Lifestyle February / March 2014 by Jarrick Cooper

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 1

2 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

START HERE

You are invited to take a closer look at Restore— The Remarkable Joint Center.

Visit hillcountrymemorial.org/restore • • •

Meet our orthopedic surgeons View our awards HCM patient ratings & reviews

An opportunity to ask your questions. Call 1 (866) 421-4264 to find out about our next free Restore Joint Replacement Seminar in your area.

Take an even closer look. We offer pre-op classes for our Restore patients once a week. You are welcome to observe a class. Call (866) 421-4264 if you are interested in joining us.

™

2012 & 2013

Fredericksburg, Texas

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 3

Dear Lifestyle Reader, Growth and development continues to be big news at Comanche Trace! We have enjoyed three straight years of custom home construction, adding fifty new homes during this time, with twenty-four scheduled to begin construction in 2014. Two new neighborhoods have been introduced. We are under construction in Les Chateaux (Phase 6), and are taking reservations for this fifteen lot neighborhood. All lots are on golf, and the architecturally planned houses will reflect a French Country design with two design plans available. They will offer high-energy efficient building products to reduce energy consumption. Anderson Jenkins Signature Homes is the exclusive builder for this neighborhood, and they are soon beginning construction on two homes for sale. The Vistas is an enclave nestled on a hillside overlooking The Valley course. There are fifteen lots comprising this neighborhood, all with stunning vista views. Each custom home will reflect Hill Country styling to blend into the surroundings. You have to see these views to appreciate the value of this neighborhood. The German Hill Country Cottage neighborhood has four new homes with three more under construction. Tuscan Village has two new houses being built by Arthur Schmidt Construction. New

4 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

homes in both neighborhoods are available for sale and will be in the Tour of Homes. With the holidays behind us, our focus is on upcoming activities and golf events. Golf never really stops for winter in the Hill Country, but the members are just gunninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to get out on the course with some fun competition. We begin our MGA tournament season on March 8th with The Big Cup. Spring is just around the corner and we are looking forward to the annual spectacular wildflower show. Make plans to get outdoors every opportunity! Take a drive or go on a bike ride, but get out and enjoy the countryside. Membership at Comanche Trace provides fun while you get to know your neighbors. We offer a variety of fitness classes with personal trainers Jane Garbish and Kris McMillian, and a broad array of cardio equipment and weights at our fitness center. Comanche Tracehosts monthly member events with Happy Hour, holiday themed parties and other exciting events for you to catch up with friends. Member clubs such as Book Club, Mahjongg, and Bridge Club meet frequently. Besides golf, Comanche Trace offers fishing, walking trails, tennis and direct access to the Guadalupe River where you can enjoy the outdoors.

Two big events are coming this summer! To kick it all off, our 2nd annual Texas Hill Country Wine & Brew Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 24th. Last year, 1,000+ people attended which exceeded expectations for a first year event of this nature. Check the website often at WineandBrewFest.com for more information. Finally, the 2014 Tour of Homes is scheduled for June 27-29 and July 4-6. We have four houses for sale and three custom homes slated for the Tour. You will see a variety of design styles and beautiful craftsmanship from our builders Anderson Jenkins Signature Homes, Arthur Schmidt Construction, BMC Homes, Brad Moore Builders, White Construction, and Stavinoha Homes. Invite your friends and family to visit and enjoy the Tour of Homes at Comanche Trace! All the best,

Trevor L. Hyde President

You have a smartphone.

Why not a smart luxury CUV? THE 2014 LINCOLN MKX

We think a luxury vehicle should be as smart a choice as the computer in your hand. Which is why the Lincoln MKX gives you a wealth of standard features, like Intelligent Access with push-button start, heated and cooled front seats with 10-way power and lumbar support, and SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch,™ voice-activated technology that helps you keep your eyes on the road while you’re staying connected to your world.* To learn more about the Lincoln MKX, connect with your Lincoln Concierge at Lincoln.com. Stoepel Ford-Lincoln Ken StoepelKen Ford-Lincoln 400 Sidney Baker S 400 Sidney Baker S Kerrville, TXKerrville, 78028 TX 78028 830-257-5553 830-257-5553 www.stoepelford.com www.stoepellincoln.com Optional features shown. *Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use SYNC/MyLincoln Touch/other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. 2LMDJ6JKXEBL01723

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 5

GOLF UPDATE

14 FITNESS A Price to Pay 18 CALENDAR

TEXAS WINE & BREW Pioneers of Texas Wine

58 HILL COUNTRY EVENTS CALENDAR

20 FLAVORS Gourmet Finds in the Meat

Markets of the Texas Hill Country

STAFF PROFILE

MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS

Carolyn Brown

36 GARDENING Hill Country Native Plants

Tiki & Kim i Campise

Myanmar

6 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

THEN & NOW

REAL ESTATE UPDATE

FEATURED HOME

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

The Pleasures of Travel

Three Fabulous Neighborhoods

Brand New and Ready for You

76 MAP

Stavinoha Homes

w w w . s t a v i n o h a h o m e s . c o m

Stavinoha Homes 2 0 0 9 & 2 011 PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER

m ik e s tav inoh a

830. 370. 9481

is committed to crafting quality homes that compliment our clients’ lifestyles and provide a true value for their investment.

m ik e @ s tav inoh a ho m e s . c o m LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 7

GOLF UPDATE

Update

By Tony Johnson, PGA

e’re breaking through the winter, and spring will be here soon. It will be nice to have some warm weather coming our way. We have some great Club events lined up in the next few months and were anticipating a grand turnout for each of them. The first Club event of 2014 is called The Big Cup and each year the turnout is a great success. In this event, the cup is actually an inch larger than a standard USGA hole cup. This event was created for fun and to see if members could shoot lower scores with a bigger cup. The event is flighted by team handicap index and there is a ladies flight also. This is a Member-Member event, so find a partner and sign up for the first event of the year. Back by popular demand is Twilight Couples Golf, now named Nine & Dine. Nine & Dine is designed for couples to play golf and have dinner with other couples in a fun, social format. These are

8 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

held on Friday evenings at 5:00 pm and are scheduled monthly through November. Players of all handicaps are welcome to participate, and we can’t wait to see everyone here. Here is a list of other club events that we will be hosting in 2014: •LGA Member-Guest – May 1st & 2nd •Kentucky Derby Skins Game Fundraiser – May 3rd & 4th •Senior Club Championship – May 9th & 10th •Kid Comanche camp - June 12th – 15th and July 10th – 13th •Ladies Club Championship - June 27th & 28th •Men’s Club Championship - July 11th & 12th •Kings & Queens Couples Invitational - July 24th, 25th & 26th •The Futurity Men’s Member Guest - September 25th, 26th & 27th

On the 2014 calendar this year you will find a few Mondays that the Club at Comanche Trace will be open. These are called Member-Guest days and members will be allowed, on these days, to treat their friends and guests by playing Comanche Trace for a $40.00 fee including cart. They must play with the member that day and this rate is only available on Member-Guest play days. The dates for these days are listed below. •March 17th •May 12th •June 30th •August 11th •October 27th We are also very excited about the Hole in One Club created in 2009. When a member of the Hole in One Club makes an ace here at Comanche Trace, each member of the Hole in One club is billed $5.00. The money is placed into the credit book account of the person making the hole in one. We currently have 116 members enrolled in the Hole in One Club. Some of our lucky

members who shot a Hole in One in 2013 were Ed Livermore, Bill Wood, Leonard Scott, Trish Butler, Bill Stillwell, Bill Dillard, and Tim McDugald. Bob Long was the man of the year by having two Hole in One’s in 2013, both occurring on the Hills course. Congratulations to all of these folks for their Hole in Ones in 2013! Let’s hope for more in 2014. Call the golf shop to enroll now because you never know when that ace might happen. The touring professional will be right here at Comanche Trace just as Spring is hitting the Hill Country. The PGA tour has revamped their schedule so that the Valero Texas Open will be the held the week before the Shell Houston Open. The qualifying rounds for the Valero Texas Open will be hosted by Comanche Trace again on March 20th and 24th. With the excellent condition of our bent grass greens and fairways, the touring professionals are always excited to play such a high-caliber club.

Tony Johnson, PGA

Did you know that for every quarter inch you miss the sweet spot you lose 11 yards of distance? If you hit your driver a half-inch off the sweet spot you lose 22 yards. This was tested through the PGA of America at a swing speed of 95 mph. The importance of hitting your clubs squarely in the center impacts not only distance but also control. Here are some small tips to help ensure you are hitting your clubs squarely. Place some face tape on the club and when you make impact it will leave a mark indicating where the ball struck the face. If you are hitting the toe of the club that means you are too far from the ball. If you hit the heel, you are too close to the ball. Many times I see players hit the center of the face but the ball fades to the right or hooks left. This means, at the top of your swing and through impact, your club face is remaining open or closed. This type of player should try to feel as if the club face is more closed or more open and strike the ball in the center. Practice with some face tape and you should see improvement in hitting your clubs more squarely. We always have extra face tape in the golf shop, so drop by and ask for it.

Kerrville Travel

Bonus: $50 On Board Credit Per Cabin

To make reservations or inquire for more information about1733 this trip and others SHEFTALL CO. SINCE

THESheftall Co. Since 1733 the

please call (830) 257-6266 998 A Sidney Baker South Kerrville, TX email: cruise@ktc.com

GENERATIONS GENERATIONS OF EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE OF

Brittany & Linda TRADITION TRADITION

OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE OF

Prices Starting From:

$774 per person person $674✴*per

Additional On Board Credit Offer of $100 For Veterans!

ited Space is Lim Call Today!

830-606-1414

*Fare applies to a minimum lead-in category on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares are per person, non-air, cruise-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two passengers in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth passengers. Call the above agency for more details. Government fees and taxes are included in this price but are subject to change. Princess reserves the right to impose a Fuel Supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid in full. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. See the applicable Princess Cruises brochure or princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. ©2011 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry.

CAN WE BUILD ONE FOR YOU?

ORIGINAL DESIGNS TRAVEL with LIZ

Created Just For YOU!

at Kerrville Travel Motor Coach Repurposing Done Right Across The USA with Hill Country Friends Dell your Sheftall

TRAVEL with LIZ

Motor Coach at Kerrville Travel Across The USA with your Hill Country Friends

Great Trips @ Great Prices!

Book your trip today while we still have room!

July 14-26 - 2013 Lancaster Show Trip 11 Days/10 Nights, 18 Meals $969pp

October 14-20 - 2 013 Albuquerque & Santa Fe 7 Days/6 Nights, 10 Meals $605pp

Oct 29-Nov 8 - 2013 Washington, DC 11 Days/10 Nights, 18 Meals $1029pp

Visit our new model home now open at Comanche Trace.



Hurry,

Up illingcharge FConsultations without t!

December 3-9-2013 Branson Show Trip

Fas

Fine from 7 Days/6Jewelry Nights, 10 Meals $640 pp$1000.00

The Sheftall Co. All prices based on DO and include transportation from 211 Earl Garrett St. Merchants in Kerrville, lodging, most meals, and all admission 211 Earl Garrett St. In Texasfees. 257-3373 $75 deposit holds your seat. since 1733 America 257-3373 since 1951

830-257-6266.

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday -Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SHEFTALL2@WINDSTREAM.NET

Oct 29-Nov 8, 2013 Dec 1-7, 2013 We are an experienced custom design builder offering in-house ﬂoor plan design. Branson Holiday Washington, DC Customer service is our focus, which is why our clients deal directly with us, the Show Extravaganza Our Nation’s Capital

Days,process. 6 Nights, 10 Meals. owners,18throughout the7entire Also, because we are a member of the Texas 11 Days/10 Nights, Meals. Admission to 7 Fabulous Guided Tours of our Great Custom Builders Guild, we can offer our clients Shows, the same wholesale pricing as other including 3 evening shows. Also Memorials. Watch thecorporate Changingbuilders. large We have small business values with big business beneﬁts. a trip on the Showboat Branson of the Guard at Arlington, spend Belle with Dinner and a Show. time at George Washington’s (This is a busy Fun, Fun, Fun Trip). Mount Vernon Estate. (We have a full schedule of events for you.) $640. per person

HOURS | SATURDAY 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. | SUNDAY 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. $1029. MODEL per person

t a scontact F g n li il Monday through Friday F e ’r e W y r r u HComanche Trace Realty to schedule a showing at 830-895-8505 $75 deposit reserves your seat.

All prices based on DO and include transportation from Model Address 1009 Club House Rd. Kerrville, lodging, most meals, and all admission fees.



Kerrville, TX

830-257-6266.

Visit our website to view our model homes ajsignature.com Mar-Apr 2013 KCP │ Sept-Oct 2013│21 │11

Wealth ManageMent group, llC Making your wealth work for you

Bob Rothe,

CFP®

Private investment management for those who would rather spend their time enjoying the hill country. Portfolios from $250,000 to over $10,000,000

YOU can enjoy

LIFE 222 Sidney Baker S, Suite 350-I

•

Kerrville, TX 78028

•

830.895.5803

Fee based investment advice, portfolio management and financial planning offered through Wealth Management Group, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Securities representative of and securities offered through LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 11 Silver Oak Securities, Inc., 3339 North Highland Avenue, Jackson TX 38305 (731) 668-3825. Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealth Management Group, LLC is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Silver Oak Securities.

By Bob Rothe, CFP©

As they approach retirement, many people think they need to convert all of their investments into income producing assets because they intend to “preserve the principal and live on the income”. They say they cannot afford to take any risk because that’s all the money they have and they need the income to live on.

The important thing to

think about when planning for retirement is not when you are going to retire but how long you are going to live after retiring.

12 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

There are several problems with this approach to retirement income. There are very few investments that provide stability of principal and adequate monthly income. You are limited to investing in things like CDs, T-Bills and short-term bond funds. You can’t invest in most stocks because the dividends are too low and besides, stock prices can be quite volatile. With this “income only” portfolio, the principal may remain stable but the income can fluctuate substantially from one year to the next. People who get used to living on the income from a 5% CD have a really hard time when interest rates drop to 2%. The income on the investments mentioned above is all taxed at ordinary income tax rates. If you want your income to keep pace with inflation, you have to reinvest some of the income so that you will have enough principal to create the extra income for the next year. If you spend all of the income, then you really will be on a “fixed income”. Your income may fluctuate considerably from one year to the next and your standard of living will probably slowly decline. Instead of keeping your principal stable and letting your income fluctuate it may be better to do the opposite. By using a conservative portfolio diversified in CDs, bonds and stocks, you will probably receive less income than you would from the income only portfolio, but over the long-term, the total rate of return should be higher on the diversified portfolio. So instead of withdrawing only the income, you could withdraw a reasonable, stable amount each month. You would occasionally have to sell something in order to withdraw enough, however the total rate of return on the diversified portfolio (over a long period of time) might be 2% to 3% higher than on the income only portfolio. If you leave that “extra” 2% to 3% in the portfolio, then you are creating an inflation hedge that will allow you to give yourself an occasional cost of living raise. You usually create less tax liability because some of the return is coming from qualified dividends and longterm capital gains. You can be much better diversified because you are not limited to investments that pay high

income. And, you don’t have to adjust your spending each year based on what the current interest rates are doing at the time. The important thing to think about when planning for retirement is not when you are going to retire but how long you are going to live after retiring. With improving medical technology, the risk is that you might live to be 105. A portfolio designed to preserve the principal and live on the income may not be very effective for someone who retires at normal retirement age and then lives to their life expectancy (or longer). With the income only portfolio, your principal is stable but your income tends to fluctuate considerably from one year to the next. With

the conservative diversified portfolio you can spend a stable inflation-adjusted amount but your principal value may fluctuate considerably from one year to the next. There are still risks with either approach, but for many retirees, it might make more sense to let the principal fluctuate and live on a stable, inflation-adjusted amount than to “preserve the principal and live on the income”. A qualified financial planning professional can help you find the retirement income strategy that works best for you. Bob Rothe, CFP© is President of Wealth Management Group, LLC, an independent SEC registered investment advisory firm. He is a Securities Representative of and offers securities through Silver Oak Securities, Inc., Jackson TN Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealth Management Group, LLC is not a subsidiary of Silver Oak Securities, Inc.

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 13

FITNESS

By Jane Garbish Anyone who knows me well would not be surprised to learn that I seek out fitness articles in whatever I’m reading. Even I was caught off guard a bit, however, when I ran across a fitness article of sorts in a recent Sunday edition of the Austin American Statesman business section. The columnist, Scott Burns, discussed the increasing longevity predictions for the average American. At 70 something years old, he admitted to leading a rather sedentary life to this point. He used a website to calculate his life expectancy (www.bluezones.com), and was surprised at the results. In spite of his lifestyle, the Vitality Compass predicted his total life expectancy as 96.2 years and his healthy life expectancy as 88.7 years. A little shocking for a writer who has spent the majority of his life behind a desk and almost no time in a gym!

The point of his article was to show how this increasing life expectancy is going to affect all of us – financially. The most recent Medicare Trustees Report said the unfunded liabilities of Medicare over the next 75 years are $27.2 trillion. If anything will drive our country to bankruptcy, health care certainly could. To quote Mr. Burns, “the largest single problem this country faces is health care for a population that thinks (and acts) as if health were a pill and not a personal responsibility.” What we can do – each of us – is to look at our health and lifestyle and make changes that will positively impact our future years.

Our health and lifestyle are a personal responsibility.

14 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

What to do now to make those future years more enjoyable – and less costly: • Keep Moving! Aerobic exercise, whether it is walking, running, biking, or swimming, among others, can help you live longer and healthier. The Mayo Clinic cites 10 ways consistent aerobic activity will benefit your health: 1. Diminish weight gain. Not only can the movement help you lose weight, but it will also help keep it off. 2. Increase stamina. While forcing increased heart rate while you’re doing it (thereby conditioning the heart) and making you tired in the short term, a regular aerobic routine will increase stamina and reduce fatigue. 3. Ward off viral illnesses. The activity will activate your immune system, leaving you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses like cold and flu. 4. Reduce your health risk. It makes you healthier by reducing the risk of many conditions such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. And if your aerobic exercise is weight bearing, such as walking or running, it also will protect against osteoporosis. 5. Manage chronic conditions. If you already have a problem with high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar, it can bring them to a manageable level. 6. Strengthen your heart. And who doesn’t want a stronger heart? Aerobic activity will lower your resting heart rate, thereby making your heart more efficient. 7. Keep your arteries clear. Aerobic activity raises the “good cholesterol” (HDL) and lowers the “bad” (LDL), thereby reducing the amount of plaque buildup in your arteries. Too much plaque can lead to stroke. 8. Boost your mood. Don’t you always feel better when your exercise is over? It stimulates hormones in your body which reduce tension and promote relaxation.

9. Stay active and independent as you age. Here we go! Not only does aerobic exercise strengthen the large muscles of our body, but studies continue to show it also benefits our brain. Dementia is caused by blockages of small blood vessels in the brain. Consistent aerobic activity lessens that plaque buildup, thereby reducing our chance of dementia. 10. Live longer. Since our life expectancy continues to grow, why not be as healthy as we can be?

• Strengthen those Muscles! Our muscles grow larger and stronger as we age, but only until about the age of 30. After that, people who are relatively inactive will lose between 3% and 5% of their muscle mass every decade. These changes are not so noticeable in your 30’s and 40’s, but they increase exponentially as you age and they become significant after age 60. Loss of muscle mass has a name – sarcopenia. It is a natural result of aging, but it doesn’t have to happen to you. It is reversible! But why should that matter to you? Here are a few consequences of sarcopenia and how they can negatively affect your life and your future: 1. Weight Gain. As our muscle mass decreases, the amount of fat in our body increases. Our metabolism slows and prevents our body from burning fuel efficiently. Thus, eating the same amount of calories in your sixties as you did in your thirties leads to weight gain. And of course, the consequences of weight gain are numerous: cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint problems, just to name a few. 2. Loss of Functional Strength. The activities that you used to accomplish easily become more difficult. Performing household chores, carrying groceries, getting out of a chair, playing golf and even carrying a grandchild can become more cumbersome and maybe even impossible as muscle loss occurs. 3. Loss of Balance. Your balance – or lack of it – is strongly associated with your lower body strength – the strength of your legs, hips and buttocks. And the consequences of lack of balance are huge. Falls in older adults are the leading cause of injury deaths (Murphy 2000) and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma (Alexander 1992). LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 15

FITNESS 4. Bone Loss. With age our bones become less dense, leading to the debilitating condition of osteoporosis and its predecessor, osteopenia. Recent studies published in Consumer Reports conclude that weight bearing exercise, including strength training and walking, are more effective in preventing osteoporosis in people who have osteopenia than medication.

So, what can you do? It’s simple – begin a strength training program! A regular routine of lifting weights and doing resistance exercises can lead to a dramatic improvement in our quality of life. As muscle mass increases, those problems listed above can all be dramatically reversed. You don’t need to become a body builder or a gym rat to get the results. Just a 30-60 minute session twice a week on a consistent basis can rebuild your muscles and lead to increased strength and functionality. Use a combination of weight machines, free weights and body strength exercises to target all major muscle groups. Have you waited too long to get started? It’s never too late! In an extreme example, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in June, 1990 of nursing home residents, average age 90, who were put on an 8-week strength training program. They did one leg extension exercise - 3 sets of 8 repetitions 3 times a week. The results: average quadriceps strength increased by 174% and thigh muscle mass increased 9%. The subjects also performed 48% better on a walking test after the training period. So, not only did functional strength improve (the quadriceps muscle is directly associated with the ability to get up from a chair unassisted), but because their walking ability improved, their chance of falls was greatly reduced. Success on many levels!

16 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Positive Results – Physically and Financially By taking control of your health, not only will your quality of life be enriched, but the financial rewards will be as well. We all need to be concerned about the strained healthcare markets and the effect of their costs on our nation. Closer to home, paying for a gym membership and a personal trainer is far less than the cost you’ll pay for doctors, medical procedures and medication that accompany an unhealthy lifestyle. It’s up to you – what will you choose?

3187 JUNCTION HWY, INGRAM 78025

830-367-5553 STORE HOURS

M-F 9 A.M.-5:30 P.M. SATURDAY 10 A.M.-5 P.M.

QUALITY LUGGAGE & LEATHER GOODS MADE ON SITE

Look for the

COVERED WAGON!

An amazing variety of products & décor you will not find anywhere else

W W W. W I L D G O O S E T E X A S . C O M

lendar of Events Calendar of Events Calendar of Events Calendar

Ca l e ndar

February

February 4 Bridge Club 2:00 p.m.

February 5 MGA 10:00 a.m.

February 6

February 14

February 22

Valentine’s Day Dinner

MGA 10:00 a.m.

February 15 Golf Channel Ama Tour

LGA 10:00 a.m. Lady 9’ers 10:00 a.m.

February 17

February 11

Club Open President’s Day

Bridge Club 2:00 p.m.

February 18 February 12 MGA 10:00 a.m. Mah Jongg 1:00 p.m. Member Happy Hour 5:00 p.m.

February 13 LGA 10:00 a.m. Lady 9’ers 10:00 a.m.

18 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Club Closed Book Club 4:30 p.m. - Location TBD

February 24 Covenant Academy Charity Golf Classic

February 25 Bridge Club 2:00 p.m.

February 26 MGA 10:00 a.m. Mah Jongg Practice 1:00 p.m.

February 20

February 27

LGA 10:00 a.m. Lady 9’ers 10:00 a.m.

March 3 Schreiner Spring Classic

March 4 Schreiner Spring Classic Bridge Club 2:00 p.m.

March 5 MGA 10:00 a.m.

March 6 LGA 10:00 a.m. Lady 9’ers 10:00 a.m.

March 8 The Big Cup Member/Member

March 11 Bridge Club 2:00 p.m.

March 12 MGA 10:00 a.m. Mah Jongg 1:00 p.m. Member Happy Hour 5:00 p.m.

March 13 LGA 10:00 a.m. Lady 9’ers 10:00 a.m.

March 15 Golf San Antonio Amateur Championship

March 16 Golf San Antonio Amateur Championship

March 22 MGA 10:00 a.m.

March 24 Valero TX Open Qualifier 8:00 a.m.

March 25 Bridge Club 2:00 p.m.

March 17 Club Open – Member Guest Day St. Patrick’s Day

March 18 Bridge Club 1:30 p.m. Book Club 4:30 p.m.

March 20 Valero TX Open Pre-Qualifier 8:00 a.m.

March 21

March 26 MGA 10:00 a.m. Mah Jongg Practice 1:00 p.m.

March 27 LGA 10:00 a.m. Lady 9’ers 10:00 a.m.

March 31 Arms of Hope Charity Golf Tournament

Dream Kamp for Kids Charity Golf Classic 1:00 p.m. LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 19

alendar of Events Calendar of Events Calendar of Events Calendar o

of Events

March

FLAVORS

Written & Photography By Don Grogg

or our daily nourishment needs, we all shop at one of our two great HEB stores or at the Walmart food store. But almost hidden around the Texas Hill Country are some little independent mom & pop style family operations providing us with some tasty treats from their European ancestry. They also have added some Hill Country twists such as mesquite and pecan wood smoking and the addition of cheese, jalapeños and some other unusual products that are so favored in Texas. All of these markets provide high quality fresh beef, pork and chicken. But, that is not what we will discuss in this issue. Several of these markets were founded decades ago as farm animal slaughter houses and processing plants where local live animals were processed from on the hoof into food products. They also were known as “Lockers” that rented freezer space to consumers who did not have the then expensive home refrigerators or freezers. All of these markets are also custom game processors for the hunters who flock to the Texas Hill County for native and exotic game. 20 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Daddy Jim’s, Loop 534, Kerrville and Hwy. 16, Bandera Daddy Jim’s, named for owner Danny Applewhite’s father, offers the greatest choice of unusual gourmet sausages and meat products. Danny is a lifelong butcher and sausage maker. Danny was the specialty fresh sausage maker for HEB’s first Central Market on North Lamar in Austin and then at the Broadway store in San Antonio before coming to Kerrville to open his own market. He also continues that tradition at Daddy Jim’s in Bandera, the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of The World. The market is managed by his wife, Shirley. One of Daddy Jim’s market favorites is the lean Mexican-style Chorizo. To get this Chorizo to brown in a skillet you really need to add a bit of cooking oil. The Chorizo also makes a great, spicy burger patty in the skillet or on the grill. I have used it in little meatballs in a Mexican tortilla soup. Daddy Jim’s fresh-made sausage selection varies from week to week, but it will always include a specialty chicken sausage. A tasty

appetizer is the chicken, feta and spinach. I steam it then grill it lightly for more flavor and serve it sliced with jalapeno jelly. For sweet sausage lovers try his maple blueberry pork breakfast sausage. Seasonally, you may also find sausages of Hatch green chili and pepper jack cheese, Bratwurst, Boudin, German Potato, fresh pork and bacon or homemade genuine frankfurters (around the summer Hot Dog holidays) in the meat case.

Back in the mid-1980’s, Bernhard’s became the only local processor to ever process a hippopotamus. The docile hippo had turned rogue and killed several registered Black Angus cattle on an exotic game ranch in Utopia and had to be put down. Exotic meat purveyor, Zimmer Meats in Chicago, purchased the animal from the ranch and contracted with Bernhard’s to process it and ship it to Chicago.

The smoked Kerr County sausage and andouille are a wee bit spicy but make a great grilled meal or in jambalaya or gumbo. The regular and peppered jerky, summer sausages, and ready-to-eat smoked “Buck” pencil sticks of sausages in different varieties are favored by hunters and outdoorsmen. Daddy Jim’s also has the hard to find California-style gourmet Flatiron steaks and Tri-Tip roasts for quick grilling.

Bernhard’s Meat Market, 2920 Junction Highway (Hwy 27), Ingram In 1952, Milton Bernhard and his older brother, Earl, started Bernhard Ingram Lockers, Inc. that later become Bernhard’s Market. In 1995, Mark Lampson purchased Bernhard’s from Milton and kept the name. Bernhard’s moved to their present location in 2005. Bernhard’s has an extensive offering of ready to eat smoked meats and sausages including peppered turkey, pork tenderloins and pork chops. They also have a selection of the cheeses we grew up with, like the traditional orange colored Longhorn Cheddar, the processed Pepper Jack and Swiss cheeses along with several wax coated, aged cheeses.

Dzuik’s Meat Market, 608 Hwy 90, Castroville Dzuik’s (pronounced Jukes) was my first adventure in Hill Country meat market. Our family leased a hunting ranch in Val Verde County on Lake Amistad back in the late 1970’s. We would drive through Castroville and if Dzuik’s was open we would stop for some jerky and dried sausages for our hunting trip. Should we bag a deer on the trip, Dzuik’s was our choice as processor for venison to become summer sausage, jerky and breakfast sausages. In recent years, I discovered and now crave their Parisa. Parisa is a dish that came from the Alsatian area of France with the immigrants. It’s not found anywhere that I know of, other than LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 21

FLAVORS in the Texas Hill Country. It is similar to a paté, made with uncooked meat and served cold. It is traditionally served on plain saltine crackers. I like mine with a thin slice of fresh cucumber on top. The Parisa made at Dzuik’s is hand chopped (not ground) very lean, beef round steak, shredded cheddar cheese, onion, fresh jalapeno, garlic, salt, ground pepper and lemon juice. They make it every day. It must be kept very cold and eaten within twenty-four hours of purchase. Everyone who has tried it loves it. Dzuik’s also makes excellent fresh, unsmoked Alsatian and Polish sausage with no preservatives. Traditionally it is boiled or it can be grilled.

Alamo Market & Lockers, 509 Front Street, Comfort Alamo Market & Lockers, a family-run institution since 1947, closed in 2010 because the founding Pankratz’s brothers were ready to retire. Early in 2013, Trevor Stakes and his wife Judy, along with his cousin/investor Johnny Canavan, acquired the premises and brought Alamo Market back to life. Trevor and his wife worked tirelessly, renewing its 1940’s look. The Alamo Market uses their own, several generations old, family recipes for their fresh, smoked and dried varieties of sausages and other specialty meats. Three of the delicious specialties are Parisa, Pon-haus and the dried sausage. Their Parisa is made from ground beef round steak, cheddar cheese, onions, jalapenos, lemon juice and a family blend of spices. Pon-haus better known as Scrapple in the Pennsylvania Dutch country, and is traditionally a concoction of pork scraps and trimmings (Alamo uses only slow-cooked Boston Butt) combined with cornmeal, wheat flour, and spices. The mixture is formed into a semi-solid, congealed loaf and then sliced in half-inch slices for cooking. The slices of the Pon-haus (or scrapple) are then pan-fried to crisp and browned before serving. Please try it before forming an opinion. When I visited the Alamo Market for my article research, they were sold out of their dried sausage. Even though they had a sign on the door about the dried sausage not being ready until the next day,

22 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

several people came in wanting to purchase it. Trevor showed me the some 300 links in the smoker that needed one more session of smoking that night to truly dry the sausage. By the next afternoon, every link was sold.

Great Gourmet Choices If you are a carnivore, you are in one of the very best areas to taste and enjoy a larger variety of locally made meat products than are available anywhere else in the country. If you are in the area of any of these markets or find yourself with a nothing-to do-day, visit these fine culinary treats and buy some of these unusual products to surprise and delight your family and friends. And don’t forget your ice chest with a couple of blue gel packs to keep your prizes safe and fresh until you get home.

Bon appetite!

There will never be a better time to save so significantly!

THE BISTRO

A NEW DIRECTION FOR

EXCLUSIVE

Retirement Living in the Texas Hill Country

Pre-Construction Savings

The Overlook will be situated on the 34-acre Menger Springs campus of Morningside Ministries in the friendly town of Boerne in the Texas Hill Country - a premier place to retire according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Time and Money magazines. The Overlook promises an active and enriching lifestyle and the privacy of luxury one- and two-bedroom apartment homes alongside the natural beauty of Menger Creek. Imagine yourself experiencing

Substantial savings on pre-construction pricing (reserve by 03/15/14). $36,000 in future health care benefits. Customization of cabinetry, flooring, counters and more.

Complimentary monthly fee for two months. $2,500 in Moving Allowances. Priority access to higher levels of care should your needs ever change.

maintenance-free living with multiple dining venues, social and cultural opportunities, wellness programs and many outstanding amenities.

Substantial savings through March 15, 2014!

1100 Grand Boulevard • Boerne, TX 78006 • (830) 816-4497

www.overlookatmengersprings.com

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 23

Master Your retireMent at

The Overlook at Menger Springs Ten years ago, Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs opened its doors to residents in a picturesque community delivering an extraordinary lifestyle. Today, it’s redefining retirement living. Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs is expanding its community to include The Overlook at Menger Springs. Situated in a peaceful, serene environment on 34 acres along Menger Creek in the charming Hill Country town of Boerne, TX, The Overlook will be ready for occupancy in early 2015 and offers a variety of luxury, maintenance-free one-and two-bedroom residences for adults age 62 and over. Contemporary in design, programming and style, The Overlook’s state-of-the-art innovation will enrich the vibrant, active and engaging lifestyle retirees seek to enjoy. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Time Magazine have designated the Hill 24 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Country as a premier place to retire, thus making The Overlook the perfect place to call home! Residents can choose from an array of floor plans offering patios or balconies and a variety of garden or sweeping Hill Country views. Multiple dining venues

and a myriad of social and cultural opportunities, wellness programs and a full complement of uncompromising services and amenities are included to enhance one’s retirement lifestyle. As part of a reputable 52-year old faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care organization with a mission of Caring for Those Who Cared for Us, The Overlook offers unparalleled peace of mind! If a resident ever needs more care, that care is available on the same campus by a team of dedicated professionals within a variety of state-of-the art, residential accommodations. Those reserving now can also take advantage of a compelling financial arrangement and future healthcare discounts. Research has demonstrated that physical activity and social engagement is critical to successful aging and emotional and cognitive health. Successful aging has been proven to add 2+ years of quality life for seniors. Future resident, Jacqueline H. managed a rowing team after retiring and is now preparing three teams for the World Championship in Italy this year! An avid rower, Jacqueline and her dragon boat team received a grant from “the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to educate middle school children in three area schools about physical fitness, paddling, nutrition and team work.” Future residents Rosario and Agustin are moving to The Overlook because they “love the continuum of care.” As Rosario says: “We’re very independent today, but we know the odds are we’ll need some care in the future. When that time comes we don’t want to burden our children.” Rosario and Agustin also “want to be a part of a continuing care community and to know that we are not alone.” They enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they have priority access to higher levels of care should they ever need them (including assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing) – all conveniently situated on one campus and delivered through Morningside Ministries’ standard of excellence. If only one person needs care at any time, Rosario and Agustin know they’ll be conveniently situated to one another. Say goodbye to the demands of home maintenance and say hello to a lifestyle like no other! Find out how you can master your retirement in 2014 by calling us today! We have a staff of experienced professionals that would be glad to assist you in your search for the right senior living community and to show you how we Care for Those Who Cared For Us. The Overlook will change the way you look at retirement living. Retirement is for the high-spirited and for the bold. It is a time for enthusiasts of all kinds to continue to do the things they love and an opportunity for them to try things they have only dreamed about!

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 25

Staff Profile

Meet the New Chef at Comanche Trace By Carolyn Brown

Photo by Jarrick Cooper

I grew up in an Air Force family and lived in Tokyo, Japan and Hawaii. Of course we were there before any high rises were built in Waikiki, but that really dates me. I worked for La Costa Spa and Resort, a 5-star golf and spa resort in Carlsbad, California. While at La Costa, I handled many high profile events including the Tournament of Champions Golf Classic. I also worked at Fess Parker’s Red Lion Resort in Santa Barbara, California as the Director of Conventions. After relocating to the Pacific Northwest I became co-owner of one of the finest produce and U-Pick farmers markets. Two times we received “Best of the West” in produce markets in Sunset magazine. During that time, I also manufactured jams, jellies, sauces and syrups delivered fresh from the kettle to 650 stores in the Northwest and sold online at Christmas. My children and I moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, a small town with great schools. It was a good place to raise my girls, who are now out of college. One is a professor of Biochemistry, the second oldest is a financial analyst for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, and the youngest is working in insurance. They all turned out great and I am so proud of them. At the time I owned my own restaurant overlooking Lake Pend Oreille in Hope, Idaho, which became the hub of the community with live music and catered events. About four years ago, my sister called me from Fredericksburg and told me about the Food & Beverage Director position at the Kroc Center in Kerrville, so I drove 2,500 miles down from Idaho and took the job. Since then I have been the Executive Chef at Camp Verde Restaurant. I am now the Executive Chef at Comanche Trace, and I am so happy to be here. Here at Comanche Trace, I jumped right into the Thanksgiving lunch and Christmas parties. My goals are to begin the New Year with new menus for the Pinnacle Grill and Banquets in mid-February. I have brought on two new staff with great culinary experience. I have a great kitchen team and I look forward to meeting the members. 26 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 27

Mem Membership And Events Membership And Events

Membership And Events

Family Holiday Event

28 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Photography by Gena Teer

Lady Niners Tailgate Party

Mem

Membership And Events

Photography by Gena Teer

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 29

Membership

Membership And Events

Trim the Tree

bership And Events

Photography by Lisa Dylina

Membership & Events

Valentine’s Day

Easter Day Buffet

When: Friday, February 14, 2014 Where: The Vista Room Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Price: $99.95 per couple RSVP Deadline: February 7, 2014

When: Sunday, April 20, 2014 Where: The Vista Room Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Price: Adults - $31.50 / 5 to 12 years old - $16.50 / 4 years old & under - Complimentary

Open to the Public

Call 830-895-8505 to make your reservation and pre-purchase roses for your sweetheart!

Menu:

Gorgonzola and Turkish Apricot stuffed Pork Loin, Crispy Tilapia Fillet with Fennel Mint Tzatziki, Classic Caesar Salad with Parmesan, Israeli Couscous Pilaf, Glazed Crew Cut Carrots, Dinner Breads and Dipping Oils, Pear Chiffon Dessert, Grand Finale Chocolate Cake

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Open to the Public

RSVP Deadline: April 13, 2014

Menu:

Fresh Fruit, Yogurts, Cereals, Granolas, Juice Selection On Ice, Green Salads, Pasta Salad, Caprese Salad, Carving Station with Ham and Prime Rib, Scallop Potatoes with Fresh Herbs, Deviled Eggs, Frittata with Spinach, Feta, and Tomato, Cheese Enchiladas, Fajitas, Bacon, Sausage Links, and Bratwurst Sautee Station – Eggs, Crepes, Omelets, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Shrimp on Ice with Cocktail Sauce and Aioli Dessert Station and Unlimited Mimosas

Members Only

Easter Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, April 19, 2014 Where: The Vista Room Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Price: $12.95 per person RSVP Deadline: April 12, 2014

When: Sunday, April 20, 2014 Where: Comanche Trace Sales Center Time: 3:30 p.m. RSVP Deadline: April 13, 2014

Enjoy a morning of Easter crafts, fun, buffet, and pictures with the Easter Bunny! 30 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Members Only

CBP-2822-BOTH-CmfrtChmbrAd-MM-HR.pdf

New! Pasta Night Open to the Public

When: Every Tuesday Where: The Vista Room Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Price: Adults - $16.95 plus tax and gratuity / 5 to 12 years old - $8.50 plus tax and gratuity / 4 years old & under – Complimentary Reservations Suggested – 830-895-8505

11/29/12

1:54 PM

Get close to your money.

Enjoy assorted pastas prepared fresh and made to order! Gluten free and vegan selections are available.

C/S Member Happy Hour Members Only Hill country arts

Hardly anybody’s more than ten minutes away from Bank of the Hills—full service, drive-in or ATM.

When: Second Wednesday of Every Month Where: The Vista Room Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

No doubt about it. Bank of the Hills is close. Almost no matter

Enjoy assorted hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and mingle with fellow Comanche Trace members!

Ingram, you can also find banking like it used to be at our

Elegant Events made Simple

locations, just about everyone who wants good, old-fashioned

foundation

We can take care of everything for your next corporate luncheon, birthday party, wedding, or any other event! Contact our Event Coordinator, Joni Peterson, to inquire about event booking and availability.

jpeterson@comanchetrace.com 830-895-8500, ext. 237

where you live in these hills, you’re close to your money with Bank of the Hills. In addition to the main bank in Kerrville and locations in Kerrville-South and Downtown, Comfort, Hunt and ATM/Night Depository in Center Point and our ATM in the Peterson Regional Medical Center.

With eight Hill Country

friendly service has easy access to their money.

Member FDIC

KERRVILLE – MAIN, SOUTH AND DOWNTOWN • HUNT • COMFORT • INGRAM ATM/NIGHT DEPOSITORY – CENTER POINT • ATM IN PETERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Membership & Events

New Member Lead Event Committee at Comanche Trace We are a group of friends who entertain, dine together, play golf together, and do just about everything together.

New homes are being built at Comanche Trace and club membership continues to grow. We are looking for ways to meet new residents and welcome new members to our community. Some of the ideas that we As we age, we want to stay on have discussed are a Summer Kick-off premise to have dinner and share a Party at the pool, Gourmet Night once few drinks without having to drive a month in the Vista Room, Cooking out of our neighborhoods; thus, the Classes taught by Executive Chef, Carolyn Social Connection was born. With the Brown, Holiday Events, a Kentucky Derby help of a few of the executive team at event, Bingo Night, as well as golf rounds Comanche Trace (Diane Hagne, Food paired with dining at the Pinnacle Grill. and Beverage Director; Joni Peterson, At the moment these are just ideas Event Coordinator; and Carolyn Brown, manifested out of our brainstorming Executive Chef) we hope to expand on the already abundant entertainment and sessions. If you are a Comanche Trace member and would like to offer any fun at Comanche Trace. suggestions or comments, please share We have all come from clubs that had them with anyone of us as you see many social activities for their members. us around the club or on the course. Or you can send an email to Marian Utilizing our newly remodeled Vista Ezel(tmezell@stx.rr.com) or Joan Spear Room, which can accommodate two (rnspea123@aol.com). hundred people comfortably, as well as our wonderful restaurant and events staff, we want to develop a calendar of We will see you at the next event events that will bring our community Cheers! closer together in our local setting. 32 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

(top row from left) Ariana Almond & Marian Ezell (bottom row from left) Sherry Maytorena & Joan Spear (not pictured) Donna Wilems.

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 33

Membership & Events By Jennifer Phelps Photography by Delayne Sigerman & Colby Nash

Every Thursday is LGA play day, weather permitting of course. The format changes weekly, with both individual and team events. Once a month we have a Golfer of the Month event.

The LGA got into the holiday spirit by filling gift baskets with homemade goodies and other donated treats for our golf pros and their staff; just a small thank you for their help all during the year with play days and other events. Also in celebration of the season Joan Spear and new chef, Carolyn Brown, planned a festive luncheon held in the Vista Room. At such a busy time not all of our 40 members could attend but a majority was there to enjoy the chance to visit with each other. In attendance was the newly elected 2013-2014 Board, including President Diana Bamerick, Vice Presidents Sherry Maytorena and Ariana Almond, Treasurer Margie Hirsch and Secretary Amaya D’Amore. We are trying to get photos of all our members to use throughout the year. You can see some of them in the Golfer of the Month frame on our bulletin board located in Shelton Room West. However without golf hats and visors some of us may not be recognizable! Thanks to Bill Stillwell the LGA will have a brand new website this year. Check out this web page at https://sites.google.com/site/ctracelga/. With record participation in our 2013 Member/Member and Member/ Guest tournaments LGA is geared up to have an even greater golf season in 2014. We have new events planned along with our annual tournaments and Thursday play days. Social events and luncheons are also on the agenda in the New Year. All are welcome to join us!

34 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

The Member/Guest Tournament is in May. It is a two-day event with a different format each day. The cocktail party is held in a member’s home and is very popular with all the participants. Our Member/Member Tournament in September is the replica of the Member Guest Tournament. Historically, this event has the best participation of our membership. At year-end we hold the Golfer of the Year tournament. Ringer scores are kept all year long and are used to qualify the 24 members who are invited to participate. There is always a Gross winner and a Net winner to insure everyone’s competitiveness. The Hill Country Stableford Cup has eight LGA members traveling to compete against nine other surrounding clubs. Not only do you get to visit other clubs and meet new people but we always enjoy a great lunch. Teams are flighted so everyone has a chance of winning prizes.

New last year was the first year for Team Play Competition. Comanche Trace LGA teamed up with Riverhill’s LGA to compete against ten other area ladies golf groups. The joint team fields six, low handicap players in a match play format. Last year, Comanche Trace was the home course but this year it will be held at Riverhill. Tentatively scheduled during the 2013-2014 year are two play days with the Lady Niners. Also in the planning stage is an LGA, MGA and Lady Niners play day. A mid-year luncheon is scheduled in May, and our End of the Year Luncheon is in October. At this last luncheon our two Golfers of the Year are recognized. Prizes are also given to Most Improved, Ringer winners and we all get golf balls for every birdie we had throughout the year. Our new board is also elected at this time. This is a fun way to end our golf year and great way to begin a new one. Contact Margie Hirsch at Trailhead1@windstream.net for LGA membership information.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Delayne Sigerman & Colby Nash

GARDENING

Native Plants Recently, a friend came home from visiting China and declared, “I am a changed person.” Travel does broaden one’s perspective, and international gardens and parks can inspire our own efforts. By Mary Muse Photos supplied by Riverside Nature Center

Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed some of the most revered open spaces in the United States, including New York City’s Central Park, was inspired by a trip to England. A lesser known fact is that Olmsted traveled through the south, including Texas, between 1852 and 1857 and found inspiration there, as well. Olmsted kept a journal during his travels. He referred to the Texas Hill Country as western Texas. He wrote, “The Guadalupe was even more beautiful here … quick and perfectly transparent. I have rarely seen any resort of wood nymphs more perfect then the bower of cypress branches and vines …Western Texas has charmed us; and of all Western Texas the upper Guadalupe seemed, all things considered, the most attractive point.” Rather than favoring the overtly stated designs of the formal gardens of Europe, Olmsted took a revolutionary approach to designing landscapes. His goal was to highlight the naturally occurring features of space through a design that does not call attention to itself, but rather to the whole space. He worked with light and shadow close up and blurred detail further away. He 36 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

would end a vast expanse of greenery with a grove of trees. He designed with indistinct boundaries using plants, brush, and trees. Paths wind through his landscapes and intersect with one another, dividing the terrain into islands of successive new views. His hallmark was the use of naturally occurring plants; non-native species planted for the sake of their own uniqueness would defeat the purpose of his designs. In this regard, Olmsted was a leader in today’s movement of using native plants in landscaping. His reason for using native plants was aesthetic. Today, our understanding of ecosystems, water usage, and land management has led groups such as the Riverside Nature Center (RNC), the Native Plant Society of Texas, and the Texas Master Naturalists to advocate for native plants in landscaping because of their water-conserving qualities, ease of maintenance, and beauty. The Texas Hill Country is home to a number of rare plants found no place else on earth, many you can experience in their full beauty and fragrance on

a spring drive through the Hill Country when the wildflowers are in bloom. Hill country native plants are more than beautiful; some are useful as medicines, food and fiber. A basic herbalism class presented by Amy Coward and Sally Garret, the caretakers of Riverside Nature Center’s Native Healing Garden, focuses on local native plants and their current and historical uses. “We teach classes in basic herbalism and study herbs by body system. We teach when and how to grow and harvest them, using plants from our own healing garden. We offer a hands-on experience with herb gardening, tea-blending, tincture making, and we create salves and body care products.” West Texas provides a congenial environment for herbs. Most herbs like it hot and dry, so they are natural here. Herbs are a pleasure to care for. As you trim them, they fill the air with delightful fragrance. These attractive plants work well in flowerbeds, often adding extra appeal, color, and fragrance. Amy and Sally recommend four Hill Country Natives herbs for starters.

Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) is in the hibiscus family, and it’s a multi-season wild edible. This low-growing perennial shrub thrives in shade. The tiny red flowers do look like Turk’s caps and turn into red, apple-like fruit, often called a Mexican apple. The leaves, flowers, and fruit can all be eaten, either raw or cooked. The flowers wilt quickly so should be plucked just before serving. It’s also a wonderful nectar plant for butterflies. Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia), or purple coneflower, is a beautiful medicinal plant. There are several species but augustifola is our native perennial. It’s a member of the aster family and sunflower

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 37

GARDENING tribe with striking, large flower heads, about 2 to 3 1/2 inches across. The ray petals are pale pinkish-purple surrounding a dark, reddish-purple spiky disc. The flowers, leaves, and root can be made into a tea. Take in small, frequent doses to boost immunity to a cold or to prevent bronchial infection. Because of the huge demand, echinacea has been over-harvested, so there is great value in organically cultivating this plant in a sustainable environment. Agarita (Berberis trifoliata) is a favorite droughttolerant medicinal plant. It is perennial, sturdy, keeps its leaves, and is low maintenance. The agarita’s yellow flowers smell like honey and attract pollinators, February through March. April through June, its red berries make a tasty jelly or jam, and a wonderful syrup, besides being a wonderful treat for the birds.

Agarita is the best antimicrobial and antifungal herb for this region. It has the same active ingredient as Golden Seal. Cenizo (Leucophyllium fructescens), most commonly called purple sage, is not a sage at all, but part of the Figwort family. This drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub has silverish leaves and produces many pale purple flowers before a rain. It can grow to a 6-8 foot height, but takes very well to pruning. The flowers can be made into a basic cold and flu tea, and it can also be used to make an excellent salve for arthritic joints. It also has anti-spasmodic actions that prove effective for gas, nausea, and a “gripping bowel.” Lady Bird Johnson once said, “Native plants keep Texas looking like Texas.” What a simple, yet true statement. From that idea, she joined—and led—one of the greatest natural resource stewardship programs our country has ever seen. So as we look forward to the return of our wildflowers, let’s remember and thank Frederick Law Olmsted, Lady Bird Johnson, and all those who are committed to preserving the unique beauty of the Texas Hill Country for our own and subsequent generations.

38 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Mary Muse is the Executive Director of Riverside Nature Center and a Master Naturalist. As a resident of Comanche Trace, she appreciates its sustainable designs, and respects the excellent job Comanche Trace has done to preserve native habitats among its golf courses and beautiful homes.

Ann Robertson, President Clay Robertson, Vice-President 290 Thompson Drive Kerrville, TX 78028 830.896.5811

kerrvilletitle.com

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 39

FEATURE STORY

Article and Photography by John Swann

40 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

In November 2013, Comanche Trace residents John and Maria Swann journeyed to Southeast Asia to spend ten days in Myanmar.

t’s 6:30 in the chilly morning, and we’re heading for the airport for an early flight. We’re in a small, open, long-tail boat, skimming across Inle Lake, and we have our ponchos and tiny umbrellas to shield us from the pouring rain. Today is the Nat festival and we’re lucky to have this boat. Life is good. And that’s when the engine begins to sputter and the boat slows. “Seaweed,” offers Njong, our guide, “seaweed in the propeller.” But the engine is dying. When the boat finally comes to a stop, we’re in a side-channel amongst high reeds that protect us from the worst of the weather. It’s really quiet. A week earlier we had arrived in Myanmar’s capital city, Yangon (formerly Rangoon). Before our journey, we had watched documentaries and searched the Internet, and we were a little concerned that this

trip might be difficult. Myanmar (formerly Burma) is tucked between India, China, and Thailand. The country has been politically isolated for decades, and has only recently opened its doors to western tourism. We really didn’t know what to expect, and were we in for some surprises! The first surprise was a pleasant one. The airport arrival hall (often an indicator of things to come) was clean and modern. The immigration and customs officers smiled a big “Welcome to Myanmar.” Outside, instead of the expected crush of porters and taxi drivers, we found our guide easily and were driven to the city center. On the roads, we were surprised to see no motorcycles, no heavy trucks, no oxcarts, no cows, and no smoky buses. There were hardly any car-horns. Instead, there was orderly traffic on fairly modern streets. The only thing that was odd was that they drive on the right side of the road, but all the cars have the steering wheel on the right! Our hotel, The Traders, is an icon in Myanmar. Three weeks earlier it had been the target of a bomb attack. Understandably, security was now tight, but once inside, we found magnificent hospitality. Things were looking good. The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River runs through the heart of the country and connects the main tourist areas, but we had chosen to fly from place to place. We had a different guide in each LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 41

FEATURE STORY

meaning. Much of the artwork is original from the 11th century, and the brightest images are found in the darkest corridors, protected from all but the faintest sunlight. Statues of Buddha, some original and some replica, are located in every place of significance. We visited temple after temple; each one was unique. In the late afternoon we climbed the steep flanks of a tall bell-shaped pagoda to see a magnificent sunset over the plain. The Ayeyarwady River was in the background with mountains beyond. We shared the view with a few hundred visitors; the tourists now concentrated in this one special location. Mandalay was our next stop. This was a royal capital in the 1800’s, and is now the second largest city; it’s home to about one million people. It’s a bustling city with some really unusual attractions. We walked across the longest, oldest and perhaps creakiest teak footbridge in the world. Built with timbers reused from old wooden buildings, the bridge itself is more than 200

area, and every two days we were dropped off in an airport departure lounge. We flew for 30 minutes to the next city, where our new guide greeted us on arrival. About a dozen flights make the circuit daily. Each guide is a licensed expert for their particular location, and each is well-educated, and speaks good English. The whole process is very efficient. Our first stop, Bagan, sits on a fifty-square-mile dusty plain on a bend in the river. Eight hundred years ago, visitors would have found as many as 13,000 temples and holy sites on this plain. Today 2,000 of these sites survive (in an area roughly equivalent to the valley between Kerrville and Comfort!). The first view of the plain is breathtaking. There are temple spires everywhere. There are redbrick temples and monasteries, capped with intricate sandstone carvings. There are gilded temples glinting in the bright sunshine. And we had it all to ourselves! The few tourists who visit the area were spread out amongst all the sites. Inside each temple, our guide used a flashlight to point out the myriad paintings and carvings as she explained their 42 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

years old, and on the 20-minute (3/4 mile) walk across, we saw more Burmese people than foreign tourists. Buddhist monks and nuns use the bridge daily. Then, at a nearby monastery, we saw 1,500 monks and novices lined up waiting for the bell that signals their daily meal. With their alms bowls, they file along the road to accept donated rice. Then they all move to long dining halls, already set with dishes of lentil soup, chicken curry, vegetables and fruits. There’s a three-month waitlist to donate this daily food to the monks. A one-hour boat ride across the river brought us to the village of Mingun. Ox-cart taxis ply the streets and take visitors to see the world’s largest pagoda, and to see (and hear) the world’s largest functioning bell. You can crawl inside the bell – it’s an eerie feeling to stand beneath 92 tons of ringing metal. Life on the Ayeyarwady is fascinating. We shared the river with rafts of bamboo, barges loaded with hardwood timbers, and all sorts of boats big and small. The river meanders across its floodplain, and floodwaters fill its banks every rainy season. But now, with the rainy season over, the mid-river islands are dry, and are being cultivated to produce a single crop before the floodwaters return.

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 43

FEATURE STORY Our next stop was Inle Lake. With a cool climate and a beautiful setting Inle Lake is idyllic. Lakeside resorts are accessible only by boat, and we rented a long-tail boat for two days. Our hotel was on the water, and our guide led us across the lake to visit temples, stilt houses, workshops, and fishing villages. The lake is famous for its boatmen who use one leg to row their tiny canoes (leaving both hands free for fishing), and for its tomatoes that are grown on floating gardens. There are electricity poles and satellite dishes outside many of the stilt houses, but these villages seem to be entirely self-sufficient, almost from another era. Even the “seaweed” is harvested, by hand, from the lakebed to fertilize their floating crops. Much too soon, our two-day lake visit was over and we were on the long-tail boat one last time. And soon we were stuck in a side channel in the rain. Of course, almost immediately an empty long-tail came gunning down the channel and after brief negotiations we made the transfer into the new boat, and we continued on to the airport with time to spare. It was that kind of trip, like a round of golf where every putt goes in. Throughout the trip, there were lots of opportunities to visit handicraft workshops, and some are quite unique. As in most Asian countries, there are silk weavers. But at Inle Lake, there’s a thread that costs ten times more than silk. The fine thread is removed from the stem of a special lotus flower that grows in only one other place in the world. At another workshop, gold leaf is hammered by hand from a small ingot of pure gold. Using mallets, men hammer for hours to produce the leaf that is then used by worshippers to adorn statues of Buddha. On some statues, the gold leaf has accumulated to become several inches

44 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

A few travel tips - Myanmar is on the opposite side of the planet from Kerrville. Flying time through Bangkok is about 24 hours. - You will need a visa (ours took only 2 weeks to arrive in the mail). - The best time to visit Myanmar is in the dry season from November to March. - There are no ATM machines, credit cards and travelers checks are generally not accepted anywhere, and US dollars are widely accepted but must be in top condition. - Good hotels are in short supply, so book early with a reputable company. Better yet, book a cruise along the Ayeyarwady River. - Go now, while tourism is in its infancy.

whole country was in a festive spirit, and we became part of the celebrations. Twice, our van became part of village parades, and we shared the roads and temples with pilgrims and partiers. There were so few tourists that it was easy to become part of the local crowd. The Nat slowed our progress time and again, but what a treat! The grand finale for our trip was the Shwedagon Pagoda. In the heart of the capital, the golden spire rises 326 feet above Yangon. Twelve and a half tons of gold adorn the pagoda; at the top is an orb, covered with over 4000 diamonds with a single 76-carat diamond at the very top. Surrounding the pagoda are hundreds of ornate pagodas, stupas, temples and statues. Arrive here at sunset and the whole world glows golden. On our last night in Myanmar, we shared the pagoda with crowds of local visitors, family groups, worshippers, monks, nuns, and many foreign tourists. Everyone, even the monks, had cameras working overtime to capture every magical moment. This is the holiest site in Burmese Buddhism, and the perfect place to wrap up an amazing trip. thick, turning the revered statue into an unrecognizable ball of gold. Myanmar is a beautiful, friendly country. New to the tourism business, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quickly gaining ground. Each hotel we stayed in provided a modern, five-star experience, and in Yangon, the old British colonial buildings are being renovated to become firstclass hotels. This may be a perfect cruise destination, and cruise companies are introducing new boats to tour the Ayeyarwady River. And Myanmar is training new tour guides just as quickly as possible. Even so, a visit to Myanmar is like going back 40 years; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like so many other countries were in the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Most Burmese men wear their traditional sarong called a Longji, while the women adorn their faces with pale yellow fragrant Thanaka paste. Horsecarts and ox-carts provide transportation in many rural areas. We were so lucky to visit during the Nat full-moon festival. This is the time when donations are made to the monasteries. The LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 45

Mickey Thompson

Your financial needs are unique.

.

w w w. t e x a s h o m e p l a n s . c o m

Texas Wine & Brew

Fall Creek Vineyards Celebrates 30th Anniversary of the Opening of the Winery at Tow, Texas...Onward! By Margaret Shugart

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF Fall Creek Vineyards

In 1975, thirty-eight years ago, the Aulers, now known as the “First Family of Texas Wine” made an abrupt career change and created a new industry by sculpting out vineyards in the Texas Hill Country soil. Ed and Susan Auler, along with a couple of other pioneers of Texas wine (Llano Estacado on the High Plains and Bobby Smith in North Texas) started the long drive to building the viable Texas wine industry we have today.

48 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 49

Texas Wine & Brew

50 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 51

PET PROFILE

By Kathy Campise Photography by Jarrick Cooper

54 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Hi, we’re Tiki & Kimi,

Japanese Chin.

e are best buds most of the time as long as I let her be the boss. You fellas know how that is! I can remember once being king of my domain, but that all changed when this 2 pounds of fur came to stay at my home. She immediately became both the king and queen. But that is ok because I love her and she loves me. We Japanese Chins are very loving, docile dogs. We are also known as Japanese Spaniels. We are considered one of the most cat-like of the dog breeds. We clean our paws and use our paws to wash our faces. Kimi and I mostly like to lie in the laps of our owner’s, Charles and Kathy Campise. We are great companions to our owners because we are loyal, sweet-natured, and love people and children. We make great therapy dogs because of these traits. Neither Kimi nor I are high-maintenance. As a matter of fact, I seldom bark. Kimi, since she is bossy, can be a little bit mouthier! Our owners tell us they are so happy we are not yappers.

We are an ancient breed. Our name, Japanese Chin, is actually a misnomer for we owe our basic origin not to Japan, but to China. However, our breed was later developed in Japan. We became the favored pet of Japanese royalty because we are so docile. You don’t see many of our breed, but our owners know that we are one of the best kept secrets! The Campise Family

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 55

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Fine Custom Homes

By Glinn & Kelley White

830.257.7477

2700 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028 Visit our website to see our work www.whiteconstructioncompany.com

56 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Glinn and Kelley built our dream home in Comanche Trace. The quality of their work, their integrity, the attention to detail and their willingness to work with us on every aspect of our home was outstanding. From start to finish, they made the building process fun. If we build another home, White Construction will be our builder.

â&#x20AC;?

-Danny and Ariana Almond

When the details matter Integrity. Quality. Exceptional Customer Service.

“We treat customers like family”

Since 1990 Rustic Elegance has offered a diverse selection of rugs and furniture – the latest in color and design. We are passionate about our work and enjoy developing ideas into livable realities.

We thrive on challenges

∫ yourCater needsto ∫

Our clients become our friends

Uniqueand∫ Creative

Call, come by, or go to our website to see our selections

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 57 411 Junction Hwy. | Kerrville, Texas 78028 | 830-257-4716 | Open 7 days a week | LIFESTYLE www.rusticelegancetx.com

HILL COUNTRY EVENTS

February 14-16

Fredericksburg Trade Days Fredericksburg

February 15

Hill Country

Boerne Chocolate Walk Boerne

February 15-16

Texas Gun and Knife Show Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg

February/March 2014 February 7 - 22

“The Big Five-Oh” Hill Country Arts Foundation, Ingram

February 8

February 21 – March 9 “Little Shop of Horrors” Fredericksburg Theater Company, Fredericksburg

February 22

“Ragin’ Cajun” Wine Road 290, Fredericksburg

February 22-23

Hearts for Hope Winter Gala Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference Center, Kerrville

Hill Country Optimists Antique Show Kendall County Fairgrounds, Boerne

February 14

February 27

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Cailloux Theater, Kerrville

58 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

“Storm and Stress” Cailloux Theater, Kerrville

March 1

Texas Independence Day Luckenbach

March 2

Turner Hall Annual Pork BBQ Turner Hall, Fredericksburg

March 6

Boerne Performing Arts – Voca People Champion Auditorium, Boerne

March 15

Buddy Holly Tribute Show Hangar Hotel, Fredericksburg

March 22

Hill Country Indian Artifact Show Pioneer Pavillion, Fredericksburg “Vino & Pasta” Wine Road 290, Fredericksburg Luckenbach Mud Dauber Festival and Chili Cookoff Luckenbach

March 7

First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg

March 14-16

Fredericksburg Trade Days Fredericksburg

March 15-16

Texas Hill Country Home & Garden Show Gillespie County Fair Grounds, Fredericksburg

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 59

MeMber?

Are you a

OF COMANCHE TRACE

Join our community, become a part of our family! 830-895-8500 ext. 224 gteer@comanchetrace.com

We offer six membership options from social to full golf memberships. Call or e-mail Gena Teer today or visit our website to learn more.

www.comanchetrace.com Pinnacle club Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028

OPEN LUNCH & DINNER VISIT US AT 1011BISTRO.COM FOR HOURS AND LOCATION

t i t e p p on A

Sara Winters

Near Sisterdale 36” x 48”

CREME BRULEE RESERVATIONS 830-895-1169 1011 GUADALUPE, KERRVILLE, TX 78028

Then & Now

The hills over which we glide in our air-conditioned automobiles, listening to music and sipping a Coke, those same hills were once isolating obstacles that locked towns like Kerrville as if they were islands in the midst of a rolling limestone sea. Until the railroad arrived here in 1887, the only way to travel from Kerrville was by foot, steed, or wagon; if one lived in a nearby rail-less town, such as Junction or Rocksprings, this limitation continued until automobiles arrived here around 1908. Even with the arrival of cars, though, passage could be tough. Roads then were rocky and steep, and when our area was blessed with rain, they formed stretches of axle-deep mud. Most roads were little more than trails or paths. Pavement was unheard of. In my collection of historic Kerrville and Kerr County photographs, I have several photos of wagons and teams of buggies, and later, of early automobiles. I noticed many of the photos of automobiles included air pumps, similar to bicycle air pumps today. It was not uncommon for those early cars to have several flats on a single journey. But travel by automobile was much easier than by wagon or buggy; not only did attention need to be given 62 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

all shelter. This important manner being settled, we ordered a special supper, the train always arriving later than the usual hour for that meal....”Situated far higher than San Antonio, Kerrville is consequently more bracing, and the St. Charles Hotel is usually crowded by consumptives and persons with delicate lungs, chiefly from the lowlying coast towns, where ague is prevalent. They regard Kerrville as a sanatorium on account of the marvelous healing properties of its air, combined no doubt with perfect rest.

those vehicles, but the horses (or oxen) required care as well. While the idea of travel by wagon sounds rustically pleasant, I’m sure it involved a lot of work. Modes of travel are not the only differences one would notice in a journey in the nineteenth century; accommodations, too, have changed. I’m reading a book by an Englishwoman who visited our area around 1890, and lived for a few months on a ranch near Junction. “Texan Ranch Life,” by Mary J. Jaques, is especially interesting because she, as a foreign visitor, notices many things a local writer might have missed. If a habit or custom is considered normal, a local might overlook it and not comment. But if it’s something you’re not used to, you notice it more. The book is available at Wolfmueller’s Books in Kerrville. Ms. Jaques passed through Kerrville on her way to Junction and describes her stay at Kerrville’s St. Charles Hotel. The hotel was full, and “there was at first considerable doubt whether our whole party could be accommodated, but eventually Didymusa [her traveling companion] and I shared one room, and the proprietor consented to give us

“The bedroom accommodations was curious, having fixed washstands with a pipe, like those on board ship; no baths in the hotel or elsewhere, the population consisting only of about 1000 persons. We were unable to get our baggage from the depot in time to start by the early morning train, or we should have pushed forward at once. I felt glad we were to spend only two nights here, and sincerely pitied the poor invalids, and wondered how they arranged matters during a prolonged visit...” It should be noted the St. Charles was likely the premier hotel in Kerrville in 1890; later advertisements suggest tubercular patients were not welcome there. Still, even Kerrville’s best hotel lacked “baths.” In sum, then, travel in the late 1800s was much more difficult than travel today; transportation was slow, hot, and uncomfortable; hotels were rugged by today’s standards; food was inconsistent and often not wholesome. Reconsidering the list above made me realize travel hasn’t changed all that much: I’ve been on vacations where all of those conditions still apply. Perhaps the safer comparison would be to say travel was much slower than today.

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 63

Then & Now

Bryden was a pioneer photographer of our area, and many of the photographs in my collection were taken by him. He arrived in Kerr County in 1912, a very ill young man, suffering from tuberculosis. His father brought him here and together they lived in a little log shelter on the edge of a Turtle Creek ranch. A neighboring ranching family found them, took in young Bryden, and nursed him back to health.

Despite the problems of travel years ago, Kerrville people still traveled, and even traveled for pleasure. For many years there was on display at the Hill Country Museum what I assume was a rickshaw, a souvenir from the Far East brought back to Kerrville by Louis Schreiner. (The Hill Country Museum, for those that don’t remember, was housed in the home of Captain Charles Schreiner, on Earl Garrett Street.) If I remember correctly, the rickshaw was collected during an around-the-world trip taken by Louis Schreiner and his first wife. And I’ve found references of a European journey taken by Captain Schreiner and his family, when they visited his childhood home in Riquewihr, France. Another journey about which I’ve read was not a holiday vacation: Elizabeth Wright Baker took a trip, as a guest of the U. S. government, to France to visit the grave of her fallen son, Sidney Baker. She kept a diary of her trip. But of all the historic trips of Kerrville and Kerr County, one stands out above all the others: the long bike ride of Starr Bryden. 64 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Bryden took up a trade: photography. From what I can tell, he worked with and for a variety of folks, including J. E. Grinstead, the publisher of the Kerrville Mountain Sun; at the Huntington Photography Studio; in one of the early H. E. Butt grocery stores; and later, offering same-day developing for Fuzzy Swayze’s customers. In 1922 he was homesick for family in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and decided to visit them. Despite the fact that his lungs were scarred from tuberculosis, despite the fact that he only had $10 cash, and despite the fact he only owned a bicycle, Starr Bryden began his journey.

ARTHUR

See What’s

SCHMIDT

Construction Company, LLC Custom Home Division

In-Store for you ...

OPEN LUNCH & DINNER at Moore’s

VISIT US AT 1011BISTRO.COM FOR HOURS AND LOCATION

t i t e p p on A

B Let us make your dream home a reality 222 SIDNEY BAKER SOUTH, STE 305, KERRVILLE 78028

CALL TODAY TO

LET US CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOME!

830-257-6300 EMAIL: ASC@KTC.COM

W W W. A R T H U R S C H M I D T C U S T O M H O M E S . N E T

ACT III CREMEI-10 BRULEE Exit 505 Harper Road

at Junction Highway in Kerrville 830.895.5311

RESERVATIONS 830-895-1169 www.mooreshomefurnishings.com

1011 G UA DA LU P E,Mon. K E Rthru R V I LFri. L E,9-6, T X 78028 Sat. 9-5, Sun. closed

LTEX L A

NURSERY LANDSCAPES

Hill Country's Premier Custom Landscape Company

{ * Dream * Design * Enjoy * { We have been serving the Hill Country since 1990 with full service landscape design and installation.

830-895-5242 Visit our location at /1302 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, 78028 66 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY MARCH 2014

see a list of our expanded services online at www.alltexlandscapes.com

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 67

REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Reggie Cox

Photography by Jarrick Cooper

Comanche Trace has a unique offering of three distinctive neighborhoods â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of them is perfect for your lifestyle.

he activity at Comanche Trace was outstanding in 2013. We are excited about the new neighborhoods that are coming together here. They are all unique and offer lifestyle choices that provide options for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home buyers.

The German Cottages The German Cottage neighborhood will have a total of 24 homes when completed. Most are 2 units per building. There are three floor plans and all offer elements of German Hill Country cottages such as standing seam metal roofs and stone and stucco styling. They all have fireplaces in their great rooms and on the back porch. Views of the golf course and/or surrounding Hill Country come with all units.

68 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

The interiors offer all granite countertops in the kitchen and baths, knotty alder cabinets, a pantry, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, two car garages with a separate golf cart garage, and lots of style. The HOA maintained properties have backyards that are fenced with stone columns and wrought iron fencing. The builder for The German Cottages is BMC Homes, and they will feature a home in the 2014 Tour of Homes.

The Tuscan Village The Tuscan Village offers 11 different floor plans. All are Tuscan style with tile roofs, stone and stucco construction and Tuscan style finish outs. Home sizes vary from 2,300 to 2,700 square feet and offer great variety in lifestyles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some plans have casitas and many have courtyards. Lots are available both on-golf and off-golf, and views of our championship golf course and surrounding Hill Country abound. The finish-out is in the Tuscan style with old world charm that includes hand troweled walls, knotty alder doors and cabinetry, stone fireplaces, granite countertops in kitchen and baths, and attention to detail. Gracious master suites are appointed with gorgeous baths and roomy closets. Check out all of the plans on our website www.ComancheTrace.com.

Arthur Schmidt Construction is currently building the Villa Dolce plan on Lot 41, and this home will also be featured in our 2014 Tour of Homes. Construction of the DaVinci plan on Lot 59 is coming soon. Both of these homes will be for sale. Contact our office for details. We are happy to announce Arthur Schmidt Construction as the exclusive builder in Tuscan Village.

Les Chateaux Les Chateaux is our latest architecturally planned neighborhood. The homes will be designed in the French Country style. The emphasis on these homes will be energy efficiency and will include such energy saving features as solar shingles, tankless water heaters, spray foam insulation in the attic, xeriscaped yards with use of native plants and artificial turf for limited water requirements. We started construction on the infrastructure for these homes in January and the lots will be ready for construction in March. Refundable reservations are available until such time as the Final Plat is recorded. Call the office for details.

Anderson Jenkins Signature Homes is the exclusive builder in the neighborhood and they will begin construction on two homes for sale in the spring. The plans for these two homes are on our website. Check them out! Comanche Trace is pleased to be able to offer these innovative homes. There are only 15 lots in this neighborhood so call our office for the latest information. These will not last long. Comanche Trace continues to thrive with new home construction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both custom homes and homes for sale. There are currently 305 completed homes with 17 under construction and 24 to start within the next year. These three neighborhoods will grow quickly. Come and live the Comanche Trace lifestyle!

www.comanchetrace.com 830-895-8505 877-467-6282 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 69

FEATURED HOME

Pinnacle Club Drive No. 10 By Reggie Cox

Photography by Colby Nash & Jarrick Cooper

e have been looking for that perfect brand new home – you know, the one that still has that “new smell”. We are looking for the home that allows us to have lots of time for playing – golf, bridge, mahjongg, cards, golf, tennis, Zumba class, golf, Pilates class, walking the dog, fishing, golf – fun! We are not much for yard work or housework – but we do like nice! This German Cottage is exactly what we are looking for. All of the homes in this neighborhood are new and there will be 24 of them when it is completed.

70 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

The floors are a nice neutral porcelain tile – so they are easy to keep looking great. That new couch I just bought will look perfect in here with the rug we found today at Rustic Elegance. We have discovered some great shops in Kerrville. We love the fireplace on the back porch. Those cool evenings are perfect for sitting outside and enjoying the sunset and surrounding Hill Country views. A fire is the perfect finishing touch to lovely evenings. Did I mention that the wines we have found in the area go great with a fire, too?

The three bedrooms and three baths accommodate our frequent guests and the floor plan provides privacy for us all. We just love the master suite with luxurious shower, double sinks, and pretty granite countertops. I especially appreciate all of the cabinets and the spacious closet. I have enough room for clothes, linens, etc. The great room is huge and the stone fireplace provides atmosphere and cozy warmth on those occasional chilly days here in the Hill Country. The kitchen is perfect for me, with granite countertops and a long counter for snacks – what a great place for friends to hang out. The location could not be better – located on hole #2 of the Valley course and across the fairway from the Tuscan Village where some of our best friends live. The road to the Clubhouse is so convenient – easy to dash up for lunch or a round of golf.

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 71

FEBRUARY

MARCH

1009 CLUB HOUSE ROAD 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, 3 Car Garage, Study, Media Room Approx. 3468 square feet Price: $689,500 Great floor plan with expansive kitchen with curving counter, island, Bosch appliances and custom cabinets. Fireplaces in great room and on back porch with built in grill and sink with granite countertop. Gracious master suite with stone wall, coffered ceiling, large shower and soaking tub, custom closet leads to utility room. Incredible views of green #1 on the Creeks course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; view of lake and waterfall.

3504 LA CUMBRE DRIVE 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 Car Garage, Media Room, Exercise Room and Study Approx. 3670 square feet Price: $879,000 Elegant Tuscan style home beautifully situated on the green of #4 of the Hills course has it all - tiled roof, archways and lush landscaping. Large chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen with all the extras including granite countertops, wine fridge, large bar and 35 ft. turret that floods kitchen with natural light. The home is impeccably finished throughout with hand trowled plaster, beautiful wood custom cabinets and shelving. Master suite is designed for privacy and luxury. The garage simply must be seen to enjoy the level of detail including crown molding. The 720 sq. ft. tiled veranda offers the space for entertaining friends and family as you enjoy the the spectacular views of the golf course and surrounding Hill Country.

2889 ROCK BARN 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage Approx. 2552 square feet

This is a lovely garden home with great views of golf course. Entertain on covered back porch with fenced yard. Spacious kitchen with beautiful granite and lots of cabinet space provides ample storage. Great room features a stone fireplace, breakfast area, and large dining space. Master suite is well appointed with jetted tub, large shower and walk-in closet. This home is conveniently located to walking trails, fishing lake and community garden.

Hill Country style estate home on beautiful lot. Large great room with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace. Well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops and island. Spacious master suite with large shower and soaking tub. Spectacular back yard with huge covered back porch.

3801 CLUB HOUSE ROAD VILLA #6 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 1 Car Garage + Golf Cart Space and Door Approx. 1833 square feet Furnished

FEBRUARY

3516 Trail Head Drive 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Game Room, 3 Car Garage Approx. 3520 square feet Price: $559,000

Lovely golf villa with fabulous views of #1 hole on the Hills course and surrounding hill country. Stone fireplaces in great room and on covered back porch. Fenced yard with HOA maintenance provided for a fee. Furniture, linens, dishes, etc. are included. Tuscan interior including hand troweled wall finishes, skylight, large master suite and granite tops throughout.

MARCH

3908 KITE DRIVE 3 Bedrooms + Study + Bonus Room, 5.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage + Golf Cart Garage, Approx. 3919 square feet, Price: $795,000 A classic home with outstanding views of golf course and Hill Country - Master wing has two en-suite bathrooms and 2 closets. Great room has large fireplace gorgeous wood floors on first floor - beautiful screened porch with tile floor for outdoor enjoyment. Amazing utility room - Bonus room perfect for media room or craft room. Enjoy fabulous views from upstairs balcony.

3144 DOUBLE EAGLE CIRCLE 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage Approx 2387 square feet, Price: $395,900 Texas Hill Country style home on cul de sac. Lovely entry leads into great room with stone fi replace. Brazilian Cherry wood floors in dining room and study. Custom alder wood cabinets throughout, granite countertops and butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantry. Master suite with Jacuzzi tub and large walk-in closet. Beautiful walled courtyard for privacy

MARCH FEBRUARY

Classic Hill Country style home with stone and stucco construction. Large great room features a very pretty stone fireplace and views of golf course. The gracious master suite with jetted tub and spacious shower and large closet offers a peaceful respite. Lovely natural alder kitchen with flowing granite countertops and grand counter space. Upstairs guest suite and large veranda for enjoying the awesome views of the golf course and surrounding Hill Country.

Great home for a family. Texas Hill Country style with beautifully landscaped yard. Large kitchen with granite countertops, double ovens, and island. Master suite has large shower and tub. Entertainment area in back yard with pergola and hill country views. Large great room with stone fireplace. Spacious dining room.

3120 Mulligan Way 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 Car Garage Approx. 2630 square feet Price: $419,000 Hill Country style home with beautiful travertine floors in entry and dining room, pretty oak floors in great room and master bedroom. Large master suite with en-suite bath featuring jetted tub and large shower, two sinks and granite counters. All bedrooms have walk in closets, back porch and yard are spacious and perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Large outdoor fireplace on covered patio. Views of golf course and surrounding Hill Country.

3541 LA CUMBRE DRIVE 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Study, 2 Car Garage plus Golf Cart Garage Approx. 2902 square feet Price: $469,000

3157 DOUBLE EAGLE 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Car Garage and Golf Cart Garage Approx. 2690 square feet Price: $539,000

3200 PINNACLE CLUB DRIVE Unit 10, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Car Garage Approx. 2050 square feet, Price: $379,000 This beautiful golf home is ready for you to move in. German Cottage design with standing seam metal roof, and stone and stucco construction. Stone fireplace in great room and on back covered porch. Located on golf with great views of surrounding Hill Country and golf course.

3412 TRACE CIRCLE 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Study, 2 Car+Golf Cart Garage Approx. 3244 sq. ft., Price: $569,000 Custom estate home features interior stone walls, stone fireplace, travertine floors throughout with decorative inlaid tile in beautiful foyer. Large great room, octagonal breakfast room, bar, kitchen has knotty alder cabinets, granite counter tops. Large master suite with his and her baths and closets. Covered back porch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lots of room in back yard for adding a pool.

LOT 60, PHASE 11 0.83 Acres Price: $99,000 Beautiful lot with trees Fabulous Hill Country views. Ask about special offer!

LOT 18, PHASE 10 0.625 Acres Price: $199,000 ON GOLF - Perfect orientation for Hill Country breezes. Ask about special offer!

Llano 14

Fredericksburg

290

Ingram

24 29

21 20

er Riv

ver Blanco Ri

87 3

1 5

33 17

RM 473

Comfort

Camp Verde

Boerne 18

Bandera aL ake

173

din

Med ina Rive r

er e Riv alup Guad

s ale ern Ped

Luckenbach

173

Medina

290

Kerrville

Johnson City

rs e s i t r e v Ad

290

290 281

Blanco

1011 BISTRO (PAGES 61)

ALLTEX NURSERY (PAGE 66)

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL (PAGE 47)

ANDERSON JENKINS SIGNATURE HOMES (PAGE 10)

ARTHUR SCHMIDT CONSTRUCTION (PAGE 65)

BANK OF THE HILLS (PAGE 31)

CENTENNIAL BANK (PAGE 2)

CENTURY 21 (PAGE 33)

COMANCHE TRACE EVENTS (PAGE 53)

10. COMANCHE TRACE MEMBERSHIP (PAGE 60) 11. COMANCHE TRACE REAL ESTATE (PAGE 67)

281

12. COMANCHE TRACE PINNACLE GRILL (PAGE 52) 13. EVANS AND ASSOCIATES (PAGE 80)

Wimberly

Canyon Lake

281

14. HILL COUNTRY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (PAGE 3) 15. KERRVILLE TITLE (PAGE 39) 16. M.R. HOME AUTOMATION (PAGE 78) 17. MOORE’S HOME FURNISHINGS (PAGE 65) 18. OVERLOOK AT MENGER SPRINGS (PAGE 23)

FM 32

19. PETERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (PAGES 79) 20. REMAX (PAGE 46) 21. RUSTIC ELEGANCE (PAGE 57)

New Braunfels

46 281

22. SCHREINER GOODS (PAGE 17) 23. SHWEIKI MEDIA (PAGE 60 - NOT ON MAP) 24. SHEFTALL JEWELERS (PAGE 10) 25. SILVER SADDLE AUCTION CO. (PAGE 51) 26. STAVINOHA HOMES (PAGE 7) 27. STOEPEL LINCOLN (PAGE 5)

P P PLEASE VISIT

HTTP://TEXASLIFESTYLE.ORG TO READ ALL OF THE ARTICLES, FLIP THROUGH THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE, AND LEARN MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING

28. TEXAS HOME PLANS (PAGE 47) 29. TEXMO ENTERTAINMENT (PAGE 27)

30. TIMELESS MENAGERIE (PAGE 46) 31. WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP (PAGE 11) 32. WHISTLE PIK GALLERIES (PAGE 61) 33. WHITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (PAGE 56) 34. WILD GOOSE MANUFACTURING (PAGE 17)

830-足315-2033

1225 Bandera Hwy., Suite C | Kerrville | 78028

www.mrhomeav.com

are limited Possibilities imagination only by your

78 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

video systems hts, camera, and audio lig ur yo ol ntr co & ss Acce the many cool d the world, just one of un aro re he yw an lly from vir tua . ed operating systems features of this advanc

Save the Date Women are remarkable! Peterson is proud to host our 4th Annual Remarkable Women Event. We invite you to attend this free community event featuring the hottest health topics specific to women. Please visit our February calendar of events at www.petersonrmc.com for more information and announcement of topics. Questions or to reserve a space, email mypeterson@petersonrmc.com or call 830-258-7628.

Remarkable Women Event February 25th 5:30pm - 7:30pm Peterson Regional Medical Center 551 Hill Country Drive Kerrville, Texas

LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 79

Lifestyle Productions, LLC 2801 Comanche Trace Drive Kerrville, TX 78028 www.texaslifestyle.org

80 LIFESTYLE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID PC Mailing Services 78217