Readers and editors alike have been befuddled by some of the things that appear in my Pecan, Texas Dog Groomer Mysteries. My latest addition to the series, A Wiener Dog Wedding released today so I figured I should give y’all some insight into my Texas madness.
The Stetson Stallion cowboy hat
Worn by Mr. Williams when he was found dead in his hot tub, this is a Texas older gentleman staple. The first hats were actually created by a man traveling west from Pennsylvania but soon the cowboys of Texas took hold, with the ten gallon hat and now if you ask about Stetson Stallions to a life long Texan man, they may have a collection to show you for winter and summer wear.
Bunco
This has become a rising popular past time of women in the last few years, but no greater than church women, bringing pot luck meals and gabbing over this game. Yes the author is a frequenter to the Lutheran church round up of this dice game. It’s a simple, rolling the dice with partners to get to a certain number but it’s more about meeting about with other women and trying to beat them to 21 for the prize.
FFA or Future Farmers of America
This is more than a Texas thing but a group that focuses on agriculture. Our local chapter is also affiliated with the school and agriculture classes that aren’t just about animals but included horticulture as well.
Dr Pepper
All of the characters drink it and it’s available everywhere. That’s because Dr Pepper originated in Texas and you can still visit the Dr Pepper museum in Waco! Most restaurants will serve Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper around here, which is always very upsetting when this author visits her parents in IL and can’t get said Dr Pepper.
Clay soil
It was a big thing in A Corgi Conundrum and how Texas soil is harder to grow certain crops in. Texas has clay, not red dirt clay, but this is like muddy play-doh that takes an art to growing certain things in (which is why we use fertilizer and container gardens). It’s also why houses are built more with bricks, because if you’ve ever been to Texas during a draught, you may find big holes and craters in the yard. That’s the separation of the clay and you don’t want your house separating with it! (Which is also why, yes, we do have a soaker house, to water our house every six months. You heard that right, watering our gardens and our houses).
What other Texas things from the Pecan, Texas Dog Groomer Mystery series have you been confused about? Happy to answer in the comments!
About the author
M. Alfano is a crazy dog lady from a small town in Texas. When not writing cozy mysteries you can find her as the substitute elementary school music teacher or writing contemporary romance under Magan Vernon.
