HOW TEXANS DO PROPERTY AUCTIONS
During our trip to visit Jordan in Texas, we decided to kill two birds with one stone and went to a property tax sale. In Texas, when you fail to pay your property taxes, the government eventually takes your property and sells it at an auction on the courthouse steps. My wife and I saw this as a way to maybe buy a house for Jordan in Texas, giving him the security of a permanent living situation. So, we went to property sales in two counties, Travis County and McLellan County. Though we didn’t bid on any properties — nothing quite matched our price point and Jordan’s needs — it was fascinating to see the process. I was amazed to witness a house that was worth around $30,000 sell for just $12,000. In another auction, a house sold for $40,000, even though it was obviously worth closer to $90,000.
It was stunning to see these investors securing properties for less than half their estimated value, though it made sense. Payments needed to be made completely in cash, which eliminates almost everyone, though there were still 20–30 people lined up at to watch the proceedings. It was just one more interesting occurrence on a trip of oddball experiences. I guess when you head to Texas, you expect some “culture shock.” After all, there aren’t many places more different from California than Texas. It was interesting to see firsthand how a completely different state government operated.
Lamb Chops ORANGE-BALSAMIC Impress any dinner guest with this surprisingly quick and easy-to-make meal.
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INGREDIENTS
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • Cooking spray • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided • 2 teaspoons grated orange rind • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice • 8 (4-ounce) lamb rib chops, trimmed
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DIRECTIONS
with cooking spray. Add lamb and cook 2 minutes each side or until desired doneness. 3. Place vinegar in a small skillet over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes or until vinegar is syrupy. Drizzle vinegar and remaining teaspoon oil over lamb.
1. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, rind, and juice in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add lamb to bag; turn to coat well. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Remove lamb from bag and add salt and pepper. 2. Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan
Recipe Courtesy of CookingLight.com
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