He finally cleared that last bit of brush

So long, Crawford. It was nice using you.

This tiny dot on the Central Texas prairie has hosted world-leader summits and massive anti-war protests. Its residents have been profiled and photographed and have learned about life in the spotlight.

Eight years after President Bush bought 1,600 acres here and began extolling the wonders of Crawford to the world, this little town's presidential heyday is nearing its end. After his last extended August trip as president, which concluded this past week, Bush and his entourage are largely moving on.

"I think our town has gotten to experience things that few other towns in America ever get," said Marilyn Judy, a special education teacher and head of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce. "We have had the whole world at our doorstep."

Bush wrapped up nearly two weeks at his ranch last Wednesday. He'll likely return to vote in November and spend the odd weekend and holiday before the end of the year. But the president and first lady Laura Bush are buying a house in Dallas, where Bush is expected to focus on his presidential library and a pro-democracy foundation on the campus of Southern Methodist University. They are keeping the ranch, but it's no secret that the first lady wants to move to the city. The Crawford days are ending.

"We will probably always have some tourists," Judy said. "I don't think we will become the hotspot vacation place you have to go visit."

Yeah, I don't think so, either. I suspect in a few years Crawford will be the subject of one of those "Whatever happened to..." pieces you see in the Sunday paper or maybe in Texas Monthly. Both parties involved got what they wanted - Bush successfully gulled the national press into buying his faux-rancher act, while Crawford got some exposure and made a few bucks selling souvenirs - and now everyone hopes to get back to normal now that it's about to be over. Much like the rest of the country for that latter part. I wish them as much luck as the rest of us at attaining that.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on September 02, 2008 to The great state of Texas