An Authentic Texas Dad Culture Is Alive And Well In West Texas

The other morning, while driving to work, I spotted a familiar vehicle headed in the opposite direction. It was my daughter. As she started turning, I immediately noticed something else. No turn signal.

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Being the loving and highly trained West Texas dad that I am, I made a mental note.

Later that morning, I called her. "How's my little ray of sunshine?" I asked. Before I could continue, she interrupted me.

"Dad, when I saw you driving the other direction, I immediately thought, 'Oh no, that's my dad. I'm going to hear about this.'"

Then she started laughing. I politely explained that signal lights exist for a reason. "We can't read your mind," I reminded her. Her response? "Dad, this feels like getting pulled over by the police. Maybe worse."

And honestly, she's probably right.

That conversation got me thinking about Father's Day and the things many of us West Texas dads seem to have in common.

We may all do things a little differently, but some rules seem to be written deep into our DNA.

1. Use Your Signal Lights And Drive Like A Texan

A good West Texas dad believes in being courteous behind the wheel.

• Use your signal lights.
• Wave at fellow drivers.
• Leave plenty of room.
• Drive defensively.

And remember that getting home safely is always more important than getting there quickly.

As I've said for years: "Drive to survive."

2. Every Dad Needs Multiple Grills

One grill is never enough. A proper West Texas dad should have:

• One smoker/charcoal grill
• One gas/propane grill
• One backup electric grill

Because you never know when you'll run out of mesquite, charcoal, propane, or find yourself dealing with a burn ban.

Preparedness is part of the job description.

3. Lawn Equipment Is Serious Business

Most dads I know have enough lawn equipment to maintain a small ranch.

• A walk-behind mower.
• A riding mower.
• A regular chainsaw.
• A pole chainsaw.
• A string trimmer.
• A wheeled string trimmer.

If grass, weeds, limbs, or brush are growing somewhere, we're probably already planning how to cut them down.

4. Every Vehicle Needs A Tool Bag

This one is NOT negotiable. Somewhere in the truck, car, SUV, or tractor is a small tool bag.

Inside you'll find:

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Vice grips
• Hammer
• Flashlight
• Duct tape

Because sooner or later, something is going to need fixing. And if it breaks in West Texas, we're going to try fixing it ourselves first.

5. Duct Tape And Pool Noodles Can Solve Almost Anything

I'm convinced duct tape is one of mankind's greatest inventions.

Pool noodles might be second.

I've used pool noodles as padded grips on lawn mower handles, rake handles, hoe handles, and yard tools.

A little duct tape keeps everything in place and helps prevent blisters and splinters.

Especially when my wife or daughters decide to help outside. Some folks see a pool noodle. A West Texas dad sees unlimited possibilities.

6. We Keep DIY Wisdom Nearby

Most dads have a collection of old magazines, notebooks, clippings, and homemade instructions.

Somewhere in the garage is a stack of projects we've completed.

• Some worked perfectly.
• Some became learning experiences.

But every repair taught us something worth remembering.

7. Dad Hacks Deserve Their Own Notebook

I've always believed every dad should keep a notebook full of ideas, shortcuts, fixes, measurements, and lessons learned.

The older I get, the more valuable those notes become.

They're like a personal owner's manual for life.

8. Every Dad Has A Catchphrase

No matter where you live, every dad seems to have at least one famous line.

Some favorites include:

• "I'm not asleep. I was resting my eyes."
• "Don't touch that. I can fix it."
• "I'll get to it in a minute."
• "Money doesn't grow on trees."
• "Where's your tool bag?"

My daughters always answer the same way. "Right where you put it, Daddy. Next to the flat tire tools in the trunk." And honestly, that's exactly where it's supposed to be.

As Father's Day approaches, I'm reminded that being a dad isn't about being perfect.

It's about teaching, helping, fixing, protecting, and occasionally calling your daughter because she forgot to use her turn signal.

That's just part of West Texas dad culture.

And thankfully, it's still alive and well.

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