Dripping Springs
POSTAL PATRON
100% Occupied with NNN Tenants Perfect for Owner/User or Investment For Sale - $2,500,000 Scott Daves REALTOR® 512.415.2265 scott@stanberry.com
301 W Mercer Street
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
6,000sqft of Retail Space
Located in Historic District of Dripping Springs
For Lease in Big Sky Ranch
874 Lone Peak Way
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
3 BR / 2.5 BA / 2 living areas in an ideal location near HEB, Mercer St, shopping, and schools. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator included.
2,325 sqft | $2,499/month
205 S Flat Rock Way Blanco County
The ultimate work from home or multigenerational home on 6.5 acres in beautiful Legacy Hills! 3 bdrm, 3.5 bath 1 story main home + a 1 story, 1.5 bath guest house/casita with living quarters + game & weight rooms. Big deck overlooking pool, hot tub, pickle ball/basketball court & a fabulous panoramic view! Low tax rate 1.3475. Offered at $2,399,000.
CORRIDOR TITLE
791 Cattle Trail Drive
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
6.76 Acre Residential tract located near Austin, in the heart of the Hill Country. Features rolling hills, a wet weather creek, and breathtaking views. Located at the end of a gated community offering privacy and multiple build sites for your dream home!
For Sale - $1,495,000
brooke@stanberry.com
For Lease in Dripping Springs
301 Goodnight Trl
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
A serene retreat in the heart of Dripping Springs with 1 BR/1 BA set on a private, picturesque acre of land. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator included.
750 sqft | $2,250/month
2790 W Hwy 290
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
3.2 Acres
CS – Commercial Zoning
All Brick House + Outbuilding for Office & Workshop/Storage
Well & Septic-Public Water Available 221-foot Frontage on Busy Highway 290
The professionalism and local market knowledge you deserve, from a company committed to the long-term success of our region. Locally owned and operated. Denise Schroeder VP Development, Dripping Springs denise.schroeder@corridortitle.com
(512) 894-0187 C: (512) 632-4243
Editor Publisher
Cyle Elizabeth Johnson
Creative Director Nico Johnson
Cover
Marine Barian for Sloan Hollace
Hill Country Interiors
MarineBarianPhoto.com
Contact us Info@DSOutlook.com
512 375 5590
The Dripping Springs Outlook, a subsidiary of Valentino Publications, is mailed monthly to all street addresses serviced by the Dripping Springs Post Office in 78620.
Entire contents copyright ©2024. Reproduction of any of this publication requires written permission of publisher. We are not responsible for the products and services advertised or the views contained in this publication.
I've always adored the month of February. The colder weather, the overcast skies, the pinks and reds, the constant reminder of love. Love is an interesting subject, isn't it? It seems like there would be so many different ways to love but really there's only one way. Unconditionally. With abandon. Without expectation. We've heard that love is patient, love is kind, love lasts forever. We have heard that love is the answer to any problem we encounter.
No matter the situation, have you ever found that love cannot solve the problem? Be it personal, professional, social – love is the answer. Love reminds us to be more gentle, more kind, more patient. Love can expand our perspective. Love doesn't mean resignation, it doesn't have to mean being overly emotive, it can simply mean relating on a more human level and understanding that we're all connected and all feel the same basic emotions.
Love is really the best demonstration of humankind and the human capacity to connect with one another. Love can come in so many forms but at its core it does contain the same basic components. Love is indeed patient, love is kind, love is forgiving, love does not insist on its own way. When we lead with love, what do we find? Love helps us get out of our own way. Love helps us to be more present in the moment.
However, you choose to show love this month. I hope it's returned to you tenfold. Wishing you a happy and cozy February.
EDITOR
Cyle ElizabethJohnson
Unlocking the Benefits of NAD: The Key to Energy, Vitality,
and Anti-Aging
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body, playing a critical role in energy production, cellular repair, and overall health. As we age, NAD levels naturally decline, leading to fatigue, slower cellular repair, and signs of aging, including age related disease. Supplementing with NAD is a powerful way to combat these effects, rejuvenating the body from within.
Why NAD Matters
NAD is essential for metabolic processes, converting nutrients into cellular energy (ATP). It also activates sirtuins, proteins that regulate cellular health, DNA repair, and inflammation. These functions are vital for maintaining youthful cells and reducing the impact of age-related decline. However, NAD levels drop significantly with age, contributing to conditions such as fatigue, brain fog, and weakened immunity.
The Case for IV NAD Therapy
While NAD can be supplemented orally or through intramuscular (IM) injections, IV therapy is the most effective method of administration.
Oral Supplements: NAD taken orally must pass through the digestive system, where much of it is broken down before reaching the bloodstream. This reduces its bioavailability, meaning only a small fraction of the coenzyme is absorbed and available for use by the body.
IM Injections: While IM injections bypass the digestive system and offer better absorption than oral supplements, they deliver NAD into muscle tissue, where it is absorbed more slowly and less consistently. This gradual release makes IM injections less effective than IV therapy in providing immediate and sustained benefits.
IV Administration: IV therapy delivers NAD directly into the bloodstream, ensuring rapid, maximum absorption at the cellular level. This method allows for immediate availability, making it the most efficient way to restore NAD levels and achieve noticeable results quickly.
by Breca Tracy, PhD
NAD and Anti-Aging
NAD supplementation is a cornerstone of anti-aging therapy. It supports mitochondrial function – the energy powerhouse of cells – resulting in increased vitality and endurance. Additionally, NAD helps repair damaged DNA, reducing cellular aging and promoting longevity. Improved brain function, enhanced mood, and better sleep are also reported benefits.
Energy, Recovery, and Beyond
NAD IV therapy is not just for anti-aging; it aids recovery from stress, toxins, and chronic fatigue. Athletes and busy professionals often turn to NAD for its ability to boost performance and energy levels.
Investing in NAD supplementation, especially via IV therapy, is a proactive step toward maintaining energy, resilience, and youthful vitality as you age.
We have a very unique team of experts. Come see us, call, or email us! Dr. Breca Tracy currently serves as Director of Science & Operations at REGENERATE Dripping Springs. Breca has resided in Dripping since 2007 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Contact us at 512-368-4548, 800 Hwy 290 W, Building F, Suite 200. NaturalHealingTX.com.
by Christina Cruz
New Year, Better You: Unlock Your Potential with Cannabis
This New Year, many of us pledged to step into 2025 with renewed purpose and better habits. Whether it's hitting the gym, cutting back on indulgences, or prioritizing mental health, the “New Year, New Me” mindset feels invigorating. But let’s face it—turning those resolutions into habits often requires more than willpower alone. What if your secret weapon to staying on track was cannabis?
For those who embraced Dry January—a popular commitment to taking a break from alcohol—the journey can be particularly challenging. The psychological difficulty of breaking a habit or creating a new one stems from the brain’s reliance on familiar rewards. When you remove alcohol, your brain may crave the same sense of relaxation or social ease. Enter cannabis. THC tonics or CBD seltzers can provide a comparable buzz without the hangover or empty calories. These alternatives can help you unwind, feel sociable, and stick to your no-alcohol goal without sacrificing that sense of relief at the end of a hard day.
Cannabis can be a game-changer for productivity, too. A carefully chosen strain of flower can elevate focus and motivation, transforming dreaded workouts or daunting projects into enjoyable, even inspiring activities. When paired with a workout routine, cannabis can help you enter the zone, making it easier to push through physical barriers and stay consistent with your fitness goals.
And after you’ve crushed your workout? That’s where CBD steps in. Its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate muscle soreness and aid recovery, so you’re ready to do it all over again the next day. It’s like having a personal cheerleader for your body, ensuring you stick to your resolutions and feel good doing it.
This year, don’t go it alone. Let cannabis be the supportive sidekick that helps you feel better, perform better, and stay committed to becoming the best version of yourself. Stop by our shop and chat with us about finding the perfect fit to help you crush your goals—we’re here to help you make 2025 your best year yet!
Christina is the Community Relations and Marketing Specialist at Haus of Jayne, boutique hemp dispensary. Native Austinite and nature enthusiast, Christina is passionate about holistic wellness and educating the community about the benefits of cannabis. She spends time reading about the world around us and learning everything she can about history, the arts, and sciences. Follow Haus of Jayne on social media: hausofjayne_official on Instagram and Facebook.com/HausofJayne. Visit Haus of Jayne at 766 Old Fitzhugh Road. They can be reached at 512 648 7420.
08 Dripping Springs Outlook
Falling in love is like opening a bank account. At first you make large emotional deposits in the relationship by spending a significant amount of time together and learning about each other by asking questions. You think of ways to please your beloved with romantic cards, dinners, massages, and phone calls just to say you’re thinking of them. But as the newness wears off, and the relationship progresses from a courtship to a working relationship, many of those earlier behaviors may diminish, and often dissatisfaction in the relationship begins to shadow the couple. Your emotional bank account, at times, may slip into the red.
Williard F. Harley, Ph.D., is a psychologist and author who has worked in the field of couple’s counseling. He has developed what he believes are the four rules for a successful marriage: The Rule of Care, The Rule of Protection, The Rule of Honesty, and The Rule of Time.
The Rule of Care states that you and your spouse fell in love because you both met some of each other’s emotional needs. The only way to stay in love is to keep meeting those needs. Dr. Harley said that even the most neglected relationships can improve dramatically when each person learns their spouse’s values, and the order of importance that their partner places on their values. Then each person can begin to put effort into what truly pleases the other one, thus making deposits into the emotional bank account.
With the Rule of Protection, you learn to avoid becoming the cause of your spouse’s unhappiness. All the gain you’ve created in your relationship can become a wash if you revert to old behaviors that disappoint your spouse. Pay attention to how your everyday behavior may be distressful to your spouse, and honor the other person’s feelings. Discounting their dislikes of your behavior depletes the emotional bank account and increases feelings of alienation and distrust. Promise to avoid being the cause of each other’s unhappiness and do whatever it takes to overcome those destructive tendencies to protect your spouse. Almost everything you do affects the other one, and you have a choice to increase or decrease the odds of happiness by your actions.
by Leslie Tourish, LPC
The Rule of Honesty is about as personal as it gets: you promise to be honest about your feelings, your personal history, your current activities and experiences, and your future plans. All with complete honesty. Now many therapists and clergy argue that this may do damage to a relationship, especially if it involves a past extramarital affair that may cause your spouse to suffer if they were to find out. Dr. Harley writes, “Self-imposed honesty with your spouse is essential to your marriage’s safety and success. Honesty will not only bring you closer to each other emotionally, it will also prevent the creation of destructive habits that are kept secret from your partner.”
The fourth and final rule is The Rule of Time. This rule is what allows the previous three rules to exist. Without time you will not be able to meet each other’s emotional needs. Time is also an essential element of being honest with each other. It is that ability to give each other your undivided attention that is the essence and lifeblood of a healthy relationship. With time, there are no shortcuts. Dr. Harley writes, “I suggest that you spend time away from children and friends whenever you give each other your undivided attention; use the time to meet the emotional needs of affection, conversation, recreational companionship, and sexual fulfillment; and schedule at least fifteen hours together each week. When you were dating, you gave each other this kind of attention and you fell in love.”
Leslie Tourish, LPC, is a Dripping Springs psychotherapist in private practice. To contact Leslie, visit LeslieTourish.com orLATourish.com
SLOAN HOLLACE HILL COUNTRY INTERIORS
photography by Marine Barian
Welcome to Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors! Victoria Payne and Allann Arnold are co-founders with a shared passion for designing homes that are as personal as they are timeless. Whether it’s a full remodel, a new build, or carefully curated interiors, their passion is crafting homes that blend functionality, elegance, and your unique story. Their work plays a vital role in enhancing the beauty and comfort of Hill Country living, creating spaces that become the backdrop for cherished memories and meaningful moments.
“At Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors, we believe your home should be a true reflection of your life—beautiful, functional, and filled with character. As co-founders deeply connected to the Texas Hill Country, we draw endless inspiration from the natural beauty around us. From rugged limestone to native greenery and open skies, these organic elements influence our design process, helping us craft spaces that are both timeless and deeply personal.”
– Allann and Victoria
What sets Sloan Hollace apart is their transparent, clientfocused approach. The team prioritizes open communication, clear deliverables, and thoughtful guidance at every stage of the process. Whether clients prefer to be hands-on or trust the team with the details, Sloan Hollace’s goal is to make the journey seamless, ensuring the final design feels intentional, cohesive, and uniquely tailored.
Victoria and Allann excel in distinct areas that keep their projects running seamlessly. Allann brings creative flow and maps out the design direction for every project, while Victoria is the organizational queen, keeping everything on schedule and heading up the procurement department. This dynamic partnership fuels their creativity and ensures that each project benefits from a blend of technical expertise and artistic flair. With a portfolio spanning over 160 projects in the greater Austin area, their work stands as a testament to their commitment to quality, character, and timeless design.
Their designs are rooted in character and craftsmanship, balancing natural textures with refined details to create homes that feel as welcoming as they are functional. From architectural finishes and heirloomquality accents to layered textures and meaningful pieces, every element is designed to stand the test of time, telling a story that reflects the warmth, elegance, and ease of Hill Country living.
Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors’ design process is as thoughtful and intentional as the spaces they create. It begins with understanding each client— their lifestyle, preferences, and vision for their home. From there, they guide clients through every step, from the initial consultation and concept development to selecting finishes, furnishings, and decor. Their goal is to make the experience enjoyable and stress-free, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. They also collaborate closely with trusted contractors and artisans to bring their vision to life, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship at every stage.
Investing in a home is one of the most rewarding decisions a family can make, and Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors ensures that investment is made wisely. A thoughtfully designed home not only enhances daily life but also increases property value and creates a haven for families to enjoy for years to come. From adding architectural details that transform a room to curating furnishings that reflect a homeowner’s personality, the team’s thoughtful approach results in homes that stand the test of time, bringing lasting beauty and joy.
More than designers, Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors are storytellers. Each project is seen as an opportunity to weave personal narratives into the fabric of a home. By incorporating family heirlooms, sourcing oneof-a-kind pieces, and designing custom features, they create spaces that feel authentic and meaningful. Their work extends beyond aesthetics, crafting homes filled with memories, meaning, and a profound sense of place.
As proud locals, Victoria and Allann take pride in bringing beauty and functionality to Hill Country homes. Whether clients are dreaming of a full remodel, embarking on a new build, or simply looking to elevate their interiors, Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors is dedicated to creating spaces where memories are made and stories unfold. Their work celebrates the best of Hill Country living, transforming houses into sanctuaries that reflect the unique stories of those who call them home.
info@SloanHollace.com
by George Altgelt
The Lucky Rain Gauge
Greetings, fellow gardeners, farmers, ranchers, and preparers of artisan foods! Looks like our "Lucky Rain Gauges" are starting to work.
I've got plenty more to give away to all who are interested in calling for rain. Remember it's your intention to call for just right rain. That makes it work. If it's too much rain or it turns to ice, just reach over to the holder and turn the collection tube upside down and the precipitation stops.
It's not the gauge, it's your intention.
The Lucky Rain Gauge simply keeps you focused. With that said, we can now reasonably expect to see an end to the drought in Texas that started in 2011.
Come on over to GeoGrowers and pick up your Lucky Rain Gauge. Our address is 2110 US Hwy 290 West in Dripping Springs. We've got plenty of organic supplies and organically grown vegetable starts on hand, which will save you six weeks of growing time. We have organic fertilizers as well.
Our knowledgeable staff can almost always answer every question. If they can't, they'll tell you and they'll go find the correct answer.
We are passionate about growing! Whether it's your lawn, your landscape, trees, or your garden we can supply you.
All for now! Happy gardening!
George Altgelt is the owner of Geo Growers, located on 290 and Bell Springs Road. Geo Growers has been in business since 1995 and sells bulk material as well as bagged gardening products and plants. George believes we need to be producing more of our own food and each one of us can contribute. His goal is to make that easy and effective.
Crate Training Your Dog
Crate training is an essential component of teaching your dog how to adjust to different and sometimes difficult situations.
Think of crib training your baby – they might cry for the first few times they’re left alone, but it’s important to get them able to sleep on their own so that they can become less dependent on you. This is the same with your puppy. Puppies can become over attached and forget their basic obedience training if they are never given proper boundaries. Not only that, puppies can rapidly develop separation anxiety if they are constantly carried around and consistently left to depend on your presence every moment. This means that when you leave the house, your dog will cry, howl, tear up the house, or find other means of mischief! Crate training can prevent this. Crate training your dog young is a good way to keep them out of trouble day and night while they’re still in the early stages of training (including potty training). It can create a less stressful situation when they need to go in a kennel for travel, a visit to the vet, or stay at a boarding facility overnight while you’re on a trip. There are many situations in which familiarity with a crate is essential; some of which you might not even think about off the top of your head!
Luckily, crate training is easy to begin. Like most training exercises it starts slowly and with a lot of treats! With the crate door open, start by throwing some of your dog’s favorite treats into the crate and allow them to enter and exit on their own accord. Some cheers of encouragement always make the situation more exciting and fun for your pup. Over time, start with small stints of time in the crate, always giving them something to entertain themselves with. When it’s meal time, feed them their meal in their kennel. When it’s time to go on a grocery run, fill up a kong toy or other puzzle with peanut butter or anything that will take them a while to work at until you get home. Overtime, the crate will become less scary to your pup and instead will be something they understand is temporary. The overall goal is to get them accustomed to spending small amounts of time in the kennel without fuss or fear and allow you to go about your day without worrying about your dog or your house.
by Diana Ozimek
Diana is the owner & lead trainer at Good Dog in the Making. She is excited to bring her puppy training expertise to her new community & help families raise confident, well-mannered dogs.
Crate training is something to think about incorporating into your own household. Think about the dog you have and how they and you could benefit.
Which water filter is right for you?
If you ever consider buying a filter for drinking water, it will quickly become apparent that there is a wide range of pricing and technologies to choose from. It can be difficult to determine which type of filter is appropriate for your water supply. Learning about different levels of filtration that are available can help you make an informed choice.
Often referred to as taste and odor filtration, the most common type of water filter is activated carbon. Its primary use is to remove chlorine from the water, which can certainly improve taste and odor. Filters that utilize carbon include refrigerator filters, faucet attachments, and filtration pitchers. It is important to note that some of these filters don’t appear to live up to the claims made by their manufacturers. Independent testing results that show this are readily available online. There are types of carbon which can remove lead and other heavy metals, but the majority of store bought filters will have little effect on these and other contaminants. While a carbon filter alone may not give you the quality of water you would like, they are often used as part of a larger filtration system.
One example of this is reverse osmosis, often referred to as RO, which is a more comprehensive method of
by Randy Lawrence
filtering drinking water, accomplishing a much greater level of filtration than a simple inline or pitcher filter. An RO unit commonly consists of two or three stages of pre-filtration, often including sediment and carbon filters, before forcing the water through a semi-permeable membrane which removes fluoride, lead, and other heavy metals. This membrane will reduce the dissolved solids content of your water by 90-95%, producing high quality drinking water which is stored in a small pressure tank under the sink. The water is forced through a final polishing filter before being dispensed through a separate drinking water faucet installed at your sink. A licensed Water Treatment Specialist can explain the quality concerns that may be specific to your home’s water supply and help you to determine which type of system best fits your needs.
Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 25 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over a decade.
HOUSING MARKET UPDATE
By Cody Johnson
Since the recent election, the housing market has seen a noticeable uptick in activity, signaling renewed optimism among buyers and sellers. Interest rates are holding steady just below 7%, offering some stability in a volatile environment. With the job market remaining strong, many potential buyers are feeling confident enough to enter the market despite higher home prices. However, shelter inflation continues to put upward pressure on housing costs, leading the Federal Reserve to reevaluate its 2025 rate cut plans. As a result, rate reductions may be less aggressive than previously anticipated, which could keep borrowing costs elevated for the foreseeable future.
One of the biggest challenges facing today’s market is the large number of homeowners who are “locked in” with historically low mortgage rates. Many buyers who purchased homes during the early days of COVID still have substantial equity but are hesitant to sell, given the higher rates on new mortgages. This has led to limited inventory in certain areas, including Dripping Springs, where demand remains strong.
In Dripping Springs, the resale market is now competing with an influx of new construction. Builders are offering competitive mortgage rates and modern amenities, which can be appealing to buyers looking for newly built homes. However, there are strategies sellers can use to compete. Offering incentives such as seller-paid points to help buyers lower their interest rate, or providing flexible closing terms, can make a resale home more attractive despite the new construction boom.
The market remains somewhat neutral, with buyers and sellers able to negotiate fair terms. For sellers, the window to capitalize on demand may be sooner than expected, as we anticipate a wave of resale inventory to hit the market in March. Listing your home before this surge could provide a competitive edge, especially as the spring and summer months typically see an increase in buyer activity. With careful planning and strategy, sellers can still achieve favorable outcomes in today’s dynamic market.
Podcasts Changed the World in 2024
Four years ago, podcasts were just starting to make waves in the media world. Fast forward to today, and they’ve spread faster than wildfire in a dry forest. What sparked this explosive growth in a medium that’s reshaped entertainment and news media?
Over the past decade, traditional news outlets shifted their focus. Instead of reporting events as they unfolded, they became fixated on telling people how to think and feel about those events. The golden era of trustworthy journalism, exemplified by Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow, faded into a sea of inept talking heads. These pundits seemed to be hired less for their insight and more for their ability to spout nonsense without a shred of self-awareness.
Audiences caught on. They realized they were being treated like pawns on a media chessboard. Enter podcasts: a platform where real people started recording real conversations. Complex world issues were dissected and debated with a refreshing depth and authenticity. Suddenly, unknown voices made more sense than the pompous, self-absorbed pundits dominating TV and radio. Why endure condescension when you could listen to genuine, thought-provoking discussions?
In just a few short years, the number of podcasts in the U.S. has skyrocketed to nearly 3 million. There’s a podcast for everything — from underwater basket weaving to the art of sushi. The running joke in podcasting circles? Of course, there’s a podcast for that. Everyone has one!
The true strength of podcasts lies in their niche appeal. Broad topics like cars might not pull in huge audiences, but dive into specific brands or trends, and you’ll find listeners hungry for that expertise. Podcasts give experts a platform to share their unfiltered opinions and deep knowledge, satisfying listeners’ craving for genuine insight.
Closer to home, the Mallett and Michelle Podcast has become a local favorite in Dripping Springs. The show’s charm lies in its light-hearted, fun approach, and the weekly guests always bring surprising stories and adventures. By embracing the raw and unfiltered nature of podcasting, Mallett and Michelle have created a space where everyday citizens can share their unique journeys.
Podcasts aren’t going anywhere. In 2024, the media landscape underwent a seismic shift as people abandoned traditional outlets in droves, seeking unedited, authentic opinions and facts. If you’ve yet to dive into the podcasting world, make 2025 your year. Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, search for what excites you, and prepare to expand your mind. You’ll discover fascinating stories and insights — all without the manipulative spin of legacy media.
by Steve Mallet
Steve has been selling real estate since 2003. His team can help with all of your real estate needs. Residential, commercial, farm and ranch. Co-Host of the Mallett and Michelle on Dripping Springs Podcast.
Hummus & Pita Bread
Hummus and pita bread are staple Mediterranean foods. Dating back to 13th century cookbooks and even mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Ruth.
Ingredients:
Makes 8 Pita
1 cup lukewarm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 cups all purpose flour or mix of AP and whole wheat
Kosher salt
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
STEP 1 Make the sponge.
Pour 1 cup lukewarm water in large bowl with yeast and sugar. Stir gently until dissolved. Add ½ cup flour and whisk together. Place bowl in warm place uncovered. Wait about 15 minutes or until it is frothy and bubbling a bit. If you don’t get bubbles, your yeast is dead. Start over with fresh yeast.
STEP 2 Form the dough.
Add salt, olive oil, and most of remaining flour – save ½ cup for dusting later. Stir until you have a shaggy mass. Gluten has not developed and dough is sticky, not yet smooth. Dust with little flour and knead in bowl for about 1 minute gathering in stray bits.
STEP 3 Knead the dough.
Dust a work surface with a little more flour. Knead for about 2 minutes. Dough will be soft and a little sticky. You can dust it with a little flour but not much.
STEP 4 Wipe out the bowl and coat inside with olive oil. Put dough back in and turn over a few times to coat in oil. Cover tightly and put in a warm place and leave for at least an hour to rise to double size.
STEP 5 Divide the dough. Deflate the ball of dough and return to work surface. Divide the dough into 8 parts and shape balls. Cover them with towel to rest for about 10 minutes.
STEP 6 Shape pitas. Roll each ball of dough into ¼” thick 8 or 9 “ circles. Lift and turn each ball as you roll to help with sticking. A tiny bit of flour helps too. If the shape tries to spring back, return to rest a few more minutes while you carry on.
STEP 7 Cook them! You can bake in oven on heavy baking sheet or cast iron skillet at 475 F. Preheat pan or skillet before cooking. Bake 2 minutes on first side, turn with tongs and cook 1 minute on other. The pita will puff nicely but will go flat as they cool. My preferred method is on the stovetop. Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-high.
Drizzle a very small amount of olive oil on and wipe off the excess. Bake for 30 seconds or until bubbles form. Flip and cook other side for 2 minutes. Pita may not always puff. Try pressing it gently with towel. Keep finished breads under a towel as you bake.
Recipe for pita bread brought to you courtesy of Personal Chef Jan Carlson. Carlson.Jan@gmail.com 512 227 6277
Ingredients for Hummus :
One can garbanzo beans (drained)
1/4-1/2 cup tahini paste
1-4 cloves garlic (oven roasted until golden at 350 degrees; you can also use fresh garlic )
1-2 lemons
Salt & pepper
Paprika (if desired for a little kick)
Water
Instructions:
Place all ingredients into blender and puree until smooth, adding water gradually to achieve desired consistency. As a rule of thumb, only add enough to aid in puree. Start with a 1/4 cup of tahini and add more as desired. Add lemon juice, roasted garlic, and seasonings to taste.
22
CASA of Central Texas: Advocating for Children in Need
At CASA of Central Texas, we believe every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. Since 1985, our mission has been to provide high-quality advocacy for children and youth in the child welfare system across Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, and Hays counties
Our dedicated volunteers, known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), are the heart of our organization. These trained community members are appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASAs work tirelessly to ensure that each child's voice is heard in court and that their needs are met. They gather information from various sources, including family members, teachers, and medical professionals, to provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of the child's situation.
In 2025, CASA of Central Texas will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a vibrant Fiesta-themed Annual Dinner & Auction, bringing the community together to support our cause. This event, along with other fundraising efforts, helps us continue our vital work. We are grateful for the generous support from local businesses, individuals, and organizations that make our mission possible
We are excited to expand our reach and impact. We invite the Dripping Springs community to join us in making a difference. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your involvement can help transform the lives of children in foster care. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit our website at www.CasaCenTex.org.
Litigation: Invisible Harm
Just the other day I experienced an intense itch in the middle of my back. I applied some cream to the area I could reach which alleviated the itch but there was an area that – despite my long arms and relatively good range of motion – I could not reach. I immediately thought of the many clients with non-surgical back, neck, or shoulder injuries who have shared their difficulties doing routine things due to the pain and impairment that resulted from their motor vehicle crashes. Simple things such a blow-drying their hair, picking up a grandchild, riding a distance to visit their grandma, carrying a bag of groceries, looking over their shoulder to check for traffic, and on and on. I find that sometimes jurors, as well as insurance adjusters, just cannot seem to grasp the pain and limitations that can come from injuries that cannot be seen, sometimes even by sophisticated imaging. How do trial lawyers overcome this roadblock to successfully presenting a client’s injuries?
Certainly the lawyer’s skill in choosing words, creating exhibits, selecting and questioning witnesses, sharing analogies, ordering and pacing a trial in order to open the minds (and hearts) of those who hold the key to a just result for the client is important. But the client can do something that no one else can do. The client knows every way that the impairment and pain limits activity or diminishes their enjoyment of the day. The difficulty is often in getting clients to overcome a natural tendency to downplay their pain or impairment. While there are certainly complainers, in my years of dealing with injured individuals, I find that most are working hard to recover the level of life they enjoyed before the injury and tend to push the pain and impairment into the background.
I encourage my clients to move forward, but I don’t want them to be lowballed by an insurance company or by a jury who doesn’t properly grasp the reality of what some careless person thrust upon my client. I need my client to recall and recount the things only the client knows. If you or a loved one is injured, consider keeping a journal that will help you or them to recall and recount. Write it down, but then get back to getting better. Getting better is good for you. Appropriate recalling and recounting is good for your case.
Attorney Roland Brown handles exclusively personal injury claims. Roland, who offices in Wimberley, has been voted HAYS COUNTY’S BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY for 2020, 2021, and 2023 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500.
by Roland Brown
WIMBERLEY
glassworks
Wimberley Glassworks has been a gem in the Hill Country jewel box for 33 years.
“We’re here to stay. Hopefully we’ll be open for another 33 years,” says owner
and glassblower Tim De Jong. “I believe in synergy. If it was just me through all of these years – you know one person’s creative mind can only come up with so much. But when you design as a group, that’s when you come up with things that are truly different. Vanessa [Tim’s wife] and Wes are key players.”
While the tradition of creating glass originated thousands of years ago when the Mesopotamians discovered glass in the form of liquid sand, it was in the first century that a
Syrian in Jerusalem devised a new way to shape glass –a technique now known as glassblowing. The practice has evolved and grown, being improved upon by practitioners all over the world. That said, studio glassblowing – working with hot glass in a studio to create art rather than in a factory for the purpose of functionality – has only been around since the 1960's. Tim is technically a second wave glassblower.
Icalled Tim a pioneer of his field and he humbly corrected me, “The pioneers are the people that came just before me –Josh Simpson, Harvey Littleton. Those are
the ones that really had the courage to start the whole movement.” Noted glass artist Dale Chihuly studied under Harvey Littleton. It’s a very short lineage. “I started Wimberley Glassworks because I really wanted to do this and everyone I knew said I was a fool. I decided I wanted to try even if I failed, versus never try. So I didn’t have any regrets later.
“I was told if I was depending on the people in this Valley I would never make it. And I say, if it were not for the people in this Valley I would not be here. The people in Wimberley and close surrounding areas really helped and whole-heartedly supported this studio all the way through.”
After graduating high school, Tim told his father he didn’t want to go to college and his father decided he needed a little reality check. So the following day, he gave Tim $300 and a one way ticket to Seattle from
New Jersey and said, “work your way home.” Upon accepting the challenge, Tim traveled the country for six months. “That trip helped to develop my moral compass. I developed the ability to think on my feet and act quickly in adverse situations.” When Tim returned home, he was certain he wanted to attend art school, which he did at Alfred University in New York state.
Wes Sweetser, production manager at Wimberley Glassworks, attended Alfred University as well some years later, before serendipitously finding his way to Wimberley, Texas and thus Wimberley Glassworks.
“We have a lot of really dynamic people that we work with. From engineers to lighting designers to multiple studios around the country that help us with elements that we are unable to do in our studio. It’s widespread.”
One of Tim’s custom pieces, Abundance, features 1,200 ribbons of glass that weighed 7,500 pounds upon completion and installation. “The client wanted people to feel abundant when they walked into the building. Being a minister’s son, I immediately thought of the verse Matthew 13:47: ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.’ And so we created two nets full of fish measuring 75 feet long and 40 feet wide.”
“A lot of engineering went into that piece and we created a proprietary hanging mechanism that we still use to this day on many of our projects. In fact, we just used it again for a project at Texas A&M this past fall. That was a really cool project. We took the two-dimensional international symbol for wheat and turned it into a 3-dimensional interpretation using 119 ribbons of glass in gold and green – the colors of wheat – for the Norman E. Borlaug building.”
Abundance
Tim and his team have an extensive portfolio of custom projects that traverse the United States, ranging from home installations to large scale art and lighting installations in offices, hospitals, and
corporate buildings. Bring your vision to Tim and he will transform your ideas into detailed renders and technical drawings to ensure that all artistic and project engineering standards are realized. He and his team will create detailed physical mock ups of any custom lobby and residential art installation or hand blown custom lighting solution they design.
“Most of what we design, be it residential or commercial, our inspiration comes from where we live in the Texas Hill Country. One of the most beautiful things about this area is this, we are on the same latitude as Rome. And long before I ever decided to come to Texas I had a print making professor from Lithuania who told me about the beautiful violet color at sunset that occurs only in the Texas Hill Country and Rome, Italy.”
Cultivate, Sugar Land 60th Anniversary Installation
Walk into Wimberley Glassworks and see the beauty and deeply rooted artistry for yourself Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Explore the extensive gallery with pieces ranging from functional to jewelry to art and then stay to watch live glassblowing. There’s always something seasonal and awe inspiring going on there.
Visit the Glassworks website for upcoming events, including classes and workshops for blowing your own custom pieces. Uplevel date night with an evening of glassblowing or create amazing memories with friends and family.
Art Education
by Tom Wiley
How much can public education influence an artist? Local artist Danny Jones would say, “A lot!”
Danny grew up in the small West Texas town of Post. Their school system at that time had no art classes. Danny’s teachers saw some renderings he was working on and encouraged him to continue with his skills.
While taking an elective art class at West Texas State University, his instructor suggested he change his major from Math to Art. That recommendation influenced his future career. Danny had always been impressed by his classroom teachers. This provided the idea as early as the third grade that he would like to teach. Changing his college major to Art brought those two worlds together.
Danny began teaching high school art in Mansfield, Texas, in 1974. One of the benefits of that experience was the fact that the district supported art programs at all levels. At one time, there were ten art teachers serving the district’s single high school.
From the beginning until retirement, Danny provided opportunities for his students.
“Mister Jones, I can’t draw a straight line!”
Danny would help them sculpt or start photography. They were encouraged to merge their art with community programs and art shows. Past students would succeed as artists or architects or teachers. Mansfield ISD acknowledged his work by naming Danny Jones Middle School after him.
Influencing his own art, Danny found personal education by traveling to Mexico. Each visit resulted in his immersion into that culture. Style and color so prevalent in Mexico found its way onto his canvases. He would return home with numerous photographs, especially of people he encountered. Many of his portrait images detail their sculpted faces.
After retirement, the Jones family moved to Wimberley. One of his special talents is providing art workshops. While still teaching in Mansfield, he was approached about teaching a workshop for artists in the Lakeway area. Those sessions were repeated several times. His wife Lynn helped organize destination workshops. Participants benefited by traveling to locations which provided scenic and historic settings. Danny’s workshops now draw artists in Wimberley.
Danny Jones’s art is often found at Wimberley Valley Art League gallery shows and at local galleries. You can find him on Facebook by following Danny Jones Artwork.
DannyJonesArtwork.com
Art In Public Places has exhibits at the Wimberley Medical Plaza and throughout the Wimberley Village Library. They will remain on exhibit until May 8th. Contact the artists to purchase.
