Our daughter’s school had their annual fundraiser and this year it was a Mexican theme.  I attempted to ride the mechanical bull but there was only five inches of frayed rope with which to hang on.  I have heard it said a poor workman blames his tools but dang it was not even in a loop!  So I didn’t make my eight seconds and here I am with a shot of the piñata instead.  I adore mariachis and they had three men singing and playing the violin, guitar and bass.  The violinist also played a shaker which was a nice touch.  Growing up in Dallas I guess I have not realized how intertwined the Mexican culture has become with Texas.  There is Tex-Mex food (my very favorite), which does not taste right anywhere else, and Mexican music — both traditional and Tejano.  I love tamales on Christmas Eve and we had a huge band of mariachis at our engagement party.  I prefer Mexican beer (Tecate) and I also developed a fondness for a tequila called “Cava de Oro” in Mexico; the cave of gold indeed.  I cannot imagine life without guacamole or corn tortillas.  Or jalapeños!  I eat them with anything.  And I much prefer limes to lemons … they go in everything from the guacamole to the beer.  And salsa!  Salsa is my ketchup; my daughter’s, too.  It’s funny how I’ve also realized Spanglish has crept into my vocabulary although I only speak French fluently other than English.  Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said, “Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties.”  I would argue Texas is the same.  Poochas gracias gatos for reading my thoughts.  Now I think I’m fixin’ to make myself some nachos.  Y’all take care now, ya hear?