THE TOPS IN TEXAS
GARDENING CLUB JUST KEEPS GROWING THE ICONS THAT MAKE TEXAS NEWSWEEK RANKS US #1 IN TEXAS!
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF TEXAS
Texans are rightfully proud of their state, and here at Blue Skies of Texas, we’re equally proud that Newsweek recently ranked us the #1 Continuing Care Retirement Community in Texas.
In that spirit, we bring you this edition of Tailwinds—a celebration of the best (and biggest) Texas has to o er. The Lone Star State has a style, history, and culture all its own, and in this issue, we’ll explore some of the amazing people, places, and things that put Texas on top.
There’s a long list of top celebrities who hail from Texas including Steve Martin, Tommy Lee Jones, Reneé Zellweger, and Carol Burnett.
TEXAS TOP PERFORMERS
In 2023, Belton, Texas native Justin McBride was named the No. 1 bull rider in Professional Bull Riders’ history.
The 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo set an all-time attendance record, with over 2.7 million guests.
THE ICONS OF TEXAS
LONGHORNS
These bovine beauties were initially brought to America by Spanish conquistadors around the time of Columbus’s second voyage. The Longhorns became the nickname of the University of Texas athletic teams in 1903, though it wasn’t until 1916 that the beloved mascot, Bevo, made his first appearance at a UT football game.
BLUE SKIES OF TEXAS
COWBOYS
Texas cowboys are another contribution from the Spanish. In this case, it came from the Spanish vaqueros, skilled horsemen and cattle herders who settled in the area in the 1800s. Over the years, Texas cowboys built upon the vaquero traditions and developed new techniques and tools, such as the lariat, saddle, and spurs.
Texas has so many notable features it would be impossible to list them all on one page. However, a few key aspects of Texas culture and history stand out.
MUSIC
The list of legendary singers and songwriters who have called the Lone Star State home is an impressive one. It includes Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Bob Wills, Jimmy Rogers, Gene Autry, Ernest Tubb, Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Strait, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Usher, and the one who’s sold more records worldwide than any of them, Beyoncé.
Since opening in 1970, Blue Skies has been recognized as one of Texas’s most iconic Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Blue Skies continues to o er the premier retirement experience filled with camaraderie, growth, and fun.
SAN ANTONIO:
A CITY OF TASTE AND DISTINCTION
There are lots of things to celebrate about San Antonio, and more than a handful of reasons to visit. For all of the folks who enjoy good food, this one is for you.
San Antonio is one of only two U.S. cities designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy (the other being Tucson, Arizona). San Antonio received this designation from UNESCO in 2017.
Being a Creative City of Gastronomy means San Antonio adheres to several guiding principles, including preserving and celebrating the city’s culinary heritage, contributing to the city’s economic growth through strategic partnerships, and developing local initiatives that support the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals.
Given the city’s colorful variety of cultural influences and creative energy, it’s perfectly understandable how San Antonio was able to garner such prestigious recognition.
LIVING LARGE IN TEXAS.
They say that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, that may not be true for everything, but here’s a list of some oversized roadside attractions that are worth a look if you’re in the area:
Big Tex (Dallas)
The uno cial state mascot, this 55-foot cowboy serves as the gatekeeper each year for the State Fair of Texas.
Dalmatian Fire Hydrant (Beaumont)
Rocking Chair (Lipan)
At 26 feet tall and located outside a furniture store, this attraction is said to be the world’s largest cedar rocking chair.
Cowboy Boots (San Antonio)
Designed by “Daddy-O” Wade,
Barbadilla (Bu alo Gap)
Donated by Walt Disney to promote the release of 101 Dalmatians, working fire hydrant can blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute.
a Texas pioneer of funk art, these boots stand a staggering 35 feet tall and 33 feet long.
Designed by sculptor Joe Barrington, this 30-footlong metal armadillo has been on display since 2009.
and 22 feet long.
THE TOP ATTRACTIONS
THE ALAMO
USA Today ranked San Antonio’s legendary fort as the #1 free attraction in the country.
Texas is home to some of the country’s, if not the world’s, top tourist attractions, just a few of which are featured below. Small wonder the state hosts over 50 million out-of-state visitors every year.
SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK
Stroll, bike, or cruise along this scenic 15-mile-long river walk that Trip Advisor rates as the #1 thing to do in Texas.
DALLAS ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS
This stunning 66-acre gem was named “One of the Most Breathtaking Gardens in the World” by Architectural Digest.
BRACKEN CAVE
You can find the world’s largest bat colony—over 20 million bats—just outside of San Antonio.
NASA’S SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
This massive science museum is home to the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft and over 400 space artifacts.
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
Rich in authentic Texas culture and natural beauty, this area near San Antonio made CNN Travel’s list of the best places to visit in the world.
Tomatoes, peppers, squash, pecans, figs, grapes, peaches, roses, even pomegranates—the members of the Blue Skies of Texas Gardening Club are growing all this and more right here in our community.
The President of the club is Jim Conner, an Air Force veteran who was born on a ranch and has a degree in agriculture.
“We have about 27 people tending plots now,” Jim says. “We get a lot of visitors just walking through the garden. They like it because the atmosphere is so peaceful and natural.”
Evenings in the garden are equally appealing. “We have a fire pit, and anybody can come down to swap stories and roast hot dogs and s’mores,” Jim says. “It’s more than a garden; it’s kind of a social club.”
UPCOMING EVENT
DOWNSIZING WITH PEGGY BROWN
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 | 9:00 A.M. Blue Skies of Texas West Campus
Join downsizing expert Peggy Brown to learn the ins and outs of decluttering, organizing, hiring movers, packing, and more. Brunch will be served.
Be sure to join us for the final presentation of our Blue Skies Ahead series. RSVP BY CALLING 210-306-4609.
PEGGY BROWN
BLUE SKIES PROFILES
Daniel Garcia Casillas
Fundraising/Marketing Associate
Daniel Garcia Casillas has been with Blue Skies of Texas for almost five years and currently serves as the Fundraising/Marketing Associate. He manages the planning and execution of the annual Play For Freedom Golf Tournament, supporting Freedom House, and the Eagle Dinner recognizing key donors. He is also responsible for organizing marketing events that promote Blue Skies of Texas to prospective residents.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is being with the ones I love in the place I call paradise, Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We have traveled there since my daughters were very young. We share many priceless memories there. Now, my granddaughter has shared in this paradise.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
My biggest extravagance was our first Viking River Cruise, which involved visiting multiple countries along the Rhine River. It has always been a dream of mine to visit Europe, and this was the ultimate vacation. We are planning our second European vacation later this fall when we visit countries on the Danube River.
What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?
I don’t have a particular pick-me-up song since I like to listen to a variety of music from di erent genres such as Old Country, disco, 80s, 90s, pop, Mexican, and Tejano. There is at least one song in each genre that I would attempt karaoke with.
What talent would you most like to have?
I have always wanted to learn to play the piano. I admire other people with that talent and am always in awe of how they do it so e ortlessly.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is my two daughters. They have taught me what unconditional love is. I have enjoyed watching them grow into beautiful, headstrong young ladies with their own distinct personalities and sharp wits that keep me on my toes.
What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was REO Speedwagon in 1983 when I was 16 years old. I didn’t even know who they were or what they played, but it was a great experience that opened the doors to many other concerts I have attended since.
What was your first motor vehicle?
My first vehicle was a 1988 Isuzu I-Mark. I bought it used after graduating from college and worried if I was going to be able to a ord the monthly payment on my very first full-time salary.
What’s the most San Antonio thing you can do?
I’m a native San Antonian, and I love everything about this city. There are so many things to do. I enjoy outdoor markets, looking for handcrafted or vintage jewelry. Fiesta is a must-do every year, including Oyster Bake, NIOSA, Cornyation, Fiesta Friday and the King William Fair. Building a Fiesta hat every year is the highlight of the season. And, of course, I know where to find the best margaritas in town.
Newsweek’s designation of Blue Skies of Texas as the top Continuing Care Retirement Community in Texas confirms what we’ve known all along: senior living at Blue Skies of Texas is pretty special.
Here, you can dive into a wide variety of activities, including over 70 resident-run clubs, fitness programs, delicious restaurants, and more. This wellness-focused Life Plan Community is brimming with friendly, welcoming residents who live each day to the fullest. The fact that Blue Skies of Texas is one of America’s best retirement values—well, that’s just icing on a Texas-size cake!
Come experience our vibrant community for yourself. Call to schedule a visit
