My Gas-Station Ornament

It is hard to explain to a non-Texan what a Buc-ees is. Buc-ees is a gas station. And a gift shop. And a bakery, a deli, a coffee joint, a beef jerky connoisseur’s paradise, and a convenience store. It beckons you with its bright lights and spotless bathrooms, even at 3am. It is a place that they welcome your handwritten check as a form of payment. They provide excellent customer service, the old fashioned way. And they are owned by a man who is affectionately called ‘Bucky’ because, well… his chompers remind you of a beaver.

This is the Buc-ees logo. They show up everywhere in Texas on everything from billboards to pajamas, hunting gear to ladies hankies.

As you can imagine, “Bucky” is a Texan. A proud one. There is so much that is Texan in the Buc-ees gift shop that it can be overwhelming to the non-Texan. To me, it is wonderful. Like the Christmas ornament I picked up…. deep in the heart of Texas.