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Postcards Magazine

Hometown

September 2026

Paul Richie • Yellowstone/Grand Teton • Joy in the Journey

Contents September 2026 | Volume 1, Issue 2

Features

Hometown | September 2026

10 28

Do You Know?

Paul Richie Trippin'

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Calendar - Making Tracks.....................40 Dear Gabby............................................ 25 Feedback.................................................. 8 Glorious Grandchildren ........................15 Kidspeak................................................ 26 Library Picks........................................... 9 Milestones............................................. 39 Mustard Seed Moments ....................... 42 Pet Pals .................................................. 38 Puzzle Solutions ................................... 23 Sudoku Marketspace ............................ 32 Tasty Bites ..............................................18

4 Postcards

Favorites

Things My Granddaddy Said.........................17

BUSINESS FOCUS

Magazine

Community. It's what we do!

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If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available. DIRECT-MAILED to all postal routes in Madisonville, Midway, Centerville, Buffalo, Leona, Bedias, Iola, North Zulch, and Normangee, Texas. Owned and Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. PUBLISHER

Karen Altom EDITOR

Wes Altom OPERATIONS MANAGER

Marshall Altom

ADVERTISING TEAM

Nancy Jolly Tammy Farkas DESIGN TEAM

Columns

Garden Post .......................................... 24 Publisher’s Post ...................................... 6

On The Cover 2025 Postcards Photo Contest Submission

Joy in the Journey

Postcards

Cover Photo by Rebecca Ammons

Mary Partida April Key Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any material without written preauthorization. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, scanned, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2026 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved. Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media

Publisher’s Post Whining and Dining

Hometown | September 2026

Postcards

y husband and I recently found ourselves having dinner at a beautiful historic inn in the Northeast while on vacation. It was one of those places with creaky wood floors, low ceilings, soft lighting, and enough history in the walls to make you wonder who had dined there through the centuries. We thought we’d simply be enjoying a nice dinner. Instead, the special that evening wasn’t on the menu. It was a generous helping of whining with our dining. The hostess seated us at a table right next to another couple who appeared to be a decade or so older than we were. Mind you, the restaurant had plenty of empty tables. We looked around wondering why, of all the places available, we were placed within arm’s reach of strangers. It didn’t take long to find out the couple was on a date. We know this because they told each other… loudly. Very loudly. In fact, by the time our appetizers arrived, we knew they had met at the local senior center. By the time our entrées arrived, we knew he’d recently suffered from back spasms and a bout of gout. A few bites later, we learned he’d had something removed from his ear by the dermatologist. They had found another suspicious spot, removed it, and now he was sporting a Band-Aid. He noticed how tan she looked and guessed she’d been walking more. She seemed pleased that he’d noticed. We also learned about his knees, her ankles, his cataract surgery (one eye down and one to go), and the fact that she no longer likes driving at night because she just can’t see well enough. There wasn’t a medical chart in sight, but there certainly wasn’t any HIPAA in effect either. Somewhere around dessert, I realized something. When we’re young, we impress each other with stories about adventures, careers, dreams, and places we’ve been. As life moves along, our stories change. They become conversations about doctor’s appointments, aches that come and go, medications that finally worked, surgeries that went well, and whether the

Karen (Stevens) Altom, Publisher new knee is behaving today. At first, I couldn’t help but chuckle. But then I found it unexpectedly sweet. Here were two people who had found each other later in life. They weren’t pretending to be twenty-five. They weren’t trying to impress anyone. They simply showed up exactly as they were—Band-Aids, cataracts, sore joints, and all. And someone wanted to hear every bit of it. That thought was driven home later that evening when we joined a crowd on the lawn for a concert. We heard someone behind us say, “I can’t see them.” Without missing a beat, their companion replied, “It’s music…you don’t need to see!” We laughed out loud. Maybe that’s one of the quiet gifts of growing older. You stop worrying so much about perfect circumstances and simply enjoy being there… together. As for Wes and me, we left smiling. It’s not exactly the stuff Hallmark writes greeting cards about. But if we’re fortunate enough to reach that season ourselves, I hope we’ll still be sitting across the table from one another…talking a little too loudly…and grateful that someone still wants to listen.

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Hometown | September 2026

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Library Picks

Emily O. reading

The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey September 2026 | Hometown

BY ASTRID DAHL

9 reading

The Last Protector BY SIMON GERVAIS

Laney Bell reading

The Things We Leave Unfinished BY REBECCA YAROS

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Adam Wesley

YOU P DO KNOW?

Hometown | September 2026

Paul Richie

Meet this local “Maker,” who takes leather, metal, gold, silver and other metals and transforms them into handmade, artist quality bits, spurs, buckles, and jewelry.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER

Postcards

eeting Paul Richie was not formal. I walked into his inviting shop, and I heard him call out from somewhere inside, but I didn’t know where he was located. I continued speaking with him until I figured out he was located upstairs and around the corner! He greeted me with a smile and a handshake, and it felt like I had known him for a long time. He was working on a sterling silver cross, putting the final engravings on it. Paul is a western art maker who is exceptionally gifted. His shop is filled with beautiful western art that is handmade by him and his maker friends.

Tell me about growing up.

I was born and raised here in Madisonville, Texas. My parents owned a ranch, and my dad was known for his horsemanship. Dad taught many young people how to ride over several decades, including me. My mom passed away when I was twelve years old. Dad remarried, and I ended up with a new stepbrother who was a year older than me. He was much bigger, so I learned how to fight. I had two older brothers (but one passed) and one older sister who was in high school when I was born, so having a brother close to my age altered my life. It grounded and humbled me. We still enjoy going fishing together and have a great time doing so.

So, you were a horseman from early on? My wife Jana and I met when I was in seventh grade at the local horse show. She is a barrel racer, and I was in the ‘ride around and frown’ crowd. I would make my dad stay late after the horse

Paul & Jana Richie

shows so I could talk to her, but it wasn’t until I was in college that I asked her out on a date. We dated for about seven years and got married in 1995 after we both graduated from Sam Houston.

Share about your work history.

I had been working at a fiberglass plant while going to college, and when I finished my ag degree in range management/turf grass management from Sam Houston State University, I thought I would go the superintendent route. I took a job at the local country club golf course. My salary at the golf course was not enough to make a living, even though I loved working there. I worked a couple of other jobs over the next few years, then got hired as an insurance adjuster for an adjusting firm. I advanced to VP during my tenure, but I was not satisfied in the business of insurance. Much of my employment during a span of eighteen years or so kept me away from the Madisonville area.

But not away from horses, correct?

My wife and I have always worked with horses and have been breaking and raising horses for decades. About twenty-five years ago, I got to know a clinician named Charlie Hill. I have much respect for Charlie because of the way he works with horses. He is a deep thinker, who thinks through the process of training. I learned as much as I could from him about being a good horseman and, in the process, he also taught me how to work with leather. He was a big inspiration for me to learn the craft, as I had zero talent back then. I started taking classes and worked hard to better my skills.

So your craftmanship started with leather, then what? I started following a guy online by the name of Wilson Capron, who was well known for spur and bit making. Attending classes with like-minded people who shared the same interests inspired me to work harder and more

Postcards

12 Hometown | September 2026

often. My first spur-making class was with Wilson. He does a four-day class taught onsite, and we all stay in a bunkhouse. Wilson’s wife Katie cooks for all the attendees, and the joke is we all come back for her cooking and not the training. I made my first set of spurs and felt like this was the perfect path I wanted to take in my life. I signed up for a bit-making class and made my first bit. I couldn’t do overlays very well, so I went back to class to learn it. The more I learned, the better I got, and I was determined to be the best I could be. Following Wilson Capron led me to search out other expert makers of spurs, bits, belt buckles, and jewelry.

I’m the furthest thing from it, but what I am is dedicated and driven to learn. I want to improve my abilities the best way I know, which is why I seek out some of the best to learn from. People like: Wilson Capron, Charlie Hill, my wife, Cary Schwarz, Scott Hardy, Matt Humphreys, Wes Griffin, and Greg Darnell.

Making a set of spurs takes about twenty-five to thirty hours. There are several components, and everything is handmade. Even small pieces, that are available premade, I fabricate by hand. I just prefer it that way. A lot of customers come to me with certain preferences and styles, and each pair is tailored to their needs. I use 4130 steel to fabricate the heel band, 1018 or 4130 steel to make the shank. Depending on the use of the spur, I design the rowel for each individual’s need. Once the fabrication is complete, I start the ornamentation process. The silver accents are overlayed and engraved. The hardest part of making a set of spurs is making the second one match the first. I have to say, of all the pieces I make, I enjoy making spurs the most. Ever since Paul decided to take a leap of faith and follow his heart, he has become quite talented at making

”

western art and, in the process, has grown closer to his heavenly Father. He is a fine horseman and a maker, through and through. What he has accomplished has been achieved through hard work and dedication, but he isn’t looking for accolades. He does it because he loves to do it. If someone shows interest in being a maker, he wants to teach them what he has learned. Nothing would make him happier than giving back and helping to lead some others down the path that has brought him so much joy and happiness. Paul Richie is a humble man with a passion for the Lord, a determination to be his very best, and a love of life and his fellow man. If you ever meet Paul, you will know all these things in a matter of minutes. He might not think of himself as an artist, but I would definitely beg to differ. He and his maker friends are truly gifted and produce quality western art that should be experienced by all who visit the area.

Paul’s business, RNR Trappings, is located on the west side of the square in downtown Madisonville. The address is 110 S. Elm Street. You can see more of his work at rnrtrappings.com.

Each quarter, Paul and a group of business owners and friends collaborate with the City of Madisonville to organize “City of Madisonville Cowboy Days”. This is a “sip and shop art faire” to bring folks to Madisonville to enjoy the antique and western shops, dummy roping, wine tasting, signature cocktails, live music, and much more. The most recent event was spectacular, and the plan for the next one is to make it even better with additional attractions.

13 Postcards

What goes into making a set of spurs?

I want to improve my abilities the best way I know, which is why I seek out some of the best to learn from.

September 2026 | Hometown

You seem to be very talented.

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Hometown | September 2026

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Glorious Grandchildren

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September 2026 | Hometown

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Postcards Hometown | September 2026

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Things My Granddaddy Said If a Texas woman says, "What did you say?", she isn't asking you to repeat it. She's asking you if you're good with Jesus... cause you're about to meet Him.

She's as wild as a June bug on a string. A rooster one day, and a feather duster the next.

A bachelor is a man who never makes the same mistake.

~ Tonie Sikes Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

I’m 83 years old. I don’t even buy green bananas anymore!

~ Daniel Weaver

As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!

September 2026 | Hometown

You’re so worrisome, you could wear the horns off a billy goat.

17 Postcards

Tasty Bites Fall-off-the-Bone Instant Pot Ribs

Hometown | September 2026

INGREDIENTS

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½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup chili powder 1 Tbs dried parsley 2 tsp salt 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp onion powder 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 small or medium racks baby back ribs, membranes removed 1 cup water ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1 (12 oz) bottle barbecue sauce

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Mix brown sugar, chili powder, parsley, salt, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, onion powder, and paprika together in a bowl using a fork, breaking up any large clumps. Step 2: Rub spice mixture over both sides of ribs. Step 3: Place a steam rack inside a multi-functional pressure cooker. Pour water and cider vinegar into the bottom of the pot. Step 4: Lower ribs into the pot (with bones vertical) by curving them around the edge. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions; set the timer for 25 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build. Step 5: Release pressure carefully using the quickrelease method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Step 6: Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; place ribs on the foil. Top with barbecue sauce. Step 7: Broil ribs until sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes.

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September 2026 | Hometown

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Tasty Bites Green Bean Casserole Remix INGREDIENTS

2 (9 oz) pkgs frozen cut green beans, thawed 10 slices bacon 10 small fresh mushrooms, chopped ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder 1 cup half-and-half cream ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper to taste

Hometown | September 2026

DIRECTIONS

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Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place green beans into a 1 quart or similar sized casserole dish. Step 2: Fry bacon in a large deep skillet over mediumhigh heat until browned and crispy. Remove to

drain on paper towels. Drain off some of the grease, leaving enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Add mushrooms to the grease in the pan and season with garlic powder and onion powder. Cook and stir until tender, about 4 minutes. Step 3: Pour the half-and-half into the pan with the mushrooms and stir to scrape the bacon flavor from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Pour this mixture over the green beans. Crumble bacon over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is toasted.

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September 2026 | Hometown

21 Postcards

Tasty Bites Chewy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Hometown | September 2026

INGREDIENTS

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½ cup butter, softened ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup white sugar ½ cup packed light brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup quick-cooking oats 3 Tbs butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar ½ cup smooth peanut butter 2 ½ Tbs heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Step 2: Beat 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until light and creamy. Add egg and beat until fully incorporated. Step 3: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and stir until just combined. Stir in oats until evenly incorporated. Step 4: Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each mound with a fork to form 1/4-inch-thick cookies. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until edges are lightly browned and centers are set, about 10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets briefly before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Step 6: To make the filling: Cream 3 tablespoons butter with powdered sugar, 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, and heavy whipping cream. Spread filling onto half of the cooled cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

Sudoku #5 9 2 4#35 Sudoku 7 51 68 23 8 18 76 45 21 4 8 92 89 6 3 1 3 17 74 5 9 6 9 37 5 8 4 6 8 6 32 4 2 7 9 5 1 6 3 9 5 6 4 7 7 19 3 2 52

1 2 9 3 6 26

7 76 15 9 8 34 57 1 4 5 8 9 3 4 2 1 8 1 2 54 93 2 7 45 59 87 11 3 6 4 7 2 8 2 7 1 3 89 88 31 45 64 96 8

6 7 6 9 2 48 61 9 8 55 2 6 73 8 25 9 8 3 1 6 7 44 3 8 1 62 9 63 94 25 89 51 1 7 73 18 5 8 2 3 19 72 97 44 66 54 35 11 22 79 2 9 4 5 3 8

96 37 81 52 9 7 48

52 5 6 78 3 2 7 8

Puzzle Solutions

9 8 EASY

3 Sudoku #8 5 6 4#69 Sudoku 22 98 1 1 55 69 57 83 72 4 6 7 9 7 45 3 7 46 63 9 7 3 1 2 98 63 8 2 38 4 1 55 1 8 13 71 22 48 9 6 4 97 3 4 1 5

14 15 6 3 3 6 91 7 2 4

1 3 2 37 86 64 8 25 14 4 62 21 53 8 2 5 9 1 1 4 9 5 1 36 7 99 46 7 95 59 87 3 2 78 8 6

6 2 7

7 79

43 1 3 9 1

96 88 2 4 5 8 45 7 7 3 6 22 34 6 6

21 55 1 9

7 6 2

MEDIUM 6

4 7 3

1 6

7 8 4 5

1 9 5 6 7 3 2 5 2 9 8 9 3 2

6 2 5 8 4 3 9 7 2 5 8 6 1 4 7 9

Sudoku #8 6 8 2 4 9 7 4 1 5 3 1 2 7 5 8 6 4 1 6 5 2 9 3 8 8 6 5 3 1 2 7 9 3 4 9 7

8 6 4 9 7 2 5 1

5 3

2 9 1 2 7 3 8 1 4 5 6 4 9 1 7 6 3 8 4 8 5 6 2 3

Sudoku is like life, it may seem complicated at first, but with persistence and practice, you can master it.

”

23 Postcards

Sudoku #7 4 5 9 2 2 1 3 5 8 6 7 9 9 7 2 3 6 8 5 7 3 4 1 8 1 9 4 6 7 3 8 4 5 2 6 1

5 2 1 84 37 48 8 3 2 1 7 1 59 66 24 7 4 5 8 6 6 5 3 4 1 9 3 2 3 97 3 2 91 49 2 5 6 8 9 7 1 8

September 2026 | Hometown

8 4 3 1 Sudoku #7 2 5 4#59 Sudoku 21 19 88 35 36 77 93 14 44 52 61 97 1 3 7 9 5 85 2 17 48 36 2 7 9 2 4 6 9 5 46 3 1 25 88 5 3 98 86 7 4 63

6 3 9 4 3 4 57 2 9 73 15 62 6 8

Sudoku #6 8 3 7#46 Sudoku 9 5 13 1 7 6 2 2 54 49 86 9 5 7 3 2 4 1 3 9 14 39 91 78 1 22 48 6 6 5 Sudoku 1 6 89 5 5 7 from page 326 3 7 64 28 7 8 4 7 5 2 3 5 4 2

The Garden Post

A New

Beginning Hometown | September 2026

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eptember, the beginning of the second season of gardening! One of the best months to garden in Texas, hands down. Time to start planning your fall and winter vegetable gardens and landscapes. But, you can still count on your summer warriors to add a little color to help carry you through the rest of the summer. Here are some summer heroes. Lantana, a perennial that comes in an array of color combinations. It’s an excellent attractant for all pollinators, hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Periwinkles also come in a multitude of colors and forms, upright, trailing, and miniatures. And don’t forget about these summer troopers: zinnias, Mexican heather, and tropical hibiscus. Check with your local nursery for availability and possible sales! Planning a vegetable garden? Some excellent coolseason choices are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, greens, kale, and lettuces. Good root crops to plant from seed are radishes, turnips, carrots, and beets. Herbs can still be planted, too! Most varieties produce attractive blooms that add color to the garden, while trailing types bring texture and visual interest to the landscape. Remember to rotate your crops each season to help reduce pests and disease while keeping your soil healthy. Time to evaluate your landscape. Fall is a great time to plant ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees. This allows their root systems to become better established before next year’s summer heat stress. You may need to move plants that didn’t do well in their existing location. Or you might have to replace or add plants. Be thinking about what cool-season color you want to plant later. Some good choices are snapdragons, stock, and ornamental kale/cabbage. Followed by pansies and violas later. Mum alert!!! Chrysanthemums will soon be available in a rainbow of colors and sizes! Have a game plan before going to your local nursery. Do your homework and get ideas of what plants, shrubs, or trees you like that would do well in your area. Take pictures of existing landscape and know the

Ginger Vybiral Bobo’s Nursery Buffalo, Texas

measurements of your garden beds. Know what direction all your beds face to consider sun exposure. If you come prepared, it will be easy for them to assist you in making the best choices for your yard. Late September is the time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn to prevent uninvited weedy guests mingling with your lawn grasses. Brown patch can be treated with a fungicide in late September and again in mid-October. Possible reasons for brown patch could be attributed to overwatering or over-fertilizing. Just because we may get a break from the heat doesn’t mean we can stop watering. If we don’t have consistent rain, our soil will be dry and needs to be kept moist. Yellow leaves don’t always mean fall foliage. You can still prune roses back by 1/3 to have a beautiful fall show. Deadhead any spent blooms on your annuals and perennials, as well as dead leaves and stalks. Cut back herbs that are looking ragged; they’ll put back out fresh new growth. Begin dividing your bulbs, relocate or give to neighbors and friends; you’ll be everyone’s best friend! Fertilize any new annuals, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Hold off on fertilizing shrubs and trees; they need to slow down on their growth and prepare for dormancy. Now that cooler temps are possible, be on the lookout for diseases. Powdery mildew loves our area this time of year due to our high humidity. Two main hangouts for mildew are your roses and St. Augustine grass. Gray leaf spot and brown patch, which we’ve touched on earlier, need to be kept under control and treated. The middle of September is the last month to treat the demonic nut sedge (or nut grass, as we call it here). Time for your monthly critter report! The usual little culprits are still out there causing destruction: aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, etc. But now some new players are entering the game: caterpillars, grubs, and worms! Webworms in your trees look like something from a horror movie! Be on the lookout and treat them early to avoid severe damage. Your local nursery can help with what kind of treatment you need. Always bring in pictures or dead bodies to help move forward with your eradication mission. Remember, life began in a garden!

Dear Gabby

Send me your questions at

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Welcome back to the September 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. Labor Day is September 7 and honors the American labor movement and workers; Patriot Day is September 11 and remembers those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks; Constitution Day is September 17 and celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution; and National POW/MIA Recognition Day is the 18th (always the 3rd Friday in September, and honors missing and prisoner of war service members). Now, before we pumpkin spice the planet, let’s not forget summer isn’t over until Tuesday, September 22. Fall will be most welcome--especially if it brings cooler weather! Any questions? Send them to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. DEAR GABBY I think I remember from last season that you are no fan of pumpkin spice. Well, everyone is entitled to their wrong opinion. Who needs a prince when you can have a pumpkin? SPICE GIRL

DEAR SG

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “SHE SAID SHE WANTED TO TALK!”: Maybe she wanted to do the talking. Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters. Think about that.

September 2026 | Hometown

Leggings, leaves, and lattes, oh my! Please don’t offer me anything pumpkin spice. I’m not one of those. I am well aware that I am outnumbered in the pumpkin spice latte game, but I am entitled to my opinion. My opinion was formed for good reasons. I once spilled a pumpkin spice latte on the ground,

and a bunch of ants started making brunch plans and doing yoga. I was behind a woman in the pharmacy line this week, and she asked the pharmacist if her medication came in pumpkin spice flavor. She was told to pick up her meds and move along. You know those white pumpkins popular now? They are regular pumpkins that are drained of their spice by illegal poachers. If you are “one of those,” please demand ethically sourced pumpkin spice lattes. That spice is in everything! If I see pumpkin spice bologna in the grocery store, I’m fasting until January.

25 Postcards

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Kidspeak 5-yo came home after school and proudly announced that he was giving up bedtime for Lent. Nice try, little dude. But no. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Me: Stop smacking your brother's butt! 8-yo: He wants me to! Me: Not saying 'no' is not the same thing as saying 'yes.' 8-yo (to brother): Do you want me to smack your butt?

Hometown | September 2026

Toddler: Yes.

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•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• On the first day of teaching school, I went over the list classroom rules and procedures. A kid in the back mumbled, "This could have been an email." I am now encouraging him to be a school principal when he grows up. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• "I've never gotten in trouble at daycare, ever. I just went to timeout two...no, three times today." - Cordelia, age 5 Garrett Carson •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My 2-yo just looked outside and exclaimed, "My rock is growing so fast!" And then my 9-yo whispered to me, "I swap it out for a larger rock when she isn't looking." •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• On today's episode of being a parent: I told my 2-yo I need privacy, and she says, "Me too, let's have that together." •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My son is in the 4th grade. He had to make sure he had a nice button up shirt clean for school tomorrow. When I asked him why, he said, "Because my friends are getting married at recess, and I was invited to be in the crowd, so I want to look nice."

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September 2026 | Hometown

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Selfie Stations

Kids Train

Petting Zoo

Free Monterey Mushroom Fajitas

Blow up Slides

MUSHROOM Vendors

Taste of Texas Tent

Volunteer Opportunities

Find YOUR Place at the 25th Annual Texas Mushroom Festival Whether you're a local business, artisan, food vendor, sponsor, volunteer, entertainer, car enthusiast, photographer, runner, or simply looking for a fun day with family, there's a place for you at the Texas Mushroom Festival. Join us October 17, 2026, in historic downtown Madisonville for one of Texas' most unique festivals. Email: info@txmushfest.org Website: www.txmushfest.org

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Shiitake 5K Run/Walk

Hometown | September 2026

PP TRIPPIN'

Yellowstone and Grand Teton

National Parks

“Old Faithful” doesn’t even begin to tell the story… in this case, one pair is a winning hand!

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY RUTH FIELDS

illions of people travel every year to the far northwest corner of Wyoming to visit two of America’s most popular national parks. Many of them come from distant parts of the world. In May, my husband and I succumbed to wanderlust and set off to see Yellowstone and Grand Teton for ourselves.

World’s first national park

When geologist Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden’s team returned from their expedition of the Yellowstone region in 1871, they presented their findings— including photographs and paintings of stunning hydrothermal activity—to a fascinated U.S. Congress. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law. This made Yellowstone the first national park in the world and set a global example of

ecological preservation. Yellowstone is one of America’s largest national parks, but before our visit, we didn’t fully grasp its vastness. Yellowstone comprises about 3,472 square miles—roughly the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined. (Most of the park is in Wyoming, but parts extend into Montana and Idaho.) It takes time to explore Yellowstone, but fortunately, we met a friendly park volunteer who helped us get the most out of our allotted days. Yellowstone’s 142-mile Grand Loop Road resembles a figure eight. Nine villages (most with lodging, restaurants, gift shops, and visitor information centers) are situated along this scenic route. Yellowstone is diverse, and each village highlights the area’s main attractions. For example, Canyon Village is near the Grand

Canyon of the Yellowstone; Lake Village is on the bank of Yellowstone Lake (which, at approximately 136 square miles, is the largest high-altitude freshwater lake in North America). Mammoth Hot Springs has unique hydrothermal formations and is the site of historic Fort Yellowstone, where the U.S. Army stationed soldiers from 1886 until 1918 to discourage poachers, squatters, and vandals. Old Faithful Village has several lodges that surround the famous geyser, including Old Faithful Inn, which was built in 1903 through 1904 with local logs and stones. The inn has a seven-story lobby and is considered the largest log structure in the world. It is a National Historic Landmark. At the top is the Crow’s Nest, where musicians once played for guests below. It was closed after a strong 1959 earthquake

damaged some of the support timbers, but the bottom two floors are open to the public.

Beyond Old Faithful

One of the many hot springs

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River

Elk grazing in Yellowstone

September 2026 | Hometown

Old Faithful is perhaps the bestknown attraction at Yellowstone, but contrary to popular belief, it is not entirely punctual; furthermore, earthquakes over the years have made eruptions less frequent. Eruptions occur approximately every 90 minutes, but can be as much as two hours apart. Park staffers note the duration of each eruption, which helps them predict the next one, give or take about 12 minutes. After eruptions, spectators applaud. There are more than 500 geysers in the park, which is more than half the world’s total. In fact, thanks to an ancient supervolcano, Yellowstone boasts the most extensive collection of hydrothermal features in the world, numbering more than 10,000. Hot springs—such as the intensely vibrant

Grand Prismatic Spring—are strangely colorful because of microorganisms that thrive in heat. Fumaroles, which spew steam into the air from small holes in the earth, are also common. Hydrothermal features, however, are not Yellowstone’s only claim to fame. The mountains and lush valleys are serene, and the rivers that meander through the park create impressive waterfalls. Some are only a short walk from main roads. The largest and most famous is the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which roars 308 feet to the floor of the yellow and orange Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We braved the hike to the brink, which drops 600 feet in just 3/8ths of a mile. My husband predicted that the hike would be “all sizzle and no steak,” but conceded that the view was a “16-ounce ribeye” and worth the steep climb back to the trailhead. Nathaniel P. Langford, an early explorer, noted the waterfall’s grandeur, as well as his fear of its

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Northern view, Yellowstone

Hometown | September 2026

power, in his 1873 report: “I thought how utterly impossible it would be to describe to another the sensations inspired by such a presence. . . I felt as never before my entire dependence upon that Almighty Power who had wrought these wonders.” Yellowstone is also known for an abundance of wildlife. Grizzly bears inhabit the park, as does a large, thriving black bear population. (Bear spray is a must!) Elk are often spotted, although moose sightings are less common. The park is also home to wolves, coyotes, pronghorns, ospreys, bald eagles and many other species.

Morman Row

And bison. Poachers once nearly eliminated them altogether, but after decades of conservation, Yellowstone now has the nation’s largest freeroaming population of wild bison on public lands. Thousands of bison roam the hillsides and valleys; some even cross roads. The park has two herds of bison—one in Lamar Valley in the northeast sector, and one in Hayden Valley, in the central part. These valleys are great places to watch for other wildlife, too. In addition to countless bison, we saw bears, elk, pronghorn, osprey, harlequin ducks, and Canada geese.

There are many other things to see and do at Yellowstone. Some visitors explore the intriguing sights along the main roads, where they can cross the Continental Divide three times. The park also attracts hikers, campers, wildlife photographers, snowmobilers and fishermen. (To fish, obtain a permit at recreation.gov.) Yellowstone does not currently require reservations, so be prepared for crowds. In 2025, Yellowstone recorded more than 4.7 million visits. Parking lots can fill quickly, and traffic sometimes comes to a complete stop at “bear jams” when visitors spot wildlife. To avoid the rush, consider visiting during spring or autumn, although some park roads may be closed. It also helps to go early in the day. Texas visitors have an advantage: because we are accustomed to Central Time, it’s easier for us to arrive before roads become congested.

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Jenny Lake

Grand Teton National Park

It isn’t particularly easy to get from Texas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. A road trip takes about 24 hours. Flights to nearby cities require connections and can be expensive; those who take non-stop flights to international hubs spend significant time on the road after landing. Most people, however, seem to think these parks are worth the effort. We agree. For more information, visit nps.gov/ yell and nps.gov/grte.

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In retrospect

September 2026 | Hometown

Adjacent to Yellowstone on its south side, Grand Teton National Park is a separate park that requires its own entrance fee. At about 484 square miles, it is only about one-seventh the size of Yellowstone, but it packs a big punch. The jagged Teton Mountains rise abruptly and majestically nearly 7,000 feet from the valley of Jackson Hole and overlook all areas of the park. Grand Teton, the tallest peak and the park’s namesake, is 13,775 feet above sea level. The centerpiece of the park is the 1,191-acre Jenny Lake, which was formed by glaciers. It was named for Jenny Leigh, a Shoshone woman who was the wife of an English trapper and a guide for the 1872 expedition of the area. Some visitors hike around the lake (possibly spotting moose along the way), while others take a boat shuttle across to visit Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Jackson Lake, in the northern reaches of the park, is much larger, but Jenny Lake remains one of the most-visited and mostphotographed attractions in Grand Teton. Meanwhile, photographers also flock to Morman Row, which is known for a handful of early-20th century log homes and two quaint barns built by early settlers. Like Yellowstone, Grand Teton has scenic roads that take visitors to views of incredible beauty. The park is also known for its wildlife. Besides a large moose population, there are bison, elk, grizzly and black bears, pronghorns, bald eagles, yellow-bellied marmots, beavers and river otters.

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Sudoku Marketspace

Reygan Farris Richardson & Clara Kelly - Agents 602 South Madison, Madisonville, TX 77864 | 936.348.2302 | reygan@farris-insurance.com Novice Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 26, Book 1

Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 26, Book 1

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5 6 3 8 8 5 9 9 7 3 4 5 5 7 2 1 6 4 3 9 6 5 5 6 9 3 2 1 9 4 7 4 1 5

8 2

5 3

1 2 8 4 5 8 3 1 1 3 2 8 4 5 6 5 4 9 1 9 4 3 9 1 5 6

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

KrazyDad runs on electrity and caffeine. Want to buy me a cup of coffee? You can donate at http://krazydad.com Or by mail: Krazydad, P.O. Box 303 Sun Valley, CA 91353 USA Thank you for helping out!

Sudoku #8 Medium Want to help me pay my Internet bill? You can make a donation at http://krazydad.com Or by mail: Krazydad, P.O. Box 303 Sun Valley, CA 91353 USA Thank you!

Hometown | September 2026

Sudoku #8 Easy

Word fjnd

HONOR

APPLE

KINDNESS

AUTUMN

LEAVES

CHERISH

LEGACY

CHESTNUT

LOVE

CIDER

SEPTEMBER

FAMILY

SMILES

GENEROUS

SQUIRREL

GRANDFATHER

VISIT

GRANDMOTHER

WISDOM

September 2026 | Hometown

ACORN

33 Postcards

BUSINESS FOCUS

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Joy in the Journey Hometown | September 2026

Creating a nurturing environment where children who struggle academically, socially, or behaviorally can thrive. BY ALLIE PLUNK | PHOTOS BY MARSHALL ALTOM

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Owner, Donna O’Brien

Original owner, Rita Davis

September 2026 | Hometown

35 occasion if we show them that we believe in them.” Faith also plays an important role in the center’s mission. Donna naturally incorporates biblical principles into everyday conversations, using Scripture to teach kindness, forgiveness, conflict resolution, and wise decision-making. From prayers before snack time to discussions about treating others with compassion, she hopes every child experiences the love of Christ in practical, everyday ways. As the owner of the only learning center of its kind in Madisonville, Donna works each day to carry on Mrs. Rita’s legacy while creating a nurturing environment where children who struggle academically, socially, or behaviorally can thrive. She believes that meaningful relationships are often the foundation for lasting growth. By taking the time to understand each

child’s individual needs and strengths, she helps build confidence alongside academic skills. One tradition that has remained constant for nearly fifty years is the annual Easter Parade and Egg Hunt. While the event is filled with fun and excitement for the children, it also provides an opportunity to share the true story of Easter, continuing a tradition that began with Mrs. Rita decades ago. Joy in the Journey is also very much a family endeavor. Over the years, Donna’s daughters have served as directors and employees, while her sons have helped maintain the property. Her grandchildren were raised at the center, making it more than just a workplace: it has become an extension of the family’s home. “This has been our mainstay for the last twenty years,” Donna reflected. “It has

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oy in the Journey has certainly lived up to its name, growing and evolving while remaining rooted in the community it has served for nearly five decades. Originally established as Rita’s Daycare by single mother Rita Davis in 1979, the center became a trusted place for Madisonville area families, earning a reputation built on love, consistency, and genuine care for children. Growing up as one of thirteen children, Rita understood the importance of family, patience, and looking out for one another. Those values became the foundation of the daycare she built and the legacy she left behind. When Donna O’Brien purchased the business in 2008, she was committed to preserving Mrs. Rita’s legacy while preparing the center for its next chapter. That next chapter officially began in December 2025, when the business was rebranded as Joy in the Journey. While continuing its tradition of caring for children, the learning center shifted its focus toward afterschool transportation, tutoring, and specialized support for children with unique learning and developmental needs. For Donna, the transition wasn’t simply a business decision—it was the natural extension of a lifelong calling. After spending twenty-three years as a junior high special education teacher, Donna developed a passion for helping children, particularly those on the autism spectrum and those who simply need a little extra patience, understanding, and encouragement. “I gravitate toward kids that need that extra patience and love,” she said, reflecting on what inspired the new direction. That philosophy has become the heart of Joy in the Journey. More than helping students complete homework or improve academically, Donna wants every child who walks through the doors to know they are valued. Her goal is for children to leave feeling accepted, confident, capable, and equipped to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. “Everybody needs to be heard,” she said. “Children will rise to the

really pulled us all together.” Today, Joy in the Journey continues to invest in the children of our communities by offering afterschool transportation, tutoring, and individualized support designed to help every child reach their full potential. Enrollment is currently open, with limited spaces available. Joy in the Journey welcomes families looking for a place where children are encouraged, challenged…and above all, loved.

For more information about Joy in the Journey or to inquire about enrollment, contact Donna O’Brien at 936-348-0276.

Joy in the Journey 114 York Drive Madisonville, TX 77864

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September 2026 | Hometown

37 Postcards

Sam A. Moak

PROFESSIONAL

LAW FIRM & LEGAL SERVICE Wills & Probate • Estate Planning • Guardianship Trusts • Elder Law • Business Planning • Real Estate

www.moakandmoak.com 1315 11th St. • Huntsville, TX

(936) 295-6394 Attorneys at Law

Serving East Texas Since 1972

Licensed by The Texas Supreme Court

Hometown | September 2026

Pet Pals

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Share Your Pets Photos with Us!

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Buddies in Bedias

Nova

Lacy

loved by

Michelle Bobo

Willy & Natalie

Donna & Ralph Beaty

YOUR BACKYARD CALLED.

IT’S READY FOR A TRAEGER. Turn backyard cookouts into unforgettable summer evenings with a Traeger wood pellet grill from of Madisonville.

DON’T FORGET ACE’S SMALL ENGINE SHOP! Expert service and repairs to keep your mowers, trimmers, chainsaws and outdoor equipment running strong.

Discover the Jon Hart Collection— beautiful Texas-made bags, totes and travel accessories that are

Built to Last. Loved for Years. 701 E. Main St. Madisonville, TX 77864

(936) 307-1333 facebook.com/aceofmadisonville

Locally Owned, Locally Loved.

PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY.

Share Your Photos with Us!

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Milestones

Ethan Cox & Carter Allen

their 50th anniversary

their recent engagement

celebrated

September 2026 | Hometown

Milton & Kay Fisher

From engagement rings and anniversary gifts to meaningful heirloom redesign, Elliott will help you create a one-of-a-kind piece using natural diamonds and precious metals, crafted with care for the moments that matter most.

By Appointment Only Book Your Private Jewelry Experience 6 Days a Week

ElliottsJewelers.com Call: 936-284-5656 | Text: 936-661-5363

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Custom Jewelry Designed Around Your Story

September 2026 11

Josh Groban

Motley Crue

“Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story”

woodlandscenter.org

Galveston Island Wine Festival

Kolache Festival

visitgalveston.com

Hometown | September 2026

THE WOODLANDS

4-6

GALVESTON

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THE WOODLANDS

See More Events Online!

4-7

CALDWELL

burlesoncountytx.com

CORSICANA

Jurassic Quest

Fleetwood Journey in Concert

reliantpark.com

corsicanapalace.com

5K & Pup Run

Show of Wheels Car Show

HOUSTON

MADISONVILLE

madisonchamber.net

10 - Oct 4 CONROE

“Silent Sky” owentheatre.com

11-19

BRENHAM

Washington County Fair washingtoncofair.com

PALESTINE

Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train texasstaterailroad.net

FAIRFIELD

fairfieldtexaschamber.com

HUNTSVILLE

Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org

HUNTSVILLE

Gene Watson oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

MADISONVILLE

Hispanic Heritage Festival madisonchamber.net

COLLEGE STATION

opastickets.org

HUNTSVILLE

48 Hour Play Festival (free admission) shsu.universitytickets.com

COLLEGE STATION

Aiden Ross: Homecoming (winner of The Voice Season 28) opastickets.org

15 - 27 HOUSTON

“The Music Man” tuts.org

BEAUMONT

Bucktoberfest buckstinbrewing.com

BUFFALO

Buffalo Stampede buffalotex.org

CONROE

Woodforest Bank Charity Run runsignup.com/Race/TX/Conroe/woodforestcharityrun

Making Tracks 19

9 Annual Muster Festival

Santa in September

HUNTSVILLE th

heartsmusuem.com

HUNTSVILLE

Comedian Etta May oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

CLUTE

Shell Show and Texas Sheller’s Jamboree houstonshellclub.com

HOUSTON

reliantpark.com

25 - Oct 4 TYLER

East Texas State Fair and Rodeo etstatefair.com

BRYAN

Brazos Valley Bee School bvbeeks.org

CONROE

“Swing, Swing, Swing” conroesymphony.org

HUNTSVILLE

Blood Drive commitforlife.org

HUNTSVILLE

Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

MADISONVILLE

Fly-In & Car Show madisonchamber.net

26-27

THE WOODLANDS

Fine Craft, Art, and Design Show thewoodlandsartscouncil.org

TYLER

LeAnn Rimes cowancenter.org

29 - Oct 4 HOUSTON

“The Sound of Music” houston.broadway.com

41 Postcards

Phil Wickham: Song of the Saints Tour

fairfieldtexaschamber.com

September 2026 | Hometown

24-26

FAIRFIELD

Mustard Seed Moments By JRA

In the Field

Hometown | September 2026

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or I have provided me a king. 1 Samuel 16:1

God has rejected Saul and is sending Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint another king. Notice what God told Samuel, “I have provided me a king.” God did the choosing, God did the guiding, and God did the blessing. Seven sons passed before Samuel, but the Lord had not chosen one of them to be king. “Are these all your children?”, Samuel asked Jesse. Jesse replies, “There is the youngest, and he is keeping the sheep.” The youngest, the sheep keeper, had not been invited to the lineup. Pay close attention to that last sentence…not invited. When David came before Samuel, God spoke, saying, “Arise, anoint him.” This youngest son, overlooked by his father and brothers, but not overlooked by God. When he came before Samuel, he still had the smell of the desert and sheep. In the field with the sheep is where God formed David, and by tending sheep, he learned how to be the king God anointed. Before he held a harp in his hands, he held a shepherd’s staff and a sling. God shapes his chosen in the fields before he reveals them to the public. It was in the fields tending sheep where God trained him for battles not yet seen. Paul may have had this story in mind when he wrote 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29. For ye see your calling, brethren, how not many men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. Do you feel uninvited, overlooked, or stuck in the field doing the lowly tasks? If so, remember this story about David and look up, for you were put here for a purpose. So, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. 1 Samuel 16:13 Anointed King, but David went back to the field with the sheep. Why…maybe because David was too young to be a king? Or maybe it was because God was still molding David. Alone with the sheep, David could think, talk to God, and be fed spiritually by God. He could lie on his back on the cool grass at night, look at the stars, and see the wonders of God. Here he could be still and come to know God…and learn how to call on and praise Him. David learned that oil drips in low places before it pours on the head to be crowned.