They Came for Soccer; they Fell for a Beaver. 🦫

IYKYK

If you know Buc-ee's, you understand the surprise it gave World Cup visitors (see here for a series of reactions from those around the world). They even offered a $9 bus trip from Fort Worth to a Buc-ee's during the World Cup.

I don't remember the first time I discovered one on a roadtrip in Texas, but I remember stopping at one when I was on a site-visit with a team of non-Texans. One team member simply took pictures of the rows of gas pumps, and then entered to photograph the massive interior. I know exactly how many and where each Buc-ee's is located on the road to Houston when we visit our son and his family. Yes, I plan the trip around them.

Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee's offers freshly prepared barbecue sandwiches (once written up in a gourmet magazine), homemade fudge, and its famous Beaver Nuggets-sweet, crunchy caramel-coated corn puffs. Not hungry? How about some Texas-themed souvenirs or clothing, home decorations or outdoor gear. What makes Buc-ee's special is its ability to turn a routine bathroom break into a memorable experience. There are now some in other states, and when I enter one, I'm at home!

New Book by Joanne H. Watson, Just in Time for the Holidays!

Looking for a gift for a kid who love mysteries, history, puzzles, and secret missions? My friend, Joanne H. Watson's The Secret History of Spies takes young readers ages 8-12 on a journey through the fascinating world of espionage, from ancient messengers and secret codes to wartime agents, spy gadgets, satellites, and computers. With 200+ pages and 50 missions and activities, readers solve puzzles, study clues, draw, invent, make decisions, and test their observation and problem-solving skills as they learn how spies have worked throughout history. For their final mission, young recruits can earn the title of Master Spy.