Category: General

Halloween 2025

Marshalls and Island Vibes: Halloween, Waco Style

Out here in McLennan County, even Halloween comes with a side of grit. Our four-legged lawman’s got his badge polished and his hat tilted just right—ready to keep the prairie peaceful and the porch pumpkins safe. Meanwhile, the island vibes from our Hawaiian hound remind us that Texas may be tough, but it’s never short on charm. From US Marshall swagger to tropical flair, this crew’s got more personality than a Friday night at the rodeo.

Happy Halloween from the heart of Texas. Where the dogs dress up, the people show up, and the spirit runs deep.

November 18, 2025

halloween, hawaiian, realgilmorris, texas, tourists, usmarshalls
Cloudflare Critical Incident

And we’re finally back online, all thanks to the efforts of Cloudflare, who are reportedly resolving a critical incident. For those who might not be aware, Cloudflare acts as a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and security provider for millions of websites worldwide. When they experience issues, many beloved sites unfortunately suffer, resulting in temporary outages. Today marks the second significant outage for Cloudflare this year, which can understandably shake the trust of users who rely on their services. Popular platforms like X (Twitter), Spotify, ChatGPT (AI), PayPal, YouTube, Facebook, and my own realgilmorris.com, to name just a few, felt the impact, with many being inaccessible for varying periods. It’s tough for everyone involved, and we appreciate your patience during this time.

I successfully brought realgilmorris.com back online ahead of the fix that Cloudflare is reportedly rolling out, which is a great interim solution while we look forward to more permanent improvements. Like many, I find myself considering whether to continue with Cloudflare and navigate the occasional service hiccup or explore new, exciting providers. Were you affected by today’s critical incident with Cloudflare, perhaps unable to access your website or favorite shopping, music, or social sites for a bit? As always, I encourage you to share your thoughts here or on my social platforms!

November 18, 2025

cloudflare, incident, realgilmorris, website
Anniversary in Hot Springs
Duck Boat Tour
Flowers on the deck
Ghost in Superior Bathhouse and Brewery
Medical Arts Building
Quapaw Baths & Spa
Steinhaus Keller
Superior Bathhouse & Brewery
The Humidor Cigar Lounge
The Humidor Cigar Lounge
Topher on the dock
We decided to take a return trip last week to Hot Springs, AR to celebrate our anniversary, a special occasion that deserved a memorable getaway. We stayed in a beautiful and renovated lakeside cottage that had a two-level deck leading down to Lake Hamilton, where we could soak in the peaceful views each morning as the sun rose over the water. While enjoying our stay, we visited a couple of our favorite spots in Hot Springs, including Superior Bathhouse Brewery, known for its craft beers brewed on-site and a vibrant atmosphere that felt welcoming and lively. We also made sure to stop by The Humidor Cigar Lounge while strolling through the city, where we savored the rich flavors of fine cigars and shared stories with fellow enthusiasts. The charm and character of Hot Springs never ceased to impress us, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our visit back to this iconic town, reminiscing about our shared memories while creating new ones that we would cherish for years to come.
October 30, 2025

anniversary, arkansas, exploring, october, realgilmorris, roadtrip, travel
Valley Mills Vineyards
Entrance
Vino
Vineyards
Facility
At Valley Mills Vineyards, every bottle begins with grapes nurtured in Texas soil and guided by the hand of tradition, creating a symphony of flavors that reflect the very essence of this remarkable land. Their enduring love for the art of viticulture breathes life into the land, where each vineyard is tended with careful reverence, unwavering patience, and the quiet pride of generations past who understood the importance of crafting something truly special. During our visit to our first Texas winery, we were captivated not only by the rich history and passion behind each bottle but also by the sense of community and warmth that enveloped us. The facility was more than just a place to produce wine; it was a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship, set against a backdrop of stunning scenery that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. As we savored the wines, each sip revealed the dedication and artistry poured into its creation, making our experience nothing short of exemplary.

Valley Mills Vineyards
1686 FM-1637 Valley Mills, TX 76689
(254) 848-4343
https://www.valleymillsvineyards.com/
October 4, 2025

realgilmorris, texas, vineyard, wine, winery
Brunch at Waco Waffle Co
Waco Waffle Co
Classic 35
Lox & Bagel
Webster
The wife and I excitedly stopped by the Waco Waffle Co., and let me tell you, we were absolutely captivated! Nestled in a charmingly renovated historic house dating back to the 1700s, this place exudes character. I couldn’t resist ordering the half portion of the Classic 35—a delightful sweet waffle adorned with tender fried chicken and drizzled with syrup that made my taste buds sing. Meanwhile, the wife indulged in the exquisite Lox & Bagel, served on a perfectly toasted everything bagel with the most luscious smoked salmon, seasoned cream cheese, vibrant tomatoes, zesty onions, and flavorful capers. To cap off our unforgettable brunch, we shared a half order of the Webster, a dreamy creation featuring a sweet waffle smothered in strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and rich drizzles of sweet cream and Nutella. Our experience at Waco Waffle Co. was nothing short of delightful, and we’re brimming with excitement to return and discover even more delicious offerings!

Waco Waffle Co
224 Halbert Ln, Waco, TX 76705
(254) 301-6183
wacowaffle.com
October 1, 2025

food, historic, realgilmorris, texas, waco
Just Black Coffee Pods by Black Rifle
Coffee and a Mission Proudly Representing America

There’s coffee, and then there’s commitment. Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Just Black Coffee Rounds aren’t just a morning fix—they’re a statement. Veteran-founded and unapologetically American, BRCC delivers a medium roast that’s as bold and smooth. Just Black is BRCC’s flagship roast, striking a rare balance between intensity and approachability.
- Origin: Premium beans sourced from Colombia and Brazil
- Roast: Medium roast—balanced, bold, and smooth
- Notes: Cocoa, vanilla, and a buttery finish
Whether you’re brewing in a ranch kitchen or a downtown loft, this roast doesn’t discriminate—it delivers. Also, every box of Just Black pods supports BRCC’s mission to serve coffee and culture to people who love America. When you buy, you’re supporting veteran entrepreneurship, giving back to first responders and law enforcement and joining a movement to hire veterans nationwide.

Get your box today at Black Rifle Coffee Company.
September 24, 2025

american, brcc, coffee, realgilmorris, veteran
Homestead Pods by Free Rein Coffee
Rustle up a Cup of Homestead Coffee

Compatible with most Keurig® brewing systems, these pods are crafted for clarity, comfort, and a little extra giddy-up in your step. Bring the spirit of Free Reign into your morning routine.
- Origin: 100% Arabica beans, roasted in San Angelo, Texas
- Roast: Medium
- Notes: Sweet caramel; bright touch of lemon; rich, balanced finish
For mornings that start with purpose and finish with flavor, Homestead Coffee Pods deliver a smooth, full-bodied brew that’s as reliable as a well-worn saddle. Each cup is crafted to awaken your senses, enveloping you in rich aromas that signal the start of a productive day. Whether you’re tackling your workday or chasing down dreams with fervor and determination, this medium roast sets the perfect tone for your day. Its balanced notes provide not just energy but also a delightful experience, inviting you to savor each sip and fueling your ambitions for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Round up a box at Free Rein Coffee Co.
September 23, 2025

coffee, freerein, homestead, realgilmorris, texas
Happy Fall Y’all

Wishing everyone a bountiful season!

September 22, 2025

autumn, fall, realgilmorris, season, texas
22 Sierra’s Breakfast Blend Pods
Morning Air Support in Each Cup

For those who start each day with strength and determination, 22 Sierra Coffee offers a morning mission worth launching. Their Breakfast Blend single-serve pods, inspired by the iconic A-10 Warthog, deliver bold flavor with a smooth finish.
- Origin: Central and South America
- Roast: Medium
- Notes: Light body, sweet with bright acidity, and a mild citrus finish
The taste is light and pleasant, with subtle sweetness, hints of acidity for brightness, and a mild citrus aftertaste that lingers just long enough to make an impression. Each box includes 12 pods, designed for use with Keurig K-Cup® brewers. For optimal flavor, the recommended brew setting is 8oz.

Whether powering through a creative project or gearing up for a full day’s work, this blend is built for those who move with purpose. With its clean taste and mission-driven branding, 22 Sierra’s Breakfast Blend is more than coffee—it’s a call to action.

Get your box at 22 Sierra Coffee.

The company donates for each packaged coffee product sold to the Grunt Style Foundation to support their efforts.

Learn more about 22 Sierra Coffee Co. and the Grunt Style Foundation.
September 19, 2025

22sierra, coffee, missouri, realgilmorris, veterans
Morning Warrior Pods by Native Ground Coffee
Awaken Your Morning Routine

Start strong. Stay sharp.

Native Ground’s Morning Warrior is a medium-light roast made for early risers, deep thinkers, and anyone chasing clarity before the day begins.
- Origin: Huatusco, Mexico
- Process: Honey
- Roast: Medium-Light
- Notes: Caramelized sugar, dark cherry, sweet chocolate
Single origin. No blends. Just clean, focused flavor in every pod. Compatible with most single-serve brewers, Morning Warrior coffee pods come in a convenient box containing 24 pods. Each pod is designed for a perfect brew, ensuring you experience the rich aroma and robust flavor that awakens your senses.

No fuss, no filler—just pure, high-quality fuel to kick-start your day. Start each morning by enjoying a cup of Morning Warrior, savoring the bold taste that empowers you to tackle whatever lies ahead. Embrace strength and tradition to fuel your daily journey, as every sip not only invigorates your body but also connects you to the timeless ritual of coffee appreciation. Indulge in the unadulterated essence of coffee, crafted to inspire and energize your spirit.

Grab a box at Native Ground Coffee.
September 18, 2025

arizona, coffee, native, realgilmorris, southwest