“REALIZE DEEPLY THAT THE PRESENT MOMENT IS ALL YOU EVER HAVE. MAKE THE NOW THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF YOUR LIFE.” – ECKHART TOLLE
Editor Publisher
Cyle Elizabeth Johnson
Creative Director
Nico Johnson
Cover
Katrina Justovica
There’s a song by The Head and the Heart called “Let’s Be Still” that I have played so often over the last few months that my husband and my seven-year-old son both intervened. It’s a beautiful, mellow ballad but I think what I love the most about it is the reminder to just – for a moment – let’s be still.
I tend to use a lot of quotes here on the publisher’s page. The reason must be that we all seem to feel similarly about general facets of life and each have a different way of illuminating these nuances with our words. So here’s another quote – by Ferris Bueller – that succinctly illustrates my current headspace, “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
The Dripping Springs Outlook, a subsidiary of Valentino Publications, is mailed monthly to all street addresses serviced by the Dripping Springs Post Office in 78620.
I spent the last nine months growing the baby girl I have dreamt about, prayed for, and shed unnecessary anguish over wondering if she’d ever come to be. And while I enjoyed every moment of my pregnancy, I kept very busy and time just evaporated. Last week, as my husband, son, and I drove up Mopac under the dark 4:30am curtain of stillness, headed for St. David’s North maternity wing, I played “Let’s Be Still”. No one said a word as we traversed the empty road, floating in the gentle in-between of a family of three and a family of four.
EDITOR
04 Dripping Springs Outlook
The Future of Laser Hair Removal: Why
REGENERATE’s Technology Stands Apart
Laser hair removal has long been a go-to solution for achieving smooth, hair-free skin, but not all treatments are created equal. At REGENERATE, we do things differently. Not only do we offer the latest in-motion laser technology, setting us apart from traditional methods, but we also provide an unparalleled client experience—one that is comfortable, results-driven, and completely tailored to you.
We’re proud to announce we were recently awarded the Star Award in Dripping Springs for Outstanding Customer Service, a testament to the way we care for our clients. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the difference—because at REGENERATE, your experience matters just as much as your results.
How Does It Work?
Traditional laser hair removal relies on high-energy pulses that aggressively target hair follicles. While possibly effective, this approach can be uncomfortable, cause irritation, and may not be suitable for all skin tones and hair types.
At REGENERATE, we believe treatments should be as comfortable as they are effective. That’s why we use advanced in-motion technology, which works by gradually heating hair follicles with multiple low-energy pulses while continuously gliding over the skin. This method ensures effective follicle destruction without excessive heat buildup, meaning less discomfort and a lower risk of burns or hyperpigmentation.
Why Our Technology Is Different – And Better
A VIP experience every time. From the moment you step into REGENERATE, you’ll be treated with warmth and care by our expert team. We are dedicated to making every visit relaxing, comfortable, and personalized to your needs.
by Breca Tracy, PhD
TESTIMONIALS
“I WAITED YEARS TO GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL. REGENERATE STARTED OFFERING A PAIN FREE TREATMENT AND I DECIDED TO TRY IT. BEST DECISION! ONE OF THE EASIEST TREATMENTS I HAVE EVER DONE. CALL THEM TODAY. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!”
“I’VE HAD TRADITIONAL LASER HAIR REMOVAL SESSIONS. AND OBVIOUSLY THEY DIDN’T WORK, BUT AFTER JUST ONE OF THESE TREATMENTS I’VE ALREADY SEEN A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN HAIR GROWTH!”
“I JUST WANTED TO SAY, THANK YOU FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR US.”
“THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY THE EASIEST TREATMENT I HAVE EVER DONE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. MY PALMS WERE SWEATING. I WAS SO NERVOUS . IT WAS A CAKE WALK. IF YOU’VE BEEN NERVOUS ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL, THERE’S NO REASON TO BE HERE! IT WAS PAINLESS.”
“I KNOW YOU SAID IT WOULD BE AMAZING, BUT I WASN’T EXPECTING SMOOTH. I WAS ONLY EXPECTING BETTER. EIGHT TO NINE DAYS POST TREATMENT, I STILL ONLY HAD TINY STUBBLE. I USUALLY SHAVE TWICE A DAY TO MAINTAIN SMOOTH LEGS. THAT’S NUTS, I KNOW, BUT THIS IS REALLY NUTS. I AM SO HAPPY I TRIED IT WITH YOU! I AM SO EXCITED!”
Faster, More Efficient Treatments
Thanks to our continuous in-motion technology, we can treat larger areas quickly and effectively, meaning less time in the treatment chair and more time enjoying your results.
Long-Lasting, Smoother Skin
By targeting hair follicles at different growth stages, our method provides superior, long-term hair reduction, so you’ll need fewer sessions to achieve your ideal results.
At REGENERATE, we take pride in offering not just the most advanced treatments, but also the best customer care in Dripping Springs. Winning the Star Award for Outstanding Customer Service reflects our commitment to making every client feel valued, cared for, and confident in their results.
Ready to ditch the razor this summer?
Book your consultation today and experience the REGENERATE difference; where cutting-edge technology meets five-star service.
We have a very unique team of experts. Come see us, call, or email us! Dr. Breca Tracy currently serves as Director of Science & Operations at REGENERATE Dripping Springs. Breca has resided in Dripping since 2007 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Contact us at 512-368-4548, 800 Hwy 290 W, Building F, Suite 200. NaturalHealingTX.com.
As You Think, So You Become
I often work with people who have had their trust violated recently, or sometimes stemming from childhood when boundaries were crossed or basic needs unmet. With the older traumas, my clients speak of those events as though they happened yesterday, even if it had been months, years, or even decades ago. Yet as the client speaks, their emotions rise to the surface and they are once again transported back to the traumatic moment as though it’s happening in real time. And because of those experiences, their perceptions have been shaped as to whether the world is safe or not safe, and are they capable or uncapable.
And there’s the magic word - perceptions. All of us have a unique view of the world, which is entirely our own. And it is our personal, mental filter that gives life meaning. Generally, for happier, content people, they experience their world as a fairly safe and reasonable place where they have agency to solve problems that come their way. But for anxious, depressed individuals, everyday mole hills can become mountains, and the world certainly is not a safe place to lower their guard.
Even if a person is monetarily wealthy, inside they may feel an emptiness that no amount of retail therapy can fill. People, places, and things don’t automatically make us happy, but rather how we view and engage with these people, places, and things.
Think about your own life. When you’re feeling great, doesn’t everything just seem to go along more smoothly? You have much more energy, you create and complete plans with enthusiasm, people respond more positively to you, and even colors seem brighter. But when your mood turns foul, the simplest task can become a burden and the world takes on grey hues.
by Leslie Tourish, LPC
The ancient saying, “As a man thinks, so he becomes,” really applies here. Often what we tell ourselves has a direct and powerful influence on how we think, feel, and act. Try an experiment and tell yourself that you’re stupid, ugly, and life is unfair. What do you immediately notice? Now tell yourself that you’re smart, attractive, and have agency in your life. Can you feel the difference? The brain is like a reflecting mirror, it shines back what you tell it because all it knows is your perceptions of interpreted events.
We are all born a blank slate - every thought, opinion, and attitude has been scripted by what others have told us and shown us through their behaviors. And as we matured, we developed our own private logic about life based on those early foundations. So, if you were raised in a warm and trusting home, then you may view the world as generally a safe place. If however, you were abused and rejected, then you may develop some emotionally crippling chains tied to fear and anger.
But humans are powerful creatures. We have the ability, through insight and hard work, to recognize our negative thoughts and turn them into positive actions and feelings. Such as saying something as simple as, “I am loved, loving, and loveable, and whatever happens, I can handle it.” They’re simple words, but they may help us feel grounded into the here-and-now in a more peaceful way.
Leslie Tourish, LPC, is a Dripping Springs psychotherapist in private practice. To contact Leslie, visit LeslieTourish.com orLATourish.com
RESET & RENEW: BALANCING MENTAL HEALTH WITH CANNABIS WELLNESS
by Christina Cruz
Spring is in the air, bringing with it a season of renewal and growth. Just as nature resets and blossoms anew, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our mental well-being and consider how we can restore balance in our lives. At Haus of Jayne, we believe that mental health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, influencing everything from our relationships to our productivity. But achieving that balance isn’t always easy—especially for those battling the invisible challenges of PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, whether it be from military service, accidents, abuse, or even the stresses of daily life. It’s a condition that doesn’t discriminate, impacting people from all walks of life. And while the most severe cases are often discussed, even the mildest symptoms of PTSD can significantly diminish quality of life—manifesting as anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
09DrippingSpringsOutlook
The journey to mental well-being is unique for everyone, but for many, cannabis has proven to be a powerful ally. Research has shown that cannabinoids, particularly CBD and THC, can help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality—all essential components of mental health. Studies indicate that cannabis can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares and hypervigilance, giving patients the relief they desperately seek. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis reduced PTSD-related flashbacks by up to 62%.
At Haus of Jayne, we’re passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis and educating our community about its potential as a wellness tool. We believe that when used mindfully, cannabis can facilitate deeper meditation, reflection, and emotional healing. By helping to quiet the mind and ease physical tension, it allows users to be more present and attuned to their inner selves—supporting them on their journey to mental wellness.
To further this mission, we’ve introduced monthly events designed to educate and connect our community. From guided meditations to wellness workshops, we’re creating spaces where people can learn not only about the benefits of cannabis but also how to live healthier, more balanced lives.
Thank you for your continued support as we step into spring and we invite you to join us on this journey of renewal. Whether you’re seeking relief from PTSD, looking to enhance your meditation practice, or simply curious about cannabis, we’re here to support you. Thank you for trusting us with your wellness journey and for helping us build a community rooted in education, empowerment, and healing.
Here’s to resetting, rejuvenating, and flourishing— together.
With gratitude, The Haus of Jayne Team
Why to Home Garden
by George Altgelt
There are times when a question seems to float in the air, never asked out loud and no serious answer given. It's the question – is there any good reason to have a home garden? Aside from the fact that no fresher food in the world can be had and can also be produced without toxic pesticides, yes is the answer!
Many families have a garden as a wholesome family activity. It teaches young children how and where food comes from. Harvesting, cooking, and canning become part of education, not to mention the eating!
There was a time, once, in America's history that Americans had the greatest health of any industrialized nation on the face of the Earth. That was during WWII, when everyone who could was encouraged to grow a Victory Garden for the sake of food security. The unexpected side effect was the greatest health of any nation on Earth. It's tragic and disheartening to see how far we have fallen into poor health. Our health is now 37th among industrialized nations.
Yes, initially the cost of produce is greater. But there's next year when the garden produces again without the setup cost. And there’s next year when you're a better gardener. Your children are becoming more enthusiastic and so are you! Geo Growers turned 30 years old February 17th this year, In that time I've learned much about soil and how to make better soil. All that knowledge is thanks to you my gardening friends, landscapers, homeowners, farmers, teachers, and estate builders! I couldn't have done it without you! If it’s a garden, come to Geo Growers. Get more, sweat less!
George Altgelt is the owner of Geo Growers, located on 290 and Bell Springs Road. Geo Growers has been in business since 1995 and sells bulk material as well as bagged gardening products and plants. George believes we need to be producing more of our own food and each one of us can contribute. His goal is to make that easy and effective.
Blueberry Cobbler
4 servings 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all purpose or gluten free flour
Heat oven to 375 F. Place berries in bowl and toss with sugar & flour then set aside.
Dough:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1/2" pieces
3/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for serving if desired
DIRECTIONS
Mix flour, salt, sugar & baking powder in a bowl. 1. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse corn meal. Add cream and mix lightly just until dry ingredients are moistened. If using gluten free flour, a bit more flour may be needed. 2. Pour berries into 1 1/2 quart baking dish. 3. Make patties from the dough, about 2" diameter and 1/2" thick. Arrange dough patties over blueberries.
5.
4. Bake until dough is golden brown and thick blueberry juice bubbles up around it, 35-40 minutes.
The preschool years are an exciting time of creativity, curiosity, and social growth.
We create a engaging hands-on learning environment that nurtures your child’s independence, confidence, and love of learning—all while having fun.
At this stage, school readiness is an important benchmark. Our preschool curriculum provides a strong academic foundation in essential skills needed for our students.
#Frogstreet #Zoophonics #stem-learning
INFANT & TODDLER
Your baby will thrive in a warm, peaceful, and communicative environment at YGC. The learning activities and playtime that the children experience with loving caregivers and friends will help them grow to become sociable and trusting of others outside their family circle. Our infants are provided with abundant opportunities to nurture their gross motor skills, while also supporting their linguistic development. Engaging them in age-appropriate activities, immersed in a social environment, YGC’s indoor and outdoor learning spaces provide platforms, materials, and equipment to foster autonomy and independence. They also encourage children to interact and play with one another. #BabySignLanguage #Zoophonics
AFTER-SCHOOL & CAMP
STEM Learning, Art & Science, Technology, Gardenworks & Field Trips YOUR GROWING CHILD A TEXAS
Transportation from WSES, DSES and Wildwood Springs Elementary School
Our After school program is special, we create a fun-filled environment for our students
We are passionate and dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive. Our mission is to guide children to reach their full potential by providing a high-quality education while adopting innovative learning experiences, and a strong foundation in emotional and social development. We strive to inspire a love for learning, cultivate creativity, and promote a holistic approach to education, ensuring each child grows into a confident, compassionate, and capable individual.
(512) 894-4704
WHAT’S IN SEASON NOW?
by Diana Ozimek
Leash Your Pups!
Dripping Springs is surrounded by beautiful, scenic, nature-filled hiking trails that could be only a short drive from your residential area. Experience the waterfalls at Pedernales, have a summer dip at Milton Reimers ranch, or simply hike the Charro uplands. Even simpler, getting outside to your local park can clear the mind and unplug from work. And if you’re a dog owner, getting off your normal sidewalk route can be a much needed change of scenery for both parties. But, what we have to remember is that you are also sharing that space with other people and other animals.
Even if you are not a frequent trail hiker, no doubt you have met your wild neighbors by now. With Texas having an estimated 4.7 million deer – making Texas the state with the highest white-tailed deer population – they can be seen grazing the roadside, walking along trails, or strutting through your neighborhood. But less frequently seen are our armadillos, ringtails, ground squirrels, roadrunners, and foxes. In fact, Texas is home to 140 species of mammals, 664 species of birds, and 160 species of reptiles! Although we may not run across our wild neighbors often, it is important to keep them in mind when utilizing their habitat by keeping our dogs on a leash.
Although trail hiking with your pup and family is a much loved weekly pastime, allowing your dog to chase, harass, or even catch native wildlife can induce added stress to these animals. Even if your dog doesn’t catch an animal, frequent and intense stressful encounters can decrease the survival of that individual. More so, Texas is home to plenty of wildlife that can do harm to your pet! Rattlesnakes, copperheads, American porcupines, and wild hogs, can all do harm if startled when your pet pooch is walking through the brush. And keep in mind, Texas is home to five native skunk species! Good luck putting your dog in the car after that encounter. The moral of the story is: keep your wild neighbors and your pets in mind! Training proper leash etiquette or proper recall can make walking stress free. Working on reactivity and teaching your dog not to chase or wander too far can also ensure they don’t walk into anything unexpected off-trail. Even if you don’t hit the trail often, all of these skills can directly translate to making a walk around the neighborhood calm and easy. So put in your headphones, grab that leash, and enjoy your stroll.
Diana is the owner & lead trainer at Good Dog in the Making. She is excited to bring her puppy training expertise to her new community & help families raise confident, well-mannered dogs.
DSISD ANNOUNCES ATTENDANCE ZONES
By Cody Johnson
In response to the burgeoning growth within the district, Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) has unveiled new attendance zones set to take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year. This strategic move coincides with the anticipated opening of a new elementary school in Head Waters, aimed at alleviating overcrowding and accommodating the increasing student population.
The rezoning initiative will redefine the boundaries for both elementary and middle schools within the district. Notably, the new zones will impact the feeder patterns, ensuring a balanced distribution of students across campuses. For instance, Cypress Springs Elementary will now feed into Sycamore Springs Middle School, while other existing schools will adjust their attendance areas accordingly. Detailed maps outlining these changes are available on the DSISD website.
Understanding that rezoning can pose challenges for families wishing to keep their children in current schools, DSISD has established specific grandfathering guidelines. These provisions allow certain students to remain at their present campuses despite the new zoning boundaries. Families are encouraged to review these guidelines to determine eligibility and ensure a smooth transition during the rezoning process.
In a collaborative effort to support the community during this transition, NestHaven Properties has introduced a "Trading Spaces" incentive to alleviate the cost burden on both the list and buy side of transactions. This initiative is designed to assist families who prefer to relocate within the district to remain within their desired school zones. NestHaven Properties aims to make the process of moving more accessible and less stressful for affected families. Their expertise in the local market ensures that families can find suitable homes that align with their educational preferences.
The DSISD community is encouraged to stay informed about these changes and participate in upcoming informational sessions. Engaging with district communications and local real estate resources can provide valuable support during this period of transition, ensuring that families make informed decisions that best suit their educational and residential needs.
Smart Remodeling: Where to Save, Where to Spend
Long-Term Value & Strategic Design
By Victoria Payne and Allann Arnold
A remodel should make your home more beautiful, more functional, and—if done right —more valuable. But not every dollar needs to be spent in the same place. With our background in finance, mortgage lending, and a deep passion for interiors, we help homeowners strike the perfect balance between joy and smart investment.
High-Impact Upgrades That Pay Off
Kitchens & Bathrooms: These spaces make the biggest impact. Well-designed cabinetry, timeless stone countertops, and high-quality fixtures create a luxurious yet practical space. Flooring: Classic choices like hardwood or high-end engineered options give your home warmth and longevity. Lighting: Good lighting transforms a space! Layered lighting—statement pendants, sconces, and recessed lights—adds depth and ambiance. Storage & Custom Cabinetry: Built-in storage, dream closets, and hidden organization features make daily life easier and are a major selling point. Additional Square Footage: Expanding a primary suite, kitchen, or living space can significantly enhance both your experience and resale value.
The Best Way to Get It Right? Hire a Designer
A well-designed remodel isn’t just about picking beautiful finishes—it’s about having a plan that ensures everything works together seamlessly. We work with trusted in-network contractors to keep your project and home in good hands, ensuring that the process is smooth, efficient, and delivers the best possible result.
Let’s create something beautiful, meaningful, and smart. Visit www.sloanhollace.com to start your project.
www.sloanhollace.com
Where to Save vs. Splurge
Spend on: Materials and craftsmanship that stand the test of time—cabinetry, flooring, stone, and high-end appliances.
Save on: Super trendy details, hyper-custom designs, or anything too tastespecific that may not appeal to future buyers.
Remodel with Confidence
A home should feel deeply personal, yet timeless. We help you create a space that reflects your style while also making smart, strategic choices for the future. If you’re looking for a design partner who understands both the heart and the numbers behind a remodel, we’re here to help.
Unless it’s your forever home (10+ years), think strategically. If this is your dream home, go all out on the details that bring you joy. But if there’s a chance you’ll sell in the next few years, we help guide you toward selections that balance personal style with lasting appeal.
Not All Agents Are The Same
The fastest mile covered by a human runner is 3 minutes and 43 seconds. In any neighborhood in America, you can see a runner covering that same distance at a more sedate 9 or 10 minutes per mile. Are both runners? Of course! But one has more training, skill, and commitment than the other. While both can do the task at hand, one is better equipped for the job. This seems obvious, yet, for some reason, people believe all real estate agents are exactly the same, even though their skill levels vary as much as the runners mentioned above.
Recent changes in the real estate world have made navigating a transaction more complicated and complex. Agents are spending hours each week learning new forms, processes, and procedures to ensure their clients’ needs are met and that no one gets sued. Even the most seasoned and experienced agents have struggled to adjust in the short time since these changes have taken effect.
While these changes are happening, some agents are still just making it up as they go—loping along through their real estate careers—while others study and learn to offer the best service possible for their clients.
A Realtor.com economist recently reported that 74% of licensed agents in the U.S. did not close a single transaction last year! Yet the idea that all agents have the same skill set persists among the general public.
What has fueled this image problem for professional agents? Social media portrays agents as shuffling from one meeting to the next, posing along the way for a new headshot before waltzing into a closing with a giant plastic key for the photo op. What is rarely shown is the learning, studying, planning, and strategizing that successful professional agents do daily. The toughest challenge can sometimes be guiding a part-time, unprepared agent through the process—essentially doing their job for them just to keep the deal on track.
Another reason for the skewed perception that all agents are the same is the abundance of awards. There are awards for everything in real estate. The saying everyone gets a trophy probably originated in real estate. Recently, inboxes have been flooded with emails from agents asking: Please vote for us in the (award of the day) contest! Nothing showcases a deserving award quite like having to beg for it. When everyone gets a trophy, then trophies lose their value.
There are no awards for agents who complete transactions without mistakes, agents whose clients are over the moon with the service they’ve received, or agents who ensure a smooth and successful transaction. What about an award for valuing a client's time or for the agent who anticipates a client's needs even before the client realizes they have one? While awards for competency and professionalism should exist, the reality is they don’t. However, you can still hire the best agent for the job by asking around, getting recommendations, learning why an agent is successful, and then simply hiring the best person for the job.
by Steve Mallet
Steve has been selling real estate since 2003. His team can help with all of your real estate needs. Residential, commercial, farm and ranch. Co-Host of the Mallett and Michelle on Dripping Springs Podcast.
KaPow! Pay Credit Card Processing You Can Trust
Kim is a Native Austinite relocated to Dripping Springs. She's a former small business owner and artist who learned first hand how deceptive the credit card processing industry can be from the merchant's side of the table. For 10+ years Kim has been the owner of KaPowPay – a credit card processing business you can trust. She's been helping business owners cut through the complicated shell game of pricing rates and rules by advocating for them and not for a bank or the processor. The industry is unregulated, so there are no rules. She's heard every horror story imaginable regarding the trauma brought upon merchants by their former credit card processors.
KaPowPay was developed to actually partner with business owners in managing their credit card processing, instead of being at the mercy of their processor.
Here are a few benefits of processing thru KaPowPay: No contract
No 1-800 forever holds
24/7 Direct accountibility every day
Locked in rate, no creeping up Lower fees
In her free time, Kim enjoys the Hill Country farm life with her husband Trey, six children (blended), 4 grandbabies, 2 horses, a couple of steers for 4H/FFA, chickens, and an old arthritic goat named Joseph. She can be found in spring and summer landscaping and working in her flower gardens and she still makes her "Memories in Bloom" pressed flower picture frames.
Want to Compare? Email a recent credit card statement to Kim@Kapowpay.com or call for a free consultation at 512-497-1281.
Litigation: The Law – Our North Star
An old comedy sketch began, “Why is there air?” Setting comedy aside for a moment, an obvious answer is so we can survive. In these interesting times, I think of another question that would lead to the same answer. That question would be, “Why is there law?”
The law is our North Star, guiding basic societal conduct. It applies to our Ship of state just as it applies to us and our neighbor. Our courts exist to apply, and where necessary, interpret, the law. Just a few days ago, the American Bar Association, responded to recent events with a defense of the law and the courts. For you who care about the law and its application, I am copying below a part of the ABA statement so that you can consider what happens if we allow our Ship of state to drift without reference to the law. I will post the entire statement on Roland’s Blog at RolandsLaw.com.
Excerpts from statement: The American Bar Association condemns recent remarks of high-ranking officials of the administration that appear to question the legitimacy of judicial review and demand impeachment of a judge merely because the court did not agree with the government’s position. These comments pose serious risks to our constitutional framework that separates power among three co-equal branches. …. What is never acceptable is what was said by representatives of this administration, including the misleading assertion that judges cannot control the executive’s legitimate power and calls for impeachment of a judge who did not rule in the administration’s favor. It is also not acceptable to attack the judge making the ruling or try to interfere with the independence of the court. ….It is a fundamental cornerstone of our democracy that the courts are the protectors of the citizenry from government overreach. All lawyers know that judges have the authority to determine whether the administration’s actions are lawful and a legitimate exercise of executive branch authority. It is one of the oldest and most revered precedent(s) in United States legal history — Marbury v. Madison. … There have also been suggestions that the executive branch should consider disobeying court orders. These statements threaten the very foundation of our constitutional system.
I have written often on the importance of our courts. I don’t always agree with them, but their independent role as a third branch of government is indispensable to our survival as an orderly society; which recalls the question’s answer: so we can survive. Pay attention, listen critically, be heard.
by Roland Brown
Attorney Roland Brown handles exclusively personal injury claims. Roland, who offices in Wimberley, has been voted HAYS COUNTY’S BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY for 2020, 2021, and 2023 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500.
Time to think about your water supply? 24
With another Texas summer just a few months away, thoughts are turning to alternative water sources and more efficient treatment techniques. More homeowners are looking to the sky in hopes of preventing interruptions to their water supply. Rainwater collection systems are designed and built into many new homes. Although it can be tricky, it is usually possible to incorporate rain collection into an existing structure. When used in conjunction with treated groundwater, the stored rainwater can ease the burden on our aquifers. One downside to rainwater collection systems, besides a potentially limited supply, is the cost of installation. Once the system is designed by a professional, you will need gutters, downspouts, collection lines, storage tanks, a booster pump, and pressure tank, as well as proper filtration and disinfection equipment. For many homeowners, their budget requires them to consider other means of conserving water. Often, this includes replacing appliances and fixtures with more waterefficient models. A commonly overlooked, and misunderstood, household appliances is the water softener. Without an understanding of how this equipment works, it can be difficult to know whether it is operating at maximum efficiency.
by Randy Lawrence
Recently, there has been a flurry of advertising aimed at those who have had a traditional salt-based water softener. Many of these products have existed for years, and are simply repackaged and heavily marketed. Unfortunately, the results produced by these alternatives typically fall far short of the claims made by their distributors. This often leaves homeowners with no choice but to scrap their investment and start from scratch. It is important to note that the only proven method of removing calcium and other hardness minerals is traditional ion exchange softening, and that recent technological advances have made softeners far more efficient and user-friendly than ever.
To maximize the efficiency of your treatment system, ensure that your equipment is up to date and that the settings accurately reflect your particular water conditions. An experienced technician can test your water quality, the condition and performance of your system, and make adjustments or upgrades.
Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 25 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade.
Seasonal herbs & plants for every member of your habitiat
The Art of the Herb
Butterfly Garden
What attracts butterflies? Texas Lantana, Gregg’s Mistflower, and Turk’s Cap are a great place to start and these plants will keep coming back – year after year.
Other great plants for attracting pollinators
Purple Coneflower
White Mistflower
Indian Blanket
Gayfeather
Frostweed
Golden Eye Daisy
Texas Kidneywood
Horsemint
Elbowbush
Phlox
Bee Brush
Monarch butterfly on a Gregg’s Mistflower plant
Best herbs to beat the Texas heat
Oregano, mint, rosemary, sage, and thyme are hail from the Mediterranean, so they aren’t too bothered by Texas summers. Give them some afternoon shade and they will thrive well into the Indian Summer.
Basil – pictured below – is also very heat tolerant and so healthful.
“Herbs are friend of the physician and the pride of the cook.”
–
Charlemagne
Bundle of rosemary
The power of mint
Health benefits:
Filled with nutrients 1.
Improved digesti on 2. Boost your immun ity 3.
Improve brain function 4. Support pregnancy 5. Reduce cold symptoms 6. Oral health
