Bryan-College Station, Texas

I dropped Colin off in Aggieland to be brainwashed on all things Aggie.  Instead of heading home, I decided to hang out around town and check out some things I have never done around town.  Fish Camp drop off was easy; stop car, get in line, kid gets out, and mom drives off.  The look of panic on his face was a bit sad but welcome to being an adult!  I could tell he had no clue what to do but there were so many others around in his shoes.  My first stop was at across the street from drop-off, Leach Teaching Gardens.  I spent a lot of time on West Campus during my days at A&M but it was nothing like it is now.  It is August in Texas so at 10am it is all ready steamy, hot and humid.  I roamed around the gardens looking at all the cool plants and educational displays.

Then it was off to eat breakfast at my favorite place, Stella Southern Café.  My usual item was not on the menu so I had to try a new flavor, Bananas Foster French Toast and it was so yummy.

I headed back over to campus to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.  

I have been to the library many times (excellent museum) but today I wanted to visit the grave site for the former President and First Lady.  The grounds of the museum are just beautiful.  I also stopped to admire my Class of 1996 gift to the university,  “The Day the Wall Came Down” . . .

. . . with a real section of the Berlin Wall.  And down a winding trail . . .

Next it was off to the Association of Former Students to drop off my Aggie Ring to get resized.  I have grown a little bit and haven't been able to wear it for years so time to get it bigger.

   

Then off for a late BBQ lunch.  I decided to try a new place, All the King's Men . . . I was excited about the sides and could not decide so got one of each; cheesy grits, apple cole slaw, gouda mac, and dill potato salad with brisket and turkey breast.

The food was expensive and just okay . . . my final stop of the day was the Aggie Bonfire Memorial.  November 18, 1999 at 2:42am bonfire stack collapsed.  It was a very sad day for all Aggies.  When I was a student at Texas A&M, Bonfire was a huge event during the fall semester.  Now when I visit campus, it amazes me that Bonfire burned on campus . . . it was huge and drew thousands of people each November.  Students worked around the clock for months preparing stack.  I remember there were a couple times when the stack shifted but never a tragic event where lives were lost.    

It was a beautiful tribute to the 12 lost Aggies.  Each pillar had a plaque of the lost Aggie and told about them.  I still find it ironic that 12 students/former students died.  And just as the entrance sign says there's a spirit can ne'er be told . . . just hard to explain the Aggie Spirit and fitting how I ended my day.