I like riding the train. I like traveling around Texas (and being paid to do so makes it worth while). I got to the train station, after checking with station master, “Yes, that train’s on time…” No, the train wasn’t on time. It was running way late, due to snow or something. But there was a bus, which was supposed to be the same thing as riding the train. Not even. What did keep me going, though, was remembering that little snippet from an Allman Brothers’ tune, “I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus, rolling down highway 51…” 91. Or in my case, I–35. New Year’s Eve, the Moon was in Pisces. At the party, the neatest guy to talk was a Pisces. The headliner at the show was a Pisces. I think I’m seeing a trend here. One of the reasons I love Ft. Worth so much, from that Pisces columnist: “(By the way, in the “only in Texas” category: In 2000, that same City Council upheld both gun rights and gay rights.)” To truly appreciate Texas, one has to revel in the weirdness. I got to liking the rail service between Austin and Ft. Worth. Fast, safe – exceedingly convenient. The station in Ft. Worth is just a few blocks east of the Tarrant County Convention – many old rock and roll memories there – just south of the teeming downtown entertainment district. The Austin Amtrak Station is like, just across the river for me – usually just a short walk. That was one of Y2K’s highlights, rediscovering what a joy that “Cow Town” is. Urbane, centrally located, Texas to a T, and yet surprisingly unpretentious. Good BBQ, chicken fry, and the world’s greatest fried okra (William’s Steakhouse – Jacksboro Highway).
“I want to play with your poodle.” (Marcia Ball)
