Galveston Waves December 2024

Mike Burke|Publisher

BURKE’S BRIEFS

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Wavers

The Christmas Season has always been very special to me. It’s a wonderful time of the year to spread brotherhood, cheer, goodwill, and happiness. It’s time to rejoice.

It’s also time to reflect and remember that there are some people less fortunate than us. Let’s not forget about them this holiday season. We need to contribute our time and resources to make sure that no one is forgotten and left out. Our Galveston is a very giving and caring community. Let’s do all that we can to ensure that everyone will enjoy this beautiful holiday season.

contributors. We could not do everything we do here at Waves Magazine without you. Thank you for a great seven years and counting.

Each day of the year it is extremely important to BUY LOCAL It is especially vital this time of year. Please support our local businesses!

Merry Christmas from our Waves family to yours! Mike, Lynda, Closer, and Skeeter.

I want to thank our loyal readers, advertisers, and

Mike Burke | Publisher

PET Corner

Old Men and Old

Dogs, Are We So Different?

The title was designed to get the readers’ attention. Did it work? The comparisons and jokes between us males and dogs abound with many agreeing that a good dog beats out the average guy hands down. Many of us guys do have plenty of canine-like behaviors some good, some bad.

This story is about a fine dog I had the pleasure to work on this year. He is a magnificent German Shepard named Buddha and today he is well and living his best life.

Buddha was presented to me in February 2024 in bad shape. He had developed an extreme swelling adjacent to the base of his tail and anus. Buddha was hurting and not his old self.

The swelling was a gigantic hernia called a perineal hernia. This was the worst one I’ve seen in my forty-plus years in practice. What is a peroneal hernia? It is an uncommon condition that occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged and old male dogs that are not neutered. It is thought that the effects of the male hormone, testosterone, weaken the muscles between the base of the tail and pelvis. As a result, the pressure inside the abdomen forces organs inside the abdomen between these muscles and under the skin.

By definition, a hernia is a defect in the body wall that allows organs or fat through the hernia hole and under the skin. In people, a belly-button hernia is called an umbilical hernia while one near the groin is an inguinal hernia. Male humans are eight times more likely than females to develop this type of hernia. Ergo the men /male dogs’ comparison.

Back to Buddha. The poor old boy needed serious surgery. No time to waste. Buddha was checked into the hospital one morning for his operation. He was put under general anesthesia and prepared for surgery. A skin incision is made over the swollen hernia to expose the contents of the hernia. The hernia was so severe that Buddha’s bladder and prostate gland had been displaced from their normal position in the abdomen into the swollen tissue under his skin. The organs were pushed back into the abdomen so the damaged muscles could be repaired and reconstructed. After a couple of hours and about a hundred stitches Buddha was put back together and looking good. Well, about as good as a dog’s rear end could look. One last bit of

surgery was needed. It was important that he be neutered to reduce his testosterone level and reduce the chances of another hernia forming.

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. To my astonishment, Buddha recovered and healed like a charm. Buddha returned two weeks later to have his stitches removed and say thanks to his vet (see photo). It was a good day to be a veterinarian and a pleasure to have a patient like him. He is happy, healthy and that dynamite personality makes him a credit to his breed.

For all the owners with intact males: Having your boy dogs “fixed” can have important health benefits. Those benefits include removing any chance of testicular cancer, greatly reducing the chances they develop a prostate infection or the dreadful perineal hernia that Buddha endured.

Wonder if neutering human males would eliminate guys getting hernias? Maybe so but I don’t think men will be lined up around the block for that surgery to find out. Personally, I’ll let someone else go first and stick to just “fixing” the male dogs.

Richard D. Henderson, DVM

Galveston Veterinary Clinic

2108 61st Street Galveston, TX 77551

◊ Raggedy Ann

◊ Raggedy Andy

◊ Chatty Cathy

◊ Crissy Doll

◊ Troll Doll

◊ Monchichi Doll

◊ Pound Puppy

◊ Mr. Potatohead

◊ Colorforms

◊ Lite Bright

◊ Popples

◊ Monchichi

◊ Legos ◊ Lite Brite

Lincoln Logs

Hungry Hippo

◊ Snoopy Sno-Cone

◊ Easy-Bake Oven

◊ Shape-shifter

◊ Tamagotchi

◊ Bouncy Ball

◊ Big Wheel

◊ Pogo Stick

◊ Sled

◊ Bouncy Ball

◊ Big Wheel

◊ Pogo Stick

◊ Sled

◊ Casey the Robot

◊ Madballs

◊ Rock ‘em Sock ‘em

◊ Verbot

◊ Raggedy Ann

◊ Rainbow Brite

◊ Chatty Cathy

◊ Talky Crissy Doll

◊ Viewmaster

◊ Speak and Spell

◊ See N Say ◊ Glo Worm

◊ Pound Puppy

◊ Raggedy Andy

◊ Care Bear

◊ Trolls

◊ Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine

◊ Easy-Bake Oven

◊ Tamagotchi

◊ Easy Bake Oven

◊ Pound Puppy

◊ Colorforms

◊ Transformer

◊ Magic 8 Ball

◊ Casey the Robot

◊ See N Say

◊ Jacks

◊ Shape-shifter

◊ Transformers

◊ G.I. Joe

◊ Madballs

◊ Teddy Ruxpin

◊ Paddington Bear

◊ Winnie-the-Pooh

◊ Care Bear

◊ Rainbow Brite

◊ Raggedy Ann

◊ My Little Pony

◊ Chatty Cathy

◊ Chatter Telephone

◊ Furby

◊ Magic 8-Ball

◊ Verbot

◊ Teddy Ruxpin

◊ Paddington Bear

◊ Winnie-the-Pooh

◊ Care Bear

◊ Chatty Cathy

◊ See N Say

◊ Casey the Robot

◊ Furby

Re l ati o nshipAd v ic e with Jan & Dean

Hi Jan and Dean,

Please help me save my family’s Christmas dinner. Last year my husband’s sister, Caroline, brought two of her home cooked dishes to our house for our family Christmas dinner. Although this seems like a nice gesture, it certainly is not! Caroline is not just a bad cook; she is a horrible cook. No one can stand to eat anything that she prepares. It is beyond horrible and totally ruins our family get together for Christmas.

My problem is that my husband, Danny, refuses to tell his sister not to cook anything. He is dug in on this and it is causing a major rift between us. He says that it is totally rude of me to demand that his sister not cook this year. He says his sister tries hard and he does not want to upset her. My feelings are that I am doing everyone a great service.

No one, not one single person, will eat anything that Caroline cooks. No one! On top of the food, it’s embarrassing to have anything she prepares on my Christmas dinner table.

sure there will be more than enough food available that everyone can enjoy.

Welcome your husband’s sister to Christmas dinner with open arms. You will be a better person for it.

Hi Sarah. I want you to pay very special attention to something my father has said for years:

Please help me, Jan and Dean. What can I do to talk some sense into my husband’s head?

Sarah Is Stressed

Hello Sarah. It must be great to be someone as perfect as you are. I would let Caroline bring as much food as she wants. If people choose to eat it, fine. If they choose not to, that is fine too.

Christmas is a time for family and friends to come together. What food someone chooses to bring is way down the list in my book. I am

It is much more important who is sitting around the table than what is sitting on top of it.

No wiser words have ever been spoken. Cherish this holiday season with family and friends. Trust me, no one is as concerned about what food will be served as you are. Relax. It sounds like you have a nice and caring husband. Be thankful for all that you have.

Practice love and kindness this Christmas. Do that and you might be pleasantly surprised how unimportant what food is being served really is.

Merry Christmas, Sarah.

FOCUS

ON FITNESS

Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center,

2910 53rd Street, Galveston

Holiday Gifts for the Active Person in Your Life

The holidays are upon us, and with that comes gift-giving. And let’s face it, the fitness enthusiast in your life can sometimes be hard to shop for. So, whether they are fitness fanatics or just starting their wellness journey, here are a few fitness-themed gifts that can improve their next workout or speed up recovery.

Tune Up Fitness Therapy Balls – This is my number one gift idea for any and everyone. The Roll Model® Therapy Balls are designed for trigger point, pressure point, and myofascial release. They provide targeted self-massage trigger point therapy by using specially designed high-grip rubber massage balls and focused movement routines to help penetrate through layers of skin and muscle to massage deeply into your high-tension areas. Roll Model® Therapy Balls come in three sizes: the YTU Therapy Ball, the Therapy Ball PLUS, and the ALPHA TWIN Set. I recommend a set of each. There are few days that I don’t grab a pair of the Tune Up Fitness Balls to help work out the kinks in my muscles and fascia.

generally a better choice than traditional headphones for several reasons: Mobility, comfort, lightweight, excellent sound quality, sweat resistance, and noise isolation. Note of caution, though. If you are walking or running outside, always keep the volume down so you can be very aware of your surroundings.

Bluetooth Earbuds – Earbuds are a great way to tune out the world and really zone into your workout. Not only can you listen to your favorite tunes or podcasts while putting the miles in on the treadmill or through your weight sets, but so many virtual trainers are available to listen to and guide you through your workout. Bluetooth wireless earbuds are

Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor

- Chest strap monitors use electrical signals from your heart to measure your heart rate directly, which is more accurate than measuring your pulse at your wrist. This makes them ideal for exercise when you want to see how your body reacts to different workouts. Some chest straps can broadcast heart rate data to compatible watches or GPS cycling computers, so you don’t need to look at your watch. The chest strap monitor can hold you accountable to your desired intensity if you’re prone to going too easy or not hard enough, and it’s cool to see that as fitness improves, your heart rate actually decreases at certain work outputs.

Sports Store Gift Card – Proper clothing while working out is essential. Well-fitting workout clothes can help you avoid injuries and poor form by supporting your movements and flexibility. Workout clothes can improve your performance by making it easier to move and be more agile. Another benefit is temperature regulation. The proper workout clothes can help you stay cool and comfortable during exercise. Sweat-wicking fabrics allow air to flow through the fibers to help keep you cool and deflect the sun’s rays if you are outside. Workout clothes like tights allow for a greater range of motion and are ideal for squats, lunges, and yoga exercises.

Workout Mat - Exercise mats have many benefits. The cushioning of a mat can protect your joints, especially when you’re kneeling, lying down, or doing exercises that put pressure on your joints. Mats can help you maintain your balance and prevent slipping, which is important for exercises like yoga or Pilates. Mats can help keep you clean by avoiding direct contact with the floor, protecting you from germs and bacteria. They can be used for many workouts, including strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. Mats can help define your personal workout space, especially in group classes. When choosing a workout mat, consider the thickness and material. A mat between 1 cm and 1.5 cm thick can usually withstand the stress of fitness exercises while still being comfortable. Heavier-duty mats are generally more durable and offer more protection, while lighter foam mats are easier to move around.

Class Passes for Group Fitness Classes

– Group fitness classes are a great way to begin your fitness journey and a great way to stick with your fitness routine. The energy and enthusiasm of the group can help you push yourself harder. The in -

structor’s guidance can also help keep you motivated. Having others in the class expecting you to show up can help you stick to a routine. Group fitness classes can help you meet new people and form a sense of community. They often incorporate different exercises and techniques that working out in a traditional gym cannot. And with a skilled professional group fitness instructor, you can learn new skills and forms of exercise.

Personal Trainer Sessions- Paying for some personal trainer sessions can help someone dial into good form and give them the knowledge to progress on their own and do it safely. A personal trainer will create a workout plan tailored to your goals, fitness level, and physical limitations. They can help you train safely, identify potential problems before they become injuries, and rehab after an injury. A personal trainer can help you make the most of your workout time and help you set realistic and achievable fitness goals that take into account your current fitness levels and health conditions.

So, get out there armed with ideas to make your fitness-minded person hug your neck and invite you to join a workout with them.

Shaye Henderson

Shaye Henderson, BSN, M.Ed., M.S., Instructor at Bent On Healthy Living Wellness Center, 2910 53rd Street, Galveston

Enjoy

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Bob Rohan, or as he is known in Texas “Bad Bob”, has been playing the fiddle and singing in various groups for over 30 years in Texas, and has opened for Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Carlene Carter and John Conley to name a few. Bob has played in bands that have backed up country legends like Hank Thompson, Ray Price, Jack Greene, Pam Tillis, and Dale Watson.

Along with songwriting, Bob is also a talented cartoonist and has a self syndicated comic strip titled “Buffalo Gals”. The comic feature is about two cowgirls “Bess Winchester” and “Connie Cheyenne”. The comic strip was inspired after playing with “The Hays County Gals and Pals” a cowgirl western group that toured through Texas, Oklahoma and as far west as Elko, Nevada. Bob has won The Wisconsin State Fiddle Championship and has been nominated several times from The Academy of Western Artists for Best Cowboy Cartoonist.

www.badbobrohan.com

ALemon Verbena

s the nights grow longer, we are given plenty of time to leaf through gardening magazines and seed catalogs. As you make your plans for spring planting, might I suggest an uncommon herb?

Lemon Verbena!

At first introduction, many people hear “verbena” and think of the low growing perennial with clusters of brightly colored blooms. But lemon verbena is quite different. It does bloom once a year with long conical spikes bearing clusters of tiny white flowers. The flowers are lovely and a great help to the butterfly and bee populations.

Lemone Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native to western South America. Common names include lemon verbena and lemon beebrush. It was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil.

Lemon Verbena was/is used by those believing in magic and spells. Lemon Verbena is for love - to make yourself attractive to the opposite sex. I don’t know about all that, but after one growing season, I am in love with lemon verbena!

Lemon Verbena has a wonderful citrus scent, bright green, glossy leaves, and it grows with little or no care. This herb is a friend to your immune system, nervous system, and to your kitchen - making wonderful teas and jellies. And of course, let’s not overlook the sweet serenity caused by dropping fresh lemon verbena leaves in your hot bath!

it steeps, or it can stand alone as an herbal tea. Lemon Verbena Lemonade is a great refreshing drink on a hot day.

I also like to place fresh stems with the leaves intact directly on the grill and lay my fish on top. This infuses the fish with a mouth-watering flavor.

~Holly Ross

The leaves of lemon verbena can be tossed in with any tea while

For more great information, go to: www.hollykross.com

Hollis is an adorable black and white pocket Pittie! She loves dogs of all sizes and ages and is happiest snuggled up next to her person and doing zoomies in the yard. Hollis is a very happy girl and gives the biggest smiles that will melt your heart.

She’s approximately 2 years old, has no health issues, and is heartworm-negative. She’d make a great addition to an active family that wants a little dog with a big personality!

The Galveston Island Humane Society is always in need of volunteers, fosters, and adopters. By spending time with the shelter dogs, you can help them socialize and also promote their adoption. Becoming a foster parent or adopting a dog like Hollis can give them the mental and emotional break they need from shelter life. If you’re interested in fostering, please visit www.galvestonhumane.org/foster.

If

in adopting Hollis,

Fun Facts Historical Galveston

By: Thomas Waggoner

Christmas Island Time!

Greetings Wavers! Christmas on the Island!

There is nothing better! As a kid, I so looked forward to spending time on Galveston Island at Christmas. Lights galore and trains. A child’s paradise.There is a lot of history associated with Christmas and Galveston.

Polar Express

The story: On Christmas Eve, a young boy who sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole outside his window, is invited aboard by its conductor. He joins other children as they embark on a journey to visit Santa Claus, who is preparing for Christmas. This is a must-see!

The History: The animation team modeled The Polar Express locomotive after a Baldwin, 2-8-4, S3-class steam locomotive built in 1931 at the Baldwin Locomotive Works. It weighs 456,100 pounds. -Bob Lettenberger /author Trains magazine

Fun Fact: The Polar Express is controversial to some viewers thanks to its animation style, which created a phenomenon known as “Uncanny Valley.”

Ghost of Christmas Past

What about taking a Christmas ghost tour of Galveston’s cemetery on Broadway Street? What’s the history here? It was originally set aside for family burial purposes as part of the original town charter in 1839. The complex occupies six city blocks. The collection of monuments, vaults, and stone markers punctuate the overall landscape of the cemetery complex. They range in style from simple marble and granite headstones to Classical Revival vaults, Gothic Revival mausoleums, and towering obelisks. Fun Fact: The cemetery includes the remains of people who fought in the War of 1812, the American Civil War, victims of a yellow fever epidemic, and the 1900 storm.

51st Anniversary Returns December 6-8, 2024

The Battle of Galveston

Be sure to take the time during the Holiday season to catch up on the Island’s history. The Galveston Historical Foundation is the perfect way to do so! This historical foundation was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871. Galveston Island’s rich history comes alive in these special guided walking tours. The tours provide a way for friends to learn something new and spend quality time together. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks. Fun Fact: These expe -

riences are led by an authorized representative of the Galveston Historical Foundation, and feature authentic and researched stories and histories.

Dickens on the Stand

When a lot of people think of Galveston, they immediately remember Dickens on The Stand. Of course, those born and raised around Galveston know that it’s only a small fraction of what the island has to offer. Dickens on The Strand is based on 19th-century Victorian London. The event features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, Tiny Tim’s Play Land, The Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink. They also offer Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.

2024

Was Charles Dickens a real person, you might ask? Yes, Charles Dickens was a real person and has living descendants. So when you visit the Strand this year you might just be rubbing shoulders with his family members. Fun Fact: Each year at Dickens on The Strand, Her Majesty Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, along with their court, make frequent appearances throughout the event.

Descendants of Charles Dickens

Polar Express

Ghost Of Christmas Past Dickens On The Strand

Polly Olivia Boyd - Polly is the great-greatgreat granddaughter of Charles Dickens.

Ollie Dickens - ‘Ollie’ Dickens is a greatgreat-great-grandson of Charles Dickens.

Christmas at Moody Mansion

When my parents took me to Moody Mansion, I would try imagining what it might be like to live in this beautiful castle! Much less spend Christmas there! Mr. and Mrs. Moody and their four children celebrated their first Christmas in the house just three months after the 1900 hurricane. W.L. Moody Jr. bought the Galveston mansion from the heirs of the original owners. It was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall and decorated by the world-famous interior design firm of Pottier & Stymus of New York. The 28,000-square-foot four-story Moody Mansion was completed in 1895. Fun Fact: The house remained home to Moody’s family members until 1983 when Hurricane Alicia caused major damage. It was repaired and opened as a house museum in 1991.

Iceland & The Festival of Lights

ICE LAND is part of Moody Gardens’ annual Holiday in the Gardens festivities, which also includes the Festival of Lights. The idea was inspired by the Annual Ice Festival in Harbin, China, which is the world’s largest ice and snow festival. On the Island, the festival’s first year featured ice sculptures of scenes from A Christmas Carol.

This is from their website for the 2024 season! ICE LAND: Pole-toPole, a towering ice sculpture attraction takes guests on a journey from the North to the South poles. Guests will encounter polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, and of course, reindeer ice sculptures. Fun Fact: The Festival of Lights features a mile-long trail illuminated by two million lights!

The Tree at 2302 Strand!

Make sure to stop by the Stand and see the beautiful Christmas tree at 2302 Strand. It’s beautifully lit and sure to bring a smile to any child’s face as they prepare to tell Santa what they want for Christmas! Fun Fact: Galveston collects Christmas trees curbside where trash bins are normally placed. Many are then used to tackle dune and beach erosion.

The Nutcracker

Here is a little history of this famous ballet. The Nutcracker” debuted in December 1892 to not-so-great reviews: Critics liked Tchaikovsky’s score but called the dancing “disorderly” and “insipid” and the Sugar Plum Fairy “corpulent” and “pudgy.” That was then….. This is now!

The famous Nutcracker shows up on the Island a little earlier than Santa each year. The Nutcracker lives in the 1894 Grand Opera House for 2-3 days each year. The Academy of the City Ballet of Houston has performed its Nutcrackers there for the past 25+ years. “The Nutcracker” is considered the most popular ballet in the world. Fun Fact: The music for the Nutcracker, written by Tchaikovsky in 1892, was composed only two years earlier than the opening of The Grand.

A White Island Christmas

The earliest weather record-keeping for Galveston is 1871. In the hundred years between 1900 and 1999, there were 39 years with snowfall. Eleven of those years had measurable amounts, while the rest had “trace” amounts. The worst Island winters were in 1886 when Galveston Bay froze, and in 1895 when the island received an unbelievable 15.4 inches of snow. Fun Fact: In 2004 Galveston experienced its first-ever white Christmas.

Snow on Galveston Beach in February of 2021.

Well, Santa has made his list! He’s checked it twice! Which have you been?

NAUGHTY? Or NICE?

Until the New Year!

Thomas Waggoner

Moody Mansion Christmas Iceland & The Festival of Lights

2302 Strand

The Nutcracker

Galveston’s Newest Hotspot! Meet with friends, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy your favorite cocktail!

811 21st Street

Galveston, Texas

Chocolate Liqueur, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Swirl

Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Pomegranate Juice, Cointreau, Brut Sparkling Wine, Pomegranate Seeds

Bullet Rye Whiskey, Maple Syrup, Bitters, Luxardo Cherry and Orange Peel

Ketel One Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Sugar Rim, Lemon Twist and Cranberries

Cranberry Juice, Coco Real Cream, Sugar Rim and Cranberry - Rosemary Sprig

Pennie’s Take Out Menu

Smoked Brisket

Quality brisket covered with our original rub, slow smoked and ready to be sliced when you order.

Pork Ribs

Pork ribs cooked with our original rub till almost done then basted with our honey sweetened sauce.

Grilled Chicken

Chicken spiced with our rub cooked over wood. Unlike any chicken you have ever eaten.

Link Sausage

Pork and Beef link sausage smoked over oak ready and waiting for you to order.

Sandwiches

Chopped Beef | Sliced Beef | Sausage | Comes with a complimentary 4 oz side

Stuffed Baked Potato

Huge baked potato filled with butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and best of all chopped brisket!

Barbacoa (Sat. and Sun. Only)

Pennie Ochoa’s delicious recipe. Tender, moist shredded beef is the result.

Sides and Dessert

All sides are made fresh at Pennie’s

Potato Salad

Dill based cool refreshing chopped potatoes mixed with dressings.

Pinto Beans

My own recipe made fresh daily. Lots of love goes into the beans.

Spanish Rice

Green Beans

Cole Slaw

Banana Pudding Trifle

Personalized

Complete

by: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan

Mario’s Seawall Italian & Pizzeria

This month we will revisit Mario’s Seawall Italian & Pizzeria restaurant. How quickly time passes. We last reviewed this restaurant in our June 2020 magazine. It was a difficult time. COVID was raging and businesses were struggling to cope with a growing number of restrictions regarding food safety and people gatherings. Massive layoffs of employees and supply chain disruptions threw a monkey wrench into the entire restaurant and hospitality industries. The industry was in chaos dealing with unknowns and uncertainty. Little guidance was provided by governing agencies as restaurants and their employees struggled to adapt and survive.

Big BITES

Many of our locally owned restaurants rose to the challenges and strove to assist their employees and alter their business models to expand carryout and reduced seating capacities. Few worked harder or were more generous than the Galveston Restaurant Group (GRG) and their flagship restaurant Mario’s Seawall Italian & Pizzeria. Owners Johnny and Joey Smecca and Danny Hart worked long hours putting together box lunches and free meals for island residents and first responders. It was a time of hardship, but Galvestonians pulled together as we always do and moved on.

Fast-forward five years to today. It has been another difficult year. Hurricane Beryl struck during the peak of our busy tourist season and caused damage and widespread power outages lasting a week or more. Island hotels were empty, and restaurants were disposing of entire

inventories of food spoiling in walk-in coolers and freezers. Again, the Galveston Restaurant Group and others jumped in and donated countless meals to displaced restaurant workers, first responders, and an army of power linemen working around the clock to restore power.

Mario’s Seawall did not escape undamaged but managed to reopen while planning a massive remodel and repairs during the less busy fall season.

Perhaps the best planned and executed construction effort I have witnessed, Mario’s closed while undergoing a complete remodel and renovation in just a couple of short weeks.

If you visit today, you will find a refreshed patio entrance with outdoor garden seating, an expanded lounge and bar area, and a bright and cheery dining room that takes full advantage of the wall of windows that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. Large and private dining rooms and reception halls upstairs are busy with weddings, business meetings, and spe -

cial affairs. The exterior has been repainted and refreshed and is brightly lighted and beckoning in their prominent Seawall Boulevard location.

They have a new and streamlined menu that emphasizes seafood, pastas, and their renowned signature pizzas. While I lament the disappearance of some long-time favorites, I eagerly explore and enjoy their new offerings.

Their special thin-crust pizza remains to the delight of my Houston friends who can never get past that portion of their menu. The ever-popular Wednesday night carryout pizza specials remain and a festive crowd gathers in the newly renovated lounge area while awaiting their piping hot pizza to go.

Their large off-street parking lot is always crowded attesting to the popularity of this award-winning restaurant. A brief look at their menu explains why.

A restaurant’s menu makes a lasting first impression on me. I distrust an overly large menu with multiple food groupings. It is just not possible for most kitchens to produce such a broad array without over-reliance upon pre-made and frozen entrees. A succinct and well-thought-out menu sets my expectations for a delightful experience. Mario’s fully meets that test.

Their dinner menu is well organized beginning with appetizers, soups and salads, classic Italian dishes, seafood, and everyone’s favorite pasta dishes followed by robust dessert offerings. Their lunch menu is a subset of the dinner menu with special pricing for a quick midday meal. Brunch is a completely different menu that has made Mario’s a Sunday destination for residents and visitors alike. Let’s examine these offerings in more detail:

Appetizers - Mario’s offers a choice of nine appetizers ranging from the mundane mozzarella sticks with marinara to an exotic charcuterie board teeming with Italian meats, cheeses, and olives. In between there are some creative, innovative treats for every taste. My favorite is their seafood dip. A cheesy concoction with shrimp, crab, and crawfish, it is delicious! Another favorite is the popular fried calamari served with a bright marinara sauce. Lightly breaded and fried to perfection, it is a perfect start. There are many more and something for every taste.

Soups and Salads - What can be better than a well-executed freshly made tomato basil soup? Velvety and smooth. Light and refreshing. Want to step it up? Try their pepperoni pizza soup. A tomato basil base with garlic croutons, fried pepperoni topped with mozzarella, and baked to golden brown. Hungry now? There is more.

Salads range from a simple garden salad to an entree-sized seafood salad with shrimp, lump crab, and crawfish tossed in lemon and olive oil. A wedge salad, a tasty Caesar, and more. All fresh and delicious.

Classic Italian - Where the action is for me. Serving Galveston for more than 50 years using old country family recipes, Mario’s offers some of the best Italian dishes in Galveston. Mario’s offers a modest choice of 8 classic Italian dishes. Each is honed to perfection and prepared to order using the finest ingredients. From a classic chicken piccata with a lemon butter sauce with capers and artichoke hearts served with angel hair pasta and fresh vegetables, to a well-executed shrimp Francese in a white wine, butter, and lemon sauce. Both are delicious and among my favorites. Their chicken a la Mario is a robust dish with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes in a lemon butter sauce, and served with rosemary roasted potatoes and seasonal veggies. Cannot decide? Try their Viva Italian for a sampling of lasagna, chicken parmigiana and fettuccine Alfredo. Study the menu. There is much more.

Seafood - Set an Italian family on an island smaller than Sicily and surrounded by a fertile bay and the productive Gulf of Mexico and guess what you get? Some of the freshest and finest seafood dishes imaginable. Mario’s does not disappoint. Our Texas redfish pan-seared and topped with shrimp, artichoke hearts, spinach, and lemon butter served over angel hair pasta literally screams Gulf Coast! It is on the menu. Try it. How about an Italian fisherman’s stew? Their Cioppino transports me to foggy San Francisco with every spoonful. Teeming with fish, shrimp, mussels, and clams and topped with a lobster tail, it is a hearty and satisfying dish. Lots more to explore for seafood lovers.

Pasta - Delicious and filling. Always a favorite. From a simple spaghetti to a complex ravioli or a creamy alfredo, everyone loves pasta and Mario’s has all the classics and more. From a hearty baked lobster mac-n-cheese to a lighter penne del sol. Don’t see what you like? Their menu allows you to make your own. Choose your pasta, add your choice of sauce and chicken, sausage, or seafood to accompany. Simple, yet delicious.

Pizza - Any crust, any toppings. All handmade to order. Mario’s has a reputation for the finest pizza in Galveston. What do I think? It doesn’t matter. The crowd at the front door every Wednesday for their carry-out special tells it all. My Houston friends drive miles to eat their special thin-crust pizza. Me? I like a traditional hand-tossed crust and Mario’s does it right.

Desserts - Sorry. I have no room left for dessert, but I might have a little fresh gelato or sorbetto. Oops! Was that an Italian cream cake? Cannoli? Tiramisu? More? I better get out of here while I can still walk. Much more and all are excellent.

families and it is easy to see why. Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM families and friends gather for Mario’s Sunday brunch. Enjoying a great Bloody Mary or a cup of fresh roast coffee paired with a breakfast sandwich, omelette, or classics like lobster eggs Benedict, there is something for everyone. Creative and delicious. From a seafood omelette to chicken and waffles to a simple New Orleans-style beignet. It is all here. Try it and start your own tradition.

Happy hour - With their newly remodeled and expanded lounge area and happy hour drink and food appetizers expect this to be a popular meeting spot for an after-work gathering. From a traditional shrimp cocktail to “Italian Nachos” enjoy fun and affordable finger foods and your favorite cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers. I hope to see you here soon.

Plenty of free off-street parking and very good handicapped accessibility.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Sunday Brunch 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Mario’s Seawall Italian & Pizzeria 628 Seawall Blvd Galveston, Texas 77550 (409) 763-1693

www.mariosseawall.com

Brunch - Mario’s is a Sunday brunch tradition for many Galveston

Spinach Pasta (vegetarian)

Farfalle (bow tie) pasta sautéed with fresh spinach, fresh roma and sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, feta, and imported parmesan cheese (served hot.)

Mosquito Cafe - 628 14th Street (409) 763-1010

Pork Ribs

Pork ribs cooked with our original rub till almost done then basted with our honey sweetened sauce.

Pennie’s Tex-Mex Takeout 1713 37th Street (409) 765-5719

December Featured Dishes

Warm Goat Cheese Salad (vegetarian)

A crusted medallion of goat cheese atop mixed greens, sun-dried tomatoes, figs, and toasted pine nuts with homemade champagne vinaigrette.

Mosquito Cafe - 628 14th Street (409) 763-1010

Oysters

“It’s always oyster season at Shucks”

Come try our Happy Hour OystersShuckers Choice - East Coast Oysters - $2.50

Shucks Tavern 414 21st St. (409) 444-1700

Elevate your Wednesdays at Saltwater Grill

Join us every Wednesday and indulge in our succulent, hand-cut prime ribserved with house au jus, your choice of mashed potatoes or baked potato, and buttered broccoli. Pair your meal with our 1/2 price select bottles of wine - only on Wednesdays!

Saltwater Grill - 2017 Postoffice Street (409) 762-3474

Joey Burger

6oz hand-pressed Wagyu beef burger with smoked cheddar, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Served with a side of truffle fries.

Saltwater Grill 2017 Postoffice Street (409) 762-3474

December Featured Dishes

Crab Cake Eggs Benedict

Toasted English muffin, arugula, poached eggs, housemade crab cakes, sautéed in butter and covered with our homemade hollandaise sauce. Served with breakfast potatoes and bacon. Only available for Sunday Brunch from 10 am to 2 pm.

Marios Seawall Italian and Pizzeria 628 Seawall Blvd (409) 763-1693

Blackend Shrimp Pasta

Blackened shrimp served over angel hair pasta, tossed with scampi butter, spinach, tomato, and purple onion.

Shucks Tavern 414 21st St. (409) 444-1700

Seafood Platters

Delicious Shrimp Kisses, Blackened Stuffed Flounder, Rotisserie Chicken Pizza, Tacos, Fried Seafood Platters, Po’Boys...An Island Staple with a diverse menu. Always a treat!

Huli Huli Hut 312 19th St. (409) 443-5525

BBQ Pork Ribs

Sky Bar’s Fall Menu is here for a limited time! Sink your teeth into our slowroasted BBQ Pork Ribs with a side of Chef Joaquin’s signature fried rice. Try them before they’re gone!

Sky Bar Steak & Sushi 2105 post Office (409) 621-4759

Lemon Herb Golden Tilefish

Lemon Herb Seasoned Golden Tilefish Topped With Gulf Blue Crab Sauce On Rockefeller Spinach.

Katie’s Seafood 2000 Wharf Rd (409) 765-5688

Chicken Katsu & Pork Belly Ramen

Sky Bar’s Fall Menu is here for a limited time! Enjoy a savory Pork or Miso broth with your choice of Pork Belly, Chicken Katsu, or Pork Katsu. Served with a softboiled egg, bok choy, and fish cake. Try these delicious bowls before they’re gone!

Sky Bar Steak & Sushi

2105 post Office (409) 621-4759

2 0 2 5 P E R F O R M A N C E S

CURTAIN GOING UP

By: Paul Hager

Holiday Venues and Events An Island Tradition

Once again, it’s that most wonderful time of the year on the island when sugar plum fairies dance with nutcrackers The Strand is transported back in time to the Victorian era, Ebenezer Scrooge learns the meaning of the holiday, and true believers can board The Polar Express for a personal visit with Santa Claus at the North Pole.

Many of these events and venues have become annual holiday traditions for families living on the island or journeying from surrounding areas. Check them out, and perhaps this year, create an annual memory of your own! See LISTINGS for full dates and times.

CITY BALLET OF HOUSTON PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

- An annual holiday favorite that delights audiences of all ages – City Ballet of Houston’s presentation of The Nutcracker Ballet returns to The Grand 1894 Opera House where the company has performed its Nutcrackers for the past 25 years. The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince, a Sugar Plum Fairy, and a fierce battle against a Mouse King.

THE NUTCRACKER AFTERNOON TEA - A special event for young girls and boys and their families, held in Edna’s Room at The Grand, The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea includes cookies, fruit, finger sandwiches, punch, and of course, tea! The tea has become a family tradition for many and includes photo opportunities with a dancer from City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS - The countdown to the holiday season has begun as preparation for one of the largest holiday events on the Gulf Coast is underway. Moody Gardens, one of the largest tourist venues in Texas will transform into a festive wonderland featuring 40 days of holiday activities for visitors to enjoy on Galveston Island including Ice Sculptures, Festival of Lights, Ice Skating, Dinner Shows, and More!

DICKENS ON THE STRAND - Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 51st annual Dickens on The Strand. The annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events, and more. Based on 19th-century Victorian London, it features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim’s Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.

CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL - This timeless story which is a powerful moral allegory about redemption, empathy, and the importance of kindness remains a beloved classic, adapted countless times across various media. Live theatre productions are being presented by three local venues this year.

THE LUCKY SPOT and A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION CHRISTMAS - Take your seats at Island ETC Theatre and The Grand for a holiday-themed play.

THE LUCKY SPOT is in a backwater town in the deep South where a group of endearing eccentric losers are trying to sort out (sometimes violently) the complications that love and life have dealt them. This dark comedy is billed as ‘a Christmas play for adults.

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION CHRISTMAS - Some people believe the Creator of the Universe sent His Son to Earth in the form of an infant born to a virgin woman and her faithful husband, Joseph. Other people don’t believe this but enjoy being with those who do — and enjoy a party (parties being more fun if there’s a reason and what better than a birth?). Join GK, Heather Masse, Maria Jette, the Radio Acting Company, Fred Newman, Richard Dworsky and the Guy’s Shoe Band for the Adventures of Guy Noir, Duane & His Mom, the News from Lake Wobegon, A Christmas Carolette, and the audience singing of five beloved carols.

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE EXPERIENCE - The adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away for a one-hour trip to meet Santa. [Shameless Self Promotion - if you want to see yours truly portraying Santa, get tickets in Car 1 or Car 2 for any departure]

ON THE BOARDS [Currently playing]

ISLAND ETC [East-End Theatre Company]

THE LUCKY SPOT

By Beth Henley

November 22 - December 14, 2024

Sunday matinee November 24, 2024 No performance on Thanksgiving https://www.islandetc.org/

PAUL HAGER

PAUL HAGER

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By Charles Dickens

December 6 & 7, 2024 - 3:00 and 8:00 PM

THE NUTCRACKER AFTERNOON TEA

A special event for young girls and boys and their families, held in Edna’s Room at The Grand.

December 14, 2024 - 12:30 PM

January 24, 2025 - February 1, 2025

Sunday matinee - January 26, 2025

https://www.islandetc.org/

THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

MARVELOUS…AN EVENING WITH MARILYN MAYE

CITY BALLET OF HOUSTON PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

December 14, 2024 - 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM

A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION CHRISTMAS

December 21, 2024 - 8:00 PM http://www.thegrand.com/

CLEAR CREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

CHARLES DICKENS - A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 7 - 14, 2024 - Various times https://clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com/

PURPLE BOX THEATRE

A NEIGHBORHOOD NOEL

December 6 - 15, 2024 - Fri & Sat at 7:30 Pm Sundays at 2:30 Pm http://www.thepurpleboxtheater.com/

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE [BLT]

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By Charles Dickens Adapted by Lavina Jadhwani

December 6-23, 2025 - Various times https://baytownlittletheater.org/

SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE EXPERIENCE

Now through December 23, 2025 Various Dates and Times https://galvestonrrmuseum.org/the-polar-express/

HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS

Now through January 1, 2025 - Dates and Times vary by event https://www.moodygardens.com/holiday-season

DICKENS ON THE STRAND

December 6 - 8, 2024

https://www.galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand

IN THE WINGS [Opening Soon]

ISLAND ETC [East-End Theatre Company]

THE FURST HOTEL

World premiere by Galvestonians Joanne Lopez Rock and Joyce Lopez Mink

January 4, 2025 - 8:00 PM

GALVESTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN JANUARY

January 5, 2025 - 4:00 PM

TERRY ALLEN W/ SPECIAL GUEST JO HARVEY ALLEN January 10, 2025 - 8:00 PM

AIN’T TOO PROUD — THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS

Music and Lyrics by The Temptations Book by Dominique Morisseau Jamuary 18 - 18, 2025 - 8:00 PM Sunday Matinee January 18, 2025 - 3:00 PM

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS -THE MUSICAL Book, Music, and Lyrics by Mo Willems January 30, 2025 - 10:00 AM http://www.thegrand.com/

CLEAR CREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

AGATHA CHRISTIE MYSTERIES

Triple Bill of one-act murder mysteries by Agatha Christie January 17 - 19, 2025 Details TBA

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe

January 30, 2025 - February 2, 2025 - 7:30 PM and 4:30 PM https://clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com/

Paul Hager

Meet Paul Hager Portraying Santa On The Polar Express Train Ride Experience. Car 1 Or Car 2 For Any Departure!

PAUL HAGER

S tar R ally

R ocks G alveston

by Renee Hartfield, Jacob Kitchens, Wendi Auzston, Cade Crippin, Zach Tate, and Michael Lichter.

As the 25th Anniversary of Galveston’s

massive 4-day biker bonanza, Lone Star Rally, rolled in - so did some bad weather. Much as Mother Nature tried, she couldn’t stop over 350,000 motorcycle lovers, 30 concerts on 2 stages, and more than 200 food and merchandise vendors from enjoying themselves – even in the rain! Bikers, families, and people ages 3 to 93 were out in droves for Lone Star Rally 2024 to ride, dance, shop, eat, drink, and marvel at the spectacle of the sheer numbers of motorcycles and funky two, three and four-wheeled machines riding and running or simply parked on display on the streets of Galveston from October 31st to November 3rd.

In addition to Rally revelers, out came the photographers, professional and amateur alike, to capture the spirit of freedom and love of all things motorcycle - along with some hot rods and vintage muscle cars as well.

Opening night of Lone Star Rally fell on Halloween creating some far-out photo ops for legendary motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter. Also in attendance capturing event images was local music photographer, Renee Hartfield, League City’s Jacob Kitchens, Wendi Auzston from LaMarque, Cade Crippin from Huntsville, Waves Magazine’s own Zach Tate, and thou -

sands of cell phone photographers from all over the country and beyond!

A social media extravaganza, Lone Star Rally is a photographer’s dream – from the neon-lighted roadsters running The Strand at night to the characters taking the weekend to live amongst their motorcycle-loving peers - along with their kids, dogs, husbands, wives, and whoever or whatever else they decided to show off.

Two music stages, the Progressive Seawall Stage and Miller Lite Saengerfest Park Stage, hosted respectively by motorcycle land speed record holder, Jay Allen, and model and motorcycle event emcee, Lisa Ligon, showcased a wide variety of bands in several genres from the international to the local. Appearances by Blackhawk, Buckcherry,

Photography

LSR Riders Halloween Contest

Pier 21 Drive-In Car Show

Edwardo Ramirez - Royal Collection Cigars

Bloodline Customs - Ricky Brewer Bikes

Outlaw Dave’s Rally Ride Parade Rally Revelers

Rally Revelers

Rally Revelers

Lisa Lagon

To Hell (ACDC), Cowboy (Kid Rock) and Kiss America (Kiss), Absolute Def Leppard and Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynryd Skynyrd) had Lone Star Rally rocking!

Saliva, Rodney Atkins, Tim Montana, Whey Jennings; locals Zach Tate, Susan Hickman, Tucker Hart, Kelaney, Tilluride and tribute acts Highway

Eagle Hi Roller Kiss America

Zach Tate

Rodney Atkins

Tilluride

Lone Star Skynyrd

Tucker Hart Highway To Hell

Saliva

Kelaney Absolute Def Leppard

Tattoo Contest

Buckcherry

T exas

M usic P rofile

Susan Hickman

Professional skydiving, living off the grid, and playing chess aside, Dickinson, Texas singer-songwriter, Susan Hickman has pursued her craft with singular focus and practical determination. Watching LeAnne Rimes on a televised awards show sometime in the mid-nineties, Hickman admits to thinking, at 11 or 12 years old, “I could do that”. And she did. By 25 Hickman was recognized by the Country Music Association’s Close Up Magazine “Who New To Watch” followed just 5 years later by recognition as the Texas CMA Female Vocalist of The Year.

Performing over 200 shows a year, Hickman has performed her brand of country music across the U.S. and in Europe for many years, including at this year’s Lone Star Rally in Galveston. It appears Hickman has achieved success in the music business but is by no means letting up and continues to work toward her musical goals, recording and performing everywhere she can in the Houston / Galveston area including a December 14th show at Coco’s On The Canal in Kemah.

“Success means different things to different people. Most days I feel like I’m on the right track. Other days I feel like I’m beating my head against the wall. I know it takes years of hard work and dedication to break through. Do I want to go further and get to the goals I’ve built up in my head? Sure, but most days I feel successful,” Hickman said.

“Skydiving is the only thing that takes me out of my head and off all the things I have to do as a musician. When I’m skydiving, I don’t think of anything else,” Hickman said.

Born in 1985 in Clear Lake, TX, Susan Hickman spent years developing her singing, songwriting, and guitar playing in hopes of one day making it big. Raised primarily in Aldine and Atascocita,TX - northeast of Houston with her younger sister, Sadie, and parents Melvin and Sharon, in a house full of music—though no one else was a musician—Hickman developed an appreciation for many genres of music.

By 15 years of age, she was performing for the first time in her Southern Baptist church and thinking about how to become a professional musician. By 17 she knew college was not for her and with the help of her mom began blazing her own trail in the country music business the best way she knew how. 20-plus years and 7 albums worth of songs later, Hickman is still doing what she set out to do. Wearing many hats as producer, artist, manager, and writer, Hickman says that somewhere along the way skydiving became a necessary distraction.

Around 2017 Hickman moved into an RV and spent nearly 5 years living “off the grid” on skydiving drop sites, coaching skydiving while also playing music at night. In 2022, she began playing online chess with her then friend, now husband, local musician Leo Mendoza. The two were married in 2024 and occasionally perform together.

Q & A with Susan Hickman

Zach Tate: Do you have any formal music training?

Susan Hickman: I guess you can say I took piano and violin lessons. I started piano when I was five and violin when I was 12 or 13. I’m self-taught on guitar and have done many self-training teaching programs for voice.

ZT: What is your earliest memory of being inspired by music?

SH: I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t inspired by music. I feel like it was just always there within me. I was always singing and trying to put on shows for my family and their friends. As I got a little older, I would study voices like Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey, and was obsessed with performances from Garth Brooks and Aerosmith. I have a lot of musical influences - these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Story and Photos by Zach Tate

Additional photos courtesy of Susan Hickman

Susan Hickman RodeoHouston Cook-Off

I think the greater Houston and Galveston areas are very cool for musicians and artists. It’s kind of a melting pot for all kinds of different genres and points of view and perspectives. It makes for great collaborations!

ZT: Where was the first place you ever performed in front of people?

SH: I sang and performed in church quite a bit growing up either solos or in the choir. I was also in my church orchestra, playing violin and I played piano from time to time. As I got older and was pursuing music full-time as a career, I believe my first paying gig was at a little teen club in Kingwood, TX when I was 15.

ZT: Who influences you these days and why?

SH: People always say don’t meet your heroes, but I am blessed to be able to call a lot of mine friends which is amazing! People that are passionate about what they are doing and pursuing their endeavors with everything they have is very inspiring to me and I surround myself with people who are uplifting of each other. That is so very important in this business, any business actually, but especially one that requires so much dedication and creative energy. It’s important not to lose sight of your goals and ideals due to negative energy.

ZT: What defines a ‘good song’ in your opinion?

SH: A good song just makes you feel, whether it’s a happy or sad song. If you are emotionally inspired, then I feel like that’s a good song!

ZT: What is your songwriting process?

SH: My songwriting process has changed so much over the years. Sometimes I’ll be a waterfall and write song after song and sometimes I don’t write a full song for months on end. Right now I have to actually carve out time and put it on my calendar to get it done. Sometimes the juices are just flowing, sometimes they’re not, but showing up is the most important part!

ZT: How often do you perform live?

SH: I play over 200 shows a year.

ZT: What is your opinion of the Galveston and Houston music scenes?

SH: I think the greater Houston and Galveston areas are very cool for musicians and artists. It’s kind of a melting pot for all kinds of different genres and points of view and perspectives. It makes for great collaborations!

ZT: What defines success for you in the music business?

SH: Success for me is being able to stay relevant despite such a crazy influx of talent literally everywhere due to social media and the ability to find amazing music at your fingertips. I feel like if I am able to continue music as my full-time career going on 25 years now, I might be doing a couple things right, mainly just staying consistent and keep doing all the things!

ZT: Do you think age or gender are relevant to yours or anyone else’s success in the music business?

SH: I used to think there was an expiration date, especially being a woman in the industry, but I definitely do not think that anymore. There are so many people out there doing what they love and I feel as long as you are able to do what you love and do it well then there is no cap age-wise.

ZT: How do you determine what songs to cover?

SH: Well I definitely have to like the song! I’m a very emotional singer and writer so when I hear a song that I wish I would have written I definitely put that on the list of songs to cover! No matter what the genre!

ZT: What is your musical goal for 2025?

SH: I have a lot of goals for 2025 but going down the list of things on the schedule: put out brand new music, new videos, collaborate on some new tunes, get in the studio to start recording the new record, tour and of course a couple surprises!

ZT: Where is the best place for people to find out where you’re playing next?

SH: The one stop for all the info is my website www.susanhickman.com You can find all my social media, streaming for my music, and of course my store!

Susan Hickman CD Cover

FISHING on the Island

The With Chris Gonzales

Experienced Fishing Advice To Make Fishing Great Again

Serious Tackle Box

Serious Castable Cedar Plug

What is a castable cedar plug? It’s a modification of one of the world’s best tuna lures that have been used successfully around the world for many years in their trolling configuration. Why not convert these cedar plugs to casters?” A high-speed reel could readily duplicate the troll speed on the retrieve.

Cedar plugs cast like a bullet, are low cost compared to many other castable hard-body subsurface swimmers. I’ve taken numerous kingfish, several ling, and even red snapper on them. There’s no reason dolphin and wahoo won’t also try to eat ‘em. The obvious catch omission is tuna; that bulb went off while on a 48-hour trip after a kingfish stop on the way home. At times it seems like the obvious hide from all of us, castable cedar plugs and tuna at night was a combination I’d missed.

Most of my 4” and 6” models are rigged up on about 20” of 7 x 7 cable, a stop bead and single barrel crimp is located about 7” ahead of the cedar plug. I also paint everything but the jig body either camo blue or green. The cable is 90# or up, giving cut off protection when targeting kingfish or wahoo. Incidentally, a 4” model weighed in at 1 ounce and a 6” at 2.23 ounces. Their weight plus rigging and great aerodynamics make them the great casters they are. The simplest conversion to a caster is to shorten the 6-foot section of mono they come with to about 24”, tie or crimp on a suitable swivel and you are ready to go casting. In my opinion, they are as versatile as the chrome diamond jig. Those I have on mono are rigged differently — I use 100# or 130# Seaguar Fluorocarbon to greatly reduce its reflection. I specified Seaguar because their diameter per pound strength is less than others I’ve found.

For instance, their 100# is .035 vs .039 which converts to 100# for the size 80#. I don’t have the stop bead and crimp ahead of the jig body when mono-casting for tuna, ling, etc. The purpose of the stop bead and crimp is to stop the plug body there when it slides up the cable after the hookup since the body can possibly slide over the cable and the cable’s loop connection at the hook. The object is to stop the plug body before it gets to the swivel where a second strike by another kingfish or wahoo will likely result in a cutoff.

If you find bare cedar plug bodies available, the hooks you need for 4” and 6” bodies are MustadTM 3412D Needle Eye in 8/0 and 10/0. Always carefully sharpen them if needed for increased hookups.

Cedar plugs have a heavy or bottom side. To find the heavy/bottom side, run a piece of mono through the bare cedar plug body, pull the mono tight in a horizontal position and spin the plug body on the tight mono. Do this spin motion and you will establish the heavy or bottom side at the stop.

Mark the rear flange with a permanent mark of some type — a small dot

Serious Castable Cedar Plug

or line will do. I mark most of mine on the bottom side as a place for the hook bend to rest. For casting, I want the hook bend/point facing down. Since blowups and missed hookups are fairly common with near-surface use, the hook down has a better hookup percentage since the hook is the probable first contact for the attacking tuna, kingfish, wahoo, etc. The hook will seat firmly into place when the hook’s cable or mono loop is pulled tight through the plug body.. This hook positioning looks to be one of those tuning gems that are a real plus...wish I’d thought of it. See the illustration’s clear view of all rigging.

When fishing these cedar plugs, a high-speed retrieve reel loaded with braided line is virtually a must. The high retrieve speed is important when targeting high-speed predators and the braid gives many more hooksets than springy mono. Concerning backs and bellies, with the weighted side and hook down the body colors will seldom be “back up”. This random positioning of body colors gives the added look of a somewhat distressed and vulnerable target to a predator.

Casting cedar plugs for tuna, it’s an open secret now; as casters, a whole new world has opened up. An old saying variation, “You can teach an old dog new tricks” refers to myself as well as cedar plugs. Castable cedar plugs, one of the best of my many offshore fishing innovations over the years. Don’t leave the dock without them, their catching ability is hot-hot-hot! They could be your next “go-to” lures!

Pro Fishing Gear & Tackle

Chris Gonzales Owner - Serious Tackle

Ingredients

Wild Boar & Venison

1 lb ground wild boar

1 lb ground venison

1 onion (2 cups chopped)

1 green bell pepper (1 cup chopped)

3 cloves fresh garlic minced

3 cans tomato sauce (40 oz total)

16 oz beef broth

5 bay leaves

3 tbsp TSS Rustic Rub

Recipe Of The Month

Wild Boar and Venison Goulash

1 can diced tomato & green chilis (10 oz)

4 tbsp TSS Italian Herbs & Cheese

1 tsp TSS Texas chili pequin

Cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste

Duck Fat Spray

3-4 cups of cooked elbow macaroni

1/2 cup pasta water

Grated parmesan cheese to taste

Band

Directions

rown meat with duck fat spray or olive oil then add onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook until vegetables are tender. Add all ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours stirring often. Add ½ cup pasta water and stir then add pasta ½ cup at a time.

The sauce-to-pasta ratio is a personal preference. I prefer mine with extra sauce. Serve with a side salad, Texas chili pequin garlic cheese bread, and a glass of Texas-made Newsom Vineyards Cabernet.

Rustic Rub and Texas Chili Pequin seasoning is available at Texas Select Seasonings. See Advertisement on page 5.

Wild Boar

Venison Goulash

Bacon Wrapped Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Pico De Gallo

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Directions

Wash the chicken and pat dry. Spray each piece with Duck Fat spray and season with The Juicy Pig™ BBQ Rub. Wrap each piece of chicken with a strip of bacon and thread onto a long wooden skewer. Season the outside of the bacon. Sear each skewer then move off to the side for indirect cooking to avoid charring the rub if cooking over direct fire. Next, move the skewers to nonstick foil and allow the bacon to render down while bringing the internal temperature to 165, which will keep the chicken moist.

Grilled Pineapple Pico De Gallo

Directions

Quarter the pineapple and season with The Juicy Pig™ BBQ Rub. Skewer the peppers, tomatoes, and pineapple. Place directly over high heat turning often until the skin starts peeling on the tomatoes & peppers and the pineapple gets a light brown color. Remove from heat and let rest. Peel tomatoes and pulse chop all ingredients in a food processor. Pour into a bowl and stir in dry ingredients. Cover and refrigerate a couple hours before grilling or overnight for the best flavor.

-“Wild Bill” & Barbara Powell

Ingredients

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Family pack of boneless skinless

chicken thighs

1-2 lbs. of bacon

Long wooden skewers

Nonstick foil

Lump charcoal or use a pellet grill

The Juicy Pig TM BBQ Rub from

Texas Select Seasonings TM

Duck Fat spray

Ingredients

Grilled Pineapple Pico De Gallo

1 whole pineapple (peeled and quartered

8-10 medium tomatoes or 12 Roma

tomatoes

3-4 large fresh jalapenos

Cilantro to taste

2 fresh Habanero (optional for x-hot Pico)

1/4 cup chopped red onion

1/4tsp cumin

The Juicy Pig TM BBQ Rub

Sea salt to taste

Raggedy Ann Lincoln Logs Pogo Stick Viewmaster Colorforms

Mr. Potatohead Easy-Bake Oven Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Trolls See N Say

Lite Bright Big Wheel Talky Crissy Doll Snoopy Sno-Cone Transformers

Care Bear My Little Pony Magic 8-Ball Teddy Ruxpin Furby

HBeach Bum The

ello, Wavers! Your Bum hopes everyone enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving. Now the Christmas shopping season is in full gear. You probably guessed that your lazy Bum puts off his shopping until the very last minute.

I had a random thought the other day while I was riding around in my ol’ scarab. It’s not like me to have very many thoughts in a day, but here is what had me thinking:

I have several kids on my shopping list and I am always at a loss as to what to get them for Christmas. Then an idea hit me (scary I know). I thought, why not just look up the most popular toys of all time and go that route. So, that’s what I did. There were several surprises on the list, but it gave your Bum a clear idea as to what the most popular toys are. Here are the Top Ten Selling Toys Of All Time.

Top Ten Selling Toys Of All Time

Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls since they were introduced in 1959. American Ruth Handler is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration.

In 1960, the Ohio Art Company began manufacturing the EtchA-Sketch. They had recently purchased the rights from French inventor, Andre Casagnes, who developed what he called the Magic Screen. Renamed Etch-A-Sketch, it is still as popular as ever almost 60 years later having sold a whopping 100 million plus units to date.

Created in 1974 by Hungarian architect and inventor Erno Rubic, the Rubik’s Cube handheld puzzle became one of the most popular toys of all time and one of the most frustrating. Your Bum can attest to the frustrating part. Over 350 million units have been sold worldwide.

Cabbage Patch Kids made their debut for the Christmas shopping season in 1983 and rewrote the book on popular fads for all time. These toys were a sensation. People lined up for hours, fought over them and even bought them at exorbitant prices in an organized, highly lucrative underground market.

When Hasbro introduced their G.I. Joe action figure (A Real American Hero) in 1964, no one predicted the impact it would have on the toy industry. Young boys were absolutely obsessed with owning one and by 1965, Joe was accounting for 75% of all Hasbro sales. An estimated 375 million figures have been sold worldwide.

godt” meaning play well.

By 1985, the fledgling video game industry was in dire straits. All that changed with the introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System or NES, which became the bestselling video game console of all time. With 60 million plus units sold at an original cost of $199.99, the NES single handedly resurrected the video industry.

Introduced in the early 1970s, the NERF empire had its humble beginnings with a single foam ball. Having outlasted numerous copycats, NERF products have continued to expand and innovate the idea of soft, foam toys that won’t break anything.

In 1943, General Electric engineer James Wright was attempting to formulate a synthetic rubber compound for use by the American Armed Forces during WWII. Although unsuccessful in that endeavor, he did manage to create Silly Putty, one of the most popular toys in history, by accident. Tens of millions are sold every year.

Hot Wheels was introduced in 1968 and still only around $1 for each vehicle, Hot Wheels are enormously collectible which partly accounts for their popularity. It’s estimated that Mattel has sold billions of dollars’ worth of them, with no signs of slowing down.

The iconic Lego building blocks were introduced in 1953. Literally tens of millions of dollars’ worth of Lego products are sold each week. Lego is a play on the Danish words “leg

Puppies for Sale

Available the second week of December, 2024

PET PEEVES Of The Month

The Importance Of Shopping Local

We are currently in the peak of the Christmas shopping season, and many local retail stores are greatly impacted by their holiday sales results. Over the past few years, there has been a trend of shoppers choosing to make their Christmas purchases online from large corporations instead of supporting our local businesses. This is not beneficial for our community, and it’s neither the smart nor the right choice.

We need to prioritize supporting our local businesses. Doing so not only benefits the individual store owners but also enriches our entire community. Shopping locally should be our approach this holiday season and throughout the entire year.

Consider these questions:

• Does a large online corporation sponsor a local baseball team?

• Do they support our local schools?

• Do they provide exceptional personal service?

• Do they contribute tax dollars that benefit our community?

• Do they greet us with a smile, call us by name, and genuinely appreciate our business?

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO!

Do we enjoy it when people prioritize huge corporations over the businesses of our friends and family?

NO! WE DON’T LIKE THAT!

This holiday season, let’s make it a little brighter for everyone on our beautiful island. Shop local! Most items you want or need can be found right here, from small gifts to big-ticket items.

BUY LOCAL!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!

R eflections

by: John & Kathy Valastro

A Thankful 2024 Year-End Review

Wow, 2024 is almost in the books—another year gone!

Originally, I planned to write two separate reflections, but instead, I’ve combined them into one. First, I wanted to reflect on 2024; second, I wanted to express my gratitude to my “Island Friends” and all who follow and support Waves Magazine. So, let’s dive in.

2024 has been a year filled with events on the island that brought us together, and if you blinked, you might have missed some! We celebrated major events like Mardi Gras, the Long Ships Regatta, the Sandcastle Contest, the Lone Star Bike Rally, Moody Gardens’ Christmas Showcase, and Dickens on the Strand. There were also cherished local happenings, showcasing our unique island talent, like the Art Walk (every six weeks) and numerous shows at the historic Grand Opera House. We had several themed Pub Crawls, too—from St. Patrick’s Day and the Poker Run to Galveston Brewery’s events and the Walk About (helping to keep Galveston clean). If you weren’t careful, you might have been literally crawling to your golf cart or the next pub! Oh, the sights and the fun! I’ll keep names under wraps to save my island friends (and myself) from any potential scrutiny or embarrassment!

We had plenty of fun runs, 3Ks, 5Ks, half-marathons, marathons, and even an Ironman—my daughter and son-in-law participated in that one! Our local live music scene is also thriving, with an impressive investment in local talent that keeps growing bigger and better. Even musicians from Houston are coming across the Causeway to be part of it. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I hope you’ll keep supporting our island’s talent!

We’re lucky to have so many wonderful restaurants, both established and new, so gather your friends and enjoy the “happy hours”! Plus,

a new bowling alley has opened at Primetime on 89th and Seawall, offering a venue that’s fun for all ages.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors of these events and to the hardworking individuals who promote and support Galveston Island.

As you can see, there’s so much happening on the island, and one of the best ways to stay in the know is through our incredible Waves Magazine.

A special thanks goes to Michael Burke, Christopher Bergeron, and the whole team who bring us Waves Magazine. If you want to know what’s going on, grab a copy, visit wavesgalveston.com, or follow Waves on Facebook to stay updated all year long.

Finally, I want to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed on our Island. We made it through another successful tourism season, survived one of the hottest and driest summers anyone can remember, were protected from another hurricane season, and found ways to show kindness and generosity as we headed into the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons. We islanders have so much to be thankful for in 2024, and we look forward to a bright New Year.

“ We count our blessings, are thankful for our Island friends, and continue to love our Galveston Island. ”

Looking forward to a wonderful 2025!

John and Kathy Valastro

FOSTER

FOSTER

OUR MISSION

Dedicated to promoting animal welfare and the protection and prevention of unwanted or homeless animals of Galveston Island.

Fostering Saves Lives. For a weekend or until adoption, give a shelter animal time out of a cage in a home. You could be instrumental in finding that animals new home. From old dogs to bottle baby kittens our foster program is vital to our success.

Fostering Saves Lives. For a weekend or until adoption, give a shelter animal time out of a cage in a home. You could be instrumental in finding that animals new home.

From old dogs to bottle baby kittens our foster program is vital to our success.

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are the backbone of GIHS. Assisting with many tasks at the shelter and off-site events! Sign up today to help advocate for adoptable animals, take a dog for a walk, socialize kittens, or one of any other volunteer tasks that make our mission possible.

DONATE

Volunteers are the backbone of GIHS. Assisting with many tasks at the shelter and at off-site events! Sign up today to help advocate for adoptable animals, take a dog for a walk, socialize kittens or one of the many other volunteer tasks that make our mission possible.

DONATE

Whether in support of one of our designated programs or as a general contribution every dollar supports our mission and it is tax-deductible. We do have an Amazon wish list as well, you can literally give a dog a bone.

Whether in support of one of our designated programs or as a general contribution every dollar supports our mission and it is tax deductible. We do have an Amazon wish list as well, you can literally give a dog a bone.

SHELTER SERVICES:

S a f e h o u s i n g a n d c a r e f o r r e s i d e n t p e t s i n c l u d i n g a n i m a l h e a l t h a n d b e h a v i o r a s s e s s m e n t s R o u t i n e h e a l t h c a r e i n c l u d i n g i m m u n i z a t i o n s , w o r m i n g , a n d t r e a t m e n t f o r m i n o r i n j u r i e s R a b i e s o b s e r v a t i o n s f o r b i t e c a s e s P a r t n e r i n g w i t h o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s t o t a k e i n a n i m a l s a s n e e d e d

Safe housing and care for resident pets including animal health and behavior assessments. Routine health care including immunizations, worming, and treatment for minor injuries. Rabies observations for bite cases. Partnering with other organizations to take in animals as needed. Coordinating transport for out-of-state placements.

C o o r d i n a t i n g t r a n s p o r t f o r o u t o f s t a t e p l a c e m e n t s

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS:

• Spay/neuter assistance

• Lost pet assistance and recovery

• Humane education for all ages

ADOPT FOSTER SPONSOR VOLUNTEER

EDUCATE DONATE

CONNECT WITH US

The “Big Fix”

GIHS is dedicated to ensuring ALL pets are spayed or neutered to decrease the number of homeless and unwanted pets as well as the number of pets entering the shelter. Through generous grant funding, we offer spay/neuter assistance programs at low to no cost for those in need. Contact the shelter for information about the “Big Fix!”

MEET GIHS

A s a n “ o p e n a d m i s s i o n ” s h e l t e r f o r G a l v e s t o n I s l a n d w e a c c e p t a l l h o m e l e s s p e t s e v e n w h e n t h e s h e l t e r i s f u l l I n a c i t y w i t h a h i g h n u m b e r o f h o m e l e s s p e t s , t h i s c o u l d e a s i l y l e a d t o n e e d l e s s e u t h a n a s i a

GALVESTON ISLAND COMMUNITY CATS

e n c y M e d i c a l A s s i s t a n c e

• Pet food pantry for individuals in need

• Emergency Medical Assistance

WHAT DO ADOPTIONS INCLUDE AT GIHS?

A l l a d o p t e d p e t s a r e s p a y e d / n e u t e r e d a s

r e q u i r e d b y T e x a s l a w .

• All adopted pets are spayed/neutered as required by Texas law.

V a c c i n a t i o n s i n c l u d i n g r a b i e

c u r r e n t w h e n p e t i s a d o p t e d

o c h i

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M

• Vaccinations including rabies, as well as Flea and - Heartworm prevention, are all current when the pet is adopted.

• Microchip.

GICC was established in 2015 and is a progressive Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program to fix, vaccinate and release feral cats on the island. To date, we have altered over 4000 felines with this program. The success of this program has reduced yearly intake at GIHS and has improved our live release rate in cats from 52% in 2014 to 94% in 2024.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Microchip your pets.

• Spay or neuter your pets.

• Like and share from our social networks.

• Become a member of GIHS.

e

H S

n d h

• ADOPT your next best friend.

• VOLUNTEER at the shelter.

• FOSTER if you cannot adopt.

• DONATE to support our mission.

The Galveston Island Humane Society, Inc., formed in 1981, is a 501c3, non-profit organization. Originally created by concerned citizens to rescue animals from “the pound,” much has changed. Today we have a humane shelter, providing care for lost or homeless pets, reuniting pets with families, and promoting the adoptions of pets needing homes.

O u r p r o g r a m s w o r k d i l i g e n t l y t o r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r o f p e t s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y . W e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o a s s u r i n g t h a t a d o p t a b l e p e t s a r e k e p t a v a i l a b l e u n t i l t h e y a r e p l a c e d i n a f a m i l y o r t r a n s f e r r e d t o a p a r t n e r o r g a n i z a t i o n O u r s h e l t e r i s m a n a g e d b y a b o a r d o f d i r e c t o r s c a r i n g s t a f f a n d a c t i v e v o l u n t e e r s w h o w o r k t o p r o v i d e f o r

As an “open admission” shelter for Galveston Island, we accept all homeless pets, even when the shelter is full. In a city with a high number of homeless pets, which could lead to needless euthanasia, our programs work diligently to reduce the number of pets in our community.

v e d o u r l i v e r e l e a s e r a t e i n c a t s f r o m 5 2 % i n 2 0 1 4 t o 9 4 % i n 2 0 2 4 M i c r o c h i p y o u r p e t s S p a y o r n e u t e r y o u r p e t s a n d e n c o u r a g e o t h e r s t o d o t h e s a m e L i k e a n d s h a r e f r o m o u r s o c i a l B e c o m e a m e m b e r o f G I H S A D O P T y o u r n e x t b e s t f r i e n d V O L U N T E E R a t t h e s h e l t e r F O S T E R i f y o u c a n n o t a d o p t

D O N A T E t o s u p p o r t o u r m i s s i o n T h e G a l v e s t o n I s l a n d H u m a n e S o c i e t y I N C , f o r m e d i n 1 9 8 1 a s a 5 0 1 C 3 , n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n O r i g i n a l l y c r e a t e d b y c o n c e r n e d c i t i z e n s t o r e s c u e a n i m a l s f r o m “ t h e p o u n d ” a n d m u c h h a s c h a n g e d o v e r t h e l a s t f e w d e c a d e s T o d a y w e h a v e a h u m a n e s h e l t e r w i t h a n o - k i l l l i v e r e l e a s e r a t e D a i l y w e p r o v i d e c a r e f o r l o s t o r h o m e l e s s p e t s , r e u n i t i n g p e t s w i t h t h e i r f a m i l i e s a n d p r o m o t i n g t h e a d o p t i o n o f p e t s n e e d i n g h o m e s

We are committed to assuring that adoptable pets are kept available until they are placed in a family or transferred to a partner organization. Our shelter is managed by a board of directors, caring staff, and active volunteers who work to provide for the pets in our care along with creating and managing community programs that will positively impact our shelter. We hope you will join us in our mission to make sure that every pet on Galveston Island can live out his or her life in a loving home.

Cookin’Column

Happy Holidays to all my cherished readers!

This festive month truly IS Bunny’s “most wonderful time of the year” just like the song says. When I think of Christmas, I think of so many glorious things...sparkling lights on the tree, time with friends and family, gifts, and of course, the food! Christmas morning is possibly the most special moment of the entire holiday around Bunny’s house. Waking up on Christmas morning can be more exciting for the whole family with these delicious recipes. I hope you will try them and agree with me.

Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Although I love baking homemade cinnamon rolls (and eating them too), it’s not something I do very often because they take too much time and planning and I’m not a “morning person”.

But this casserole saves the day! Just a little prep the night before and your guests or family will wake up to that fresh-fromthe-oven, ooey, gooey cinnamon roll situation they have been dreaming about!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

• 1 package frozen cinnamon rolls (12 rolls) or 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters

• 4 eggs

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• Cream cheese frosting from cinnamon roll package

Directions

• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F.

• Pour melted butter into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Swirl around so it covers the bottom of the baking dish.

• Arrange cinnamon roll pieces in a baking dish.

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg. Pour over cinnamon rolls.

• If making ahead: cover the dish with foil and chill until ready to use, up to overnight.

• When ready to bake, bake covered with foil until rolls are cooked through but soft in the center, approx. 30 mins. Remove foil and cook for 10 minutes more in order to lightly brown the top of the casserole.

• Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

• Pour icing from the cinnamon roll package over the casserole, serve, and enjoy!

Holiday Sausage-Biscuit-Egg (And Even Gravy) Casserole

Perfect for any holiday morning!

Ingredients

• 1 can Pillsbury Grands biscuits

• 1 lb. pork sausage such as Owens or Jimmy Dean

• Green or red pepper, chopped finely (optional)

• Chopped scallions (optional)

• 2 cups shredded Mexican-style or cheddar cheese

• 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

• 8 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

CINNAMON ROLL CASSEROLE

• 1/4 tsp. onion powder

• OPTIONAL : 1 package of Country or Peppered Sausage Gravy mix, prepared according to package directions.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9 X 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

• Open the biscuits and place evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. You can cut biscuits into 1-inch pieces or leave them whole, your choice.

• Brown 1 lb. of sausage and drain well. Pour evenly into the pan over the biscuits.

• *If using peppers and scallions, brown them lightly in the same skillet you cooked sausage in. Sprinkle over the sausage.

• Sprinkle the cheddar or Mexican-style cheese over the top. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.

• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs until well-beaten. Whisk in milk, and season to taste with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Whisk until fully combined.

• Pour egg mixture over the entire dish evenly.

• Bake for 30 - 45 minutes until it reaches desired doneness. Enjoy!

• Note: You can take this casserole up a notch, if desired, by preparing a packet of peppered sausage gravy mix to serve on top of each serving.

Snow Punch

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without this fun and festive punch recipe loved by kids and adults. Plus, it’s So PRETTY!

Serves 10

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 5 medium ripe bananas

• ¾ cup granulated sugar; superfine if possible

• 2 cups half-and-half

• 1-liter lemon-lime soda

• ½ gallon vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt

Optional Rim:

• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

• Canned vanilla icing or corn syrup

Directions:

Place lemon juice, bananas, and sugar in a blender, cover, and mix until smooth. Add half-and-half, cover, and blend until smooth. Cover

and refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Just before serving, pour the lemon/ banana mixture into a punch bowl. Stir in soda and top with scoops of ice cream. Optional, but oh, so pretty; dip the rims of the glasses in corn syrup or vanilla icing then dip the coated rims in coconut. Yummilicious!

Happy Holiday Trails, Bunny

SAUSAGE-BISCUIT-EGG (AND EVEN GRAVY) CASSEROLE

SNOW PUNCH