november2007
art
music
fashion
people
events
“Guadalupe peak - texas’ tallest” o.c. oil - 36”x60” - bill Zaner
BiLL Zaner’s est. 1 7 A GAllery of fine Art
“For the Christmas Season, we are featuring new, smaller works, oils and watercolors by Bill Zaner.”
2 s. main street boerne, texas 2
30.2 .16 0
sellers of Distinctive fine Ar t original paintings and sculpture by established texas ar tists
www.billzanerpaintstexas.com
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
GRAND RE-OPENING! We have finished construction, and invite you to enjoy all that we have to offer! 170 South Main Street, Suite 200 Boerne, Texas 78006
830.248.1353 www.cypressgrilleboerne.com
F E AT U R I N G : - Extensive Wine List - New Main Street Entrance
- 12 Beers on Tap - Wonderful Social Atmosphere
“New Business of the Year” - Boerne Chamber of Commerce “Tastefully done - service was top notch. Straight A report card.” - Express News November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
3
november ISSUE
from the publisher
06: calendar of events 07: odds & ends
what ’s inside
Dear Explore Reader… So I took a bunch of good-natured ribbing from people last month because my first “Letter from the Publisher” was sappy. I knew it was, and I asked a few proof-readers…”Is it too sappy?” and they all assured me it wasn’t. So they are all fired. But I gotta admit, I suppose it was a little sappy. I’m kind of a sappy guy. Getting this magazine off the ground has been a big undertaking, and my passion for it got the best of me. So I promise I’ll tone it down this month. Unless of course I stay up too late tonight, come back to this letter, and begin to edit it, adding layers of sap. Anyway… Welcome to our 2nd issue of EXPLORE! We learned a lot on issue #1, and worked a lot of the kinks out, and so we are so proud of the product you hold in your hands. We still have much to learn, but the response was overly positive to the first issue, and we think we might have a “hit” on our hands! This issue is chock full of some great content, and we hope that you enjoy. I also wanted to thank several of our advertisers who donated some uber-cool door prizes for our “Launch Party” that we had a few weeks ago. If you missed the party, you missed THE party. So mark your calendars now that you MUST attend next October’s Anniversary Party! If it is half as fun as the Launch Party, it shouldn’t be missed. Many thanks to Bitter Creek Designs, Specht’s, Salon Infusion, Urban Turquoise, Jo-Ann Power, the Boerne Grill, Kendall Woods Dental, and Dr Ann Davis. Also a big thanks to last month’s music feature, Scott Matthews, for coming to play some songs for us. It was a great time, and was a great moment for me personally to see a huge collection of supporters, friends, family, and strangers that came just to scream “Way to go!” Be sure to stop by our website www.hillcountryexplore.com and check it out. You’ll find links to most of the advertisers, you can download the entire issue, you can subscribe to receive EXPLORE at home/work, and you can read much more about what goes into this mag. Thanks for picking up issue #2, and if you ever want to contact me, don’t hesitate to drop me a line at ben@hillcountryexplore.com. I love to hear from everybody! Smiling, Benjamin D. Schooley ben@hillcountryexplore.com 210-507-5250
Adventures in Beantown by Peggy Schooley
08: behind the mic
Stan Wayne by Elmo Lincoln One musician who refuses to give up. No matter what.
11: books
Power of Words by JoAnn Power Featuring some of the Hill Country’s finest authors, and what makes the written word so important.
15: fashion 16: art
Judy Cavazos by Ben Schooley The story of re-discovering passion in one’s art.
19: spiritual 20: hill country contrarian In Remembrance of Gregory James Krauter by Gael Montana
22: hill country fare It’s Thanksgiving! Enjoy our “Texas-sized” recipes!
24: feature
On the Road, Literally by Bill Zaner Sometimes it takes tragedy to learn what’s truly important.
26: backroads 28: interior design 29: Gardening Trees by Rob Doyen
Publisher Benjamin D. Schooley ben@hillcountryexplore.com
“EXPLORE HAS WORKED OUT WONDERFULLY FOR BITTER CREEK DESIGNS. THE RESPONSE TO OUR ADS IN EXPLORE HAVE BEEN GREAT, THE LAYOUT VERY PROFESSIONAL, AND THE STAFF HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EXPLORE TO ANYONE LOOKING TO INCREASE THEIR BUSINESS AND EXPOSURE!” JENNY FORKS, OWNER- BITTER CREEK DESIGNS BOERNE, TX
Creative Director Lauren Tuttle Stumberg lauren@hillcountryexplore.com Advertising/Sales 210-507-5250 or sales@hillcountryexplore.com EXPLORE magazine is published by Phoenix Media in Boerne, Tx. EXPLORE magazine and Phoenix Media are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of EXPLORE and/or Phoenix Media. Copyright 2007
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
FROM TUSCAN
TO
TEXAN
WWW.CATRINASATTHERANCH.COM
“I F
YOU CAN D REAM IT , WE CAN B UILD IT .”
31300 IH-10 WEST BOERNE, TEXAS 78006 830-755-6355 OR 210-535-3070 CATHOELKE@GVTC.COM EASY TO FIND EXIT 543 OFF INTERSTATE 10 WEST (ACROSS FROM TOYOTA) Watch Catrina every Saturday morning on the San Antonio Luxury Living TV Show on Channel 50... November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
5
! S T N E V h e re ! E w y n F a O ’l l fin d
{
R A a r yo u D d n e l N a c E CAL rehensi ve e vents count r ye xplore.com
calendar
hi l l om p @ c o t f s n i o – m Th e io ns s ubm i s s
{
d ay We dne s R7 y E r B e v M e E d V the foo DAY, NO n t a s t ic re’s e ve n e a f h (t ’s WEDNES e e g r n o o n St ra ne ra l St : En jo y D a r ing G e s t a rs ) WAR ING te a k N ite at W ic e s Te xa s S t r y mus s Fe at u r S ch re inigh t f o r r ush w it h c o u n t at io n s, ie N n 2 r e e s R S e E r e B p s l e r, ou lb ia NOVEM C o f f e e h u x St u de n t C e n t -7409 jo y s p e c lu de s a c c a s io n a n c o ic E s In l u F R IDAY, . a s M g iv s t in 92 xa il lo a in Fe s ig n V ILLE: Te p e r f o r me rs . C a mus ic .o rg 830/7 t, e n te rt l. a s B o o k io n s a n d b o o k s R x n R e e T T E : g K IN in d AUST is c us s ll C o o k e s t iv a ite rs a n w.te xa sh e r it age e t it, Y’a , p a ne l d asb o o kf s o ng w r . ww re ading s h a p te r, B o n App p it o l. w w w.te x ive rs it y n a C U se C r ’s e e n t e a r t P lay h o u m C h ild ER 8 ent o re . S B il — s m t M d s d E e n n V a n a O r e nt iv Ea e r.c o Y, N me n t te r Ex p o. L sfie ld Pa r k . HU RSDA o f Be ing w.c a il lo u x t h e at 55 o T e 0 o c d 4 n t a u 7 t O 7 r n o d /4 o re . M a Th e Im p ate r. w w b e c ue a n o rg 512 RV ILLE: lo u x Th e te rs Ba r iv it ie s, m R il t n E a c u C K a H . s : C A id n e BANDE R affle , ve n do rs, k e h a ll . 2000 K at hle w.g r ue n ,r -3833 s w 93 4 n 3 6 w io 9 t . -3 c ll 6 0 u a 0/89 ne H a 0, 80 e 3 8 u 8 2 r g F lo o re’s G -3 g 6 is p lay in R9 p lay in E ” 830-79 B y w ll o M r e E r K o V 1 2 ss NO : C or y M “ Re c k le s . 800-2 F R IDAY, GRUENE av o r ite s t b e g in f e om f E t .c R s s r O e L u r e ke nd tflo o al W : EXP a u S e n E n T iv Da r k We .l O A c om L t w h E s t H w a 7 g P e 4 w t L : . r S e e th h o w and al A tor AUNFE L un t r y S w ne d by k ly t h An n u t le rs Fine Art S n t iq ue s o o n C e e r v o NE W BR e t S S : s l A G ee , D ie K u n g G e ne ra a r k , Fa ll 0 ICKSBU R e cond w 4369 ic Wa r in ge h a s adde d a s e w it h a ll t h e F R EDE R e S at u rd ay g a la d’s Art Be f o re D 0 r 6 o t -3 7 is H 9 -Qu s th G u il ra n 88/9 : Th e e B t t G d 8 r rS lu a IN A m n c B o R o g In r D n A .c u r W Cabsb he re r ar k In n a n d re de r ic k rt p as td xa s c ate ome e n jo y S o u t r y Fr id ay N igh t e F e s , .a T o le w y a ’R a w S d D . n w e e. C e ve d mo re . c le R a ll y x p e r ie n c C o u n t r y Mus ic Sh o w a n Mo t o rcy s din ing e r l e il t H is e S d L iv Th re e o re . fix in’s a n LEAK EY: 3 d and m n R a E -5246 b B e M v E li NOV 830-232 ch am o o d, , . d f Y s r s A a in om 5 t o e D n d R e lu U c SAT w w.m n ing s f r r ing s BE R 10 u t In e w o p M • o w E t V t lo e O B in .n N cc r ’s AY, e h o s t jo t h e late s t o f f e n d D: H u n te a rdc c@ w SATU RD of Boe r n s MENAR ia . E-m a il : me n ie 5 Ar t a e and r , 6 s e t ll 3 r a -2 s o f w in c o n d S at u rd ay tor a ir. A 396 Th e g s F / : 5 la E ll 2 g a N F 3 a R l E y a C lub Vic m ie BO nu n jo fS n Th e t iv me rc e .c o u t a n d e c e ne . Pat ro n s o in s t y li sh f u n o 42n d An e s, a n d k id s’ ac o d e il u m o G C b e ro f c om t . 8 lu n ch d C raf g a lle r y n e Ar t S Ar t s a n n t, p late t h e B o e r f rom g a lle r y t o n t ro lle y. n o e UTOP IA: ic, e n te rt a inme -966-5569. in e ge Mur id g re e al W us 30 e H e r it a ine c a n re d a n d r ’s O r ig in u d W ’s r t lt o u c raf t s, m To w n S q u a re . 8 n f a f ic r r li n o o n . No Ag t au at C he ll at t h e d g o o n a ll af te r . Mus ic re e k Re s a C n b o e o t ie s o n t s a M B e psy 0 pm a n n jo y a : Vin t ag R LEY: G y . ip a n t s e BOE R NE l s t a rt a b o u t 1:0 ic e t 12 t o W IMBE 3 r iv 6 a it 4 P t 9 e , w il om p e r ue n b e r 11t h it h, -847c G 2 m m d u e 1 e a n d v 5 e a o r s r. le u y N c a o B nnua l T n Fe e . l C o u n t r ue & c la s s ic bicy a Me re d 0 to 6 & : 24 t h A gh t h e Te xa s H il 10t h 1 e n H o us e at C a s Adm is s io iq r t 8 e n 2 b a 8 m / n e 0 GRUENE a v u p 1 No yO 72 . r ide t h ro rac e a n d e ne te xa s .c om 2 G HE IM : f t H o lid a 6. 830-229-55 R a E r B C & u le is u re ly . C e le b r it y s lo w r s am N a.g wy 4 l Ar t ls s. w w w r y Pro g r o t is 5. An n u a a nyo n Dr., o f f H H it zg t ime t r ia d o u t t h e e ve n t C w w.n im t L iv in a in w b n . w u e m T o o n r 1 o C Z 25 sh o w G: Pac ific C om b at ICKSBU R t h e Pac ific Wa r l R il E D w E 6856 s R t F s f Bre a k f a a n e n jo y BE R 4 us e um o 79 9-5530 e Be d & NOVEM io n a l M c n , t r Y y /997- 43 e e A o 0 D h B t 3 N 830/24 8 . U o n s S e a g v r z s y. 87 S . e t .o la s s P e s f m a in us e u or gu e rs o dish e ar k , H w f M n m P le e s w y p y o im a it m e t D C a h t t s n :T c omas t and : Mar ke r t h e firs rt M as o BOE R NE BOE R NE do o rs f o ue Be d & Bre a k f t a t a s te o f t h e in ne r Fo 5758 D ir a e e h m t il a a n G v iq a ec ild 47 ope e at u re s e of a un t h at refl k e t s a re te r, SON : W c o c .c om 325/3 r b e c ue F ic A a T ch B M !! n & y a e R a g li m p s a l re s t au ra n t s it n d x il li p s rs C e Pa ra son t o rt u n h o a p y P p it c a . o .m D s is lo w s V is ie m n h e w it a w st f ro ern . S: Ve te r n’s ac t iv Do n’t m is rs o n, at Th e B o S . M a in E SH OAL o o d a n d ch ildre 7 IT e 0 mu n it y. N p 4 , A r 1 y e , R a p e G f d . L ive un ue , $20 H o us ch e r H a ll ve n t is S t io n , b a r b e c 698 is a ble f o r o r ic K ing s b u r y e e F d e a ic h r r T a o . t p re . H is no w 8-8 rma is t e au x , mo t iv a l at o re in f o v a il a ble in t h e H 830/59 J s . a e m x d F s u r a t e a o o e e ic .F k R R M e t ic An nu a l 1pm-5pm he y and Ad v a n c ER : 4 t h h, f rom S li m R ic t H , C 4 s e r IS v e F a 30 b le C No ve m 277 by S la id on Page -7 ic e s 9 r u 4 o m -2 M 0 . c a ll 83 7- 4495 866-53
ank t. at ky b by app par o g ke or S ma t. f Ve
6
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
ADVENTURES IN BEANTOWN
EPIC FLOORING Serving the Texas Hill Country
{
odds and ends
here are always some things that we can learn whether we are Texans misplaced in Boston, or, like you, a Texan living the idyllic life in the Texas hill country. Let me share two lessons that I learned recently.A Texan living in Boston is a curious enough phenomenon, but we had a serious expansion of the Texas/Boston population a few weeks ago. My mom and dad, both in their 80s, came to visit us. Mom is a weird mix of Oklahoma and Texas, and my dad is…well, he’s plum pure Texan. Here’s the deal: my husband and I live in a condo in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. (By the way, we have no idea how that happened. One day we lived on a few acres outside of Boerne, and the next thing we knew, we were paying what felt like a boatload of money for a place to park our car…at our own house. “Ouch” applies here.) In Boston, almost no one makes eye contact with strangers or passers-by. Well, unless you’re from Texas…or maybe Louisiana. That’s about it. So, picture this – my mom and I are planting flowers in front of the condo. Lots of people walking by. Head down, earpieces in, isolated by whatever thoughts or technology. My mom: “Hi there!” Stranger: “What? You talking to me?” Mom: “Yep! These are some beautiful mums, don’t ya think? That’s my daughter! This is her house! I’m from San Antonio!” Stranger: “Yeow.”
Oh my goodness, it was the best afternoon I ever spent in Boston. First off, I met almost every person on my street. We met Mr. Xhu and his son Jimmy – and who’d have known than Mr. Xhu, who spoke limited English, is a ‘goodest cooker’ who would love to have us come for dinner. Or that Amy’s mom grows mums for a living, and she’d get some for us – and she did! That about half of the people said “I love your flower garden and can’t wait to see it each day as I walk home.” That our brand new upstairs neighbors Anthony and June had a lot of questions about the area and the building, and were just hoping for a friendly assist. Sure, Mom got a few brusque responses and a few no-responses. But she proved something pretty clearly: assuming that people are friendly and that they are looking for a personal connection is a good assumption. I hadn’t realized how “Boston” I’d become, somewhat insular and insulated. How I had slowly begun to avoid eye contact and to smile at passers-by less and less. So, Mom, thanks for the reminder. Your reaching out to other people is so natural and such a part of you - and I hope that your lesson sticks with me forever. We also were reminded how inured a city-dweller becomes to those things that are ‘of the city.’ We walk almost everywhere, with all the necessities within a block or two of our home – groceries, convenience store, dry cleaners. You name it. So, we walk. On each corner, the powers-that-be have been good enough to put in those nice little “walk/ don’t walk” signs. In Boston, don’t walk is a red hand in the “No!” position, and the walk sign is a white lighted little walking man. You’ve all seen them, I’m sure. In Boston, we just assume they are for the tourists, because none of US use them! We cross when we want to! We try to make sure we can either outrun the oncoming cars or that we can bluff them into slowing or stopping. So, after a few days of crossing “Boston” style, my dad asks us to explain the crossing signals. “What do you mean, Dad?” “Well,” he says, “in most towns the red hand means Don’t Walk. But it seems that here it Boston is means “Come On Over!” He was wondering how we kept from getting confused because this was such a change from most cities. He was totally serious. We’re still laughing – AND we are trying to walk ONLY on the white walking man signal! Wouldn’t want to lead any other Texans astray. We don’t know how much longer our sojourn in Boston will last. The minute we can, we’re coming home. There’s nothing like a day on Main Street, or the Berges A native texan, peggy moved Fest parade. A day at the lake skiing until you need to take a nap. Pastures filled with to boston in the fall of ’ 7 bluebonnets. But until then, we’ll continue with days at Fenway watching the Red Sox and has been there ever since. she is president of evergreen clinch another game (we were here when the Curse was broken!), and the Patriots investments, and is trying to complete those long passes. We’ll go to the Cape and to the July 4th fireworks over figure out a way to move the the Charles River. And, in the process, maybe we can Texan-ize a few Bostonians so entire company to a ranch even when we’re gone, we’ll have made a difference. north of Comfort.
{
t by peggy schooley
www.boerneparadisetan.com Two Locations Open 7 Days a Week 830.249.0904 • 830.249.1800
Come See Us in Paradise! Come Visit Our Newest Location at The Tower, Beginning November 12!
COME SEE OUR NEW LOCATION!! 801 N. Main St., Ste. A - Boerne, TX
1595 Main Street – Next Door to Eat Smart
• Carpet • Wood • Ceramic • Porcelain • Granite • Vinyl • Laminate • Blinds • Shutters 830.249.0915 • www.epicflooring.com
Premiering the Only High Pressure Bed in Boerne
“We’ve Got You Covered”
November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
7
Behind the Mic: Stan Wayne p e r f o r m e r , f at h e r , a n d s u r v i v o r
T by Elmo Lincoln
{
behind the mic
{
he Hill Country has seen all kinds of music and musicians. On most any night, you can wander a Main Street and pop your head into a bar and catch all sorts of music. From the local coffee shop with the folksy-hippie-guy, to the tavern with the full band playing old Jerry Jeff Walker covers, you can catch a wide variety of tunes. However, I will go out on a limb and say, definitively, you have not seen anyone like Stan Wayne in the Hill Country in recent memory. He is more than unique – he is a driven professional doing the only thing he’s ever known. A product of South-Philly, Stan grew up shining shoes in his father’s barbershop for the likes of Muhammad Ali, gangsters, and all the jazz musicians of that time. “It was crazy – everybody wore suits, there were Cadillacs all over the place…it was the big Italian life. So all I ever heard from Dad was the old-school jazz stuff…the Cole Train, the big ol’ sexy jazz stuff.” So at an early age, Stan began to try his hand with music. “I grabbed a guitar and learned the three power chords every guitarist knows, and began to tinker with it. I can learn pretty well by ear, so I picked up a lot of songs quickly.” During this time, Stan worked hard writing and singing his songs for anyone that would listen. “After high school, I just kinda bummed around for a while. I played a bunch of shitty clubs all over the Philly area…a
bunch of VFWs, small clubs, stuff like that…and I guess I was about 20, and a manager for the Platters saw me and asked me if I wanted to go out on the road with them singing backup. It was the late 70s, and Led Zeppelin and all the big, loud rock music was coming about, but I decided to take the jump and do it.” During this time, Stan experienced an education. “I was out on the road with the Platters, and met so many famous performers. And I learned all the cool soul moves, and how to dress…they taught me how to shake hands properly, and what fork to use. They taught me how to talk to people in the performance business, and what matters and what doesn’t…basically, they taught me how to become a performer, and not necessarily a musician.” Eventually moving on to greener pastures, Stan was poised for his big break. “I was in Miami at the time, and I was set up for my first record deal, but it eventually fell through. I was crushed. However, music was all I had ever known, so I started yet another group, and eventually hooked up with Gong Records, which was owned by Bob Marley. So we started recording, I was loving the sound, and I was certain that this was my chance. I was going to have a hit….Huey Lewis…Sting…. all these guys were hitting the radio, and I knew that I was going to be the next big thing once my record got out there.” However, fate has a bad habit sometimes of changing plans. “Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. It destroyed the recording studio. Absolutely destroyed it. I remember watching the studio engineers pulling my tapes out of the water. My recordings were destroyed.” Again, Stan was faced with the chore of pulling his musical career back together, and to keep plugging away. “I eventually got moving again and was contacted by SBK Records, who had Vanilla Ice and Tracy Chapman. So they were trying to decide on whether they wanted me or not…but they had just signed Jon Secada, and he had Gloria Estefan on backup, so Stan lost again.” Feeling a little bruised and battered, Stan, his wife, and their two sons then moved to Memphis for a brand new casino that had just opened. “I began playing at this brand new casino, and began to learn the casino performance business. I enjoyed my time in Memphis…the casino they built was literally built in what was nothing but cotton fields. And the people that came to work at the casino had never had a decent paying job. And I got to know a lot of them, and it was so cool to see them brag about how they were going to buy a new car, or put money down on a house…it’s true what they say ya know…give a man a chance. These guys took their chance and did good by it. I miss Memphis.” However, with the casino experience under his
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
belt, Stan moved the family to Vegas. “Vegas is good and bad. It pays well, but it’s so political. It’s where musicians go to die. Everybody is fighting for a slot, and everybody is fighting for preference. And they don’t make musicians or stars in Vegas…they promote shows for ‘The Guy who Sounds Like Elvis’ and ‘The Guy who Can Sing Sinatra’… they don’t promote Stan Wayne. And another thing, not the least important, is that Vegas is a very cool place to visit, but it’s no place to raise a family. Especially a daughter.”
Eventually Stan had an offer to go to the New Orleans/Gulf Coast area to work the casinos there. “It was steady. I could get the family out of Vegas. There was more God in that area of the world, and more family. It was really what I wanted. My boys were in the 8 and 10 area about that time, and they were making friends, and they needed stability. So I played 2 shows a night, the money was steady and we were happy.” However, that all changed with Hurricane Katrina. “My wife has a lot of family in the San Antonio area, and there was a hurricane some years back that went through, and so we all drove to San Antonio. My band stayed behind, and called to tell me that everything was fine at my house on the Gulf Coast and that they were really enjoying my TV and all of my food. So when Katrina was headed for us, I decided to stay. Bad move.” “It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been through. My house was essentially destroyed. All my neighbors’ homes were destroyed. It was like ‘Lord of the Flies’ as my boys had to go out for food everyday while I sat watch at the house with a shotgun. It was a nightmare. We were trapped for 8 days.” And if all this wasn’t bad enough, death came very close to Stan’s home. “My sons had a friend that was about to be shipped off to Iraq. Well, they found his parents dead. So I had to call this kid and tell him that they were dead. So I went home, got a bottle of Jack Daniels, got drunker than I have been in a long time, and told my wife ‘Pack it all up. Whatever we have. If we don’t have a TV, we’ll get one. Forget the couch. Forget all of it. We have everything we need’. And so we drove to San Antonio.” So Stan and the entire family were transplanted, as were tens of thousands of Katrina refugees, to Texas. And I suppose if there is one thing tragedy can teach you…it’s about what’s important. Stan says, “Ya know, you realize real quick you can get a new TV, a new car, and even a new home. Dishes can be replaced, as can every dollar in your bank account…but your family is all you have. So when things get scary, your money won’t save you. Nor will your car. But your family will. They are the only things you’ll find yourself fighting for.” And Stan has been a fighter. Not one to let adversity get him down, he keeps plugging away and making a name for himself. “The Hill Country is a little confused with me, because there isn’t much in the way of performance music here. I’m a professional, and most of the guys out here do it as a hobby. This is all I do. When you see Stan Wayne, it’s a performance, it’s not dinner music, or some sort of silly karaoke. I take it seriously, and work harder than anybody. At the same time, the Hill Country has been great to me, mainly Naples Pizza in Boerne.” Stan plays every Friday night at Naples from 8pm onward. “Naples is so great. The first time I walked onstage, people were shocked. They were used to the quiet dinner music, and I came right out and did my thing. But after they picked their jaws up off the floor, they clapped. And had a great time. And eventually Naples took a chance and expanded the bar area (now called Naples on the Rocks) and put in a dance floor. So I hope that folks in the area come out and see me…and that the audience continues to grow, and that they enjoy it. After all, in the end, my whole job is to make people happy.” If there’s one thing that your humble author can appreciate, it’s a musician that refuses to quit and keeps pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is to be on top of the Top 40 charts, or to make zillions writing hit songs, dreams are what keep us all working hard. And in the case of Stan Wayne, we learn that sometimes that dream may change throughout one’s life…and while he still performs nightly all over the area, his true dream of providing a wonderful life for his family, while keeping them safe and happy, seems to have been realized. “When I was a kid, I was fascinated with horses. And I grew up in Philly, so there were none. So I keep lying in bed and dreaming about getting a little place out here in the Hill Country, and getting a horse or two. And all I really want to do is grow old gracefully, and listen to some good music, and hopefully make some good music myself. And I really just want to keep on being happy.”
November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
naples
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Emily Morgan Hotel – The Yellow Rose of the Riverwalk
claire cunningham is a favorite of mine. and no, it’s not because she’s gorgeous. it’s because when you listen to her, she sounds 20 years older than her real age - 24. She has a wonderfully gravelly voice, apt guitar work, and well thought-out lyrics. catch her live sometimes soon...it’s a treat.
t
travel
www.fortpastor.com if you haven’t listened to Todd Snider’s “The Devil you know”, you are missing one of the greatest musical treats you can enjoy. he can’t sing a lick (in the vein of robert earl keen) but the songs are so deeply profound, intelligent, and even funny. he is the person that every single song-writer on earth strives to be.
www.toddsnider.net
{
fort pastor’s new cD, “Beautiful imperfection” is one of my favs right now. it’s a spiritual album, but one done in a manner where you don’t necessarily look for the deeper meaning, but rather enjoy songs presented in a light-hearted, enjoyable format.
{
www.clairecunningham.net
that enormous chomping sound that we all hear from time to time is the sound of san Antonio chewing up more and more of i-10 and 2 1 as it gets ever closer and closer.We all moved out to the hill Country for a reason, and for most of us, it was to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. but it’s coming closer, and we know it. however, in san Antonio’s defense, it’s a great city to live close to, and has some wonderful attractions. so from time to time, we’ll try to tell you about one or two. After all, we better learn to like san Antonio. As such, one of our eXplore writers was blessed with the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Emily Morgan hotel on the Riverwalk, and filed this report.
by Amanda sena
he Emily Morgan hotel, located in downtown San Antonio, is the perfect answer to a fall weekend getaway for those living in the Hill Country. For one, the hotel’s history is quite interesting, being named after Emily Morgan, the Yellow Rose of Texas. Not to mention, Emily Morgan literally stands right next door to the Alamo, making it a great location for sightseeing. And, the hotel offers wonderful amenities and succeeds in making you feel like you are their top priority. The Emily Morgan is like no other. I first heard about the Emily Morgan a couple summers ago when my friend and I went on a ghost hunt downtown provided by Alamo City Paranormal. The tour guide showed us all around downtown, noting which places were haunted, the Alamo being one, as well as the Emily Morgan. As we stood in front of the Emily Morgan, a tall, beautiful piece of Gothic architecture, and listened to the history of the hotel, I became intrigued. The Emily Morgan building hasn’t always been a hotel; in fact, it’s only been one for a little over 20 years. The 13-story tower was originally constructed as the Medical Arts Building in 1924 by J.M. Nix. This building was the very first doctors’ building in San Antonio and cost roughly $1.5 million to build. The thirteenth floor, which is the very top floor, was used for operations.
continued on page 12
“NOT JUST YOUR ORDINARY GUITAR SHOP” Sign Up NOW for BASS LESSONS We Sell REEDS!
HEALTH FOOD CENTER AND MARKET
Third generation “In Business for Your Health”
248 N. Main #2 Boerne, Texas 78006
430 W. Bandera Boerne, Texas 78006
830.249.9931
830.249.4603 Featuring high quality vitamins, herbs, and health foods
Cheapest Beer in Town!
Large selection of wheat and gluten-free items
Nightly Specials
(behind the Boerne Library)
CY TORGERSON
www.thebohemianguitarplayer.com
Live Music Every Night! Featured in Texas Monthly & Car And Driver magazines
Wed/Sat - Karaoke Fri - Live Music 31138 I-10 W (across from Toyota)
Boerne, TX Open NOON Every Day!
www.spechts.com
830-755-5313 10
Friday, November 16, from 6-9pm – organic wine and hors d’oeuvres – Thank you for your continued support!!
(830) 980-7121
112 Specht Road • San Antonio, Texas We are located 9 miles North of 1604 off Blanco Road.
Great Food. Great Service. Great Music
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
Power of Words by Jo-Ann Power
{
books
o you love books? The feel, the smell of paper? The joy of the prose? The soothing solitude of simply reading? For many, reading a book offers both an education and an opportunity to enjoy a flight of fancy. For some, writing a book is the ultimate achievement. But for a very few, publishing a book and making it available for a large number of people to enjoy is the most rewarding labor of love. For Boerne resident Jeff Morgenthaler, becoming a publisher is a natural progression. Jeff, who came to the book business after decades as a corporate legal counsel, saw his first book published in 2004, opened a Boerne bookstore in that same year, then published a history of Boerne in 2005. His background drew him to non-fiction and to history. “[The law] taught me the art of intensive research, the importance of accuracy and detail, and the skills of analysis, distillation and organization,” he says. “The trick is to retain those abilities while infusing the elements of a good read: conflict, character, plot, theme, emotion, redemption. Those may seem like the elements of fiction, but they’re also what makes non-fiction compelling.” Morgenthaler’s first book, The River has Never Divided Us [ISBN 0292-70283-3; $22.95] chronicles the turbulent history of a Texas borderlands community from 1830 to the present. Published by The University of Texas, the book garnered SMU’s Clements Center Award for the best book of 2004 about the Southwest. His second book was Boerne, Settlement on the Cibolo [ISBN 1-932-80108-1], which he wrote “because people kept coming into my bookstore and asking or a local history…. In the process, I became interested in German colonization of Texas, which turned into a book about Prince Solms, Henri Castro and the Republic of Texas that is in process at Texas A&M University Press. It probably won’t hit bookshelves until late 2008.” But the bookstore and the writing competed for time, and Morgenthaler chose writing over bookselling. He closed the bookstore, pulled together two more manuscripts and in a move that surprised even himself, decided to use them to seed a new publishing house. This month, his Mockingbird Books publishing imprint will issue The German Settlement of the Texas Hill Country [ISBN 978-1-932801-09-5; $18.95] and La Junta de los Rios [ISBN 978-1-932801-10-1; $18.95]. Even though the books are just now coming available, the La Junta book is already getting noticed: The Center for Big Bend Studies has asked Morgenthaler to present the book at the keynote speech in Alpine for their 14th annual conference November 9. Jeff will offer his two new histories through Mockingbird Books,
November 2007
{
D
and is looking for more authors to add to Mockingbird’s list. For submission requirements, visit Mockingbird’s website, www.mockingbirdbooks.com. Today, Jeff has taken his desire to make non-fiction compelling and combined it with a desire to publish other regional Texana histories. “”What spurred me to enter publishing,” he says, “is the shrinkage in the ranks of Texas regional publishers over the last ten years.” He has established a Texas non-profit named the Texana Foundation, and has moved Mockingbird Books into the foundation. Privately funded, the foundation’s mission will be to foster excellence and interest in Texas-oriented non-fiction. “It will support writing and education,” Jeff explains, “through a combination of publishing, coaching and innovative book events.” The foundation will complement many other organizations in the community that promote the visual or musical arts. More information is available at www.texanafoundation.org. All of Morgenthaler’s books are available either at Read All About It Bookstore on Main Street in Boerne, online through www.mockingbirdbooks.com, or through Amazon.com. You may want copies for yourself, your children or your neighbors. You could also buy more and use them as holiday stocking stuffers. Like most people’s To-Be-Read list, Jeff Morgenthaler’s TBR pile reflects his hectic lifestyle—and his artistic endeavors. As he says, “The truth is that my writing involves so much research, and my news-junkie habits require so much reading, that I seldom find time for pleasure reading. But I do have a wish list: • Nabokov’s Lolita, because it’s on every best-bookever list, and I’ve never read it. • Harrigan’s Gates of the Alamo, because I’d like to learn to write historical fiction. • Dick’s Ubik, because it’s been a long time since I’ve read science fiction.” For every reader—young or old, we invite you to enter our book giveaway contest, which this month features one of Jeff’s books. To enter, email me at jo-ann@jo-annpower.com and list one book you have read lately that you loved—and tell me why in no more than 2 sentences! We will choose one entry and the winner will receive a copy of Jeff Morgenthaler’s history of Boerne, Boerne, Settlement on the Cibolo. Entries must be posted by November 14, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. Central. Happy reading!
www.hillcountryexplore.com
Jo-Ann Power, the author of 17 novels, has also written thousands of words in ads, annual reports, marketing campaigns and press releases! She invites you to learn more about her and her novels at www.jo-annpower.com and to email her –and enter the monthly contest--at jo-ann@jo-annpower.com.
11
continued from page 10
{
travel, con’t
{
In 1976, the Medical Arts building turned into a modern office building, leading to the establishment of Emily Morgan Hotel in 1984. The hotel was named after Emily Morgan, known as the Yellow Rose of Texas, who was said to be the reason for Texas victory at San Jacinto due to her “distracting” Mexican commander Santa Anna. As the tour guide was pointing out the details of the tower’s architecture, made of reinforced concrete with glazed terra cotta on the top and bottom stories, he mentioned that the terra cotta gargoyles depicted figures with different medical conditions, like toothaches. He also added that the supposed purpose of these gargoyles is to scare off ghosts. Though, Emily Morgan does not have nearly as many gargoyles as some of the other Gothic buildings in the area, which could be why it is said to be haunted! Because the hotel was used as a hospital on the thirteenth floor, now the fourteenth, that floor is said to be haunted. Also, room 811 has been known to house a ghost of a man, who some people have seen walk by as they look at their reflections in the mirror. I’ve always been a curious individual, especially in the area of paranormal activity. Not that I have ever actually seen a ghost, but I do believe they are out there. Though, because I’ve never witnessed a ghost, I am a skeptic and I do keep my mind open to the possibility that creaky sounds could just be old plumbing. Either way, I knew I wanted to stay there and when I did, I was definitely in for a surprise, a pleasant one to say the least. I was lucky enough to be accommodated with a suite on a brisk Sunday in October. My mom agreed to join me and I do believe she was glad she did. We checked-in early that evening with a very pleasant front desk agent in their tranquil, elegant lobby and were on our way to visit Emily. As we reached the tenth floor, I noticed that right next to the elevator was an old mail chute that the doctors must have used and I thought it gave the hotel great character. The chute extended throughout each floor in the hotel. Our suite was definitely the best part of the hotel, which was quite spacious and included a sitting area, a bar, a desk, two televisions, an enormous king size bed that was to die for, a Jacuzzi in the bathroom and much more. Not to mention, we were at the arch of the v-shaped building, giving us a panoramic view of outside, one side being the Alamo grounds. We later came down to their beautiful Oro Bar, located right next to the lobby, for drinks and to watch the Cowboys game. There we enjoyed some tasty spinach dip and bread, along with some drinks. According to my mom, their cosmopolitans are excellent! Because it was a Sunday night, it was very quiet and peaceful and my mom and I enjoyed talking with the bartender. For the next few hours we relaxed in our luxurious room and ordered in room service. I have to admit that their cheese pizza was one of the best I’ve ever had. All in all, it was a wonderful getaway to the beautiful, historic downtown of SA, and I will most likely visit Emily again. Though I did not experience any paranormal activity, I have to note that I did not stay in a designated haunted area, and my surprise was better than witnessing a ghost! It was simply refreshing!
Enhance Your Life at the Lodge
A division of Preferred Landscape & Lighting Assisted Living Independent Living Cottages
Offering comprehensive tree health care including:
All Meals & Special Diets 24-Hour Staff Medication Assistance & Healthcare Management Laundry Services, Personal Clothing & Linens Housekeeping Services Assistance with Bathing, Grooming, Ambulation, Dressing & Other Personal Services Activities, Exercise & Socialization Respite Care ◆
◆
•
◆
◆
◆
◆
John Leifester, #TX-3484A
◆
◆
24137 Boerne Stage Road San Antonio, TX 78255
(210) 698-9365 (210) 391-6457 www.thelodgeatleonsprings.com ◆
12
Tree/Native Species Development Plans • Fertilization & Inoculations • Pruning & Planting • Integrated Pest Management • Soil Decompaction
Cell 210-771-7081 - Office 210.657.7737 www.preferredlandscapetx.com jleifester@preferredlandscapetx.com TDA Lic. # 0472734 San Antonio Tree Maintenance Lic. # TL-917426
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
What in the World is Vintage Base Ball? by Kristy Watson
then:
{ {
history
V
Where Quality is a Custom
now:
At J.R. Howard Construction, L.L.C. and J.R. Howard Homes, we are full service commercial contractors and residential custom home builders. We also specialize in metal buildings, office tenant finishout, and residential remodeling and renovation.
Vintage Base Ball (originally spelled with two words) is the national pastime played as it was in the mid 19th century, and as many say, the way it was intended. A typical vintage base ball game is an event where participants wear the old style clothing or uniforms and play base ball, typically by the rules of the 1860, demonstrating the early history of base ball as they do so. This is not only fun to play and watch but serves as an educational tool, as well. The Agricultural Heritage Museum in Boerne has a team as part of their historical programs that portray the farmers and merchants recreational past time in the Texas Hill Country. The team is called the Boerne White Sox Vintage Base Ball Team and represents the style of uniform used by that team in Boerne around 1914. Over 20 members have signed up with the White Sox team to practice and play other vintage teams around the state including the Montgomery College Saw Dogs, The Richmond Giants, The Farmers Branch Mustangs, The Cedar Hill Cartwrights, The Buffalo Gap Chips and more. Since it’s start in August of 2007, the White Sox team has traveled to Richmond Texas to play in the Presidents Cup over Labor Day weekend. Most recently, Oct 13-14 we played at The Farmers Branch Historical Park. If you want to get a taste for the game, you’ll have a chance to see it be played soon. We invite all of the public to come out and watch us play on November 10th as we host the Veteran’s Cup in Boerne at the Agricultural Heritage Museum. The event is free of charge and will start about 1:00 pm and will go on all afternoon. The players are enthusiastic about being involved and are finding it exciting to be on the team. Ages range from 11 to 64 years and the team is co-ed.
830-816-3300 PO Box 2115 Boerne, Texas 78006
w w w . j r h o wa r d h o m e s . c o m November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
13
Home Interiors • Clothing • Hand Bags Gifts • Accessories • Antiques And More 17130 Hwy 46 West, Spring Branch, Texas 78070
830-885-4832
www.SassySpur.com
Cristal’s
clothing * accessories * gifts 146 s. main street • boerne, texas
830.249.6336
Spring Branch 830-885-2394
Monday, November 19 Exclusive Art Show for Judy Cavazos, by invitation only. Please contact Salon Infusion for information on how to attend this exclusive event!
830-816-5354 1433 S. Main Street • Suite 105 Boerne, Texas 78006
SalonInfusion.com
Wimberley 512-847-6383
SERVICES: Natural Nail Care Spa Body Waxing Spa Skin Care Massage Hair Specialty Styling Hair Colour
Salon Infusion aspires to provide the highest caliber salon and spa services to each and every person that enters through our doors. Our objective is to offer competitive prices, while maintaining excellent customer service and quality products. We invite you to slip into an ambience of calmness and rejuvenation. Relax, unwind and let us take care of you.
1
Sattler 830-907-2583
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
Dare to Wear {
p
{
fashion
out with your favorite beau or day of shopping with the girls! If you think the latest jackets are too old fashioned - don’t. It’s all about how you wear them. Put the “Audrey Hepburn” inspired three quarter swing coat with a slim pant, patent heel, and long gold chains. You have a fresh look, proud to partake in this season’s trend. Remember, if you have volume up top, minimize your base. Don’t be afraid of color. Deep purples, vibrant reds, hushed yellows are fantastic to add to your wardrobe. Match these colors with any shade of grey for a contemporary look. Yes, I know your favorite spot in any store is the rack with black, but when fashion gives you color – accessorize! Buy a red belt, deep plum handbag, or mustard colored flat. They are trendy now, but they are also great fashion items you can use in the future. Sooo, why not be creative with your style? You may not be “America’s Next Top Model”, but you are “Boerne’s Next Best Thing”. Each season we have a chance to freshen up, change just a little and make dressing fun! We are women and fashion is “in our bones.” I say we turn heads as we sashay down the runway streets of Boerne. Fulfill that never ending fashion challenge. Step out of your comfort zone this season and slip on something new. A couture look may not be your passion, but all women have a desire for style. What’s yours going to be?
by Chrystal langford
aris...New York... Boerne.... What drives your sense of fashion? Main Street may not be Fifth Avenue, but it is our catwalk! So, how should we strut this winter? With Confidence! Let’s face it - if you look good, you feel good! Don’t be apprehensive of the seasons fashions just be aware of how to wear them. It’s amazing how a few simple pieces can update and modernize your wardrobe. Every woman has her favorite classic items; the little black dress, a terrific fitting black pant, a favorite jacket. Clothing that just makes us feel good. Now, take those favorites and belt them, throw a big colored bag over your shoulder, slide into a new flat adorned with stones and “ta dah”, instant style! Size up this seasons trends to fit you. It’s all about jackets, cinched waists, and dresses. Not feeling this legging craze? Try a skinnier jean or opaque hose under a short dress or tunic. Put a sassy heel or ballet flat with it, and your ready for a night
November 2007
c e l e s t e
www.hillcountryexplore.com
clothing • accessories • shoes • gifts 104 South Main • Boerne 830-249-9660 *open daily*
1
Judy Cavazos by Ben Schooley
{
art
{
A
s I entered Judy Cavazos’ property, it was obvious where she must get much of her inspiration: her view of Medina Lake. Situated on a hill high above the lake, Judy and her husband Soilo were quietly awaiting my arrival on their deck, sipping coffee, taking in the views of the lake. However, the inspirations for Judy’s artwork come from a much wider spectrum. “I just absolutely love this cover image!” Judy exclaimed as she held her copy of EXPLORE. “This is where much of my art comes from – I see an image like this and I simply must paint it.” Judy, a North Dakota native, has spent a lifetime dabbling in painting. “I don’t have any artists in my family, but my father was a great singer, so I suppose that’s just another form of art. I remember in junior high school I came across one of those ads on TV that says ‘Draw this figure, send it to us, and we’ll tell you if you’re an artist.’ And so I did, and this man came to see me, but the school he wanted me to go to was very expensive, and so I couldn’t attend. But I never quit creating.” Judy found most any surface a potential canvas for her art. “When I was 16, we had a home with a basement, and I looked at that wall, and just started sketching. The next thing I knew, I had painted the entire wall. Nobody had told me that people had ever really painted on walls, such as murals, and so I stepped back and I painted silhouettes across the entire wall. This led me into murals as I got older, just for friends and families. I never was real serious about it – it was just fun, and it kept me being creative.” Judy eventually entered the corporate world, had a family, and toiled there for a career. However, the art continued. “I would go to garage sales and pick up sturdy wooden furniture. Then I would take them home and paint all over them, and sell them at little arts and crafts shows.” I eventually retired from the corporate world, but continued making these little creations. Finally, a woman from the Dominion told me that my paintings were beautiful, and that I should simply paint. In fact, she asked me to have a private show at her home. So I started dabbling around in pastels, and took one to a local furniture store, and it sold the same day. That was the beginning.” Moving quickly to acrylics, Judy has found her creative release. Subject matter varies greatly. Portraits to landscapes to still life, Judy finds angle to each that pique her interest. “I love the portraits, because I love the subject. Whether I know a person or
16
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
not, the faces, the angles, the light…it fascinates me. But those don’t always sell so well. People don’t want a painting of someone they don’t know. So I love doing things like wine bottles…I love the shadows, the curves. I enjoy doing the landscapes as a practice in art. I’m not a huge fan of the subject of western art, but everybody wants a bluebonnet painting! I’d rather present to you something that you may love, or you may hate, but I want to give you something that you might stop and admire, might think about it, and might inspire you to see the beauty in something.” A self-taught artist, Judy is in a constant state of learning. “Life itself is a learning process. I need to take some lessons, but I haven’t. I like my solitude up here by the lake. I want to make my own mistakes and learn from them and think about how to do my art differently, as opposed to sitting around on Tuesday mornings listening to a bunch of people talk about where they’re having wine later, or whose husband is cheating. I want to be here, and be quiet and think and learn.” As for the painting process, she utilizes her husband Soilo as her most honest critic. “Soilo comes around all the time and will give some opinion on my art – ‘shouldn’t this line be straighter, or that shadow doesn’t quite look right’ – and I’ll tell him to get out!” she laughs. “But when I’m done, I always ask him to look at my art, because he’ll tell me the truth because I truly think he loves my art and would never lie to me about it.” Soilo agrees – “I think her art is amazing, especially for somebody with no formal training. I look at her art, and I can see the talent that lives in her. And I know that she has her favorites, but I love her westerns. But in the end, I love whatever she creates, because she’s passionate about it. And I love anything that she’s passionate about.” I left Judy and Soilo just as I had found them – quietly sipping coffee and taking in the view. It’s obvious why they live out here in the Hill Country, as they seek out the beauty of this world. And that’s so true of so many of us. We move from the city and we quit our corporate jobs, and we breathe in the air and take in the view. And then we create something beautiful.
Wanna see more? judycavazos@yahoo.com
E
E n j o y t h e t ra n q u i l i t y o f a p i c t u r e s q u e , c o u n t r y s i d e s e t t i n g w i t h o n - s i t e c a t e r i n g p r o v i d e d b y t h e R i v e r R o c k fa c i l i t y, w i t h a w i d e v a r i e t y o f m e n u s ra n g i n g f r o m b a r b e q u e t o g o u r m e t .
C AT E R I N G
&
EVENTS CENTER
Available for: O • W E D D ING S • CORPORAT E MEE T ING S • OFF - S I T E CAT ERING • PRIVAT E PART IE S
www.riverrockfairoaks.com
November 2007
Our 1700 square foot Event Room accommodates up to 160 guests with additional seating in the courtyard. It features rustic, elegant charm with a large stone fireplace and massive oak doors, chandelier lighting and stone walls. The River Rock Cafe provides outdoor seating for small parties or a larger, indoor buffet-style dining in the events room. 30260 saratoga lane • fair oaks ranch, tx 78015
www.hillcountryexplore.com
830-981-2277
17
The Silver Queen
Fine Jewelry & Watches ■ Gold & Silver Coins ■ Art & Collectibles ■
Handmade Artisan Silver Jewelry
Jewelry & Watch Repair
We Buy, Sell and Consign! 215 W. Bandera Rd. #113A Boerne, Texas
Custom Jewelry Design & Silversmith Service
www.jewelryonconsignment.com 830-249-2739
130 S. Main ✥ Boerne, Texas 830-249-9708 ✥ www.silverqueentexas.com
Alamo Rock Shop
milk
and honey original
101 S. main Suite a • Boerne, TX 78006
handcrafted home furnishings & Accessories
www.viva-rouge.com 424 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BOERNE 830.249.9787
Bring this ad to milk and honey and receive 15% off one pair of crocs. Limit one pair per customer. offer expires nov. 30th.
we carry:
MacKenzie Childs Vera Bradley Victoria & Richard Emprise
stationary by:
crane & co., kate Spade & William Author Wedding Invitations, Stationary & All Occasion Invitations In-House Printing/Graphic Designer
bridal & gift registry available
1
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
Lapidary & Jewelry Supplies www.alamorockshop.com 210.698.2666 • 830.249.8451
1369 S. Main St., Ste. 104 • Boerne, Texas
“I’ll Take That.” Love, God
l
by Kendall Aaron
m e
November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
{
spiritual
t o
{
ly,
ately I’ve been getting scared. Not “sitting up in bed wondering if the Boogeyman is in my closet” kind of scared, but scared nonetheless. And maybe scared isn’t even the right word, but rather…I worry. About everything. About gas prices, my mortgage, my kids, my business, the upcoming presidential election. I seem to worry, and I do it way too much. But my worrying led to some profound thoughts last night, and since I imagine that I’m not the only one to be a bit of a worrisome sort, I thought I’d share. I make no secret that I’m a single dad, with two beautiful kiddos. And as any parent will tell you, kids can be a great source of anxiety. Do I raise them the right way? Am I too hard on them? Am I not hard enough? Will they grow up to be bank robbers? Do I set an example for them to follow? And if so, is that example a good one? I cut myself some slack as it comes to my worrying about my kids, as I think it’s only natural. However, I think that my worrying lends itself to an arrogance that is not healthy, and certainly not spiritual. Let me explain. A few weeks ago at church, we had a guest pastor and he gave a great sermon about acts of faith throughout the Bible. And as he was giving this sermon, he said something that has been bouncing around my head for a while. He said, “I was raised by my dad to be my own man…to stand on my own two feet…to make my own way. And I tried that way for a long time, and never really found it to be true. What I found to be true is the idea that I can accomplish nothing myself. However, with Christ I can accomplish anything.” And that is so true. I worry about my business. I’m self-employed, so my income is determined by, basicalhow hard I work. And so I worry about sales figues, forecasting, expenses, etc…and my arrogance tells me that I am responsible for those variables, and that I control them. And then the above sermon came along and smacked me upside the head. I actually have so little control. God has the control. He will bless me and provide for me, and I would be smart to remember that. Phillipians 4:6 tells us “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need.” What a relieving thought! If you’ll remember last month’s article, I spoke about how God has the power disperse the stars like a handful of sand, and so our problems are so miniscule as compared to his power. So when I talk about arrogance, it’s true – how silly of to think that worrying about my electric bill is beyond the scope and grace of God the Father. He created a zillion creepy looking fish in ONE DAY…and you think that He can’t handle your mortgage payment? HA! Somebody somewhere told me a little parable that I also try to remember and pass along. It’s about the “trouble tree”. We all leave work everyday and have an untold of number of troubles. We can grumble all the way home from work, our brain running a million miles an hour, trying to solve all of these troubles. So as the parable goes, you should put a tree by the front door (or bush or whatever) and you are to run your hand through the tree, thus hanging all of your troubles from the day on the tree. And you are to enter your home “care-free”. In the morning, as you leave for work, run your hand back through the tree, and you will find your load of troubles is substantially smaller as God has taken many of them, and handled them for you. This world we live in is a great source of stress and worry. It is an amazing array of atrocities, sin, and the devil himself. However, it is also a world that God created, and has ultimate reign over. Stop worrying so much. I know that stress is natural, but so is relying on God to provide for you. I know, and am sympathetic, to the fact that we all want everything to work out perfectly. And it might. Or it might not. But rest assured, that what God wants to happen, will happen. So talk to Him. Rejoice in Him. Know that He worries about you far more than you can ever imagine. Finally, to sum it up the best, I have a little business card that’s on my bathroom mirror that I read every morning, and it simply says: ”This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today, And I will not need your help. So have a great day!” (I Peter 5:7 – Casting all your cares upon him for he careth for you.)
1
hill country contrarian
{
In Remembrance of Gregory James Krauter
W
hen friends and neighbors pass it’s natural to reflect on their lives and think of all the good times, the silly moments you shared with them. It’s harder to do when the ‘good times’ were few and far between toward the end and there was a darkness lurking that no one could lighten. Could it be that life is one long slipstream of dreams where we dart in and out like minnows? Feeding in the shallows when the sun lures our prey to the surface; going deep while the storms blow by? Sadness has always caused a stretch in reality for some of us. It makes that bitter pill go down a little easier when it’s time to take our medicine. When things go dark all around us it’s possible to lose our way and in my humble opinion it happens all the time. Often we’re so busy in our own little circles of activity that we don’t notice the lights going dim in another. Some of the best of us have chosen to depart by the road less traveled, so hard to understand for those of us who live in safely defined painted-on worlds in our tidy systems of belief. The world is being torn asunder by madness, everyone appears to be at odds with someone, somewhere but surely our only hope is to live in the grace of forgiveness and offer understanding wherever we can. It seems to me that none of us really ‘know’ much of anything on our own but when we get together and heave the stones out of our path we move along much better. Recently a dear friend took an abrupt turn from his particular path. He carried volumes of local history with him and broke countless hearts in the bargain. It just doesn’t make sense to us now, and may never, but it was a decision that can be made only once. Until we experience the pain he suffered it just doesn’t do to speculate. He was a fifth generation direct descendant of the pioneers who settled Comfort, Texas. Gregory and his father, Jimmy, owned and operated the Ingenhuett General Store and Fancy Grocery which was in constant operation from the 1860’s until May of 2006 when it succumbed to a devastating fire. He was an honest to goodness Freethinker and believed we should honor the freedoms hard won by his (and our) ancestors and he held his ground on that score against some pretty tiresome and petty pressure. With his substantial and well-rounded education he loved history above all things. Everyone kept him plenty busy answering endless questions about anything & everything to do with the community, in particular, and Texas History in general, for that matter. He was a cheerful source of information and could rattle off dates, times and names like no other. It’s hard to believe he has gone. We will remember him fondly and think often of his gentle presence when the Law West of the Guadalupe domino game is rocking along or when the sunset is particularly beautiful. He can’t have known how many friends he had but he wasn’t one who ‘collected’ people, his kindness drew us to him like moths to a flame. Goodbye Gregory and rest well, you have marked the end of an era.
{ 20
by Gael montana hill Country Contrarian
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
joshua creek ranch
November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
21
Thanksgiving Day Feast
hill country fare
{
T
Thanksgiving has to be EXPLORE’s favorite holiday of them all. Any holiday that encourages us to begin eating at 7:30 in the morning, and to then continue eating through our afternoon nap, and to finish with a turkey sandwich at 10:00pm is ok with us. Oh, and who can forget a healthy dose of wine and beer, football, and general laziness. And while we all appreciate our families being around, they are an afterthought to the FOOD! Tables and tables full of food. As such, this month we’ll take a look at some of our favorite recipes for Thanksgiving chow. And don’t worry, we’ll leave out the turkey recipe, as those are closely-guarded secrets that go with people to their graves.
{
BEER BATTER LOAF
Servings: Makes 1 loaf. Ingredients 3 cups flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 bottle (12 ounces) beer, at room temperature 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Preparation Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Add the beer all at once, mixing as little as possible; the batter should be lumpy. Pour the batter into a 9-x-5-x-3-inch loaf pan and brush with the melted butter. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Turn out onto a rack to cool.
pumpkin-pecan pie with whiskey butter sauce Servings: Makes on 8-inch pie. Ingredients Pie Crust 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water Pumpkin Filling 1 cup cooked pumpkin purée 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons sugar 1 large egg, beaten until frothy 1 tablespoon heavy cream 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
22
Pinch of ground allspice Pinch of ground nutmeg Pecan Syrup 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup dark corn syrup 2 small eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 pinch salt 1 pinch ground cinnamon 3/4 cup pecan pieces Whiskey Butter Sauce 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick) 1/3 cup sugar 1 large egg 1/2 tablespoon very hot water 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey Preparation Pie Crust Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the butter and incorporate with your fingertips until the mixture resembles very coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle the water over the flour mixture in tablespoon increments, stirring continuously with a fork. Form the dough into a ball and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Pumpkin Filling Combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl; set aside. Pecan Syrup Combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl; set aside.
Assembly Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8-inch springform cake pan. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to 3/16 inch. Very lightly flour the top of the dough and fold it into quarters. Carefully place the dough in the greased cake pan. Press firmly in place and trim the edges. Chill for 15 minutes. Spoon the Pumpkin Filling into the pan, spreading evenly to distribute. Gently pour the Pecan Syrup on top. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cool and serve with Whiskey Butter Sauce. Whiskey Butter Sauce Melt the butter in the top of a double boiler set over gently simmering water. Beat the sugar and egg in a small bowl until blended. Stir the egg mixture into the butter. Add the hot water and stir until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Remove from the double boiler and let cool to room temperature. Stir in the cream and whiskey.
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
Cranberry Relish with Jalapeo Jelly
Ingredients 1 cup best-quality jalapeo jelly, red or golden* Juice of 1 orange 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 6 ounces dried cranberries 12-ounce package fresh or frozen cranberries 3/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 3 serrano peppers, seeded, and finely chopped 1/2 cup loosely chopped cilantro, optional 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons silver tequila, optional Preparation Place jelly in a small saucepan with the orange juice and cinnamon on low heat until melted. Remove from heat; add the dried cranberries and allow to cool. Meanwhile, bring 1 cup of water to boil; add cranberries and cook until first ones pop. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse with cold water and roughly chop. Add cranberries to the jelly mixture. Toss with the onion, serranos, cilantro, lime juice and tequila if desired. Salt to taste. Allow to chill for several hours before serving. May be made several days in advance. Yield: approximately 3 cups.
Cornbread Dressing with Shrimp and Andouille
Ingredients 4 oz. butter (1 stick), unsalted 2 medium onions, chopped 1 large bell pepper, diced small 1/2 cup celery, diced small 2 Tbsp. chopped garlic 1 lb. andouille sausage, diced 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme 1 cup chicken broth 13 oz. can evaporated milk 4 eggs 12-inch pan baked cornbread, crumbled 2 Tbsp. Cajun spice Preparation Melt butter in saute pan. Saute onion five minutes. Add bell pepper, celery and garlic and saute five minutes. Add andouille sausage and cook five minutes more. Add shrimp and seasonings and cook one minute. Add to bowl with remaining ingredients and mix well. Place in 9-by-13-inch casserole and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until set. Serves 10 to 12.
Mulled Grape Cider
Ingredients A spicy cider that’s sweet enough for kids. 2 six-ounce cans frozen grape juice concentrate, thawed 4 cups water 1 cup pineapple juice 8 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks Preparation In large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Remove spices. Serve in cups or mugs, and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
THE DODGING DUCK Restaurant & Brewery
Award-Winning Ales & Lagers from Our 10-barrel Microbrewery featuring an
eclectic wine list and delicious, freshly-prepared food
open daily at 11am sun-thurs ‘til 9pm Fri-sat ‘til 10pm 402 river road boerne, texas 4 blocks from main St.
www.dodgingduck.com
WATER W INE
Water 2 Wine is a custom winery, featuring more than 100 varieties from 12 countries around the world. Come in for a complimentary tasting – we’re sure you’ll find a new favorite! If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re welcome to experience our winemaking process first hand. You can bottle your own creation and add a custom label for a fun way to remember the occasion.
2
1400 Block of South Main (behind the Guaranty Bank) Boerne, Texas 78006 830.249.1100
http://boerne.water2wine.us Tuesday - Friday 11am - 7:30pm Saturday 11am - 6pm Rent the winery any time! By the Glass, By the Bottle, or By the Batch, You Choose!
“We make it easy to be your one stop wine shop.”
November 2007
-Free Wine Tasting -Try it Before you Buy it! -Low in Sulphites and Histamines -Makes for a Great Gift! www.hillcountryexplore.com
23
On the Road, Literally…..
{
really different stuff
{
by Bill Zaner
In early August, local artist Bill Zaner was in a horrific motorcycle crash. As he has recovered, he put together his thoughts about the accident, and what he has learned
24
I
always wanted to ride in a helicopter. You know how you see those concessions set up on the beach or at a shopping center grand opening or at an air show where you can, for a few bucks, go up in a helicopter and buzz around for 15 minutes? Always wanted to do that. Looked like a lot of fun, kind of like parasailing, which I’ve done, or maybe hang-gliding or flying in a sailplane. So guess what – I did finally get a copter ride. Yes, a ride in a sleek, fast new helicopter from near Center Point to San Antonio’s University Hospital. It was smooth, quiet and direct, and took about 15 minutes. If it had taken any more time, my “road-kill” look might have been permanent. From the window inside the copter I could see, even strapped down on the gurney as I was, by turning my head, which by the grace of God I was able to do, glimpses of the Hill Country from a thousand feet up. It was definitely an exciting helicopter ride, what with my struggling to breathe with my remaining unpunctured lung, using what are I could get to cuss a blue streak at this ridiculous turn of events, while at the same time hearing the soothing assurances of the technician administering to my torn up body. In the ER, the docs quickly remedied the lack of breath situation by unceremoniously jamming a thick plastic hose about two feet long between my ribs like a tracheotomy and pumping into my wreck chest cavity enough life saving air so I could finally get a real breath. At the same time, these lovely folks somehow were able to remove all the debris which had leaked out into a place it wasn’t supposed to be. Simply, my life was saved that dreadful Saturday by the ER docs with very able preparatory assistance by the quick-thinking of my biker buddy Howard, who was riding in front of me and has EMS training, along with the rapidly arriving crew of technicians from Center Point and the helicopter guys from Kerrville. Blessings upon you all!! So here’s why I got my helicopter ride. I went deer hunting. Instead of getting my tropy in the ordinary way – using a gun – I aimed my Harley at Ms. Bambi. My beautiful 2003 Hundredth Anniversary Heritage Softail, customized to suit, gorgeous Pearl White in color. My target was somebody’s escaped pet Axis deer – weighing in at about 125 pounds. I did hit her perfectly, dead center, so that she became like a soft brick wall, stopping my bike without any twisting, rolling, or cartwheeling. I went flying over the machine, breaking four ribs (one of which punctured my lung) on the handlebars and then sliding on the newly-laid asphalt (the worst, roughest kind) for 120 feet, mostly on my elbows. I finally stopped my “road slide” lying on my back, looking at my right little fingernail dangling from
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
the end of the finger, and, being completely conscious, the whole four or five seconds of my “road trip”, I got mad. Really, really mad. At the stupid, stupid deer. At the first person who thought it would “fun, wouldn’t it?” to import from India or somewhere some exotic deer to have as pets. At myself. Nah, I got over that part. Mad at the bolt of lightning that hit me, “What kind of nonsense is this?!!” I roared, “I’m not done painting five landscapes yet!!” What about my arms and hands? I’m too young – and too old! What a mess! Well, the deer died and the bike died, and I didn’t. For the first eleven days after that fateful August 4, 2007 (and I’m sure all you who’ve spent time recovering in hospitals will agree with me on this), I was miserable. You know what I’m saying. Everybody knows nobody gets well in a hospital – you go home for that. Almost from the first day of my stay there, and here let me assure you that I was cared for in the best possible way by everyone, all the nurses, the techs, the doctors couldn’t have been more thorough, professional and caring and I heartily endorse University Hospital, San Antonio, Texas, should you ever, God forbid, ever experience and emergency – but from the beginning I was persistently insistent that I go home. I flat did not enjoy my stay on the 7th floor. All those sick people – depressing. I did go home on the 12th day, and as my dear, dear wife will attest, it was three days too soon. Poor Elaine! I went from aggravating the 7th floor nurses and techs to making
to be more than generous. I am, contrarily, a very bad patient – a patient who has no patience. I had no hands when I first got home, what with casts and bandages all the way to the tips of my fingers. (Here, you may insert your own visions of all the things for which you need hands). There was the cursed and blessed Would Vacuum Machine – buzzing, burping, and farting which I had to pack with me 24-7, sleeping (or trying to) with it by the bed, eating with it by the table, trying to bathe with it – all that doing my temperament absolutely no good. (When I was finally freed from my “would vac” it was a genuine emancipation – no human slave in chains ever felt more uplifted and liberated and…FREE!) The vac did elicit much sympathy, however, from everybody who was unfortunate enough to see me at my worst – barely scooching along carrying the vac with its clear plastic tubing emanating from my arm. I saw total strangers almost in tears from the sight of me. “Look at that poor old codger”, they’d say, “that hose full of that red, icky stuff is just ghastly. Let’s give him some money.” And I did work that angle with some success – especially on my friends – they were one and all very sympathetic, loving and helpful. They made me believe that I do have some friends – some really great friends. Another thing I know for certain: There are not enough words of praise in my or any other language which are adequate to describe my beautiful wife, Elaine, and her boundless capacity for loving and caring for and about this old boy. For a solid 53 years she has been my rock. To sum up this adventure is not easy for me. In one sense, I feel the need to “air it all out”. In another way, I never want to say another word about it. The latter feeling prevails right now and I will probably follow that plan. For just now, though, I will wrap it up this way: Miracles do happen, and DID happen. Thank you to everybody who prayed for me and helped Elaine and I through this hardest experience of our lives. To my riding buddies who were with me on August 4, 2007 – Phil, Howard, Al and Bob – I am really glad you were with me. Your sweet wives and girlfriends, you are each one my friend forever. All of you that crowded into my hospital room every day I was incarcerated - I love you all. My daughter Susan, and son in law Paul, you two are so special to me. Nobody can truly say they’ve got a handle on this business we call LIFE, but at my tender age I do feel qualified to state with some assurance: it’s not only the small things that count, it’s the big things too. Such as: I’m ALIVE! And that is, indeed, a very BIG thing.
Kendall Woods Dental
Mizzee’s life miserable. As a somewhat typical male of the species, I’m not a good patient,
George E. Metz III, DDS - (830) 229-5581 • Gentle, Private Practice Family Dentist • Caring, Courteous Professional Staff
• State of the Art Procedures & Techniques • Zoom! Whitening, Bonding & Veneers
CURRENT SPECIALS: Zoom! In Office Professional Whitening $300 (reg. $600).
25 FM 3351 South Boerne, Texas 78006-5710
Patient must have current records on file.
Buy 4 Massages, Get 1 Free!
Pricing based on regular rates, and package must be paid in full at time of initial massage.
One Hour Full Body Massage $45 (reg. $60). One-time only offer.
Straight teeth are within your reach!
2-for-1 New Patient Special on Basic Cleaning, Exam and X-rays.
“Dr. Metz and his entire staff have been an absolute joy. I have never had to wait to see Dr. Metz, the staff always greets me with smiles, and every aspect of my visit has been a pleasure. I would whole-heartedly recommend Kendall Woods Dental to anyone…whether for a simple cleaning, or for Invisilign, Kendall Woods Dental is the way to go!!” -Ben Schooley, Publisher – EXPLORE Magazine
November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
25
Crabapple Rd – CR 102 – Luckenbach
{
backroads
{
A
26
by Ben Schooley
s the temperatures have finally begun their annual retreat back to tolerable levels, releasing their fire-hold upon our region of the world, I have found myself getting out more and more. Like gophers in the sand, we Hill Country folk slowly begin to poke our heads out, test the temperature, and smile at what we find. And I’m no different. So this past weekend I went for a bit of a drive, and I wanted to tell you about it. I loaded up my favorite girl, grabbed my iPod, and rolled down the windows. We took off early Sunday morning from the Bergheim area, heading up FM 3351. The sky was mainly overcast, but the air was sweet and cool. Neither of us really talked over the scream of the wind, but instead we stared at the clouds and imagined the figures and shapes in them, just as children. A quick tap of the brakes as we crossed over the Guadalupe, just to check the water level of course. We Hill Country people use the Guadalupe as our own personal aquifer-testing instrument…as long as it’s flowing decently, then all is right with the world. If you see too much dry river rock, then it’s been one long, mean summer of heat and drought. Another few miles and we bump up to FM473. A right and then immediate left on Crabapple Rd. This is one of my favorite roads in the Hill Country. It’s about a 20 mile stretch from Kendalia (a true mecca of activity) to Blanco. And at one point, you tip over the top of a large hill and are blessed with one of the most jaw-dropping views that is surpassed only on the Devil’s Backbone out by Wimberley. We stopped at the top of this hill, turned off the radio, and simply listened for a while. And we heard absolutely nothing, which is exactly what we had in mind.
Leaving the car in neutral, we simply rolled down the hill, through many of the switchback turns, and it was several miles before I had to put the car in gear. I should make that a bi-annual event – “See who can go the longest before they have to put the car in gear Contest”. We could get live music, some beer and BBQ – maybe some magazine somewhere would cover it for us. But I digress. Hit Blanco, and turn north on 281. Get to Johnson City and stop off at El Charro Mexican Restaurant. We bought 3 breakfast tacos for $2.75. They were about a foot long, and each weighed 3 lbs. Carry on north of Johnson City until you turn left on FM 962. 6 miles or so, and you’ll see a beat-up sign for CR 101. It’s on a sign leaning against what looks to be a private ranch gate. Enter the ranch, lower your windows, turn off the radio, and just behold. This road is fascinating. This is one of those roads, that surely only exist in Texas, that runs straight through an enormous private ranch. As such, there are cattle guards everywhere, but no fences on either side of the road. That, in and of itself, doesn’t sound all that interesting, but when the fences are gone, it has this weird sense of freedom. You don’t even realize how weird it feels until you’re driving this stretch because you’ve spent your entire life driving roads with dilapidated fences on both sides of you. So as we drove this 10 mile stretch, we went back in time. Back to before there were fences. Back to before cell phones (as there is certainly no cell coverage out there), and there were cattle that you have to dodge as they poke along the road… and we had a horse come to our window and drool all over the side of the car. I even saw a pack of javelina streak across the road. It’s like a private wildlife ranch. So drive slow, listen, and breathe as deep as you’ve breathed in a long time. Eventually you spill out onto cursed manicured blacktop, which means you are back to civilization. A right turn sends you right into the heart of Fredericksburg, a left on Main, 5 miles to FM 1376, and you hang a right. A few miles later you’re in Luckenbach. Now, we’ve all done Luckenbach. And if you haven’t, please fold this paper in half, put it in your back pocket, turn off your cell phone, and head north on FM 1376. Do not inform anyone of your plan, make no assumptions as to when you might return, and if you’re wearing a tie, kindly remove it. And do all of the above right this very moment. Luckenbach is just, well, Luckenbach. It makes no claims that it is anymore than it claims to be, which really is just a bar with a lot of music. There’s nothing else to do there. Sure, you can dance, you can buy some t-shirts, and you can drink a whole lotta beer…but really, it’s not much of a “town”. It’s just a little shack sit-
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
ting under a bunch of old oak trees…and there’s a bunch of hippies and cowboys and bikers and yuppies all milling about. But it’s like they’re all part of some weird family. Cause if you’re in Luckenbach, you’re in agreement on at least one thing – life is too short to take one’s self too seriously, and we all need to sit under a big tree and have a cold drink and ,for a brief moment, think that we don’t have a responsibility in the world. So yuppies and bikers pitch washers together, bikers talk with yuppies, and Democrats hold hands with Republicans. Oh wait, that last part was made up. But take your time in Luckenbach. Don’t worry about dinner (they have food at the snack bar), don’t worry about work you need to get done (it’ll be there tomorrow), and don’t expect much. Just be. Just wander around and people-watch. Just take a book and sit at the old picnic tables by the river and read a little while listening to the music play from behind the bar. And just inhale it. Leaving Luckenbach, turn right on FM 1376 and 30 mins later, you’re pulling into Boerne which will send you in whatever direction you need to go in order to get home. You’ve just driven about a 3 hour loop through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Texas. I did this drive back in July, and I drove sooooooo slow, and it took me closer to 4 hours, but I didn’t care. My girlfriend and I made huge plans, talked about friends and family, and just disappeared from the civilized world for a day. And while Luckenbach is an important part of the trip, it’s the “disappearing” part that is the most important. Get out there, EXPLORE.
THE FASTEST AND FRIENDLIEST GOLF COURSE IN SAN ANTONIO! 9700 Rochelle Street, San Antonio, TX 78240
210-696-4000 www.alamogolfclub.net
WE HAVE IT ALL! • 18 Hole, Par 67 Course • Two Story Lighted Driving Range • Junior Golf Camps • Lessons and Clinics • Discount Pro Shop • Open 7am to 10pm • Putting and Chipping Greens • Custom Clubs and Repairs
Everybody’s Welcome!!
-Boerne-
Boerne’s Newest Church, Pastor Mike Weaver
Experience the excitment of jesus! Wednesday Nights starting
November 7th, 2007 at 7:00 PM Boerne Shooting Club 33 Shooting Club Road 830-864-5577 ✫ 830-456-2674 ✫ 830-249-3006
November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
27
D
Jane & Sparky
interiors
{
ear Mel and B, My name is Jane Sparks, my husband Sparky and I just moved to the hill country. We are so excited to be here in Boerne but I am going through a bit of shock. You see I am originally from Manhattan and Sparky is from the big D. Yes that’s right this big city girl married herself a sweet Texas boy. Sounds like a fairy tale until we moved into our new home. Sparky would be happy with cowhides and deer heads from floor to ceiling. I would be pleased with eggshell walls and pop art paintings just like in the Park Ave. loft. I have heard that interior designers can work miracles and I have seen them do it on HGTV. Is there a way to mesh together our styles? Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we are having family visit. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
{
Dear No Longer a Plain Jane, Welcome to the hill country! We are so excited to hear from you because as designers we love a challenge. Don’t throw away those paintings and tell Sparky he will get his cowhides. The two ingredients you are bringing to the table actually create the perfect dish. The setting for your fairytale is what we like to call “Bohemian Ranch”. Bohemian ranch is the mixture of rustic and modern elements sprinkled with delightful and quirky objects. Interior design can be overwhelming for someone who can not picture in their mind the end result. It is our job as designers to help you visualize the creation. Like we do with many of our clients we take the project on one room at a time. With the holidays coming up the dining room would be a great place to start. For instance use a handcrafted farmhouse table with a clean patterned table linen. The table will tell a story all on its own letting the linens become the highlight. Use a light contrasting rug as a background. In your case this would be a great opportunity to use Sparky’s cowhide. White plates are always a good option for presentation they show texture and color. Use a natural element like pumpkins to play with height and to give the table dimension. Add spice by using a contrasting desert plate that will also pull together the linens and tableware. You want your table to feel fresh, warm and original. Hopefully after planning your turkey day you will feel confident enough to take on another room. Till next time... -mel & b
Melissa Turner, asid and Brandi Hardy, asid are both graduates of the University of Texas at San Antonio Architecture School with their Bachelors of Science in Interior Design. They have been partners in business for over a year. Visit them at Urban Turquoise, 714 S. Main, Studio A, Boerne,Texas. 830.331.9830 or www.urbanturquoise.com
28
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
November 2007
tree to be so beautiful, with extraordinary bark and proceeded to name the town Hackberry after the trees. It is now a ghost town but the Hackberry Grove is still there. The talk of the town is the Big Tooth Maple. Take a drive to Lost Maples State Park to check out the fall colors. Like all of nature the amount and timing of rainfall effect our landscape. Last fall was so beautiful. We have picked our tree, we know its growth habits, and we are ready to plant. Dig a hole no deeper that it was growing. Normally there is a distinct difference from light to dark bark. The hole should be 2 to 3 times the root ball. Do not get fancy with soil amendments. Dig the hole, discard rocks. Mix in some compost, fill hole with the mixed soil, water thourghly, mulch and be patient. Mother Nature knows what she’s doing. You may have to stake your new tree, but never more than 6 months. The roots won’t grow as strong. Watch the leaves on your tree for drooping. Then water slowly and deeply. I would love to help you at Home Depot. Come see me. May All Your Weeds Be Wildflowers.
www.hillcountryexplore.com
{
gardening
rowing up in the Hill Country, I never appreciated the rare and fragile area that God had placed me in. Part of my years I worked on ranches and may have walked where no man had walked before. Our area was normally dry and because of this water was, and is, our greatest resource. I cannot remember water running down the street unless it was raining. When you drive up to a beautiful piece of land, I see all the wonderful vegetation working together and creating life for each other. If there was just some way to make a year-long video to show buyers the beauty they destroy when the bulldozer revs its engine. Survey, study, and destroy, as little as possible. Each season has its beauty which sometimes may be brown tassels of our native grasses. Many customers at Home Depot arrive with the “get rid of everything but the live oak” syndrome. They have these sometimes silly ideas of turf grass and an ash tree on both sides of the side walk. One of my customers recently wanted weed killer and enough poison to treat the 50 acres she just purchased. Walk your property line on all four sides. If you are blessed with a good line of ash juniper (cedar) along your property lines, keep in mind your privacy. Everyday someone asks me about a fast growing evergreen, drought tolerant, and needing no trimming. That is your cedar. If you have cedar fever, only grow the females. Everyone says to remove cedar, because oh my goodness, they are bad. Ooh, because someone told them they take too much water. Did they ever water them? NO. Did they ever need care? NO. They dig them up and then they buy expensive shrubs that they water constantly, fertilize, etc. Cedar along a road can keep dust from blowing and cedar is great at absorbing sound. Cedar is dense top to bottom for privacy and noise. Trim them up a little in the yard, make a hedge, and plant some flowers. Cedar trees are nurse trees for many native trees, Madrone, Texas Persimmon, Texas Smoke Tree and many others. My neighbor complains that all her cardinals are gone. That’s because they cut down all the cedar. We also must not forget the rare Golden Cheeked Warblers. Birds need a home to their likin’ also. We love our oak trees. My grandmother lost her huge oaks in the 1950’s in Kerrville. My great grandfather lost one oak that it took three men with out-stretched arms to go around. I fell out of that tree so often, what fun I had. We did not plant more live oaks. We planted Cedar Elms, Pecans, Catalpa, Hackberry and even a Chinaberry, then a storm quickly removed those for us. I know you wonder where I am going with all of these visual memories. Live Oaks are great, but very few are shade trees. They drop pollen, worms, acorns and just try to mulch the leaves. The leaves take much longer to compost and the threat of oak decline would seem a good reason to plant a few other trees just in case. We would not have had such severe limb breakage, except the live oaks still had leaves in the Ice Storm of 2007. I have lived and watched the Hill Country change. So where am I going with this? Plant a variety of trees. Maybe a few of my suggestions will be absorbed. Have someone survey your land for native tree treasures before construction. Survey your large trees and place your house in such a way as not to destroy these trees. Cedar Elms make a large shade tree 30-50 feet high and have very few problems. Post Oaks take a long time to grow and could be over 400 years old. They lose their leaves in fall, are drought tolerant and have beautiful lobed leaves. Try to keep all construction away, they do not need water, but you can drown them with too much water. Do not disturb their roots system such as trenching water pipes. You may kill them. The Chinquapin, Burr and Monterey Oaks are being used for their wilt resistance. These are all great shade trees with moderate growth and are deciduous. All trees have a difference in growth patterns. Drive around and look. Buy a book or go to your local nursery. The Shumard or Texas Oak area so close in comparison even the greatest of Horticulturist will argue the difference. I planted one of these for my son in Austin and wow-has it taken off. This oak is beautiful in the fall, long lived, and can be over 50 feet tall. I would give you my son’s address, but I’m not that brave. Ask your neighbors, I know you’ll find some. The Texas Ash is a fast grower but short lived. The by Rob Doyen lowly Hackberry is the number one source of food (berThe Garden Guy ries) for birds and mammals. Maybe put a few way in (Certified Nursery the back for the love of nature. When my wife’s family came to America in the 1850’s, they stopped by a grove Consultant) of Hackberry trees. Her German ancestors thought the Boerne’s Home Depot
{
G
Native Trees Are a Treasure
29
- Pick up kid s at 5:00 -go by post o ffice
{
mo re t h i ng F R IDAY, NO
{
calendar: cont’d
VEMBE R 1
6
e a g!!! n o y r eve ksgivin es h s wi y Than Happ
s t o d o. . .
NE W BR AU NFE p a rade , e n te L S: Do w n to w n C h r is MASON : L tm a s Tre e L rt a inme n t, igh t Up O u r igh t ing In cl S a n ta p ic t p la z a a re a To w n Fe s t iv to w n ligh t ing u d u es re s, a n d c o ligh t ing . M it ie s In cl u d , sh o p -h o pp u rt h o use a a in P la z a . e s S a n ta, m 830/625-2 h ing , c a r r ia o n u se w d w w.n b ch am S q u a re 325 385 usic, ge r ide s a n /347-5758 .o rg d mo re . C o u W IMBE R LE SATU RDAY, rtY: Em il yAn NOVEMBE R n Tre e L igh ligh te d dis p 17 t ing & Tra il lays a n d n ig K E R RV ILLE o f L ig h t ly e n te rt L o g . Th e Em : H il a inme n t a ro h ts En jo y il y An n Th e 830-895-0 lt o p H o use C o n ce rt s p u n d Ye Olde a t 6969 re se n ts B o re . w w w.e m 975 Yu le b L iv ing s to il y a n n .o rg n . 512/847THU RSDAY, THU RSDAY, NOVEMBE R NOVEMBE R 22 29 THAN KSG IV K ING – g ra b E R RV ILLE: some o ne a n S ymph o ny a re in yo u r o f th e H il ls d te ll th e m w w w.s y m p li fe Thanksgivin K athle e n C how h o nyo f th e s ta rt g ra bb . Jus t m a k e su re yo u g: . C a il h il ls .c om 8 k n o w th e m h a ppy th e y ing fo lk s. 3 0 /792-7469 lo u x Th e ate r. HAVE FUN ! b F e R fo ID re A Y , y N o u O L V if E e M Turkey is g o o d . F R IDAY, NO BE R 30 VEMBE R 2 3 NE W BR AU NFE STONE WAL Potatoes G r ue ne O n io L S: G y p sy Mo o n . G u it L: C a n Re s tau ra 830/644 -2 h r is tm a s at th e Vine n t. 830-62 r du o p e r fo r ms at th e y a rd s Be ck 681 9 e -2 r 989. V in e y a rd s. BOE R NE: A cranberries H il l C o u n t r y C h r is tm a s Fe at u re s sn D ic k e n s o n o w sh o w, c M a in o s t ume d sh s a il , a rt s & o p k e e p e rs, craf ts, c a ro w a sli ng , S a n ta a n d mo re . D , e n te rt a in o w n to w n B m e nt o e r ne . 830/ F R EDE R ICK 816-2176 SBU RG: Te x a s H il l C o u n C h r is tm a s t r y Re g io n L igh t ing Tr al a il In cl u de s Dr ipp ing Sp B o e r ne , Bu r n r ing s, L la n e t, o, G o ld th w M a r ble Fa ll a ite , s, R o u n d M o u n ta in, Ne Jo h n so n C it y, Wim b e r le y. w Brau n fe ls w w w.te x-fe and s t.c om 866 at JOHNSON C /839-3378 ITY: L igh ts Sp e c tac u la p a rade , 12 r In cl u de s li d ays o f C h r gh ts, is tm a s a n d w w w.l bjc o mo re . C o u rt u n t r y.c om h o use . 830/868-7 BLANCO: C o 684 u rt h o use L ig ht a ro u n d th e sq u a re we lc ing C e re mo ny. Me rch a n ts ome g ue s ts c o f fe e a n d EXPERIENCE THE w it h h o t w t re ats . 830 a s s a il , -822-2211 CHRISTMAS SEASON SATU RDAY, NOVEMBE R 24 “OLD WEST” STYLE: BANDE R A: C o un t r y Ch 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. r is tm a s Ba 830/589-2 ll w w w.f a r 276 mc c.c om $10 adults JOHNSON C ITY: 6th An $5 kids 3-12 nu a l Op e n H Je r k y. Fo o d o use at Wh , music, ve n it t ing to n’s do rs, do o r p H igh way 2 Kids under 3 are free r ize s, much 81 S o u th . m 8 7 o re 78 a 68-5501, 8 t 604 COMFORT: 30-868-55 • Tractor Wagon Ride • Decorated Old West Town C h r is tm a s 00. in C omfo rt a rt s & craf Fe at u re s m • Cowboy Santa • Horse Rides for the Kids ts b o o th s, m o re th a n 1 usic a n d e n a n d n igh t p 50 te rt a inme n • Woodrow, the Saddled Longhorn Steer a rade . H is to t, S a r ic D is t r ic t. b e ro fc omm • Christmas Music • Gun Fights w w w.c omfo n ta v is it, e rc e .c om 8 rtch am30/995-31 LEAK EY: C h 3 1 Food and drinks will be available to be purchased. r is tm a s o n th e S q u a re S a n ta C lau Be sure to bring your camera! Fe at u re s a s a n d mo re rt s & . C o u rt h o use yo n ch am b e S q u a re . w w craf ts, r.c om 830/2 For More Information Call: w.f r io c a n32-5222
Pumpkin Pie Pecan Pie Sweet Pot. Rolls
Cowboy Christmas
ENCHANTED SPRINGS RANCH
Find Recipe for Dressing!!!
December 22-23, 2007
(830) 249-8222 or Visit:
www.enchantedspringsranch.com
30
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.
Bluebonnet Realty PROPERTY FOR SALE:
Judy Filingeri • P. O. Box 1376 • Boerne, TX 78006-1376
$390000 - Approx. 4.9 Acres on Scenic Loop Road, Unrestricted, with 400’ frontage. 2 homes on property in need of work. Value is in land location!
$279,000 - Ranger Creek Sweetie. This home has 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths and an Extended 2 Car Garage. Lots of Decking off back and a Storage Building. Back Yard is fenced and this is a very private lot with lots of trees. All tile floors downstairs and carpet up. Approx. 2440 S.F. of Living Area in the home.
$362,500 - 3 bedroom, 3 bath, in Kendall Pointe, gated community. Approx. 2500 s.f. living area, includes study (or 4th bed). Decorator colors thru-out, and many upgrades. Decking and fenced yard. Priced to sell!
$249,900 - Great House in Great Location! Home has 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Fenced Yard, and 2 Car Garage. Owner has put lots of $$ into this home and it shows. Almost 2500 S.F. of Living area and has a Screened Porch.
$189,500 - Stone Creek Home with approx. 2400 S.F. of Living Area, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2 Dining and 2 Family Areas. PRICED TO SELL!
PROPERTY FOR LEASE:
$3500 - Large, 5 bedroom, 5 bath home with approx. 4000 s.f. of living area on private ranch. Large rock fireplace in living room, oversized family room, all appliances, 2 car garage, boarding facilities for horses not included in rent but available. This home has 2 master bedrooms and is about 6 miles west of Boerne.
$3000 - GREAT HOME - Lots of Privacy. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, over 3000 S.F. of Living Area on 10 Secluded Acres. Granite Counter Top in Kitchen with Top of the Line Appliances. Large 3 Car Garage. Property is Fenced & Gated.
$168,500 - Very nice older home in center of town with 2000 S.F. of Living Area. Home has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 2 Living Areas and 2 Dining Areas with Small Office in home.
$1600 - 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, approx. 2500 s.f. in Stone Creek. Large rooms, open floor plan, fenced yard, great neighborhood!
$1600- Approx. 3000 s.f. of living area in $1400 - 3 bedroom, 2 bath plus study with this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on a private over 1700 s.f. in Boerne Heights. Great ranch outside Boerne. Owner will only deck and view! consider 6 months lease.
$900 - BEST DEAL IN BOERNE! 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Duplex with Garage, Fenced Yard, Appliances, Approx. 1100 S.F. of Living Area. Owner will consider Short Term Leases at Higher Rates.
(830) 816-2288 • www.boernetexashomes.com November 2007
www.hillcountryexplore.com
31
See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.