It’s been 176 years since the Mexicans scaled the walls of the Alamo in San Antonio, bringing death to about 186 Defenders.

On this early morning in Georgia, I am remembering the Alamo story, as I do every year.  It’s a story that I love hearing — that I cherish every detail of.  Each year on February 23 (day one of the 13 day siege), I commence some commemorative reading about the event.  This year, I chose Gary Zaboly’s “An Altar for their Sons“, an absorbing collection of items published roughly during the period of the Texas Revolution.

Rising early, I like to have coffee in the pre-dawn, listening for the sounds of Santa Anna’s soldiers approaching the walls.

This evening, a quiet dinner will bring a close to this thoughtful day.  A steaming bowl of chile con carne, made with buffalo and lots of ancho peppers — that seems appropriate.  With a slab of cornbread spread with comino butter laced with tequila and lime.

Along with this bottle of Mission San Antonio De Valero Cabernet Sauvignon.