Shipley Donuts are legendary in the Houston area. Hands down, they have maintained my families business over at least 2 generations. Admittedly, I am not a “donut a day” kind of customer, but when in need Shipley delivers.

When driving west into National Park territory in Colorado over the Summer, I saw a Shipley’s sign like a beacon of light. In a way it was a little bit of home that I didn’t know I needed.

I feel like everyone probably develops a standard order over time at businesses that we frequent. I usually have a couple of options to circulate through at Shipley’s, but a highlight I found is a “Big Earl” Kolache which uses former Texas Longhorn and Houston Oiler quarterback’s brand of sausage to make for a large breaded bit of kolache delight.

I once went to a firefighters support benefit at a local bar where a signed Earl Campbell Oilers helmet was auctioned off. Campbell wore number 34 and was a force to be reckoned with on the field. I was fortunate to win the item, and it now sits proudly in a display cabinet that the few Houston (and number 34) memorabilia items I have collected are.

So the track this week is Gene Chandler’s “Duke of Earl”. I wanted to find a track that represented a gem of a business in Shipley as well as The Houston Legend Earl Campbell. I remember hearing this Doo Woo track growing up and it always stuck with me.

The featured location I chose for the week (near I 10 and Chimney Rock) includes a mural commissioned by Donkeeboy and Donkeemom. It is a fitting tribute to all things Houston, is created by Mother and Son artists Sylvia and Alex Roman and is just another dedication to the City I love. I have previously commissioned pieces from both artists and had the good fortune of meeting both. Solid folks with deep and art passionate hearts. Donkeemom has an art show coming up soon, that you should totally check out if you are in the area. Find either or both on IG. You can thank me later.

We are all bracing for another storm this week. So, stay safe, stay dry and let’s all take care of one another, y’all.