LUXURY LIFESTYLE CULTURE
FALL 2026
CULTURE DAY OF THE DEAD REMEMBRANCE CELEBRATIONS
EVENTS
OKTOBERFEST AROUND THE STATE
TEXAS WEATHER
METEOROLOGIST ALBERT FLORES EXPLAINS WHAT’S GOING ON???
HEALTH
RELIEF FROM FALL ALLERGIES
SPORTS
DOG AGILITY FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR FURRY BESTIE
ING N E D R A G ME TO TI YOUR GROW ALL OWN F S E VEGGI
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TEXAN
TEXAN Volume 13 // Issue 05
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LISA DANTE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
KEITH CHESTER
PHOTOGRAPHERS
JOSH HUSKIN LISA DANTE
CONTRIBUTORS
ILLUSTRATOR
MARC HESS DR. JUSTIN PHILLIPS, L.Ac LISA DANTE DR. RICHARD BRUCE WINDERS ALBERT FLORES NANCY FOSTER SHERIFF JAVIER SALAZAR JIM PETERSON BILL DANTE DENISE PAYNE ABBY KURTH, MPH, MS CALVIN FINCH, PH.D. JEREMIAH TEUTSCH
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FALL 2026 FEATURING 12
WEATHER
NO, IT’S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION!
Wild storms in Texas! San Antonio had a rare EF1 tornado in July with 100mph winds. What’s going on with Texas weather? Meteorologist Albert Flores
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EVENTS
OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATIONS IN TEXAS!
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk and beer festival, held annually in Munich, Germany. Find out where to celebrate in Texas! 32
CULINARY
DIY OKTOBERFEST AT HOME
Celebrate your own backyard Oktoberfest beer festival with these classic Bavarian dishes. Prost! 38
FASHION
PURPLE REIGN: FALL’S ULTIMATE POWER MOVE Wearing rich shades of purple, eggplant, royal purple and plum are all top fashion trends for fall Lisa Dante
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Texan
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TEXAN 49
CULTURE
WHAT IS DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS OR DAY OF THE DEAD? Day of the dead is a vibrant two-day holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd where families honor the memories and lives of their departed loved ones. Lisa Dante
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WINE
LIQUID GOLD
Dessert wines are an entire category of wines that undergo a different production process than table wines. Cheers! By Jim Peterson 70
HEALTH
THE TEXAS ALLERGY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Texas is consistently rated as one of the worst states in the nation for seasonal allergies. Help is on the way! By Abby Kurth, MPH, MS 78
SPORT
DOG SPORT: AGILITY
Dog agility is an exciting, fun and fast-paced canine sport for both dog and handler. 84
GARDENING
VEGETABLES ALL WINTER
With so many food borne illnesses involving fresh produce, here’s how to grow your own bounty, just in time for fall. By Dr. Calvin Finch, Horticulturist 89
COCKTAIL
TEXAN PUMPKIN MARGARITA
This pumpkin margarita is a cozy cocktail made with real pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices.
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Texan
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TEXAN
The kids are back in school and “pumpkin spice everything” is in the air. It’s hard to believe it was only two months ago that parts of South Texas experienced yet another devastating flood. Many can’t help but wonder what’s going on with all the crazy Texas weather. Long time, award-winning meteorologist, Albert Flores explains what’s happening. Also, the flood waters have long receded, but there are many flood victims still in need of help and resources. Texan Magazine has provided contact information in this issue to help with the ongoing relief efforts. We Texans are very resilient. With the food borne illness outbreak that happened this past summer, many people are considering starting a fall vegetable garden at home. Check out the gardening article that will help you get started growing your own bounty of fresh vegetables. October means statewide Oktoberfest celebrations! The weather is a bit cooler and we show you where to celebrate across the state in true Munich style! Or maybe you want to celebrate at home with our easy and delicious German-inspired recipes featured in this issue. One thing that is synonymous with fall in Texas is seasonal airborne allergies. Our health article offers support and suggestions to keep you allergy symptom free all season long. Healthcare professional, Abby Kurth, shares ideas and important info and would love to answer your allergy questions and concerns! Our sport section has gone to the dogs. Check out dog agility! It’s a wonderful and fun way to bond and connect with your dog while getting great exercise too! Autumn is the perfect time of year to experience all that the great state of Texas has to offer. Get out and enjoy it! Happy fall y’all!
Lisa Dante Editor-In-Chief
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WEATHER
NO, IT’S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION...
TEXAS WEATHER REALLY HAS BEEN CRAZY! by METEOROLOGIST ALBERT FLORES
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f you’ve found yourself saying, “I don’t remember Texas weather ever being this crazy,” let me assure you of one thing: No, it’s not your imagination. After spending more than forty years forecasting weather across Texas, I’ve heard that comment more in the last five years than at any other point in my career. Now, Texans have always enjoyed bragging about our weather. We joke that if you don’t like it, wait fifteen minutes. We can use the air conditioner in the afternoon and the heater before sunrise. We know spring brings tornadoes and hail, summer brings
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blistering heat, fall can bring hurricanes, and now and then winter reminds us that Arctic air still knows where Texas is. Wild weather is part of who we are. But lately, even veteran meteorologists have found themselves looking at radar screens and satellite pictures and saying, “Wow.” We’ve witnessed a historic statewide freeze, devastating floods, destructive tornadoes, giant hail, relentless drought, recordbreaking heat, raging wildfires, powerful hurricanes and rainstorms that seemed almost unbelievable. So what is happening? Has Texas weather changed? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Texas has always been a weather battleground because of where it is located on the planet. One of the reasons Texas experiences such dramatic weather is geography. Few places on Earth sit at the crossroads of as many competing air masses as Texas. Warm, humid air streams northward from the Gulf of America, which saturates the air on a lower level, not only making it uncomfortable, but also fueling lots of the weather we encounter. Desert air pushes east from northern Mexico and the Southwest. Tropical air moves over us from the Pacific Ocean via the subtropical jet stream that brings it at altitudes over 30 thousand feet. This adds up to an atmosphere that has water all the way up to over 50 thousand feet, making it capable of creating some catastrophic storms across the southwestern part of the United States. At times, cold Arctic air occasionally surges south through the Great Plains. Storm systems sweep out of the Rocky Mountains. When those ingredients collide, fireworks often follow. Meteorologists sometimes call Texas a “battlefield of air masses,” and believe me, it’s an accurate description.
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WEATHER that can create weather events that cost both lives and property damage in the millions.
The Atmosphere Is Loading the Dice
The atmosphere over our state is constantly negotiating between heat and cold, dry and humid, calm and unstable air masses. That’s why we’ve always experienced spectacular thunderstorms. They have the fuel (water) from ground level to higher than commercial aircraft fly, to help these monsters grow to enormous sizes with tremendous power. So, what’s different today isn’t that these ingredients exist. It’s that they seem to be combining in ways that are producing storms more frequently, storms
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I like to explain it this way. Imagine rolling a pair of dice. You can roll any number from two to twelve. Now imagine someone quietly adds extra weight inside the dice. The rules haven’t changed. You’re still rolling dice, but certain numbers start appearing more often. That’s what many meteorologists mean when they say today’s atmosphere appears to be “loading the dice.” Warm air can hold more moisture than cool air. And of course the Gulf of America is unusually warm, which allows it to become an enormous source of water vapor. That moisture doesn’t guarantee flooding. It doesn’t guarantee stronger thunderstorms. But it gives storms more fuel to work with. Think of the atmosphere as a giant sponge. A larger sponge can soak up more water. When conditions are right, that sponge gets squeezed by turbulence in the atmosphere. The result can be torrential rainfall over a very small area in a very short time.
Then Came Winter Storm Uri
February 2021 reminded Texans that Mother Nature can also bring us some extreme weather conditions that normally live in the northern part of the country. When Arctic air poured southward into Texas, temperatures plunged to levels many communities hadn’t experienced in generations. Pipes burst, power failed, and millions of Texans suddenly found themselves dealing with conditions more typical of Minnesota than San Antonio. People all across the state of Texas were unable to deal with the extraordinary changes in the atmosphere. It was a statewide emergency that few are going to forget! People often asked me, “How can global warming happen if we’re freezing?” It’s a fair question. Weather and climate are not the same thing. Climate describes long-term averages. The term weather really more describes what is happening today. An unusually cold outbreak doesn’t erase long-term warming any more than one hot afternoon proves it. Texas has always experienced Arctic outbreaks. Winter storm Uri simply reminded us how vulnerable we are when a major winter airmass arrives and decides to stick around for several days, with temperatures staying below freezing for 107 hours, with the coldest reading being 9 degrees in San Antonio! September/October 2026
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WEATHER
Drought and Fire
Just when many Texans thought we’d seen enough, Mother Nature flipped the script. Instead of floods, we battled drought. Instead of mud, we watched our lawns turn into barren piles of dead vegetation and soil. Our local lakes shrank to a puddle. Wildfire danger exploded with all the dry vegetation and high winds. People sometimes assume drought means there isn’t much weather happening. Actually, drought is a kind of weather. Persistent high-pressure systems can park over Texas for weeks. Those “heat domes” act like giant lids on a pot, suppressing cloud formation and rainfall while allowing temperatures to soar. The longer they remain in place, the drier vegetation becomes. It only takes one spark, and the state experiences devastating losses due to out-ofcontrol fires. Even if we get lucky and out-of-control fires don’t ignite, farmers lose crops, people lose their beautiful lawns, which turn into hay, and the underground aquifer, which South Texas counts on, drops to record low readings, creating water restrictions and fines for simply watering your yard.
The Return of Flooding
One of the hardest lessons for Texans is that drought and flooding are not opposites. They’re often neighbors. I’ve seen years when the same county suffered severe drought during one season
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and catastrophic flooding a few months later. Texas weather doesn’t always move gradually; it swings from one extreme to another. The Hill Country provides one of the best examples. Steep terrain funnels rainfall into creeks and rivers with incredible speed. Rocky limestone soils absorb little water. Instead, rainfall races downhill into streams. That’s one reason the Hill Country has earned the nickname “Flash Flood Alley.” A thunderstorm that barely affects one community can produce life-threatening flooding only a few miles away. Why does it seem like heavy rainstorms stall over an area, creating devastating flooding? One question I get repeatedly is: “Why do storms just sit there?” Large-scale weather patterns occasionally weaken, and then the steering currents that normally move storms along and prevent flooding from occurring. Without that steering wind aloft, thunderstorms can redevelop over the same location again and again. The mistake people make is they feel the flood was created by a single storm. Meteorologists call this “training,” much like railroad cars following the same track. Each storm adds another inch or two of rain. Eventually, drainage systems can’t keep up. Such was the flood that killed 139 people in less than an hour in the Hill Country on July 4th weekend, 2025. A strong reminder that we should never take strong thunderstorms lightly, because they are capable of creating millions of dollars of damage and hurt or kill people in minutes.
Tornadoes Still Demand Respect
Texas has always been tornado country. That’s nothing new. But every time tornadoes strike neighborhoods, schools, or businesses, they remind us how quickly lives can change. Tornadoes require several ingredients: Moisture, instability, wind shear. And lift. When those ingredients overlap, rotating thunderstorms become possible. No two tornado seasons are identical. Some years produce many weak tornadoes. Others produce fewer but much stronger storms. The challenge has always been that tornadoes remain highly localized. One neighborhood may suffer devastating damage while another, only a few blocks away, receives little more than heavy rain. The reason the atmosphere can create these monsters is that the central United States is situated where the perfect atmospheric conditions come together: humidity from the ground to over 50 thousand feet, a fast jet stream overhead, and at times monster low-pressure centers that create the rotation in the atmosphere that gives these storms the power they need. Nowhere in the world are there as many tornadoes created as you find in the central part of the United States.
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WEATHER
Hail: Texas’ Million-Dollar Ice Cubes
If you’ve lived in Texas very long, you’ve probably seen hail. But lately, many storms have produced stones large enough to destroy roofs, vehicles, and crops. Large hail forms inside powerful thunderstorms where intense updrafts repeatedly carry rain drops upward into extremely cold air. Layer upon layer of ice accumulates until gravity finally wins. The stronger the updraft, the larger the hailstone can become. That’s why giant hail often tells meteorologists they’re looking at an exceptionally powerful and very high thunderstorm. Here is what I call “weather wisdom.” If you happen to pick up a large hailstone, take it inside and cut it open. You will find concentric rings inside the hailstone. Each ring will tell you how many times the hailstone travelled up and down the thunderstorm before the wind could not continue to hold it in the air. In case you did not know, the Gulf of America has always been Texas’ weather engine. It supplies moisture for thunderstorms. It feeds tropical systems. And it influences the humidity we feel nearly every day. When Gulf waters are warmer than average, more moisture becomes available to build
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storms. Likewise, ordinary spring thunderstorms often become much more efficient rain producers because they’re drawing from an atmosphere rich in Gulf moisture.
So, Has The Weather Changed Or Not?
Here’s the good news. Believe it or not, meteorologists today have tools we could only dream about when I started my career. Computer models are dramatically better, radar can detect storm rotation earlier, and satellites monitor the atmosphere continuously. Warnings are issued faster and more accurately than ever before. Does that mean forecasts are perfect? Of course not. Weather remains one of nature’s most complicated puzzles. But today’s forecasts do save lives every year. So... Has Texas Weather Changed? What’s changed is that many of these catastrophic events seem to be occurring with greater frequency and, in some cases, greater intensity. Scientists continue studying exactly how natural climate patterns, a warming atmosphere, sea temperatures and large-scale circulation patterns interact. There are still questions to answer. That’s how science works. But one thing is beyond debate.
The last several years have challenged Texas in extraordinary ways. The atmosphere is getting warmer, and that is triggering many worldwide atmospheric changes that we are not fully capable of forecasting successfully. After forty years in television weather, people sometimes ask me whether forecasting has become harder. In some ways, yes. Not because the laws of physics have changed. They haven’t. Warm air still rises, cold fronts still move, thunderstorms still need moisture and instability. Those fundamentals remain the same. What’s different is that the atmosphere sometimes seems to provide those ingredients more generously than it once did, and global warming has a lot to do with that change. Here is a fact that will blow your mind. For every additional 1 degree the atmosphere worldwide warms up, 238 trillion gallons of water are evaporated into the global airmass, creating intense flooding and worldwide atmospheric instability. Mother Nature still has a few surprises up her sleeve. That is why meteorologists are never going to be out of a job!
Meteorologist Albert Flores spent 40 years in front of television cameras forecasting the weather in four different markets in Texas. He received a degree from UT Austin in broadcast journalism and in meteorology from Mississippi State. Albert has covered many of the historic weather events in Texas, keeping millions of fellow Texans safe when weather was wreaking havoc! He retired after a 40-year career and is currently creating a YouTube channel for kids about science and nature, called “Uncle Al your Science Pal,” and running a small multimedia company providing visual assets for clients around the state. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 50 years, and struggles daily with his Boston Terrier, Sophia. September/October 2026
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COMMUNITY
BECAUSE THE NEED FOR HELP DOESN’T ALWAYS END WHEN THE WATERS RECEDE
I
n mid-July 2026, Central and South Texas experienced devastating, severe and widespread flash flooding, dropping up to two feet of rain over several days.... one year after the unthinkable, deadly Texas floods of 2025.... many are still recovering. For continued help and many resources or to donate, please contact: Texas Hill Country Flood Relief texasfloodrelief.org
Texas Health and Human Services Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 or 211texas.org
Flooding remains a recurring crisis across the state:
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Check real-time road closures and low-water crossings. DriveTexas.org
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Find severe weather preparation tips. TexasReady.gov
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Track active state disaster resources through the Texas Division of Emergency Management tdem.texas.gov
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EVENTS
OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATIONS IN TEXAS! by Lisa Dante
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EVENTS
I
t always truly feels like fall when Oktoberfests in Texas begin. We may not actually cool down to true Oktoberfest weather, but Texans do know how to throw a good party. No matter where you are in Texas, here are a few Oktoberfests you don’t want to miss! Keep in mind to eat before you drink. Always have a designated driver. Enjoy the music, the bratwurst and the Texas German heritage. Prost!!
Addison Oktoberfest
September 17-20, 2026 Addison, Texas (13 miles north of Dallas) For over 40 years, the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich has been held in Addison, Texas. This year, over 70,000 fans will come together to share a love of polka, German food and, of course, the same Paulaner Bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival. As a part of its award- winning tradition, Addison has timed their festival to coincide with the famed Munich Oktoberfest, and Addison Oktoberfest will also feature much of the same music, folk dancing, singa-longs plus great German food and entertainment. You can even register to win a trip for two to Munich, Germany! visitaddison.com 24 September/October 2026
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Beethoven Halle Oktoberfest
October 2-3, and October 9-10 San Antonio,Texas This authentic Oktoberfest is set for 2 weekends in San Antonio at the famed Beethoven Maennerchor. From standard German fare like brats and sauerkraut to musical entertainment by the Beethoven Maennerchor and Damenchor, bands and additional acts, Oktoberfest is a celebration like no other! beethovensanantonio.com
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EVENTS
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg
October 2-4, 2026 Fredericksburg,Texas Oktoberfest is a colorful, festive celebration of Fredericksburg, Texas’ German heritage and is a community event of family entertainment featuring five stages of continuous oompah music, local artisans, children’s fun area ~ KinderPark, German Bier Tent, Oktoberfest Bier Tent and Oktoberfest Vineyard, OkTUBAfest, Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance, 42 (Domino) Tournament, delicious food and lots of cold drinks … all weekend long! oktoberfestinfbg.com
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EVENTS
Texas Renaissance Festival Oktoberfest Weekend
Weekends, October 10-11 2026 for Oktoberfest, (then through November 29th and Thanksgiving Friday) Todd Mission, Texas (50 miles northwest of Houston) The first weekend of the Texas Ren Fest just happens to be Oktoberfest-themed weekend. Journey to Bavaria and the Black Forest as the air echoes with traditional German music and dancing. Dance a polka, feast on Bratwurst and sauerkraut, quench your thirst with a stein of beer and join in the fun by entering into one of the three German themed contests. texrenfest.com
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Southlake Oktoberfest
Octoberfest 16-18, 2026 Dallas/ Ft.Worth Metroplex It’s the 25th anniversary of the Southlake Oktoberfest and attendance and parking are completely free. There will, however, be a wide range of food, beverages, and booth items available for sale. The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children’s area! oktoberfestsouthlake.com
Wurstfest
November 6-15, 2026 New Braunfels Texas A 10 day sausage festival that has been around since the 1960s? Yes! Wurstfest in New Braunfels has to be the most unique Oktoberfest Texas has ever seen. This annual celebration is rich in German culture and full of Texas fun. Enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian style entertainment wurstfest.com
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CULINARY
DO IT YOURSELF OKTOBERFEST AT HOME YOU DON’T NEED A PASSPORT TO EXPERIENCE THESE COMFORTING, SEASONAL FLAVORS!
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• White Wine: 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Riesling or Pinot Grigio) • Broth: 1/2 cup vegetable Simmer authentic weisswurst in a lightly or chicken stock seasoned bed of rinsed sauerkraut, crisp • Spices: 1 tbsp brown sugar, apples, and dry white wine (like Riesling). The acidity of the wine beautifully balances 1/2 tsp caraway seeds, 1 bay leaf the sweetness of the fruit and the richness • Fat: 1 tbsp butter of the sausages. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the INGREDIENTS: butter in a large skillet or Dutch • Weisswurst: 1 pack of traditional oven over medium heat. Add weisswurst link sausages the sliced onion and cook until • Sauerkraut: 1 jar or bag (approx. translucent (about 3-4 minutes). 16 oz), well drained and rinsed 2. Add the Fruit and Kraut: Stir in the (squeeze out the moisture) diced apples, rinsed sauerkraut, • Apple: 1 large Honeycrisp or Granny caraway seeds, and brown sugar. Smith apple, cored, peeled and diced Sauté for another 2 minutes. • Onion: 1/2 yellow onion, 3. Simmer: Pour in the white wine thinly sliced or chopped and stock, then add the bay leaf. Nestle the weisswurst into the sauerkraut mixture. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes so the flavors meld. 4. Serve: Discard the bay leaf. Serve the sausages warm, topped generously with the wine-braised apple sauerkraut and a side of coarse-ground mustard.
Wine-Braised Apple and Sauerkraut Sausage
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Easy Apple Strudel with Puff Pastry
Crispy, flaky apple strudel made easy with store-bought puff pastry, filled with sweet cinnamon apples and crunchy walnuts. This German-inspired dessert is quick to make and perfect for any occasion.
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CULINARY
INGREDIENTS: • 1 package (2 sheets, 1.1 lb frozen puff pastry dough thawed at room temperature • 2-3 baking apples such as Granny Smith • 4 tbsp white sugar divided • 2 tbsp flour • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped • 3 tbsp light brown sugar • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs • 1 beaten egg with 1 tsp of water for brushing
Notes:
Freezing Tips: Apple strudel freezes well. To freeze, assemble it up to the point of baking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, brush the frozen strudel with egg wash and bake it directly in a preheated oven, adding 10 minutes or so to the baking time.
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper and set aside. 2. To make the apple filling, peel, core, and chop apples into 1/2-inch cubes. You will need a total of 3 cups of chopped apples. Place them in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of white sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Toss well and set aside for 15 minutes so the apple can release its juice. 3. Meanwhile, combine nuts, brown sugar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of white sugar, and breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Stir well and set aside. 4. To assemble the strudel, roll out the thawed puff pastry with a rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface to stretch it out a little, about 10x12-inches. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture in the center of the pastry leaving 1-inch from both sides. Spoon half of apple mixture on top of the nut mixture. 5. Lift the front side of pastry and fold over the filling. Lift the opposite side of pastry and fold over. Pinch the sides down to seal. Carefully transfer the strudel to a prepared baking sheet, placing the seam-side down. Tuck both ends under. Repeat the same for the other pastry sheet. 6. Brush the strudels with egg wash and make slits for the steam to escape. Bake the strudel in a preheated 375˚F oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown. Let the pastry cool for 10 minutes. 7. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with vanilla ice cream and/or whipped cream. September/October 2026
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German Gurkensalat (Cucumber Salad) This quick, easy and refreshing salad goes with just about anything and is a great side dish any time of year.
INGREDIENTS: • 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced, the thinner the better. You can use a mandoline, slicing side of a box grater. If the cucumbers aren’t waxed you can leave the peels on for more color.1 /2 cup sour cream • 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill • 1/2 small, sliced white onion • 3 tablespoons white vinegar • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • freshly ground black pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Place sliced cucumbers in a bowl. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. 3. Pour over the cucumbers and stir to combine. 4. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. 5. Add salt and pepper to taste. 6. Serve cold or at room temperature.
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FASHION
PURPLE REIGN:
Fall’s Ultimate Power Move by LISA DANTE
P
urple has officially dethroned traditional autumn neutrals to become the definitive “it” color of the season. Once dismissed as too tricky or loud, the regal hue has staged a massive takeover across the fall 2026 collections of Chloé, Celine, Valentino, and Mugler. Moving far past the chalky, youthful lavenders of spring, this autumn’s palette is grounded in deeply saturated, sophisticated tones that fashion insiders are embracing as everyday neutrals. If you are looking to elevate your wardrobe with a look that screams “inherited wealth” without looking like a costume, here is exactly how to style the season’s boldest trend.
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FASHION
Pick Your Autumnal Shade
The key to making purple look expensive in October comes down to depth. Swap out pastel-sweet tones for choices that absorb the autumn light: • Rich Eggplant & Aubergine: The ultimate low-risk, high-reward neutrals for everyday wear. • Deep Plum & Grape: Saturated, warm-toned purples that look stunning in heavy fabrics. • Electric Violet: A punchy, retro-glam option championed by Vogue for a true statement look. • Smoky Lilac: A muted, grey-toned take on lighter purple that pairs seamlessly with fall denim.
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FASHION
Master the “Anti-Black” Color Formula
The fastest way to flatten a beautiful purple garment is to anchor it with stark black. To make your outfit look deliberate and upscale, pair your purples with these rich color combinations instead: • Chocolate Brown & Caramel: Earthy tones ground rich plums, offering a cozy, highly intentional contrast. • Cream & Ivory: Elevates deep aubergine knitwear into the realm of “quiet luxury”. • Olive & Deep Green: A sophisticated, nature-inspired pairing that feels distinctly autumnal. • Quirky Clashes: For the bold, follow Tracee Ellis Ross’s lead by color-blocking purple with unexpected pairings like red, turquoise, or butter yellow.Smoky Lilac: A muted, grey-toned take on lighter purple that pairs seamlessly with fall denim.
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FASHION
Play with High-End Textures
When wearing a divisive color, fabric choice is everything. Incorporating rich, tactile materials prevents the shade from looking flat or loud: • Cozy Cashmere: A simple V-neck or cardigan from brands like COS in a soft plum is the easiest entry point. • Liquid Silk & Satin: Fluid trousers or midi skirts in deep grape drape beautifully and catch the light. • Sumptuous Velvet: An oversized blazer or structured trouser adds instant oldworld glamour. • High-Gloss Patent: Dark wine and purple tones in patent leather give coats and footwear a modern edge.
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From Accent to Main Event
You don’t have to commit to a head-to-toe monochromatic look to join the purple renaissance. Choose your level of style comfort: • The Subtle Accent: If you’re skeptical, treat purple as an accessory rather than a garment. Ground an otherwise neutral outfit of denim and a cream sweater with a rich royal purple clutch, a silk scarf, high-gloss patent flats, or a wine-toned shoulder bag. • The Single Hero Piece: Introduce one deliberate purple separate to do the heavy lifting. A fluid pair of trousers from Toteme, an oversized knit, or a structured blazer allows the color to shine without overwhelming your frame. • The Monochromatic Power Move: For the ultimate style statement, layer varying depths of the same color. Pair a deep aubergine leather trench coat over a bright plum sweater and a lavender button-down shirt. The mix of different tones and textures ensures the final look feels perfectly proportioned, rich, and high-fashion.
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FASHION
Clearly, the fall 2026 fashion season marks a clear departure from the ultra-casual, understated “quiet luxury” of previous years. Whether you want to invest in luxury designer updates or simply adapt your daily look, here are even more dominant trends taking over wardrobes this autumn.
High-Contrast Red
While deep burgundy remains a classic choice for cool weather, along with purple, vibrant red is always a welcome shade of the season. • The Palette: Vivid scarlets, fiery vermillions, and cherry reds. • How to Style: Runways at Loewe and Gucci featured red grounded heavily by black and earthy tones. • The “Pop of Red”: If a head-to-toe look feels too bold, fashion experts suggest incorporating cherry red via small accessories like leather handbags, ballet flats, or scarves.
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FASHION
Elevated Biker Jackets & Funnel Necks
The perennial leather jacket is moving away from the rebellious, hardware-heavy “grunge” aesthetic toward a highly luxurious, minimalist look. • The Look: Clean, sleek leather finishes with exaggerated, tailored proportions. • Key Detail: Funnel-neck outerwear is a major structural trend across leather, suede, and nylon pieces. • The Proportions: Look for cropped cuts, belted waists, or oversized bomber shapes styled with polished pencil skirts or wide-leg trousers. • There’s a new color trend taking over fall - and shrinking violets need not apply. Be bold this fall and embrace your true self with confidence!
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TEXAN
CULTURE
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
DAY OF THE DEAD H o n o r, C e l e b r a t e And Remember by LISA DANTE
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t’s one of the largest and most vibrant cultural celebrations in the entire nation and it takes place in San Antonio, Texas. Deceased loved ones are honored through massive city-wide festivals, parades, public altars, and artistic displays. In 2008, the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Here’s everything you need to know.
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CULTURE
Is The Holiday Just One Day? No. Despite its name, it runs from November 1 to November 2.
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What’s The Mood For The Holiday?
Day of the Dead is a joyous, happy event! It is not somber, sad or solemn. The tone of the holiday is celebratory, yet respectful. It’s heartwarming and cheerful, with a focus on love of family and one’s ancestors.
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Is It The Same As Halloween?
No. While they overlap in autumn and share roots in Catholic tradition (Allhallowtide), they have different meanings. Halloween focuses on the supernatural, while Día de Muertos is a joyous, respectful Mexican tradition meant to celebrate life and remember loved ones.
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What Is An Ofrenda?
An ofrenda (altar) is a central component of the holiday, set up in homes or on gravesites. They are adorned with the “four elements” (water, wind, fire via candles, and earth via food), plus photographs, momentos and the favorite items of the deceased to welcome visiting souls.
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What Do The Symbols Mean?
Marigolds (Cempasúchil): The bright color and scent act as a guide to help spirits find their way to the altars. Sugar Skulls: They symbolize the sweetness of life and are often decorated with colorful icing to represent the departed. Pan de Muerto: A sweet, round seasonal bread- often topped with dough shaped bonesmeant to represent the dead.
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La Catrina: An iconic, elegantly dressed skeleton created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada to serve as a satirical reminder that death treats everyone equally, regardless of wealth. Butterflies: In Mexican tradition, the monarch butterfly symbolizes the souls of the departed ancestors. Their annual migration to central Mexico perfectly coincides with Día de Los Muertos, leading Indigenous communities to believe that the fluttering butterflies are the spirits of loved ones returning to visit the living.
San Antonio hosts some of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the United States, spanning from early October through early November. The city’s preeminent festivities are centered around the downtown River Walk, anchored by the spectacular Day of the Dead River Parade, the expansive Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail, and community events. The city features a month-long “Spirit Season” dedicated to honoring the dead, blending pre-Columbian Mexican traditions with the rich culture of South Texas. Key components of the celebrations include: • Day of the Dead River Parade: Friday, October 23, 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A stunning, nationally televised river parade where illuminated barges drift down the San Antonio River Walk, beautifully decorated with giant calaveras (skulls) and catrinas. Local restaurants and hotels offer exclusive VIP viewing packages. • Día de los Muertos Tradition Trail: October 3- November 5. A free, family-friendly walk along the River Walk showcasing vibrant 5-foot alebrije (spirit animal) sculptures, traditional ofrendas (altars), and local art installations. They will remain on display throughout this month-long window. • Centro Cultural Aztlan: One of the longest-running local celebrations, this historic arts organization hosts an annual Altares y Ofrendas exhibition, allowing the community to pay tribute to their loved ones with beautiful, curated altars. • Community Festivals: Neighborhood events are widespread throughout the city, featuring live music, authentic Mexican food, face painting, and arts and crafts markets. •
Is It Ok To Wish Someone A Happy Diá De Los Muertos? Absolutely yes!
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TEXAN
WINE
LIQUID
GOLD: THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC DESSERT WINES by JIM PETERSON, WINE ENTHUSIAST & INSTAGRAM WINE INFLUENCER
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here’s a particular kind of magic that can happen when dessert is served and an accompanying glass of wine appears. The table softens, conversations slow, and a golden, amber, or deep ruby liquid turns an ordinary evening into something quietly celebratory. Whether it’s the intensity of a Sauternes kissed by noble rot, the honeysuckle concentration of a lateharvest Riesling, the fortified richness of a Port, or the purity of ice wine, these sweet wines can do more than accompany the dessert. They often become dessert. Far from being mere after-dinner indulgences, the world’s greatest dessert wines rank among the most labor-intensive and weather-dependent creations in all of winemaking. Their rarity, complexity, and centuries of prestige have earned them a permanent place in the hearts and cellars of serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
Sauternes
Sauternes is a small region in Bordeaux that has the perfect growing conditions to allow a fungus, Botrytis cenerea (noble rot), to form on grapes but not necessarily harm them. Noble rot concentrates th e sugars creating a sweet, concentrated wine like nowhere else on earth. The most prized Sauternes is Château d’Yquem, a favorite of Coach Gregg Popovich. Fun fact: I had dinner with Coach Pop in 1999 to celebrate the first Spurs NBA championship, and he brought a 1976 d’Yquem for our dessert course. That is just one of many vintages I have been lucky to taste over the years. I say lucky because these bottles cost $200 or more for a 375ml, which is sometimes all you need for a dessert wine as they should be savored with small pours and small sips. Earlier this year I attended two Sauternes tastings. The first was a Château d’Yquem Masterclass where we compared the 2006, 2016, and 2023 vintages side by side. The 2023 d’Yquem is an all-time classic vintage and worth collecting. The second event was an industry tasting where stellar Sauternes producers – Château Guiraud, Château Suduiraut, and Château Rieussec – showcased 62 September/October 2026
a variety of Sauternes that highlighted the nuances between them. These nuances often result from the varying amounts of the key grapes used – mainly Semillon, but Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle are often a smaller part of the blend. Some classic dessert pairings for Sauternes include crème brûlée, pear or apple tarts topped with ice cream, or a lighter white fruit or Grand Marnier soufflé. It’s best to avoid overly bitter, heavily spiced, or dark chocolate desserts as they can mute the wine.
Late-Harvest Riesling
As I’ve noted in previous articles, quality German Riesling producers make a few different categories of wines that include Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese. These relate to the ripeness of the grapes when picked. The riper the grape, the sweeter the wine will be. In that sense, you can think of these categories as the order in which they are picked. When it comes to selecting a Riesling dessert wine, I prefer the Auslese. My favorite German region for Auslese is the Mosel. Its steep, south-facing slate slopes, cool climate, and river-moderated conditions allow grapes to achieve high sugar levels while retaining extraordinary acidity and minerality. One unique aspect of the finer Auslese is lower alcohol by volume (ABV), usually around 7.5-9%. An Auslese can be quite affordable too, with even top producers in the $60 to $80 range for a full 750ml bottle. This makes it very easy to sip! The dessert pairings for Riesling can be quite diverse. Top choices include apple strudel, lemon tarts, cheesecake, or desserts with candied citrus peel. The wine’s flavors of honeysuckle and apricot, along with that bright acidity provide a refreshing lift that complements the sweetness of the dessert. Whether sipped alongside these classics or savored on its own, an Auslese Riesling delivers a perfectly balanced, refreshing close to a dining experience. September/October 2026
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WINE Fortified Wines
Fortified wines are produced by adding a neutral grape spirit to grape must either during or after fermentation. This helps raise the alcohol level (typically to 17-22% ABV) and stops yeast activity, which preserves residual sugar for sweetness. While there are many different fortified wines (Port, Sherry, and Madeira often come to mind first), I will focus on Port because I recently opened a birth year 1963 vintage Port on my 63rd birthday – the ’63 at 63 as I called it. Also, the oldest wine I have ever tasted was a 100-year-old vintage Port from 1899. While classic aged or vintage Port can be expensive, exceptional 10year or 20-year Tawny Port may only be $30 to $60. Port originated from the Douro region of Portugal when spirits were added to stabilize the wines for sea shipping to England. Now you can find “Port” made in several countries, including the United States. The best styles of Port for dessert wines are the classics like Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports. Longer aged Ports often have more complexity of flavors, and these can be amazing pairings with chocolate or nut-based desserts. I served a Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake with my 1963 Port that was perfect for the occasion and delighted my guests.
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Ice Wine
Ice wine is one of the most unique wines in the world because it is wholly weather dependent. Grapes are left on the vines until the water inside the grapes freezes naturally. Once harvested, they are pressed while still frozen. Almost all the frozen water is left behind, while the unfrozen, highly concentrated juice from the grape is captured for the wine (often only 10-20% of the normal volume). The juice is fermented slowly to create the sweet, concentrated wine we know as Ice Wine (or Eiswein from Germany and Austria). It may surprise you, though, that Canada produces more Ice Wine than any other country. I also saw several examples from the Finger Lakes region in New York during my recent trip there. Due to the labor and patience required, these wines tend to cost a bit more than normal with high-quality 375ml bottles in the $70 range. Riesling is the traditional grape used for Ice Wine, but you may see other grapes being used, particularly in Canada where Vidal Blanc is prevalent. Similarly to Sauternes, crème brûlée and pear or apple tarts work well, but a nice panna cotta or a vanilla-based dessert would be delicious too. Whatever you choose, you can count on Ice Wine to deliver a rare and unforgettable taste of nature’s extremes. September/October 2026
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WINE
Sweet Champagne
Regular readers know how much I love champagne, and a sweet champagne can be an intriguing way to cap off a nice meal. To choose one, though, you need to understand the various categories on champagne labels. Champagne always goes through a second fermentation process to create bubbles in the bottle. The bottles are disgorged to remove the leftover dead yeast cells from that second fermentation. A “dosage” can then be added to both top off the bottle and enhance the wine’s flavor. The dosage is a liqueur typically made from reserve wines and pure cane sugar. The dosage is measured in grams per liter of sugar, and that measured sugar level determines which category of champagne you see on the label. From the sweetest to driest, the order is: Doux, DemiSec, Sec, Extra Dry, Brut, Extra Brut, and Brut Nature. For dessert champagne, the Doux, 66 September/October 2026
Demi-Sec, and Sec are the best choices, but the Demi-Sec is often the easiest to find. Several of the large champagne houses make Demi-Sec champagne, and you may have noticed the Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial on a wine store shelf. Two other widely distributed houses with Demi-Sec are LaurentPerrier and Veuve Clicquot. While prestige bottles can be expensive, the Nectar Impérial is about $55. I was fortunate to taste the Veuve Clicquot “Rich” on my last trip to Champagne, which is one of the increasingly rare Doux champagne still being made. It was paired with a beautiful vanilla-flavored dessert. We were all astonished at how the overt sweetness of the champagne was hardly noticeable, while the core wine flavors were bursting on the palate. This experience certainly convinced me that a well-made sweet Champagne offers a delightful and sophisticated way to end any meal.
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WINE
A Sweet Legacy Of Celebration
It’s clear that dessert wines rank among the most age-worthy creations in the wine world. Their high residual sugar, balanced acidity, and – in the case of fortified wines – elevated alcohol act as a natural preservative. The finest bottles will evolve gracefully for decades or even a century. A great Sauternes, Auslese Riesling, or a Vintage Port can develop profound complexity over time, revealing layers of honey, dried fruit, nuts, and spice that reward patient cellaring far beyond most dry red or white wines. Beyond the styles explored here, the broader world of dessert wines includes other legendary treasures such as Hungary’s Tokaji Aszú, Loire Valley sweet Chenin Blancs, and many other noble-rot and late-harvest wines from around the world. For those of us who collect wine, these treasured bottles offer one of the most accessible ways to experience a birth-year wine like I did with my 1963. However, please don’t think you have to be a collector to get that same experience. Dessert wines age so reliably it can be relatively easy and affordable to locate an outstanding bottle from a specific vintage. Even better, the chances for enjoyment often exceed those of a comparable dry wine of the same year. Whether you want to mark a milestone with a decades-old Port or simply savor a glass of Ice Wine or Demi-Sec Champagne at the end of a meal, dessert wines have the unique ability to turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.
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Follow Jim on Instagram, @tx_wine_pilot, for more wine tips and reviews. Jim Peterson is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who mainly flew the A-10 fighter jet. He has ties to the wine business going back over 25 years, has visited many wine regions, tasted the world’s top wines, and is an avid wine collector. His business, The Texas Wine Pilot, offers customized in-home wine tastings, corporate wine tastings, executive wine training, a wine concierge service, and wine collecting consultations. Visit txwinepilot.com or email him at jim@txwinepilot.com for more information. September/October 2026 69
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HEALTH
THE TEXAS ALLERGY SURVIVAL GUIDE by ABBY KURTH, MPH, MS CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST & WELLNESS COACH
A
re you one of the more than 50+ million people in the United States who experience seasonal allergies? If you’re reading this, you probably live in the great state of Texas and could be suffering more than most. San Antonio, McAllen, and Houston all rank as some of the worst places in the country for seasonal allergies, especially in the fall. Yikes! Much of the country gets a break in the winter, but for Texas, that is when things are worse. Moving is not a realistic option, and for many people, standard allergy medication comes with trade-offs like drowsiness, dryness, or rebound congestion that keep people addicted to their medication. Some people decide those side effects aren’t worth it (me included!). The good news: there are effective, lower-side-effect ways to support your system during allergy season.
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HEALTH
The Ragweed Rodeo
In South Texas, ragweed and mold peak from August to November. That is followed by Cedar Fever, which can affect some people so badly that they think they have the flu. Do any of these sound familiar to you? Congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, throat or nose, coughing, sinus pressure, headaches, fatigue, or runny nose. Any of those can keep you from feeling like going out two-stepping.
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Nature to the Rescue
As always, check with your doctor about using any other approaches, but some doctors are starting to recommend some of these options:
Quercitin Every year I tell people about quercitin, and they always give me a funny look that says “You must be either from Mars or Marfa”. I keep talking, though, because this is one of my personal favorites for preventing allergy issues. Quercitin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, and green tea. More than just vitamins and minerals, research is being done on the phytonutrients (like bioflavonoids) in plant foods for the health benefits they bring. Quercitin can stop the mast cells from releasing histamine and can control inflammation. In other words, this is a natural antihistamine. Studies suggest that a quercetincontaining supplement may improve allergic symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty sleeping. Yes please. Quercitin may not have a flashy commercial with an ecstatic person outside breathing deeply, but it has a loyal following for a reason. September/October 2026
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HEALTH
Vitamin C You have to love vitamin C for the many things it does like acting as an antioxidant, helping make collagen, and improving immunity. Turns out it is also a natural antihistamine. We are one of the few animals that don’t make our own vitamin C, so getting plenty through citrus fruits, broccoli, guava, bell peppers, etc., is helpful. I’ve known families that were able to avoid the usual seasonal colds, etc. and keep the kids in school just by adding some extra vitamin C. Bromelain Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapples, is another effective supplement because it helps reduce inflammation. It is frequently paired with quercitin because bromelain significantly helps the absorption of that natural antihistamine. A few cautions: Bromelain can interact with blood thinners, antibiotics, or sedatives, and should be avoided if you have certain food allergies (like pineapple or latex). The allergy-relief dose ranges from 500 mg to 2,000 mg daily. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Stinging nettle sounds a little ominous, but it is a plant traditionally used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks, as well as Indigenous Americans, to support respiratory health. Stinging nettle is high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and anti-pain. All those “anti’ effects lead to feeling better. Caution: If you are on blood pressure, blood-thinning, or blood sugar medications - this is one of the herbs that can lower blood sugar. Sinus rinsing: Not glamorous, but effective It would be great if more people would give sinus rinsing a try. It’s actually your own body’s immune system that creates many of the uncomfortable symptoms you experience with allergies, and washing them away is like washing away your worries with a Calgon bath. A neti pot or sinus rinse bottle helps prevent nasal irritation from allergens. WebMD, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic all have online articles and/or videos that can show the proper use of these tools. Sterile water is an important part of proper use. A friend recently turned me on to Xlear Saline Nasal Sprays, and her ENT physician was familiar with the product as well. Xlear spray contains xylitol, an alcohol sugar, that has known benefits in the dental world for protecting against bacteria. The xylitol in the spray will moisturize and soothe your sinuses and nasal passages with no concerns about addiction. September/October 2026
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HEALTH
Mold Mix and Texas Trees Drops Available in health food stores, these are liquid drops specific to local allergens. You use these remedies by placing the liquid under the tongue three times a day. One manufacturer, Allergena, describes these formulas as “an allnatural, homeopathic allergy remedy. It works with your body to build up a healthy immune response to allergies rather than just masking the symptoms and leaving you with a list of unwanted side effects.” Homeopathy uses highly diluted solutions of substances, and so, does not have reactions with any medications. Have an allergic pet? I add this product to my cat’s water so he doesn’t get itchy, and I don’t get scratched! He also likes the cat quercitin chews I found for him. Pets like feeling better, too!
Become a Tough Texan
You can either move away, or strengthen yourself to stay where you are. These tools will help you enjoy your life regardless of what is blooming in Texas by 1) reducing exposure (sinus rinsing), 2) supporting your immune response (nutrition + supplements), and 3) using medications when needed. You CAN get through allergy season while being at “home, home on the range.”
Say howdy, ask a question or request health coaching. abbykurth@sbcglobal.net Abby Kurth, MPH, MS Nutrition is a Clinical Nutritionist + Wellness coach, and author of “Wellness is More Than Weight: Easy Steps to Change your Health Habits and Your Life” (available on Amazon, search by author). More topics, including a nutrition blog and gluten-free travel blog, are available at abbykurthnutrition.coach. 76 September/October 2026
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SPORTS
DOG SPORT:
AGILITY
IT’S ALL ABOUT FUN, TRUST AND THE UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN DOG AND HANDLER
D
og agility training is a fast-paced canine sport for both dog and human where you guide your dog off-leash through a timed obstacle course, including tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. The handler directs the dog using only voice commands, body language, and hand signals, making it an excellent way to build physi-
cal fitness, mental sharpness, and teamwork. Texan Magazine (TM) spoke with Texas based, professional dog agility instructor, Jill TheisCooper, about the sport. She is known for her commitment to helping handlers and their dogs build confidence, strengthen their partnership, and achieve success in the agility ring or just for fun.
Jill Theis-Cooper, Head Instructor & Training Director at Rob Cary in San Antonio, with Ember & Apache 78 September/October 2026
TM: Tell us a little bit about yourself….
Jill: I’ve called San Antonio home since childhood when my family settled in SA following my father’s retirement. I’m a military brat by upbringing and developed a love for teamwork, dedication and community that would later shape my involvement in dog agility. TM: How did you get started and what inspired you and how long have you been teaching agility? Have you ever trialed or competed? Jill: For me, it was a natural progression. I’ve had dogs all my life. Years ago, I had adopted a stray and took that dog to obedience class. When classes ended my instructor told us about agility. I was hooked. Since then, I have trialed 5 dogs in the past 15 years. As far as teaching, I spent a year as an assistant agility instructor, and advanced to teaching my own classes and am currently the Director of Training at Rob Cary in San Antonio. TM: Can all breeds, including mixed-breeds do agility? Jill: Absolutely! We have dogs of all sizes, shapes and breeds. TM: Do you need special equipment for the dog or handler? Jill: Your dog needs a collar and a leash and you should bring high-value treats. TM: Are there physical risks involved for both dog and handler? Does the handler and dog need to be in good shape to start out? Jill: Dog agility can be a high impact sport. The course is set up for safety for both dog and handler. I have handlers and dogs of all ages and different levels of physical fitness. TM: Are there age limits or suggested guidelines for both dog and handler? Jill: The youngest age for a dog would be 6 months. They must be fully vaccinated. I have had junior handlers as young as 14, and senior handlers in their 80’s! TM: Approximately, how long does it take to go from leash to off-leash and maybe compete in a trial? Jill: We train on-leash for about 6 weeks, then off-leash at about 3 months. Most dogs and
handlers reach their peek potential at the 2 year mark. Some of my students choose to go to trials and others are in it just for pure fun.
TM: If someone was going to get a dog specifically for agility, what breed would that be?
Jill: Well, some dogs are just naturals at it and it really depends on the drive of the dog. Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and King Charles Spaniels are popular breeds for agility. But again, any breed or mixed-breed can do agility. TM: Can you train in agility all year round? Jill: Yes, agility classes are year round. During the intense summer heat of South Texas we train in an indoor, spacious and airconditioned building. In the cooler fall and winter months we train outdoors on a large, grass covered, fenced-in agility field. TM: How important are trials to you? Jill: My biggest satisfaction as an agility instructor is watching my students and their dogs progress from beginners to the more challenging levels. Going to trials can be fun, but my main focus is my love for the sport and the dogs, who each have their own personalities. I absolutely love seeing the incredible, deep bond and trust that develops between dog and handlers on their agility journey. TM: Thank you, Jill! I can tell our readers from personal experience that it’s a lot of fun and an amazing experience to be able to train with one of the most highly respected and knowledgeable agility trainers in Texas!
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SPORTS
Agility Can Have Many Positive Benefits For Dogs And Their People.
Physical Exercise for Dogs – Most dogs were bred originally to perform functions that involved regular daily exercise. The more sedentary lifestyle pet dogs live now can lead to boredom and behavior problems such as barking, digging and household destruction. Agility is a great outlet for a dog with lots of physical energy to burn. It can also help keep dogs lean and fit and strengthen their overall musculature and physical health. Mental Exercise for Dogs – Boredom doesn’t come only from a lack of physical exercise. Dogs who spend their days in a home with little enrichment can engage in inappropriate behaviors because they need something to do. Breeds and breed mixes created to be working dogs can be particularly prone to more destructive behaviors when there is no outlet for their intelligence. Agility can give your dog a great mental workout by teaching them how to follow physical and verbal cues, navigate a course successfully, take direction from their
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handler from a distance, and learning how to use the different obstacles. Agility can also be wonderful for older dogs who may be moving at a slower pace but still need enrichment to keep them mentally sharp. Exercise for Humans – Agility involves more than just your dog moving about the course. You will also have to move about the course as well and it can be a great cardio workout. Just as with dogs, agility is challenging mentally for humans as you learn how to move properly around the obstacles, develop a plan of action for new courses, and sharpen your training skills. Dog – Human Connection – Any type of training can help to strengthen your relationship with your dog. Agility in particular can really build your bond as you need to develop a clear line of communication with your dog in order to successfully navigate a course. The more a dog enjoys the sport, the more they also come to see being with you as an extra special time and an extra source of positive reinforcement. The Human Connection – Agility can also be a way for people to build more friendships and social activities in their lives. If you love dogs and training, going to agility classes, practices and trials will put you in a group of people who share your same interests and passions. You’ll enjoy a supportive atmosphere with new friends cheering you and your dogs on as you run through a course or a compete at a trial. Boosts a Dog’s Confidence – Dogs that are on the shyer side have been known to really blossom into confident, happy dogs through training in agility. A dog that may be timid will learn to overcome their fear by conquering each obstacle. They will be exposed to new people, dogs and situations with positive reinforcement which can bolster their comfort level with novel situations. It also can lead to them feeling more assured without clinging to their owner, as they will learn to move about the course at a distance to you. A Great Way to Socialize Your Dog – Keeping a dog well-socialized with dogs and people is important for your dog’s continued behavioral health. Agility is the perfect opportunity for your dog to be around other dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds and humans who enjoy being around dogs.
Instructors Jill Theis-Cooper and Keith Beaman at Rob Cary
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SPORTS
Dog Agility Began In The United Kingdom As Halftime Entertainment At The 1978 Crufts Dog Show.
The Origins and Early Days
The roots of the first 1978 course were directly borrowed from the horse world. John Varley, who had experience with equestrian events, collaborated with Peter Meanwell to build a course that featured tunnels, a catwalk (later renamed the “dog walk”), a frame, and a literal tire jump. The primary goal was simply to entertain spectators during the pauses between conformation and obedience segments. The demonstration was so warmly received that it was repeated the following year.
Official Recognition and Rule Development
Recognizing the rapid growth of the activity, The Kennel Club (UK) officially adopted dog agility as a sport in 1980 and sanctioned the first official trials. Key figures like Peter Lewis and John Gilbert were instrumental in establishing a judging system, assigning fault signals, and defining obstacle specifications. By 1983, The Agility Club was founded in the UK as the first national agility organization, paving the way for the sport’s global expansion.
Introduction to the United States
While the UK standardized the sport, elements of obstacle-based dog training existed on the West Coast of the United States in the early 1970s using simple, household items like PVC tubing and wooden planks. However, formal competition arrived later: • USDAA: The United States Dog Agility Association was established in 1986, bringing structured competitive agility to the US. • AKC: The American Kennel Club held an advisory committee meeting on the sport in 1993. The first licensed AKC agility trial took place on August 11, 1994, at the Astro World Series of Dog Shows in Houston • NADAC: The North American Dog Agility Council was formed in 1993 to provide North American dogs and their handlers with a fast, safe and enjoyable form of the sport.
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If you have questions or would like more information on how to get started in agility, feel free to contact Jill Theis-Cooper at Rob Cary Pet Resort in San Antonio at 210-494-7787 or at robcary.com
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TEXAN
GARDENING
VEGETABLES ALL WINTER by CALVIN FINCH, PH.D. HORTICULTURIST
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GARDENING
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tarting a fall vegetable garden in South Texas requires beginning as early as late August or early September, focusing on cool-loving crops, and preparing the soil with rich compost. Many gardeners think the cool weather vegetable garden is superior to the spring garden. It certainly can be productive. Now is the time to plant the vegetables to harvest through the winter and into early spring. Here are a few choices to consider. Some do well in containers if you have enough sun on your patio. All vegetables do best in full sun. Broccoli has emerged as the most popular winter vegetable. Plant transplants now and you will be harvesting heads before Christmas and until February. Broccoli is a very nutritious vegetable and productive. Each plant produces one large head that will feed four and there are smaller heads as the season progresses. Plant broccoli with at least two feet between plants. Cabbage loopers are the worst broccoli pest. Control them with Bt or Spinosad. Broccoli and all greens require heavy fertilization to produce at their full potential. Use a cup of slow release or winterizer lawn fertilizer per eight feet of row to prepare the soil and then side dress every three weeks
with another cup. Broccoli is not usually used as a container crop. The plants grow very large and top heavy. Grow broccoli in a raised bed.
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Carrots are planted by seed. They are also very nutritious and productive. Spread the seed over a row and then thin the seedlings to three inches between plants. It is probably most efficient to prepare a row one foot wide and spread the seed on the surface of the raked soil. Do not cover the seed. Water carrot seed into the soil with a wand applicator and keep the soil moist by watering every day until the seed germinates. Carrots do not require as much fertilizer as the foliage plants. Prepare the bed with one cup per eight foot row and side dress every six weeks with slow release lawn fertilizer. Carrots do well in containers. The foliage is very attractive. Carrots can be harvested as you need them. They will last until late spring and they are not usually bothered with insects or diseases. Leaf lettuce comes in many versions and col-
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ors. It is one of the best vegetables to grow in containers because it is small and very decorative. The toughest thing about growing lettuce is to get it to germinate. The key to germination is that the seed must not be covered. It has to be exposed to light to sprout.
Prepare the soil just as you would for carrots and water in the same way. Lettuce will re-grow if you harvest it leaf by leaf and leave some leaves on each plant as the season progresses. Lettuce is very popular as a food, but it does not rate very high on the nutrition scale. Lettuce is mostly water. In my opinion, English peas are the most difficult of the winter vegetables to grow. Our weather is often too hot or too cold to get good germination and/or harvest a crop. If you want to avoid the need for a trellis, plant the bush varieties. One way to reduce the chances that your crop will be destroyed by a freeze is to plant the sugar snap selections. They are harvested as unfilled pods so do not require as much time on the plant. Radishes are the fastest winter vegetables to
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GARDENING
produce a crop. The seeds germinate in three – five days and you can be harvesting the crisp roots in three weeks. Gardeners that like to have fresh radishes on their table all winter will plant a row in four weeks. Although radishes are usually not children’s favorite vegetable, they are often planted by families introducing children to gardening because of the fast growth. Other winter vegetables that are worth growing are beets, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, onions, turnips, rutabagas, mustard, kale, collards, garlic, chard, and Brussels sprouts. Seeing a seed develop into a plant and then produce something edible, harvesting fresh, vineripened veggies, and getting outdoors and your hands in the soil can be extremely rewarding!
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COCKTAILS
TEXAN PUMPKIN MARGARITA
The combination of pumpkin pie filling, pumpkin spice syrup, and reposado tequila creates a beautiful autumnal blend. The aged tequila adds a rich brown sugar flavor that mixes perfectly with the pumpkin ingredients, while the bright acidity from the lime provides balance.
INGREDIENTS (Makes 2): • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt • 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice • 1 lime wheel, plus more for serving • 2 oz. reposado tequila • 3/4 oz. store-bought pumpkin spice syrup or make your own • 1/2 oz. Cointreau • 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice • 1 Tbsp. pumpkin puree • Ice • 1 lime wedge (optional) • 1 (3”) cinnamon stick HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP (OPTIONAL) • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar • 5 (3”) cinnamon sticks • 3 Tbsp. pumpkin puree • 1 Tbsp. grated peeled ginger • 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves INSTRUCTIONS: MARGARITA: 1. On a plate, mix salt and pumpkin pie spice. Rub rim of a rocks glass with lime wheel. Roll rim in spice mixture to coat. 2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, pumpkin spice syrup, Cointreau, lime juice, and pumpkin puree. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds. 3. Fill prepared glass with ice. Strain margarita into glass. Garnish with lime wheel and cinnamon stick (if using). PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP: 1. In a medium pot over medium heat, cook sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and 2 cups water, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6 minutes more. 2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a small heatproof container. Refrigerate until ready to use. 3. Make Ahead: Syrup can be made 3 weeks ahead. Keep refrigerated.
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