In November, we were lucky enough to tag along on a trip to Texas with our friend Dave—a weekend getaway that turned out to be equal parts restful, delicious, and delightfully unexpected. Most of the crew on this trip hailed from the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) world, and while tech talk was definitely on the menu, it was far from the main course.
We already knew a few folks from a previous gathering when we all rallied around Dave during a health scare, so this trip felt like a reunion of sorts—only with a lot more BBQ and a lot less stress.
Ranch Life & Surprise Friendships
The weekend was hosted at a cozy little ranch that seemed plucked straight out of a movie. Think wide open skies, rocking chairs on the porch, and the smell of something amazing cooking over a fire. But the real star of the trip?
Carlos.
Carlos was a three-week-old lamb and, without exaggeration, the love of my life for 72 hours. (Jeff understood.) He bounced around on newly found legs, full of fuzzy joy and innocent mischief, and somehow decided I was his person. He’d bounce after me, cuddle in my arms, and fall asleep like we were lifelong pals. I was completely smitten. Forget cowboy boots—Carlos was my Texas souvenir.
This little video pretty much sums it all up.
Small-Town Charm & Big-Time Fireworks
Of course, no trip is complete without a little small-town charm. A few of us peeled off one afternoon for a day trip to Fredericksburg, a town that blends German heritage with Texas heart. We strolled through the streets, sampled bratwurst and beer, and soaked in the charm I remembered from a past visit. It didn’t disappoint.
Back at the ranch, the evenings brought bonfires, belly laughs, and fireworks—some sanctioned, some… let’s say, “enthusiastically improvised.” 😉 Either way, the skies lit up, and so did everyone’s faces.