Postcards Magazine Piney Woods November 2020

Piney Woods Edition

November 2020

Community Builders Patriot PAWS

Do You Know?

Maria Martinez

Texas Treasures

National Museum of Funeral History

Business Focus

Eastex Trailers & Storage

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November 2020 | Volume 10, Issue 11

FAVORITES

10 FEATURES 10

Community Builders Patriot PAWS

20 Do You Know?

Maria Martinez

36

Texas Treasures National Museum of Funeral History

44 Business Focus

Eastex Trailers & Storage

6 7 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 24 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 42 48 49 50 51

Letters from Our Readers Tickle My Funny Bone What Are You Reading?

From the Publisher “Seens” from our world Dear Gabby Things My Granddaddy Said

20

Garden Post Pet Pals Recipes Milestones Wildlife Wonders Vet Connect Health Matters Community Postcards Touching Tomorrow Puzzle Pages Glorious Grandkids Out of the Mouths of Babes

36

Community Calendar Mustard Seed Moments Along the Road

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Tickle My Funny Bone PostcardsLive.com There was a fellow who went to the doctor because he wasn’t feeling too good.

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Months? Days?”

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What Are You Reading?

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From the Publisher Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

It’s a SOUP-er Food!

Normally during this time of year, my column is almost always about thankfulness. This year, in spite of “the curse of 2020,” I have found things for which to be thankful. I think, if we are honest with ourselves, most of us have. Things like: extra time with those we love, our health, our friends, the communities we call home, and the realization that work doesn’t have to consume us. The list can go on and on, but that isn’t what this column is about.

July. I’ve just never understood the mentality of those who push soup exclusively to cold weather months. Soup is hot. I get that. I also know that unless you’re ordering some type of sandwich plate in a restaurant, it is highly probable your server is going to say, “Be careful. This plate is HOT.” It’s not like we never eat hot food in the warm months.

So today, I am standing up for soup. And bisque. And gumbo… chowders, stews, and broths. And let’s not forget Texas chili! You get I want to talk about soup. I truly love soup. Our entire family does. In the idea! The next time someone says, “It’s soup weather,” remind them fact, my mom’s homemade beef soup is THE Stevens family Christmas we like hot food all the time, and ANY day is soup weather! (Except dinner! I remember the year it happened…the year we all decided against Thanksgiving. That’s turkey day.) another turkey and dressing meal and asked for her homemade soup. She From our family to yours, may you take a moment and count your was astounded. I also remember her saying it would certainly be easier blessings, and remember, “There is always something to be thankful for.” to do than fixing that huge meal…and it was…until our family swelled Be assured, YOU are on our list! so much she didn’t have a pot large enough for it! I don’t remember if we are now using two pots or three. I’ll let you know.

I am unsure how soup got relegated to being a food for cold weather only, but I think it’s time for it to stop. Yes, I understand. Soup does warm you up when it’s cold outside, and cooler weather does make some people “crave” it, but so can good air conditioning in a restaurant in

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November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 9

By Claudia Kirkwood Submitted Photos

SERVICE DOGS

“Pilot helps me a lot with my day- “Bomber helps me to slow down my mind, to live less to-day issues. He’s the pilot, and in the past. I pay more attention to life. I can talk I’m the co-pilot. He takes care of me, to him and get things off my chest. He loves me, and and I take care of him. We’re a team. He’s because of that, I am learning to love again.” - Greg my friend. He’s my everything. I don’t know how I ever did without him.” - Eddie

These heartwarming testimonies would not exist without the inspiration, hard work, and driving commitment of Lori Stevens, the Founder and Executive Director of Patriot PAWS. Her expertise and intrepid character have resulted in bringing blessing upon blessing to the veteran community.

A

Community Builders

P

J

Gollie, Earl, Dapa 10 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

article about what we were trying to do and realized that training service dogs would fit nicely into her plan to bring more occupational opportunities to the female prison population.

A meeting between TDCJ and seven service dog organizations was set up, resulting in a decision to partner with Patriot PAWS. We signed an agreement with TDCJ in February 2008 and began working with inmates in the Crane and Lane Murray Units, both in Gatesville. We also partner with the Boyd Men’s Correctional Unit in Fairfield.

Has helping to train service dogs been beneficial to the inmates, and if so, how?

Jazz at the cemetery

Lori, when did you envision this organization, Patriot PAWS, and what was its inspiration?

In May 2005, a veteran at the Veterans Administration in Dallas asked me to help train his dog. I immediately fell in love with the idea of training service dogs for veterans.

I started a training academy and trained dogs three days a week, a few hours each day, in basic obedience. My earnings for this were put into the veteran part of the training until the organization could stand on its own. Patriot PAWS became a non-profit in 2006 and I, along with four volunteers, began this labor of love in earnest!

Please explain your partnership with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

In 2007, Christina Melton Crain, Chairperson of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, saw an

as German Shepherds) can work against the veteran in certain situations. When a veteran needs medical attention, it has happened on occasion that the dog has stood guard and has not allowed the emergency personnel access to the veteran. Not what you want to happen!

Please give us a brief description of the training process for the dog.

When the puppies go to the prison program, the inmate, known as a puppy trainer, will receive a 3-month-old puppy and keep it for a 3-month period. During this time, the puppy will be in a very structured environment. After the first three months, the dog will then go to either a Dallas/Fort Worth puppy raiser or to a program at Texas A&M, where it will stay for another three to four months. Our goal is to provide the dog with as many experiences and social settings as possible. After this time, we determine what training the dog still needs and whether to send it back into one of the previous places for more socialization. They are moved every 3-4 months for the first 2 to 2 ½ years of their lives. This enables them to go to malls, sporting events, and doctor appointments, and learn to be comfortable in many types of environments.

Yes, of course! The emotional changes have been huge. It turns the inmates’ focus from themselves and directs it toward helping others by giving back to the community. Additionally, we have seen that it opens communication between the inmate and their family. One family approached the warden on visitation day and expressed their deep gratitude to her for allowing their mother to take part in this training program. They remarked about the positive changes they had seen in her life. Plus, just working with dogs is a cool thing to do!

We schedule graduation services at the units when possible so that the inmates can see What is the success rate in your the positive impact they are having on others. training program?

There is about a 68% success rate in a dog Is there a best breed of dog for this becoming a full-service dog or “vest dog.” endeavor?

We cannot guarantee that a dog will make We generally train retrievers--for several it through this program until their teenage reasons. They are known for their loyalty years (at 12-17 months of age) when their and are well-received by the public. Their hormones kick in. Even though each dog is size and intelligence are traits which enable spayed or neutered, the hormones still play a them to help veterans with mobility and post- part in their personality and abilities. Also, traumatic stress issues. We have found that we cannot determine the sturdiness of their a dominating trait in protection breeds (such hips and elbows until they are 2 years old.

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How is the veteran paired with a other pets such as rabbits or ferrets, or other variables the service dog will need to adapt service dog?

Kennith and Sebert Meeting The veteran needs a healthy and medically fit dog so that he or she can focus on their own healing and improvement.

Dogs who cannot be placed in full-service roles can become social companions or placed in other situations. Currently we have a dog at a local Child Advocacy Center and two that work in District Attorneys’ offices. They have found that some people can more easily tell a dog what happened to them than another person! Additionally, we placed a dog with an organization we will soon be working with, “3 For the Love” (3FTL), which is a non-profit organization in Dallas whose focus is on mental health management and support systems for First Responders.

We’re

Our process of teaming up a veteran with a dog is different than most other service dog organizations. We let the dog choose the veteran! This process is what we call “Graduation.” When we have 10 dogs ready for service, we invite 6 veterans to come to the facility, either at our Rockwall location or at one of the partnering prison units. For the first 4 days, each veteran will go through a series of cues and commands with each of the 10 dogs. During this time, we watch how the dogs relate to the veterans and can begin to determine the appropriate pairings. The personality and skillset of a dog will begin to blend with the personality and needs of a particular veteran, and you will sense the dog really likes this person! On day 5, we assign a dog to a veteran and for the following 5 days, we evaluate the effectiveness of this decision.

to. This knowledge plays a key role in the partnering process. Also, keep in mind that retrievers…retrieve things! Birds or chickens on the property may be a problem! In fact, I went for a home visit in New York, and upon arriving at the ranch, encountered a tall rooster on the front porch! I told our trainers we needed to find a dog who would not be chasing chickens! When a trainer brought in a retriever with a parakeet sitting on its head, I knew we had our match!

What criteria must a veteran meet to be eligible for a service dog?

An application and home visit are required for those being considered. This home visit is not to evaluate how the veteran lives, but helps us determine if the environment is wellsuited for a service dog. We need to know whether there are toddlers or small children,

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of our donations come from the public and three TDCJ units we currently partner with, we are generally $25 or less. Several levels of hope to add another prison unit in the future. sponsorship are available on our website.

Above all, our goal has always been that of quality over quantity. We want to provide the Please share a success story or two best trained dogs for our deserving veterans. from your vast archives!

Truly, their well-being is our ultimate goal There are so many success stories! I have and passion! heard many times over that veterans can finally get a full night’s sleep once they receive Lori, a huge thank you goes out to you, your a dog, whereas in the past, they could sleep no staff, and volunteers for helping to improve the more than 2 hours at a time. This is a common lives of our veterans and First responders through benefit for many of our veterans. One veteran Patriot PAWS. You are on the front lines as well only felt safe when sleeping in his basement. and are making a difference! Your motto speaks After receiving his service dog, he was finally volumes, “A Service to Those Who Have Served.” able to sleep upstairs in his bedroom. One night, the dog alerted him to a fire For further information about Derrick & Goose in the house which started in the Patriot PAWS or to make a donation, basement. The dog was able to get go to www.patriotpaws.org. or the phone so that help could be called, call 972-772-3282.

What is the veteran’s financial and the veteran’s life was saved!

obligation in receiving a service dog?

There is absolutely no cost for the veteran!

The cost to train and provide the necessary support per dog is $35,000. In addition to training the dog, we do home visits before and after placement, as well as continue to provide follow-ups through the lifetime of the animal.

Finances are provided through public support, and no government help is involved. We have been fortunate that several corporations have sponsored one or more dogs, but most

Patriot PAWS has been an overwhelming success in many lives. What are your future plans for the organization?

We have placed service dogs with veterans in 39 states and hope to continue touching lives from our 3.5-acre facility in Rockwall, Texas. We are excited about our developing partnership with 3FTL, and in addition to the

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. For those of you who thought 2020 would never end, it’s already November! We may make it, after all.

Let’s just hope 2021 doesn’t tell 2020, “Here, hold my beer!” The good news is 2021 starts a new decade! We can all use one of those. Working from home has become a way of life for some. I’ve been doing that for years. When Dud accuses me of talking to myself, I just tell him I’m having a staff meeting!

Drop me a line at PostcardsLive.com and I’ll give you some Dutch Uncletype advice on the havoc that is trying to be the “new normal” in your life.

DEAR GABBY I’m getting fed up with my doctor, and I’m thinking of finding a new one. When I tell him certain health traits I have are genetic, he tries to tell me I can change those conditions if I change my habits. I inherited them, and it’s not my fault.

INNOCENT DEAR INNOCENT

DEAR GABBY I am not a young person, but I’m still “with it.” It’s quite normal for people my age to forget something or do something a little differently than before. My children think their new job is to monitor my health and behavior and bring every little glitch to my attention. Do they think I’m not aware of it? My mind used to be like a computer, but my recall is slipping. Do you also have that problem? Maybe my kids will cut me some slack if they know it’s not just me.

SOFTWARE BUG DEAR BUG

I think we go to the same doctor! I told him obesity runs in our family.

He had the nerve to tell me the problem was that no one runs in my family. Of all the nerve!

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO PROUD OF MYSELF: Not to brag, but I always go the extra mile, too.

However, it’s usually because I missed my exit.

My mind is like an Internet browser. 14 tabs are open, 3 of them are frozen and I have no idea where the music is coming from. Feel better?

GABBY

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Things my Granddaddy said...

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The Season of Perpetual Spring

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The Farmer’s Almanac reports we are in for a drier, milder winter than we normally experience. Southeast Texas was described as “unusually pleasant temperatures with sporadic bursts of cold air, but nothing noticeably below freezing for more than a few hours.” That will be great news to area gardeners who love to garden year ‘round.

The good: Vegetable gardens will keep producing through the winter months.

Fall color and warm weather annuals will last much longer than usual and might even be coaxed into spring with the use of freeze cloth on nights below 44 degrees.

Tropicals will go through winter months blooming. Roses will bloom into the new year, and azaleas will put on a false bloom in December.

It is a gamble…keep the plants fertilized every 30 days to keep blooming, or allow them to go dormant (which only happens when days become short and temperatures

drop). If we are experiencing 80-degree temps into November, this gardener will strategically fertilize roses and bedding plants every 30 days and take the risk of a cold snap and additional pruning.

Overall, a mild winter extends the fall growing season “cut-off” date to avoid planting. The only contention will be to ensure your new plants are being watered adequately.

The “not so good”: Insects, disease, and weeds will be something to contend with year ‘round. It takes three hard, killing freezes to keep our insect and mosquito population semi-containable.

All fruit crops will need to be sprayed with fruit tree spray or neem oil in mild temperatures or insect and disease will set in, which is generally not an issue in a cold winter.

Pansies should be fertilized with blood The drier fall through winter months will not allow you to turn off the sprinkler meal (10-0-0) every 30 days for sturdier system. Turning the sprinkler system off stalks and more vivid colors. Plant each 4” pansy with a tablespoon of blood meal may not be an option this year. under each plant and reapply every 30 days.

The rule of thumb is to apply winterizer The Holidays are just around the corner 4-6 weeks before the first frost to give landscapes an extra boost of potassium and NOW is when you plant shrubs to (Potassium is the last number in fertilizer have a bit of growth to avoid the “just and gives plants their cold/heat tolerance). planted look.” Fall is the season for plantThrough November, an additional applica- ing azaleas and camellias, so shop now tion of Weed n Feed could be used safely while availability and selection is best. before applying winterizer, as well as a 3rd Enjoy the season (whatever it brings), and application of insect control. Turf Ranger Happy Gardening!

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November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 19

Do You Know?

Maria Martinez

By Rosa Coss

Photos by Libby Rogers

To generatio ns of stu dents, colleagues, and community members, she is simply known as Mrs. Martinez.

20 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

She has been working with the Huntsville Independent School District for the past 26 years and has become a staple in the community.

After retiring in 2017, she took a couple of years off to take care of her grandchildren, then in 2019 decided to return to teaching. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to the United States in the early 1960s. With the help from his employer at the time, her dad was able to apply for residency for the whole family. According to Maria, her parents, Raul and Paula Escamilla, were both from the state of Nuevo Leon in Mexico. “When my father first came to this country, he began working as a ‘bracero’, which is basically a Mexican laborer permitted into the U.S. to legally work as a contracted seasonal agricultural worker. We lived in various places prior to settling in Stratford, a small town in the Texas Panhandle. This is where I grew up and graduated from high school in 1980. Needless to say, I’ve lived in Texas my entire life,” said Maria.

What brought you to this area?

around, and I was asked to teach kindergarten, so I had to go back and get certified in Early Childhood. This particular certification is renewable every 5-7 years.

Throughout my time with HISD, I’ve taught first and second grade, and I’ve worked at various schools within the district. I started at Gibbs Elementary, then transferred to Sam Houston Elementary, and also worked at Scott Johnson. Currently, I am teaching kindergarten at Stewart Elementary.

Was being a teacher your first career choice? Looking back over the years, why do you suppose you’ve stayed in this field for so long?

No, it was not my first career choice. In fact, when I first began going to college at West Texas State University, I was majoring in accounting.

I always thought I wanted to be an accountant, but I truly feel that teaching is what I was meant to do. God knew where I needed to be, and he put me at the right place and at the right time. I also think others saw I was meant to be a teacher, even before I knew it myself.

When I was in sixth grade, our school had migrant kids coming through town, and since I was bilingual, the teachers would ask me if I could stay during recess and help them out to teach these kids. Every year thereafter, I continued helping out during my study hall and recess, until I graduated from high school. During my last year, I was teaching seven kids. It was a very rewarding experience, and I often wonder what ever became of those students.

It was in the early 80s, a couple of years after graduating from high school. My brother Jose Luis was working at an oil company in the Houston area, and my dad was between jobs at the time, so he convinced my parents to come to Huntsville and try things out here. Once my dad found a job, they decided to stay. My parents always believed in family unity, and it was very important to them to keep the family together. When they realized there was a university in Huntsville, they persuaded my sister and I to come down and join them. Soon after, my sister and I got on a Greyhound bus and rode to Huntsville. I’ve As far as why I’ve done this for so long, I would have to say it’s my been here ever since. love for children and the relationships I’ve built with my students throughout the years. Building strong relationships with our students Rather than going to school right away, I ended up getting a job. I and their families is important--so we are all on the same page, and to actually worked doing different types of jobs, from working at a grocery ensure their educational success. I do wonder sometimes if I’ve made store, to a donut shop, then at a car dealership. That’s where I met my an impact on my students’ education, but then I run into some of my husband, Jose D. Martinez. In 1985, we got married, and later had former students, and they thank me for being their teacher and tell our three beautiful children: Pedro, Alonso and Crystal. They are all me I’ve inspired them to continue with their education. It’s at these grown now and living in the Austin area. We’ve been very blessed with moments, I realize I’ve made the right choice, and I am definitely wonderful children. influencing their lives. It is very satisfying and reassuring to know your students are successful--to know that, as a teacher, you’ve been When did you decide to become a teacher? able to positively affect your students’ lives and that, in some small Once I was married and had all three of my kids, I began working at way, you’ve helped shape their future.

Huntsville Independent School District as an instructional assistant.

Then one day, I walked into the teacher’s lounge, and there was an announcement on the bulletin board about continuing education.

I asked my principal about it, and she said that if I wanted to get certified in teaching, the district would pay for my education. There was an increase in the Hispanic population in this area, so there was a need for bilingual teachers, and as an incentive, the school district was offering this opportunity to prospective teachers. For me, it was very important to be able to spend as much time with my children as possible, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity. It just made sense to do this. I figured I could continue working, get my degree, and still get to spend time with my children. I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the program at Sam Houston State University. I went to school half a day and worked during the other half. Juggling a fulltime job, being a wife and mother, and going to school was not easy, but I was determined.

In 1997, I received my degree with a Bachelor’s in Academic Studies, and was certified to teach first through eighth grade, which (back then) was earned as a lifelong certification. I do not have to renew this certification, but once I began teaching, the program was moved

Today, more than ever, there is a newfound appreciation and gratitude for educators. Throughout the COVID pandemic, every household has been able to get a glimpse of what “A Day in a Teacher’s Life” is like. What challenges have you had, and in what ways has COVID impacted how you teach in 2020?

For me, technology has been the biggest challenge. Fortunately, we’ve all been working together to make sure our students receive the education they deserve. Teachers, students, and parents--we’ve all had to delve into technology like never before. Doing virtual lessons and teaching online has been challenging, but all in all, it has been a good experience. I think we are all learning a lot.

The classroom dynamic is a little different because of COVID. Whereas before, our ratio of students per classroom averaged around 21, I currently have 10 face-to-face students, and 3 online students who are learning from home. For those students who do not have internet access or devices, the district is providing that to them, so they are able to attend school and do their lessons.

»

November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 21

"Have gospel, will travel.”

Our schools are taking all the necessary precautions to make the school experience and environment as safe as it can be for our students.

We do this by social distancing, disinfecting surfaces, and requiring everyone to wear a mask.

Tell me about the Bilingual Education Program.

Does teaching bilingual courses differ from teaching regular classes? And, is it more difficult?

The Bilingual Education Program is for students trying to learn a second language. All second language learners need a good base foundation in their native language to make an easier transition to the second language. We implement conversational English when they come into the classroom, which makes the transition a lot easier.

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22 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

It doesn’t differ much, nor is it more difficult, because we teach the same basic core courses. Language Arts and Math are taught in Spanish.

Academic Vocabulary is taught in English, and Science and Social Studies are taught in English with support in Spanish. We also have an Early Exit Program, which essentially gives students the option to “test out” from the bilingual program and go to regular English classes once they are ready.

Would you say education has been important in your life, and if so, why?

Yes, education has always been important in my life. My parents were big advocates for education. Even though neither of them had a high level of formal education, they recognized the importance of getting a good education. They wanted my siblings and I to get college degrees, and through their sacrifice and support, we were all three able to do that. As an educator, I try to stress the importance of education to my students.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be a teacher?

My advice to future teachers is to teach from their heart. As written in Romans 12:7-8, “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

As teachers, we have the opportunities to serve, teach, encourage, give, lead, and be kind.

If we use these opportunities wisely, we have the ability to not only impact our students’ learning, but to prepare them to use their gifts well in their future.

When you are not at work, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my husband, children and three grandchildren, and getting together with family and friends. I also enjoy singing and dancing.

Martinez has dedicated her life to teaching and has been instrumental in the educational success of countless students who have attended HISD. She has also been a positive attribute to the community as a member of Saint Thomas Catholic Church, and as a member of the church choir. She also taught CCE classes for 6 to 7 years. She is a member of the Ballet Folkloric of Huntsville, and a member of LULAC of Huntsville, and in 2013, she received the LULAC Community Amigo - Educator of the Year Award. When her kids were still attending HISD, she was a soccer mom, taught Boys & Girls Club learning after school studies for several years, and also taught Adult ESL to adult learners in the Huntsville community for 16 years.

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Dr. Phillip Allred, Ph.D., FAAA Dr. Christie Cahill, Au.D. November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 23

Recipes Kentucky Spoon Bread Ingredients 2 3/4 cups 1% milk 1/4 cup whipping cream 1 1/4 cups finely ground white cornmeal 3 eggs, well beaten 3 Tbs unsalted butter, divided

incorporate the cornmeal, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.

2. Transfer cornmeal mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add eggs, 2 tablespoons butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on medium speed until uniform and aerated, about 15 minutes. Mix in the corn by hand.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

4. Lightly butter a round 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Pour batter into the casserole dish.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and puffy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

3 Tbs white sugar 1 3/4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 cup corn Directions 1. Combine milk and cream in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, whisking occasionally. While whisking, pour in cornmeal in a steady stream. Whisk vigorously to Due to an error, last month we published the ingredients/directions for Kentucky Spoon Bread with the title/photo for Award Winning Apple Cream Pie. Thanks to those readers who brought this to our attention. We are publishing corrected versions of both recipes in this issue, with our apologies!

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24 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

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Award-Winning Apple Cream Pie

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Ingredients 1 (14.1 oz) pkg refrigerated pie crusts, at room temperature 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup white sugar

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1 large egg 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest 1/8 tsp salt 4 lrg Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

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1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 (7 oz) pkg almond paste 3 Tbs apricot jam

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Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Unroll 1 pie crust on a work surface. Cut out 2- to 3-inch hearts (or desired shape) with a cookie cutter. Transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until light golden brown, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

4. Mix cream cheese, white sugar, egg, lemon zest, and salt in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

5. Mix sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a large bowl.

6. Unroll the second pie crust in an ungreased, 9-inch glass pie plate.

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7. Roll almond paste into a thin, 7-inch circle between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Remove the top sheet of waxed paper and turn the almond paste circle into the crust-lined pie plate; gently press into the pie crust and remove the waxed paper. Spread cream cheese mixture over almond paste and arrange apples in a circular pattern over top.

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8. Bake in the preheated oven until filling is set and slightly puffed, 40 to 45 minutes.

9. Microwave apricot jam in a small, microwave-safe bowl, uncovered, at medium power (50%) for 1 minute. Brush over apples. Top with heart cutouts. Cool until filling sets, about 1 hour.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients 2 (10 oz) cans chunk chicken, drained 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened

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1 cup ranch dressing

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¾ cup pepper sauce 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 bunch celery, cleaned and cut into 4-inch pieces

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1 (8 oz) box chicken-flavored crackers Directions 1. Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through.

2. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm.

3. Mix in half of the shredded cheese and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.

4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and crackers.

November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 25

Recipes

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 1 (7 oz) can diced green chiles, drained 1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped

Spicy Albondigas

1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp dried oregano

Ingredients

2 tsp ground cumin

Meatballs 2 lbs ground beef 1 egg 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup uncooked white rice 2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp salt Soup 10 cups chicken broth 4 carrots, sliced 1/2 large onion, chopped 4 stalks celery, sliced 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

26 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

Directions 1. Combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, rice, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.

2. Bring chicken broth to a boil over medium heat in a large kettle.

3. Form the beef mixture into 1-inch meatballs, using about 1 1/2 Tbs meat for each. Turn the heat down under the chicken broth to a simmer and drop the meatballs into the broth. Simmer the meatballs in the broth for 20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

4. Stir in the carrots, onion, celery, canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, canned chiles, cilantro, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. Simmer the soup for 1 hour to cook the vegetables and blend the flavors.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cake

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Ingredients Coating: 1 tsp oil, or as needed 3 Tbs white sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Filling: 1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 1/2 Tbs ground cinnamon Cake: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda

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1/2 tsp cream of tartar 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup pumpkin puree

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1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-cup fluted tube pan with oil. Mix sugar and cinnamon together; sprinkle into the pan, coating the sides and center evenly. Set aside.

2. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together for the filling. Set aside.

3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.

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4. Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until thoroughly incorporated. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture; mix until just combined. Mix in Greek yogurt until combined. Add in remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 45 to 50 minutes.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Gently run a butter knife around the edges and center of the pan to loosen, then invert cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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5. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle 1/2 of the filling over the batter. Repeat layers once more, then add the last 1/3 of the batter. Smooth gently over the filling, ensuring it is completely covered.

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November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 27

Let us complete your table for the holidays.

Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 4 cups milk 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.

3. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

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4. Turn off heat and stir in cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted. Add the macaroni and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the 1/4 remaining cup melted butter and crushed crackers together in a bowl; scatter the cracker mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.

5. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.

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FASHuntsville.com 28 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

(optional) 1 med green bell pepper, chopped (optional) 1 med onion, chopped

1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 cup distilled apple cider vinegar

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup olive oil

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained 4 stalks celery, chopped

3/4 cup white sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper

Directions 1. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add green beans and cook until just crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse immediately in cold water.

2. Transfer green beans to a large bowl and stir in corn, black beans, tomatoes, celery, bell pepper, and onion.

3. Mix apple cider vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Pour over vegetables and stir to coat.

Refrigerate, covered, for 4 hours, or up to overnight.

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Grandma’s Meat and Tater Hotdish

Ou ea! r A y a Pl

Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ¾ cup sour cream 1 (15 oz) can green beans, drained and liquid reserved, divided 1 pkg processed cheese, sliced 1 lb frozen bite-sized potato nuggets

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.

Drain grease. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine condensed soup, sour cream, and green bean liquid in a small bowl. Set sauce aside.

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4. Add green beans to the cooked beef and onions; mix to combine and transfer to a casserole dish. Top with sliced cheese and cover with frozen potato nuggets. Pour sauce over top.

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5. Bake in the preheated oven potatoes are browned and sauce is bubbly, about 1 hour.

BAKERS TIP: Want perfectly round (or shaped) cookies?

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November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 29

Milestones

Happy Birthday!!

Twins Luke and Leah Hoadley celebrated their first birthday on October 1. They are pictured here with parents Bob and Rosa and big brother Landon.

1 Day of School in 2020!! st

Miguel and Cruz Hoot Pulido first day of 6th Grade and first day of Virtual Learning at Home.

Join us as we celebrate life’s “mile markers” with our friends and neighbors. Share your milestones with us by submitting a photo and information to PostcardsLive.com.

There is no better time to thank you for your confidence and trust. May you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.

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936-291-2171 30 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

WILDLIFE WONDERS SKUNKS Are they good for anything?

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

Actually, yes, they are. For most people, the only thing they know about skunks is they stink, but they are very beneficial to farmers and homeowners. They eat garden and agricultural pests in large numbers. They feed on larvae, worms, fruit, eggs, reptiles, small mammals, bees, wasps, and fish.

strikes across the spotted skunk’s entire range, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is evaluating the species’ status and will determine if 2. Mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide it should be listed as threatened or endangered. solution (found at any pharmacy or Texas is home to five species of skunks— It plans to make a listing recommendation supermarket), 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 the eastern spotted, striped, two types of in 2023. teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. hog-nosed, and the hooded skunk. The hooded 3. Wear rubber gloves and thoroughly wash skunk is considered a Mexican species and can Skunks are very docile animals, and they your pet. Don’t leave the solution on too long. only be found in a few Texas counties near will warn predators before releasing the oily You may have to repeat the process.

Mexico. The striped skunk is the most common substance from their anal glands that contains 4. Use a regular pet shampoo, and wash skunk in North America. It has a white stripe the active ingredient, n-butyl mercaptan. your pet again to remove any residual solution. on either side of its back that extends over the They’ll do a little dance, stomp the ground, 5. Towel dry your pet. head and down the sides of the tail. The spotted slap their tail on the ground and may even 6. If you need to wash your clothes, use ½ skunk can only be found in eastern Texas, the stand on their back legs. They’re giving you cup of baking soda with your regular detergent.

Panhandle, and the eastern United States. It fair warning. Once they spray, they are unable gets its name from having a small white spot to do it again for ten days. If you encounter a DO NOT STORE solution for later use. If kept on its forehead and a spot in front of each ear. skunk, stop immediately and slowly back away. in a covered container, it can explode. Do The American hog-nosed skunk is the largest not get the solution in your pet’s eyes. Don’t skunk in the world. They have one broad white If your pet gets sprayed, here’s what the use a peroxide solution stronger than 3%. stripe from the top of the head to the base of American Kennel Club recommends. It may the tail and a long, bushy white tail. They can not completely remove the smell, but it’ll get TWRC Wildlife Center is available to answer be found in southern and central Texas. rid of most of it. your questions and guide you through the rescue process should you find an animal The eastern spotted skunk is small, and unlike 1. Check the eyes. If affected, flush with cool needing help. Sometimes animals don’t need the other species of skunks, its movements are water or purchase an eye wash from your vet help and are better left alone. We will help similar to that of the squirrel. They are very and keep on hand if you live in an area with a you make that determination. Call us at active and can even climb trees. Due to threats high population of skunks.

713-468-8972 or check our website for helpful such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and vehicle information: www.twrcwildlifecenter.org.

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November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 31

Vet Connect: Article Submitted by: Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.

Considering a Pet for Christmas?

What better time to purchase/adopt new pets/animals or even gifts specifically for the animals you may already have that can be given as Christmas gifts? What animal-loving person wouldn’t love to open a gift only to meet a new companion? Before you take the plunge to bless someone this way, make sure you do your homework and research first.

Pets make great companions. They can make great protectors; they are natural gatekeepers.

Their curious nature allows them to stay on top of things by letting you know someone is near your place – even warn you and your family if there is an emergency brewing, such as a fire or unusual smoke. There are also many proven health benefits to owning a pet. According to recent studies, people who have pets tend to be more active, especially dog owners who routinely walk their dog.

However, pets are not free. The first-year cost for owning a dog or a cat can cost over $1,000. Allergies can be a concern. There are many people around the world who would love to have a pet, but can’t due to allergies.

Lastly, owning a pet requires a large time commitment for playtime, feeding, and care.

Puppies and kittens can be a lot of work; they are like infants and need constant care.

Make sure to take your or the gift recipient’s lifestyle into consideration. Different breeds have different behaviors and energy levels.

They were bred for different jobs. Don’t get an active, independent breed for a family who hasn’t had a dog before. Choosing a breed without a thought for how it might fit in your life can be a recipe for disaster.

Unfortunately, a lot of puppies and kittens are taken to shelters or found in rescue groups 6 months after the holidays because the “newness” has worn off, the time commitment was overwhelming, the cost of owning was not expected, etc.

Other options are available as well. Consider adopting an adult pet instead? For every puppy bought at the store, there is another like him at the pound, just months older, getting ready to say goodbye to the world. Shelters and rescue organizations have designer pets as well.

LANDSCAPE DEPOT

Foster care-givers and rescue group volunteers know the personality of the animal and how he interacts with others, including children.

You can get a sense if he seems well adjusted, mentally normal, intelligent, open or friendly.

The real joy of Christmas is in giving — and what better gift to yourself than giving a home to a lonely pet. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, with gratitude, loyalty and love. Participate in the solution. Let’s spread the Christmas spirit and help empty out some of those cages.

Animals other than cats and dogs can make great pets, too (such as small pocket pets, fish, birds, and exotics).

There are better ways to gift a pet than surprising someone on Christmas day with a puppy. Consider doing the following: • Give pet supplies and an offer to go with the person to pick out their favorite puppy at a shelter or reputable breeder.

• Take the person out to the breeder or shelter before Christmas and have them pick out their perfect pet to be home by Christmas.

• Ask the person if they want a pet and find out when would be the best time to bring one home. Ask them if they want to choose the pet themselves.

• Give your friend or family member a voucher for adopting or purchasing a pet for Christmas.

Then, they can choose the pet they want.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

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By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA Let Us Not Acquiesce and Depress with the Covid Mess--but Instead, Repossess Success We currently remain fettered to unsettling times, the likes of which and the extent of which have not been seen for a century. In dealing with these difficulties, we need coping tutoring. My grandmother, a nurse, was the most satisfied person I have ever known, even though her life was etched with problems. She lived at home and passed away in her sleep at 101 years. When I had troubling times, I would visit. She would start by stating, “You need to adjust your attitude, and everything will be alright.” As Hamlet so adroitly stated, “For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

Depression is a shroud that makes everything seem worse than it is. Happiness is the flip side of depression, and both cannot coexist. Thus, depression must be mollified, and measures to do so are available. I don’t claim to have expertise in psychology, but there are a number of theories concerning the emotional state of happiness. Foundationally, they seem to focus on one’s perception of self-worth and present

living conditions; these are mentally, mostly subconsciously, compared to expectations. The apparently unending disruptions of Covid are depressing, indeed! But to quote Lincoln, “This too shall pass.” And soon we shall be stronger and able to appreciate the good life we have had and will have again, maybe even better.

A century ago, the world faced a much worse dilemma with the Spanish Flu over 10 times as many were sick and over 40 times as many died as with Covid, so far. There was no medical care like we have now, and there wasn’t reliable vaccine technology. AND THE BEAST RESOLVED COMPLETELY, NEVER TO RETURN. Foremost, we need to focus on accurate reasoning to put into perspective what faces us.

Think back to the roughest times you have been through, how you persisted and arose stronger when the setback flipped on down the road.

You persevered by dealing with the vexatious adversity, and good times soon returned.

Periods of activity such as walking improve one’s mood, as shown in medical studies, by shrinking depression and anxiety (which is what we are facing now). Remaining regularly active for half an hour worked as well as antidepressants in mild to moderate depression cases. If just starting, consult your doc beforehand. Also, bright light therapy is used to treat depression, so ponder going outside when the sun is bright for 10 minutes and see if you feel better.

Studies have amazingly revealed that giving to others is a mood elevating practice.

Kindnesses are especially effective when they are a surprise. Every once in a while, when I am down, I drive to Starbucks, order a double expresso, and hand an extra $10 for the next patron’s coffee. My mood elevates from just imagining how that simple gesture makes someone else feel. Unanticipated kindnesses are even more rewarding when given to a friend.

Visit drjimshealthtips.com for more.

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Receive one-on-one service Lauri Wenzel Licensed Sales Representative

www.myuhcagent.com/Lauri.Wenzel 832-244-1973, TTY 711 Fax: 832-201-5359 November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 33

Community Postcards

Huntsville Mayor Andy Brauniger and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and City of Huntsville marked the opening of the new Veterans Memorial Bridge over I-45 South with a ribbon cutting on September 17.

Congratulations to Samantha Havard on her Best of Show Booth Winner for Barbwire Barbie Boutique at the 46th Annual Fair on the Square.

T T

Submit your photo & description:

PostcardsLive.com

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34 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

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Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out.

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www.huntsville-isd.org/hsa 936-435-6121 October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 35

NM FH

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF

FUNERAL HISTORY

Are you bored to death? Then we have just the place for you to visit. Just a little north of Houston in the FM1960 area is the National Museum of Funeral History. This museum has a plethora of history and cool facts about funerals and caskets, along with the ability to see other cultures’ ways of dealing with death.

History is rampant throughout the museum. There are different models and styles of hearses and modes of transportation for families, including a 1916 funeral bus that would hold a coffin, pallbearers, and 20 mourners. It was decommissioned from a San Francisco funeral home after an accident where the bus flipped due the amount of weight on the back of the bus. Another section of hearses shows sleds used to transport coffins. One of the things noticeable throughout the different variations of hearses is the difference in size. This comes from the fact that in the early 1900s, many funeral homes would run their hearses as ambulances. It was easy to convert the vehicles from hearse to ambulance by removing the panels. After the panels are removed the “ambulance” would transport the injured or ill person to the local hospital.

Story and Photos by Marshall Altom 36 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

One exhibit in the museum focuses on Presidential Funerals. It has replicas of presidential caskets on display. There is a lot of history in this exhibit, including the schedule of Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train stops. His train made 12 stops from April 15th, 1865 to May 4th, 1865.

This exhibit also houses the Presidential Funeral Hearse that was used for Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. A new part of this exhibit is the section dedicated to George H. W Bush.

One section of the museum is about the Rite of Papal Death. It walks you through what happens when a Pope passes away. From the viewing of the Pope to the internment, each step is described. You can even learn a bit more history, including the origin of how the Swiss Guard became personal bodyguards for the Pope. There is even an exact replica of Pope John Paul II’s Burial Crypt.

While history is present, another thing to be mindful of is the variety of cultures represented in the museum. You will see different styles of hearses from the USA, Japan, Mexico, and so many more. The museum talks about ancient mummification rituals, The Day of the Dead, a Japanese funeral process and even Ghana’s funeral process. Be mindful that, even though some of these traditions may seem odd to you, yours might seem odd to another person from a different culture.

DON’T BURDEN THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE WITH THE PAIN AND STRESS OF PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL ON THEIR DARKEST DAY. GIVE THEM THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL...

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936-291-7300 October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 37

Over the last fifty years coffins have begun to change shape in order to pay better homage to the deceased person’s life and legacy. There is an airline jet, a limo, and even a fishing canoe for a renowned fisherman. Ghanaians have an incredibly unique and beautiful way of remembering their loved one’s legacies.

Jacques Lipchitz said “Art is an action against death. It is a denial of death.” Throughout the museum, you are able to see different ways of handling death. There are living urns that are able to turn ashes into trees, or biodegradable urns for water burials. They also have memory glass that can be made into a necklace or decorative orb. These are incredibly beautiful pieces to remember loved ones that incorporate or hold the ashes. Another interesting method of remembering loved ones is ash paintings. These paintings are typically different quantities of ashes mixed with water to create different shades of grey. Some incredibly detailed pieces of loved ones are on display at the museum In another room of the museum is a huge array of beautiful painted and even some animals including a horse. and sculpted coffins. These coffins are typical in Ghana and have a deep meaning. These burial containers are depicted as items or animals.

Some of these coffins are shaped like: • A crab, which is considered to be powerful and (since it is water based) would be often selected by a fisherman.

• A fish eagle, which is intended for a keen eye or hunter’s instinct.

The eagle is also a symbol of carrying the occupant upward.

• A lobster, again would be a choice of a fisherman, but is the most intricate and artistic on display.

• A leopard, which would be chosen by a hunter or a tribal dignitary.

• A bull, which is symbolic of leading the deceased to greener pastures.

A cattleman or a tribal leader would select this coffin.

38 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

The Museum has something for just about everyone and while there is nothing scary or spooky, they do recommend ages 7 and up due to the topic of death. It is honestly very fascinating to see how far funerals, equipment, preservations, and ideas honoring the deceased have come.

The National Museum of Funeral History 415 Barren Springs Dr Houston, TX 77090 (281) 876-3063 10 AM - 4 PM Monday – Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 12 PM - 5 PM Sunday Pricing is as follows: Adults: $10 Seniors (55+) / Veterans: $9 Children (ages 6 to 11): $7 Children (5 and under): Free SCI Employees: $8 with ID badge or business card Group Rates are Available Minimum of 25 guests required. $8.00 per person.

You can pre-purchase your tickets online at nmfh.org or in person at the museum.

They do ask you wear a mask when you visit and follow social distancing guidelines.

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Sudoku Puzzles Easy Sudoku

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At this time of

THANKSGIVING we thank you for trusting us to care for you!

Ocular Diagnostics and Therapeutics

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40 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

936-291-8282

Thankful The Sudoku story began in 1783 when Leonhard Euler, a Swiss mathematician, devised ‘Latin Squares’, which he described as ‘a new kind of magic squares’. Euler had come up with a grid in which every number or sym bol appears once in each row or column.

for our Patients, our Staff, our Friends, and our Family.

We are also grateful for all those who are away from their families at this time of year serving our country, and those who are serving the frontlines of the global health crisis.

May God bless you all!

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November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 41

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42 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com 936-294-1832

Sam Houston State University

WELCOME BACK BEARKATS

Walker Hayes Altom Grandson of: Scott & Sheri Miles Wes & Karen Altom Great-Grandson of Betty Stevens Don & Lana Plunkett George Miles Greg Sawka

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Saturday Nights • 7:30 pm October 31 Cody Ray Henry November 7 Sarah Green November 14 Morgan Ashley November 21 Cody Ray Henry Band November 28 Jacob Armitage Nathan Wyatt Hutchison Grandson of: Bradley & Ruth Lynne Hutchison

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facebook.com/bigecrawfish November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 43

Focus Business

Eastex Trailers & Storage

By Janet Davidson Photos by Gina Turner

Owner John Cole

44 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

On a verdant plot of land on Highway 19, a trifecta of trailers, self-storage, and portable buildings come together on four acres of land to meet the needs of long-haulers, RV owners, a local civic organization, commercial businesses, individuals looking to cover their cars from the elements, and even someone turning storage into a “man-cave.” Eastex Trailers & Storage, located on 3156 State Highway 19, meets the varying needs of its customers. Owner John Cole and his mom decided to buy this piece of real estate with a couple ideas of what the business would be. “She had the idea of self-storage, and I had the idea of trailer sales. I started calling trailer manufacturers to find ones that would want me to be their dealer. One of the manufacturers told me I should contact a guy down in Katy to get his perspective. He told me I should think about renting as well as selling trailers. We also keep a few select parts on hand, like lights and jacks, things that get torn up. We also sell accessories for people who buy trailers,” John explained. Continuing his research for this project, Cole spoke with a trailer dealer in Cuero, who suggested that he contact Cook Portable Warehouses. As a result of this fortuitous meeting, Eastex also began selling portable buildings. John’s representative from Cook Portable Warehouses suggested he look into selling carports, steel buildings and garages. “The business has evolved over time. We bought the property in April of 2016 and within six months, everything just fell into place,” Cole shared.

Although the storefront address lists Huntsville as its town, the business is almost halfway between Sam Houston’s home and Trinity. “Some people find us on the internet, but a lot of our customers stop in simply because they were driving by. A man who rented a trailer from me recently just happened to see our sign. I have people who come from all around who buy trailers--Houston, Crockett. I had a gentleman from Tennessee Colony, Texas, who bought a livestock trailer from me recently. I have had people come from Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Mississippi to buy trailers from me,” John communicated.

Customers have the opportunity to select from different brands of trailers such as Ranch King, Diamond C, Cargo Mate, and Longhorn, and varying sizes and types of cargo trailers. One can rent a dump trailer, a deck-over trailer, a small or large car-hauler, a landscape utility trailer, or a livestock trailer. Eastex offers a weekly rate and a daily rate. “The weekly rate is five-times the daily rate and can be up to seven consecutive days. You end up getting two days free if you rent it up to the full seven days,” John pointed out. “If a person wants to haul something like a riding lawn mower or a piece of furniture, our small trailer is ideal for that.” Being community-minded, Cole gives a 10% discount to Future Farmers of America and 4-H members. The business also helps to sponsor the Ag Project show at the Walker County Fair.

Eastex offers a weekly rate and a daily rate on trailer rentals.

»

November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 45

“We cater to RVers, boaters, and anyone needing large self-storage units.”

“We were going to give up selling the woodside portable buildings.

Our representative had someone signed up to be a dealer, but it didn’t work out. When he came back to me, I allotted him a portion of the front lot that would not block a passerby’s view of our self-storage.

The small and mid-sized buildings sell really well for me. People always ask if they can buy what is on the lot, which they can. But if we don’t have the color, size, or style they want, we can custom order it. They build these in Bastrop; it is a fast turnaround order,” John said. “Cook Portable Warehouses is a family owned business. They are great people to work with and have a great product.”

to a customer’s specifications. “These buildings can be set on grass, rock, concrete, asphalt, etc. Your options include 14 different colors, windows, wainscot, walk-in doors, roll-up doors, different roof styles, different lengths and widths, etc…You can do so many different things with these buildings. Eagle Carports has a place on their website where a customer can design and receive a price online. People like that they can really see what the end-product will look like. The staff at Eagle is very nice and knowledgeable,” Cole mentioned.

Behind the trailers, carports, and portable buildings are varying storage configurations to meet just about anyone’s needs. “We cater Walking onto the lot, one will not have to look far before spotting to RVers, boaters, and anyone needing large self-storage units. All the the Eagle Carports. Whether a consumer desires a standard carport, units are very large and include electrical outlets. Every enclosed unit an enclosed storage area, a barn, an RV cover or more, Eagle will build also has a 4’ LED light inside it. These units are 14’ wide by 30’, 40’, or

DRAKE’S TOWING & RECOVERY drakestowingandservice.com

46 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

24 HOUR WRECKER SERVICE RV’s • Boats • Trailers • Motorcycles Statewide Fleet/Commercial Accounts

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2303 E. Main St. • Madisonville

GOT PESTS? CALL THE EXPERTS! • Household Pests • Rodent Control • Mosquito Control • Roaches 50’ in depth on the inside. Each one has a roll-up door that is 12’ wide and 14’ tall…We have an eclectic clientele. One man, who lives in an RV park nearby, uses the unit as his man-cave.

He hangs out here,” John quipped. “A local civic organization keeps their flag-trailer out here with us.” Many of the customers appreciate the wide paved area between the buildings; it makes navigating large vehicles, trailers, etc. a more manageable task. People who want to park their vehicles in a covered (but not enclosed) space have that option available to them as well. “Every tenant has their own individual code. We have cameras trained on the buildings.

We have never had any issues about people breaking in or any problems whatsoever. We are well patrolled. DPS and the county law enforcement are always watching out here. The lighting is solar-controlled and comes on automatically. A young man who is on the Sam Houston Fishing team keeps his boat out here. He had asked me about the lighting, because he may come out here at 3 or 4 in the morning to get his boat. Everyone has been pleased about the security. We have a good group of tenants,” John proudly commented.

Cole adds a personal touch by writing a “Thank You” note to his customers, and he includes a business card asking the consumer to leave a review for Eastex Trailers and Storage through Google. “We are a multi-faceted business catering to so many different types of individuals--whether it is someone who only needs our services temporarily or utilizing our storage buildings over a long period of time. We support our community, support other small business owners, and support our customers with excellent service in storage, portable buildings, and trailers.”

www.eastextrailers.com 3156 State Highway 19 Huntsville, TX 77320 Phone: (936) 291-0404

• Ants • Spiders • Termite Control & Inspection

Serving Huntsville & surrounding areas since 1981

D.L. Shiver II (936) 291-2902 Member of Walker County Chamber of Commerce License: TPCL 0774786

November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 47

MR BRASIL

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My 4-year-old daughter asked, “Mom, is that makeup so you don’t look old? Cause you don’t look old... your face is still straight!” Her grandmother wasn’t as amused. Lol! Lisa

A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, “Daddy, you shouldn’t wear that suit.”

“And why not, darling?”

“Because it always gives you a headache the next morning.”

(936) 534-4525 Office (832) 768-4829 Cell

www.mrbrasil101.com mrbrasil101@hotmail.com

A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup out of the jar. During her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer the phone. She heard, “Mommy can’t come to the phone to talk to you right now. She’s hitting the bottle.”

While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, “The tooth fairy will never believe this!”

Our 6 year old told his sister, “Dad needs to go get Mom something so he’ll be ungrounded. I’m gonna go make her something and say it’s from him!”

Share the funny things your kids or grandkids say: PostcardsLive.com/share 48 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

11 NOV 2020 BRENHAM Fall Festival of Roses Nov. 6-7 antiqueroseemporium.com

COLLEGE STATION Santa’s Wonderland Nov. 13 – Dec. 30 santas-wonderland.com

Navarro County Pro Rodeo Nov. 13-14 navarrocountyprorodeo.com

HUNTSVILLE Discover Local-Community, Commerce & Cuisine Nov. 10 chamber.huntsville.tx.us

JEFFERSON CORSICANA Robert Earl Keen in Concert Nov. 8 corsicanapalace.com

Christmas Express Nov. 27-28 jeffersonrailway.com

Calendar of Events

LUFKIN

SPRING

Annie Moses Band Nov. 7 angelinaarts.org

Home for the Holidays Nov. 8-Dec. 24 oldtownspringshopping.com

MADISONVILLE

TODD MISSION

Gingerbread Market Nov. 20-21 936-348-9333

Texas Renaissance Festival Nov. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 27-29 texrenfest.com

PALESTINE The Polar Express Nov. 13-Dec. 27 texasstaterailroad.net

Submit your calendar items:

12

PostcardsLive.com

Trailer Sales and Rentals Dealer for:

Self Storage Large storage suitable for RV’s and boats Building Sales Dealer for:

(936) 291-0404

Ask for John Cole 3156 State Highway 19 Huntsville

www.eastextrailers.com November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 49

S

mm

Mustard Seed Moments

The Advocate

By Wes Altom I met Joey Chandler when I came to Sam Houston State University in the 1980s, during her tenure with SHSU Admissions. She was orange and white, through-and-through. Through the years, I attended church with her and was privileged to serve alongside her on the school board at Alpha Omega Academy.

If I had to pick one word to describe Joey, it would be “advocate.”

She was unashamedly passionate and steadfast—always all-in for her cause—whether it be SHSU, AOA, God, her local church, or her family.

Because I chose a very different path…as a police officer…this had a particular impact on me. Unable to be an advocate, I pursued being an arbiter… always walking the line, striving to be objective, and suppressing the expression of feelings which might appear unobjective.

1953-2020

advocate: (n) a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc.

We have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father...

He is Jesus. - I John 2:1

I am not saying I regret my path—rather, that Joey, by walking hers as she did, intrigued me and taught me the most valuable of life lessons…

What a blessing to come to the realization that we have a true what being a true advocate looks like. I will forever remember her for advocate—unashamedly passionate and steadfast—always all-in— bringing to life and helping me learn the true meaning concerning FOR US. this scripture:

50 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | November 2020

Along the Road

WOLF BRAND CHILI

the Corsicana company expanded into interstate markets, having previously distributed its products only in Texas.

In 1957, Quaker Oats purchased Wolf Brand and continued to operate the Corsicana plant and to use Davis’s original recipe. In 1977, Wolf Brand, along with other chili manufacturers, successfully lobbied the Texas legislature to have chili proclaimed the official “state food” of Texas.

Quaker closed the Corsicana plant in 1985 and merged its operations with another subsidiary, Stokley-Van Camp in Dallas. ConAgra acquired Van Camp’s and Wolf Brand from Quaker Oats in 1995.

Davis died in 1954, Slauson in 1962, and West in 1963. All three are buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana.

In 1895, Lyman T. Davis sold chili for five cents a bowl from the back of a wagon parked on the streets in downtown Corsicana. Davis later began canning his chili and marketing it in the immediate area, produced by his company, Lyman’s Pure Food Products. It was about that time he adopted the brand name “Lyman’s Famous Wolf Brand Chili,” a name in honor of his pet wolf, Kaiser Bill.

In 1924, Lyman sold the Wolf brand to J. C. West and Fred Slauson, who began expanding the area of distribution for the chili beyond Corsicana. Salesmen drove distinctive can-shaped trucks labeled with the chili’s name, sometimes with Davis’ pet wolf in a cage in the back.

The vehicle not only provided practical transportation for company salesmen, but also was an effective mobile advertisement for their products. During World War II, families from Texas sent cans of chili to their sons in the service.

In 1950, Fred Slauson, a gifted artist, sold his half of the company to Doyle and James West then moved to New Mexico to paint. In 1954,

November 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 51

The expertise to

KEEP YOU MOVING At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know your body is made to move.

Our specialists use the latest technology, perform minimally invasive procedures and develop customized treatment plans, including physical therapy. Whether you’re getting back in shape or back to work, we can help get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.

Conroe

The Woodlands

8 45

59 610

Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

18 convenient locations across Greater Houston

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics 936.321.8000