Miracle Mindset

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsy Last year, Terri and I took a day trip to historic Jefferson, Texas. We instantly fell in love with the place. So, when I had to travel to Arkansas and Northeast Texas on Monday, I couldn’t resist taking a detour back to Jefferson. During our previous visit, Terri and I were tourists. This time, however, I was in photographer mode, feeling that the images I captured on our first visit didn't truly do justice to the magic of Jefferson.

Major historical events in the American Southwest during October highlight a rich tapestry of Native American resistance, military campaigns, and the later emergence of vibrant cultural festivals. This month marks change not only in the weather but also in cultural and artistic celebrations. For example, on October 4, 1846, the Battle of Dominguez Hills unfolded in California, marking a notable Mexican victory over U.S. forces.

 The history of the Southwest is a rich tapestry woven with the stories of ancient Indigenous peoples, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and shifting powers that included Mexican governance in the 19th century. This vibrant region didn't just evolve through historical events; it flourished thanks to the contributions of diverse cultures. Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions have all played significant roles in shaping the Southwest's distinctive architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and the variety of languages spoken here today. 

 Written By Ken Hulsey This past weekend, my wife and I decided to explore Lufkin, a charming city in eastern Texas. We arrived around noon, so naturally, our first stop was for food. We noticed the usual fast-food chains everywhere, and just as we were about to settle for a local Whataburger, I spotted a retro drive-in across the street. Why choose something we could have anytime when we had the chance to enjoy some of the local flavors?

 Celebrate Independence Day with Vernon’s 4th of July Celebration! As the summer heat begins to rise, so does the anticipation for one of the most beloved events in Vernon, Texas: the 4th of July Celebration at the Santa Rosa Rodeo Grounds! Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare for an evening filled with excitement, delicious food, and stunning fireworks lighting up the night sky.

 Galveston: An Island Apart From Tour Texas As summer approaches and the temperature rises, many of us begin searching for the perfect getaway that blends relaxation, adventure, and a touch of history. Galveston Island, located along the stunning Gulf Coast of Texas, presents a unique opportunity to enjoy a multifaceted vacation. With 32 miles of sun-kissed shoreline and a rich tapestry of history and culture, Galveston is the ideal summer destination.

 Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey This past Friday, our family decided to head west into Texas and revisit the town of Lufkin. On our trip there last year, we had lunch at Ray's Drive In, visited the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, and popped into the History Center in nearby Diboll. This time around, we brought our granddaughter along to share in the fun. The town of Lufkin has many family-friendly locations to enjoy, so many that we actually didn't get to them all in one day, so a return visit will have to be made in the near future.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey It seems like my younger years were spent almost entirely looking out a car window. Our family was constantly traveling from California to Texas, then Texas to California, and then New Mexico to Texas and California. If you were able to follow any of that, you probably deduced that my family spent a lot of time traveling from our home to visit relatives in other states. No matter our locale, we were traveling twice a year to visit our relatives in Vernon, Texas. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey  Way back in the 1970s, I lived in the small town of Vernon, Texas. At that time, Vernon was a vibrant place with numerous stores and restaurants. The town hosted an annual rodeo called the Santa Rosa Roundup , and for fun, there was a miniature golf course, and there was the small Plaza Theater to see a movie.

Photos and Story by: Ken Hulsey It’s interesting how certain places from our past stick in our memory. Recently, I have been reminiscing about my time in the northern Texas farming town of Vernon from 1974 to 1978. One landmark that stands out in my mind is the Gibson's department store located just off the Highway 287 frontage road. Like many retail and five-and-dime stores of its time (pre-Walmart and Target for you younger folks), Gibson's offered a little bit of everything—clothes, hardware, household goods, and toys.

  Exploring Texas Route 66: A Journey Through History and Charm Get ready to hit the open road and experience the vibrant tapestry that is Texas Route 66, a vital stretch of America’s most iconic highway. With its quirky roadside attractions, historic diners, and small-town charm, the Texas section of Route 66 offers an unforgettable journey that combines stunning landscapes with rich history.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey This past weekend, Terri and I headed out to East Texas to spend the day in the historic town of Jefferson . Neither of us had ever visited this charming town before, but I had picked up a brochure about it during one of my stops at the Texas Welcome Center in Waskom, which is just west of Shreveport off Interstate 20. I have been interested in exploring East Texas for some time now, so I’ve been collecting brochures about the area for about a year. Before settling in Louisiana, Terri and I had seriously considered relocating to Tyler, but we opted to move closer to our family instead. Nevertheless, our fascination with this part of the country has never left us.

 Join the Celebration: 80th Annual Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo in Vernon, Texas Rodeo enthusiasts and Texas residents alike, mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience this May! From May 13-16, 2026, Vernon, Texas, will come alive with the spirit of the Western tradition as it hosts the 80th Annual Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever, commemorating eight decades of rodeo excitement, community spirit, and family fun.

Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey BNSF ES44DC locomotive 7888 demonstrates pure raw power as it climbs the steep grade towards Mormon Rock in Cajon Pass.

Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66 in Texas: The Amarillo Experience As we approach summer, excitement builds for a momentous occasion—the 100th anniversary of Route 66. This iconic highway, often referred to as the "Mother Road," has been a vital part of America's cultural and historical landscape for nearly a century. Amarillo, Texas, is gearing up to host the official Texas Route 66 Festival, June 4th - 13th, and a series of signature events that promise to make this centennial celebration unforgettable.

 Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey Last week, as I made my way back from some work in Arkansas , I decided to take a scenic route back to my hotel in Shreveport by traveling through Texas instead of retracing my steps through Arkansas and Louisiana . Along the way, I stumbled upon several charming small towns that I couldn’t help but think would make great weekend getaway destinations. One town that particularly piqued my interest was Marshall. I recalled reading about how Marshall was once the original headquarters of the Texas and Pacific Railway and that there might be a display commemorating the history of this now-defunct railroad. As a railfan, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore this piece of history.

 Written By Ken Hulsey Yesterday, I traveled back to the eastern Texas town of Marshall around dinner time. Whenever I visit Texas, I always try to enjoy some Mexican food because it's generally much better than what I get back home in Louisiana . Since I wasn't familiar with the area, I turned to Google to look for nearby restaurants and check their reviews. I found one that looked great and had excellent ratings, so I entered the coordinates and headed over.

Written By Ken Hulsey On April 10th and 11th, 1979, a confirmed 59 tornadoes ripped through Northern Texas, Oklahoma, and several nearby states. This mass outbreak of deadly storms was officially named the Red River Valley Tornado Outbreak, but for all who survived, it was known as "Terrible Tuesday." My family moved from Whittier, California , to the farming community of Vernon, Texas , in the summer of 1974. While we were familiar with earthquakes, we had no idea of the sheer terror that a tornado could inflict in an instant.

Recently, my wife and I decided to travel west from our home in central Louisiana and cross the border into Texas to visit the city of Lufkin. Although Lufkin is a smaller city, with a population of 34,074, it boasts many attractions, including several top-notch museums. After considering our options, we chose to spend our afternoon at the Naranjo Museum of Natural History.

It’s interesting how certain experiences from childhood can stick with you and shape who you become. One memory that stands out for me happened fifty years ago, in 1976, which was our nation’s Bicentennial year. Back then, I was just a young boy living in Texas when reports started to come in about strange 'flying monsters.' These stories both fascinated and frightened me. During that year, it seemed like every day, the news would share new sightings of this creature. I remember in the summer, I was so scared to go outside and play, worried that the monster might swoop down to get me or carry me off somewhere. Although my online searches now reveal that most of the sightings were reported near the Texas-Mexico border, I recall hearing stories from all over the state. People described the creature in many different ways—from something that looked like a flying dinosaur to something resembling a dragon with bat-like features or even a gorilla. Those memories still linger with me...