Bastrop Town & Country Summer Journal 2024

BASTROP

Photo courtesy of LA Pawz Cat Grooming / Cedar Creek

Eddy Plummer with his pet Donkey

New to the Derr home, meet Cleo She rescued the Derr’s in March 2024

Hello Again,

Happy Summer!

When you’re publishing a magazine that’s 100% local, long lead times or long distance travel aren’t necessary. Last-minute stories sometimes turn out to be the best stories. On the other hand, a pet issue was something we wanted to do for quite some time, but we just had so many other compelling subjects to cover, we put it off

Then came Cleo and Jack! Long story short, this issue is a great chance for us to share photos of our newest family members That on its own would just be self-indulgent so we asked Bastropians to share also and boy did they come through with photos of their own little darlings. Did you know so many of your neighbors and their dogs have magazine good looks?

Besides cuddly animals, we explore the summer’s bounty of wild grapes and what to do with them We offer up simple but delicious picnic fare And we report firsthand how a day on the river (our own Colorado River) can invigorate and ground you this summer.

Cheers!

Karen Derr and Jon Ryan Publishers and Editors

On the Cover: Brooke West and her dog Roux, a German Shorthaired Pointer, kayaking the Colorado River near the Colorado River Refuge

Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail com Email us at BastropMagazine@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook & Instagram or look for us on Facebook & Instagram

Plant This Now...

When it's this hot in Central Texas the last thing you want to be doing is pulling weeds

Take a much deserved break But if you feel the need for dirt under your fingernails, here are some heat-loving favorites to plant now

June - All Month: Malabar Spinach, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers

Start seeds indoors for fall planting: Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers

July - Early - Mid Month: Pumpkins, Sweet Potatoes, Okra

July - Mid - Late Month: Okra, Corn, Southern Peas, Winter Squash

All August: Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers

Early to mid-August: Corn, Southern Peas, Winter Squash Tomatoes, Eggplants, Peppers

Mid to Late Month: Potatoes

All August: Cucumbers, Summer Squash

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

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

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

Bastrop Town & Country PETS!

Pet Friendly Favorites

Bastrop County has some of the best recreational areas for dog walking and exploring But when exercise is done, everyone needs a friendly spot to grab some refreshments Don’t forget these local eateries & watering holes with pet-friendly patios. Did we miss one of your favorites? Email BastropMagazine@gmail com

Smithville

Pockets Grill - 205 Fawcett

Smithville General Store - 108 NE 2nd

Fat Cat Lounge & Cafe - 301 Main

Smithville Brewing Company - 661 NW Loop 230

Java Junkies - 111 NW First St

Carne Lenta - 114 NE Second St

Bastrop

Neighbors Kitchen & Yard - 601 Chestnut

Paw-Paw’s Catfish House (sidewalk seating)1014 Main St

Maxine’s Cafe(sidewalk seating) - 905 Main St

Kana Wine Tasting Lounge - 707 Chestnut St

Chestnut Grove Food Court - 710 Chestnut St

Roadhouse Bastrop - 2804 HW 21 E

Caff Coffee + Kitchen - 711 Pine St

Gracie’s - 706 Pine St

Bastrop Cafe at Fitness Project - 303 MLK Jr Dr

The Bearded Baking Co - 1006 Main St

Store House Market & Eatery - 813 Main St

Elgin

Millie’s on Main - 212 N Main St

McDade Rising Sun Vineyard - 233 Edmondson Ranch Rd

Paige

Roadhouse Paige - 147 E Old Hwy 20

Taking a stroll in downtown Bastrop with poodle Johnny Cash.

Jon’s pup Jack had a hushpuppy at PawPaw’s.

Porch dining at Roadhouse

LA Pawz Cat Grooming owner Madame Moxie at Neighbor’s with Captain SassPurrilla

Lee Bullock and his son Hangman, a National Winning Grand Champion American Bully

BIKEJORING - ONE MORE WAY TO HAVE FUN WITH DOGS.

Besides the usual fetching and swimming, Chelsea Lupkey and her 6-year-old AKC Grand Champion Bronze Doberman Archie enjoy bikejoring on the undeveloped roads in Tahitian Village.

Never heard of bikejoring? You’re not alone because it’s a relatively new take on mushing -- no snow required Chelsea explains, “The dogs are hooked up to a bike via a bungee lead and harness and they pull the bike! They love it!”

Bikejoring is for medium to large dogs and is a growing sport, with enthusiasts forming groups across the country The dogs channel their natural instinct to run while enjoying the satisfaction of cooperation and a job well done with their humans

Dr Burghardt & Dr Wahl at Bastrop Veterinary Hospital keep Chelsea’s three Dobermans healthy and ready to run You can find more information about bikejoring and gear at wwwneewadogscom

Angelina with Jill, her 8-year old Blue Heeler Jill helps her mom herd all their critters Essential Vet takes good care of them all.

Off-Leash in Bastrop County

DOG PARKS

Smithville Bark Park, 199-159 NW 1st Street Bastrop Bark Park - 104 Grady Tuck Lane

SELF-SERVE DOG WASH

Whole Pets Market - 475 State Hwy 71 W Bastrop

& Vanessa

Summer Pet Safety

Hydrate with clean water Don’t give sports drinks or alcoholic beverages to pets

Too much pool water or salt water can make your dog sick

Only use sunscreens that are made for pets

Dogs & cats with shorter snouts don’t tolerate heat well

Excessive panting, excessive thirst & vomiting are all signs of heat exhaustion Give herding/working dogs frequent breaks

Joey Zhou

Chapman with Ghost at Fishermans Park, Bastrop

Chelsea Lupkey and Archie.

Kendrick and Chelsea Williams with Marco (black lab) & Nigel (spotted) Marco loves swimming & Nigel is an acrobat when fetching frisbees.

Jinx

Mary Liz Singleton, 20-year Tahitian Village resident and her dogs: Groot (boxer) & Annie (Boston Terrier mix ) Both were rescues.

A4ever Home

Cora

Age: 12 weeks

Good with kids, dogs and cats

Social butterfly! Lizzie

Age: 1 years

Gentle soul, potty trained, social & affectionate Stunningly gorgeous

BASTROP COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER NEEDS YOU.

Areyoulookingtoadopt?BCAShasthesepetsandmany moreintheshelterandinfostercare,sobesureandgoto www.co.bastrop.tx.us/page/as.adoptiontoseeallthe availablepets.

VolunteeropportunitiesatBCASincludeDogWalkers, CatteryHelpers,Admin.,SocialMedia,VetAssist,Creatives, andevenLawn/LandscapersBCASisstartingahotlinetoaid peopleinrehomingtheirpetswithouthavingtosurrender themthroughtheshelterThishotlinehasbeennamedPAWS (PlacingAnimalsWithoutSheltering)

Gotowwwcobastroptxus/page/asvolunteertohelp

Age: 6 months

Great with other dogs and people, loving, active, free spirit

Feral Cats and Barn Cats?

SPAY AND NEUTERING IS STILL THE ANSWER

Did you know that if you can trap your skittish barn cat the Essential Vet Care staff is trained to handle them so they can be spayed or neutered? Appointment required. Monday through Friday. 512-412-6110, 976 Hwy 71.

For feral cats go to BastropCats.org for information on TNR.

Charlie Amos with Eleanor, Edwin & Arthur -- all rescues

P E T G A L L E R Y

BASTROP COUNTY: WE LOVE OUR PETS

Sue Anna Piedra and Blu at Fur Babies Wholesome Pet Food at 601 Chestnut

Cole Butler, Sara HusteadButler and Linda

JohnMcGinn&Scooby-DoowadingatColoradoRefuge PhotobyJoannaMcGinn.

PaulSquyresofTonicMercantile.comwithOlive(Black Lab),Hazel(Choc Lab)&Henry(EnglishBulldog)These luckydogseathomemadedogfoodofrehydratedfreezedriedmeat,groundturkeywithrice,andmixedvegetables

"If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went " Will Rogers

Chip Gosnell with his rescue pup Baxter

Carri Ivanac & Raina Smith with Teddy & Ginger at the Colorado River Refuge Park, Bastrop

A Simply Splendid Picnic

A collection of our favorite EASY Summer recipes to throw together & pack away

Classic Muffuletta

The classic N’awlins Muffuletta makes an extraordinary packed-to-go lunch If you can’t find the prepared olive salad, here’s an easy homemade substitute

1/2 cup chopped pimento-stuffed green olives

1/2 cup pickled pearl onions chopped

1/2 cup pickled cauliflower florets

1/4 each finely diced celery & carrot

1/4 cup of olive oil and red wine vinegar

add salt, pepper, and creole seasoning and let marinade overnight

To assemble split a 6-7-inch length of Italian loaf in half and toast cut sides Spread top and bottom with a generous portion of the olive salad

Traditionally the muffuletta is layers of provolone, ham, mortadella, salami, and mozzarella cheese

But customize how you like Applegate humanely raised ham slices and sliced salami are our HEBsourced favorites Wrap tightly in paper or parchment to meld flavors Whichever meats you choose, it's the large fluffy Italian loaf and olive salad that make the muffuletta iconic

Simple Orzo Salad With Peppers & Feta

2cupdriedorzopasta

1/2cupchoppedredonion

1wholeredbellpepperdiced

2cupshalvedcherrytomatoes

Severalsprigsoffreshthymeor1/4tdried

1/4cupchoppedfreshbasil

1cupcrumbledfeta

1/2lemon&oliveoil

CookorzountilaldenteSpreadoutonabakingsheetto coolSautéinoliveoilredonion,redbellpepper,and tomatoeswiththymeuntilpeppersaresoftandtomatoes haveblisteredRemovefromheat

Whilevegetablesarelukewarm,stirintheorzoandadd feta,basil,adrizzleofoliveoil,andlemonjuiceStirand refrigeratetocoolcompletelyServeasatastysideoradd choppedbreastchickenforacompletemeal

1

2

3

4

5

Burnt Cream Cheese Topped Carrot Cake

INGREDIENTS (Yields One 8' Square Cake)

FOR THE TOPPING

1 8-ounce/226 grams block of cream cheese softened

½ packed cup/73 grams confectioners’ sugar

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

1 large egg

½ cup/120 grams sour cream

FOR THE CAKE

Nonstick cooking spray

2 large eggs

¾ cup/168 grams granulated sugar

½ cup/100 grams neutral oil, such as vegetable oil

1 cup/135 grams all-purpose flour

1 T pumpkin pie spice or a combination of ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger or nutmeg

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

2 packed cups grated peeled carrots (3 large carrots)

1/4 chopped pecans and 1/3 cup raisins or currents

Heat oven to 375 degrees Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper and spray again

Make the topping: Whisk the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth Add the confectioners sugar and salt and stir slowly with a whisk until no traces of sugar remain, then whisk rapidly until smooth Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth Set aside

Make the cake batter: Combine the eggs and granulated sugar and beat with the whisk until evenly combined While whisking, add the oil in a steady stream and whisk until emulsified Add the flour, spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and use the spatula to fold into the wet ingredients just until the dry ingredients disappear Add the carrots and fold until evenly distributed

Scrape the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly Spread the topping gently and evenly over the batter to completely cover it

It’s OK if it looks bumpy; it will even out in the oven

Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with bits of the topping but no cake batter, 50 to 60 minutes (If your cream cheese layer doesn’t take on very much color by the time the cake has finished cooking, you can broil it until the top is browned in spots 1 to 2 minutes )

6 This twist on the traditional cream cheese icing-topped carrot cake travels well and is perfect for a summer picnic

Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack Cut directly in the pan to serve, or slide out of the pan using the parchment paper to cut into squares The cake can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days Bring to room temperature before serving

Cowboy Caviar

Yield:8 cups - Just mix in a bowl for a light and bright salad perfect for eating with tortilla chips or just a spoon

FOR THE DRESSING

⅓ cup olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

FOR THE SALAD

1 box of cherry tomatoes quartered

½ red onion, finely diced

1 (15-ounce) can black beans rinsed

1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed

kernels from about 2-3 corn cobs or thawed, drained frozen sweet

corn (about 8 ounces)

1 red, green or yellow bell pepper, finely chopped

1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped

½ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish, if desired

1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped, for garnish

Tortilla chips, for serving

H a p p e n i n g t h i s

June 1st - Found Fine Art presents Artist In StudioWesley Woffard - "Harriet Tubman - The Journey to Freedom", 912 Water Street Bastrop Woffard will discuss his process, inspiration and the experiences he has had during this traveling exhibit in a Q&A setting

June 1-2 - Bastrop Pride Love for Life, June 1, 5-10 pm The Street Faire, Main St. Downtown Bastrop, June 2, 1-7 pm, Pride in the Park, Fisherman’s Park

June 7th - 16th - Bastrop Opera House presents the comedy Moon Over Buffalo, Directed by: AJ Fuex Go to BastropOperaHouse org for performance dates & times

June 13-19th - Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum Juneteenth exhibition " Piecing Together African American History" is a display of quilts made by 20 descendants that tell the story of Bastrop freedom colonies 1303 Pine Street

June 15th - The first annual Juneteenth BBQ cookoff & Bastrop Juneteenth Celebration Family Freedom Festival –We’re going back to where it all started – Fisherman’s Park aka “the Boat Docks.” Immediately after the parade, join us in the park for an afternoon and evening full of fun for the entire family Live music, DJ, food and small business vendors, kids and adult activities The downtown parade starts at 10 am, BBQ cookoff at Fishermans Park starts at 11 am for more information and details visit https://bastropjuneteenth com

June 15th - 5 pm UNVEILING: The Traveling Exhibition: Harriet Tubman - "The Journey to Freedom" by Wesley Wofford at Kerr Community Center, 1303 Pine Street

June 17th - Blue Flame Cruisers Car & Motorcycle Club Inc. 16th Annual Car & Motorcycle Club Show. bringing awareness to the automotive technology industry and making charitable contributions in Bastrop County Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center 1408 Chestnut St 8 am -2 pm

June 16th Happy Fathers’ Day

June 19th Juneteenth

June 20 - 22nd - Elgin’s 55th Annual Western Days Celebration. Elgin's Annual Homecoming Three days of non-stop fun, class reunions, and community support make this one of our favorite events of the year Festivities include a Kids Foam Party, DJ, Water Tag Course, a carnival, Food Trucks, Vendors, Family Tournaments, and a Pub Crawl all leading up to the Grand Parade at 10 am Saturday Go to www elgintxchamber com/western-days-2024/ for times

SUMMER

June 23rd - Eden East Bountiful Evening Tomato Harvest Feast, regional chefs and locally grown produce $95pp, 1910 Main Street Bastrop. StoreHouseBastrop.com

June 29th - Bastrop's Annual Big Bang! Celebration. The celebration includes a gathering at Fisherman's Park at 6 pm with music, concessions, and fireworks at dusk

July 4th Independence Day

4th of July Celebration at the Hyatt Regency

There will be a firework display at 9:15 PM along with familyfriendly activities throughout the weekend including tie-dye shirt making, outdoor movies on our spacious lawn, family yard games, arts and crafts, and of course meet and greets with the lovable animal mascot crew! Visit: https://www lostpinesresortandspa com/celebrateindependence-day

July 19-20 - Corvette Invasion The Largest Corvette Car Show in Texas with hundreds of Corvettes, Vendors, Music, and Food for the entire family Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut For info go to CorvetteInvasion com

July 30-Aug 3rd - Bastrop 77th Annual Homecoming & Rodeo Homecoming began as a BBQ-style picnic as a “Welcome Home” to all service men and women returning from World War II Celebrating 5 nights of rodeo & 2 nights of live music, food, vendors, cornhole, horseshoes, washers, and Texas Hold Em' tournaments, class reunions, and a Grand parade on Saturday Held at Mayfest Park, 25 American Legion Dr Tickets and more information at https://www bastrophomecomingrodeo org/#

Aug 9-25th -Bastrop Opera House presents Treasure Island directed by Jacob Layton A stunning yarn of piracy on the tropical seas Go to BastropOperaHouse org for performance dates & times

Aug 24-25, 10-5pm, Bastrop 2nd Main Street Market at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St A fantastic shopping event featuring the best in clothing, garden, jewelry, home and holiday decor, gifts, gourmet food, accessories, Texas handmade, gifts for the guys, candles, art, soaps & bath products and so much more Show hours are Sat 10-5 and Sun 11-4 Admission is $6 or $5 with your non-perishable food donation to the Foodbank Admission is good for both days and kids 12 and under are FREE Hourly door prizes too

Live Music

June 1 - Howlin Waters Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

June 1 - The Merles Live at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

June 2 -Troy Stone Live at Neighbors Kitchen 5:00-8:00

June 7 - Rye Mountain Revelry - Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

June 7 - Sonny Wolf Live at 602 Brewing 8:00-11:00

June 7 - Three Chord Rodeo Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00

June 8 - The Ben Zuniga Band - Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

June 8 - Chasing Gypsy Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

June 9 - Monte Good at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

June 13 - Music in the Park: Scott Strickland @ Fisherman's 6-8pm

June 14 -Nick & Paige at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30-10:30

June 14 - Them That Know Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00

June 15 - Tish & The Mizzbehavin Live at Copper Shot 7:00-10:00

June 15 - Nichole Wagner at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

June 16 - Michelle Kay at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

June 21 - Everett Wren Live at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

June 21 Chris Ruest Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

June 22 - Etta Place Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

June 22 - Taylor Graves/Tombstone Trio at Neighbors 7:30-10:30

June 23 - Erik Flores Live at Neighbors Kitchen 5:00-8:00

June 28 - DreamStereo Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

June 28 - Natalie Metcalf at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

June 29 - Rochelle/the Sidewinders at Neighbors 7:30-10:30

June 30 - Fallon Franklin Live at Neighbors Kitchen 5:00-8:00

July 5 - Kathy Murray/the Kilowatts at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30

July 5 - Sean Orr Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

July 5 - Sonny Wolf Live at 602 Brewing 8:00-11:00

July 6 - Jamie Krueger Group Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00

July 6 - Blackbird Sing Live at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

ug 9 - Rober Parker Jr. Trio at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

Aug 10 - The Phantom Shakers at Neighbors 7:30-10:30

Aug 16 - David Spain Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00pm

Aug 17 Nate Boff Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00pm

Aug 23 - Tracy & Resendis Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7-10pm

Aug 24 - Michael Milligan/Texiana Bluez at Copper Shot 7-10pm

Aug 30- Ryan Lawless Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7-10pm

Aug 31 -The Bonfire Choir Live at Copper Shot 7-10

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

July 7 - Danny Brooks/Lil Miss Debbie at Neighbors Kitchen 5-8

July 12 - Calloway & the Prickly Pears Live at Copper Shot 7-10

July 12 - Matthew Robbinson Band at Neighbors Kitchen 7:-10:30

July 13 - Vin Mott Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30-10:30

July 14 - Jenduo Live at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

July 19 - Ryan DeSaito Band at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

July 20 - Zak Schaffer Band at Neighbors Kitchen 7:30-10:30

July 20 X Factory Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00-10:00

July 21 - Ella Reid at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 5:00-8:00

July 26 Larry Wilson Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00

July 26 - Matthew Brodnax/Blues Sherpas at Neighbors 7:30-10:30

July 27 - Aname Rose at Neighbors Kitchen & Yard 7:30-10:30

July 28 - Ryan Desiato Live at Neighbors Kitchen 5:00-8:00

Aug 2 - Sonny Wolf Live at 602 Brewing 8:00-11:00

Aug 2 - Vin Mott Blues Band Live at Copper Shot Distillery 7:00

Aug 3 - Tish & the Mizzbehavin Live at Copper Shot Distillery

Happening Every Month

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

The Painted Porch Bookshop Story Hour - Thursdays at 10:30

Bingo at Bastrop Beer Co. - Wednesdays 7-9 PM

Cornhole Tournaments 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 Heroes Sports Bar - Thursdays 6-10 PM

Trivia Nights Bastrop Beer Co. - Thursdays 7-9 PM

Comedy Standup at Film Alley - Saturdays - See times https://bastrop.filmalley.net/

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 8AM-10PM 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 Thursday with Bastrop Pride at Bastrop Games & Hobbies 5-9PM, 711 Chestnut.

Family Feud Game Night Tuesday 7:00 PM Bastrop Beer Company

Hero’s Sports Bar Karaoke 7:00-10:00 PM Thursday Nights

Yoga on the Farm - Saturdays 9:30 to 10:30 am at Edin East, 1910 Main, Bastrop

Prime Show Properties

JUST LISTED

802 Craddock Smithville

List Price: $425,000

Well appointed ~1800 sf 3 bed 2 bath home with a pool nestled in the heart of Smithville. Beautifully updated and on a huge ~12,300 sf lot!

KarenDerrRealtyGroup Phone512-720-8290 1010ChestnutStBastrop

PRICE IMPROVEMENT

713 Chestnut St, Bastrop $840,000

Almost 3600 sf, single level, lots of storefront exposure on busy Chestnut Beautifully finished with 3 modern baths, a kitchenette, access from city parking lot

Karen Derr

Karen Derr Realty Group

Phone 512-720-8290

Karen Derr@compass com

464E LowerLine,LaGrange

$275.000 FarmhouseintheheartofLa Grangezonedcommercialor residential 1525sqft,2beds,1 5baths Thirdofanacrelot

LIST WITH THE KAREN DERR REALTY GROUP AND HAVE YOU HOME FEATURED HERE FOR FREE!

Karen Derr Realty Group

Phone: 512-720-8290

1010 Chestnut St. Bastrop

Where country living meets modern luxury!

One story on ~2 5 acres fully fenced and a 30x60 shop. Convenient to HWY 290 with an easy drive to Houston or Austin .

JonRyan

KarenDerrRealtyGroup Phone512-701-3642

Jon Ryan@compass com Thinking of Selling?

450 Woods Prairie Cemetery Ln, West Point $1,175,000 14 40 acres in the West Point area of La Grange 2013 custom-built Country Cottage +/- 3000 sqft, 4 beds, 3 baths. Includes large workshop/barn, equipment shed. Agricultural exemption 5 minutes to Smithville.

Paula Collins@gmail com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING TOURS AND TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE 2025 TOUR UPDATES

ARGENTINA - Sept 13-24, 2024

Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, Mendoza, Vineyard Tastings

MEXICO - QUERÉTARO - Oct 20-27, 2024

Dichotomy of Surrealism & Colonialism in Querétaro, Tequisquiapan, Bernal & Xilitla

MEXICO - SAN MIGUEL de ALLENDE - Oct 28-Nov 4, 2024

Our popular Day of the Dead tour with trips to Dolores, Atotonilco, & a Vineyard

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

OUR Home town River

TheColorado Riveristhe longestriverbeginning andendinginTexas.

Whilethereare20major creeksinourcounty,the Coloradoisour onlyriver.

Thereareapproximately 48milesofColoradoriver inBastropCounty.

Summertime is River Time!

Quiet and slow moving, our stretch of the Colorado is lush and green.

Just as BT&C’s summer issue was wrapping up, we decided that it was ridiculous to let the tourists have all the fun Even though we own two boats, laziness got the better of us, so we booked a two-person canoe online at BastropRiverCo.com. We paid our $90+ tax online and texted our congratulations to each other late Sunday night forhavingonceagainfiguredoutawaytogoofoffmostofa Mondayandcallitwork

We threw some snacks and drinks in a soft-side cooler (see our picnic suggestions on pages 14-15) and showed up at Fisherman’s Park at 10:am on Monday. Native Bastropian Justin greeted us, gave us some orientation, and made us feelconfidentwewouldknowthebestspotstotakeabreak and when to call him so he’d be there when we came to the endofour2-3hourtripattheColoradoRiverRefuge

The river was up a little and we asked about white water. Justin promised 10-foot drops but we knew he was pulling ourleg Alsobeingamanwhoknowsthevalueof$90and furtherappealingtoourlazyside,herefusedtoletuscarry

ourboattothewaterandassuredusthatlaunchinguswas partofhisserviceDryboxandlifevestswereprovided,we wouldn’tevengetwetunlesswewantedtoEverythingon ourexcursionwentjustaspromisedanditwasagreatway tostarttheweekwithsomeexerciseHereareafew reasonsyoumightwanttobookanimprompturivertrip Wildlife-turtlesonlogs,herons,songbirds,fishing,quiet. Exercise-yourarmsgetagreatworkout.

Picnics-thereareislands&gravelbarstorestat Homegawking-seethebackyardoftheluckyriverfront homesthatinfrequentlycomeonthemarketforsale StoneskippingIt’sasport

#1reason-ThisstretchoftheColoradoisours If Bastropiansdon’tlookoutforit,noonewillYoucanget involvedatwwwlcraorg/water/quality/colorado-river-watchnetwork/toreportproblemsyousee,volunteer,andcheck recentwaterqualityreports

Bookyourrivertrip,3hourstoovernighttripsatBastropRiverCo.com

In times of drought, make sure your foundation is watered evenly

Keep an eye on large trees to look for signs of stress and consult an arborist if needed

Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan so that it pushes the cool air downward

Change your AC filter to make sure pollen and pollutants are not clogging it up.

Pressure wash your driveway and patio to make entertaining more enjoyable

Drain and clean your hot water heaters

Clean refrigerator coils so they run efficiently

Check for leaks next to showers and toilets and under sinks.

Check weather stripping around doors, including your garage door Replace where necessary to keep cool air in and hot air out

It's HOT and home maintenance isn’t as fun as chilling by a pool. However, just one task each week will keep your home in top shape.

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

MUSTANG GRAPES Summer Foraging

ComeJuneinTexas,it’stimetostartstakingoutstandsofwild grapes Whileit’sagainstthelawtopickgrapesinparks,private propertywithpermissionisfairgameandmostlandownerswon’t mindyouforagingtheirfencelineifthere’sajarofjellyora bottleofwineinitforthem.MuscadinesgrowinEastTexasbut hereinBastropCounty,you’llprobablybepickingMustang grapes Youcantellbythefuzzylookingundersideoftheleaves Whileyou’rewildgrapespotting,beonthelookoutforpoison ivy Wildgrapevinesareitchyenoughandthetwooftengrow sidebyside Sometimeinmid-Julymostofthegrapeswillbe darkpurple/blackandreadytopick.

Ifyou’venevertastedthefruit,you’llbesurprisedhowsouritis andhowitmakesthebackofyourthroatitchbutextractthe juiceandaddsomesugarandthetasteispuresummertime. Mustanggrapejellyputsstore-boughtgrapejellytoshameand istheeasiestwaytoenjoywildgrapes

5 pints grapes (to yield about 3 cups juice)

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 tsp butter, optional

5 cups sugar

1 - 3-oz pouch Ball® RealFruit Liquid Pectin

Wash the grapes and remove most stems although you’ll be straining the mash to get the juice only Cover with water and heat the grapes until most have popped Remove from heat, cool, and crush well with a potato masher Strain through doubled cheesecloth Squeezing the mash in the cloth will yield more juice but will be less clear

Add lemon juice and sugar to the juice in a 6- or 8-quart saucepan Add a 1/2 tsp butter to reduce foaming, if desired Bring mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring frequently Add pectin by immediately squeezing the entire contents from the pouch. Continue hard boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat Skim foam if necessary

Ladle hot jelly into hot sterilized jars leaving a 1/2 inch of headspace Wipe them rim Apply lid & band until fit is fingertip tight Water bath process jars 10 minutes - www ballmasonjars com/water-bath-canning html Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars stand for 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool for 12-24 hours. Check lids for seal; they should not flex when the center is pressed Note: Because of high sugar and acid content, many home cooks skip the water bath processing Refrigerate any jars that don’t seal and eat first

Wild Grape Jelly

Use the unsweetened juice instead of red wine for braising venison or beef

Wild grape wine Learn from a local winemaker and owner of Texas Gardener Magazine, Jay White www texasgardener com/ from-vine-to-vino/

Make a grape juice reduction ForagerChef com/wild-grapereduction/

Chef Sonya Cote

“Summer afternoon— summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

― Henry James