I lived in Texas for several years. The first thing that my wife and I realized is that Texas IS it's own country. I think the only reason that they remain a state is to get federal dollars for roads and bridges. We loved it. Texas is a great place!
You are so right. My aunt lives in east Texas and every time I visit her I'm impressed with how many Lone Star state flags I see flying. They are everywhere. Many are huge. You don't see that in other states.