Heart of Texas Today May/June 2014

Heart Of Texas Today May-June 2014

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Publisher Alice Sadler Graphics & Production Golden Monkey Productions

Head Writer David Blackburn 6 Springtime In The Hill Country 9 Summer Heat And Your Vehicles A/C 10 Terrible Twos?

11 June 6 is National Yo Yo Day 14 The Then and Now of Old Ingram Loop 16 A Texas State of Mind…

A Short Story from a Tall Texan: My Dog The Criminal 20 Hill Country Day Trip: The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville 27 The Argument for Micro Chipping Your Pet 28 Miss Shelby’s Summertime Recipes

Staff Writer Cynthia Jones Food Writer

Shelby Israel Contributing Writers Nancy Foster Kelly Dooley David LeMeilleur

Lainie Johnson G. Wayne Hacker Cover Photography William Kierce Kierce Photography

To Advertise Call 830-370-9257

The Opinions expressed in Heart Of Texas Today are those of the advertisers and writers. And not necessarily those of this magazine.

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218 Sidney Baker North Kerrville, Texas 78028

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830-315-5005 Odemaris S. Young, M.D.

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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WIDE OPEN SPACES WITH SOARING CEILINGS at this prestigious address in Riverhill subdivision in Kerrville.

Impressive multi-level main living areas with 14 to 16 foot ceilings, rock fireplace, and wet bar for entertaining. Large dream kitchen with island, sub-zero refrigerator, breakfast area, & powder room. Luxurious master suite on main level with his/her baths & walk-in closets.Wine room.

3-car garage. Large lot with back decks in private backyard.

Offered at $399,500. MLS #82370.

Call Ed or Kelly for a private viewing!

Joann Faust

Email: Joann@ShermanCo.com Phone #: 830-329-2902

Ed Hamilton Email: Ed@ShermanCo.com Phone #: (830) 739-0056

819 WATER STREET ONE SCHREINER CENTER SUITE 170 • KERRVILLE, TX 78028 OFFICE: 830-257-7588

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HOA LAKE PICTURE-PERFECT ROCK HOME BUILT IN 2008 on 2 peaceful acres close to Homeowner’s Park with Lake. Less than 15 miles from Kerrville or Comfort, closer to Camp Verde. Open floor plan with soaring ceilings & tile flooring. Fabulous kitchen sports granite counters, hickory cabinetry, pantry, breakfast bar, stainless appliances. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus bonus room. Luxurious master suite. Large covered back patio to enjoy the serenity and the wildlife. 2-car attached garage, plus 30X21 man cave.

Offered at $325,500. MLS #81291.

Call Kelly Dooley today!

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Email: Kelly@ShermanCo.com Phone #: (830) 459-0452

SHERMAN & CO., REALTORS ®

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FABULOUS ROCK HOME BUILT IN 2001 WITH EXPANSIVE VIEWS in wonderful Northwest Hills outside of Kerrville city limits. Unique floor plan can be used in many ways, and allows all daily living on main floor. 2 living areas, formal dining, great room, master suite, 2 other bedrooms, and 2-1/2 baths (total app. 3175 sq. ft.) on main floor, plus alcove for office, playroom, etc. The upper level (app. 330 sq. ft.) offers a large rec room, office, or 4th bedroom, with a half bath & closet. Attached full quarters, or 5th bedroom, are on the lower level (app. 888 sq. ft.) including a full bath, an 8X4 closet, & a separate exterior entry. Fabulous hand-scraped wood floors enhance most of the home with high ceilings & many windows. Enjoy the open kitchen with island, gas cooktop & oven, granite counters, all overlooking the great room. On a pretty day, step out on the large deck and take in those exceptional views.

Priced to sell at $395,000. MLS #83723. Call Joann or Kelly!

ADORABLE “CABIN IN THE WOODS” CLOSE TO TOWN. Rustic-style vintage home on very private acre. Updated with custom cabinets, granite counters, tile & wood laminate floors. Fireplaces in & out. Private well. Possible owner financing. Only $149,900. MLS #82535. Call Ed or Kelly!

Lots & Land

1.84-ACRE PRIME COMMERCIAL lot with city utilities on Junction Hwy. in Kerrville. $387,000. MLS #82988.

Call Kelly or Joann!

HIGH VISIBILITY COMMERCIAL 4.32-ACRE property in Kerrville. City utilities available. Owner financing considered! Priced at $185,000 for quick sale. MLS

#82880. Call Ed! COMMERCIAL lot in Kerrville with city utilities available.

App. 50’ X 190’. Priced for quick sale at $31,500. MLS #82894. Call Ed! COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL 0.44-ACRE lot with electric & septic in Center Point. No deed restrictions!

Only $49,900! MLS #82721. Call Kelly!

HIGHLANDS RANCH CLOSE-OUT: 5 lots remaining.

Just outside city limits of Kerrville. Ranging from 0.89-acre for $29,900 to 1.4-acre for $48,300. Call Kelly!

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

ONE-OF-A-KIND HISTORICAL HOME AUTHENTICALLY RESTORED in 2010 with attention to every vintage detail. This labor of love reverberates throughout with oak flooring, high ceilings, unique chandeliers, plantation shutters, & luxurious detailing. Sunroom off living area w/gas fireplace.

Sunny breakfast area plus formal dining. Vintage-look Heartland kitchen appliances & custom cabinetry. Master suite w/large closet & private bath.

2 additional bedrooms and beautiful guest bath with custom touches. EZmaintenance rock & siding exterior & eaves, with metal wood-grain roof.

Granite block driveway thru gate to large back patio w/gas grill. Solid rock wall surrounds backyard for total privacy in this quiet area of beautifully restored homes. $480,000. MLS #83649. Call Ed or Kelly!

SPRINGTIME IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

by Kelly Dooley, Realtor®

Spring has sprung in the hill country, and summer will be riding in on its heels. It’s time for bluebonnets, picnics, family vacations, and… home searches!!! That’s right! This is our busiest time of year in the local real estate market. So, if you have been considering putting your home on the market, now is the time.

It’s a time of pretty colors, so spruce up the exterior with colorful flowers and plants, and be sure they are “deer tolerant”! About 10 years ago, some friends moved to Kerr County from Houston.

They spent one entire weekend planting pretty little flowers in the flower boxes and beds. The deer enjoyed their candy; and, by the next weekend, there was no sign of all their hard work. No plants are guaranteed “deer proof,” but there are many pretty flowers and plants that are not usually considered to be snacks by our local wildlife.

An easier way to spruce up a patio, a spot by the front door, or even flower beds, is with strategically placed potted plants and flowers. Additionally, it shouldn’t take as much water to maintain them.

One thing to remember though is that these are not considered to be part of the real estate; so, be sure to let your real estate broker/agent know whether they will convey with the property or if you plan to move them to your new home so that this will be disclosed in writing to the buyers.

An experienced professional real estate broker/agent can be very helpful with input about preparing your home for potential buyers, so start interviewing agents right away. It may take a while for advertising to be published; so it may be a good idea to complete the exterior first (for advertising photos), and then the interior. Spring cleaning is in order; so straighten up those closets and pantries, and out with the old and in with the new.

Having your property on the market as soon as possible will allow you to take advantage of the largest possible stream of potential buyers. This could result in a faster sale and a higher sale price than at any other time of the year.

Email: Kelly@ShermanCo.com Phone #: (830) 459-0452 Email: Joann@ShermanCo.com Joann Faust Kelly Dooley Phone #: 830-329-2902

SHERMAN & CO., REALTORS ® 819 WATER STREET ONE SCHREINER CENTER SUITE 170 • KERRVILLE, TX 78028 OFFICE: 830-257-7588

www.ShermanCo.com

The contents of this article are the opinion of Kelly Dooley, a professional real estate agent with Sherman & Co., Realtors® in Kerrville, Texas. Other professional real estate brokers and agents may disagree or have other views. Comments and questions are welcome by email at Kelly@ShermanCo.com. Your comments and questions and/or Kelly’s response may be printed in an upcoming issue.

When only the best will do… it takes this hilltop Tuscan home with quality workmanship & the finest materials from TOP TO BOTTOM (from the standing seam metal roof & 12-14 ft. ceilings with custom treatments to the hand-cut travertine stone tile floors) & FRONT TO BACK (from the custom iron double doors at the front entry to the large covered back patio overlooking Kerrville), and… only these rolling green 79.48 ag exempt acres so close to town could be the perfect setting. No lack of storage with large walk-in closets, walking height attic, many custom alder wood cabinets, Christmas tree closet, and even a palatial laundry room. Gated private drive to 3-car attached garage. Potential pond sites. 3 tracts make up the 79.48 acres, so already platted for family compound or for selling a tract if less acreage is needed. 1600-sq. ft. metal storage barn for livestock or other uses, or workshop for the hobby enthusiast. Offered at $1,800,000. MLS #82673. Call Kelly Dooley at 830-459-0452 or Joann Faust at 830-329-2902 for more information or to schedule a private showing.

Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

SUMMER HEAT AND YOUR VEHICLE'S A/C

David LeMeilleur

It gets HOT, HOT, HOT in Texas in the summer and if you have ever lost your air conditioning on a hot summer day, you know what a big difference a little cool air makes.

One of the best ways to tell if your vehicle's A/C has a problem is if it cannot generate or maintain an air temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient outside air temperature. If it is a 100 degrees outside your car should be able to maintain a temperature of at least 60 degrees. To remove the heat, the A/C system relies on several key system components including a compressor, condenser, evaporator, valves, hoses and pressurized refrigerant; all of this is controlled electronically. The most common cause of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit is a low level of refrigerant. This could be caused by a leak somewhere in the system. Since modern air conditioning systems are complicated creatures, it's best to have a professional check out the problem.

In the past, if your air conditioner wasn't blowing cool air, you'd head down to the service shop, they'd top your car off with a little Freon and you'd be on your way. The problem is that Freon, a chlorofluorocarbon, is extremely destructive to the ozone layer. Most people needed Freon refills because they had leaks. By simply refilling the leaky air conditioning units, millions of pounds of Freon were entering the atmosphere every year. Later model vehicles actually use a refrigerant and by its molecular structure it is designed to grab lubricating oil and lubricate the system. This is why when your A/C is not blowing cold it is important to not only fill it but to check it for leaks. Just shooting refrigerant in the system doesn't always fix the problem; a quick fix now can end up costing major $$$ later on.

KEEPING YOUR CAR'S AIR CONDITIONING WORKING IN THE TEXAS HEAT! A quick look at how your vehicle’s cooling system works. Before summer begins or if you're A/C is blowing hot air you should get an inspection of the hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks, check temperature readings, check that your compressor is operating properly and inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage. You may simply need a recharge of the refrigerant or the inspection could call for other service, like a new compressor. Plus, your air conditioning belt drives many other components in your vehicle, meaning a broken belt can have a much worse impact than simply an uncomfortable trip. It takes an expert to tell, so take your car to a professional repair shop where they have the tools and let the experts give you the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will keep you cooler and safer. Depending on the results of the diagnosis, the system is then serviced only as required to ensure proper operation, which might include: Evacuate refrigerant from the system and perhaps injecting a dye to determine any leaks if necessary Recharge the system using the appropriate refrigerant to the exact system capacity according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications (some systems only hold .5 oz of a pound!)

Perform any necessary service on compressor, evaporator, condenser, and electrical controls Recheck the system to ensure proper operation Perform a cooling system flush every 24,000 miles. This will keep you A/C blowing cool air, and make sure that the liquid caused by your cooling system is clean and not corrosive.

The safest, quickest way to feel confident your vehicle's A/C is working properly is to take it to a trusted, reputable repair facility. Look for the ASE blue seal of Excellence....assurance there are Professional Technicians servicing your vehicle. Keep your cool with a proper operating A/C!

Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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Terrible Two’s?

This is a difficult time for children as well as their parents.

A two year old wants to do it herself, and she’s too young to have experience at what she’s trying to do. She goes through these challenges multiple times every day...frustrating for her as well as her parents!

And while all of this is going on, you are trying to establish rules and apply consequences—a sure prescription for disaster. No wonder they call it “the terrible twos”!

You’ll find that this stage of your child’s life actually starts around 15 months. Your child will become more demanding, inflexible and even aggressive. And, if you don’t apply adequate consequences and patience at this time of his life, it won’t end when he turns three.

Remember, your child is trying to become independent. It will make all lives easier if you understand this about your child.

One of the child experts that we refer to suggests that parents need to be concise (to the point), consistent and have open communication. Sometimes you will find this stage of life to be embarrassing, but remember that every parent of a toddler will go through it—you are not alone.

Allow your child to be an individual, but be very clear where the boundaries lie and what the consequences of crossing those lines will be. Kids don’t need many words or lengthy explanations about what or why you are restricting them—they just need to know that you are serious and that you will be consistent in those expectations. Don’t make so many rules that you grow weary of enforcing them, but at the same time ALWAYS enforce the rules you have established.

What is appropriate when your two year old child pushes a boundary too far? One method you might try is moving her to a different activity to distract her from something you may not want her to be doing. For more serious offenses, you can use time-out.

Time-out is best reserved for absolutely unacceptable behavior and usually works best with children who are bonded to their parent. When he has lost your attention, he will understand your message.

Put him in a safe place where he cannot be harmed—usually one minute of time-out for each year of age works well. It’s important that the punishment be immediate; if you are in public, find a restroom or go to the car.

To learn more, please contact us at www.thepregnancyresourcecenter.org We offer FREE parenting classes, on an individual basis to address whatever concerns you may have about your child – from conception to teens.

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

Celebrating Newton’s Law of Gravity: What goes down, might be really hard to get back up!

Or something like that.

They were best known for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” which aired on CBS from 19671969, Dick playing the straight man to Tommy’s lovable nitwit.

Once, when Dick commented that a song had never been written about a disease, Tommy straightened him out by reminding him of the classic “Scurvy with a Fringe on Top” to which Dick graciously acquiesced.

Few people knew that in real life that nitwit was known globally as “The YoYo Man” - a dedicated YoYo Master who was passionate about spreading the state of “YO.” “What IS the state of YO?” you ask.

Well, let me tell you a story.

The first known toy to ever be created was a doll. But 2,500 years ago, in ancient Greece, the second known toy came into existence.

However, it is only fair to mention that there is evidence to suggest that the object we today call the YoYo may have actually originated in China where it was used principally as a weapon.

In 1866, Ohio residents James L. Haven and Charles Hettrich received the first patent on what they called a “Whirligig,” but they did little to promote their innovative toy as they were primarily occupied with manufacturing farming machinery.

Then, in the early 1920’s, a young Phillipino immigrant named Pedro Flores arrived to work as a bellhop at a Santa Monica, CA hotel. During his breaks he would engage in playing with and carving wooden “YóYos” - a favorite toy in his native country. The name means “come-come” or “to return.” His breaktime activity drew so much attention that Pedro started a simple business venture, calling it the “Flores YoYo Company.”

In 1928, an entrepreneur named Donald F. Duncan was on a business trip to California and discovered the enchanting toys from antiquity produced and demonstrated by Pedro Flores and his modest YoYo Company.

With that said, let us return to our beloved toy.

He bought the company along with the magical name of “YoYo” which he immediately trademarked.

By 1946 the company was moved to Luck, Wisconsin and was producing 3,600 YoYos per hour. That’s 60 per second! The town became known as the YoYo Capitol of the World!

In 1965, Flambeau Plastics purchased the company from a dispirited Duncan when, after a long and costly legal battle, it was determined that the term “YoYo” was so common as to be in the public domain and the trademark was cancelled.

However, June 6, the birthday of D. F. Duncan, remains National YoYo Day in honor of the man who took an obscure fad and promoted it to a national obsession. In 1974, even then President Richard Nixon appeared on the Grand Old Opry television show playing with a YoYo. In 1992, the YoYo was the first toy in space when Jeffrey Hoffman took one aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, not to help him experience weightlessness, but something even more profound - the sublime state of “YO.”

It was a popular toy among the French nobility during the Revolutionary period when it actually served the purpose of a stress reliever. In The Marriage of Figaro, a YoYo is used to convey a characters tension. “It is a noble toy, which dispels the fatigue of thinking.”

So back to Newton: What goes down, WILL come up again, and then back down, and then back up. Or something like that.

And both LaFayette and Napoleon issued these “bandolores” to their troops to occupy them between battles.

The worlds largest YoYo weighs 256 lbs and is on display at the National YoYo Museum in California.

All it takes is a little practice. Okay, maybe a lot, but it’s so much fun!

Dick and Tommy - The Smothers Brothers

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The Then and Now of Old Ingram Loop

By Nancy Foster

It’s a bit of nostalgia mixed with history, sprinkled with some modern touches of now. Called Old Ingram Loop, this tiny quarter-mile stretch of quaintness flanks the bank of the Guadalupe River, due west from its neighboring City of Kerrville.

The community’s history is rooted with vision and commitment.

John C. Ingram, a minister from California, purchased the six-acre tract back in 1879 and turned what once was just a dusty path from Kerrville into a gravel road teeming with enterprise. During its heyday, Ingram became a main commercial center thriving

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with a general store, post office, barbershop, mercantile, several bars and a doctor’s office. It also became a stop on the old stagecoach route from San Antonio to California during the pre-railroad era. Dramatic changes came in 1932 via a destructive flood that heavily damaged the tiny burg, causing townsmen to reroute the highway to higher ground. The area of commercial establishments fell by the wayside until recent years, when structures were repurposed into a collection of shops run by talented artists and craftsmen.

Age has not dimmed “The Loop’s” character. If you go today – and you should – be prepared to step back into a gentler time.

Park the car and leisurely stroll the boardwalk. Twenty lovingly restored shops beckon with wares such as home accessories, lamps and shades, antiques, Texas-made gifts and quilts. Add to these several fine art galleries, a silversmith, a newly-opened restaurant, BBQ stand, small RV Park and a B&B. Have no compunctions about browsing; merchants are very welcoming but not intrusive. You may even find yourself welcomed by a shopkeeper’s friendly pooch. How fitting.

Two buildings stand out distinctly in the middle of The Loop – Miss Kitty’s Bar and her house. The former, a sagging red building teetering on the verge of collapse, was once the hearty hub of local activity. Adjoining it, affixed by an ingrown oak tree, is where Miss Kitty once lived. Current owners have chosen not to revitalize these buildings, but many artists and photographers delight in having subject matter to capture the essence of yesteryear. Definitely bring your camera.

Old Ingram Loop is accessed on Highway 27, just past the fork where Highway 39 turns off. Merchant hours vary, but many shops are open Tuesday – Saturday. A website is in the works, but for now merchants suggest you learn more on their Facebook page: Old Ingram Loop.

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To our men and women in uniform‌ Past, present and future.

God Bless you and thank you.

Memorial Day 2014 Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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Hill Country Day Trip: The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville By: Nancy Foster

The Museum of Western Art has been called a “Hidden Gem”, an “Awesome Place to Visit” and “Well Worth the Stop”. It’s all this and more, wrapped into a museum that’s fun yet educational, classy not stuffy, and a symbol to the way life was once lived.

Opened in April of 1983 as the Cowboy Artists of America Museum and renamed the Museum of Western Art in 2003, this 14,000 square foot facility is situated just two miles southeast of downtown Kerrville. The Museum’s mantra is its dedication to the preservation of western 20

Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

heritage through art. Its permanent collection of oils by well-known western artists mix with a healthy dose of stunning bronze sculptures to accurately depict the colorful life and rugged beauty of the old west.

The museum’s grounds are also historically significant. The land was part of the Great Western Trail which ran from Bandera to Kansas City during the latter half of the 1800s.

A marker depicts the site of this famed cattle drive.

Two massive bronzes adjacent to the front entrance are most definitely a popular photo op. “Wind & Rain” by William Morris CA and “Out of the Mystic Past” by Fritz White CA are exquisitely detailed works typifying our western heritage.

A less known feature of the museum is its comprehensive western research library which contains over 6000 volumes; included are rare editions dating back to the mid 1800s. The likes of authors Larry McMurtry and James Michener are among notables who have used the library for research. Although there is no charge for reading, books must remain on property.

A stunning 11,000’ outdoor pavilion overlooks a panoramic view of Kerrville, making it the perfect setting for weddings, family reunions, or corporate retreats. The towering bronze “An Honest Day’s Work” by Fred Fellows CA is centered perfectly as a focal point for smaller gatherings and receptions.

The structure of the museum is a story in itself.

The design of acclaimed Texas architect O’Neil Ford, its refined details include 26 panels of rarely seen handcrafted boveda brick ceilings and floors of mesquite wood and Saltillo tile.

The common area showcases a muchphotographed authentic chuck wagon, stagecoach and collection of vintage saddles.

Knowledgeable volunteer docents are on hand to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Kids adore the Journey West Children’s Gallery that portrays life on the western trail in the 1840s. Interactive fun includes period dress-up clothes, a teepee to climb into and a covered wagon to explore.

Several casitas, used for the museum’s art education program, house summer classes for youth and adult workshops. Call the museum for schedules and details.

Continued on next page.

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Heart of Texas Today | June - July 2014 Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau 2108 Sidney Baker, Kerrville TX 78028 800-221-7958 or 830-792-3535 www.KerrvilleTexasCVB.com Contact us for our current Events

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Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau 126 State Highway 16 S, Bandera, TX 78003 1-800-364-3833 路 cowpoke@banderacowboycapital.com Contact us for our current events

Visit the Chamber at 630 Hwy 27, Comfort, TX 78013 Chamber Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-3 pm (830) 995-3131, or FAX (830) 995-5252 www.comfortchamberof commerce.com Contact us for our current events.

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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The Argument for Micro Chipping Your Pet

By G. Wayne Hacker Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League

I know, I know, your little honey or big bruiser is a house pet or confined to your backyard, which you feel negates the need to have her or him micro chipped.

Well, let’s examined that logic.

One year ago last February; a man dropped by the CCPAL Resale Store and presented us with a pedigree Pomeranian that he had picked up off of the highway. A quick examination revealed a host of stickers and burrs in his long black coat, while told us he had been wondering about for a while. So the first thing we did was take him to a groomer and then to the veterinarian for a checkup. While under her care, the vet discovered that the dog had a microchip. When we ran the chip through the registery, we were able to locate the owner who lived near the airport in San Antonio. The kicker was, the dog had been snatched from inside the man’s fenced back yard five months earlier. Needless to say, if the dog had not been micro chipped he probably would have been lost to his owner forever.

Still need more persuading? Well, let’s look at what happened just last week. We were conducting an adoption event in the city of Helotes. Right before we closed up shop, a couple came forward and presented us with a two year old brindle colored American Bulldog that they found wondering the streets of their neighborhood. He was well groomed and extremely friendly – neither signs of an abandoned or dumped animal. It was obviously a family pet that had lost his way. Two days later, we received a call from a lady searching frantically for the dog. She had called sixty-

three vets and organizations before reaching us. Just think how much time and worry she would have saved by having her pet micro chipped.

Let me dispel any myths you may have heard about micro chipping. The chip is so small it is injected like a vaccination, completely painless to the pet. When it is inside the animal’s coat, it is impossible to detect without a reader. The cost is minimal. We can administer it for you, as can any veterinarian. For more information or assistance call us at 210-867-1769.

For your information, the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League (CCPAL is a 501(c) 3 charity and helping betrayed and abandoned dogs find good homes is what we do.

Whoever says they can’t find happiness has never held a little puppy in their arms.

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Miss Shelby’s Summertime Recipes Meet our new Food Writer

Shelby Israel is a native Texan who loves to cook. Born in Corpus Christi and having deep family roots in Central Texas, she has managed a coffee shop and pastry restaurant for the last five years. Her artistic nature is evident in her love of drawing abstract compositions, but her primarily avocation is cooking.

"I love being in the kitchen," she says. "My favorite thing is to dive into the pantry and see what spin I can put on a tried and true recipe---and hope it turns out great!"

Spaghetti Squash alla Carbonara Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash 12 oz. nitrate-free bacon 1 Tbsp flour 1/2 C full-fat coconut milk 6 eggs 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning (or herbs de Provence) 1 tsp dried parsley 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1 heaping Tbsp lard (or butter)

Instructions Cut the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, place open side down on a plate and microwave for 10 minutes (alternatively, bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees) While the squash is cooking, fry up the strips of bacon (whole) in a pan over medium heat.

Use one you can also scramble eggs in, we like a cast iron skillet When the bacon is finished cooking and crispy, remove from the pan and set-aside bacon Over medium heat, whisk in the arrowroot powder to the bacon grease and let cook for a few minutes While the arrowroot cooks, combine eggs, coconut milk, seasoning, parsley, salt and garlic powder in a bowl until all yolks are fully incorporated Pour eggs into pan, stirring frequently, and cook in bacon fat until still wet but cooked through (about 3 minutes) Slice bacon into 1/4 inch strips, add to serving bowl and top with egg mixture Scoop out spaghetti squash "noodles" with a spoon and and add to serving bowl, top with lard Slowly start to incorporate lard into spaghetti squash; once melted, stir to combine all ingredients

Cheesy Chicken Casserole Ingredients 8 Chicken breasts 1 Cup Sour Cream 8 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese 4 oz. Diced Green Chiles 4 tsp Taco Seasoning 16 oz. Green Salsa 4 Stalks Green Onions

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Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Cut the chicken breasts into chunks, Cook the chicken breasts in a pan, if your pan isn’t big enough, do it in batches. Once the chicken is cooked, drain the excess liquid, in my case I just used the lid of the wok to get most of the liquid out. Add taco seasoning to the cooked chicken breasts. Transfer the chicken into a greased pan. Mix sour cream, chills and salsa together and pour over chicken Cook for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Shred the Monterey Jack cheese while the chicken is cooking, Once the chicken is done, remove and cover in cheese and cook for 5 minutes longer. Let cool, cut into pieces, transfer to dish and garnish with green onions

Stuffed Pork Chops Ingredients 4 Thick Cut Pork Chops (3.67 lbs., 2″ thick) 3 Slices Bacon 3 oz. Bleu Cheese 3 oz. Feta Cheese 60 g Green Onion 2 oz. Cream Cheese Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Cook the bacon in a skillet, reserve the grease and set the bacon aside. Combine the Bleu and feta cheeses in a bowl. . Combine the Bleu and feta cheeses in a bowl. Add the bacon and green onions and mix. Add the cream cheese and mix until combined. Slice open the nonfat side of the pork Chops. Stuff with cheese mixture. Use a toothpick to close opening, Apply salt, pepper and garlic powder to outside of pork chops over high heat, with bacon grease in pan, sear for 1.5 minutes a side Transfer chops to a greased pan and cook at 350 degrees for 55 minutes . Let rest before serving.

Seared and Stuffed Flank Steak Ingredients 2.26 Lb. Flank Steak (2 steaks)

½ tsp Garlic Powder

16 oz. Spinach

½ tsp Onion Powder

7 oz. Roasted Peppers

½ tsp Pepper

4 oz. Bleu Cheese

2 Tbsp Almond Flour

1 Egg Yolk

1/2 tsp salt

Instructions Start by placing the grain of the flank steak vertically, aka from front to back, Using a sharp knife, butterfly the flank steak by cutting it from right to left Microwave some frozen spinach and drain the liquid. Slice the roasted red peppers, Combine remaining ingredients with the spinach and mix. Spread the mixture over the steak and roll with the grain. Truss the steak with cotton kitchen twine. Wrap with saran wrap and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Cook at 425 degrees for 35 minutes. Then broil for 10 minutes, rotating after 5 minutes. Cover with foil and rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

JELL-O Strawberry Breezer "Moussetini" Ingredients 2 pkg. (3 oz. each) JELL-O Strawberry Daiquiri Flavor Gelatin, divided 2-1/2 cups boiling water 1 tub (16 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed ½ cup light rum or water 1Tbsp. lime juice

Make It Spread 1 pkg. gelatin onto large plate. Dip rims of 8 (6-oz.) martini glasses in cold water, then in dry gelatin mix; set aside.

Pour unused gelatin from plate into medium bowl. Add remaining gelatin mix. Gradually add boiling water, stirring at least 2 min. with whisk until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into prepared glasses. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.

Fluffy Layered Orange Dessert Ingredients

1pkg. (1 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Pudding 1-1/4cups cold fat-free milk 1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Sugar Free Whipped Topping 1-1/2tsp. orange zest 1pkg. (3 oz.) ladyfingers, split ¼ cup orange juice, divided 2 navel oranges, chopped 1/3 cup PLANTERS Sliced Almonds, toasted ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg Make It Beat pudding mix and milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in COOL WHIP and zest. Arrange half the ladyfingers, rounded-sides down, in 8-or 9-inch square dish; drizzle with 2 Tbsp. orange juice. Cover with half the pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Refrigerate 2 hours. Top with oranges, nuts and nutmeg just before serving.

What's YOUR favorite recipe????-----Miss Shelby wants to know....

If you have a recipe that is a personal favorite or one that has been passed down from members of your family, send it to Miss Shelby @ alicesadler2012@gmail.com. The best submission will be showcased in her recipe column in each new edition of Heart Of Texas Today. Please share your family favorites with our readers.

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Heart of Texas Today | May - June 2014

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