The state flag should be flown on all state holidays and on special occasions of historical significance, and it should fly at every school on regular school days.

Fondest memory: For more information on the Texas Flag, visit www.texasalmanac.com

Favorite thing: One unique animal to Texas' landscape is the Armadillo. With its pioneer spirit, Texas adopted the armadillo because it is small and fearless!

Armadillo are timid, armored mammals that live in warm grasslands and forests from South America up to the southern United States. Armadillos are burrowers who dig underground dens. Armadillos can jump 3 ft (1 m) straight up into the air. Many armadillos are killed when they are run over by cars.

Favorite thing: Texas is known to many as a very friendly state and some believe it is its own country, and therefore it is only logical that the official Texas welcome is done here on the border.

This beautiful travel information center in Waskom has everything you need to put in the car with you for your trip through Texas.

The people inside are very helpful and informative and provide you with tons of literature based on what you want to see!

I would call this a must visit for every traveller that drives by!

Favorite thing: "The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom is to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland". (quote by historian Jack Maguire)

I've been wanting to see a bluebonnet in its natural setting since we moved to Texas last year. Bluebonnets bloom in the early Spring and only grow naturally in Texas. There are five species.

There was alot of discussion in the early 1900's about which floral emblem should be selected for the state flower of Texas. Finally, in 1901 the National Society of Colonial Dames of America persuaded the Texas Legislature to choose the LUPINAS SUBCARNOSUS (commonly known as buffalo clover or bluebonnet).

However, there are four other subgroups of bluebonnets. After much discussion over the span of 70 years, the legislature decided to include ALL bluebonnets as the state flower. Call it a politically correct decision, but a decision it was.

*This information came from: http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/flowers/bluebonnet/bluebonnetstory.html

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Favorite thing: Another wildflower that makes an appearance in the Spring in the Coastal Plain and the eastern half of Texas is the Indian Paintbrush. I think its so pretty! (Be sure to click on the additional photo for a field of flowers!)

It appears at the same time as the Texas Bluebonnet, but there can be years where the bluebonnets flourish and the paintbrushes have a mediocre year. Bloom time is from early March, peaking mid-April.

It's official name is CASTILLEJA INDIVISA and is a relative of the snapdragon. The bright color comes from 'bracts' not flower petals. These bracts are around and under inconspicuous flowers located on the upper third of the plant.

This plant likes open, sunny sites. It may also require a cold wet period in the winter in order to germinate. There are nine species native to Texas and can be seen in orangish-red and sometimes even yellow.

This information came from The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Favorite thing: State Abbreviation - TX
State Capital - Austin
Largest City - Houston
Area - 268,601 sq. miles (Second only to Alaska)
Population - 20.8 million (2000 census) Second only to California
Major Industries - Petroleum, Natural Gas, Farming, Steel, High Tech, Tourism

Fondest memory: Information courtesy of EnchantedLearning.com

Favorite thing: There are markers scattered throughout the United States along the US Highways and other roads. They provide insight about the history of the local area. An interesting stop for history buffs. This historical marker is just outside Newcastle, Texas, and talks about Peter Harmonson one of the original settlers in the area.