MYSTERIES, MYTHS, AND MISCONCEPTIONS
THE TRUTH ABOUT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES EVEN THE LEGENDS ARE BIGGER IN TEXAS HAMMING IT UP ON THE RADIO
THE TRUTH IS…
Myths, mysteries, and unexplained phenomena can be found in San Antonio and all across Texas. We’ll look at a few of them and even dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding senior living communities.
IT’S THE LAW. SERIOUSLY.
OUT ON A LIMB
In San Antonio, it is illegal to climb a pecan tree.
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU...
In Texas, you can legally get married by declaring someone to be your spouse in front of witnesses.
HMM…
In Texas, it’s legal to drive without a windshield, but not without windshield wipers.
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY MYTH BUSTING
MYTH: They’re only for old people who need help. Some people think senior living communities are like nursing homes, where fragile elders spend all day in bed.
FACT: Today’s senior living communities attract younger retirees and are vibrant, energetic environments that offer a wide range of stimulating amenities and activities. Blue Skies of Texas residents are an active and lively bunch, pursuing their passions and living their best lives. Here, they can enjoy pickleball, a driving range, a full fitness center, and over 70 resident-run clubs.
MYTH : They’re all the same.
FACT: No two senior living communities are alike. There’s a wide variety of campuses, locations, services, residence options, dining venues, and more to consider. And then there are the people who give the community its intangible personality. Blue Skies of Texas is ranked #1 in Texas and #7 in the country in Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities. With over 2,000 CCRCs evaluated, it goes to show that not all retirement options are the same.
MYTH : They’re too expensive.
FACT: Most senior living communities offer a variety of contract options that can accommodate a wide range of budgets. When compared item-by-item to the costs of living at home, and the tax deduction you may be able to take on a portion of the entrance fees and monthly service fees, a Life Plan Community is a really smart financial decision. Talk to your financial advisor to learn more.
With relatively low entrance and monthly service fees, contemporary residences, and a vast array of services and amenities, Blue Skies is arguably the best value Life Plan Community in the country.
MYTH : Blue Skies of Texas is only for veterans and their families.
FACT : While our community does have historic ties with the U.S. Air Force, today we welcome all seniors regardless of their military background.
RENOVATIONS GALORE!
Contemporary. Thoughtful. Stunning. These may not be the first words that come to mind when you think of a senior living apartment, but at Blue Skies of Texas, we’re ready to change that misconception for good. We have completed renovations on dozens of our apartment homes in The Hi-Rise and The Mid-Rise at our East Campus, and the results are spectacular.
Many feature an open-concept living area that’s flooded in natural light. It’s the perfect space for hosting family and friends.
Style and convenience rule the kitchens. Granite countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and a multitude of cabinets will please even the most demanding chefs.
Bedrooms are equipped with spacious closets, and the baths are graced with designer-quality sinks and walk-in showers. Many of the apartment homes feature open-air balconies with sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country.
As impressive as all this sounds, seeing it for yourself will take your appreciation to a whole new level.
Call to schedule a visit today.
FACT OR FICTION?
Texas has its share of lore, legends, and mysteries—many of which remain unexplained.
THE BAYTOWN UFO
A man encountered a glowing saucer-shaped craft near Baytown. Without warning, the electrical system in his truck completely shut down.
THE PINEY WOODS UFO
In 1980, a car carrying three people came upon a light in the sky. Suddenly, a diamond-shaped craft emerged from the treetops and hovered above them.
THE LEVELLAND UFO
In 1957, dozens of Levelland citizens reported seeing a UFO that caused their vehicles’ lights to cut out and engines to die.
THE MARFA LIGHTS
These strange lights have been seen hovering above the horizon and darting through the skies of West Texas for more than a century.
THE BAILEY GHOST LIGHT
Locals in Bailey’s Prairie claim if you park your car in a certain spot, an intense white light will head straight for you.
THE ANSON GHOST LIGHT
They say if you drive to a certain graveyard and flash your headlights three times, you’ll see a slow-moving white ball of light.
COMING IN LOUD AND CLEAR, IT’S BLUE SKIES OF TEXAS.
“Calling W5AFV!” That’s the call sign of the Blue Skies of Texas Amateur Radio Club. The club operates out of a well-equipped radio room on the ground level of one of the West Campus towers. An antenna that extends 21 feet above the roof allows club members to access contacts via voice or Morse code in multiple countries.
Club members meet monthly, have guest speakers, participate in national contests and Field Days, plus have weekly “on the air” sessions to keep their skills sharp. When you visit Blue Skies, be sure to ask to see the radio room. Until then, 73 (Morse Code for “best regards”).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us for our Blue Skies Ahead event series. RSVP to any or all presentations by calling 210-306-4609.
APRIL CONTRACT OPTIONS
APRIL 15 | 10:30 A.M. EAST CAMPUS
Our CFO, Amy Lyons, will walk through the various contract options you can choose from at Blue Skies.
MAY SELLING YOUR HOME MAY 14 | 2:00 P.M. EAST CAMPUS
Local realtor Jennifer Wilson will show you how to get your home ready for the market.
JUNE LOW-STRESS DOWNSIZING
JUNE 12 | 9:00 A.M. WEST CAMPUS
Downsizing expert Peggy Brown will walk through how to make downsizing manageable and less overwhelming.
BLUE SKIES PROFILES
Erika Provencher
Director of Capital Projects
As the Director of Capital Projects, Erika manages renovations across independent living residences and healthcare facilities, ensuring timely completion, optimal value, and modernization to meet contemporary standards.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness is to live and love life to the fullest with those who I hold dear. I try to take each opportunity to spend time with friends and family to talk, laugh, and experience things together. By making memories with these people, I find happiness.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance is investing in experiences that create lasting memories, from traveling to a new destination, indulging in a fine meal with loved ones, or doing projects at home that help bring friends together. These moments are priceless and enrich my life far beyond material possessions.
What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?
“I Didn’t Get Here Alone” by Kenny Chesney. This song reminds me of the people who have been by my side through the years and helped me become a better mother, leader, and friend. There isn’t a person out there who has accomplished what they have without a team of people, and I am blessed to have some of the best.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would like to be able to speak multiple languages fluently. This would allow me to travel more easily and be able to understand and get a better insight into the locals. This insight could be invaluable when it comes to the hidden spots that travelers often aren’t aware of.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is having two amazing daughters. They keep me young and hold my hand through life. We have been fortunate to travel around as I spent 21 years in the military, and we moved often.
What was the first concert you attended?
The first concert I attended was Alabama. To this day I love them and feel like they will always be one of the greatest bands in country music.
What was your first motor vehicle?
A 1976 Plymouth Gran Fury. It had an eight-track player, and the four manual windows allowed for air circulation in the hot Texas days. My parents would call my air conditioner a 4/55, meaning four windows at 55 miles per hour.
What’s the most San Antonio thing you can do?
I like doing many things in San Antonio, from the annual Fiesta celebration downtown to eating at many outside venues. From the patio at Chris Madrid’s, where I get my favorite burger in town, to the food and drinks on Viola’s Ventanas patio, there is always a great atmosphere and live music.
THE FACTS OF THE MATTER
Myths and mysteries can be fun, but when it comes to deciding how to spend your retirement, it’s best to deal with facts. And the fact is, Blue Skies of Texas offers you a senior living experience like no other. Our wellness-focused Life Plan Community is buzzing with friendly, welcoming residents passionately diving into fitness programs, 70+ resident-run clubs, delicious dining, and more. And when you consider that we’re America’s best retirement value, the facts about Blue Skies add up to something exceptional.
We’re the top CCRC in Texas! In its 2025 rankings of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Newsweek ranked us #1 in the state of Texas and #7 in the country.
