Liberty Hill Digest • April 2023

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Liberty Hill

Published by Fidelis Publishing Group, LLC

PUBLISHER

Cathy Payne

Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfillment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Liberty Hill Digest, Cathy oversees multiple magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.

SENIOR WRITERS / COPY EDITORS

Ann Marie Kennon

Charlotte Kovalchuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda A. Thornton

Emily Tilly

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Sandra Evans

Zion Eaton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Tucker

Christianna Bettis

IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne

CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel

FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Readers,

With the arrival of spring, we're excited to share fresh ideas and inspiration to help you live your best warm weather life. From wellness and beauty services at Royal Bliss Day Spa to bluebonnet day trips, we at the Liberty Hill Digest have plenty of connections for entertainment and leisure, including at least one place in Liberty Hill where the tang of the barbecue is as sharp as the ax heads.

Speaking of trips, we are happy to loop you in on the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter’s new program that allows pet lovers to give dogs a much-needed break from shelter life by taking them on all-day outings around town.

April also means the end of the school year is in view but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Our Life Skills feature includes tips for parents to help their kids and young teens prepare for life outside the classroom. And, because we also understand the importance of finding fun and engaging activities for vacation, we have a full profile on the city’s new swim center.

Thanks also to Megan Beatty for the hard work she and her fellow superheroes do for children with serious illnesses. In this issue, you’ll get double the heartstring tug to read about her birthday parties and other groups in Liberty Hill who support Operation Heroes Unite.

Wishing all our readers a happy and joyous Easter season! We hope your celebration was filled with love, happiness, and plenty of chocolate!

ADVERTISING

Mark Elliott

mark@lhtxdigest.com

Office 512-746-4545

Cell 512-240-2267

P.S. We thought this was the most Texas-y Texas Spring photo. Share yours with us on Facebook!

LOCALLY

MADE

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STRONGEST WARRANTY Your investment will last for generations. Your real wood shutters are covered for the life of the home.

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

LIBERTY HILL’S HOMETOWN SPA

Royal Bliss is dedicated to making women and men of all ages in Liberty Hill feel refreshed and ready to be their best for the people in their lives. Whether restoring confidence, helping people feel better inside and out, building relationships, or giving back to the community, “We’re focused on being your hometown spa,” co-owner Brylee Burich says.

Empowering others to feel confident in their own skin began with her struggles with her own skin care. “I grew up with acne and for me that was a big confidence thing. I got interested in skin care at a younger age because I wanted to help other women and men love their skin and reclaim their flawless look.”

Brylee initially planned to follow the traditional path of working at other spas before branching out on her own, but she was encouraged by her mother, Brandy Whitecotton, to walk her own path and open her own spa right after graduation.

When it came to choosing a location for Royal Bliss, Brylee and Brandy searched for a small town where they could connect with clients while striving to be more than just your average spa. On top of that, they already do life in this town and love the community, so the choice was an easy one.

But the journey to opening Royal Bliss was a challenging one. Shortly after opening in a one-room building on Myrtle Street at the end of 2019, Brylee came down with mono and had to shut down for several weeks. Two weeks after reopening, COVID forced them to close their doors for three months.

In 2021, after pushing through the pandemic, the two had the opportunity to move into a larger space with higher visibility on FM 1869. “We just started praying about a different space we could grow into, and one of our friends from the community helped us make that happen by purchasing the building,” Brandy says. “It all just worked out perfect. It was all in God’s timing.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY

As the owners of one of the first day spas in Liberty Hill, Brylee and Brandy’s goal was to bring a new experience to town by combining the results of a medical spa with the relaxation and relationships found at a day spa. “We strive to get to know our clients for more than just what their skin looks like,” Brylee says.

That's how Kari, a regular customer, describes her experience at Royal Bliss. “Brylee and Brandy are amazing, and their customer service is great. I’m picky about trusting people with my face and waxing, so I’m definitely not one who shops around too much. Once I find someone I trust who does a good job, I stay there. I was actually a client at their original little place, so I’ve seen them grow, which has been awesome.” Kari also appreciates their reasonably priced services. “People can do self-care days and treat themselves, but it won’t break the bank.”

Kari and Brylee have gone from esthetician and client to friends, especially since they found out they both love horses. “Now I give her daughter horseback lessons, and they're coming to my wedding,” Brylee says.

SERVICES

Each esthetician at Royal Bliss is committed to helping women and men of all ages take the best care of their skin by educating them as they experience different seasons of life. Spa treatments include massage therapy, dermaplaning, microneedling, chemical peels, facials, lash lifts, waxing, and body treatments for sore muscles and cellulite.

Brylee is also pleased to introduce Dr. Daniel Smith, DO and his partner (pictured). Dr. Smith is ranked in the top 1 percent nationally for permanent filler and number one in Central Texas for Dysport, Restylane, and Sculptra*Beauty.

Dr. Smith's expertise and skills have elevated the facility to a whole new level, and Royal Bliss is thrilled to announce it is officially a med-spa. With Dr. Smith and Kim on board, clients can trust they are receiving top-notch services from the best in the industry.

Overall, Brylee says, “We want you to feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to be the best for the people in your life, while also achieving your skin care goals. We want to restore that old confidence in the skin you once had. We want you to see the results, but also feel loved.”

Fortunately for Liberty Hill, that commitment includes loving on local heroes by visiting schools to give teachers spa treatments and providing coupons for educators, military members, and first responders. “We want to give back to the community,” Brandy says.

Scan the code to start your skin care journey at Royal Bliss.

3103 FM 1869, Liberty Hill 512-548-6733

royalblissdayspa@yahoo.com

AGAPE BBQ ADDS AXE THROWING ADVENTURE

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • photos courtesy Agape BBQ

Ahub for family friendly activities since opening its doors in 2020, Agape BBQ offers a vibrant mix of live music, stunning outdoor spaces, and a new attraction — axe throwing. “We really recognize—to some extent in towns around but certainly in downtown Liberty Hill— there’s not much to do in terms of family, couple, friend, or coworker activities,” Agape BBQ co-owner Lonnie Wendling says.

Lonnie and co-owners Brandon Reinoehl and Jeremy Archer have created a place where people can enjoy barbecue, games, and live music — with a revamped music lineup that has featured nationally known artists like Alistair Greene and Guy Forsyth — all in a relaxing outdoor dining area shaded by 300-year-old oak trees. “Rather than just standard local musicians, we’re bringing in very talented bands, musicians, and a lot of hidden gems people haven’t yet heard or appreciated,” Lonnie says.

Visitors can also enjoy a new and improved, re-landscaped backyard that no longer has drainage issues. “Before, when we got a heavy rain, you’d come in the backyard a day later and it would still be a mess. Now, within an hour of heavy rain the yard is pristine and ready for use.”

BARBECUE, MUSIC, AXES

Whatever your preference for relaxing, Agape BBQ has become the perfect place to unwind, indulge in barbecue, and have a blast with lively entertainment. And, while some may be hesitant to unleash their inner lumberjack, Lonnie emphasizes that axe throwing is

suitable for all age groups. “We recognize the growth and interest in axe throwing but it does sound odd when people aren’t familiar. They’ll ask, ‘What the heck, isn’t that dangerous?’ But it is extremely safe, and it is really catching on.”

Last October, he and his team partnered with Liberty Axe Throwing to create an increasingly popular axe throwing area in a corner of Agape’s backyard. “A lot of people who have a reservation come in and start throwing but, at the same time, we have people in the backyard who are maybe just there to listen to music and eat. When they see others throwing axes and having fun, they are inspired to give it a try. It’s a domino effect and it’s cool to see it happen.”

AGAPE IS FULLY EQUIPPED—AND EAGER—TO ORGANIZE PRIVATE AXE THROWING SESSIONS AND/ OR BBQ GATHERINGS FOR A DIVERSE RANGE OF GROUPS, INCLUDING YOUTH SPORTS TEAMS, FAMILIES, CHURCH GROUPS, AND COMPANIES SEEKING TEAM-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES.

Liberty Axe Throwing welcomes visitors of all ages from 6 to 9pm Thursday and 4 to 10pm Friday and Saturday, with plans to expand hours based on demand. They also stand by their statement that the activity is for all ages by offering a kid-friendly alternative, featuring toy axes, for parents who are uneasy about having their child throw a genuine axe.

Reservations are made by the hour, with flexible walk-in times starting at 15 minutes. Visit libertyaxethrowing.com to reserve your next axe throwing adventure at Agape BBQ.

MAKING WAVES IN LIBERTY HILL

A Refreshing Take on Fitness and Fun

by Ann Marie Kennon

MEMORIAL DAY IS, FOR MANY, THE UNOFFICIAL START OF SUMMER AND THIS YEAR RESIDENTS OF LIBERTY HILL HAVE REASON TO CELEBRATE AS A BRAND-NEW SWIM CENTER IS SET TO OPEN AND PROMISES TO BE A HUB OF ACTIVITY FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES.

The process of bringing the new swim center to life was not without its challenges, as the varying needs of the city and supply chain shortages led to a few delays in funding and design. But city council remained steadfast in their commitment, recognizing the benefits a community pool will bring to the whole community. Thanks to a renewed focus on making the center a top priority, and the work of STR Constructors and Patriot Underground, LLC, the Parks & Recreation Department is ready to deliver a stunning facility that will serve as a gathering place for families and individuals of all ages and abilities for years to come.

Parks & Recreation supervisor Jamie Higuera says Memorial Day will be like a business’ soft opening and she is working with the Parks & Rec board on a grand opening event that will take place in early June. “We are excited to have the community join us on Memorial Day. We anticipate that first week of operations will help us work out any facility issues and identify service or resource gaps before we officially open.”

The parks department is eager to have people come to enjoy the center on opening day and provide feedback about programs they would like to see at the center. Jamie says, “We are hoping, depending on participation levels, we will soon be able to add fun activities and fitness offerings like youth and adult swim lessons, aqua Zumba, and perhaps a dive-in movie night.”

GO FOR A DIP

The pool will be open daily, except Mondays (after Memorial Day) for maintenance and training. With a more kid-safe 4’6” depth, diving is not allowed but the entire pool is perfect for dipping and playing games. There is a beach entry and splash area for young swimmers to enter and play safely and a tanning shelf that accommodates chairs for relaxing or reading. The long edge of the pool includes two lap lanes for fitness and training, which also gives our ISD swim team a local spot to work on speed and endurance.

The center will have four lifeguards who rotate between three stands to ensure the pool is always monitored, and there will be a facility manager on site to provide oversight during all business hours.

AMENITIES

Jamie says the city is providing a beverage machine to ensure everyone stays hydrated and there are restrooms for changing and showering. The pool deck will have plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas for use by everyone on a first-come first-served basis. The shaded area may also be reserved for groups or special events.

Families are welcome and encouraged to bring food and coolers—glass and alcohol are not permitted—and she adds visitors should be on the lookout for an occasional visit from Kona Ice and other food trucks.

Everyone at Parks & Rec is excited about the opening. “Our goal is to reach all demographics and age groups with activity, exercise, and entertainment,” Jamie says. “The swim center is a wonderful new centerpiece for our parks system. In the big picture, however, it is another step toward the development still to come with the growth of our city. Liberty Hill is not done yet with great new parks, youth leagues, trails, and many more opportunities for leisure and fitness. This pool space, happily, is simply another marker in our quest to accommodate the interests of our community members in the best and safest way possible.”

WHEN YOU GO

• The pool is located at City Park, 251 CR 200 in Liberty Hill.

• OPENING DAY IS MONDAY, MAY 29.

• Regular hours are Tuesday -Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 1pm-6pm.

• Other than holidays, the center will be closed on Mondays for training and maintenance.

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L i b e r t y H i l l

S i g n a t u r e A e s t h e t i c s T x c o m

Experience Stunning Hill Country Views

Situated on some of the most scenic land in Williamson County, The Canyons rests atop rolling hills looking out over the vast landscape. Offering an abundance of natural beauty and lush vistas, The Canyons has been carefully planned to integrate seamlessly into the natural environment. The development of The Canyons pays homage to the rich heritage of the land and encourages the continuation of this existing beauty to create a timeless natural environment. The homes in The Canyons are considered part of a cohesive element that melds the natural beauty with a place to call home.

Life Skills: Teens Learning to Navigate the Real World

On any given day in Liberty Hill ISD, teens might be focused on anything from health science to law and public service to hospitality and tourism.

Equipping these future industry leaders is the goal of these CTE programs, which consist of 14 career clusters that provide students with the opportunity to learn important college and career readiness skills like teamwork, problem-solving, organizational skills, decision making, and professionalism. Furthermore, students can choose to sit for certification exams, offered in select fields, that

equip them with the necessary credentials to kickstart their professional careers as soon as they graduate.

Teens can also get a glimpse of possible futures through websites like Texas Reality Check, where they can view an example of monthly living expenses, choose a lifestyle level, determine the salary requirements to fund that lifestyle, and then explore occupations in that salary range. Another site, Texas GEAR UP, provides answers to college questions as well as stories about teens who have overcome challenges.

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS: Leave it to Liberty Hill ISD to teach students life skills under the guise of fun. Even parents can glean valuable insights from the experts on how to equip their teens with the essential life skills required to thrive in the real world.

Financial Competence

When retired bank executive Marjorie L. Anderson decided to write a book as a legacy for her grandchildren, she never imagined so many parents and grandparents would encourage her to publish it. After interviewing 100 middle and high school students, she was motivated to provide a simple, basic understanding of money management.

Her book, "The Key: Wise Money Choices for Teens," available in English and Spanish, is divided into five different chapters/lessons and includes a glossary of financial terms and a list of resources.

 What is finance

 Money management

 Personal responsibility/philanthropy

 Saving and investing

 Credit/debit cards

By presenting strategies for saving and earning money, advocating against compulsive spending, and offering a beginner's guide to navigating the stock market, her book not only piqued the interests of teens, but also earned the coveted title of "2019-2020 Best of the Best" in the Children's Nonfiction category at Austin's Reader Views Literary Choice Awards.

by Linda A. Thornton

Domestic Skills

Infusing music into family food preparation or turning sewing and cleaning lessons into fun-filled events are other strategies that can help elevate mundane chores to en tertaining family activities. Encouraging your teen to cook a meal as a gift can be a great motivator, and imparting essential laundry skills can also prove beneficial — some sports teams even rotate jersey cleaning duties among their members.

Driving/Auto Maintenance

Social Skills/Manners

Practicing good manners goes beyond saying “please” and “thank you.” Learning important social graces—making eye contact, shaking hands when greeting someone, coughing into an elbow, and refraining from texting when in a social setting—can start at home. Consider having your teen dress up and accompany you to social events or make an appointment for a local college tour and encourage your student to see the student tour guides as role models.

Create a comprehensive driving contract for your teen, emphasizing the significance of safe driving practices and their monetary responsibility for any traffic violations. Additionally, consider taking your teen along for car servicing sessions to learn the basics of automotive maintenance.

Organizational Skills / Time Management

Let your teen know where you stand on being the backup for last minute projects. Encourage each to use his or her time well by providing some ideas for project management—using a white board, scheduling due date phone reminders, creating a to-do list, or using a task app. Set an example by demonstrating how you plan for your upcoming week.

Goal Setting

If your teen shows an affinity for a certain career, act on it! Request college brochures and have them mailed to your teen. Also, when convenient, make an appointment to meet with a local business owner. A formal setting will make a teen feel important and excited about future prospects. It is also important to set a meeting for parents and students to meet with a counselor together to discuss how to proceed and create realistic objectives.

FROM

A PARENT:

Among the practical and sentimental gifts for a graduate, consider a gift-wrapped tube of toothpaste accompanied by the following note, “Decision making is like a tube of toothpaste. Once it’s squeezed out, there is no way it’s going back into the tube!” Hopefully your graduate will remember your sage advice and smile each time he or she prepares to brush.

For more information about Liberty Hill ISD or Texas Gear Up, scan the QR codes or visit: libertyhill.txed.net txcte.org

SPREADING SMILES

FOLLOW

OPERATION HEROES UNITE CELEBRATES CANCER WARRIOR 'S BIRTHDAY

Xander Keith’s fourth birthday party was originally supposed to be a low-key celebration with a few of his friends. “I was just going to buy pizza for the kids and let them play at the park. Then Megan [Beatty] found out it was his birthday,” Xander’s mom Linsey Keith says. Linsey and Megan are in the same cancer moms group, and when Megan found out Xander’s cancer had returned in January and that his birthday was also coming up, she said, “We have to do something.”

UPLIFTING WARRIORS

In 2018, Megan’s daughter Haley, then 6 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and a type of cancer called medulloblastoma. One silver lining of their difficult journey turned out to be a group of Liberty Hill neighbors who threw Haley a birthday bash complete with horses, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, a clown, face painter, ice sculpture, tons of food, and a magnificent three-tiered cake. “I’ll never forget the feeling I had when complete strangers came to do something so nice—knowing people who didn’t even know us heard our story and it touched them.”

Megan has been passing on that kindness ever since by throwing birthday parties for other kids battling cancer. Her nonprofit, Operation Heroes Unite, organizes lively parties that include laser tag, bounce houses, and car parades, plus special appearances from iconic superheroes and beloved Disney characters. For every event, regardless of the activities, the focus of all the joyful chaos is a happy child who gets to step away from his or her diagnosis and relish being like other kids for a day.

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

Thanks to Operation Heroes Unite, Xander’s party went from a low-key celebration to a full-on birthday bash at Georgetown’s Creative Playscape featuring Mario and his kart and Wonder Woman. “He was very surprised. He ran

over to Mario and got on the bike right away. He was just overwhelmed with it all. He was very excited and made himself at home right away with it,” Linsey says. She adds that even though Xander probably didn’t know who Wonder Woman was – “we’re a Marvel family” – he gave her a hug and clung to her the whole time she was there. “We had a blast. Xander wouldn’t have had as good of a day without Mario and Wonder Woman showing up.”

For Megan, seeing Xander’s smile filled her cup for days. “Knowing he can smile and have a good time despite the mountain he’s facing makes me feel like my worries are so small, almost non-existent. It truly is a slap of perspective.”

A few years ago, when Xander was just a baby, he was diagnosed with a form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Linsey says at that time she probably would not have let Megan plan this kind of celebration. “I’m not one that likes help. I don’t like to put people out. But I’ve since realized I have to put that aside and it’s okay to let her do this. This time around, with his cancer, I’ve been a bit better with people helping.”

Being there for cancer warriors like Xander and their parents is the heart of Operation Heroes Unite. “Knowing you’re not alone, that’s the goal,” Megan says. “We’re here for you. There are people, complete strangers out there, who are praying for you and willing to help carry you through this fight.”

by Charlotte Kovalchuk photos by Linsey Keith and Megan Beatty

for birthday party updates and ways to help uplift local cancer warriors.

OPERATION HEROES UNITE ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM

A FRIEND FOR THE DAY

When the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter launched a Doggy Day Out program in December, volunteer Korri Bindl jumped at another chance to give the dogs a much-needed break from shelter life. A staff-member-turned-volunteer, she has strived to make the dogs’ temporary stay a little better, whether by cleaning kennels, playing with them in the yard, or going on field trips.

The Doggy Day Out program opened to the public in February and allows volunteers and community members to take a shelter dog on an outing of their choosing that also fits the dog’s personality. “Some dogs just love a good car ride, and this program lets people fill that void for the dog, even if just for an afternoon,” Shelter Community Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “We have a list of dogs who make great hiking buddies, those who love a fun car ride and drop-in at your favorite local coffee shop for a Puppuccino, and more.”

Korri is from Georgetown and she has taken her canine companions all over town, from San Gabriel for a walk in the park to the Square for Market Days and the Red Poppy Festival. April calls the program a fun way to give back to the community that includes an opportunity to meet fellow animal lovers

Photo by Kim De Araujo

Photo courtesy of WCRAS

Photo courtesy Korri Bindl

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

(some of whom Korri has recruited as volunteers) and also allow volunteers to learn more about the dogs. With the shelter so full, it is a challenge for staff to keep up with personalities and profiles, so many of the dogs don’t have information adopters are looking for, such as whether they are housebroken, how they act around kids, and if they are dog and cat-friendly. “The person taking the dog on the field trip may learn some valuable information about the dog that we wouldn’t otherwise get, which could in turn provide a morsel of information that will help her find a loving new home,” April says.

She calls the program a phenomenal success. “We've had day fosters turn into overnight fosters turn into adopters. We are so incredibly pleased and excited for this new opportunity for the dogs!” One of their favorite parts of the program has been getting the photos, videos, and comments back from people at the end of their day. At least two of the dogs that have partici-

Those who would like to become a Doggy Day Out foster can fill out a day foster agreement and pick up a dog during shelter hours from noon to 6pm daily. A staff member will help them select a dog that is best matched for the activity the day foster would like to participate in. Fosters are encouraged to take photos and videos of their adventure together and share them with staff for promotional use as well as family and friends to help find a forever home for their friend for the day.

pated in Doggy Day Out have been adopted. “We don't know for sure that information we learned from their temporary fosters led to their adoptions, but it absolutely helped us be able to do the very best job possible when working to find those homes for them.”

For Korri, helping shelter dogs and watching them get adopted has been a rewarding, though bittersweet, experience. “I’ve met a lot of amazing, amazing dogs. Knowing you helped a dog along the way, and they’re living their best life now, is very fulfilling.”

Photo courtesy of WCRAS

TEXAS ROAD TRIP JEWEL: Wildflowers on Willow City Loop

by Ann Marie Kennon

For decades, wildflowers have been the #1 roadside attraction in Texas the only place in the world where bluebonnets grow naturally. Every year, these floral rainbows stretch across Central Texas, enthralling many a visitor in the Hill Country and Willow City in particular. If they are not already, the beautiful blankets of bluebonnet blooms will soon appear on the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg.

Just 90 minutes from Liberty Hill, visitors describe this 13-mile byway as nature’s eye candy thanks to the abundance of flowers, but the views are also rich with granite, red sand, cliffs, valleys, creeks, springs, and mesquite trees, and wildlife like deer, cattle, and wild turkey.

WHEN TO GO

Be sure to visit during peak wildflower season March to May when the loop is lush with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, sunflowers, and poppies. Now is the time to plan your trip to a Fredericksburg vineyard or nearby Wildseed Farm, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm.

With more than 1,000 cultivated acres and 200-plus acres of wildflower fields, locals say as Wildseed fields begin to bloom, they know it is time for a sojourn across

the countryside to see nature at its best. The farm also has a Market Center featuring gifts, home decor, Texas native plants, and pottery.

While spring is the most popular time to visit, the drive is delightful all year; in summer, the rocky hillsides offer beautiful views and long shadows create great photo ops in wintertime.

For a quieter, more relaxed outing, plan a mid-week road trip as the loop can be extremely busy, especially on peak wildflower weekends. Trip advisors recommend photographers visit in the early morning and late afternoon for the best light.

HOW TO ENJOY THE TRIP

While driving is the easiest and most common way to enjoy the floral display, Willow City Loop is also extremely popular with bikers and cyclists. Both groups enjoy the slower pace and, due to its low elevations, the route is fun for cyclists of all levels. For runners, the 13-mile distance allows for perfect half-marathon practice.

For those non-motorized outings, visitors may park in the Willow City School parking lot before heading out on two wheels or on foot, making sure to exercise caution as the roads do not have shoulders.

DRIVE AND PHOTOGRAPH AT YOUR OWN PACE. BE AWARE THE LAND ALONG THE ROAD IS PRIVATELY OWNED ; VISITORS ARE DISCOURAGED FROM STOPPING, PARKING, AND EXPLORING ON FOOT WHILE ON THE LOOP.

2023 BLOOMS

The Hill Country Wildflower Report provided a teaser based on last fall's rainfall report. Bearing in mind that seeds begin germinating on cooler September days and continue until the ground is too cold at the end of November, we find October to be the most critical time for rainfall and the peak period for germination.

Yellow on the map at right (Williamson County in black) indicates below normal rainfall in October 2022

ON THE LOOP

but unseasonably warm and wet weather in January helped make up for that reduction in germination time. Andrea DeLong-Amaya, director of horticulture at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, said the bluebonnets and other wildflowers were not fazed by the 2023 ice storm. She explained that the ice likely slowed down the blooming process but did not damage the flowers.

While either terminus provides a great starting point for the trip, the majority of the wildflowers are visible on the northern half of the route. Photographers may also want to stop along the TK Ranch (see map inset), which has a barbed wire fence adorned with upside down cowboy boots, and is one of the most photographed spots in Central Texas.

Savory Spring Dining

There's nothing quite like al fresco dining when our Texas weather is just right. Fortunately, April provides many opportunities to take our meals outside and savor the fresh air. Check out these delicious comfort food recipes that are perfect for a cool evening meal at the end of a warm day.

And don't ignore a few health benefits of taking meals out of doors. Natural sunlight gives us Vitamin D and being away from screens and distractions allows us to enjoy our food mindfully.

Plus, studies have shown spending time in nature can help boost the immune system. Exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight can help increase white blood cell count and reduce inflammation, leading to a healthier immune system.

With all that in mind, maybe go ahead and have a second piece of chicken!

Tea-Brined Double-Fried Chicken

BRINE

• 8 c. sweet tea

• 1/2 c. kosher salt

• 10 sprigs thyme

• 1 head garlic

• 1/2 lemon (sliced)

• 4 drumsticks

• 4 chicken thighs

COATING

• 3 T chili paste

• 3 T molasses

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 T cayenne pepper

• 1/2 c. lard or unsalted butter

• Salt

In large saucepan, bring 4 cups of sweet tea just to a boil. Add kosher salt and stir until dissolved. Add thyme, halved garlic head, lemon slices and remaining 4 cups of sweet tea and let cool completely, then refrigerate until well chilled.

 Add chicken to the brine, cover and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours.

 Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

 Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine 3 garlic cloves with the chili paste, molasses, and cayenne and puree until a paste forms. Add lard and puree until smooth. Season with salt. Scrape the chili mixture into a very large bowl.

 In large saucepan, heat 3 inches oil to 350°F. Set a rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Spread 1 cup flour in a pie plate. In medium bowl, whisk remaining 1/2 cup flour with cornstarch, and a

BREADING

• 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour (divided)

• 1 1/2 T cornstarch

• 1 c. Seltzer

• canola oil for frying

generous pinch of salt. Whisk 3/4 cup of seltzer until a thick batter forms, adding more seltzer if needed.

 Dredge 4 chicken pieces in the flour, tap off excess and transfer to the rack. Dip 1 piece of chicken at a time in the batter, let the excess drip back into the bowl and add chicken to hot oil. Fry chicken at 350°F, turning occasionally, until pale golden and crisp, about 8 minutes; transfer chicken to the rack. Repeat with the remaining 4 pieces.

 Return first 4 pieces of chicken to the hot oil and fry at 350°F until golden and reaches internal 165°F, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate. Repeat with the remaining 4 pieces of chicken. Add chicken to very large bowl with the chili mixture and toss to coat. Transfer the chicken to a platter and serve right away.

THE BEST DINNER ROLLS

• 4-5 c all-purpose flour

• 2 T rapid rise, instant yeast

• 1/3 c granulated sugar

• 1 t salt

• 1-1/2 c warm milk (110°F)

• 5 T butter, softened

• 1 egg, room temperature

INGREDIENTS

Combine 3c flour and remaining ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Attach the dough hook and mix on lowest speed until flour is incorporated, scraping sides of bowl as necessary.

Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.

Add 1/2c flour and blend with dough hook until incorporated. Add another 1/2c flour and repeat, mixing at medium speed 2 minutes until a ball forms.

Add additional flour as necessary. Dough should be slightly sticky, soft, and pulling away from the bowl’s edge.

Transfer dough to lightly greased bowl and cover with towel or plastic wrap. Let rise 30 mins at room temperature. Remove cover and deflate dough by punching down slightly.

GREEN GRAPE PIE

In 19th-century Texas, spring was not a time for great dessert fruit. Pioneers did have sugar from local mills, which they used to sweeten the readily available but very tart green Mustang grapes.

“Green” means unripe. Pick them when they are nearly full size, but still green. The seeds will not have had a chance to harden; they are still soft and relatively small so they will not be noticeable in the pie.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 egg beaten • 1 ½ cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 cup de-stemmed green grapes

• 1 unbaked pie shell with top lattice strips

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

Pinch off pieces of dough and form 24 rolls. Size may vary but, if weighed, they should be about 2 ounces each.

Transfer rolls to lightly-greased quarter baking sheet or 9”x13” baking dish. Cover with towel or plastic wrap and let rise an additional 30 minutes at room temperature. Bake in pre-heated 375°oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Tent with foil to avoid too much browning.

Remove rolls and, while hot, brush with melted butter. Serve immediately or store cooled in a plastic bag for up to three days.

Mix first 7 ingredients to make a custard. Then mix in the grapes and pour the mixture into the pie shell. Add crust strips to make a lattice.

Bake 45 – 50 minutes, or until golden brown.

It'sAdulting: all about the tradeoffs

Regular readers of Belle's musings know of my affection for "The Andy Griffith Show" and I'd like to add I am no longer surprised that I am You-don't-know-who-AuntBee-is? old. However, I was not prepared to find out that I'm now You-don't-know-who-Eddie-Murphy-is? old. True story.

Standing near a middle school student who used a punch line from Eddie Murphy Raw that had apparently been re-purposed on TikTok I had to explain to the group who said it first and when. They had no idea he was famous as a stand-up comedian before he was "that guy in The Nutty Professor." Of course we Gen-Xers thought Raw was the height of cultural humor at the time, but thus endeth the lesson because there was no way in the world I was going to explain to a Gen-Z or an Alpha what Eddie was talking about when he said it in 1987. He'd have been in Facebook jail for eternity, or at least a neck brace if he did that show today.

Similarly, I had an I-was-today-years-old moment recently when I heard a young person start a sentence with "In the late 1900s..." I'll wait while you process that too. I think the rest of the sentence was something about how long it must have taken to e-mail videos to each other.

These, naturally, got me thinking about all the attendant comparisons to be made. Youth and maturity both have their advantages and drawbacks but let's just say I think Marty McFly must have lost his mind when he time traveled back to 1984 and then freaked out and spent a lot of time and energy to get back to 2023. While I don't miss the worrying-about-nuclear-war-with-the-Russians 80s, I can't say I'm enjoying the worrying-about-nuclear-war-with-the-Russians in 2023 either. Still, who needs global peace when you can dance like a "Thriller" zombie and wear shoulder pads that make you look like a fashionable linebacker?

Plus, I would definitely stick around long enough in the 80s to invest a few bucks in Apple, and pre-plan exactly when to move my stock options from Blockbuster to RedBox to Netflix. I would also be at the airport resume in hand when Elon Musk immigrated.

This millennium does have its perks but we can, perhaps, all agree that adulting in any decade is not as much fun. I love having 10,000 songs on my phone rather than 10 songs on a CD but I still spend most of my time listening to podcasts about finance and Bible history. Those are great, but probably don't qualify as 'fun.' I can order shoes from the other side of the world and they show up at my front door in 48 hours but it's probably been 45 years since anyone got excited for me and said, "Wow, I bet you can run really fast in those!"

I remember playing video games in mall arcades, enjoying my friends and eating junk food. Today, I'd be hunkered in my bonus room, playing alone, talking to strangers in the game on a headset. And yet, the down side was having to continue shoving quarters into the machine because Pac-Man gave us one extra life at 10,000 points and then never again for infinity. There were no 'health' items to eat to make the game last longer. Score one for 2023 I guess.

One thing I'm happy about in my 50s is that my generation adapted to the Information Age and enjoyed the new conveniences as we aged. We are tech-savvy without being tech dependent, which is a great thing. What this means is that I don't spend my time taking selfies with my new shoes which don't make me run faster for likes. However, I do spend a lot of time Googling whether the new pain in my chest is a torn muscle, allergies, reflux, or if my heart is going to explode before lunch. Okay, that's a weird trade-off, but I am none the less really good at it.

So, to all the young people out there dreaming of the day you can pay your own rent, complain about taxes, and buy your own ticket to whatever you want just remember, adulting is a roller coaster of joys and pains. But hey, you get to eat ice cream for breakfast, literally, whenever you want.

Better yet, even the inimitable Sheriff Taylor himself couldn't make you eat another vegetable if you don't want to. Totally worth it.

kids KICKING IN TO help kids

Spring break was more than just a few days off for 18 local students. School board trustee Michael Ferguson partnered with his friend Kyle Richardson to create a fun vacation activity, but the result was something that may just become a new Liberty Hill tradition.

Michael and Kyle’s kids often hang out together, so the dads were looking for something cool for the last day of break. “We came up with kickball,” Michael says. “We talked to [Superintendent] Snell and asked to use the high school softball field for a tournament. We charged admission and set a goal to donate $200 to a local non-profit. It’s great to get kids excited about stewarding good things at an early age.”

Parents came together and the day was a huge success. Ticket sales reached $180 and Michael and

another family chipped in to round up to $250. Having seen the positive impact of an Operation Heroes Unite party, he chose it as the beneficiary. “Megan Beatty does an amazing job making birthdays super special for children with cancer.” (See page 18.)

Megan was not aware she had been chosen but was happily shocked to see the alert on her Venmo account. “This was absolutely the sweetest thing. I would love to have those kickballers help me with a party soon!”

Parents say the kids had a blast and, for some, the takeaway was a desire to find new ways to help in the community. No doubt Kick It for Kids’ second annual showdown will be highly anticipated and Michael hopes to double or even triple their fundraising results.

PHOTOS COURTESY MICHAEL FERGUSON

ECRWSS

POSTAL PATRON LIBERTY HILL, TX