Postcards Magazine Lake Conroe February 2024

Lake Conroe

February 2024

POSTCARDS Magazine

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Col. James Ray • Vickie Croston • Dragon’s Gemz

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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FEATURES

February 2024 | Volume 13, Issue 2

10 Inspirations

Col. James Ray Cover Photo by Michelle Miller

16 Do You Know?

Postcards 2023 Photo Contest Submission

Vickie Croston

24 Business Focus

Dragon’s Gemz

FAVORITES Community Calendar -32

Medical Matters - 28

Conundrum -30

Mustard Seed Moments - 34

Dear Gabby -21

Pet Pals -20

From Our Readers -8

Publisher’s Post -6

Glorious Grandkids -15

Puzzle Solutions -27

Garden Post, The -22

Sudoku Marketplace -31

Let’s Celebrate -9

What’s Cookin’ -23

4 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

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Publisher’s Post Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Slip-Sliding Away There’s a saying: “Growing old is not for wimps.” It’s true. Things to which I once never gave a second thought are now very real concerns. Like falling.

During the recent deep freeze, my husband told me I didn’t even need to “think” about stepping a foot out our door because the entire walkway was a skating rink. I was glad to oblige, because falling is something I am incredibly good at, but rarely enjoy. I was reminded of my college days out in Abilene. Snow and ice were much more common there, but still only occurred a few days a year. I remember my brother Ben and I were living in a house behind a shopping center. The roads were coated in ice, but we thought it was a great adventure to “skate” in our shoes to the grocery store and home again! There was definitely a tumble or two, but we never thought a thing about it. Those were the days (before new knees and the thought of breaking a hip)!

When I say I am incredibly good at falling, I am not kidding. My husband said he is going to write a memoir for our children titled, Daddy Fell for Mama; Mama just Fell!

In our part of the country, there are very dangerous things you have to be aware of in order to stay upright. Recently, I was walking up to a friend’s house for a small group meeting and stepped on one of those “straightfrom-the-devil,” spiky sweetgum balls. I realized it just as my foot hit it, and there was nowhere to grab. I fell very slowly--almost in slow motion--and basically just sat down (one of my best falls thus far). The thing was, I had been to my Airrosti Dr. Smuts that morning; she had really worked on the muscle in that hip; and it was a little sore. As I sat there in the 30-degree weather, I realized the cold concrete was kind of like having an ice pack at physical therapy…so I just sat there a few more minutes! It then dawned on me I should probably call the hostess (in case they had outdoor cameras) to let her know I was okay and was just “chillin’”!

Once the ice and sweetgum ball-falling seasons are past, it will be time to beware of the most dangerous thing in my house…the stray dryer sheet on the laundry room floor. If you’ve never experienced that danger, consider yourself warned!

Be safe, stay upright, and remember to tell our advertisers you appreciate them!

Until next time,

~

Karen

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Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher.

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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From Our Readers Thank you!

I was told you were a tremendous help with the Christmas Dinner for Widows at Southwood Restaurant. Just wanted you to know what a beautiful evening it was and thank you for your contribution.

The fellowship was sweet and the food was outstanding!

Louise Murray

Thank you and your team so much! This was very exciting news that I was a winner in the Photo Contest.

Roberta Cowan

Wow, this is so awesome to receive recognition in your Photo Contest. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this!

P.S. Love your magazine!

Janice West

Thanks for the tickets to Lone Star Lights I received as a prize in your annual Photo Contest! We used our tickets and enjoyed it so much!

Thank you so much! It is truly amazing to be featured from a submission in your Photo Contest. I can’t wait to show my daughter (who was the subject of the photo). Thank you again.

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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Inspirations Story by Ruth Fields Submitted Photos

Ruth &Col. James Ray with POW bracelet

Col. James Ray How a simple bracelet led to lifelong connections with a real hero.

10 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

When I was an eighth grader in 1972, the Vietnam War was always in the news. Lots of people, including many of my friends, wore POW/MIA bracelets. Each simple bracelet was etched with the name of a prisoner of war or a soldier listed as missing in action, as well as the date of capture or loss. The goal of the effort was to raise awareness of the plight of military personnel who were missing or held captive.

This sounded like a good idea to me, and I had enough babysitting money to pay for a bracelet, so—like millions of other Americans—I ordered one. Mine was etched with “Capt. James E. Ray” and “5-8-66.”

Months went by.

My dad was the head football coach at La Porte High School, and a member of his coaching staff was married to a woman who had gone

to Conroe High School. I’ll never forget the day their son looked at my bracelet and announced, “Mom! She’s got James Ray on her bracelet!” I soon learned that Ray had gone to Conroe High School, and furthermore, he had graduated from Texas A&M University, where my father, grandfather, two uncles, and a cousin had attended. He was a U.S. Air Force pilot whose F-105 fighter-bomber had been shot down over North Vietnam.

I wrote to Ray’s family through the POW/ MIA awareness organization, and his mother wrote back. She told me her son had been reported missing on Mother’s Day of 1966.

About nine months later, his status was

changed from missing in action to prisoner of war. Three years after his capture, his parents finally got a letter from their son.

Mrs. Ray wrote, “That was a great day!”

In early 1973, the POWs came home. Some of my friends wore bracelets that bore the names of soldiers who did not return, but “my” POW came home, and I watched the TV coverage closely. Ray had been released after spending six years, nine months as a POW—a length of time that seemed overwhelming to me. Years later, I did the

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La Porte isn’t far from Conroe by Texas standards, so my dad drove me to Ray’s homecoming celebration at the Conroe High School stadium. All over town, yellow posters announced “Welcome Home Major James Ray.” (Unfortunately, the townspeople jumped the gun--Ray hadn’t been promoted to major yet.) At the conclusion of the ceremony, the honoree rode around the track in a convertible, waving to the people in the packed stadium. When the car came around to where we were sitting, my dad, a maroonbleeding Aggie, flipped Ray a thumbs up.

Ray responded in kind.

Unbelievably, our family soon learned that the pastor of our church, Dr. Ray Mayfield, had been the pastor of Ray’s church, First Baptist Church of Conroe, when Ray was in high school. Our pastor contacted the recently-released POW—who was practically a celebrity by then—and invited him to speak at our church. I got a front row seat that day and was thrilled to get to meet “my” POW. I knew many people who had worn POW bracelets, but I didn’t know anyone else who had experienced a face-to-face meeting.

math and realized that at the time of his release, Ray had been held captive for almost exactly half my life.

To say that Ray’s homecoming was an

inspiration to me would probably be an understatement. I kept a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine clippings; I took off my bracelet, bent it flat and saved it in the scrapbook. I remember many details from this time, including my admiration for Ray’s heroism, his military bearing and his obvious delight to be home. One story left me particularly in awe. I heard that for years, Ray’s father and a few men from First Baptist Church in Conroe met once a week to pray for Ray’s safety and release.

One fine morning in 1973, the prayer group had a guest appearance by the former POW himself. I’ll bet there were some sweaty eyeballs that day.

A captive audience Six years later, I was a sophomore journalism major at Texas A&M, taking a course that required students to write one article per week for publication in The Battalion, the campus newspaper. One day, my brother, who was a junior in the Corps of Cadets, told me that Col. James Ray would be speaking to cadets. Would I like to cover the event for The Battalion? I could probably count

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on one hand the number of college classes that I skipped, but I cut a class that day to attend Ray’s presentation. I loved it when his speech included the perfect ending to my article: “Ray said he doesn’t mind talking about his experiences as a POW because ‘I kind of enjoy it when it’s my turn to talk to a captive audience.’”

Ray spoke to a captive audience once again on Veterans Day 2023—50 years after his release—at the invitation of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County. Of course I attended. Many of Ray’s high school classmates were there, and I witnessed lots of hugs. During his presentation, Ray talked about the unlikely jobs he’d held before entering the U.S. Air Force that had helped him when he was in pilot training.

He also mentioned a Conroe teacher whose husband had been a Japanese-held POW during World War II, and how he had been able to read some of the man’s first-hand accounts about his experiences as a POW. “I know this was kind of preparing me for some events later on,” Ray said.

Ray mesmerized the audience with details about his dangerous mission, his fiery aircraft,

and the radioed warnings to “Get out, get out, get out!” He reported that he “used escape and evasion techniques for about four and a half minutes” before his capture. He then described in detail the horrific torture he endured. There were also lighter moments, such as his tales of retaliatory pranks on over-zealous upperclassmen while he was a freshman at Texas A&M. He then told about using some of the same techniques to outwit his captors in Vietnam. Unlike his experiences in Aggieland, however, the consequences for being caught were torture or possibly even death. Ray also told how the “tap code” prisoners used to communicate while in solitary confinement was crucial to their well-being.

Prisoners were kept in solitary confinement when space allowed, Ray said, but as the war lingered, the number of POWs grew. At one point, he lived with three other men “in a room that was smaller than a lot of walk-in closets.” He noted that there was a Southern Baptist, a Mormon, an Episcopalian and a Jew in the same cell, but their shared belief in Judeo-Christian principles helped them through their ordeal.

Ray also told the audience why he was willing to serve and endure unspeakable hardship. He quoted part of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Never before in history had a government derived its power from the consent of the governed, and this, he said, makes America worth defending.

“After the Bible,” he said, “the two most important documents in the history of the world are the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.

At the end of the presentation, Dr. Suann Hereford, executive director of the Heritage Museum, asked for a show of hands. How many attendees had worn POW bracelets with Ray’s name? At least 20 hands went up.

Then, she asked how many people had their bracelets with them. A handful of us raised our hands. Apparently, I was not the only person who was inspired by Ray’s heroism.

For more information about Ray’s wartime experiences, watch the American Warrior series on YouTube.

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Do You Know?

Vickie Croston

Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Tom Miller

Vickie Croston

Rose Will Monroe

When your mom was ‘Rosie the Riveter’, a strong work ethic should come as no surprise.

Vickie & daughter Sarah Richmond, visiting the Rosie memorial.

16 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

In many ways, Vickie Croston’s story began before she was born, with the experiences of the strong woman who would one day become her mother. Years into the future, her mom would inspire Vickie to become a pilot, a skydiver, a dental professional, and a home builder. She would pass her incredible work ethic to her daughter, teaching her to work hard and never give up.

Rosie the Riveter Rose Monroe was in her early 20s when an automobile accident claimed the life of her husband, leaving her with two young children. She needed to support her family, but there were few well-paying jobs near her home in south central Kentucky.

Furthermore, she had only an eighth-grade education. “She didn’t have the opportunity to go to school,” Vickie says. “She made a good, successful life through grit and hard work.” One day Rose saw a poor family at a bus station. The children’s shoes were so worn out, the tops and soles were held together with canning jar rings. “Mom said, ‘I will never let that happen. I will work three jobs, if I have to, to provide for my kids.’”

During the early part of America’s involvement in World War II, Rose heard there were good jobs available in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She soon got a job making B-24 bombers at the Willow Run Aircraft Factory. Rose worked as a riveter on an innovative assembly line that Henry Ford’s son Edsel designed to manufacture aircraft (after World War II,

it became an automobile factory). During the week, Rose lived in the Quonset hut barracks at the Willow Run Airport; her two children were in the care of a co-worker’s family.

a riveter and fits that song.’ She got a part in the film,” Vickie says. As the human face of Rosie the Riveter, Rose was in the limelight.

She didn’t seek publicity, Vickie says, but she was willing to tell her story.

One day, the well-known actor Walter Pidgeon came to the factory to make an advertising film for a war bond campaign. The film would later be shown between feature movies at theaters across America. The song “Rosie the Riveter” was popular, and the actor wanted to include someone from the factory to be in the film. “Mom’s foreman told Walter Pidgeon, ‘I have a lady named Rose who is

After seeing female pilots transport many B-24s from her factory, Rose wanted to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), but was disqualified for the dangerous job because she was a widow with children. After the war, she held a variety of jobs to support her children: she went to cosmetology school, drove a school bus, and drove a taxi.

She eventually remarried, and Vickie was born to the couple in 1954. Rose still wanted to learn to fly; although she was busy with the family’s construction business, she finally became a pilot in the early 1970s.

Vickie’s mom, Rose Will Monroe’s first solo flight.

Vickie was one of three passengers on an ill-fated flight in 1978 that her mother piloted. A child of a family friend was sitting in the front seat and pressed the button that controlled the flaps. It was like putting on the brakes while the plane was trying to accelerate, Vickie explains, and it caused the plane to

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stall and crash. Two of the passengers were unhurt, but Vickie sustained a broken nose and facial lacerations. The pilot, Rose, was seriously injured. Her vision in one eye was badly impaired, and she lost one kidney. The accident, however, did not deter Rose. She was no longer able to pilot an aircraft, but continued to fly as a passenger.

We can do it!

Meanwhile, Vickie was mapping out her own place in the world. She had always been fascinated with rocks, so she planned to become a geologist. Somewhere along the

way, however, she remembered the dental work she had done while she was in high school, and she changed her mind. “I am good at working with my hands, and I like science,” she says. “Dentistry is good for those two traits I was born with.” So, Vickie earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Louisville, gaining a good educational background for a career that has served her well, even now in semi-retirement. “I like helping people, and I approach things differently than a lot of hygienists,” she says. She encourages people to take better care of their teeth at

Vickie (circled) skydiving

home and tells patients, “the why behind the what.” Patients often ask her, “Why didn’t anyone tell me that?” she says.

One day, Vickie accompanied her thenhusband, a skydiver, to a parachute drop zone in Kentucky. “At the drop zone, I was watching all these people packing their parachutes and having so much fun,” she says. “Then they would do it again. I thought, ‘You know, if it was that scary, they wouldn’t be having that much fun.’” So, Vickie decided to go on a tandem jump with an experienced skydiver. “I was hooked,” she says. “I knew I would be doing this again.”

Vickie ultimately became a skydiving instructor and a professional skydiver, often performing at airshows. During the week, she was a dental hygienist; on the weekends, she was a skydiving performer, jumpmaster, and instructor. “I don’t ever remember taking a ‘sick’ day off to go skydiving,” she says, “but I wanted to!”

Vickie piloting her plane

After spending so much time jumping out of airplanes, it seemed natural to become a

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pilot, too; in 2002, Vickie earned her own pilot certificate. She was never interested in flying for the airlines, but considered becoming a corporate pilot. She finally decided to continue working as a dental hygienist and fly as a hobby. She and her husband Merwyn owned three different airplanes over 20 years, which they often flew to other states to visit family.

Although it was expensive to own the planes, Vickie says, there were many benefits. Instead of driving to her home state of Indiana in 16 hours, she could fly it in six. She didn’t have to go through security and didn’t have to take her shoes off; she could take her own food on the plane, as well as guns and dogs. They also could leave when they wanted to.

Although flying isn’t Vickie’s career, it is her passion. She belongs to many charitable aviation groups, such as Angel Flight, which provides medical patient transport; Challenge Air, which hosts special needs youth flying events; and Pilots N Paws, which flies animals to foster families. She is also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Women in Aviation International, and the Ninety-Nines— founded by 99 female pilots, including Amelia Earhart, in 1929. She also strives to improve air safety through her work with the Federal Aviation Administration as a FAASTeam volunteer safety representative.

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Vickie doesn’t like the heat and humidity here, but she does appreciate Texas’ commitment to flying. “Texas is a very pro-aviation state,” she says, “and Houston is huge. There are a lot of airports and a lot of flying!” Flying, Vickie knows, is inherently dangerous, but she chooses to persevere. “You live with the danger,” she says. “I am not going to live my life in fear. If that were the case, I would never leave the house.”

When Vickie says “house,” she really means her log home. After building a small log cabin, she and Merwyn had a larger log home built, but did much of the work themselves. Vickie has always felt at home around tools, as she and her siblings worked alongside their parents in the family construction business.

The family worked hard, but played hard when they were done, which is a lesson that Vickie learned well.

Although Vickie didn’t follow her mother’s career path step for step, she—like all American women—owes much gratitude to Rosie the Riveter. Vickie just knew the real Rosie better than most.

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. There are so many remembrances in February…I hope you don’t get confused and send your Sweetheart a groundhog on Valentine’s Day. And try not to get your kite string on National Kite-Flying Day confused with the pasta on National Fettuccini Alfredo Day! Now President’s Day (on the 19th) is an actual holiday, so mark that down somewhere. But try to avoid, at all costs, National Rare Disease Day. I’m not even going to tell you when it is. Send me your questions about any other ridiculousness by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

And Happy Whatever Applies to YOU!

DEAR GABBY My dear old husband is notorious for giving me the dumbest Valentine’s Day gifts ever. Some are worth a laugh to remember. Did you know there used to be little heart-shaped antacids with sweet inscriptions? Have you been given a memorable Valentine gift?

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DEAR VVCR Nothing says “I love you” like a bad Valentine.

Many years ago, Dud made the mistake of asking me what I wanted for Valentine’s Day. Rather, I made the mistake of giving him a serious answer. I waited with excited anticipation for the day I received the gift I requested. Did you know that, all these years later, you can buy a ‘dime-in’ ring? Back then, he went to the trouble of having his buddy solder a dime to a metal circle. It wasn’t so humorous back then (but, yes, it’s funny now).

He’s never been able to outdo that one! He still asks me what I want every year, and I have a standing answer--a weed whacker. I haven’t received one (yet).

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “MY ATTITUDE” So glad you asked. It’s simple. My personality is who I am. My attitude depends on who you are. So don’t blame me.

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

Thoughts on the Garden of Life…

2024 marks 39 years for me in the home, garden, and landscape industry…and it has been quite the ride. Highs, and lows, challenges and triumphs—remember, you never fail unless you quit! The tortoise will always win the race while the rabbit is busy “showboating”.

Spending almost four decades in the green industry, the opportunity arose to grow more than plants. We grow people, friends, and community. In that time, between myself and senior staff, we have “raised” over 200 college students and folks from all walks of life who came into our sphere. Some needed safe haven and to find a work family, others needed to learn and heal…and others, sadly, never rise to full potential and were with us a very short time. I do believe the blessing is multiplied when these young students, now in their late 30s and 40s (with families and

businesses of their own), stop by to “check in” and let us know how they are doing. New babies, new jobs, new spouses, challenges and encouragement are always exchanged.

It was not all holding hands and singing “Kumbaya”; to some, it was “do or die” boot camp, and they learned life skills, how to respect themselves and others, and how to work. Folks, not allowing your kids to work is the “worst” thing you could ever do.

We had numerous students who worked secretly, because their parents forbade it.

Crazy stuff--they learned how to change a tire; sweep; use a vacuum; rake; use a shovel; mop; clean a bathroom; build a fence; say yes ma’am and yes sir; how to shake hands and look you straight in the eye when talking; and a thousand other life skills they never attained to that point in their life. We sent girls home for wearing too revealing clothes,

and 95% of the time they returned and were dressed appropriately.

We gave them standards, and the bar was set high…if you want to be the best, start at the bottom, humble yourself, and learn.

My favorite response was, “I’m graduating college and will never have to do those things,” (which, unfortunately, we heard often). Our response was always, “If you cannot do the job of the lowest man/woman on the totem pole, then how will you know how long it takes, what tools are needed, and if it is done properly—all of which you need to know to be an effective, supervisor, owner, or manager?”

All of us are growing people. Your ministry will be different from my ministry, but in whatever you do-- be honest, kind, stand firm on the truth, be firm when needed, and enjoy your walk in the garden of life.

Late Winter is fruit tree and rose season in East Texas, and now is the best time to shop for hard-to-find and newer varieties that have limited availability.

New plantings will need to be irrigated a minimum of twice a week during the next few weeks and three times a week when temperatures stay in the high 70s. Fruit trees, as a rule, will require consistent watering throughout their lifetimes and especially during the first summer and production season.

The following is a listing of the least drought tolerant fruit to the most drought tolerant: Least tolerant (will die in 10 days with no water)– Peach, Apple, Plum, Apricot, Blueberry Medium tolerance to drought – Pecan (once established), Grapes, Blackberry, and Citrus Most drought hardy once established (tough as nails category) - Pomegranate, Fig, and Pear Happy Gardening! Kim

22 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

What’s Cookin’

Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients 2 cups broccoli 2 cups cauliflower 2 large eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup butter, melted 1 (15 oz) pkg seasoned croutons, crushed Directions Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Place broccoli and cauliflower in separate saucepans, cover with water, and bring to a boil; cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and arrange in an 11x7-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Beat eggs in a bowl until creamy; stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and onion and pour over vegetables.

Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Scatter crushed croutons evenly on top.

Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until browned and bubbling, about 40 minutes.

Funded in part by a grant from the City of Conroe.

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 23

Business Focus Story by Leah Lamp Photos by Tom Miller

Dragon’s Gemz

Just like its name, this new area clothing store is a little bit different— in a good way!

24 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

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

So, where did the unusual business name Dragon’s Gemz come from? From owners Rich and Terri Derragon, and it’s a play on their last name. Said Terri, “It came about from the trouble a lot of people have pronouncing our name. Instead of saying ‘DARE-uh-gone,’ they say “DUH-raggun.” We also just came up with the idea that every little thing in our store is a gem, so we went with ‘Dragon’s Gemz.’” As an afterthought, she notes some people come into the store thinking they actually sell gems…but it’s definitely a memorable name and a conversation starter!

workout and spa clothing, and we have lots of leggings. A recent shipment of cups (that were Lake Conroe cups) sold out quickly.

We try to keep the store reflecting and

The couple opened their storefront clothing location in July of last year. According to Terri, one of the things that led them to the idea of this kind of business is the need for year-round swimwear around the Lake Conroe area. “There was nothing… it’s basically ‘early in-early out’ with other clothing stores.”

Terri also notes a self-imposed distinction between their store and similar businesses.

“We don’t consider ourselves a ‘boutique.’

To us, that word includes a connotation of ‘upscale/high-dollar.’ This, to us, is affordable clothing—and that’s what we want. We want people to come in when they have a need and think, ‘I can afford this. These prices are good, so I’ll buy.’” Added Rich, “We have been to a lot of resort/vacation destinations where it seems like businesses take advantage of the customer with high prices, simply because they know the people are on vacation and buying to meet a related, immediate need.”

Along those same lines, being able to meet the needs of both local residents and vacationers is important to Terri. “We want you to be able to come in and find what you need. If you can’t, please ask, so we can either help you locate it, or so we can get with our vendors and stock those items. We want to be responsive to customer needs.”

In addition to the locally needed year-round swimwear, Dragon’s Gemz also carries general clothing (for men, women, and children), accessories, and gift items. “Right now, in the winter months, we have some really beautiful, lightweight down jackets that are popular. Sweaters are also ‘in’ currently. We have men’s Dry Weave pants and shirts, fishing shirts for men, shoes, hats, and more. We’re also the place for

»

representing Lake Conroe. We do heat transfers, including customized heat transfers, to help accomplish this. Rich also does laser etching, and he is looking forward to working on a new shipment of cups when they arrive, as well as using new equipment to add 3D printed items into their inventory.

Looking to the future, the Derragons hope to

see business take off and be able to expand offerings to include dress clothing as well as even more retail display space. “Who knows?” said Terri. “I like to sew. I have some thoughts of taking some of our clothing and doing some really cool embroidery. This year, the colors are peach and macha, which I think is a really cool combination. I’d like to do some new things adding interest and dressing things up a bit.”

While there’s always a standing invitation to stop by to shop and visit, customers are encouraged to check out the website as well.

The Dragon’s Gemz website has many more items than can be contained in the available storefront space. Rich and Terri track website purchases to help evaluate interests and gauge what items to stock. Sign up on the email list to be notified of periodic sales and special offerings.

Dragon’s Gemz 15917 Hwy 105w STE E (near April Sound) Conroe, TX 77356 (936) 333-5035

Terri comes from a retail background, having worked in management for grocery chains.

She’s “old school,” still supporting the idea that “the customer is always right,” and she also believes success is all about customer service. “We want you to feel important and appreciated. Whether it’s a free lollipop

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26 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

4 3 1 6 8 9 5 2 7 (please take one when you come in), or a 5 6 keychain, 2 want 4 9 we 7 8 3 a free1keepsake to find way8to say, 6coming 2 ‘Thanks 3 1 for 7 9in; thanks 5 4 for buying from us; we appreciate you.”

7 4 9 3 5 8 2 1 6 Meanwhile, Rich has a background in 2 1 8 9 4 6 3 7 5 transportation, having worked as a truck driver. him 1in conversation, 3 7Engage 5 6 9 2and 4 8 you’ll find out he’s done a bit of everything 9 6 5 2 7 3 8 4 1 and has experience in many fields. He did much of the required construction for their store location himself.

Sudoku #3

The couple has been married for 12 years, 6 8 4 5 2 3 9 1 7 and living in a lake community in Montgomery 9 last 7 three 2 years.

3 small6 4 They 1 love 5 the 8 for the town feel, having relocated from Houston, but 5 1 3 8 9 7 4 6 2 are a little nervous that the area is growing 4 Terri 6 of8 Dragon’s 1 7 Gemz, 9 too 3 fast! 2Says5 owner “The7 people here1 are treasures.

6 8 5 people 3 9 2 The 4 are awesome!”

1 4 9 7 5 2 6 8 3 Come by for a visit. Check out the items in 2 5 6 3 8 4 7 9 1 stock, let Rich and Terri know what you’re looking have8(yet), 3 they 2 or5talk 4 for 7 might 9 1not 6 about ways to customize some items so “you 8 9 1 2 7 5 3 4 6 can do you.” You can also check them out on the web at DragonsGemz.com, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Sudoku #5 YouTube.

7 1 4 5 2 3 9 8 6

9 2 3 4 6 8 5 7 1

Puzzle Solutions 5 8 6 7 9 1 4 2 4 9 7 3 5 CONUNDRUM

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1 6 6 in2the 9 3 5 SOLUTION: 8 1 7 24 4 SIMPLE white line graphic 1 6 2 9 8 4 7 3 5 2 1 7 26 4 the9 8 3 5 SOLUTION: 6 in PEDANTIC graphic and text below 2 4 1 6 3 9 8 5 7 SUPER 6 7 PEDANTIC 9 8 4 SOLUTION: 5 3 1 33 2 2

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Sudoku #6 7 1 4 6 3 5 2 8 9 6 3 7 2 9 1 5 4 • aquatic 8therapy 5 2 9 1 4 8 7 3 6 1 9 8 2 6 3 5 4 7 • pediatrics 6 5 7 4 8 1 9 2 3 4 3 2 9 5 7 6 1 8 • pelvic floor therapy 9 4 1 8 7 2 3 6 5 • hands-on 3 7 6 5 1 4 8 9 2 • dry needling mobilizations 2 8 5 3 9 6 4 7 1 Sudoku #8 1 6 9 7 4 3 2 7 4 5 8 9 5 8 3 1 6 2 4 9 6 3 1 7 7 5 8 9 2 6 3 2 1 4 5 8 Huntsville • 936.294.0283 9 1 7 6 3 4 6 4Lane2 8 9 5 • 127 Medical Park 3 245 5 2 7 1 • 227 Hwy 75 N8• Suite

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 27

Medical Matters

By Dr. Ali Masud

What is TAVR? Questions Answered About the TAVR Heart Procedure If you have aortic valve stenosis or your doctor has mentioned the TAVR procedure, you likely have some questions. Starting with: What’s that?

TAVR stands for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The transcatheter part of TAVR means that the aortic valve is fixed via a percutaneous approach that starts with needle punctures and tiny tools that fit inside a catheter — rather than by opening the chest and being placed on a heart-lung machine.

“Once the aortic valve narrows to the point of not fully opening, we need to replace it,” says Dr. Ali Masud, Cardiologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. “And TAVR is the less invasive option with a dramatically shorter recovery time.”

The other is through open heart surgery, a

procedure called SAVR (surgical aortic valve replacement). It’s a big operation, which, until recently, was the only aortic stenosis treatment option available to most people who require aortic valve replacement. Even just 10 years ago, most aortic valves were repaired surgically.

“TAVR is now widely used throughout the U.S. and the world. In fact, TAVR is now used more frequently than SAVR,” says Dr. Masud.

The TAVR procedure is far less invasive less invasive than SAVR, making it a safer option. It also shortens the length of hospital stay and overall recovery time and is a way to take care of patients for whom the risk of undergoing open surgery is too great.

Who qualifies for the TAVR procedure?

When TAVR was introduced some 20 years

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28 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2024

“The procedure has advanced to the point that it’s no longer restricted to just high-risk patients,” explains Dr. Masud.

To be eligible for TAVR, an extensive assessment is needed.

“We assess each patient using various tests — echocardiograms, CT scans, cardiac catheterization,” Dr. Masud lists. “The results are reviewed by our multidisciplinary team of experts that includes radiologists, cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons during a joint conference, and we have to agree the procedure is the right choice for you.”

What should you expect during a TAVR procedure?

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ago, it was designed for highrisk patients who couldn’t undergo complicated surgery.

Now, TAVR is available to almost anyone who requires aortic valve replacement.

TAVR is performed in an operating room, under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. A few punctures are made in the groin, arm, or neck to reach the blood vessels and heart to position the catheters and other equipment to successfully perform TAVR. The procedure is concluded using percutaneous closure devices, making it entirely minimally invasive.

Patients recover in the ICU overnight and go home the next day and are typically back to their normal selves after 10-14 days. Driving is restricted for a week, while strenuous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for two weeks.

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 31

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 33

Mustard Seed Moments

by Wes Altom

Have You Ever Been to Egypt?

Perhaps a better question is: Are You There Now?

don’t even understand.

The Israelites spent over 400 years in Egyptian captivity, culminated by a rescue which included ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea as they fled. More than one author has noted that, in spite of these miracles involved, it was probably much easier for God to get the Israelites out of Egypt than it was for Him to get Egypt out of the Israelites.

We need to embrace the assurance from Genesis 1; also, we should each find time to be still and reflect…so we can remember who (and whose) we are. One ticket out of Egypt, please.

Four centuries of being treated like and told their only value as a slave was in how many bricks they could produce certainly took a toll on their self-image. God sought to repair this partly through Sabbath, which reminded them to rest periodically and remember who they are, and through handing down the creation story found in the first chapter of Genesis, which tells and reminds that mankind is the crowning jewel of His GOOD creation.

God saw all that He had made and it was VERY GOOD, and there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (from Genesis 1, immediately after the creation of mankind)

Many of us may be seemingly trapped in an Egyptian-like culture today—one all wound up in production. It’s all wound up in whether or not I’m skinny enough, I’m smart enough, I have enough possessions, I can impress the right people, I’ve got the right degree, I’ve made it in the right career. We’re slaves to a system of brick-making that we

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Legal Corner: WHAT IS ESTATE PLANNING By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

The following is for informational purposes. It should not be construed as legal advice.

A

n estate plan is a way to provide order and flexibility for persons while they are living as well to preserve the maximum amount of wealth possible for intended beneficiaries after death.

Many people believe they do not need estate planning because they are not wealthy enough or they are too young to need it. Both of these statements are categorically untrue--even small and medium size estates need a plan without regard to the age of the person.

DOCUMENTS THAT MAY TYPICALLY BE INCLUDED IN AN ESTATE PLAN include Last Will and Testament, Trust (living or testamentary), Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Directive to Physicians (also called a living will) and Designation of Guardian for minor children.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. The purpose of the last will and testament is to instruct others how to distribute your property (both real and personal) after your death. Even modest estates need a will if your property is to pass in accordance with your wishes instead of as dictated by the state of Texas.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A TRUST? The general purpose of any trust is to manage and preserve property (typically money, but it could be land or other types of property) for the benefit of one or more persons. A trust should be set up for a special purpose that meets your specific needs or needs of your beneficiaries. This can be accomplished through the person or other entity that you select.

MUST I CHOOSE BETWEEN A WILL AND TRUST? No, most wills prepared

by this firm have trust provisions in them.

Even the simplest will can include a trust for the care and maintenance of loved ones.

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY Allows a person that you designate to assist you in making business decisions for you during your lifetime, to the extent that you wish and authorize.

DIRECTIVES TO PHYSICIANS Sometimes called “living wills” are not testamentary documents. They relate to your wishes regarding prolonging your life when death is imminent. They are statutory in nature.

MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY Allows a person of your choosing to make medical decisions for you, if you are not able to do so.

GUARDIANSHIP PREFERENCES. Through your will or by separate document, you may express preferences of persons to take care of your minor children. This guardianship may be a guardianship of the person or guardianship of the minor’s estate or both. Other facts to be considered are as follows: • If the ward is 12 years old, the judge may consider his/her preferences for Guardian. If one parent dies, the surviving parent is entitled to be the appointed guardian. A prima facie argument for this being in the best interest of the child.

• If the will designates a Guardian, the court gives preference to those persons over those otherwise entitled to serve as the Guardian.

IF NO PREFERENCE FOR GUARDIAN IS EXPRESSED, and if there is no surviving

parent, then the following persons, in the order named, may be appointed: 1. The nearest ascendant; 2. If more than one ascendant of equal degree, then the one that the court believes will best serve the interests of the child will be appointed.

3. If no ascendant, then the nearest relative. If more than one relative of equal degree (ie, aunts, uncles), then the best interest of the child will rule.

4. If no relative is eligible to be Guardian, then the court shall appoint a qualified person.

The point is that it is very important to you to designate a Guardian instead of just making an assumption that your children will be cared for by the person that you wish.

No matter the value of your estate or your age, you would best be served by speaking with an attorney of your choice concerning not only your testamentary wishes, but also what you wish during your lifetime.

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