POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - June 2023

Community Calendar -40

Conundrum -38

Dear Gabby -24

From Our Readers -9

Giggles & Grins -32

Glorious Grandkids -27

Let’s Celebrate -8

Medical Matters -25

Milestones -21

Mustard Seed Moments - 42

Pet Pals -29

Publisher’s Post -6

Puzzle Solutions -23

“Seens” from our World -26

Sudoku Marketplace -39

The Garden Post -33

Vet Connect -28

What Are You Reading -23

What’s Cookin’ -30

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Cover Photo by Dustin LeNorman Postcards 2022 Photo Contest 2nd Place-Local Living

Comprehensive, Personalized Care for EVERY WOMAN

From well-woman exams and pregnancy planning to advanced gynecologic treatment, our board-certified obstetriciangynecologists and gynecologists in Montgomery County offer a full spectrum of personalized care for every woman at every stage. Whether you need help choosing the right birth control, planning for pregnancy or relieving endometriosis or pelvic pain, we’re here for you throughout life’s moments and milestones.

We offer a full spectrum of care for all women, including:

• Annual well-woman exams

• Contraceptive consultations

• Measurement of genetic risk for certain cancers and conditions

• Pregnancy planning, infertility treatment and obstetrics

• Treatments for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including minimally invasive surgery

To find a doctor near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn-woodlands or call 936.270.4749 for Conroe or 936.270.3662 for The Woodlands

Failing to Maintain My Lane... and My Sanity!

I got stopped for drunk driving. Not lately. It was actually many years ago.

I was recently reminded of the incident when I saw a sticker on the back of a “mom car” that said, “I’m not drunk, I’m passing snacks and whoopin’ butt.” (Okay, it didn’t say butt--but for the purposes of this column, let’s say it did.)

As I giggled, the memory came of the time I was stopped for suspected intoxication. What had really happened was Wes and I had gone out to dinner with the children, and we had met at the restaurant in two separate vehicles. The restaurant had an ice cream machine, and both children had ice cream cones as we left. Our home was about 8 minutes from the eatery, but it didn’t take 4 minutes until there were screams of, “It’s melting!” coming from the backseat.

As I tried to pass napkins back and quell the turmoil while still driving, I suddenly noticed red and blue flashing lights in my rearview mirror. Sigh.

At the time, Wes was a police officer. In fact, he was the supervisor of the person who was pulling me over. I knew Wes was behind me, so I was sure he would also stop to help me explain. He did not. He smiled and waved as he drove by. I did not return the wave.

When the officer walked up to my car, I was relieved to see she was also a neighbor of ours (which meant to me, at least, she might not make me do a field sobriety test on the side of the road with two screaming toddlers and puddles of ice cream melting into the carpet of the minivan). I explained the situation. She stifled her laughter, smiled, and encouraged me to hurry home...at the speed limit and between the lines.

During this season of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, I wish you all the best. Moms, just keep it between the lines--and Dads, be ready to clean the ice cream out of the van if you don’t stop to help.

Until next time, ~ Karen

Love the Babies

I love to read “Out of the Mouths of Babes” and see the pictures of the grandbabies!

Debbie Boyett

Speaker Appreciation

Thank you to Karen for speaking to all of us at the Celebration Group of Trinity. It was a sincere blessing. Your example shines in your publication each month.

Lynn Copley & the Board of the Trinity Celebration ladies

Great Effort

I want you to know that I fully appreciate the great amount of effort that goes into these monthly publications. You and your staff are truly amazing!

Stephanie Livingston, CPA

Community News

My favorite features in Postcards include “Do You Know….?” and the High School Seniors presented. We enjoy seeing good news about students and community folks who are doing good things for our town!!!

Virginia Miller

When Joe Fioretti arrived at the first-ever rehearsal of the Montgomery Community Band, he thought, “I am going to show up, and there’s going to be no one here.”

Yes, the Facebook page he created had generated some interest, but would local musicians really follow through?

Maybe, he thought, there would be enough players to form a brass quartet that would grow into a larger ensemble with time.

He needn’t have worried: over the next few minutes, about 50 musicians arrived with instruments in hand.

Story by Ruth Fields

Photos by Gina Turner

Community Builders

Local music-lover forms community band, which has grown and is preparing for second concert.

No roadblocks

From the time he first started playing trumpet in the fourth grade, Joe Fioretti loved music. He ultimately earned a degree in music education from College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, but he soon learned that “teaching it isn’t exactly playing it,” he says. Instead of teaching music, Joe became a paramedic and worked with an ambulance crew for several years, then transitioned into a career in information technology; however, his love for music never diminished.

Joe played bass guitar with his church band for a while, but he missed playing his trumpet with an organized group. “I didn’t want to play stuff by myself in my house,” he says.

He wanted the accountability of being part of an ensemble, and he wanted to be able to play in concerts. So, he queried several community bands in the area. None of their answers were encouraging: they had enough trumpet players already; they could put him on a waiting list; maybe they could offer him third part. None of these responses sounded good to a man with a degree in music and the ability to hit the high notes.

In late November 2022, Joe had an idea-perhaps there were other people in the rapidly-growing Montgomery area who wanted to be part of a musical ensemble. So, he started a Facebook page, calling it Montgomery Community Band. “I knew we

needed a logo,” he says, so he styled one himself by adding a treble clef and a bass clef to the image of the Texas flag. He also generated a Facebook form musicians could fill out if they were interested. Responses began to trickle in.

“All through December, I got one or two submissions on that form every single day,” Joe says. Respondents represented a wide range of musical abilities, from music educators to “I still have a sax I played in 1980.” As interest surged, Joe sought—and received—the blessings of Montgomery Independent School District. “The district was like, ‘Yes, we love it,’” he says. MISD offered the Montgomery High School band

Joe Fioretti playing his trumpet.

The first director, Todd Burrer.

room and equipment for rehearsals, as well as the school’s auditorium for concerts. Shortly thereafter, the City of Montgomery’s Economic Development Committee offered a grant. “There were no roadblocks,” Joe says.

Recognizable music

One of the people who responded to Joe’s Facebook post indicated he had conducting experience, so Joe asked him to send a resume. Soon, Todd Burrer joined the Montgomery Community Band as its first director. Like Joe, Todd chose a career outside the music industry, but his musicianship never faltered. He is a member of four

ABOVE: Brittany Knauer a local high school teacher and coach, playing the clarinet.

ABOVE & RIGHT: Percussionist, Zack Kirk and trumpet playing wife, Jennifer Kirk.

ensembles—three as a director and one as a brass player (primarily baritone and trombone). He has been directing the Montgomery Community Band since its first rehearsal on January 15th. When the Postcards team visited a Montgomery Community Band rehearsal in late March, Todd was helping the band put the finishing touches on the music for its inaugural concert on April 23. “That’s getting there,” Todd noted with satisfaction, after a fanfare’s final crescendo.

“We always want to do music the audience can relate to,” Todd says. “They want something they can enjoy. We are not here to teach the audience about music. We are here to entertain people, to give them a break from their day-to-day lives, and give them something they will recognize.” Todd promises a patriotic theme for the band’s second concert, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 at the Montgomery High School auditorium. Although he hasn’t chosen all the pieces yet, he says the band will start with the “Star Spangled Banner” and will end with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Like all Montgomery Community Band concerts, it will be free of charge. (Montgomery Community Band is a 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations.)

All ages welcome

Members of the new community band range in age from teenagers to octogenarians, and they live throughout the area. Some, like Brittany Knauer, are enjoying playing on a regular basis for the first time in years. Brittany played clarinet in the Montgomery High School Band, but only played periodically after her graduation in 2006. Now a teacher and coach at Montgomery Junior High School, Brittany is busy during the week. When she saw on Facebook that a community band was forming in Montgomery with Sunday night rehearsals, she responded.

“I was shocked when I showed up on the first day and there was a room full of people. They come from all over,” she says, noting that some musicians drive from as far away as Grangerland to rehearse.

ABOVE: 86 year old trumpet player Bill Cox.

Brittany is enthusiastic about being a part of the band. She now has a regular practice schedule and, she says, “I have purpose with it.” While some of the musicians had to “dust the cobwebs off” their instruments, she says, they have risen to the challenge. “We are getting better and having fun.”

Some members of the band play in multiple groups, like Jennifer Kirk, who plays trumpet; and her husband, Zach Kirk, a percussionist. The two musicians have been playing in ensembles together the entire 23 years they have been married. Jennifer learned about the formation of the Montgomery Community Band on Facebook and asked Zach if he wanted to join. At first, Zach said he was afraid he’d be overcommitted, but when Jennifer left for the first rehearsal, she asked him, “Are you sure you don’t want to go with me?” Zach decided to “check it out” after all, and the two have been playing in the band ever since. “The music is challenging,” Jennifer says. “The literature is so different from symphony orchestra music. It’s music we haven’t seen in a long time.”

Some of the musicians in the band are still in high school. Others are in various

stages of life, and some, like Bill Cox, 86, are nearing life’s finale. Bill played trumpet at his high school in Memphis, Tennessee, and when he was a student at Auburn University. “Wherever he lived, he would find a community band, frequently several,” says his daughter, Cricket Degner. “He has performed with varying-sized groups all over the place.”

Bill lived in Dripping Springs before July 2022, but because he was battling cancer and lived “in the middle of nowhere by himself,” Cricket says, she encouraged him to move to Montgomery County, close to family. To entice Bill, Cricket introduced him to a colleague, Liz Royce, who is a horn player in several musical organizations. After moving to the area, Bill played in two church orchestras, and was excited when Liz told him about the formation of the Montgomery Community Band. Over the next two months, Bill attended every rehearsal.

In late March, doctors told Bill that his cancer had progressed to the point that he might not live through the weekend, but he had his heart set on playing with the band again. Bill’s family made sure he was able to attend

the rehearsal on March 26, and apparently, it was just what he needed to bring him joy in his final days. Afterwards, he was in a “fantastic mood,” Cricket says. “He was sitting in the living room eating a hamburger as if he had never been sick.”

Music can be good medicine.

Sunday, June 25

7:00 PM

Montgomery High School

facebook.com/people/ Montgomery-Community-Band

Legal Corner: WHO PAYS THE BILLS IN A LIFE ESTATE?

By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

holds legal title to the land subject to a life estate (remainderman)?

Occasionally in my practice an inquiry is made regarding relative duties of the holder of a life estate versus the duties of the remainderman.

Before any meaningful discussion may be conducted on this subject, we must define the terms and give examples of how a life estate is created.

Black’s Law Dictionary defines in part a “life estate” as “an estate whose duration is limited to the life of the party holding it.” “Remainderman” is defined as “one who is entitled to the remainder of the estate after a particular estate carved out of it has expired.”

Another explanation is to point out that a “life estate” is an equitable interest (i.e., the right to possession of the estate) while a remainderman holds a legal interest in the estate subject to the life estate.

A life estate may be formed in many ways and no specific “magic” words are needed, but the most common way of formation experienced by this firm is a devise in a Will. An example might be, “I leave the family farm to the children of my first family, but I give my second wife, Sally Sue, the rights to the property during her lifetime.” The life estate may also be created by operation of law with or without a Will. A spouse who dies and leaves a surviving spouse behind leaves a constitutional right to a life estate in their homestead by operation of law. This is a right that is often overlooked by the surviving spouse. A life estate creates an interesting group of legal questions when we ask who pays the bills and upkeep on the property. Is it the person who enjoys possession of the land (the holder of the life estate) or the person who

USE OF THE PROPERTY - Typically a life tenant has the right to all the ordinary uses of the property so long as he does not commit “waste.” Waste has been interpreted by the courts as a failure to make reasonable repairs necessary to preserve the property. The courts have also interpreted waste to mean opening of new mines or wells to remove minerals. Interestingly enough, this definition of waste is confined to new mines or wells that were opened after the life estate came into being.

PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS

-

If a life tenant makes permanent improvements to the property, he does so without imposing a duty on the remainderman to reimburse him. A basic tenet of equity is that “equity will not aid a volunteer;” therefore, if a life tenant makes improvements which he was not under a duty to make, a duty shall not be imposed on the remainderman.

TAXES, MAINTENANCE EXPENSE

AND REPAIRS - These duties fall upon the shoulders of the life tenant unless there is particular language to the contrary in the document that forms the life estate.

carries an encumbrance. Technically, in most cases, the life tenant is under a duty to pay interest on existing encumbrances, but the remainderman should be held responsible for the principal on the same encumbrance. It doesn’t take much imagination to realize that this is a normally untenable situation. Because the life tenant is under a duty to protect the property from foreclosure by any act or omission on his part, if he pays off the principal sum of the debt, the tenant is entitled to reimbursement or contribution from the remainderman.

LEASE BY LIFE TENANT - There is authority to support the life tenant’s right to lease property and enjoy the rentals for the life of the lease. Any leasehold interest granted by the life tenant, however, must be limited to the term of the life tenant’s estate. This subject matter, as with any complex legal issue, cannot be adequately addressed in a short magazine article. If you are the owner of a life estate or a remainder interest in that estate, you are encouraged to consult legal counsel of your choice.

INSURANCE

PREMIUMS

- The life tenant is not obligated to maintain insurance or to repay the remainderman if the remainderman buys insurance. This obviously provides fodder for controversy in the fact that the remainderman, if his interest is to be protected, has to buy insurance on the property that he cannot possess during the life estate.

OF NOTES AND INTEREST ON REAL PROPERTY

PAYMENT

Few things can cause greater concern than the payment of principal and interest on a property which has been made subject of a life estate but still

Just for Fun

Blueberry Pickin’ at

The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm

Local physician Dr. Tom Reed and his wife

Evangeline operate an organic, pick-your-own blueberry farm oasis in Montgomery.

Story by Ruth Fields

Photos by Tom Miller

In the moments before sunrise, vast rows of blueberry bushes, heavy with fruit, are glazed with dew. Giant hardwood trees, which grow around the edges of the fields, envelop the farm in a peaceful cocoon. As the sun peeks over the treetops, birds sing. Crickets chirp. Frogs croak. The farm’s owners, Dr. Tom Reed and his wife Evangeline, observe this tranquility at The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm every day. “Our goal is for this to be a place that would help people have peace, to take a deep breath and relax,” Evangeline says. Making it

different

In 2011, Tom (a double-board-certified foot and ankle surgeon) and Evangeline (a homeschooling mom) purchased 70 acres of gently rolling countryside south of Montgomery. They envisioned a Christian retreat, and planned to call it The Sanctuary Retreat Center. At the time, however, Tom and Evangeline lived in The Woodlands, and they found it demanding and time-consuming to manage the retreat center remotely. So, they rethought their plan, walking through their acreage and thinking, “What else can we do with this?”

While walking through the fields, the Reeds reminisced about the days when they took their five young children to pick-your-own blueberry farms. “It was a

very special time of the year for us to go out together as a family and pick buckets of delicious blueberries,” Evangeline says. “So,” Tom says, “we decided to start a blueberry farm, but grow the plants differently by making it all organic.” The name, The Sanctuary, seemed appropriate, so it stuck, and the acreage became The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm.

In 2013, the Reeds moved from The Woodlands to their Montgomery property; that fall, they planted 1,000 blueberry bushes, concentrating on heat-tolerant, hybrid varieties such as Premier, Tifblue and Climax. “Tom especially was a big gardener, but this was a much bigger and more complicated effort and took some long-range planning,” Evangeline says. “We didn’t kill them the first year, so we thought, ‘hey, we’re good to go’ and the next year we planted another 3,000.” More followed until finally, the farm had more than 7,000 blueberry bushes growing on approximately 11 acres. As they matured, the bushes began to produce more fresh, sweet, large berries— “unlike anything found at the grocery stores,” Evangeline says.

During the picking seasons of 2016 and 2017, Tom and Evangeline invited friends to help them harvest blueberries, but soon there were more berries than friends and family could pick. In 2018, the couple

opened their gates to the public, and local residents began flocking to the farm. With dozens of rows of blueberries spanning 11 acres, visitors can spread out and pick berries while enjoying the rural quiet of the farm. “You are by yourself,” Evangeline says, “even if the parking area is full.”

In harmony with nature

Evangeline is quick to point out that the farm never uses synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. “We don’t always follow traditional farming advice,” she says. Instead, they use organic fertilizers, such as molasses and fish emulsion, and apply essential oils as needed for pest control. The couple has plans to start a worm farm, which will create richly-fertilized soil for the blueberry plants, and Hive Bee Farm keeps hives on the property to encourage bees to pollinate the many blueberry bushes. “It is financially unfeasible for small farms to go to the expense of becoming certified as organic farms, but The Sanctuary does adhere to organic, bio-dynamic standards. That means ‘in harmony with nature,’” Evangeline explains.

It’s not surprising that Tom and Evangeline are so passionate about organic farming methods. In his medical

practice, Tom advocates natural solutions to health problems rather than resorting to medications. In 2019, he published Your Health has been Hijacked, a book that “challenges everything that is out there on health-related topics,” he says. It became a number one best seller in Amazon’s toxicology division just three weeks after its release. “People are searching for the truth,” Tom says, but because it’s hard for readers to know what to believe, his book cites more than 500 references to give credibility to his challenging ideas. Evangeline believes Tom makes things easy to digest. “He can take a complicated subject and make it something you can understand,” she says.

Tom and Evangeline often advocate the power of nature’s own essential plant oils, and are affiliated with Young Living Essential Oils, a 30-year-old company that produces high-quality essential oils and other essential oil-infused nutritional, personal care and household products. “These are not oils that you will find in most stores,” Evangeline says. “They’re pure and highly researched.” The Reeds also host health-related home gatherings to mentor others on how to

The farm uses organic fertilizers, such as molasses and fish emulsion, and applies essential oils as needed for pest control.

use essential oils, as well as other healthy lifestyle options for families, pets, gardening, and even pest control.

In addition, the couple is in demand nationwide at seminars, both in person and via Zoom, to teach about natural health, homesteading, healthy lifestyle choices and

other pertinent topics. The Reeds’ passion for healthy living is now in its second generation: their son Joshua Reed is the owner of Montgomery Farmers Market, which brings naturally-oriented farmers, ranchers and food manufacturers to Montgomery every Saturday morning. (For more information, visit montgomeryfarmersmarket.com.)

Picking season

Depending on several variables, blueberries at the farm begin ripening at the end of May or early June, and picking season lasts for five to six weeks. The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm is usually open two or three days during the week for picking, depending on weather, plus Saturdays and Sundays with limited hours. Picking hours during the week are typically 7 a.m. until noon, or 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.; there are additional evening hours on Saturday and often Sunday. Evangeline encourages pickers to check The Sanctuary’s website or Facebook page frequently, as picking days and hours sometimes change. (Google Maps doesn’t always reflect accurate hours.)

Families can park right by the blueberry fields or, during the week, by the barn, which is just a short walk to the fields. Pickers can

purchase buckets from the farm—or bring their own—and get right to picking. While children are welcome, Evangeline suggests bringing strollers or wagons for children who may tire of picking before their parents do.

During the 2022 picking season, local residents picked thousands of pounds of blueberries, enough to create countless pies, muffins, pancakes, shakes and dessert toppings; however, Tom and Evangeline promise that the organically-raised berries are temptingly sweet all by themselves.

It brings Tom and Evangeline great joy to observe the pickers’ excitement each year. “You see the smiles on people’s faces,” Tom says. “They know the berries are going to be better than anything they can buy at the store.” Pickers also tell the Reeds that they enjoy visiting the farm because it brings calm to their otherwise busy lives. “Many people have told us that this property does that for them,” Evangeline says. “They just feel more peaceful.”

For more information, visit sanctuaryblueberryfarm.com or facebook.com/TheSanctuaryBlueberryFarm.

With dozens of rows of blueberries spanning 11 acres, visitors can spread out and pick berries while enjoying the rural quiet of the farm.

Happy 101st birthday to Forrest Waddill!

DIVE

Positions include:

• Drilling personnel (floor hands, derrick hands, drillers, supervisors)

• Service personnel (floor hands, pump rig operators, supervisors)

• Class A CDL Truck Drivers (winch truck drivers)

• Machinists (manual)

• Pump mechanics/millwrights

• Mechanics (diesel and heavy equipment experience required)

• Other mechanically-inclined, skilled tradesmen

“Water & Pump Resource Professionals”

JoAnn Frizzell recently celebrated her 90th birthday with W.J. Frizzell, Susan Frizzell Retzlaff, Joy Frizzell McCracken!

What Are You Reading?

By Beto O’Rourke

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I’m not talking to Siri anymore. I was in a playful mood this morning, so I asked my phone, “Siri, am I the fairest of them all?” and she activated the front camera. Very funny! To all of the Dads: may your Father’s Day be better than your jokes. Speaking of jokes, life is just too short to be serious all the time. So, if you can’t laugh at yourself, drop me a line and I’ll laugh at you. Send your questions to me by going to www.PostcardsLive.com/share and clicking on Dear Gabby.

DEAR GABBY

It’s swimsuit season, and I am

quarantined with a kitchen full of food a while back. What’s a lady to do?

NOT SUITABLE

DEAR GABBY

DEAR SUITABLE

I keep hoping I’ll become old enough to not care what other people think about the way I look, but that hasn’t happened, yet. So, in the summer, I try on my bathing suit first thing every morning. That way, nothing worse can happen the rest of the day! I can relate about the quarantine, but I just read the average human is 60% water. I’m not fat, I’m flooded! While I am certainly not bikini ready, I am definitely poncho ready. A good cover-up

I work with the crabbiest, nasty person in the world. His desk is right by the front door, and everyone feels like they need to say something to this person when they come into the building. Some people say “Good morning” or tell him to have a nice day, but they really don’t mean it. What can I say to him that isn’t hypocritical or a downright lie?

BEST POLICY GUY

DEAR GUY

That’s an easy one. Just say “I hope your day is just as pleasant as you are.”

What Constitutes an American?

“Not color nor race nor religion. Not the pedigree of his family nor the place of his birth. Not the coincidence of his citizenship. Not his social status nor his bank account. Not his trade nor his profession. An American is one who loves justice and believes in the dignity of man. An American is one who will fight for his freedom and that of his neighbor. An American is one who will sacrifice property; ease and security in order that he and his children may retain the right of free men.”

~Harold Ickes, Secretary of the Interior, May 1941

This Memorial Day (May 29) and Flag Day (June 14th), more than any other time in history since World War II, we thankfully remember those who have fought, who are fighting, and who will continue to fight to preserve our liberty and the right of all people to live in freedom.

As we pause to give thanks on this holiday, let’s fly our flags a little more proudly and keep alive the spirit of American patriotism that is burning bright in us today.

By Cassandra K. Schakett, MD

Your Preconception Checklist: 6 Things You Should Be Doing According to an OB/GYN

Information from Dr. Cassandra Schakett, OB/GYN, about key topics to know about preconception, ways to increase your chances of conception, and how to protect you and your baby during pregnancy.

1. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins contain vital nutrients for both mom and baby, including folate; iron; and vitamins D, B6, and B12.

“I recommend my patients begin taking prenatal vitamins at least one month before they start trying to conceive and through the duration of the pregnancy,” Dr. Schakett said. “While prenatal vitamins do not help a woman achieve pregnancy, taking them prior to conception can decrease the risk of certain fetal anomalies.”

2. Select an OB/GYN and Make a

Preconception Appointment

Typically, women who aren’t pregnant see their OB/GYN once a year, but pregnant women will, on average, see theirs 15 times during the year. The relationship needs to be built around trust and expertise.

“During a preconception appointment, we will discuss any health issues or medication you are taking that could affect your pregnancy,” Dr. Schakett said. “We identify any risks and assess the best course of action moving forward.”

3. Stop Contraception

The moment of truth. You are officially ready to try to conceive. If you are using contraception, you can discontinue use. If you have an IUD or Nexplanon, make an appointment to get

it removed—better yet, combine it with your preconception appointment.

4. Track Your Period

If you weren’t already doing this (or you had hormonal birth control keeping you on an artificial schedule), now is the time to start keeping track of when your period naturally comes each month.

Ideally, the length of your cycle will be roughly the same month after month. If you notice a variance of more than one week after being off birth control for several months, you should discuss this with your OB/GYN.

5. Track Your Ovulation

For people with a 28-day cycle, ovulation typically occurs anywhere from Cycle Day 10-20. You should attempt to conceive every day or every other day during that period of time. Alternatively, you can use an overthe-counter ovulation predictor kit to test for ovulation every day, starting on Cycle Day 10, until you get a positive result.

6. Be Patient, Don’t Stress

If you are under 35 years old, it is recommended you try to conceive with regular, unprotected intercourse during your peak ovulation period for 12 months before making an appointment with your doctor to discuss fertility. If you are older than 35, give it 6 months before scheduling an assessment. If your periods are irregular, then these general guidelines do not apply, and you should schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN now to discuss.

Emma Kate & Ella Rose Grandchildren of Phyllis & the late Bobby Kennedy, and Stephanie & Jimmy Bond

Bentley & Lincoln Grandchildren of Mary Westfall

Brooks & Graham Grandchildren of Keith & Cindy Durrett

By Steve VanWagner, D.V.M.

Administering Oral Medications to Your Horse

The most important aspect to giving any oral treatment is making sure the total dose of medication is given at the prescribed time, for the total number of days, as directed by your veterinarian. The second most important aspect is to make sure your horse is ingesting the entire dose. It is also important to know the best method for the individual horse to administer the medication: pasting or via feeding.

Oral medications may come packaged four different ways: tablets, pastes, liquids, powder/ granules.

There are two ways to administer tablet medication. Tablets can be mixed directly with feed (if not too many are being given at one time or if the tablets are relatively small in size). Tablets can also be given by grinding or dissolving them with liquid; they can then be mixed in the feed or given by oral dosing

using a modified syringe. The best technique I have found to oral dose a horse is to place your hand over the bridge of the nose and use your arm to block the vision from the eye. While doing that place your thumb from the hand over

It is important to make sure the horse’s mouth is free of hay or feed before administering any medication, so it is ideal to administer them before feeding.

the nose into the corner of the horse’s mouth then slide the syringe on top of the tongue towards the back of the mouth, depress the plunger, then roll the syringe onto the tongue. Keeping the muzzle lifted up after dosing will also discourage the horse from spitting it out.

When mixing medications with feed, larger tablets can be ground up using a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, or a hammer can be used to crush tablets in a small plastic bag. Powder and granules should be mixed directly with feed. Dampening the feed with molasses, honey, or karo syrup can make the mixture more palatable for your horse and keeps powders and granules from separating out. Check the bottom of the feed bucket 15-20 minutes after feeding to ensure the entire mixture has been eaten.

If you have any questions about oral administration or you are having difficulty giving your horse oral medication, contact your veterinarian for further advice.

What’s Cookin’

Firecracker Salmon

Ingredients

¼ cup maple syrup

1 med jalapeno, cut in half width-wise

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbs rice wine vinegar

½ tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

2 (6 oz) salmon filets

salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp maple syrup

Directions

Step 1: Combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 of the jalapeno pepper, garlic, vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a mini food processor or small blender jar; blend until smooth.

Step 2: Place salmon filets in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade on top, seal, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and let the bag sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Remove salmon from marinade and pat dry. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet and season with additional salt and pepper. Slice remaining jalapeno pepper thinly and place on top of salmon.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Brush 2 teaspoons maple syrup onto the fillets and return to the hot oven. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

Baby Spinach Omelet

Ingredients

2 eggs

1 cup torn baby spinach leaves

1 ½ Tbs grated Parmesan cheese

¼ tsp onion powder

⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Beat eggs in a bowl; stir in baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Spray a small skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Once warm, add in the egg mixture and cook until partially set, about 3 minutes. Flip with a spatula, and continue cooking, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, 2 to 3 minutes, or until omelet reaches desired doneness.

Baby Spinach

Baby spinach is just young spinach (Spinacia oleracea) that farmers harvest during the early stages of plant growth, generally between 15 and 35 days after planting. The smaller leaves are more tender and have a sweeter flavor than mature spinach.

Native to: Middle East

Taste: Slightly sweet

Giggles & Grins

Once, my dog ate all the Scrabble tiles. For days, he kept leaving little messages around the house.

I invented a new word! Plagiarism!”

Why do we tell actors to “break a leg”? Because every play has a cast.

Helvetica and Times New Roman walk into a bar.

“Get out of here!” shouts the bartender. “We don’t serve your type.”

Knock! Knock!

Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers? He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.

Yesterday, I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble letters on the road. I asked him, “What’s the word on the street?”

Who’s there?

Control Freak.

Con…

OK, now you say, “Control Freak who?”

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

Blooming Vines for Your Summer Garden

What makes a summer garden unique?

Blooming vines! Blooming vines are available in a wide range of categories: evergreen, perennial, annual, and tropical evergreen (will freeze at temps below 28 for several hours). Blooming vines are also available in a wide range of textures, bloom colors, fragrances, and sun and soil requirements. Here are a few of the most requested vines and their requirements.

Confederate Jasmine is a Texas favorite. This prolific, evergreen vine is highly fragrant and blooms from midspring until fall with clusters of star-like white blooms. The vine displays fall colors of bright red/burgundy/ bronze and coppers, withstands heavy freezes (once established). Confederate Jasmine brings an intoxicating fragrance to the garden that few other plants have. Considered deer proof, prefers 6-8 hours of sun for heavy blooming, but will grow in shady areas with few blooms.

Purple Passion Vine is a Texas native (as well as a few other passiflora varities). Many are tropicals, but a few, like the red and native purple, will withstand temp into the lower 20s and return. These beautiful vines are also the preferred plant of several butterfly varieties, and exclusive to the gulf fritillary. If planted in an area that does not have hard winter dieback, Pasiflora Incarnata will produce an egg-shaped fruit that is delicious and makes fabulous daiquiris. Passion vines are lightly fragrant, have few disease or insect problems, and considered deer proof.

Bleeding Heart Vine is another true southern heirloom vine (that can be considered invasive, if planted in the wrong area and not given room to roam). Bleeding

heart is a very hardy, sun-loving perennial that blooms early summer through fall and displays clusters of white/red or purple hanging bloom clusters. A prolific climber, and fast growing--can grow up to 6” a day in season. Deer proof, easy, no known insects, and once you have one, all your friends can have one, too. Excellent on pergolas, fences, and open areas.

Coral Vine, a native of Mexico, is another lightly fragrant, southern favorite. The lacy blooms hang in pink clusters during the summer and are often “show-stoppers.” The coral vine does not do well in colder temperatures, but can be grown as an annual--due to its fast growth, it can reach 6’ in one season. Coral vine is not immensely heavy and makes a great choice for a lighter fence or structure. Coral Vine prefer sunny locations, prolific growers, and will return each year from the bountiful seed produced-perfect bird habitat. Rarely has disease or insects.

Do not forget to add a few annual vine varieties. Moonflower, morning glory, and cardinal vine are just a few of the hardy heirloom, fragrant, blooming vines that can be grown from seed and replanted annually (or collect the seed and replant each year). Moonflower is a perennial favorite, and kids love watching the large blue/white blooms open at dusk. Super easy to grow, hardy, and only require a half day of sunlight. Other favorites are black-eyed susan vine, clematis, and of course, climbing roses-which are an entire different category, but definitely worth mentioning.

The above listed blooming vines are sun lovers, require good drainage, and will return to grace your garden for years. Happy summer gardening!

Texans still talk about the catastrophic winter storm of February 2021— especially in one local neighborhood. Roads were impassable, so residents were virtually trapped, and families tried to keep warm by wrapping up in blankets and camping out by their fireplaces. Fortunately, Jerry and Dustin Sorensen had recently installed a Generac generator in one of the homes in the neighborhood. When the power failed, the generator, fueled by the home’s natural gas supply, came to life. The gracious homeowner invited his neighbors to his house, where they drank coffee and were able to get warm. Jerry dubbed the home “FEMA Camp Two.” Over the next few months, many other people in the neighborhood saw the wisdom in purchasing

Story by Ruth Fields

Photos by Tom Miller

After the crippling winter storm of 2021, the father-son team of Jerry and Dustin Sorensen opened a business to supply Generac generators to area residents.

“We are the solution to backup power.”

generators to provide stand-by electricity. In past years, residents of southeastern Texas worried about the occasional hurricane or tornado that might leave them without power for a few days. Today, there is more to fear. “Now that the grid has been exposed in the Houston area, people are concerned about keeping the heaters on in their homes,” Jerry says. During the 2021 winter storm, all 254 Texas counties were placed under winter storm and hard freeze warnings; day after day, temperatures stubbornly refused to rise above freezing. It was the coldest weather Texans had experienced in decades, and when the power grid failed, the storm became more than an inconvenience. Tragically, some Texans lost their lives to the storm, both directly and indirectly.

Furthermore, more people work from home than ever before, and most rely on electricity to telecommute. In addition, some people use lifesaving medical equipment that requires electricity. For many such people, owning a generator has become a priority.

Finding a niche

Jerry and his son Dustin always dreamed of owning their own business. At first, they weren’t sure what kind of business they wanted to operate, but during the past ten years, the father-son team worked for companies in the Houston area that supplied several brands of stand-by generators to local customers. During that time, they were most impressed with Generac, a company that makes generators in many sizes, even ones for large homes. Customers, likewise, seemed to prefer Generac: Jerry and Dustin observed that about 90 percent of their clientele chose Generac over other brands. About six months after the crippling winter storm of 2021, the time seemed right, so Jerry and Dustin decided to pool their resources and carve a niche for themselves by supplying Generac generators to area residents. In March 2022, Texas Generator Solutions, an authorized Generac dealer, opened for business, providing turnkey installation, service and sales. “We are the

solution to backup power,” Dustin says.

Texas Generator Solutions is truly a familyowned and family-operated business. While Dustin takes care of operations, Jerry handles sales. Dustin’s sister Krystal Baker is the company’s office manager. From the start, the family’s goal was to provide friendly, hometown service. “We know every one of our customers,” Krystal says. “They don’t become a ticket in this office. If you mention a name, most people in this office will know who you are talking about. I think customers enjoy the fact that they can call our office, and we know what they’re talking about.”

When Jerry arrives at a home to supply a free, no-obligation quote, he never uses high-pressure sales techniques. Instead, he simply sizes up the house, finds the best location for a generator, conducts a load calculation, and talks to homeowners to see what size generator will fit their needs. While larger homes require more powerful units, some customers elect to use generators for only a fraction of their homes’ electrical

appliances, such as air conditioners and heaters, refrigerators, freezers, and television sets. “We can customize the system,” Dustin says. “You can use everything you want, but not everything at the same time.” Even people who live in all-electric homes can take advantage of gas-powered, stand-by power. Texas Generator Solutions has relationships with local companies that can supply homes with propane; some even lease propane tanks.

Rapid and Reliable Service

Customers appreciate the prompt attention they receive from Texas Generator Solutions. Because the company keeps many units in stock, it can provide quick service. While some companies might take months to install a generator, Texas Generator Solutions can usually finish jobs in a few weeks. “You don’t have to wait forever for your generator—not two to four months, but three to four weeks,” Dustin says. In one local neighborhood, he says, two families contracted with companies to install generators. While one family worked with Texas Generator Solutions, the other family chose another company. Even though Texas Generator Solutions’ customer placed their order later, their generator was installed first. Their neighbors, who had already been waiting for two months, canceled their existing order and chose to do business with Texas Generator Solutions instead.

Jerry and Dustin want Texas Generator Solutions to be known for its premier service. “We try to make sure we do everything the right way,” Dustin says, “and one of our goals is to communicate every step of the way.” It must be working, because Jerry and Dustin report that they get many referrals from satisfied customers. Some

Dustin takes care of operations, while Jerry handles sales.

Because the company keeps many units in stock, it can provide quick service.

say they appreciate the company’s attractive pricing (a result of low overhead), as well as its many financing options. Zero percent interest is available for 18-month loans, and with other available loans, customers can

finance for up to 11 years.

Some people might worry about investing in a generator if they think they might later move to another house; however, Dustin says, relocating families have options. If they move to another house in the area, they can simply take the generator with them, and Texas Generator Solutions can facilitate the process. Even if families are relocating to another city or state, they can have Texas Generator Solutions uninstall their unit. When they arrive at their new home, they can have the generator reinstalled there. Another option is for homeowners to leave their generator in place to make

their home more attractive to prospective homebuyers. Jerry and Dustin predict that homeowners can recoup about 75 percent of the cost of their generators in the form of higher sales prices.

Ultimately, Dustin says, a stand-by generator is simply a form of insurance, protecting homeowners from possible power outages in the future, whether caused by a natural disaster or a failed power grid. “You will be one step ahead of that power outage,” he says, and encourages customers not to procrastinate. “There’s no such thing as being too early. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late. There’s no price you can put on a generator during a catastrophe.”

For more information, visit texasgensolutions. com.

Financing plans are available for generators.

Home generators can increase your property value.

see answers on page 23

Honoring

Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 4:30 pm

Sunday 12 pm - 4:30 pm

Mondays and Holidays Closed

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

28-July 23

Houston

“Smoke on the Mountain” adplayers.org

30

Huntsville Pam Tillis oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

The Woodlands Matchbox Twenty woodlandscenter.org

30-July 30

Kilgore Texas Shakespeare Festival texasshakespeare.com

Happy Father’s Day

Mustard Seed Moments

by Wes Altom

Don’t Trim the Hedge

Recently, a friend offered a prayer in which he asked for “a hedge of protection” around me. While that was not the first time I heard this phrase, I don’t hear it frequently, as it is not commonly used in the church where I attend. So, I set out to learn of the origin and significance.

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. --Job 1:8-10

WE BUILD LIFESTYLES

In the time of the Old Testament, wild animals were prevalent. Although stone walls could keep predators away from living areas and livestock, the walls would have to be very tall and would take a long time to make. Wood was not plentiful enough to waste on a fence. Instead, a hedge of thorn bushes was often grown around a living compound. Thorn bushes would be too dense to crawl through, too sharp to chew through, and too deep for almost any animal to jump over. A hedge would also be a deterrent to sheep and goats seeking to escape their pen.

As Satan is compared to a “roaring lion” in scripture, the hedge comparison seems appropriate. And I personally find it comforting (and amusing) that Satan himself is the one who points out the effectiveness associated with such a hedge placed around a follower of God. Seems we all need a deeper appreciation for thorns. May your hedges be tall and thick.

MHW Real Estate is pleased to announce four new premier waterfront properties for sale on Lake Conroe. Located adjacent to Lake Shore Cove in Montgomery, Texas, you can watch as we build your dream life on the last stretch of waterfront properties available. Phase II is the perfect destination for resort-style living conveniently located in the heart of some of Texas’ greatest assets.

We treat you like family!

I was extremely impressed with the entire experience I had with Cameron Optical on 12.06.2022. At 75 years, I have experienced numerous eye care offices, not one even came close to the experience at Cameron Optical. The entire staff I dealt with were superb individuals. Dr. Bonnie Cameron gave me the most comprehensive explanation of my overall eye health ever!

~ Norman H.

I am shocked and amazed! I typically don’t enjoy eye exams or appointments but EVERYONE at this office made it easy AND enjoyable! I actually had fun!! They were thorough and professional and absolutely lovely! Held my hand when I needed it and were completely relateable. It almost makes me want to go again!

~ Paula P.