Issuu

APRIL 2022

Official Offi i l Publi Publication i n Of

HOME • GARDEN • FARM • RANCH

Lawrence J. Hatfield Jr., D.D.S.

In Loving Memory of Rebecca Woods

220 W. Guadalupe St. La Grange, TX 78945

979-206-2221

Table of CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Harley’s BBQ Spicing Things Up..............................………4 Bill’s Barn…………….................................................................10 5D Land Services……….........................................................12 Essentials for a bathroom remodel…............................…14 A Summer of Positivity……...................................................16 Why Homeowners Should Add More Exterior Light..................................……..................................................18 Learn About DIY Home Security……...............................20 Turn Your New House into a Home……..........................21 Herbs for Pollinators…….....................................................22 Milling Around……................................................................24 Lawn Watering and Fertilizing Techniques…............….27 Southern District Properties…….......................................28 Low-maintenance Lawn Alternatlives……......................30

Harley’s Texas Style Barbecue

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING

Regina B. Keilers

Becky Weise Jackie Daniels

EDITOR Jeff Wick

ACCOUNTING

DIGITAL EDITOR

Theresia Karstedt Nonnie Barton

Andy Behlen

Bill’s Barn

PRODUCTION

LouAnn Adcox

John Castaneda - Newspaper Lindsey Fojtik - Special Sections

FREELANCE WRITER

CIRCULATION

STAFF WRITER/OFFICE

Lisa Gay

George Kana Bobby Bedient Amanda Gifford

Nicole Krenek Leigh Ann Bedient Jesse Montez

127 S. Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 | La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.968.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com www.FayetteCountyRecord.com The Fayette County Record is published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas by Fayette County Record, Inc. serving Fayette County since 1922. The Fayette County Record is locally owned and operated by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440)

in Publication i l Publi Official Offi

APRIL 2022

Herbs for Pollinators

On the Cover

Harley Goerlitz with Harley’s Texas Style Barbecue Seasoning Photo by: Bobby Bedient

• RANCH • FARM GARDEN HOME •

Southern District Properties APRIL 2022 | 3

The Goerlitz family is blazing a trail at nationwide cook-offs with their signature mixes Written by Kirsten Cornell Select Photography by Bobby Bedlent

The smell of spring is starting to hang in the air, and for many Southerners, this means barbeque! Grilling with friends, long afternoons spent around pits, perfecting recipes, and of course—cook-offs! Harley’s Seasonings, now well-known around the cook-off circuit, began much the same way. “We started our business back in the early ‘80s just barbequing with some friends—and then we won,” laughs owner Harley Goerlitz. That decision was a catalyst for what would become multiple award-winning recipes and a successful business venture for the Goerlitz family.

FAMILY KITCHEN

Harley and Shirley Goerlitz kept attending cookoffs—and kept winning. They knew they were on to something. “I tried to mix up a seasoning that everybody would like,” says Harley. “After many tries, we came up with Harley’s Original.” The first batches of the now-famous seasoning were mixed at home in their family kitchen, filtered by old-fashioned trial-and-error. “Then we had to move to a large mixer,” Shirley recalls. “People would call wanting a gallon at a time!” With the demand increasing, the Goerlitzes knew they had to find somewhere other than their kitchen to mix up their special blends.

EXPANDING THEIR BUSINESS

With an extra heap of faith, they took the plunge and pursued licenses and permits to bottle their product—which was not an easy feat. Expanding their business required stocking up on supplies including labels, bottles, lids, boxes, and of course, spices. “And don’t forget the customers,” adds Shirley. “We had to find an outlet to sell it.” They went to several area stores and businesses where they requested shelf space to market Harley’s Seasoning to the public. Before long, the awardwinning seasoning was flying off of store shelves.

APRIL 2022 | 5

MORE THAN BBQ

Shirley maintains that Harley’s Original is still her favorite and still ranks as one of their top crowd-pleasers. “I started with it and then derived the others by adding or subtracting ingredients,” she adds. “Original is a good basic seasoning on everything from brisket to vegetables.” Daughter and Chief Executive, Susan Goerlitz Hosch, is partial to Lemon Pepper—but that could be because she helped create it. “I went to the kitchen where our seasoning is made and was able to experience the entire process, deciding whether it needed more of this or that,” she explains. “Sometimes you just throw it all in and mix it up, even the kitchen sink.” Shirley recommends using Lemon Pepper on fish or chicken, anything that doesn’t require tenderizer. However, the Goerlitz family will remind you that their seasoning is not just about BBQ. “You can use Harley’s on meats of any kind,” Harley says. “We also use it on noodles, baked potatoes, vegetables, chili, beans, and even popcorn.” When invited to dinner parties, Susan says that she often receives requests for her spaghetti and signature garlic toast—made with Harley’s, of course!

A FAMILY BUSINESS

The Goerlitzes admit that running a family business can be challenging. As owners, you must be aware of the many licenses and regulations that are required including health licenses and inspections. Additionally, they have to be nimble when it comes to suppliers and manufacturing. “For example, during the pandemic, we struggled to get supplies, containers, and even some of our spices,” recalls Harley. “We had to wait weeks for a shipment and prices were on the rise. We had to make some changes to keep going.”

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However, like many small business owners, through the support of the community, they persevered and are coming back even stronger. Most of all, this friendly crew enjoys meeting new people who become friends and being able to support their community. Lifetime residents of the Giddings/Ledbetter area, Shirley is proud of their farming and ranching roots with strong community ties, “We love being able to give back through fundraisers and donating items to charity auctions.”

STRONG COMPETITION

But what about their competition roots? Not to worry, the Goerlitzes are still going strong on the competition trail. They stress that prepping for a competition can be a job in and of itself. First, teams must pack their supplies: meat, cooking materials, wood, pits, tents, etc. Once at the location, they will unpack and set up their cooking area. “We have already done weeks of prep work before we ever cook anything,” Harley laughs. Susan points out that you have to make considerations for the weather and portions which will be served to the public. “For the Houston World Championship, we had to have meals prepared two times a day for three days,” she explains. “You have to think about the weather (heaters, tents, etc.) and if you’ll need extra pits. There’s a lot involved.” While you might think that they get put in charge of grilling everywhere they go, Shirley says that that’s not always the case. “Our families are always throwing parties and they like to BBQ themselves…with some seasoning,” she winks. Veterans on the grill, Harley’s Texas Style Seasoning has won countless awards in local, state, and national competitions—and they have no plans of slowing down.

APRIL 2022 | 7

TEXAS STYLE SEASONING ORDER YOUR OWN HARLEY’S AT HARLEYSSEASONING.COM!

8 | APRIL 2022 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

www.harleysseasoning.com

AWARD WiNNiNG TEXAS STYLE BBQ SEASONiNG

©THE FAYETTE COUNTY RECORD

IT'S NOT JUST FOR BBQ! Give it a try on just about anything. Don't just use it on BBQ and meats - cuz you know they are good on meat. It is a hit on all sorts of vegetables. The Lemon Pepper is a game changer on your veggies! Use Your Imagination! Harley's Texas Style Seasonings has Won Countless Awards in Local, State and National Competitions.

A BBQ SEASONiNG THAT GOES WiTH JUST ABOUT ANYTHiNG!

BILL’S BARN

Custom Woodworking & General Handyman Repair Services Written by William Sickon Like my logo, my career has come semi-full circle. From my palm tree roots growing up in Florida to my new oak tree roots on a ranch in Texas, I continue to offer clients my custom woodworking and general handyman repair services. My construction education began in my late teens working with a house framing and remodeling company. Years later, I opened my own custom woodworking business where I built everything from custom staircases and cabinetry for homeowners and businesses to large commercial projects in high-rise beach condominiums and luxury hotels. These large projects were excellent for creating experience and ability to keep to tight time schedules. Working long hours is not unusual for me, but my workaholic schedule changed once my son was born. I knew I would need a more flexible schedule. I completed both state and national training courses to open my home inspection company, Modern Home Inspections. My construction background was ideal for that career change. I was able to work with people from all walks of life as they were searching for a home to purchase or property for investment. I really enjoyed helping my clients identify areas of improvement for their potential purchases. They appreciated my work so much that I was awarded an Angie’s List Super Service Award. My interest in property did not stop with home inspections. It inspired me to become a real estate sales agent earning licensing in Florida and now in Texas. My sales associate licenses are currently inactive voluntarily. After my son graduated from high school, I moved to La Grange and married again. My wife grew up in the area and moved back home to take care of her father. He may be considered elderly by his age, but he certainly does not act that way. After living on a ranch, I realized quickly that my experience as a master carpenter and builder, home inspector, and real estate agent could all be put to good use in our community. How did I come up with this company name? There is an old barn on our property that is large but was chopped up into many different small rooms. With permission from my father-in-law, I began tearing down the small rooms and remodeling the barn for our best use. I could see in my mind what it was going to be the minute I assessed the structure. We now have a feed room, maintenance room, and two larger spaces to store larger farm equipment like tractors and lawn mowers. Once that project was completed, it was time to add a covered shed to the old barn and make space to store round bale hay. And there you have it, the idea for Bill’s Barn La Grange began. Understanding your project goals, your lifestyle and your property is essential to me. That understanding helps me to determine the order of importance of your projects list. My southwest Florida building background has brought about comments from local tradespeople that I over build my projects to the local building codes. My response to that is GOOD! Not only do I want to provide quality work for my clients, but I also want to meet or surpass those 2018 building codes recently implemented by the city of La Grange. How can Bill’s Barn La Grange, LLC help you? My trailer is equipped to handle a majority of any home inspection report repair suggestions and handyman repairs while on site. I can be contacted through my website at www.billsbarnlagrange.com or by calling me at 979-639-1044. Licensed and insured in the State of Texas, let me help you complete your projects list so that you can enjoy your home, your property, or your workspace.

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Looking for a professional

F O

O R P

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CALL 979-639-1044

Licensed & Insured

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APRIL 2022 | 11

Since 2007 Dustin Faske has been working on taking raw property and making it a productive and beautiful piece of land. From clearing brush and trees to welded pipe fence, made just the way you want it. We can build it! We are focused on taking your property to its full potential! Give us a call to set up your meeting today!

12 | APRIL 2022 HEARTH & HOMESTEAD

SPRING INTO OUR HEARTH & HOMESTEAD ISSUE

H RM • RANC RDEN • FA HOME • GA

Official Publication Of

TO A PIECE OF

TEXAS

CANNING

ching, Where All Your Farming, Ran Met. e are eds Ne ing and Garden Yo ur Ho me Internet Options for ion Ho me Fire Pro tect

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Reserve your spot in the 2023 Hearth & Homestead Issue today! 127 S. Washington St. La Grange, Texas 78945

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What began as a utilitarian space for personal sanitation has, in modern times, transformed into one of the most coveted rooms in the house. Bathrooms have become a place to relax and unwind, and new bathrooms are on the tops of many homeowners’ wishlists. Bathrooms can be as lavish as budgets allow. Wish lists can include everything from luxurious soaking tubs to rainfall showerheads to chaise lounges to televisions or home entertainment systems contained in the space. Those contemplating their own bathroom renovations may draw inspiration from the following features. Hot water recirculation system: Few things can be as disappointing as desiring a hot bath or shower only to find that the hot water tank has been drained. The home remodeling company Normandy Remodeling says that water recirculation systems provide ondemand hot water. In such systems, hot water may continuously run through the pipes or there may be a pump underneath a sink. Either way, one needn’t wait for the water to warm up any longer. Double undermount sinks: Bathroom time is at a premium, especially when people must prepare and leave the house together. Rather than jockeying for position around a single sink, dual sinks enable more breathing room and time efficiency. Undermount sinks are easy to clean because there is no lip around where the sink meets the vanity, preventing the accumulation of grime and gunk.

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Glass-free shower: Soap scum and water deposits can form on shower doors, even for homeowners who are diligent with cleaning. A sizable shower prevents water spray and affords the ability to forgo glass doors or curtains, thereby cutting down on cleaning and making the room feel more modern. Multihead shower: When redoing the shower, account for various shower heads so that the water can cascade across the body more completely. This provides a spa experience at home. Touchless faucets and soap dispensers: These aren’t just for public bathrooms anymore. Touchless faucets and dispensers are more sanitary and convenient. Separate toilet room: A shared bath almost necessitates this type of set-up. The toilet is housed inside its own small space and closed away from the rest of the bathroom. It’s more private and convenient this way. Heated flooring: You need not worry about stepping out of a warm shower onto a cold floor when heated flooring is part of the equation. This option is available in various flooring materials as well. Remodeling a bathroom boils down to certain coveted features that can really set a space apart.

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www.roundtopstatebank.com APRIL 2022 | 15

prepare your own piece of rural paradise A Texas summer well-spent includes time spent on lakes, rivers, ponds, or any body of water fighting the Texas heat. As the excitement surrounding summer grows, we don’t blame you for craving your own Texas paradise. Family fishermen and women, river rebels, and weekend warriors— your personal country refuge can be a desire, a necessity and even a reality. At Capital Farm Credit, helping you design your recreational property heaven is our specialty. Holiday getaways, hunting ranches, and that perfect piece of land to retire on, are all examples of our products and services. Financing your recreational property dreams are what we’ve been waiting for all year. What you imagine, we can make happen.

Make a splash

Capital Farm Credit’s passion for lending extends beyond financing traditional agricultural operations. Our experienced lenders furnish flexible financing options for land purchases specifically designed for leisure, outdoor sports and entertainment. We specialize in rural property transactions and want to guide you through the process. Our attention to detail ensures your desired purchase aligns with your recreational goals. Your dream property retreat is more possible than you think. “Our products and services are created and tailored for your choice of rural lifestyle,” said David Harrison, field marketing manager at Capital Farm Credit. “We put plans in motion every day. Whatever you’re looking to accomplish, we’re prepared to achieve it with you.” Financing options include competitive rates and easy payment plans. Why wouldn’t you partner with the experts?

Money pool

As a cooperative, Capital Farm Credit is owned by the same rural property owners we serve. Unlike an investor-owned bank, our members have a vote and a voice in the business. When you borrow money from Capital Farm Credit, you join the cooperative that operates in our members’ best interests.

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We return a portion of our earnings to members through our cooperative returns program. This can result in significant reductions in borrowing costs. Our board of directors annually reviews the financial health of the cooperative and decides how profits are returned — whether as cash, or as allocated equities. Our cooperative structure has maintained its integrity for more than 100 years.

Buried treasure

When it comes to discovering the right investment vehicle, this finite asset not only becomes an extension of yourself but harbors an environment of memories for the next generation. The success of your recreational property is built on the quality time you spend on it. It’s why our lenders invest in your dreams. It’s why our goals become your goals.

Dive in

Capital Farm Credit is a family of experienced lenders equipped to finance your dreams of rural living and help make the most of your recreational property purchase. Our knowledge and expertise make us your lender of choice to create a retreat you can pass down for generations. With offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties, we commit to serve rural communities yesterday, today and tomorrow. Additional loan programs include: • Real Estate Purchase & Improvement Loans • Home Loans • Operating Loans • Equipment Loans • Agribusiness Loans If you’re interested in speaking with our advisory team, call (877) 944-5500, or visit our website capitalfarmcredit.com.

Find your escape As a local cooperative, we share our profits with the Texans we serve. Since 2006, we’ve returned $2.2 billion to our members, so when you’re ready to secure a loan for that rural playground, try a partnership that really pays. Together we’re better.

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Why homeowners should add more exterior light to their properties

Homeowners are increasingly realizing the benefits of improving the exteriors of their home, which can be just as valuable as improving the interior spaces. As individuals design picturesque garden beds and cultivate lavish lawns or revamp exteriors with architectural features, they probably want to spotlight these improvements. This is where exterior lighting can be put to great use. Exterior illumination can cast a glow on various features, but there are many other reasons to increase lighting around the exterior of a home. • Safety: Trips and falls can occur at night when trying to traverse walkways and landscapes in the dark, as it can be difficult to see rocks, stairs and uneven pavement. Outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, entryways and other areas for safer access for homeowners and their guests. Extend outdoor entertaining: Ample lighting can increase the amount of time one can use outdoor spaces and make them the perfect gathering spot. As autumn arrives, days become shorter. However, patios, porches and more can get extended use with lighting. Safeguard security: A well-lit home may be less likely to be

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targeted by burglars than one swathed in darkness and shadows. Lights can remain on all evening or be motiontriggered. Setting lights on timers also ensures that the home is illuminated whether residents are home or not. Create drama: Landscape lighting designers can establish focal points around the landscape and highlight the best features of a property. Uplighting in trees, silhouetting techniques to showcase plants and spotlights to show off architectural features are all options for homeowners to consider. Add value: The experts at Parker Homescape, a landscape design service, say that exterior lighting can add roughly 30 percent to the value of a home. They also indicate that 50 percent of all home buyers say that outdoor lighting is important when buying a home. If current residents are thinking about selling, now may be the time to invest in exterior lighting. Improving a home’s exterior may be as simple as adding more lighting to improve functionality and beauty.

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Homes are a safe haven and comfortable retreat for individuals and families. Home invasions can compromise that feeling of safety and security, making people feel uncomfortable and unsafe in their own homes.

Sensors: Sensors will detect motion and activity in the house. Sensors also may be attached to doors and windows to determine if either are open. Some systems are designed to send alerts to a phone when triggered.

Although the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics indicate property crime rates have seen a significant decline in the last few years, there are still roughly 2.5 million burglaries a year, 66 percent of which involve home break-ins. Break-ins are 6 percent more likely to occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., when people are out at work or running errands than at other times of day. Homes without a security system are 300 percent more likely to be burglarized, according to the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

Cameras: Working in conjunction with sensors, cameras can provide an eye on activity in and outside of a home, adding another layer of protection.

Installing a security system may be the goal of homeowners looking to protect themselves and their belongings. Thanks to availability of new, user-friendly products, do-it-yourselfers can, in many instances, install their own home security systems. Safety.com says smart home integration, mobile apps and wireless connectivity are hallmarks of modern DIY home security systems. Many have the same components as traditional home security systems, but do not require professional installation or monitoring, even though such options are available. When shopping for home security systems, people can look for the following features to compare offerings.

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Smart features: With smart home connectivity, security systems can be engaged and turned off from remote locations. Many DIY versions of home security systems work wirelessly and can be set up in a relatively short period of time. While wired systems use existing electric and telephone lines to connect security components, wireless systems connect components to a main panel via radio frequency. One of the benefits of wireless tech is that it enables DIYers to add components and replace them as needed without major hassle. In addition, wireless security systems do not require construction during the installation process. More and more homeowners are embracing DIY home security systems to keep their homes safe.

Historically low mortgage interest rates are helping to drive a new wave of home sales. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates roughly 14 percent of the population, or around 40 million people, move every year for various reasons. Statistics Canada’s Canadian Housing Survey found about half of Canadian households have either moved within the past five years or intend to do so within the next five. While people may be inclined to move far from their current residences, the moving resource Move.org notes that some U.S. states are seeing an influx in people leaving while others are absorbing new residents. Illinois, Alaska, New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia are the top five states Americans are leaving, while Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Montana are gaining residents. People relocate for various reasons. After moving into a new house, it can take some effort to turn that house into a true home and feel comfortable in your new environs. These steps can help that process along. Create at least one complete and serene space. Focus on setting up the bedroom so you can retreat at the end of the day. Invest in new furniture or get new bedding to give the room this comforting feeling.

Create an organizational plan. It can be tempting to want to throw everything in closets and unpack quickly, but give yourself time to fully analyze where you want to store items, where you may need to paint or reconfigure spaces, as well as any home improvements you want to make before taking out all of your stuff. When you fully unpack, you can immediately enjoy your hard work. Hang artwork. Hang a few select pieces of artwork or family photos shortly after moving in. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good. Bring mementos. Your first home may bring about warm feelings. While you can’t recreate it entirely, you can use a piece of furniture or a few family heirlooms to make your new space feel homey. Rely on familiar scents. Break in the new space with familiar aromas, whether it’s preferential air fresheners, scented candles or baking your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Moving into a new home can be exciting. Certain touches can help make the new space feel more like home.

APRIL 2022 | 21

Written by Cindy Meredith We Need Pollinators As we contemplate our Spring herb garden from the comfort of our homes this winter, perhaps perusing seed and plant catalogs with a cup of herbal tea at hand, why not consider the pollinators when planning the upcoming herb garden. We’ve all read the stories of bee hive die offs and habitat loss through housing development. We as gardeners, especially herb gardeners, can aid our useful friends with the types of plants we grow. Whether you have a large rural area, an ample suburban backyard or an urban patio or balcony there are herbs to plant that will help support the pollinator population. “75% of plants rely on either animal or insect pollination. Pollination, the transfer of pollen from the male germplasm of a flower to the stigma of another flower, often creates a seed that will later turn into a crop like a fruit, vegetable or nut. The other 25% of pollination typically comes from natural elements like wind and water. Pollination plays a dual role in the circle of life. It both provides pollinators with food during the process and humans with food as a result of the process.” AgriLife Today What Herbs Should I Grow? Many of the common herbs we love to grow and use in the kitchen provide food for pollinators. We just need to let the flowers grow for them. An added benefit is the flowers are often very flavorful and can be used in teas, vinegars and salads. Honeybees are one of the best pollinators. And, while foraging in our gardens, they are so intent on their purpose, they pose little to no risk to us. Thankfully, the list of herbs that honeybees love is long.

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White Yarro w and African Blue Basil in bloom. Afr ican Blue Basi l is one of the best plant s for bees.

“Honeybees are arguably the most notable pollinator simply due to numbers and their ability to be easily managed.” “Based off the last published study on the economic value of honeybee pollination, honeybees contribute an estimated $16 billion annually to the U.S. economy. This estimate is measured through their contributions to agricultural crops like almonds, apples, peaches, strawberries, citrus, cotton seed and other crops.” Agrilife Today

Tips for Growing Herbs for Pollinators Bees typically like plants growing in full sun, so herbs that can grow in lots of sun are great for bees: basil, catnip, rosemary, chamomile, chives and borage are just a few. If you live in Texas, like I do, and it’s too hot to grow plants in full sun all day, plants that get just half a day full sun will still attract bees. Bees love the small flowers produced by many of the herbs on the list, above. Even the large umbral flowers of dill and fennel are made up of many small flowers. Many of the herbs on the list are perennial and letting them flower only adds to their beauty and usefulness.

choose herbs that will flower in succession and have flowers available all year long.

Consider pla nts for the la rva of pollinators to o. The swallo wtail butterfly larv a, is plant she hatc enjoying the dill hed out on.

Many of us, however, don’t like to let our basil go to flower because then the plant wants to set seed. Once the plant starts to set seed, it sort of dies out because it’s done its job for the next generation. One way to control that is to let the flowers flourish for the bees and when you see them start to really fade, then cut them off. While you’re in the planning stage for your pollinator garden, consider the time of year the plants will flower. If you like, you can make a spreadsheet or just list each month and what herbs will be flowering then. That way, you can

If you’re growing your herbal pollinator garden specifically to pollinate your vegetables, consider interplanting annual herbs among your vegetables. Or, if you grow vegetables in containers, plant some herbs in the containers to attract pollinators or to keep pests away. Use the lists you made of when certain herbs bloom to pair the right herbs with your vegetable plants. Lastly, have a water source available for pollinators. A flat dish with rocks in it with water filled to just below the top of the rocks, makes a convenient watering hole for pollinators. Be sure to check it daily in hot weather and keep it topped up. A few bare patches of ground in the area are helpful for those pollinators that make nests in the ground. Planning Makes the Difference Some time spent now going through catalogs and websites full of pictures of beautiful herb plants is not only enjoyable and satisfying, it will also help you put together a useful and attractive garden both you and the pollinators of your area will use.

s il flower Thai Bas the bees! for waiting

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The Herb Cottage is your local source for seasonal herb plants, succulents, tropicals, hand made containers and great gardening advice.

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Written by Becky Weise Carbs are bad! Gluten-free is good. And while that is true of most “goodies” you can buy at the grocery store today, there is a clear distinction between what is available on the shelves and the ancient grains of old. Jesus said in John 6:48, “I am the bread of life.” In fact, there are many references to bread in the Bible. Why would the son of God compare himself to anything that is bad for us? The sad truth is that the flour we buy in the store, for the most part, has no nutritional value. It is stripped of its natural goodness, stripped of the bran and the germ, where most of the vital nutrients are contained. They do this to make it more shelf stable. Sure it’s inexpensive. Technology advances have made it faster to produce, and that equates to cheap. And when it is cheap, people buy it, even if it is bad for them. I have started to connect the dots on food labels that say “fortified” or “enriched” to know they are “inflammatory” and “painful.” Once everything good has been removed, they add fake vitamins back into it, and call it “enriched.” Many people cannot metabolize these fake vitamins. Many of the aches and pains we have today can be attributed to processed foods. Even flours that are unbromated, or unbleached, have very little food value. The more a food is processed, the worse it is for us. And likewise, unprocessed whole foods are good for us. Note: if you have true Celiac and cannot tolerate gluten, there are many other whole grains that can be milled and used. Did you know that freshly ground popcorn makes amazing cornbread? Did you know you can grind rice into flour? Of course I recommend not buying “enriched” rice. Everything grown organically is the most healthy for us. Some who are sensitive to commercial flour may not be affected by flour milled from whole grains. Now let’s look at whole grains, in their original form. They are very nourishing, and they taste so good compared to anything that has been bleached, processed and fortified. Whole grains are an excellent source of good carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. It also contains natural vitamins, like vitamin E, a wide array of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, folate, and and natural iron. Whole unmilled wheat in its natural state will stay fresh for a long time and is best ground fresh.

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Whole grains in their natural state will last a long time. And if you happen to have a grain mill, you can grind exactly what your recipe calls for as you need it. Not everyone will invest in a grain mill. Not everyone will stop buying processed foods. But if we are sick and tired of being sick and tired, perhaps we should consider upgrading our diets to include less processed foods, and add in whole grains and whole foods. Whole grains are full of flavor. There is a learning curve when baking with whole grain flour. But it is worth the effort to enjoy the wholesome deliciousness of real food. Milling grains into flour contains oils of the kernel and that is something you never get with store bought flour, because the oils would not allow for a long enough shelf life. In fact, if large factories tried to produce a true whole grain flour with the oils included, it would go rancid by the time it was packaged up and shipped to the stores for placement on the shelves. And that is why I mill my own. Did you know that there are different kinds of wheat? And did you know that each kind of wheat has a different use? I never knew this until I started milling my own flour. Hard red wheat and hard white wheat are most often used to make bread. A good grain for pasta is durum wheat, also known as semolina flour. Another grain is kamut, which has a rich buttery flavor. Soft white wheat is great for biscuits or cookies. Have you ever thought of enjoying real “cream of wheat” for breakfast? Isn’t it funny to consider that recipes call for “flour” but not a specific kind of flour? I find it fascinating. It’s like a whole new world has opened up for my tastebuds. And now I understand Jesus calling himself the “bread of life.” The fake kind of flour can be inflammatory, fattening, and empty of nutrition. But whole grains, consumed in their complete state, have many health benefits worth giving consideration. Weise Farms will soon be offering whole grains, freshly milled whole grain pasta, flour, and cornmeal for purchase.

Whole grain, freshly milled flour contains natural vitamins and minerals.

Semolina flour is milled from durum wheat, great for pasta.

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Store Hours Monday-Friday 8-5:30 • Saturday 8-12 APRIL 2022 | 25

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A lush, green lawn is a sight to behold. Many variables are involved in growing and maintaining grass, and water and fertilizer are among the most important components. Knowing how much water and fertilizer to apply and when to apply it can make a big difference in the appearance and health of a lawn. That’s because a well-fed and watered lawn will develop a better root system, which makes the lawn less vulnerable to stressors like drought, mowing, foot traffic, and heat, according to the Scotts® company. Fertilize There is no magic formula governing when to fertilize a lawn. The type of grass and how well-established a lawn is must be considered. Experts suggest having the soil tested to determine its pH levels and if any nutrients are lacking. A fertilizing schedule can then be developed after testing. Keep in mind that overfeeding a lawn will not make it grow any better and actually can damage the turf. Several small applications of fertilizer during the lawn’s most active growing period may be helpful, advises the home improvement resource Tools Around the House. An annual application (late spring for warm-season grass or fall for cool-season grass) may be all that’s needed. Certain fertilizers need to be applied and watered in. Others may be combined with weed-control products and must be set on top of damp grass. Read packaging to determine the right application.

Water The right watering schedule and techniques can help a lawn thrive. Scotts® says adjusting for climate and nature can help grass to grow strongly. A lawn that has a grayish cast or appears dull green is telling an owner that it needs water. Another test is to step on the lawn. If footprints disappear quickly, the grass blades have enough moisture to spring back. Water the lawn in the morning before 10 a.m. when it’s cooler and the winds tend to be calm so that the water can soak in. For those who must water at night, do so in early evening so that the water can dry before nightfall and will not contribute to disease. Scotts® says to water an established lawn until the top six to eight inches of soil is wet. Most lawns need one to 1.5 inches of water per week from rain or a hose to soak the soil that deepl. Newly established lawns may require more water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Visit a lawn care center for more information on watering the type of lawn for your area or visit www.scotts.com for additional tips.

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Cari resides with her family on a local, generational working cattle ranch. With over 25 years of real estate experience, knowledge of our ever changing current marketplace and ranking as a top producer in multiple counties across the South Central Texas region, Cari is the perfect fit to team up with for any of your buying or selling needs! She believes that the land is a luxury and growth can be of quality, she prides herself on living daily the lifestyle she sells! Cari is backed

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by an amazing team of six, licensed, local and covering a wide range of rural territory that spans across seven counties. Brokered through Compass, she offers a network that stretches across the country along with the most integrated and sought after marketing available to date. Want more details about Cari and her team, visit them at www.teamsoutherndistrict.com. HOME.LAND.RANCH, she has you covered!

CTL TREE SERVICE Tree Service Professionals

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A traditional lawn may not be right for every property nor desired by every homeowner. There is no denying that lawns take time and effort to establish and daily or weekly maintenance to thrive. Homeowners who find that a traditional lawn is not practical can explore some low-maintenance alternatives.

WILDFLOWER MEADOW Homeowners with wide swaths of property may discover meadows are cost- and time-efficient. Stores sell special wildflower meadow mixes of seeds or homeowners can use wildflower plug plants throughout areas where grasses are left to grow longer. This natural area can be a home to wildlife and an idyllic backdrop to a home. Most meadows only require a spring or summer and autumn cut to thrive and look good. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Partition areas of the property for ornamental grasses to grow. The gardening resource Elemental Green says ornamental grasses tend to be drought-resistant and low-maintenance. They won’t need much fertilizer and are often resistant to pests as well. Ornamental grasses grow in tufts or sprays and will not require mowing. However, they are not ideal for areas that get foot traffic. MOSS Moss can thrive in shady areas and ones where the soil tends to stay a bit damp. Moss is velvety soft and green, so it can mimic the look of a traditional lawn but won’t require mowing and

other upkeep. Because it spreads quickly, moss can take over quite rapidly. You will need to protect areas where you do not want moss by creating barriers to stop spread. GRAVEL Stone and gravel areas can reduce maintenance in the landscape and require very little upkeep. When gravel is installed correctly, weeds may not grow readily. Gravel installation may include laying heavy-duty, semi-permeable landscape fabric, which is available in home improvement centers. Gravel is cheaper than pavers and can be just as beautiful. ARTIFICIAL TURF If the desired look is a lawn without all the upkeep, there are various artificial grass options on the market. Homeowners who opt for artificial turf can save money and space devoted to lawn mowers and other lawn tools. Grass may be ideal for some, but there are alternatives for people who have troublesome landscapes or desire a low-maintenance product for their homes.

Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place 0 ft. Tree pruning zone

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10 ft.

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Advertiser Index 5D Land Services……..................................................…12

Round Top State Bank…….........................................…15

Bills Barn……................................................................…11

Southern District Properties……….................................32

Budget Blinds….......................................................…….15

Tex Propane……..............................................................17

Capital Farm Credit Union.....................................…….17

Texas Irrigation………......................................................19

Colorado Valley Communications……........................31

The Fayette County Record……...................................13

CTL Tree Service…….......................................................29

The Herb Cottage………................................................23

Ewald Kubota…….......................................................…19

Vega Landscape……….................................................19

Fayette Electric……........................................................30

Weise Farms………..........................................................25

Harley’s Barbecue Seasoning………...........................…9

Wildflowers & Lace……..............................................…17

Hatfield Dental……...........................................................2 Kleiber Tractor & Equipment…….........................11 & 25 La Grange Farm & Ranch…….......................................25 MG Farm Service Center……....................................…29

Do you want to be in the next Hearth & Homestead magazine? Call Becky at 979-968-3155

Reeder’s Air Conditioning & Heating……....................29

SMART GROWTH FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES As a leader in the Smart Rural CommunitySM (SRC) network, Colorado Valley Communications works tirelessly to keep our rural neighbors connected — helping to drive growth and create opportunities in the communities we serve. Together, we make up a Smart Rural Community —working toward equal opportunity for education, resources, entrepreneurship and more. Discover the advantages of living and working in a SRC today.

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