Bastrop Town & Country Holiday Journal 2022

46 degree mornings YES! The Holiday Season is when Bastrop County really shines Whitetail deer are jumping (be careful on those country roads,) the loblolly pines and cedar are our own home grown brand of Christmas trees, and yaupon berries keep over wintering birds singing (probably all that caffeine yaupon it's reported to have ) It's a great time to up your hiking game on one of our local trails

If a stroll is preferred over a hike, our small towns are decorated to be even more beautiful than usual.

If you don't take a stroll down historic Main Street to shop, you're really missing one of the best things about living here.

We had a blast putting together a Luxury Gift Guide, Bastrop style. It's always a pleasure showcasing local businesses like Good Bull Golf Carts whose co owner Sara Rutherford showed off a luxe LSV and her new puppy

We also introduce you to a Bastropian you may already know but there's more to him than muscles and brawn Meet Athan Schindler on page 11

Most of all we want to take this time to thank each of you who read Bastrop Town and Country and support us by cheering us on, complimenting our work, advising us, letting us photograph you and needle you with questions for articles and otherwise contribute to this magazine five times a year. We are grateful to work along side you in this great community.

Season's Greetings from BT&C, Karen Derr & Jonathan Ryan Publishers & Editor

Taking a stroll in Manchester Vermont in Ctober.

A little time off in October on Cape Cod

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 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. P h o t o g r a p h e d i n R o s a n k y b y L a u r a L e e P h o t o g r a p h y . F o l l o w h e r a t @ l a u r a l e e p h o t o a n d f i l m f o r I n s t a g r a m a n d F a c e b o o k . c o m / l a u r a l e e p h o t o g r a p h . M o d e l i s R e a l t o r T a y l o r H o m u t h .

JOLENE JAEHNE FIRST CENTENNIAL MORTGAGE

Plant This Now...

Early Mid November: Carrots, Chard, Mustards, Turnips.

All November: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Rosemary, Dill, Chives, Cumin, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Parsley, Fennel, Fenugreek, Catnip, Strawberries

All December: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Bare root or container grown Pecans, Fruit Trees, Grapes and Berry Bushes

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, noon 4pm Community Gardens Bastrop 1067 Hwy 71 W Follow them on Facebook

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

East Eden Farm Stand is open 4 pm 7 pm Wednesdays, 9 am 1 pm Friday & Saturdays

1910 Main Street Bastrop edeneastaustin com/farm/ Offering turnips, radishes, collards, chard, mustard, bok choy, herbs, mushrooms In December they plan to have broccoli, romanesco, cabbage and carrots

H A N S C H I N D L E R

OWNEROFBASTROP FITNESSPROJECT

Age45

From: Dorrance Kansas, pop. 175

8yearsasanAirborneRanger

2007 Came to Austin

Attended: Grad School at UT

2009 Assigned to Camp Swift in the National Guard. Fell in love with Bastrop.

2017 Bought Bastrop CrossFit Strive Currently First Sergeant of Bravo Company, 2 142 Infantry Regiment, Texas National Guard

2022 Bastrop Fitness Project Opened

BT&C: Have you always been interested in fitness?

ATHAN: No, and I’m not that interested in fitness now I’m most interested in personal growth and self actualization I believe that fitness is a mandatory pillar to full self actualization. I’m a coach and gym owner who really doesn’t care that much about how much weight you can lift or how fast you can run I want you to lift heavy and run fast so that you can crush everything in your life outside of the gym.

BT&C: With all your success in business, why do you continue to serve in the military?

ATHAN: I was a wayward soul when I entered the service and I was truly blessed to have giants among men take me under their wing and show me what I was capable of. The obligation of the rescued is to rescue others

BT&C: New Year's resolutions, yes or no?

ATHAN: I don’t personally do new years resolutions and I don’t typically encourage others to do them either. I work to get people to attach their health and fitness goals to their purpose in life When they do that, it just happens all the time month after month and year after year

"I come from farmers. Life as a farmer can be hard. My grandpa always had side hustles . . . The entrepreneurial spirit was built into me. It basically makes me unemployable."

BT&C: What do you like most about coaching fitness?

ATHAN: I love helping people intimately learn what makes them the ultimate version of themselves I love assisting people in developing the confidence and comfortability in doing hard things The core of what I do is to use strength and conditioning as the canvas for personal development The process of developing physical attributes is the same as developing any other quality of a person. It requires a plan and consistent effort toward a specific goal. Learning and developing any characteristic simply comes down to habit selection and practicing behaviors with repetition just like you would in the gym with sets and reps

BT&C: The new building for BFP is first class What are you most proud of and what was your biggest fear in building such an ambitious project?

ATHAN: Thank you for saying that It really has been a huge, scary, at times frustrating, and rewarding experience. I’m proud of so much about BFP. For one, I finished it. There were plenty of times when I thought I wouldn’t and I’m so glad that I stuck it out. I’m also very proud that it was a collective effort performed by so many different people By no means am I personally responsible for how it turned out It feels good to have been a member of a team that finished such a high quality project Most of all, I’m proud of what BFP is It offers so many opportunities for people to optimize their health, build community, and become their best selves

BT&C: What's your favorite thing to do with kids in Bastrop?

ATHAN: Bastrop is such a great place for kids. We love joining friends for gatherings. My daughter loves dancing at Liberty Dance Center, practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Insight BJJ, kids classes at Strive Strength & Conditioning, playing at Wild Child, and riding her scooter at the skate park in Fisherman’s Park

Founder

Bastrop Fitness Project

Owner / Strive Strength & Conditioning

BastropFitnessProject.com

301 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr,

Athan Schindler

WITH GOOD TASTE

BRINGING BACK THE HORS D'OEUVRE

PotatoOnionFrittata

1poundyukongoldpotatoes 3tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil 1largeyellowonion,thinlysliced Coarsesaltandfreshlygroundpepper 1ouncesharpcheddar 10largeeggs,whisked cheese,grated(1/2cup) 1/2cupsourcream

Cubepotatoesinto1/4inpieces,andboilinsaltedwateruntiltender,10to 12minutes Heatoilinanovenproof10inchnonstickskilletovermedium highheatCookonionsuntiljusttranslucent,about2minutes.Add potatoes,andcook,stirringoccasionally,untilonionsandpotatoesare goldenbrown,4to5minutesSaltandpeppertotasteMixtogether cheddar&eggsAddsalt&pepperReduceheattomediumPouregg mixtureintoskilletIncorporatesourcreamintotheeggmixtureCookuntil edgesareset,about2minutesCarefullytransfertheskilletinto400 degreeoven,andbakeuntileggsarecompletelyset,10to12minutes.Invert frittataontoaplateLetcoolslightlyCutintoappetizersizewedges.Serve warmorroomtemperatureIfdesired,servealongsidesalsaorcremefresh

SimpleSmokedSalmonSpread

8ouncesofcreamcheese,atroom temperature cup sourcream juiceof1mediumlemon AfewdashesofTabascosauce

3springonion,whiteandgreenparts, chopped

3tablespoons capers,drained 8ounces smokedsalmon coarselychopped 3tablespoonschoppedfreshdill freshgroundblackpepper freshparsleyordillforgarnish

Addallingredientstoafoodprocessorand mixpulsinguntilyougetahomogenousdip. Garnishwiththedillorparsleyandserve chilledoratroomtemperaturewithcrackers Servewithfinemincedredonionandmore capersonthesideifdesired

CranberryBrieBites

8oz tubecrescentdough Cookingspray,forpan 8ozwheelofbrie

1/2c wholeberrycranberrysauce 1/4c choppedwalnuts

Mini French Dip Sandwiches with Au Jus

5 tbsp butter, divided 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 sprigs, plus 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme 1 baguette Freshly ground black pepper Kosher salt 1 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef 12 slices provolone cheese 1 tbsp clove garlic minced 1 1/2 c low sodium beef broth 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter Add onion and fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper Cook stirring occasionally until caramelized, about 15 minutes Halve baguette and cut into 8 equally sized pieces Top with roast beef provolone cheese and caramelized onions Melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush on top of the sandwiches Sprinkle coarse salt, and parsley and bake until cheese is melty and sliders are warmed through 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make the au jus: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to same skillet and melt over medium heat Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then add beef broth, Worcestershire, and thyme Season with salt and pepper Simmer until slightly reduced,, 10 minutes Serve with au jus for dipping Serve with a dish of creamy horseradish if desired 8 pieces

What's Happening in BASTROP COUNTY THIS

HOLIDAY SEASON

Nov 1 First Day of American Indian Heritage Month

Nov. 3 Farm Street Opry 5:30 PM The Bastrop Convention Exhibit Center proudly presents 'The Farm Street Opry' Family Friendly musical performance featuring local Texas talent and special guest performers Doors open at 5:30 pm show starts at 7:00 pm Admission is $7 50 Children 10 and under are free Concessions available

Nov 4 First Friday Artwalk 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Experience Bastrop in art and culture on the First Friday of every month with local artists featured at various downtown Bastrop locations

Nov. 5 First Day of Hunting Season

Nov 5 Lost Pines Art Center Bastrop, Art Fest & Fall Festival 11:00 AM 5:00 PM Arts and crafts vendors under the big tent, artist demonstrations and Southside BBQ Beer & other refreshments Live Brazilian music from Paula Maya & Bossa Nova Plus from 2 4 PM!

Nov 5 Bastrop Market Days First Saturday 10:00 AM 5:00 PM every FIRST Saturday of the month from 10 5 and support all the amazing shops and local vendors & guest artisans that will be lining the sidewalks of historic downtown

Nov 5 Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center 6:00 PM 8:00 PM featuring artwork from Texas artists, live music, and complimentary refreshments.

Nov. 4, 5 and 6 Hopewell Rosenwald School 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Go to https://hopewellrosenwaldcc org for the schedule of events, including an original play about this historic school

Nov 6 Fall Back! Daylight Savings Ends

Nov. 8 Election Day

Nov 11 Veterans Day

Nov 11 & 12 16th Annual "Heroes & Hot Rods" Veterans Day Cruise In & Car Show Downtown Bastrop https://bastropareacruisers.com

Nov 12 2022 Annual Smithville Garden Club Tour of Homes Go inside Smithville's most unique & interesting homes. Tickets are Sold at Smithville Chamber of Commerce for $15 each

November 5 19 Yoga on Saturdays at Eden East Farm 10 11 AM Donations suggested to the teachers 1910 Main Bastrop

Nov 19 Rising Sun Vineyard Autumn Fest 10:00 AM 6:00 PM Amazing market of local vendors and artisans Family friendly activities, holiday photos with custom backdrop. live music, & food. rising sun vineyard com/autumn fest at rising sun vineyard/

Nov 25 Opening of Bastrop River of Lights lining Bastrop's scenic June Hill Pape River Walk

Nov 26 Small Business Saturday

Nov. 26 5th Annual Wassail Fest11:00 AM 3:00 PM . Vote for your favorite homemade hot mulled cider served throughout downtown

Dec 1 Farm Street Opry The Bastrop Convention Exhibit Center presents A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS! Celebrate the season with a special night of fun as the Farm Street Opry Band and guests perform great country music and your holiday favorites Plus, Santa will make a special appearance! Doors open at 5:30 PM and show at 7:00 PM. Admission is $7 50, Kids 10 and under are free

Dec. 3 Bastrop Market Days First Saturday 10:00 AM 5:00 PM every FIRST Saturday of the month from 10 5 and support all the amazing shops and local vendors & guest artisans that will be lining the sidewalks of historic downtown

Dec 3 Holiday Edition of Saturday Creatives! at the Lost Pines Art Center 1 3pm Create Holiday Cards that you can be proud to send to your friends and family Learn how to use a mix of mediums such as card stock, a printing gel plate, watercolor, acrylic paint, collage, glitter pens, and message stamps Complementary holiday treats too

Dec 3 Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center 6:00 PM 8:00 PM

Dec. 10 2022 Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Christmas Parade 6:00 PM Bastrop’s fanciful and even famous annual Christmas Parade will light up the night skies as it makes its way down Main Street

Dec 10 Holiday Home Tour Tickets are for sale at the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center, and at each location along the tour. Adults: $20 Children under 12: Free https://www bastropcountyhistoricalsociety com/copy of homes tour tickets 1

Dec. 19 1st Day Hannukah

Dec 24 Christmas Eve

Dec 25 Christmas Day

Dec. 26 Kwanza

Dec 31 New Years' Eve

Bastrop Opera House presents Christmas Chaos December 2, 3, 9, 16, 17 @ 7:30pm, December 10, 11 2:30pm, BastropOperaHouse org

Live Music

Nov. 4 Natalie Metcalf Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30 10:30

Nov. 4 Marcus Morales Band Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00

Nov. 4 Bill Palmer & Wayne Sutton Fat Cat Lounge 7:00 9:00

Nov. 5 Rochelle and the Sidewinders Neighbors Kitchen 7:30 10:30

Nov. 5 DJ Champ Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00

Nov. 5 The Chris Daurte Group Fat Cat Lounge 7:00 9:00

Nov. 6 Danny Brooks & Lil Miss Debbie Neighbors Kitchen 5:00 8:00

Nov. 11 Vin Mott Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00 10:00

Nov. 11 David Spann Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00

Nov. 11 Friday Night Blues Larry Wilson Fat Cat Lounge 7:30 9:30

Nov. 12 Nick & Paige Neighbors Kitchen & yard 7:00 10:00

Nov. 12 X Factor Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00

Nov. 12 Chasing Gypsy Copper Shot Distillery 8:00 10:00

Nov. 13 Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers Neighbors Kitchen 5:00 8:00

Nov.13 Morgan Ashley Neighbors Kitchen & Yard is 5:00 8:00

Nov. 18 Monte Good Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00 10:00

Nov. 18 Tish & the Mizzbehavins Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00

Nov. 19 Chubby Knuckle Choir Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00 10:00

Every Month

Live music at Storehouse Market & Eatery Wednesdays 7 9 PM

Bingo at Bastrop Beer Co. Wednesdays 7 9 PM

Nov. 19 Hannah Wright & TMR Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Nov. 19 Briana Adams Fat Cat Lounge 7:00 9:00 Nov. 20 Tahni Handal Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00 8:00 Nov. 25 Brain Wolff Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00 10:00 Nov. 25 Dom Cours & CO Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Nov. 26 Everett Wren Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:00 10:00 Nov. 26 Shadow Band Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Nov. 27 Ryan Desiato Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00 8:00 Dec. 2 Paul Val Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Dec. 2 Birdlegg Fat Cat Lounge 7:00 9:00 Dec. 3 Firecracker Smile Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Dec. 9 David Span Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Dec. 9 Honeybee Jazz Quartet Fat Cat Lounge 7:00 9:00 Dec. 10 Chasing Gypsy Copper Shot Distillery 8:00 10:00 Dec. 10 The Selfless Lovers Fat Cat Lounge 7:00 9:00 Dec. 16 Tish & the Mizzbehavins Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00 Dec 31. Dom Course & CO Copper Shot Distillery 7:00 10:00

Cornhole Tournaments at Community Gardens Wednesdays 7PM

Sip, Shop & Stroll 2nd Thursday of the month, 5PM 8PM in downtown Elgin.

Art After Dark Lost Pines Art Center Every first Saturday, 6:00 PM 8:00 PM featuring artwork from Texas artists, live music, and complimentary refreshments.

East Eden Farm Stand Wednesdays 4 7 PM Friday & Saturdays 9AM 1 PM

Trivia Tuesday at Heroes Sports Bar & Scratch Kitchen Wednesdays 7 10 PM

Karaoke Night at Old Town Wednesday and Friday Nights

Karaoke Night at Heroes Sports Bar & Scratch Kitchen Thursdays 6 10 PM

Trivia Nights Bastrop Beer Co. Thursdays 7 9 PM

Open Mic Night at Film Alley Tuesdays 7 9 PM

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

Open Ride Day at Mayfest Park, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 8 AM 10 PM

https://www cityofbastrop org/page/parks home

Farm Street Opry, 1st Thursday 5:30 PM

Singles Mingle at Film Alley 2nd Thursday 7 9 PM

Gayme Night Every 3rd Friday presented by Pride Bastrop at Painted Porch Bookstore 6:00 9:00 PM

New Year's Eve 2022

Fine Dining

Saturday, December 31st

Storehouse Market & Eatery 813 Main St. Bastrop 3 course pre fixe dinner 5pm to 10pm 10pm to 12 midnight Reverse cocktail hour (champagne) and music. New Year's Day brunch - 12-3 PM 512 412 6114 storehousebastrop.com

Chophouse Piney Creek 703 Chestnut St. Bastrop Dinner 5pm to 10pm 512 321 2135 pineycreekbastrop.com

The Front Room 116 Main St. Smithville Dinner 5pm to 10pm 512 237 3626 frontroomwinebar.com

Story's Ranch Kitchen at the Hyatt Dinner 5pm to 10pm 512 308 1234 Information at time of printing and subject to change. Reservations recommended Call or check website to confirm schedule.

711 E 19TH Street $1,695,000 This LEED certified home is newer construction with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, a sauna in the exercise room, summer kitchen, chef's kitchen, 4200 sf on a large lot.

6 acres McAllister Rd Bastrop $382,650 Beautiful area for a homesite near ColoVista golf course and all historic Bastrop and Smithville have to offer 35 minutes to Austin Paved road Public water available

1603 Chestnut St, Bastrop $295,000 Prime commercial lot on the corner of Chestnut and HWY 95 Almost 10,000 SqFt . Fronting family entertainment center (Cinema, Bowling, ETC.). This vacant lot has tons of potential!

hike local, hike often.

Winter is Hiking Season in Central Texas

Living in Bastrop County, we are lucky to have hundreds of miles of hiking trails close at hand and the majority of the trails are easy enough for beginners or kids If you're looking for a new hobby, want to explore the natural beauty around us, or just looking to change up your exercise routine, let us introduce you to some of our favorite trails and routes for you to explore

McKinney Roughs Nature Park

1884 State Highway 71 West, Cedar Creek

Loop Trail

Moderate

4 4 Miles Est time 1 hr 43 m

Bluffs and Bottoms Trail

4 8 Miles Est 1hr 49m

Moderate

Bobcat Ridge Loop

4 1 Miles Est 1hr 30m

Easy

Bonus: Fishing along the Colorado River is popular Pack a pocket rod and try your luck

Bastrop State Park 100 Park Road 1A

While the trees have grown back nicely, parts of the trail system are still very sunny Plan to carry water and wear a hat

Lost Pines Loop

7 1 Miles Est 2hr 34m

Moderate

Scenic Overlook Trail/Post Oak Spur

3 5 Miles Est 1hr 19m

Moderate or make it more difficult by adding in the steep incline on the park road leading up to the Overlook Trailhead

Bonus: Fully Paved Park Road 1C connects Buescher and Bastrop State Parks on a winding scenic 10 mile road perfect for hiking, running, or biking Also a good choice when rains have made the trails muddy Birders have identified more than 250 species of birds in the park

Buescher State Park 100 Park Road 1E Smithville 512 237 2241

Winding Woodlands Trail

1 5 Miles Est 50min

Easy

Pine Gulch Trail

7 5 Miles Est 2hr 50m

Moderate

Road Around the Park

2 Miles Est 45min

Easy, paved, mostly shady, this one is great for walking the dog or when trails are muddy

Bonus: Buescher has been mostly unaffected by the fires so it remains shady Stop in the ranger station and buy yourself a hand carved walking stick

Scenic overlook at Bastrop State Park

Stay Hydrated with the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack

This comfortable and lightweight backpack has been road tested by BT&C and includes a 3 liter bladder for secure water storage Bite valve tube lets you drink on the go, hands free Additional pockets provide plenty of room for extra socks, snacks, etc Available at REI and Amazon About $62

Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail-Running Shoes

Editor Jon Ryan wears this newest edition to the Lone Peak family The Lone Peak 6 is ready to take on any terrain with trail features like the grippy MaxTrac™ outsole with TrailClaw™ canted lugs designed to keep you going This evolution’s updated upper construction and customizable lacing system provides a more secure fit so you can take on the trails with confidence $140

Colorado River Refuge

Located at 280 Riverside Dr, Bastrop The Colorado River Refuge is adjacent to the Bastrop County Nature Park This is a shady hike with well developed trails and an ADA paved trail and picnic area accessible via the Cottonwood Kings trailhead The preserve totals 65 acres and 3 miles of trails Easy hiking No fee No staff on site The Refuge is managed by the Pines and Prairie Land Trust pplt org/preserves

Trek-Z ErgonomicTrekking Poles

By Trekology, made with aircraft grade aluminum for hiking or backpacking on rough terrains and supporting heavier weights The joints have been enhanced to be extra secure Cork texture grip draws sweat away from your hands Height is easy to adjust and they collapse to less than 15 inches Available at Amazon for about $42

Riverside trail with bridge at the Colorado River Preserve

the best thing I ever ate... LATELY

Smithville Texas is lucky to have a downtown neighborhood spot like The Front Room Walk into a dimly lit cozy lounge with an atmosphere that transports you to some New Orleans club like the Bombay Room Sprawled out seating with large club chairs and a wrap around bar makes you want to just put your feet up and relax The menu is tapas (small plates) and homemade pizza If ever your party can't decide on what's for dinner, The Front Room has everything from Creole style classics like shrimp n' grits and crab cakes with remoulade to Asian dumplings, edamame, and lettuce wraps Or just get an organic beef slider and sweet potato fries for Momma Great service and libations If you haven't been to The Front Room yet it could be your new 5 o clock refuge BTW did you know Post Malone has his own Rosé? Pretty good stuff, try a bottle here

Digging into Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sandy Sepulveda, one of the best servers in Bastrop County

Mistletoe Margarita

1/2 cup whole fresh cranberries

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 wedge lime, for rim

2 cup cranberry juice cocktail (sweetened) 10 oz silver tequila

8oz triple sec

1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp lime juice, divided 12 cups ice

Sprig of rosemary for garnish Directions 1 2 3 4

In a medium bowl, toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon lime juice. Drain off lime juice, then toss cranberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour onto a baking sheet to dry

Combine remaining sugar with salt on a shallow plate and mix to combine, Using the lime wedge, wet the rim of each glass, then dip in sugar salt mixture

Combine cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, remaining 1/2 cup lime juice, and ice in a large blender working in batches if necessary. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed with agave syrup or honey.

Pour into prepared glasses and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a couple of sugared cranberries

drink this now

TOYS FOR BIG GIRLS & BOYS

TRAVEL NO FURTHER THAN KRAGH'S FOR DESIGNER JEWELRY AND BRILLIANT NATURAL DIAMONDS

Shown below, a designer ring in 14K yellow gold featuring Canary Yellow and natural diamonds $12,600

Custom jewelry is their specialty.

Kragh's Jewelry 485 W SH 71 Service Road Bastrop 78602 512 321 2351

THE ULTIMATE SHE SHED OR MAN CAVE ADU

Park Model Series prefabricated cabins ready for delivery, Including split unit HVAC, kitchen, and full bath Sheetrock finished interior Prices start at $80,000 As shown $125,000 Creative Living Solutions, 1099 SH 71 W, Bastrop 512 758 4258

Bastrop County native Chester DeShay has been selling Fords for 25 years and was voted Best of Bastrop County We asked him to choose a truck for our luxury gift guide and he did not disappoint This F 150 Platinum Series is loaded! Power running boards deploy as you approach with the key, perimeter light ing, power tailgate con verts to a step, USB jack in bed, heated seats, parking assist, 360 camera, twin panel moon roof, satin chrome package, leather seats with contrast stitching $78,000

Looking for a really special truck? Come see Chester at Sames Ford 512 586 7914 1115 sh 71 E Bastrop

Ladies & gents, there's nothing everyday about these Western boots, designed exclusively for The Texas Boot Company, 733 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop TexasBootCompany.com

Rios of Mercedes Mens Chocolate Caiman Belly Roper $1 029 99

Rios of Mercedes Womens Sweet Caroline Chocolate Boots $769 99

Black Jack Mens Navy Snapping Turtle Boots $1 500.00

Nothing says "pampered" like a spa day.

WesampledtheofferingsatCherry BlossomSpaandweredelighted byaquaintspacewithaZen atmosphere,convenientlylocatedin Bastrop'shistoricdistrict Votedbest ofBastropCountyfor2022

GiveagiftcardfortheEnchanting Packagewhichincludesa60 minuteRelaxationMassageanda RevitalizingFacialwithextra enhancementsincluding aromatherapy,hydratinghand treatment,andanamazingscalp massage 2hoursand15minutesof pamperingtotal!Enhancements canbecustomized $22000 1011ChestnutStreet Bastrop,(512)332 2600

Rain or shine, work around the ranch just became more fun with this Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar edition with seating for 6. The factory installed Heat/AC offers quick heating and cooling. Enjoy a quiet ride and keep water and dust out with the tight sealing Pro Shield cab system, LED headlights, Sport Roof with premium liner & dome light, and a 4,500 lb winch. Bastrop Polaris Fun Center has all kinds of toys for off road too. $35,199 MSRP

Bastrop neighbor Logan Henderson at Polaris Fun Center at 3400 SH 71 East | Bastrop

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar

CRUISING

Holiday Holiday Home Home "To Do" "To Do"

It's time to check insulation on exposed plumbing pipes and hose bibs and repair/replace any that have been damaged

Check batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Towards the end of December or after the first good freeze, re plant fruit and ornamental trees that were lost in the past year.

Reverse ceiling fans to run the blades clockwise This will push warm air down so you're more comfortable in cold weather.

Now that it's not 1000 degrees in your attic, take a peek up there at your insulation. Make sure it is still lofty and in good condition, free of damage from animals or leaks

Check possible points of entry in your attic and crawl spaces for activity Colder weather may drive animals to seek warmth

Check weather stripping and caulking around windows and door, looking for air leaks that can make your heating system less efficient

Giving all beds a thick layer of mulch to hold in moisture and protect against light freezes

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

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

Cold weather brings a new set of maintenance concerns.