Bastrop Town & Country Fall Journal 23

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

C R I S P! Sweater weather is coming.

Golf Course Living

CUSTOM HOME WITH GOLF COURSE VIEWS

the home features extra-wide doors and a walk-in shower The in-law floor plan provides privacy with a separate bedroom and bath Situated on a vast lot with golf course views, this property offers resort-like living and community amenities like golf, tennis, swimming, and nearby river access With low-maintenance design and proximity to Austin and historic Bastrop, this home promises an exceptional living experience. $599,000

BUILD YOUR CUSTOM DREAM HOME RIGHT ON THE 12TH TEE BOX

Introducing an extraordinary opportunity for new construction on a coveted lot on prestigious Colovista golf course Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views that this lot offers From the manicured greens to the rolling fairways, this idyllic setting provides an ever-changing tableau of natural beauty that will inspire and delight both residents and visitors alike

0 73 ACRES $135,000

Low Taxes Rate - $2.20

Public Water/Sewer

Members' Pool Tennis

Driving Range

104 SWAN CT. $599,000

Smithville Yarn Bombers "Hoops"

Hello Again,

Welcome to our Fall Issue!

We've been working in the heat of July and August to bring you an issue about sweater fashions The world of publishing is funny like that Thank goodness our sweater models were agreeable and there was ice for our drinks at the end of the photo shoot

We're proud to say this issue includes more local input, collaboration, and photos of more beautiful faces than any past issue It was fun and so gratifying to have so many friends get excited about being featured

This is our third Fall issue since 2021 and we're renewing our commitment to scare you half to death for Halloween It's hard to do since most of our readers are adults who don't scare easily, but check out our scary sleep-over destinations and see if we did it this year

We're also including our own itinerary for visiting New England just in time for Autumn You need a vacation, right? Go ahead but just be back in time to work through our Fall home "to-do" list, Bastropian approved reading list, plant your fall garden, and hit some of the fun events and live music on our What's Happening calendar.

Cheers!

Karen Derr and Jon Ryan Publishers and Editors

A Unique Style

Bastrop has a style all its own and those who make their home here take advantage of being a small town, near the big city, in the middle of Texas's big country Bastropians are dark skywatchers, golfers, ranchers, a little horsey, artsy, outdoorsy, Main Street dreamers, who love local. If you'd like to reach Bastrop County residents, try an ad in Bastrop Town & Country magazine. It's mailed to owner-occupied homes and ranches across Bastrop County. Call Advertising Sales at 512-720-8290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com.

Plant This Now...

Chances are you lost your herb garden in the summer heat Start planning and replanting You're going to need fresh sage come Thanksgiving!

Early September: Beans, English and Snap Peas, Summer Squash

Late September: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Garlic, Kohlrabi

Early to Mid October: Arugula, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Garlic, Kohlrabi

Mid to Late October: Carrots, Endive, Lettuce, Spinach, Turnip

All October: Beets, Chard, Garlic, Mustard, Multiplier Onion, Radish, Strawberry Plants, Most Herbs Except Basil Dig sweet potatoes before the first frost

Source: Master Gardner Dolores Leeper, editor of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity and the Secretary/Treasurer for the Bastrop 1832 Farmers' Market Used with permission

FRESH AT A FARMERS' MARKET NEAR YOU

The Bastrop 1832 Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm Bastrop1832FarmersMarket org

Lost Pines Farmers Market is open Sunday - from noon-4 pm

Community Gardens Bastrop 1067 Hwy 71 W - Follow them on Facebook

Elgin's Farmers Market open Thursday - from 4 pm to 7 pm Veterans' Memorial Park ElginFarmersMarket com

The East Eden Farm Stand at 1910 Main Street Bastrop is open 4-7 PM Wednesdays, 9 am-1 pm Fridays & Saturdays. edeneastaustin.com/farm/

Apple Cider Donuts B a k e d

Ingredients

2 cups apple cider

4 tablespoons salted butter, melted and divided

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/4 cup apple sauce

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 honeycrisp apple, chopped in 1/4 inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)

1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

1 cup cinnamon sugar (1-1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon mixed with 1 cup sugar )

Directions

A staple in apple country, the challenge is to make a donut that's more than just a spice cake These are spiked with apples three ways.

Preheat oven to 350° F Grease two 6-doughnut pans with spray oil or melted butter

Bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until reduced to about 3/4 cup Remove from the heat Add the chopped apple pieces and 1/2 cup of reduced cider while hot. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup to cool and add the apple cider vinegar for added tartness. In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cup boiled cider with apple pieces, 2 T melted butter, eggs, apple sauce, vanilla, and brown sugar until combined Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt, and mix until just combined

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly among the prepared pans, filling 2/3 the way full Bake 12-13 minutes, until just set Remove and let cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to release and invert the pan

Brush each warm doughnut, first with the remaining condensed cider, then with the remaining melted butter.

Roll in cinnamon sugar, coating generously on all sides

S w e a t e r w e a t h e r

It's coming...we promise!

Sage on Main Street in Bastrop

As we went to press for this Fall issue of Bastrop Town and Country magazine, temps were still in the 100's daily Bastrop County's fashion influencers braved the heat of August to bring you beautiful Fall offerings available now in local boutiques

Daisy jacquard sweater by Entro $63, embroidered jeans by Magnolia Pearl $600, encrusted headband $49 and geometric dangle earrings by Taylor Shay $34, all available at EH Mercantile, 1509 Dorothy Nichols Lane, Smithville @CottageGatherings on Instagram Modeled by Paige Joost

From KimmieJean Boutique in Smithville, new for Fall, Cowhand Jacket $63 paired with Nashville flare jeans, $60, AccessoriesTurquoise cluster earrings, $23, Rancher hat Modeled by Kimmie Burton KimmieJeanBoutique com

Ivana Brown in a lightweight sweater of soft organic cotton with wooden buttons Handmade in Portugal, Sizes 2-14, $46

Ivana May Timeless Bastrop

Owner of Sage & Co and K C Outfitters in Bastrop, Kari Sneed models this open knit sweater for Fall $60, Free People Jeans $88 Maldives Moon Felt Hat by American Hat Maker, $148 SageandCo org

Katelyn Croyle in Jasper sweater by Tasha Polizzi, $198, Boots in gold by Liberty Black, $249. Availble at Texas Boot Company Bastrop.

TexasBootCompany com

Texas Boot Company, Bastrop. Fashions for men and women. Logan Hedler in a blanket jacket by Tasha Polizzi, $230

SCARY TEXAS SLEEP-OVERS

This Halloween, don't just hang out in a cemetery or look for mysterious lights on a spooky backroad Conduct your own ghostly investigation and face your fear of the dark in one of these Texas haunts that offer overnight accommodations

Historically tragic and gruesome, you can stay overnight at the site of the Goliad Massacre, just two hours from Bastrop The Presidio de La Bahia is a state historic site, open to the public year round, and is hallowed ground to Texans

About 300 Texian prisoners were held by Mexican troops, crammed inside the small Our Lady of Loreto chapel (c 1749) awaiting what they thought would be their parole According to the Texas Historical Commission, the prisoners were in good spirits as they were marched out on Palm Sunday,March27,1836 Instead,theywere shot at close range with only a few surviving by playing dead Those unable to march were killed inside the fort including wounded Colonel James Fannin After seeing his men killed, he was blindfolded and seated against the fort wall. He made three requests: that his pocket watch be sent to his family, that he be shot in the heart, and to be given a Christian burial. The soldiers took his belongings, shot him in the face, and burned his body in a mass pyre which was reportedly picked through by buzzards and coyotes Eventually, the remains were given a military burial nearby after Santa Ana's defeat. The chapel still offersCatholicmassonSundayevenings

The officers' quarters accommodate up to four overnight guests for $5325 each and include two bedrooms, a kitchen, and living room with central a/c BT&C editors stayed overnight and were terrified to find no staff remains on site after dark Guests are free to roam the grounds alone, walking in the footstepsofthemassacredbymoonlight

Haunted Hotel Close to Home, the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin has long been known as a paranormal hot spot It was built in 1886 on an artesian well which was probably frequented by Native Americans long before Austin While you can find numerous accounts online of spirits roaming the halls and rooms of the Driskill, the most tragic of the deaths was actually confirmed by hotel management in a 2013 KVUE report In 1887, the four-year-old daughter of a Texas senator, Samantha Houston was chasing a ball when she fell to her death on the grand staircase. These days while staying at the hotel, you may wake to hear a ball bouncing down the stairs or little girl giggles in the middle of the night

BT&C sought out Austin Ghost Tours founder and researcher Jeanine Plumer about the validity of reported deaths at the hotel. "There are many stories about ghosts in the Driskill. Two of those ghosts we have actually documented proof they died at the hotel "

TheDriskillGhosts(continued)

SenatorHouston'sdaughterisone of those deaths Another is a well known story about a bride from Houston who was jilted by her fiancee just days before her wedding

She booked a room at the Driskill and set out to get even by going on a shopping spree with his credit card Alas, she returned to thehotel,stillbrokenhearted, and shot herself You may catch a glimpseofherroamingthehallsor for a closer encounter book the actual room where she reportedly died - Room 525 Read up on the Driskill hauntings before your stay by reading True Haunted Tales of the Driskill Hotel by Monica L. Ballard,availableonAmazon

SleepneartheAlamoMassacre

Did you know the oldest continuallyoperatedhotelwestof the Mississippi is in San Antonio? Itsitsrightinfrontofthegatesof the Alamo The Menger Hotel has hosted numerous presidents, celebrities, and country music starssinceitsopeningin1859 On particular nights the sensitive to the paranormal might be able to feeltheenergyofTeddyRosevelt planning attacks with the Rough RidersintheMengerHotelBar

Often cited as the most haunted hotel in Texas, you'll find many photos online of shadowy figures taken by guests at the Menger Hotel staff have reported strange occurrences also Even a reporter forTexasMonthlywasscaredout ofhisskinbyoneofthetwomaids believed to have died there by eithertheirownhandsorajealous husband Withabout1000killed at the Alamo and having been used as a hospital and morgue during the Civil War, it's really not too surprising The Menger has at the very least a spooky vibe BT&C staff writers didn't experience any ghostly activity during our stay but the location and vintage furnishings definitely gave us cause to expect something extraordinary When making reservations request to stay in one of the original hotel rooms Or request the Teddy Rosevelt, Roy Rogers, King Ranch, or Babe Ruth, suites All are adorned with period-correct furniture MengerHotel com

yORKTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Reportedly one of Texas' most haunted places, the Yorktown Memorial Hospital is open for private tours and overnight ghost hunting experiences, just 1-1/2 hours south of Bastrop Have free rein in a retired hospital which is said to be the site of over 2,000 deaths - murders and crimes of passion included BT&C was given a lively tour by Eddie Mayfield on a weekend afternoon The oppressive feeling of death and the hospital's gruesome history will frighten even nay-saying nonbelievers If being locked in a dilapidated hospital with a totally unvetted tour guide sounds exciting to you, visit their Facebook page or call to book a tour Eddie doesn't wear a name badge or offer a tour company business card but trust him, he knows a lot about the building He's a bit of a potty mouth and he's a little too fixated on the improprieties of the priests and nuns who lived and worked in the building which was built in 1950 He says his wife's nerves are too shot to do the tours anymore If you decide to stay the night, you'll join the ranks of Travel Chanel's Ghost Adventurers' Zak Bagans https://www facebook com/yorktownhospital/ 728 W Main Street, Yorktown TX 78164, Phone 210-748-4475

We've assisted over 4,000 families with home financing.

Sept 2nd - Grand Opening Yegua Creek Brewery

Yegua Creek Brewery is a brand new brewery opening at Rising Sun Vineyard in Bastrop County Pavilion at Rising Sun Vineyard in McDade, TX Live Music: Allen Mogonye 1-4 pm; Shop Dawgs 5-8 pm Food: We have a brand new commercial kitchen and a whole new food menu! RisingSun-Vineyard.com

Sept 4th Labor Day

Sept 15th First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept 16th Rosh Hashanah

Sept 18th - The Bastrop Cultural Arts Commission

Monday, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Bastrop Beer Company (1008 Main Street) This event is an opportunity for artists, performers, musicians, and more to connect with resources, learn about grant opportunities, and mingle with local artists across all sectors

Sept 21 - 24th Bastrop Music Festival

takes center stage in multiple venues in and around town

This festival is a celebration of the Lost Pines region of Texas and showcases the best of the state: extraordinary natural beauty, remarkable and talented people, an independent spirit, and an amazing culture

Sept 22 - Oct 8th - Willy Wonka the Musical at Bastrop Opera House Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy Purchase Tickets ($25) at BastropOperaHouse org

Sept 25th Yom Kippur

Sept 30th - Oct 1st Lost Pines Knife Show

Presented By: To the Point Blade Sharpening Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center 1408 Chestnut St Bastrop, TX 78602

Phone: (512) 549-0919 Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: $12 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under, ages 5 and under Free

All October - Octoberfest at Fat Cat Lounge German food menu, special beers and wine 301 Main, Smithvillle

Oct 7th - Semiannual Smithville Community-Wide Garage Sale -We typically have more than 60 garage sales all over Smithville and downtown 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Oct 7th - Smithville Music Festival 2023 - Free! 12:00pm10:30pm, Downtown Bastrop, ExploreBastropCounty com

AUTUMN

Oct 7 - Rosanky Fall Fling - Benefitting the historic rural school building 11:am fried chicken meal, 12:30 live auction starts, 135 Main St Rosanky

Oct 9th Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day

Oct 22nd Calvary Episcopal School - 17th Annual Fall Festival Silent Auction ~Raffle Tickets ~BBQ Meal: Donations only - all funds go directly back to the school

Toro Plata Ranch at 771 HWY 304, Bastrop 12:30 - 3:30 PM https://www calvaryschool net

Oct 26 - 28th Elgins 36th Annual Hogeye Festival

Elgin's largest event the annual Hogeye Festival is a downtown street festival held on the 4th Saturday of October Hogeye celebrates community, family, famous Elgin Sausage, and all things swine ElginTXChamber com/hogeye-festival/

Oct 31st Halloween

Every Month

Live music at Storehouse Market & Eatery - Wednesdays 7-9

Bingo at Bastrop Beer Co. Wednesdays 7-9 PM

Cornhole Tournaments at Community Gardens Wednesdays

7 PM

Elgin Sip, Shop & Stroll - 2nd Thursday Downtown, 5 -8 PM

Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center - First Saturday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - art, live music & refreshments

Trivia Tuesday at Heroes Sports Bar, Wednesdays 7-10 PM

Karaoke Night at Old Town Wednesday and Friday Nights

Karaoke Night at Heroes Sports Bar Thursdays 6-10 PM

Trivia Nights Bastrop Beer Co. Thursdays 7-9 PM

Open Mic Night at Film Alley Tuesdays 7-9 PM

Open Mic Night at Fat Cat Lounge, Smithville - Every Thursday 7-9 pm. Signup starts at 6:00. 301 Main St.

Cornhole Tournament at Bastrop Beer Co Tuesdays 6:30-10 PM

Open Ride Day at Mayfest Park, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

8 AM-10 PM www cityofbastrop org/page/parks home

Farm Street Opry, 1st Thursday 5:30 PM

Singles Mingle at Film Alley - 2nd Thursday 7-9 PM

Game Night - Every 3rd Thursday presented by Bastrop Pride at Bastrop Games & Hobbies 5:00-9:00 PM, 711 Chestnut Bastrop

Sept

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Information was accurate at the time of printing but subject to change. Call ahead to confirm, please.

Prime Show Properties

KarenDerrRealtyGroup

Phone512-720-8290

1010ChestnutStBastrop

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

713 Chestnut St, Bastrop

$940,000

Almost 3600 sf, single level, lots of storefront exposure on busy Chestnut

REDUCED! 104 Swan Court

$599,000

2,829 sqft, 4 beds 3 baths

Karen Derr Realty Group

Phone: 512-720-8290

St. Bastrop

Karen Derr

Karen Derr Realty Group Phone 512-720-8290

Stunning custom home in Colovista Country Club Offers an abundance of space and upgraded features like brand new Bamboo flooring, Pecan cabinetry, and granite countertops in the kitchen and baths.

Karen Derr@compass com

Beautifully finished with modern baths, a kitchenette, access from city parking lot 51 Acres in Flatonia, TX

KarenDerrRealtyGroup

Phone512-720-8290

1010ChestnutSt Bastop Paula Collings HartlandRealEstate Phone713-594-5295

Paula Collins@gmail com

R e n e I b a r r a , D i r e c t o r o f T o u r s

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING TOURS AND TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE 2024 TOUR UPDATES

ARGENTINA - October 6th – 17th, 2023

San Miguel de Allende

Day of the Dead Oct 28th – Nov 4th, 2023

CUBA ~ Nov 7 – 18 2023

Oaxaca City plus Monte Alban ruins February 16-22nd

Oaxaca Folk Art -Feb 22nd – Feb 29th, 2024

ARGENTINA - Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza

March 1st – 12th, 2024

CUBA ~ Havana - March 29th – April 5th, 2024

CAMIBAculturaltoursembodiesthe essenceofworldtravelasit influencestheartculture.Our excursionsgivetour-goersan intimateglimpseattheprocess behindthemasterpieceaswellasthe artiststhemselves.Weoffertoursto agrowingnumberofdestinations includingCuba,OaxacaMexico,San MigueldeAllendeMexico,Mexico City,Argentina,Guatemala&Peru. 512-937-5921

CAMIBAculturaltours.com

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness...Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

New England in one week? Yes, it's possible (barely.) Here's Jon's itinerary.

&

Vermont Leaves NH Apple Orchards

ThefirsttimeIvisitanarea,Idon'twanttomissanythingFOMO setsmyschedulesoifyou'refollowingmylead,planonalotof drivingandafewextrapoundsgainedWetraveledthefirst weekinOctobersoweevenspentalittletimeonCapeCodjust astheywerepackingitinfortheseason

Vermont

ScheduleanearlyflightfromAustinairporttolandinBurlington VTrightaroundlunchtime.LunchatShantyontheShoreonLake ChamplainwhichtouchestheborderofCanada.Don'tmisstheir clamchowdervotedtop10inNewEnglandbytheBoston

Globe

HeadoutonthetwohourdrivefromBurlingtontoManchester VermontandstartdrinkinginthesightofNewEnglandin OctoberWestayedattheWilburtonInnwhichisnamedamong TripAdvisors'22Traveler'sChoiceBestoftheBest wwwWilburtonInncom

Iwouldn'tblameyouifyoudecidedtocanceltherestofyour plansandjuststayinManchesterfortheremainderofyourtrip It'sbeautifulandthere'slotsnearbytoexplore

Check out the Orvis headquarters and maybe take a fly fishing class. Book at Orvis.com. Or just buy some gear and clothes so you look like you did

For dining, we enjoyed breakfast at The Little Rooster, dinner at Thai Basil one night and another ordered Christo's Pizza while gazing at the stunning foliage on Mount Equinox from the hotel porch

Besides leaves, don't miss Robert and Mary Linclon's personal estate and get a glimpse of Honest Abe's real top hat Hildene org

Drive through small town ski resorts, get out to hike a mile or two of the Appalachian Trail, and make your way to the town of Weston Stop at Vermont County Store to stock up on provisions (maple candy, Vermont cheddar, smoked meat & crackers.)

Do not leave the state of Vermont without taking a drive down Highway 100 which winds through mountains and babbling streams

Burr&BurtonSeminary inManchesterVT

ViewfromparloratWilburtonInn,

ViewofLakeChamplainfromShantyontheShore,BurlingtonVT

Leave the leaves and head for Salem, Boston and the Cape

New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Crossing the New Hampshire border into Walpole NH, you'll have the chance to stop and pick apples at Alyson's Orchard.

Driving through Manchester NH we saw two Frank Lloyd Wright homes (Currierorg/frank-lloyd-wright/ ) Continue another hour and forty-five minutes to Salem MA We stayed at Hawthorne Hotel and got a lobster roll at the Lobster Shanty seen on Diners Drive-in and Dives Take a tour of the house of Seven Gables or better yet, read it before you visit You'll see lots of witches hats on the streets and in the pubs. It's a popular girls' trip destination in October

Downtown Westin Hotel is right next to the historic site of the Boston Tea Party Boston's North End is a prominently Italian neighborhood with great food and architecture Tour Paul Revere's personal residence, get a world-famous cannoli at Mike's Pastry, see Faneuil Hall, and you might as well check out Harvard and Cambridge too

Drive down the Massachusetts coast through Plymouth (see the rock) to Chatham, Cape Cod (2 hour drive) We stayed at Pleasant Bay Resort and were pleasantly surprised since we just pulled into the place on a whim The beautiful Zen garden grounds are just what you need to recharge from the past days of driving. If you can muster the energy, drive up to

Provincetown which closes down for the season later in October. We wished we had an extra day to explore here. Day six, we headed out early on from Chatham to make the triptoConnecticut

Connecticut/NewYork

ThefirsttownwestoppedatinConnecticutwasMystic,the picturesque hamlet where the cult classic Mystic Pizza was set S & P Oyster Restaurant provided a great lunch on the water Nextup,familytiestookmetoNewCanaanbutit'san areaworthseeingevenifyourDadwasn'tbornthere.Itook mymomonatripdownmemorylaneatDiNardo'sinnearby PoundRidgeNYforsomeauthenticEastCoastItaliancuisine TheBigApple-Departing

Getupearly(seriouslyyourflightdependsonit)TrafficonI95canbedrasticallydifferentdependingonthetimeofday Your two-hour 8:am commute into NYC can be 5-6 hours if you hit it at the wrong time We took an evening flight and hadplentyoftimetosightseeandgrabasliceinManhattan beforeleavingoutofJFK Drivinginthecityonaweekendis reallynotashardaseveryonethinks Itjusttakessomeguts to dodge the busses and don't let the construction vehicles bullyyouofftheroad Thistripgotmyfeetwetanddefinitely hadmeplanningnextyear'svacationontheflighthome

Waterfront in Mystic CT

Boston'sFaneuilHall&SamuelAdams

AlysonsOrchard.comWalpoleNH

LighthouseatCapeCodNationalSeashore

Crème Brûlée Martini

Simple and elegant, this two part cocktail is perfect for your next fall cocktail party or after dinner treat

Ingredients :

8-10 caramel squares

1 part Absolut Vanilla Vodka

3 parts white chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur (McCleary White Chocolate)

Notes :

For one drink, use 1/2 oz Vodka & 1-1/2 oz white chocolate Irish Cream

For a less alcoholic version, add an ounce of milk or almond milk

Procedure :

1 2 3.

In a bowl carefully microwave 8-10 caramel squares in 30second increments until liquid With a silicon spatula, immediately drizzle over parchment paper in a circular motion forming a lacy caramel disk Set disks in the freezer until chilled

Mix all parts in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds.

Pour into a coup or martini glass and top with the caramel garnish

Autumn Autumn Home Home "To Do" "To Do"

It's not too early to stock up on pipe insulation and hose bib covers while they are in stock.

Have your heating system serviced or assess heaters before the winter rush and lower inventories.

As days start to get shorter, check outdoor lights and replace bulbs

Change your AC filters and also clean vents Mildew around vents can mean the duct isn't properly attached in the attic.

Clean out flower beds and mulch Take down soil/mulch that has become too high against foundation.

Check your chimney for blockages Make sure your damper is working

Prune any overgrown limbs away from your roof so none are touching or scraping to damage shingles or metal

Check windows and screens for damage Mowing may have thrown a rock or two into panes

Don't be scared to dive into Fall DYI's. Cooler temps make projects more enjoyable.

This home maintenance reminder is brought to you by The Lori Tuggle Agency www lorituggleagency com

Your home is your largest investment. Make sure it's protected year round

BOOKISH BASTROP COUNTY

On any given week there's a book club happening somewhere in Bastrop County where you can discuss with like-minded, or maybe debate with unlike-minded friends, books ranging from current bestsellers to classics Our libraries are flourishing, just when you thought libraries might be rendered obsolete by technology We've all heard that it's difficult times for independent bookstores but Bastrop's is a popular destination. We asked a few of your Bastrop County neighbors to share what they're reading now or to share a book that was life-changing for them. Enjoy their recommendations!

Bastrop neighbor and business owner AnneMarie is a self-described personal finance nerd "I recently read How I Invest My Money by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy It was an easy read but refreshingly transparent as far as finance books go "

"In 1970 in a large, used bookstore in Washington D C I purchased a book for the sole reason that it was signed by the author, a name unknown to me That book was Fear on Trial, by John Henry Faulk It changed me radically, teaching me the danger of groupthink and censorship that allowed McCarthyism to infect and even flourish in America After we moved to Austin, my wife Cindy and I had the privilege of getting to know John Henry as our friend He was an American hero, and the message in his book is timeless "

"My current read is food for my spirit and soul " Bastrop escrow officer Tara Knox is reading Disruptive Thinking by T D Jakes and she's not alone. It's an Amazon #1 Bestseller in Christian Spiritual Growth Jakes encourages readers to break free of the well-worn paths of those who came before us and evolve our most original and potentially transformational ideas from vision to reality Disruption has always been essential for great change

FICTION OR NON-FICTION, A GOOD READ CAN CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

AnneMarie Ricks Schindler & daughter Harlow

Tara Knox

David Bragg

READ THIS NOW

ON READING

Deborah Jones' all time favorite book is April 1865 by Jay Winik A fiction favorite is Pride and Prejudice. CS Lewis' Mere Christianity inspired her "The most recent book I've read is Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday I’m still thinking about the conclusion It’s pretty much a must read "

BOTH FICTION & NON

INSPIRING BIOGRAPHY

ProustandtheSquid

byMaryanneWolf

"In a time when it’s so easy to powerful reminder of why read changed our minds and human read, the evolution of reading, withreadingchallenges,creativityandhowthereadingworldischanging I love the balance in this book between examining neuroscience and exploringnuancedprosefrompassagesofliterature It’sagreatbookfor anyone who loves to read or has a little one on the cusp of learning to read"KeepupwithwhatSamantha'sreadingat@PaintedPorchBookshop on Instagram and her husband Ryan Holiday at ThePaintedPorchBookshopcom

A GOOD STORY

"I found "Titan: The Life of John D Rockefeller Sr by Ron Chernow captivating About one of recent history's most influential men, the research into Rockefeller's early life, through the building of his empire and eventual monopoly of the oil refining business, is thorough and fairly unbiased It's a portrait of a complex human being instead of just a ruthless shark eyed capitalist. A great read."

BT&C ambushed local rancher, retired rescue pilot, and chairman of the Smithville Chamber of Commerce Willy Culberson at a ribbon cutting to ask if he'd read any good books lately He was quick to recommend Blood on German Snow: An African American Artilleryman in World War II and Beyond by Emiel W Owens While the book chronicles Owens' experiences in World War II, he also recounts his early life in Smithville "What I found so intriguing as I read his very honest account of growing up in Smithville was that I actually recognized people I knew in his stories."

Samantha Holiday

Willy Culberson

Jon Ryan

Deborah Jones

O N W R I T I N G

A blank piece of paper is God's way of telling us how hard it is to be God. Sidney Sheldon

Writing is like sex First you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money

Writing books is the closest men ever come to childbearing

Norman Mailer

Virginia Woolf

Robert Espenscheid, Jr., Smithville Texas

The Sentinel Papers

An unlikely family chronicles their blended lives through family newsletters that span from the Vietnam War to the '90s A decade after the war, "The Deck" of battle scarred veterans - Jack, Ten and Heart, set out together to bring ailing Harley Davidson back to it's glory days They get accepted to HD mechanic school, find romance with three sisters and reunite with long lost children Espenscheid is a master at bringing to life characters who are ready to cross boundaries for romance, loyalty and last chances Heartfelt, but never nostalgic Available at Amazon com

Lissa Johnston, Smithville Texas

The Centé Conspiracy Trilogy, The last installment of this trilogy is hot off the press Written to appeal to both young adults and biotech fantasy enthusiasts of all ages, it is fast paced and action packed A fun read, but thought provoking if you care about where our food comes from www LissaJohnston com or Amazon

Recent Releases from Bastrop County Authors

Margie Crisp, Elgin Texas

Duck Walk:A Birder's Improbable Path to Hunting as Conservation

Published in early 2023, Duck Walk is about Crisp's realization that duck hunters create more crucial habitats for birds than birdwatchers Although she'd always been afraid of guns, in 2016 she decided to learn to shoot and hunt, with the help of her elated husband It's a serious book about conservation in Texas but a very entertaining read due to Crisp's humor and endearing style It is illustrated by the author who is also an accomplished artist MargieCrisp com

Lissa Johnston

Rob Espenscheid

Margie Crisp