Heart of Texas Today

Heart Of Texas Today March-April 2015

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

3

Heart Of Publisher Alice Sadler Texas Graphics G r & Production Today Golden Monkey March-April Productions 2015 Stolen kisses Are Always the sweetest.

Head Writer David Blackburn 5

Obamacare Update: 2015 Special Enrollment Period March 15-April 30

Contributing Writers Kelly Dooley

7 The Real Estate Biz

David LeMeilleur

9 Benefits Of A Local Automotive Repair Facility

Denise LeMeilleur

10 From Our Family To Yours…

Hardin Plumbing and Hardin Heating & Cooling 12 Childhood Sexual Abuse 14 Me-Ma and the Founder’s Day Murder 17 What is the Best Time of the day to Exercise?

18 A Texas State of Mind…

A Short Story from a Tall Texan: Uncle Harley and the Bear 20 A Visitor from the City 24 BCFS Brings Hope and Life Change to Young Adults 26 A Day in the Life of the CCPAL Kennel Manager 28 Spring Recipes 30 Is Your Job Keeping You from Getting in Shape?

Lainie Johnson Todd E. Peter G. Wayne Hacker R. D. Shade TD Cooper Paula Pirone Leonard Favela Illustrator A Visitor from the City Layne Roach Cover Photography Courtesy of The Hardin Family

To Advertise Call 830-370-9257 www.heartof texastoday.com The Opinions expressed in Heart Of Texas Today are those of the advertisers and writers. And not necessarily those of this magazine.

2EDPDFDUH 8SGDWH 2015 Special Enrollment Period March 15 – April 30 Those eligible for this special enrollment period live in states with a Federally-facilitated Marketplace and: x

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Attest that when they filed their 2014 tax return they paid the fee for not having health coverage in 2014, and

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Do not make costly enrollment mistakes. We provide professional assistance with enrollment, plan selection, and ongoing plan administration to our community for free! If your household income falls within 100% and 400% of FPL, you may qualify for a reduction in cost for your family:

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April

5

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Ed Hamilton, Broker Assoc.

Kelly Dooley, Agent (830) 459-0452 Kelly@ShermanCo.com

(830) 739-0056 Ed@ShermanCo.com

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COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN WEST KERRVILLE 2400 sq. ft. on 0.344-acre lot Call Ed or Kelly!

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BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME IN RIVERHILL AREA!!! %5 %$ %UHDNIDVW 'LQLQJ $UHD RU 2IÂżFH 6SDFH Wonderful large covered deck.

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LOVELY CUSTOM LIMESTONE HOME Riverhill Area! Perfectly maintained!

Only $215,000! MLS #86404. Call Kelly!

SHORT SALE PROPERTY! All offers considered! Quiet area outside Kerrville city limits. 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 2003 manufactured home (644 sq. ft. per KCAD) on over 1/3-acre lot surrounded by nice homes. Licensed septic. Central water system.

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Lots & Land

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6

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

HIGH VISIBILITY COMMERCIAL 8.64-ACRE property in Kerrville. City utilities available. $355,000. MLS #85743. Or can sell as two separate 4.32-acre lots at $177,500 each. Call Ed or Kelly!

4.24 ACRE BUILDING SITE IN HUNT! Area of nice homes.

HOA river park and 90+ acre area for hiking, birding, etc.

Only $69,500! MLS #84086. Call Kelly!

BRING YOUR HORSES & BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME on this level 5+ acre lot in area of nice homes just outside Kerrville city limits. Reasonable restrictions. No mobiles. $98,700.

MLS #85306. Call Ed or Kelly!

Kelly Dooley, CUSTOM HOME ON 24+ ACRES!!!

3757-sq. ft. home with workshop & game room.

2-car garage / 2-car carport / Ag exempt Only $498,500! – Appraised at $500K in Nov, 2013.

Call Kelly! – MLS #84364

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Agent

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

SHERMAN & CO., REALTORS Ž 819 WATER STREET ONE SCHREINER CENTER 68,7( ‡ .(559,//( 7; OFFICE: 830-257-7588

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2001 FABULOUS ROCK HOME IN NORTHWEST HILLS!!! *UHDW URRP 5HF URRP 0RWKHU LQ ODZ 6XLWH :RRG ÀRRUV Call Joann or Kelly! – Only $395,000 – MLS #83723

79.48 Acres

The Real Estate Biz

by Kelly Dooley, Realtor ÂŽ

.HUUYLOOHÂśV UHDO HVWDWH PDUNHW GHÂżQLWHO\ LPproved in the year 2014. Kerrville area real estate prices are maintaining, and properties are moving. From all the signs, the market is expected to continue to improve in 2015.

In surrounding metropolitan areas like Austin DQG 6DQ $QWRQLR SURSHUWLHV DUH VHOOLQJ OLNH ZLOG¿UH and prices are rising. People living full time in the surrounding metropolitan areas enjoy the slower pace, ÀRZLQJ ULYHU DQG UROOLQJ KLOOV LQ WKH .HUUYLOOH DUHD VR many are purchasing weekend homes or acreage in our area as respites from their busy lives in the cities. Many are still retiring to this area from all across the United States.

Kerrville has such a great history of being a “healing� place, a place of refuge and relaxation. This hilly portion of central Texas has so much to offer, and we are very blessed to be here!

The contents of this article are the opinion of Kelly Dooley, a professional real estate agent with Sherman & Co., RealtorsÂŽ 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 on 79+ rolling ag exempt acres located just outside Kerrville city limits.

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Offered at $1,800,000. MLS #82673.

Call Joann Faust or Kelly Dooley to schedule your private tour!

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015 7

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There is nothing more important than a family doctor when you are ill and a competent mechanic when your vehicle is sick, and you won't get to know your mechanic unless you go to an independent garage. Unlike the dealer the local mom and pop independent repair facility allows for direct communication with your mechanic. You get to know your mechanic (and key employees) by name.

Once a relationship is established you build trust and the mechanic or owner will become familiar with your vehicle and anticipate issues or problems down the road.

There are other added benefits to you when you have your vehicle service and repairs done by a local independent repair facility. First off, the repair facility reports back to you...you have the final say about the repairs done to your vehicle. A good repair shop knows in a small community "Word of Mouth" goes a lot further to keep them in business than all the fancy frills, bells and whistles. When they doing something right, whether it is a repair or customer service you tell others and when they don't get it you tell others also. The mom and pop shop knows they have to get it right every time, their livelihood and their employees rely on doing a good job for you, the customer. Your local paper’s "Best of" poll is proof. Those businesses define our sense of place, but we often forget their survival depends on our patronage.

Secondly, consider the economic base they add to the community. Independent local businesses employ local mechanics with families to support. They utilize the grocery stores, schools, they shop in the community. Basically, when you use a local repair shop, the money stays local. The money you spend at a local repair shop creates a domino effect in the local community economy, usually three to four dollars for every one you will spend goes back into the local economy. This supports a healthy community with a viable tax sales base.

In addition, local businesses are much more involved in their communities. On average, local businesses provide over 300% more support to nonprofits than businesses with corporate headquarters somewhere else. Local businesses are also more likely to offer other types of community support—like sponsoring the 4H Wild Game dinner or the flag football team or buying an animal at the Stock Show in January. Local businesses’ community support doesn’t just come in dollars.

Business owners are leaders and community members who are often active in city or county leadership. They are invested in making changes and enacting policies that are good for the community. They have a vested business in the community their business is located in as well. If it is the local river walk, a fundraiser for a nonprofit, or taking a leadership role in the community of course they want their community to be seen in a positive light. This draws new people to the community where they will spend money adding to the local economic base.

When you choose the right independent auto repair shop in Kerrville, or wherever you are located, you know that your mechanics are professional and experienced. You can talk directly to them, learn about their ASE Certifications, and get a feel for their expertise. A majority of independent shop owners have been in the car repair business for many, many years, and are happy to tell you their tales. This is also beneficial because they have seen every make and model or car and every type of service or repair come through their garage doors! They don’t just specialize in one specific type of car, they have cross training and can provide excellent service and repairs on both foreign and domestic vehicles. The more variety they’ve seen helps them more quickly and accurately diagnose and repair your car.

There are definitely some great benefits to choosing an independent auto repair shop locally. With all of this being said, it is important to remember that you need to do your research and find the ULJKW repair facility with mechanics who are ASE certified, affiliated with a national service like Triple AAA and use quality parts. Check them out, get to know them and build trust with them, there is more at stake than just a repair, doing business locally impacts the whole community!

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Heart - October HeartofofTexas TexasToday Today| |September March - April 2015

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The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hardyâ&#x20AC;? Hardin family has served the Texas Hill Country with commercial and residential plumbing installations and repairs since 1957, and they have recently added commercial and residential heating and cooling installations, maintenance, and repairs to their services by acquiring Hardin Heating & Cooling in November of last year. Hardy jokes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The name was right.â&#x20AC;?

Hardin Plumbing is a family-owned business that has served the Texas Hill Country since 1957. Approximately 20 years ago, they added Kerrville to their service area while still based in Junction; and three years ago, the family decided to open an office with warehouses in Kerrville at 109 Industrial Drive in the Village West Industrial Park (off Junction Hwy. and Mill Run).

Since the acquisition of Hardin Heating & Cooling, they are more than doubling the size of their current plumbing office to house the employees of the newly acquired HVAC Company at the same location. Brian and Karen Hardin, distant relatives of the Hardy Hardin family, owned and operated Hardin Heating & Cooling, a premiere Lennox dealer in Kerrville, since 1980; and word reached Hardy that they were considering retirement.

Hardy has been plumbing all of his life and has worked with many HVAC companies, including Hardin Heating & Cooling, on a number of construction projects. It has long been Hardyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention to expand into the HVAC business. Cindy Hardin, Hardyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and colleague, said that she knew â&#x20AC;&#x153;it 10

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

was a done deal as soon as the details were worked out” when Hardy initially shared with her the possibility of purchasing Hardin Heating & Cooling.

Although Hardy actually met Brian in 1999, Laverne Hardin, Hardy’s mother and matriarch of the family and plumbing business, shared a story about her and her husband purchasing a camper many years ago, when Hardy was probably around 10 years old. She said it was in conversation with the people selling that camper that they realized for the first time that there was another distant branch of the Hardin family.

Brian Hardin will remain with Hardin Heating & Cooling as an employee and consultant for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition for the customers he has served over the years.

Hardy & Cindy want to confirm to customers of Hardin Heating & Cooling that Preventative Maintenance Agreements will continue to be honored, and renewals will be offered as well. Hardy plans to continually improve residential service, and expand commercial services currently offered by the newly acquired company.

This acquisition will add a new chapter to the steeped history of the Hardy Hardin family. Hardy’s uncle, Rudolph Becker, owned Becker Plumbing in Junction, Texas. After serving in World War II, Hardy’s dad, Holbert Hardin, joined Becker as a partner. When Becker retired in 1957, Holbert changed the business name to Hardin Plumbing and Heating, with his mother, Flora, handling the office. In 1963, Holbert married Laverne who joined the business when Flora retired. Together they raised their two sons, Jay and Hardy, to become plumbers.

Hardy Hardin learned the plumbing trade from his father during his childhood and through his high school years. Upon graduating from high school, Hardy went to Oklahoma State University School of Technical training at Okmulgee. He graduated with honors, earning an Associate Degree of Technology in Plumbing and Pipefitting. Hardy received his Master Plumbers License M-16229 in 1986, and the business was incorporated in 1987 as Hardin Plumbing Co., Inc. Hardy married Cindy in August, 2007. Now, history is repeating itself, as Hardy and Cindy, with Laverne’s help, are raising their three children, ages 3, 4, and 6, in the family business. Hardy and Cindy sincerely hope that one or more of their children have an interest in continuing the plumbing and heating & cooling businesses in their adult years. Hardy and Cindy work together in both businesses now, in much the same way as Holbert and Laverne Hardin did before them.

The Hardin’s gave employees of both companies a Christmas dinner party in December, 2014. During a brief presentation by the family, Laverne Hardin shared an inspiring Christmas memory from many years ago, when her children were small. The kids enjoyed opening their gifts from Santa, ate their family Christmas dinner, and then the entire family left their home to paint the plumbing shop in Junction recently purchased by Holbert. She told employees, “That’s the way Hardy was raised, and it’s that kind of commitment that got him where he is today. You stick by him, and he’ll stick by you.”

When asked what he would like the public to know about his companies, Hardy readily explained, “We stand behind our work and do everything humanly possible to do the job right the first time. Every service representative has to pass a background check and prove their experience and knowledge before providing service to our customers. We are here to stay.”

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

11

Childhood Sexual Abuse Child abuse is a travesty that frequently repeats itself in future generations. If you have been a victim, your children stand a greater risk of being abused. Your previous abuse can also cloud your observation of the warning signs in your children.

We must not be silent about this. One in four girls and one in six boys are molested before they reach adulthood. Silence only aids the abuser and puts other children at risk.

Children tell adults about molestation, but they may not use words. Therefore, parents must recognize the messages and take appropriate action. Nearly twice as many children being raised by a single mother are abused because of her need to rely on others to help care for her children.

Be careful of who you trust and use good judgment when choosing caregivers. If you have been abused as a child, recognize that you may have a hard time being discerning about your child’s protection.

Watch for grooming. Grooming is a process that abusers use to gain your child’s trust and confidence. It is a gradual desensitization that eventually tricks the child into accepting sexual abuse. Be cautious about older children or adults who prefer to be around younger children, or anyone who seems to touch your child when it’s not necessary. Also be alert for adults who want to share secrets, take pictures or have disregard for your rules.

Parents should limit the times their child is in seclusion with older children or adults.

Make sure anyone involved in caring for your child knows you are very serious about the protection of your child. Expect any care givers to be as vigilant as you are.

Signs of abuse include changes in sleeping patterns, nightmares, fear of the dark, unexplained fear of adults and/or increased dependency on certain adults, sexual language, behaviors, drawings or writings, skipping classes, drop in grades, moodiness, poor self-esteem, thoughts of or attempted suicide and more.

Children do not report abuse for fear of being punished, that no one will believe them, fear of their family being harmed. If your child, or any child, trusts you enough to confide in you, react calmly and do not get angry at the potential abuser. Anger will reinforce the child’s fear.

Children rarely lie about abuse.

You do not need evidence in order to report abuse. Reasonable suspicions are enough.

Let the authorities determine how to proceed. No matter what the outcome, keep your child away from the person you have suspected of abuse.

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 | March - April 2015

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

13

By TD Cooper Founders Day Parade was a big thing in our town.

People had lived in Parson’s Nose since 1868 but it wasn’t incorporated until January 15, 1917.

So now, every January 15th, or the closest Saturday, we had a Founder’s Day Parade with a couple of marching bands, tractor pulled floats and a Founder’s Day Queen. It was all followed by the Founder’s Day Picnic, not to be confused with the Founder’s Day Barbeque that was held in August.

Me-Ma was a sort of a founding family since she and Poppy moved down in the early 1900’s. She didn’t want to ride a horse with the other founders so she rode in the front seat of a red Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible with black leather upholstery on loan from ‘Chick’ Checkers Ford on Main Street.

Edna Mae Snooks rode on the back since she was the Parade Queen.

That year Old Charlie Peptide was Grand Marshal. He couldn’t ride a horse either but that’s because he was a “…an abusive, sadistic, moneygrubbing, land stealing, scallywag”, (at least according to Me-Ma.) “and no self-respecting horse would let him come near.”

He was probably the oldest of the founding fathers as well as the richest and most hated. He was mean as a withered weasel with his hundred dollar suit wrapped around a body that had shrunk down too small for it. And as much as he hated the townsfolk he hated his children more---the offspring of his wife Gladys who he hated most of all. She had left him ‘bout a million years ago---run off with the ranch foreman.

14

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

His son, Roscoe, and daughter, Dorthena, feared him more than they hated him. His grandchildren were the same and Roscoe’s wife probably hated him too, but she was dead and Roscoe, Jr., had left home at sixteen and hadn’t been seen since. Old Mr. Peptide kept the rest isolated at his decrepit ranch way out past the overflow of the Fondo Fangosol Dam. He abhorred what he called Gladys’s “devil spawn”.

The three Grandkids that were left only came to town for school because it was the law. Otherwise they would probably have lived out there without seeing another human being ‘til they died.

Carbert, my age, in my class, was almost invisible. He was small, pale and never said a word. The youngest son of Miss Dorthena and a man from down near Zebron who fathered three pale kids on her then lit out one night--permanently. Lotta people thought Mr. Peptide had killed him and sunk his body in the river. You never know.

And he was mean enough to do it too. He’d probably keep making everybody’s life miserable for years to come---except for what happened at the picnic held at the Shriners Hall.

After the parade most of the the town showed up, all dressed up and, after the blessings, ready to eat. Mayor Figgins, apron over his suit, was ladling out the Chicken Perloo. Nowadays they call it Pilau or Pilaf but back then it was Perloo and it was a lot better than now. Councilmen and clubwomen were serving side dishes, drinks and desserts. There was too much food and not enough stomach for that meal. Me-Ma had a big bowl filled full of ambrosia made with oranges from her trees,

chopped up bananas, maraschino cherries, pecans and flaky coconut.

to go. Besides, if they’d waited he’d be gone in a few months anyway. Cancer you know.”

Mr. Peptide wobbled to the front table (Me-Ma said she thought he was in pain and was drinking to kill it) and set himself down next to Edna Mae, the Queen of the Parade. Roscoe got him a plateful and brought it over while Dorthena had his sweet tea and dessert. Carbert carried the salad and tableware. After he was served his family was set loose to eat or not as they chose. Almost like a maniac he started shoveling the Perloo into his yellow, wrinkled face. All of a sudden he spasmed, turned to Edna Mae and froze. His face went from wax to purple and his eyes sorta popped outta his head. Then he started shaking and that Perloo came back out, all over Edna Mae, who was wearing that fancy dress her mama had made for the float.

“I figured it was something like that, Doc, but somebody wanted him to go this way, dramatic and in public,” Me-Ma said, “and if we know why then we know who.”

I was lucky ‘cause I had just filled my plate and was right next to him when he was overcome. I saw the whole thing. Doctor Carter was serving bean salad and he was on the spot before Mr. Peptide kissed the floor.

I saw the old man hit and when he did his bulgy eyes sort of glazed over and went half shut.

His face stayed a nice pink color but he was dead.

That was the first dead person I had ever seen, except for Poppy and he was all dressed and fixed up in his casket. This one looked dead---like a poisoned raccoon.

That was pretty much the end of the picnic. The Sheriff cleared the hall except for the city council, some county commissioners plus a few of the nosier club ladies and men. Doc asked Me-Ma to stay and since I was with her I stayed too. I heard Doc mention almond cookies and Me-Ma said, “There’s no almond anything at this picnic. You know what it is.”

The Doctor nodded. “I wish I didn’t Miss Emma. He was a mean man but this isn’t any way for a human

“Sheriff!” Doc stood up and wiped his hands on a napkin from the table. “Take him to the mortuary but don’t let Sam touch him. No embalming ‘til I do an autopsy. It’s murder.”

Now that was exciting. I stuffed some more of Miss Tooksbury’s sour cream cake into my mouth followed by a spoonful of rapidly melting ice cream.

“Miss Emma.” Doc looked at Me-Ma square in the face. He was average height but for a woman, MeMa was tall. “You know this town. Who was it?”

“Besides those at the ranch, just throw a rock and you're sure to hit somebody that wanted him dead.” Me-Ma could be polite if she wanted but right now she just wanted the truth. “I just don’t know anybody who would do it like this.

Everybody’ll think it was Roscoe or especially Dorthena. If their lives were bad with him alive, being suspects in his death will be worse. They could have done it out there at the ranch and nobody would ever know. This was somebody who wanted to kill him in public for all to see.”

“C’mon, TD.” She grabbed my collar and started dragging me out the building. “Your Mama’d be mad as a wet hen if she knows I let you stay here but she’ll be so interested in the gossip she’ll forget you.”

We walked, since Me-Ma didn’t drive. The whole way she kept muttering, “Who would hate him enough to kill him at the picnic? They’re gonna think it was Dorthena. Poison’s a woman’s way but Continued on Page 16

that poor woman couldn’t kill time much less a yellow dog like her father.”

My mother drove Me-Ma home and I got on the phone. Me and JD spent the rest of the afternoon puzzling out who would have wanted to kill Old Mr. Peptide. Finally we decided---just about anybody that knew him.

“From where, Me-Ma?” “We gotta stop that fool sheriff from arresting Dorthena and ruining her life more than it is.”

We headed out the door and Me-Ma got in the front of Reverend Mitchell’s big Buick and I got in the back.

Monday was Ladies Club day so Wilma Dean’s mother gave me a ride from school and dropped me off at Me-Ma’s, where I was hoping she had some of that ambrosia left. She did and she also had Rev. William Mitchell from the Methodist Church sitting with her over cake and coffee. I got a bowl of fruit and came back so I could hear ‘cause they were talking about the murder.

“Don’t you see, Reverend.” Me-Ma was being polite again. “Nobody wanted to kill Charlie. He was dying already. They just had to wait. But who hates Roscoe and Dorthena enough to have them blamed? Who was so filled with malice against Gladys that he would kill to make them suffer?”

“It wasn’t the children,” Me-Ma said. “There’s not enough gumption in the whole family to kill a chicken.”

“Step on it,” Me-Ma said. “That’s exactly what I mean. Old Charlie Peptide hated Gladys so much and when she left he transferred it to her children.

When he knew he was dying he couldn’t bear that they would be left in peace so he fixed it so they would live under the cloud of being suspected patricides forever.

“Ah, but Miss Emma,” the Reverend said taking a bite of cake. “As the bard says, ‘How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!’”

“Bard nothing,” Me-Ma said. “They hated him but they were scared to death of him. Who had so much hate they’d kill him and let the children take the blame? That’s what we should be asking.”

Suddenly Me-Ma sat straight up, he eyes round.

“Who hated the children so badly they wanted them to suffer after the old sinner was gone?

“Proverbs, Reverend, not Shakespeare---‘a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.’ And that is exactly what killed the old devil. I know what happened and everybody is wrong.”

This was getting interesting. I wanted another bowl of ambrosia but I didn’t want to miss anything.

“But Miss Emma,” The Rev said. “The Sheriff and a deputy just left to arrest Miss Dorthena for the murder. If it wasn’t her then….”

“Shut up, Bill.” Me-Ma was up and ready to move.

“Get that car of yours and meet me out front. We’ll wash up when we get back, TD.”

“You don’t mean….” Rev. Mitchell slowed down the car.

“Charlie killed himself and made it look like Dorthena or Roscoe did it.”

We caught up with the sheriff near the old Brookings Road. Me-Ma explained and he looked relieved he wouldn’t have to arrest Miss Dorthena.

A brief investigation proved Old Man Peptide had gone over into Kearsville and bought cyanide, supposedly for an armadillo problem.

After the inquest and gossip died down the ranch was sold. Roscoe went to live on the Red-Neck Riviera in Florida while Miss Dorthena moved to California. Carbert became a comic sidekick in Bgrade westerns and did pretty well. None of them ever returned to Parson’s Nose.

I’m still around but everybody else in the story has gone, most of them to the Royal Oaks Cemetery but every January 15th I remember that hellacious ride out to the Peptide Ranch and Rev. Mitchell getting chewed out all the way by Me-Ma---for driving like an old lady.

.

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

KVOb aÛbVSÛ6SabÛHW[SÛ]TÛ8OfÛb]Û9eS`QWaSsÛ %\ 3DXOD 3LURQH The time of day you work out gets a lot of attention, but is it really that important? Let's take a look at the reality of how much the time of day you work out can affect your results. I'll also share with you the five best times of the day that you should work out.

1. When you WILL work out.

While this may seem obvious, you should not lose sight of the fact that exercise is almost always preferable to no exercise. Unless you're injured, sick, or over trained, exercising is better than not exercising. Schedule your workout when you have the best chance of getting it done.

2. When you FEEL the best.

There are times during the day when you will have a slight physiological advantage if you work out during them, but none of those trump the psychological edge you have if you feel like exercising. The biggest physiological changes happen to your body when you push yourself further than you've pushed yourself before. The closer you get to putting in 100% effort, the more you force your body into an adaptive state, which is exactly where it needs to be in order to change.

3. When your glycogen stores are full.

Your body can push itself anaerobically longer and harder if you begin your workout with a full tank of muscle glycogen. This will let you lift more weight, jump higher, move faster etc. Glycogen is recharged by carbohydrates, and is extinguished very quickly with exercise, brain activity, and most other tasks and fluctuates throughout the day. Depending on your eating schedule, your body is probably primed for peak exercise in the late morning, afternoon, or early evening.

4. In the morning on an empty stomach.

In the morning, before you've eaten, your body is forced to utilize its fat stores for energy, and you can train your body to be efficient at doing so, which is cool. You're also "burning fat although it's not nearly as effective as "burning glycogen" when it comes to losing body fat. This means easy workouts can have added benefits if done in the morning on an empty stomach.

5. At night before bed.

This time of day is last for a reason. Unless it is really the only time you will work out or the only time you feel the best, you should probably avoid it. Working out directly before bed can affect your sleep. Most people have a hard time getting to sleep after a workout because exercise can throw off your melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, among other things. This isn't ideal because sleep is very important for recovery. It's when your body naturally produces most of its own performance-enhancing drugs in the form of hormones. Anything that hurts your ability to sleep should be eliminated if possible.

The bottom line is that everyone's body responds differently. When it comes to getting your best possible workout, psychology often trumps physiology. Exercise when you can and pay close attention to your performance. Then choose your preferred workout time based on your results. It's really very simple͘

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

17

“Why, Uncle Harley? Don’t you want to get any more lions or bears?”

His eyes saddened and he said to me, “No, son, I don’t want to hunt any more. My last trip was a long time ago and it was not a good one. I stopped hunting after that.”

“What happened,” I asked. I could not understand why he would have stopped pursuing an activity that he so clearly loved. He took a few moments to gather his thoughts and told me of a time, long before I was born, when he was hunting in western Canada. He was alone on this occasion and was looking for a black bear for his trophy collection. After a few days he finally came upon some fresh bear sign and began to stalk the beast he sought. Soon he came upon a female black bear that was foraging for berries; he quietly moved as close as he could then took his shot. The sound of the rifle shattered the tranquility of the forest and the bear let out a loud yelp and ran into the trees. Harley found some blood drops, but they were not large or numerous. He realized that, while he had hit the bear, the wound was probably not a fatal one. This was not a good thing for many reasons. First, Harley considered himself a professional hunter and he took pride in that fact that he nearly always brought down his kill with one well-placed shot. Secondly, a wounded bear was dangerous and could be harmful to anyone that it encountered. Third, if it escaped into the wilderness and died somewhere later on, his trophy would be lost. So he set out to track the wounded animal and finish the task he had started.

He followed the tracks and blood drops for a long while, up the steep hillsides and deep ravines, until he came upon a small clearing. He could hear water running from a stream in the distance and he also heard the sounds of a woman screaming and crying. His heart missed a beat as he tried to process the information; he could only assume that the wounded bear had happened upon a campsite and had, in its’ pain, attacked the campers. He began to run towards the sounds of the screaming, feeling a deep sense of remorse that his actions had resulted in something terrible for someone else. He raced up a small hill and looked down at the creek below, expecting to see a ravaged campsite and a poor woman who had been mauled by the bear, her husband probably lying dead beside her as she cried in agony from the injuries inflicted by the powerful claws of a Canadian black bear.

What he saw shook him to his core. There was no campsite nor any campers. There, at the water’s edge, lay the wounded bear, screaming in pain and anguish from the bullet in her side. She was scooping up mud and water from the stream and packing it onto her wound. The sounds she made were exactly like a woman crying. She was in such distress that she did not see Harley and he watched for the briefest of moments as she suffered in a manner that he had never seen in any other animal. He raised his rifle and ended her misery, but the impact of that scene had stayed with him for over fifty years. He never hunted again.

“I learned something that day,” he told me. “I learned that we are all God’s creatures, men and animals alike, and that killing for sport is not what He intended. It is one thing to hunt for food or to protect your home and livestock from predators, but killing just for the sake of killing is wrong. I will never forget that day and I will always be ashamed of causing an animal such pain for no other reason than I wanted a trophy for my wall. And that is why I don’t hunt anymore.”

The old man was quiet and reflective for the rest of the afternoon. When it came time for us to leave I felt as if I was older than I was when we arrived; that I had learned, through Uncle Harley, a valuable lesson about life and how valuable and fragile a thing it is.

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

19

KIDS’S FUN PAGE STORY:

A VISITOR FROM THE CITY

BY R.D. SHADE

It is a warm and sunny October afternoon in central Texas, and Bobby, Becky, and Bingo are camped on the large front porch of their owner’s home. They are not working with the cattle today because it is Sunday. Mr. Taylor, their owner, attends church, visits friends, and relaxes on Sundays.

The three dogs are draped over each other and are sound asleep.

A car horn blasts three times as a vehicle pulls into the drive. Three sets of border collie ears shoot straight into the air as the dogs jump up and turn to see the car. Bobby springs from the porch with Becky trailing close behind. Bingo usually follows the other two dogs, and this time is no exception.

The car door opens and out steps an attractive young lady in jeans. Mr. Taylor walks from the house and the two people hug. “Glad you could make it, Sis,” says Mr. Taylor.

“It is so nice to be back at the ranch,” replies his sister, Courtney. “I brought a little friend along,” she says as she lifts the travel cage from the back seat of her car. “Here’s Pierre!” says Courtney as she holds the cage up. “He’s a toy poodle and a perfect pet for me in my Houston apartment,” she adds.

Mr. Taylor reaches out to take hold of the cage as he looks inside. “Where’d you find this little rascal?” he asks.

Bobby, Becky, and Bingo are now jumping up and down and barking loudly.

“A friend gave him to me before she was transferred to a new job overseas,” Courtney replied. “Isn’t he sweet?” asks his sister. “Well, I guess he is. I am just not used to ‘sweet dogs’ in this part of Texas,” replies Mr. Taylor.

“When I found that I could visit you for a week’s vacation, I thought it would be nice for Pierre to come along too. He could get a lot of exercise and maybe help you with the cattle,” states his Houston house guest.

“Well, we’ll see how he does around the animals and take it from there,” replies Mr. Taylor as he sets the cage down and opens the little door. In the blink of an eye, Pierre bolts from the cage, takes two steps, and leaps into the arms of his owner. “Wow,” said Mr. Taylor, “That dog can really jump!”

“He is small, but he is very athletic,” replies his sister.

“I should say so!” agrees Mr. Taylor. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo stand still and stare at the strange little dog. They had seen many dogs but never any this small or with such curly hair. Pierre was a very different dog and would take some getting used to.

Before long, Courtney puts the little dog down and Pierre dashes off. Mr. Taylor lets loose of the other dogs, and they quickly form a circle around the poodle. After all the dogs exchange sniffs, the little one walks to the food bowls of the border collies and samples each. One thing was certain, Pierre was not afraid of the larger dogs, and that was a good thing. The animals he would be seeing tomorrow would be much larger and much more dangerous.

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

That night, Pierre sleeps outside with the other dogs and wakes up just before daylight. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo are already awake and at their food bowls. Courtney pushes open the front door of the house and walks over to the poodle. “How are you, Pierre? Did you enjoy your first night at the ranch?” she asks. Pierre wags his tail and jumps into Courtney’s arms.

As Courtney speaks to Pierre, Mr. Taylor exits the house and enters his truck. The other dogs have already hopped into the back of the pickup and are waiting for him. Courtney puts the poodle down and steps up into the cab next to her brother. “Off we go,” says Mr. Taylor, as he slowly pulls down the driveway. Pierre darts after the truck, takes a mighty leap, and flies into the back of the back of the pickup. He wasn’t about to be left behind.

When Mr. Taylor’s truck comes to a stop in front of his favorite coffee shop in Crawford, Bobby, Becky, and Bingo lean as far as they can outside the truck bed while still keeping their feet inside. Many good smells fill the air, and all four dogs hold their noses high. Mr. Taylor and Courtney get out of the truck and enter the restaurant. Before long, they return holding paper coffee cups and climb back into the cab.

While in Crawford, Mr. Taylor needs to stop at the feed store. As the pickup creeps down Main Street, the little poodle’s ears perk up, and his nose works furiously to catch all the smells. Things sure look, smell, and sound different than they do in Houston.

With the feed store located on the outskirts of town, Mr. Taylor permits his dogs to leave the truck. He whistles once and the three border collies bound over the sides and onto the feed store lot. Pierre follows close behind. This looks like the kind of place where a dog would enjoy spending some time. Large stacks of feed and seed are everywhere with parts of the lot under roof and other parts open to the sky.

An old and lame German shepherd named Herman is sitting in one corner of the large store, and Bobby, Becky, and Bingo have already surrounded him. Pierre approaches the immense dog with caution. Herman knows the three border collies and pays no attention to them. He does, however, stand up on his shaky legs to investigate Pierre. After a few sniffs and a couple of gentle growls, the tired beast sits back down and a nervous Pierre scampers off. The danger has passed.

Mr. Taylor has completed his purchase and whistles for his dogs. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo hear the whistle and run to the truck. Pierre does not recognize the whistle and continues chasing a mouse he found crawling on a feed sack. Pierre is quick, but he cannot catch the mouse as it darts behind a large stack of wood. Courtney calls Pierre, and he returns to the truck and hops aboard.

The next stop is back on the Taylor ranch. Mr. Taylor thinks that ten of his steers may have been injured or killed by lightening in a recent thunderstorm. He needs to find them. They were last seen in a tree-covered portion of his large ranch. Bobby, Becky, and Bingo pace back and forth as the truck slows down and then stops. Mr. Taylor steps out of his truck and whistles for the dogs. The three border collies jump out and Pierre follows their lead. Mr. Taylor whistles again and Bobby, Becky, and Bingo take off running down the fence line. Their noses are to the ground as they pick up the scent of the cattle. Pierre runs as fast as he can to keep up with the larger dogs. He, too, sniffs the earth.

Continued on page 22

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

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In less than a minute, the dogs are far away and out of sight behind the trees. Mr. Taylor turns to his sister and says, “If those steers are in there and still alive, the dogs will bring them out.”

“I sure hope Pierre comes out with them and doesn’t try to be a hero,” replies Courtney.

Bobby, Becky, Bingo, and Pierre soon come upon the steers in a grassy area protected by trees. There are nine steers grazing and all look up as the dogs circle behind them. Pierre follows the other dogs as they lower their bodies and creep toward the cattle. With his small body, Pierre can hardly be seen in the tall grass. The border collies are “eyeing” the steers and Pierre tries out his eye. The steers begin moving away from the dogs and towards Mr. Taylor and Courtney.

After a few minutes of herding work, the border collies have moved the steers out into the open where Mr. Taylor is able to see them. “Well,” he says to his sister, “I thought I had ten steers out there, but I only see nine. I must have miscounted, or one of them has been killed.”

“Do you see Pierre anywhere?” asks Courtney.

“No, I don’t see that little dog, but they are still pretty far away,” replies Mr. Taylor.

As brother and sister talk, and the three border collies continue moving the nine steers, little Pierre is running around madly trying to bring the one remaining steer out of the woods. The steer had been separated from the other cattle in the storm, and Pierre accidentally stumbled upon him. Now Pierre is crouching, eyeing, and barking furiously at the one thousand pound animal and trying to “herd” it in the direction of the others.

After five minutes of moving the animal very slowly in the right direction the steer stops and lowers his horns to drive away Pierre. Pierre freezes in his tracks and jumps back quickly as the steer sweeps his horns just inches from Pierre’s tiny body. After dodging a few more attempts by the steer to hurt him, Pierre leaps up on the back of the huge animal and begins barking and biting his neck. The steer can no longer reach Pierre with his rack of horns and begins moving again toward the other cattle.

Pierre and the steer exit the woods and soon join the other steers and the border collies. Courtney and her brother cannot believe their eyes. Pierre appears to be “riding” the steer and barking orders to it!

“Well, I have seen a lot of dogs herd a lot of steers over the years, but I have never seen anything even close to this!” says Mr. Taylor.

“I told you he was athletic, didn’t I?” replies his sister. “He probably is too afraid to jump off now that he is on,” she added with a smile.

“I only wish I had a camera because no one at the coffee shop will ever believe this story,” sighed Mr. Taylor.

With the ten steers now bunched in a circle, the dogs back off and the cattle begin grazing once more.

Mr. Taylor whistles, and all four dogs run to him. He bends over to pet Bobby, Becky, and Bingo.

Pierre pushes his way in between the larger dogs and gets a few pets also. “Pierre, I didn’t think you could do it, but today you became an official Texas cow dog,” says Mr. Taylor.

“Yep,” laughs his sister Courtney, “and maybe tomorrow he can help you build that new tool shed.”

With the cattle found, Mr. Taylor and his sister return to the truck and the four dogs leap into the back. It is only noon, but it has already been a big day for Pierre. While Mr. Taylor drives away, the dogs lie down to rest. Pierre is exhausted and soon asleep. A smile is on his face as he dreams of herding more cattle.

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

23

BCFS Brings Hope & Life Change to Young Adults By: Leonard Favela The slender, six-foot 20-something walked unassumingly into the banquet hall. He approached another young man with a warm, familiar handshake as they shared a smile and some polite chit chat. As the lights went down, Michael Tapscott strode with a quiet confidence to the podium to share his story.

“I am tired of going to jail,” he said soberly, his resolve cutting directly to the point in the room full of elected officials and other community and business leaders.

Michael Tapscott

“My daughter wrote me a letter that said, ‘I heard you’re back in school again [a euphemism her mother used for jail].

When you get out of school, are you going to stay out?

Because mommy says the school you go to is for bad people.’ When I got that letter, it broke my heart. I knew I needed to change.”

Michael’s mother and his probation officer pointed him to BCFS Health and Human Services. The organization operates a “one stop” resource center for youth and young adults in Kerrville who are struggling with any number of challenges, from homelessness to unemployment, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and even run-ins with the law. The efficiency of the center increases accountability and, ultimately, the likelihood for success.

With BCFS’ help, success is what Michael found. At the center, he learned how to write a resume and compose himself during an interview; he completed a construction course that included an emphasis on leadership and team building; he received assistance applying for financial aid for college; and he earned certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Thanks to BCFS’ work to connect youth with employers in Kerrville, Michael landed a position with prominent Kerrville builder JM Lowe & Company. In a serendipitous twist, he’ll now be working to build the new BCFS facility that will serve young adults like himself. (In recent years, the need for BCFS’ services in Kerrville greatly expanded beyond the center’s current capacity, so the brand new “BCFS Texas Hill Country Resource Center” will open in 2015 and is expected to serve thousands each year.)

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

Armed with a sense of stability and accomplishment, Michael’s newfound confidence is most obvious when he leads by example. “The other young guys at the site see my work ethic, they see how I work and I bust my butt, so that really helps me motivate them – and myself,” he says. “I never knew I had it inside me until I went to BCFS’ transition center.”

“Michael was looking for a way to help himself and his family,” says Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie, BCFS’ Development Officer and mentor to Tapscott. “It’s wonderful to see him confident and making a positive difference not only for himself, but also for his family. I’ve enjoyed watching him become the man God intended him to be.”

While BCFS focuses on helping youth meet measurable goals and milestones, the larger goal is to instill a sense of hope that builds young adults’ self-esteem and spurs them to take responsibility for their future.

Since 2012, Michael has been gainfully employed in Kerrville, planning his next moves for a stable future for himself and his family. He is pursuing a degree in Business Management, and has aspirations of one day owning rental properties.

AWQVOSZÛHO^aQ]bbÛ Û ?ObVZSS\ÛAOedSZZ|FO[PWSÛ

Michael says it will take a while for him to accomplish his dreams, but he has faith in God that gives him confidence in himself.

“I’m going to have to put some faith in myself. God understands everything,” he says.

“A long time ago, I used to be embarrassed of my life,” he admitted. “Now, I’m really proud of who I am. Don’t get me wrong, I have done things that I still hold myself down about, but I have more good than bad. And when I sometimes forget that, BCFS is there to remind me.”

Michael Tapscott illustrates the transformations that are possible when the community rallies around and uplifts its struggling youth, rearing the next generation of Kerrville to be successful, contributing members of a thriving and compassionate city.

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

25

A Day in the Life of the CCPAL Kennel Manager By: G. Wayne Hacker The construction on the Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League kennels was completed in January of 2009. The modern facility was – and still is – the largest dog shelter in the county. It opened with an animal population of 30 dogs. In two years, the population had swollen to eighty canines. It was in July of that year that Barbara Heller, a founding member and one of the real driving forces and workhorses of the organization, was killed in a tragic automobile accident. It quickly became obvious that without her presence, the small volunteer force would no longer be able to maintain the shelter, so the decision was made to hire Troy Hawley as a fulltime professional kennel manager. I recently had the opportunity to corner this busy man and conduct an interview.

What does a normal day at the kennels look like? dƌŽLJ͗ “My day at the kennels usually starts around 9:00 in the morning.”

And how many dogs are you caring for at this time? dƌŽLJ͗ “86 at the kennels and another 4 small ones in the house. In addition, we have 6 two week old puppies.”

Why do you keep so many dogs at your house?

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

dƌŽLJ: I feel they are too small and fragile to survive in the kennels with the bigger dogs.”

What about the puppies?

“Their mother was killed by gun shot.”

Are they going to survive? dƌŽLJ: “Four are looking good with two on the cuspate.”

What special care do they require? dƌŽLJ͗ “Feeding every two hours around the clock and supplying continual warmth.”

Let’s get back to your routine at the kennels. dƌŽLJ: Well, the first half hour is devoted to feeding and cleaning up after the sanctuary dogs.”

What are sanctuary dogs? dƌŽLJ͕ “As you probably know, we are a no kill shelter, and sometimes some of our orphans get too old for anyone to adopt, so we provide them a permanent home. Let me point out that the space we have to devote to this endeavor is limited and unfortunately, is forever filled to the hilt.”

What comes next? dƌŽLJ: “Well, then we separate the other fifty or so dogs into 4 categories, depending on their size and demeanor, and released out into large fenced areas to play while we clean their runs. Then we return them to their pens to be fed and watered. This generally takes from three to four hours. At that point we start tending to the animals that require medication or special treatment.”

You mention us. How large is your crew? dƌŽLJ͖ I generally have a helper on five days and work alone on the other two.”

At that point Troy excused himself and made his way back up to the house to give the puppies their next feeding. Later that day he would haul away and dispose of a pickup load of dog feces. In addition, he would haul back a palette load of feed. His routine continues for 365 days a year.

If this sounds like your bailiwick, Troy is always looking for help. He can be reached at 830-510-9543, but be advised, this is not a job for the fainthearted or frail. Most volunteers don’t last more than a day or two and to think - Troy Hawley has been doing it steadfastly for the better part of four years.

Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

27

6SULQJ 5HFLSHV &RPIRUW &DVVHUROH 1 cup chopped cooked broccoli 1/2 cup diced cooked carrot 6 ounces chopped cooked smoked sausage 2 1/2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese 1 cup shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, divided 1/2-3/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2-3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl mix together broccoli, carrots and smoked sausage. Then add macaroni and cheese and 4 ounces of Colby Monterey jack cheese blend, and enough milk to blend all ingredients well. Then add the garlic powder and black pepper, mixing well. At this point, taste and adjust your seasonings if desired. Pour mixture into sprayed dish, and sprinkle remaining co/jack cheese over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 4

&UHDP\ &DMXQ &KLFNHQ 3DVWD 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips 4 ounces linguine, cooked al dente 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (your recipe, Cajun Seasoning Mix or store-bought) 2 tablespoons butter 1 thinly sliced green onion 1 -2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dried basil 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat. In a large skillet over medium heat, sautĂŠ chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through. Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese. Serves 2

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

Sweets for your Sweetie 1-2-3 Cherry Poke Cake 1 loaf (16 oz.) frozen pound cake, thawed ž cup boiling water 1 pkg. (3 oz.) JELL-O Cherry Flavor Gelatin Ÿ cup cold water 1 oz. BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate 2 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided 1-1/2 cups cherry pie filling, divided

REMOVE foil lid from cake package. (Do not remove cake from pan.) Pierce cake with skewer at 1/2-inch intervals, poking skewer through cake to bottom of pan.

ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in small bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water; pour over cake. Refrigerate 1 hour. Meanwhile, make curls from semi-sweet chocolate. How to Make Chocolate Curls: Microwave chocolate on HIGH a few seconds to warm it slightly. Draw vegetable peeler slowly over flat bottom of chocolate to form thin curls. Place on waxed paper-covered plate. Refrigerate until ready to use.

INVERT cake onto platter. Cut cake horizontally in half. Spread bottom half of cake with 1/3 cup COOL WHIP; cover with 1 cup pie filling and top cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining COOL WHIP. Garnish with remaining pie filling and chocolate curls. Refrigerate up to 12 hours before serving. 12 servings

Cookies and Cream Truffles Submitted by Elaine Marsolais 15 Chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos) 8 ounces cream cheese 10 ounces white chocolate bark or vanilla coating such as HEB Baker's Scoop 1 to 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder for dusting Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.

Pulse the cookies in a food processor until the cookies become fine crumbs. Add the cream cheese and pulse just until mixed. Do not over process. Scoop out the mixture with a small spoon and roll into balls with your hand. Place truffles onto the lined baking sheet.

Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place into the freezer until firm about one hour.

Melt the white chocolate bark or vanilla coating according to the package directions. Dip the truffles into the melted coating using a wooden skewer or fork allowing the excess coating to drip away. Place the coated truffles onto the lined baking sheet. Spoon the cocoa powder into a small fine mesh sieve and lightly dust the truffles with the cocoa powder. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and place back into the freezer or refrigerator and keep cold. Serve cold for best flavor and texture.

Bon Appetite Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015 29

=aÛM]·`Û>]PÛ?SS^W\UÛM]·ÛT`][Û;SbbW\UÛW\ÛGVO^SsÛ %\ 3DXOD 3LURQH Office spaces are set up to require little movement, making it easy to gain weight. Before you know it, you've gained 50 pounds. Besides increasing weight, desk jobs also increase the strain on your back, wrists, eyes and neck, and can result in a general loss of muscle tone. To combat the adverse effects of the 9-to-5 routine, it's important to exercise. But when can you find the time? Workplace workouts can help you make the most of your limited hours. With a little creativity, you can take advantage of the few minutes you have between pending deadlines and learn to exercise while you work.

x

Stretch arm out with palm down.

x

With other hand, pull fingers down.

x

Hold for three seconds.

x

Then pull up on fingers.

x

Hold for three seconds.

x

Repeat, alternating three times.

x

Relieve the tired and lethargic feeling you get in your legs with ankle and calf stretches.

x

Hold one foot off the floor with your leg straight.

x

Flex your ankle pointing your toes up.

Here are some exercises you can do to help reduce stress: x

Stretch from head to toe, beginning with the neck.

x

Slowly tilt head toward shoulder.

x

Hold for ten seconds.

x

Alternate sides.

x

Next loosen up your shoulders to get rid of the ache, increase flexibility and add strength.

x

Roll both shoulders forward in a circular motion.

x

Roll both shoulders backward in a circular motion.

x

Repeat ten times.

x

Stretch your wrists to get ready for computer work.

x

Extend you ankle pointing your toes down.

x

Do ten times and repeat with other leg.

x Next, draw a circle with your toes, moving one foot clockwise and then counter-clockwise. x

Change feet.

x x x x

Want to start maximizing your work exercise?

Instead of driving to lunch… WALK! Instead of taking the elevator…

TAKE THE STAIRS!

x These changes alone will help you not only burn calories but just that bit of exercise and the number of calories you will burn will start you on your weight loss program.

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Heart of Texas Today | March - April 2015

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