Today is an annual city holiday in Houston, Go Texan Day. Go Texan Day is one of the only days each year when I really feel like I live in Texas. The day begins with the end of the trail ride. This is the tradition of riding hundreds of miles on horseback or in covered wagons to attend the rodeo. The ride ends in Memorial Park, where the riders camp. Because the park is in the city, this means that commuting looks like this. I love this - the first year I was here it surprised me to see hundreds and hundreds of horses and wagons ambling along I-10. Now I look forward to it.

Another feature of the day is chili. We had a chili cookoff at work, with about 15 chilis made by employees to sample and vote on, along with free hot dogs. Western wear is encouraged, as it is at most businesses and schools.