TAILWINDS
WINTER 2023-2024
A Blue Skies of Texas Quarterly
DORIS MEGONIGAL QUILTS A LEGACY A HOBBY FOR THE BIRDS MAKING SPIRITS
BRIGHT
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SEW MUCH TO
LOVE
The more you look at this quarter’s rich tapestry of people, places and things, the more you’ll see how easy it is to craft a genuinely happy, fulfilling and secure life at Blue Skies of Texas, America’s best retirement value.
Enjoy! Download our Info Kit BlueSkiesInfo.org
HOW SAN ANTONIO GETS CRAFTY PAPEL PICADO
TRADITIONAL PAPER FLOWERS
These colorful banners are made from paper or plastic panels that are cut with specific designs. Perfect for any celebration.
These beautiful decorations are made with crepe or tissue paper and can be as simple or as complex as you like.
MEXICAN BEADED NECKLACE This traditional beading style incorporates distinctive patterns and bright colors. BLUETX-349 December Winter 2023 Magazine DM Issue 3 V10.indd 2
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A HOBBY FOR THE BIRDS Did you know that San Antonio is a stopover for one of the Americas’ largest bird migrations? Purple martins begin arriving in February and typically migrate back to South America around August. Tom Carter, one of our residents, makes sure they feel right at home. Today, thanks to this passion, his Oaks Lane cottage combined with the rest of the Blue Skies community boasts 60 purple martin dwellings. “The location is ideal because purple martins love to be near water and houses,” Tom says. “I’m like a purple martin landlord,” he says. Read more in our blog at https://tinyurl.com/HobbyForTheBirds
THESE HALLS DON’T DECK THEMSELVES, YOU KNOW.
s ue or
When you want to see just how brightly the holiday spirit can shine, look no further than Blue Skies of Texas. Here, the residents deck the halls, led by Pat Hochstat and her Holiday Decorating Committee. Just walking into our community this time of year can’t help but put you in a festive mood.
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AB-SEW-LUTELY
FABULOUS!
Resident Doris Megonigal’s reasons for quilting and moving to Blue Skies of Texas are the same—it’s all about her grandchildren.
Chuckling and gesturing to a corner of the community quilting studio, she notes, “There are some quilting war stories over there.”
Not only did she want to live closer to them (90 minutes vs. six hours), she also wanted to create something unique and handmade they could pass on for generations to come.
But those very “war stories” (imperfect quilting projects) eventually become beautiful, thoughtful pieces made with love and care.
“I started my first quilt when my first grandchild was four years old and I’ve apologized to her for that quilt because I don’t think it was very good, but it was my first try,” she says. Although quilting can be challenging, Doris says imperfection is definitely part of the process.
“I wanted to make something I know they’ll enjoy getting and will be useful,” she explains, beaming with pride. “Hopefully, they’ll think of me in the future. For now, it’s an opportunity to create, learn from others, have fun and build a community.”
DID YOU KNOW?
After Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836, hundreds of European families immigrated to the new republic. They were quick to adopt the use of quilts, which became common in virtually all Texas households.
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ARTS AND CRAFTS: ALAMO CITY STYLE Whether it’s being part of a standing ovation or getting your hands dirty, literally—there’s no shortage of opportunities to get your creative juices flowing. MAJESTIC THEATRE
WINTER ARTISAN SHOW
The city’s oldest and largest theater will showcase two of Broadway’s most popular shows. • Wicked: December 20 - January 7 • Tina – The Tina Turner Musical: January 16 - January 21
Shop for artisan-made goods, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings and more, while strolling along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. January 13 - 15.
majesticempire.com
thesanantonioriverwalk.com
San Antonio
AGARITA CHAMBER PLAYERS San Antonio Botanical Gardens
February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Downtown River Walk
SPARE PARTS CENTER FOR CREATIVE REUSE San Antonio
Sarah Manzke, our own Director of Marketing, performs with Agarita and guitar virtuoso Pablo Sáinz-Villegas at this free concert.
Explore this nonprofit store for all kinds of crafting treasures – yarn, fabrics, paint supplies and more. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
agarita.org
spartspartssa.org
STITCHED IN SCHERTZ
SUNIN CLAY STUDIO
Schertz
San Antonio
Kids and adults can take quilting and sewing classes in this store with a wide selection of fabrics, kits and more.
Ever wanted to try your hand at pottery? This studio offers beginner lessons for adults and kids. Go play in the mud!
stitchedinschertz.com
facebook.com/SuninClayStudio
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FIVE YEARS AND RUNNING
With miles of beautiful walking trails crisscrossing our two campuses, Blue Skies of Texas makes it easy to enjoy one of life’s simplest and most beneficial exercises. But the 35 members of our Seasoned Soles Running/Walking Club like to take things a step further. From brisk walks to training for everything from 5K races to marathons (we’re not kidding!), you’ll find our Blue Skies running shirts are well recognized in the local area, and most of our walkers and runners are winning age group awards. Ready to run? The Seasoned Soles are ready! Rather just relax? With more than 70 resident-created clubs, you’re sure to find at least one you’ll love.
COMING SOON TO BLUE SKIES
For details, call 210-306-4609
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JANUARY Walk This Way
JANUARY 13 – 10:00 a.m.
On January 13, our resident running/walking group will join up with the San Antonio Volksmarch chapter for an organized walk through our West Campus. Join us for a 5K or 10K walk with members of America’s Walking Club and Blue Skies of Texas residents. Burn off some of those holiday calories while visiting homes and meeting neighbors along the way.
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BLUE SKIES PROFILES Hope Santos
Life Enrichment Director, Blue Skies of Texas
Hope, who just celebrated her 25-year anniversary at Blue Skies, oversees more than 30 fitness classes, including Aquatic Aerobics, Group Fitness, Personal Training, Strength Training, Tai Chi and more. Her list of certifications is impressive, as is her passion for helping our residents. What’s your idea of perfect happiness? I am a Christian woman, so having God in the center of my life gives me peace in my heart, and that gives me happiness! God is also the source of my strength. Through Him, I can do everything.
Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She is completely blind but has never let her physical limitations stop her from doing the things she loves. She even crochets baby blankets and other things. In spite of her blindness, she even manages to wash dishes. She is the most loving and caring person I know.
What’s your greatest extravagance? A glass a wine on Friday evening.
What’s your go-to pick-me-up song? “Eye of the Tiger.” I find the beat very uplifting.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? To be married to my wonderful husband for 30 years.
What was the first concert you attended? Joe Ely in Gruene, TX. We had just moved to San Antonio and my husband wanted to go see him. I didn’t know what to expect. Since then I’ve seen him perform several times and I have become a fan of his music.
What was your first motor vehicle? 1985 blue Buick.
What’s the most San Antonio thing you can do? To go for a long walk/run downtown especially the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon.
What talent would you most like to have? To speak French and to play the violin better.
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CALL NOW AND SEE WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON. Call 210-306-4609 now to schedule a visit or learn about the beautiful retirement you can craft at Blue Skies of Texas. Blue Skies of Texas is the only Texas senior living community to earn the prestigious CARF accreditation. A not-for-profit Life Plan Community open to those with or without military service.
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