Bastrop Town & Country No. 5 Holiday

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

Ultimate Holiday Charcuterie P I C K Y

A B O U T

ONE

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OF

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EVERYONE

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T U R K E Y

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YOUR

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Ho lid ay Jou rna l

I S S U E

N O . 5

N O V E M B E R

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1

CONTENTS

07 Plant this Now

12 Picky About Turkey

19 The Ultimate Charcuterie Board

28 Cruising

04 Note from the Editor

09 Local Zen

13 What to Drink Now

23 BT&C Holiday Gift Guide

30 Winter Home Maintenance

BASTROP TOWN & COUNTRY

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

o He ll

in, aga Welcome to the Holiday Journal!

We couldn't be more pleased to bring you our fifth issue. This one is packed with food and festivities.

While we're not totally back to pre-Covid normal, with booster shots fast coming available, it looks like Holiday Season 2021 may allow us to enjoy some of the traditions we missed last year.

In this issue, you're going to see more cured meats than you'll ever see again in a lifestyle magazine.

Charcuterie boards are trending and we picked up the gauntlet to take it to the next level with our Ultimate Charcuterie Board. This spread bears no resemblance to Lunchables.

And check out our gift guide. We wanted to highlight local offerings, sprinkled with a few cool finds you can order online. We're hoping to keep you out of big city traffic and malls, and still wow everyone on your list.

Now, with five issues under our belt, we want to say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your kind words and encouragement for the magazine. For us, it's a labor of love dedicated to the folks who inhabit these small towns and these country roads we love - that's you Bastrop County!

Peace and Joy to You and Yours, Karen Derr & Jonathan Ryan Publishers & Editors

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

512.619.5322

1015 MAIN ST. BASTROP

By Appointment

Desiree Laux – Founder/Designer

Desiree@BlackandWhiteInteriors.com

Design Services

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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.

Page 6

Plant This Now...

Early-Mid November: Carrots, Chard, Mustards,

The East Eden Farm Stand at 1910 Main Street

Turnips.

Bastrop, Open 4-7 PM Wednesdays, 9-1 Saturdays.

All November: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Rosemary,

edeneastaustin.com/farm/

Dill, Chives, Cumin, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oregano, Sage,

Fresh & Available in November: Turnips, Radishes,

Thyme, Parsley, Fennel, Fenugreek, Catnip,

Carrots, Fresh greens (salad greens - lettuces,

Strawberries.

arugula, mustard greens), cooking greens (kale, mustard, chard, spigarello, spinach), cabbages,

All December: Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Bare root or

broccoli, Asian greens, fennel, green onions, herbs

container-grown Pecans, Fruit Trees, Grapes and Berry

galore.

Bushes.

Possibly cauliflower in December.

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 10 am to 2 pm. Bastrop1832FarmersMarket.org Elgin's Farmers Market open Thursday - 4pm to 7pm Veterans' Memorial Park. ElginFarmersMarket.com

Page 7

Local Zen YOGA IN BASTROP COUNTY

Body and Shine Wellness 28N Main St. Elgin :(737) 233-7795 Yoga, Pilates, and Meditation Visit http://bodyandshinewellness.com for schedule Katy Gassaway owns this lovely studio and boutique in a historic building in downtown Elgin. She got her law degree but decided teaching yoga was her real calling. Body and Shine offers an impressive schedule of classes and online reservations and payment

City of Bastrop Recreation 1008 Water Street Bastrop Gentle Yoga - Tues & Thurs 5:15 pm, Wednesday 10:15 am Visit www.cityofbastrop.org/page/city.recreation for schedule

Katy Gassaway, Owner of Body and Shine Wellness

Photo by Weston Carls

Resident Memberships for those living within the City Individual Membership: Resident $30/month Family Membership: Resident $50/month Senior | Military | Person(s) with Disabilities Individual Membership: Resident $20/month Non-Resident Memberships available for $5 more/month

Smithville Recreation Center 106 Royston, Smithville, Phone: (512) 237-3282 x 7 Instructor Holly Fritz Fridays - 9am Free Will Donation ($5 minimum)

Edin East Farm 1910 Main St. Bastrop Yoga on the Farm Instructor Emily Bolt Saturdays 9 am-10 am Outdoors Weather Permitting David@edeneastaustin.com to confirm.

Page 9

B T & C

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CAMIBAculturaltours embodies the essence of world travel as it influences the art culture. Our excursions give tour-goers an intimate glimpse at the process behind the masterpiece as well as the artists themselves. We offer tours to a growing number of destinations including Havana Cuba, Oaxaca Mexico, San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Mexico City, Guatemala & Peru.

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B T & C

L E N D I N G

I N

R E C O M M E N D S

B A S T R O P

C O U N T Y

Homeowners Finacial Group A A R O N

P A G E

N M L S

2 2 2 1 5 9

B R A N C H

M A N A G E R ,

L I C E N S E D

M O R T G A G E

P R O F E S S I O N A L

O F F I C E : ( 7 3 7 )

2 3 9 - 7 5 2 2 C E L L : ( 5 1 2 )

9 2 4 - 3 1 3 8

P A G E T E A M @ H O M E O W N E R S F G . C O M

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not wor I or d e ried... red m y fr e e r a organic n ge, her , n on - g itage, m o, h u m no antib anely r iotics or a ised, g r ow th fresh, n h or m on e ve r fr es, oze n , T hanksg tur key iving in May !

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here are two trains of thought when it comes to Thanksgiving turkeys. One is to spend less than you can afford and give generously to the food pantry or charity of your choice.

The other is that smaller farmers doing it right need our support too. In fact, this year it has become apparent how important it is to have essential products like food produced closer to home, from sources we can trust.

There are rumblings about shortages in certain categories of turkeys like "fresh, never frozen" and smaller birds. But just thirty days from Thanksgiving, supplies are still reportedly looking good in Texas.

David Anderson, a professor of agriculture economics at Texas A & M University, explained to The New York Post, “Turkey is such a seasonal item, dominated by the Thanksgiving market. We can build up supplies with frozen turkeys for the Thanksgiving market, but fresh turkeys have a tighter schedule. The eggs have to hatch at a certain time.” Here are a few choices to consider when buying your holiday turkey.

PI C KY ABOUT TURKEY

will have some shortages this year. Fresh advantages: no thawing and some people swear the taste is better.

Heritage - Breeds like Narragansett & Bourbon Red were common over a century ago but have been largely replaced by the huge Broad Breasted Whites. Try a fresh heritage breed by ordering from www.dartagnan.com/buy/turkey/ and see if we've lost out on flavor in our quest for big breasts. Staring at $165.

They also sell wild turkeys.

Local, Small Farm - Half Acre Farm in Ledbetter is a favorite at Bastrop's 1832 Farmer's Market on Saturdays.

Owner Patrick Creppel expects to have frozen all-natural humanely raised turkeys for order. Call Patrick at (512) 925-9716 to check the progress of his birds or catch him at the farmers' market.

Frozen Turkeys - Availability should be good, especially 15-20 pound birds. Plan ahead, depending on the size, it may take two to five days to thaw in your refrigerator.

Free Range / Humanely Raised - Of course, local small farmers are the best way to assure your feast is as cruelty-free as possible. The HEB Natural brand's label states they are raised on "family farms." An HEB spokesperson was not available elaborate.

Fresh - never frozen birds take more care & timing to raise the birds and hit the market perfectly. This category

And for the ultimate free-range turkey, hunting season for Texas turkeys opens on November 6th.

Page 12

W H A T

T O

D R I N K

N O W

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Ingredients Makes 1 Martini 1-1/2 oz Vanilla Vodka 1-1/2 oz Bailey's or other Irish Cream 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup 2 Tbsp Pumpkin Puree 1-1/2 cups of Ice Whipped Cream Pumpkin Pie Spice or Nutmeg Small Cinnamon Stick (optional)

Who needs pie when you've got all the pumpkin spice goodness in this dessert martini? These can also be made in a pitcher by adding water or milk to compensate for the loss of water from the ice.

Instructions: Combine the first five ingredients in a shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled martini glass or coup. Float whipped cream on top and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg. Garnish with cinnamon stick if desired.

B T & C

R E C O M M E N D S

ALTATUDES U P S C A L E

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE

F A S H I O N

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OWNER ALTA Y. ALEXANDER/ SHOP ONLINE AT ALTATUDES.COM/ CELEBRATING THREE YEARS

THE BEST THING I EVER ATE...

LATELY It's hard to beat the ambiance at Storehouse when you're sitting in their courtyard on a breezy evening with one of their house Bramble cocktails . Their menu changes often with the availability of seasonal ingredients and the pork terrine board I had was definitely in the moment. Rustic and rich, wrapped in bacon and served with apples, nuts and buttery crostini. The smoked local pork, whole grain mustard and lightly pickled vegetables, from just up Main Street at East Eden Farms, made this board a study in contrast. Bold and comforting; fresh picked and carefully crafted. It was an interesting and delicious starter for our table. Some thought it would make a nice meal by itself. Maybe if you added some of those black salt & vinegar hand cut fries with white truffle aioli.

Storehouse Market & Eatery open for dinner only

813 Main st.

Bastrop

512-412-6114

storehousebastrop.com

Page 15

November 6th.

Movies In The Park Fisherman's Park Starting at 7PM Free Admission

November 13th.

Smithville Airing of the Quilts and Home Tour View beautiful quilts hung on Main St and all around town.

Go inside Smithville's most unique & interesting homes plus, the first church built in town!

11AM - 3PM Tickets $10 can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce

A Dog's Purpose

November 4th Diwali

@BastropTX on Facebook for more information

November 11th.

Veterans Day

Live Music

Every 2nd Tues - Chasing Gypsy, Copper Shot Distillery Nov 5-6 Bennie Wheels & “WALKIN’ THE LINE”, The Ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash Bastrop, Opera House 7:30 PM Nov 4 James Hearn, Copper Shot Distillery 6-9 PM Nov 5 Sean Orr Band, Copper Shot Distillery 6:30-9:30 PM Nov 5 Seventh Sun Live at Neighbors 7:30-10:30 PM Nov 6 Jeff Jacobs Trio Live at Neighbors7:30-10:30 PM

November 12-13, Fri-Sat Heroes & Hot Rods Car Show Event Starts 4PM Fri On Main St. BastropAreaCruisers.com Nov 13th. Red White & Blue Bastrop County Veterans Appreciation Banquet Doors open for registration at 5PM, Dinner at 6 rwbveterans.com

Nov 6 Nick Taylor, Copper Shot Distillery 2-5 PM Nov 7 Ryan Desiato Live at Neighbor 5-8 PM Nov 12 Jo Ellen and the Box of Chocolates, Neighbors 7-10 Nov 12 Train Wreck Shipping Co., Copper Shot 6:30-9:30 Nov 13 The Merles Live at Neighbors 7-10 PM Nov 14 Brandon Zink Live at Neighbors 5-8 PM Nov 20 Chubby Knuckle Choir, Copper Shot 6:30-9:30 PM Nov 20 Richard Watson, Copper Shot Distillery 2-5 PM Nov 20 Vin Mott Live at Neighbors 7-10 PM Nov 21 Caleb Haynes Live at Neighbors 5-8 PM Nov 26 Treble Soul Live at Neighbors 7-10 PM Nov 27 Bottle Cap Mountain Live at Neighbors 7-10 PM Nov 28 Hannah & Lisa Live at Neighbors 5-8 PM Dec 11 Matthew Robinson $15 Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM Dec 18 Barney Sledge $15 Fat Cat Lounge 7-9 PM

November 25th Thanksgiving

Gather 'Round for the Thanksgiving Day Feast at The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines 2PM -9PM $55 Adults | $27.50 Children (512) 308-4860 Page 16

November 26th Native American Heritage Day

November 27th Lost Pines Christmas Tree Lighting Fisherman's Park 6-7PM

Novermber 29th Hanukkah

December 2nd

A Country Christmas

Weekends December 3-19

Farm Street Opry Band and

guest perform great

Rented Christmas-

country music and your holiday favorites.

Bastrop Convention center Admission - $7.50 Doors open 5:30pm

www.FarmStreetOpry.com

at the Bastrop Opera House BastropOperaHouse.org for schedule Tickets $15

Show starts at 7pm.

December 4th.

Holiday Bazaar at the Lost Pines Art Center 11AM - 6 PM With Art After DarkHoliday Edition 6-8pm

December 4th.

Smithville Festival of Lights and Parade 9AM- 10PM Parade Begins at 7PM Main St.

The Musical

Dec 11th.

Annual Lost Pines Christmas Parade Starting at 6PM on Main St. LostPinesChristmas.com

Tues, Dec 21st Winter Solstice

East Eden Farm Bastrop Winter Solstice Fest David@EdenEastAustin.com for details.

December 25th.

Saturday

Merry Christmas December 26January 1 Happy Kwanzaa

New Year's Eve December 31. Friday

Adding Thanksgiving Warmth to White

The Ultimate Charcuterie Board LOCAL FINDS & MAKE-AHEAD RECIPES TO ELEVATE YOUR TASTING WONDERLAND Bacon Candy Twists

Blissful Folly Farm

Tammy's Kitchen Pickled Okra et

Berdoll Pawnee Pecans Spiced

Black Eyed Pea Hummus

Pickeld Sweet & Jalapeno Peppers from East Eden Farms

Boozy Apricots & Figs

Page 19

Holiday Worthy Ingredients

Anything that can be deliciously served at room temperature is a candidate for your charcuterie board.

For interesting layers of flavor, think about foods your guests like that fall into these categories.

Savory Crunchy Tangy (Think Cheese) Sweet Bitter Want to learn more about making beautiful edible works of art?

Green Acres Mercantile in Bastrop is hosting a workshop with none other than personal chef Country Martha.

Class limit is 15.

Date: Nov 30, 2021 Time: 6pm to 8:30pm Price: $75 (all materials included) 601 Chestnut (by Neighbors) Call 979-702-1330 to reserve.

1. Bacon Candy Twists Lay 1 lb. thick cut bacon on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Rub liberally with brown sugar & twist bacon twice. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Bacon twists should be crisp when cooled and easily stand in a vase for serving. Add cayenne to the brown sugar for an extra twist.

2. Prosciutto Wrapped AsparagusParboil trimmed asparagus until its a shade brighter green but still crisp.

3.Black Eyed Pea HummusCombine one 15 oz can of black eyed peas, fresh basil, 1/4 cup of tahini, 2 Tbsp olive oil, a large clove of garlic, juice of one lime, 1/2 tsp of cumin, paprika & salt. Blend in food processor.

Or get this house specialty to go at Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard.

4. Boozy Apricots & FigsTrim the stems from dried figs & cut in half. Layer a bowl with figs, dried apricots, and sugar. Cover with rum and let sit overnight. Drain thoroughly to serve.

5. Spiced Pecans- In a cast iron skillet toast 1-lb of pecan halves for 5 minutes or until fragrant. Add 4oz of butter, 1/2 Tbsp each of salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon & dried orange peel. Lastly, add 1/4 of brown sugar & 2 Tbsp of water. Cook until mixture thickens & coats nuts. Spread out on a parchment-covered baking sheet & allow to cool to room temperature. Nuts will become crisp as they cool.

This holiday wreath is made of 12 to 20 skewers arranged around a large plate, lined with fresh green herbs.

Use wooden skewers and rosemary sprigs to kabob a mix of soppressata, cheese and tomatoes.

In a quest to offer something a little different for your Ultimate Charcuterie Board, BT&C went to Rohan Meadery near La Grange to procure a honey that would pair well with cheese.

Blissful Folly Farm's hive ripened honey, produced at their Fayette County apiary fit the bill perfectly. Their cheese board pairs well with their site made beer, wine and mead drinks. $15 Open Thursday-Sunday, 12:noon to 6:pm. www.BlissfulFollyFarm.com

Flavor & Abundance Play with Your Food!

Learn to make a salami rose to serve with cheese. Go to https://www.simple most.com/howmake-salami-rosescharcuterie-board/ Parchment Cheese Serving Leaves by Sisson available on Amazon. 20 for $16.95

Shopping local has its perks! C C Wine & Company offers a charcuterie board ($20) and wines by the glass or bottle. They also have gifts including moderately priced Texas hardwood cutting boards. Holiday shopping just got really easy.

C C Wine & Company: 924 Main St., Bastrop

Letters To Santa Claus

Submissions to the Elgin Courier Dec. 21 1933 Dear Santy Claus: Will you please bring me a doll that will go to sleep, a little piano and a big ball? You can bring Carolyn's things to my house, for she will be here Xmas day.

Thank You, Doris Nell Davis Dear Santa Claus: I want a pair of leather chaps just like King Manard and a tool chest with 30 pieces.

And a ukulele that costs $1.00.

With Love, Eugene Ridings Dear Santa Claus, I am a little girl. I am in the second grade. I made all A's on my report card. I want a pencil box with a ruler, pencil and ink pen in it. I want some Old Maid cards too.

We can also eat stick candy. and oranges Delores Nell Johnson Horace Dale Johnson Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy 5 years old. I help my mother. I carry in wood and water for her and do everything she tells me to. Please, bring me an air gun and dump truck and a pair of boots. I also want lots of fruit and nuts I am yours, Theodore Hognson JR Dear Santa Claus, I am a Little boy ten years old and in the fourth grade I was a good boy all year, so will you please bring me a football a wagon a fountain pen and lots of fruits nuts and candy. Don't forget my father, mother and my teacher Miss Mildred Jones. With love Joe Haisler Dear Santa Claus, Please bring me a cowboy suit, boots, a bow and arrow set, and a tool chest. Don't forget little brother. He wants a tricycle tractor and airplane.

Best wishes, Frank Edward Lanfear Dear Santa, I am a little girl 9 years old in the fourth grade. Here is what I want for Christmas: a big doll that sleeps, a doll dresser, a doll stove, a pair of gloves, fruit, nuts, and candy and don't forget my mother and dad and all the rest of the little girls and boys.

Good-bye, Morine Doyal Dear Santa Clause, Please bring me a pair of gloves, a pair of boots and a big doll and a raincoat and some candy and fruit and nuts.

Lucille Purcell Dear Santa Claus: I am 4 years old. I want a pair of brown boots, a horse, a shotgun, a filling station, and some cars. Bring me lots of candy, nuts, and fruit.

Oodles of love, Bill Purcell Dear Santa Claus: please bring me some bananas, apples, oranges and a truckload of candy and a car with lights and a train with cars.

Lucian Oden Dear Santa Claus: I am a little boy just four years old. I am a pretty good little boy and Santa I want you to bring me a tricycle and a truck and don't forget my little baby brother. Bring me some apples and oranges and don't forget all the other good little boys and girls.

Your little friend, Howard Eugene Truitt

Page 22

Reprinted with permission of the Elgin Courier. Special thanks to the Bastrop County Historical Society

The Bastrop Town & Country

Gift Guide

Something for everyone on your list

Give a handmade knife from Bastropian Matt Williams and his family business Lasterday Woodworks. This Japanese Santoku style chef's knife ($250) and small cutting board ($45) are handmade by Williams from Texas hardwoods like Black Walnut, Mesquite & Pecan. Available at CC Wine and Company, 924 Main St. Bastrop.

Sister's Goods, a local artist group of three sisters make a wide variety of handmade wooden utensils. We bought a few to feature on our charcuterie board and they're great!

The girls give a portion of their proceeds to Operation Christmas Child. Available at Green Acres Mercantile at The Crossing 601 Chestnut. $10-$20

The entertaining foodie

Give the Gift of Locally Raised Meat. Yonder Way Farm in Fayetteville offers a bundle of their assorted chicken, beef & pork starting at $375. Shop their site or visit the farm and you'll be convinced it's worth paying for the extra time and care they put into their meats and eggs. YonderWayFarm.com

The Hog Book puiblished this year by Austin Chef Jesse Griffth. The book explores hunting, trapping, processing, curing and cooking wild Texas hogs. $60 autographed by the author. Order at TheHogBook.com

The Style maven

Ivana May Timeless fastion for girls @ Danila Vlad Design Studio & Boutique.

Dresses made in Bastrop. Sweaters and shoes imported. www.IvanaMay.com

Softly tailored crossover dress in grey designed by Bastrop designer Daniela Vlad. Made in Bastrop. $212 Daniela Vlad Design Studio + Boutique 918 Main St. Bastrop

Hand wrought & stamped Copper Bracelets by Bastrop jewelry maker Kari Goin. 512-412-0529 starting at $45

the House proud

Classic game for the backyard entertainer. Dating back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Read more at BackyardBocce.com.

AGame Deluxe Bocce Ball Set $29.99 Available online or at Academy.

Ooni Koda 12 fires out jaw-dropping pizzas in 60 seconds flat. No assembly.

Cooking outdoors with gas has never been so simple (or so beautiful).

Reaches 950°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes. Weighs only 20.4lbs Available at Ooni.com $399

Give a custom blocked & creased hat.

Owner Emilio Rangel can trim brims also.

Huge stock of open & flat hats. American Hat, Rodeo King & their own Double R brand straw hats. Custom blocked & creased Straws start at $55 and Felts $255 and up.

Double R Hat House 30 N Main St Elgin 512-229-5652

One of a kind custom restored & embellished French chair. Choose from in stock or bring in a treasured heirloom to commission.

As shown $719.

B & W Interiors 1015 Main, Bastrop

for the Adventurist on your list

Give a Discovery Flight in a Vintage 1966 Cessna 150 out of Smithville's Crawford Airport. Session includes instructions on the ground and 30 minutes in the air with Instructor Peggy Reeser - 937-367-5968 For a Discovery Flight with a variety of plane choices, contact Texas Aviation Academy out of New Braunfels www.texasaviationacademy.com Discovery Flights start at $100

Zip Lost Pines' full (6 line) zip lining tour is a 2-3 hour experience filled with adventure for friends and family offered at $115 per person. ZipLostPines.com

The SUPER73-ZX is an electric motorbike that packs a punch. Whether off roading or urban exploration powered with a 615 watt-hour battery, the Super73-ZX provides up to 50+ miles of range. Starting at $1,995 Super73.com

Or the Intriguing Introvert...

Spray $19, Candle $22.

Home & linen fragrances by P.F. Candle Co. Candles are 100% soy, for him or her with blends like Teakwood & Tobacco.

Indigo Botanical Apothecary 106-C NE 2nd St., Smithville

Green Acres Mercantile in Bastrop at 601 Chestnut carries a wide variety of succulents planted in all manner of antique and collectable finds. Even cigar boxes. Bring in a treasure and Jana will custom plant it for you. Maybe Dad's old rusted tool box? Plants start at $5, as shown $17.

NYT Best Seller, Bastropian, & Main Steet bookshop owner Ryan Holiday's new book Courage is Calling is now available. Gift a signed & personalized copy to your favorite deep thinker by stopping by The Painted Porch Bookshop, 912 Main, Bastrop.

512-549-3120 More about author Ryan Holiday at DailyStoic.com

...who appreciates a rare find.

Handcrafted right Here In Bastrop Mesquite guitar - bet you haven't heard that one before; and it plays beautifully.

Rob Hunt is hand-making stunning acoustic guitars in his modest home workshop right here in Bastrop's downtown area. A lifelong woodworker Rob made his living as a cabinet and furniture maker. After retirement, he decided he'd try his hand at making guitars. Totally self-taught, learning through a process of trial and error, he's now turning out amazingly sharp instruments. He uses the classic Martin D-28 to model his guitars. The D-28's dreadnought style body is famous for its deep resonating bass and has been a favorite of musicians like Hank Williams, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Bob Dylan to name a few. All his guitars are accented with mother of pearl inlay and have spruce tops for a rich sound.

You can commission Rob to build a one-of-a-kind piece with wood and finishes of your choice starting at $2,500. Reach him at RobertCrossHunt@gmail.com or 512.718.2696

One of Rob Hunt's custom made guitars would be a thoughtful gift that will last a life time. Custom orders starting at $2,500.

VETERANS' DAY 2021 SHOW NOV 12-13TH

HEROES AND HOT RODS BASTROPAREACRUISERS.COM

CRUISING

Page 28

Do one of these fine rides seen around Bastrop County belong to you? Claim your cruiser and we'll give you a $10 gift card to Coffee Dog or Smithville General Store & Coffee. Just text to 512-7208290 or email BastropMagazine@gmail.com and tell us you saw it in Bastrop Town & Country Magazine!

1 per car please.

Nov-Dec Home "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.

Page 30

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.

Cold weather brings a new set of maintenance concerns.

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.

Not intended for solicitation of properites currently listed.