POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - January 2024

Lake Conroe

January 2024

POSTCARDS Magazine

Ryan Lindsey • A Day in the Life of a Beekeeper • Rejuv MB Spa & Aesthetics

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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BEFORE

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FEATURES

January 2024 | Volume 13, Issue 1

10 A Day In the Life Beekeeper

Cover Photo by Dustin LeNorman

16 A Special Conversation

Postcards 2022 Photo Contest 1st Place Winner, Seasons

Ryan Lindsey

24 Business Focus

Rejuv MB Spa & Aesthetics

FAVORITES Community Calendar -32

Garden Post, The -22

Pet Pals -28

Conundrum -30

Let’s Celebrate -9

Publisher’s Post -6

Dear Gabby -21

Medical Matters -29

Puzzle Solutions -23

From Our Readers -8

Milestones -20

Sudoku Marketplace -31

Glorious Grandkids -15

Mustard Seed Moments - 34

What’s Cookin’ -23

4 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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Publisher’s Post Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Blessings Big and Small As I begin this new year, I admit I am still thinking about Christmas cards.

The reason? Thanks to them, I begin this year with a strong sense of gratitude. While addressing Christmas cards this year, I thought of each person(s) and the role they have played in my life. Some, I have known since childhood. Some, I met in my job traveling the country before Wes and I married. Many are friends we have made over the last 30+ years, but all are incredibly special to us and are counted as blessings. It also leaves me to wonder who I may address a card to next year that I do not yet know.

New friends to be made…how much fun to think of that!

The other reason I am still thinking about Christmas cards is because this year, we decided to only use our three grandsons for the photo (instead of the entire family). The most important reason for that is we never got around to taking the entire family picture, AND you grandparents know… those kiddos are just the cutest! We have giggled a little (ok, a lot) as our grown children have made comments like, “Guess now we’re just chopped liver,” and “Nevermind about your OWN kids!” Heehee. They’ll understand one of these days…but I will plan to have a family photo earlier in 2024 so they will not have to start therapy!

We once again thank you as we begin this year. Thank you for the time you spend with us each month. Thank you for supporting the advertisers who make this possible. They are our heroes, because they believe in what we do and are investing in helping us keep our community connected. Please let them know you appreciate them, too! I believe strong communities stay that way by helping each other. Here’s to a wonderful year. We wish you and your family all the best! (And here’s a photo we took last week so they can stop whining!)

Happy New Year, ~

Karen

Your Local Community Magazine!

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If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available.

MAILED to select postal routes in Conroe, Willis and Montgomery.

FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above.

Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher Karen Altom Editor Wes Altom Operations Manager Marshall Altom Advertising Team Leah Lamp Nancy Jolly Kent Holder Marshall Altom Design Team Mary Partida April Key

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

Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers.

Deacon, Ryan, Abby, Karen, Wes, Marshall, Walker, Kathryn, and Sutton

6 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

© 2024 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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From Our Readers

Correction

Pet Pals I do enjoy your magazine, and especially the Pet Pals.

Betty Bashen

1st Place Winner Stacy Adams-Roberts

2nd Place Winner Cade Crippin

Due to a misprint last month, it was difficult to read the winner’s names in the Local Living Category of our contest. They are listed above. We regret the error.

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Let’s Celebrate!

This Month’s Business Anniversaries:

1919 Celebrating 105 years Houston Methodist Hospital See their ad on page 14

1984 Celebrating 40 years Easco See their ad on page 17

1985 Celebrating 39 years Kim’s Home and Garden Center See their ad on page 28

1999 Celebrating 25 years Sims Dentistry

See their ad on page 11

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

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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A Day in the Life Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Gina Turner

Beekeeper

What’s a day like for a full-time beekeeper?

Busy as a bee!

10 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

No day is the same for Cyrus Nasr, a fulltime beekeeper. In some ways, he says, beekeeping is like any other agricultural operation: every day, a beekeeper must do what needs to be done (and not necessarily what he had planned). “There’s always something to be done,” Cyrus says. Days can be long, but the work is rewarding.

Harvest Season Cyrus’s days are more predictable during the late spring and early summer, when flowers appear in the fields and gardens of Texas.

Bees busily collect nectar from blossoms and do their bee magic, storing it in the form of honey. Because flowers bloom at different times, Cyrus notes, honey can usually be harvested throughout May, June and July, although thanks to late-blooming plants, some honey can also be harvested in the fall.

On most days during harvest season, Cyrus loads his truck with his protective bee suit and equipment, leaving the farm at about 9 a.m.

Hive Bee Farm owns more than 200 hives, which are located on about 20 properties.

Some are just a few miles down the road, while others are as much as 80 miles away.

During harvest season, Cyrus visits the hives on at least one property each day. He does most of his beekeeping between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for two reasons: it’s not as hot then as it will be later; besides, about half of the bees will be out foraging for food.

A hive, Cyrus explains, is contained in several bee boxes. The bottom two are reserved for the bees’ use, but as many as

four more boxes can be stacked on top.

These are the boxes that supply the extra honey that beekeepers harvest. While some beekeepers collect only liquid honey, Cyrus also harvests honeycomb. (Before he became a beekeeper, Cyrus owned and operated restaurants for 15 years. During that time, he learned that restaurants use honeycomb on cheese trays, charcuterie boards, and desserts. His fresh, virgin honeycomb is popular at many eateries.)

Although a good beekeeper won’t harvest honey the bees need for food, Cyrus says, bees don’t know this, so they don’t appreciate humans tampering with their honey. Furthermore, they don’t like the heat, and to harvest honey, beekeepers must lift the lid off the hive during the hottest months of the year. To minimize the chance of being stung, beekeepers use smoke. Cyrus points out that the smoke from a bee hive smoker will mask the pheromones that bees use to communicate; in addition, the smoke mimics a forest fire. The bees respond by consuming honey to prepare for the possibility of having to vacate their hive. Unfortunately, there is still a great possibility of being stung by irate bees, so beekeepers wear full-body bee suits. It’s a recipe for an uncomfortable experience. “You are in a ski suit in the sun doing CrossFit,” Cyrus jokes.

When honeycomb is capped with beeswax, it is ready to be harvested, either for the honeycomb itself or for liquid honey. When the honeycomb is ready, Cyrus brushes bees off the top box of the hive and uses an “escape board” so that bees can get out. The

goal is to leave the bees behind because, he notes, a lost bee won’t find a new colony.

Once the bees in the top box have flown out, Cyrus takes the honeycomb and honey— box and all—back to the farm. Liquid honey pours better when it’s warm, but Cyrus allows honeycombs to cool in the air conditioning for a few hours to firm up. “Honeycombs are soft and delicate,” he says. Once the beeswax is firm, he cuts the honeycombs, puts them in food service boxes and stores them in a freezer to pause the crystallization process.

An unlikely bee-ginning

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In early 2016, Cyrus’s wife, Sandi Murray, an avid gardener, purchased two bee hives from a local beekeeper. At the time, the couple lived in Houston in a small house on a Houston-sized lot, and Cyrus was not enthusiastic about Sandi’s beekeeping endeavor. “I wanted nothing to do with it,” he admits. Sandi, however, soon found that she found beekeeping as enjoyable as gardening.

She took a class from the beekeeper who had sold her the hives and followed him on Facebook. A few months later, he decided to move out of state and sell his 34 hives and vast assortment of beekeeping equipment.

He posted a notice on Facebook and Cyrus, who was contemplating a career change, responded. “It’s a business. I have been running businesses for 15 years,” he thought,

figuring he could learn what he needed to know about beekeeping. Unbeknownst to him, Sandi responded too. “We became fulltime beekeepers overnight,” he says. The learning curve was steep, but the couple not only persevered, but grew their operation, too. It soon became known as Hive Bee Farm.

Cyrus and Sandi’s Houston residence was not ideal for beekeeping, but the situation was about to change. During the pandemic, Sandi’s job in human resources became permanently remote, so she and Cyrus began looking for a roomier place. After looking “all over,” Cyrus says, they stumbled upon a house on seven-plus beautiful acres near Montgomery. They moved in 2021 and built a large workshop where they bottle honey, store honeycomb, make beeswax candles, and store beekeeping equipment.

Mondays and Saturdays Cyrus has established routines on Mondays and Saturdays throughout the year. On Mondays, he visits the restaurants that have placed honeycomb orders, as well as his wholesale customers. Currently, Hive Bee

Farm honey is sold in Montgomery County at Conroe Feeders Supply, C&S Feed, McCoy’s, A Slice of Amish and Healthy Living. On Saturdays, Hive Bee Farms operates booths at three farmers markets, including Montgomery Farmers Market.

On other days (other than during harvest season), Cyrus’s days are much less predictable.

From Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day, he maintains his hives, but doesn’t need to check on them as often. He often utilizes the “lift test:” if a bee box is so heavy that it can’t be lifted with two fingers, there is enough food for the bees and it does not need to be disturbed.

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Sometimes, however, there are problems.

Bees have been having trouble lately, Cyrus says, mainly because of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), herbicides, pesticides and varroa mites. Sometimes, hives need mite treatments. Occasionally, a box needs to be repaired. And sometimes, bees exhibit behavior that indicates they’re about to swarm. When they swarm, about half the bees in a hive leave with the queen in search of a new home, leaving the rest of the bees behind to make a new queen. If a beekeeper senses an imminent swarm, he will “split” the hive, allowing the same benefits of a swarm while still keeping all the bees in producing hives.

Hive Bee Farm leases hives to many landowners in the area who wish to get agricultural tax exemptions for their five to twenty acres, but who do not have the time or inclination to be beekeepers. It’s not unusual for Cyrus to respond to these landowners when they sense the beehives on their properties need Cyrus’s expert touch. Bees might be exhibiting swarm behavior; a storm might have knocked the hive over; the top might have blown off.

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“If a beekeeper does nothing else,” Cyrus says, “he manages space.” If there is too much space, there is room for the invasion of pests; furthermore, it’s hard for bees to stay warm in winter. If there is too little space, the bees run out of room for food and brood (baby bees).

Honey, Honey Hive Bee Farm sells raw, unfiltered, local honey, which is popular because of its health benefits. Truly local honey, Cyrus explains, is honey that is made from the flowers that grow in the area where it is sold. Allergy sufferers often tout the benefits of local honey, but to be effective, Cyrus says, people must consume honey that is made from the same flowers they are allergic to. Although filtering honey makes it attractive on grocery store shelves,

he says, it removes beneficial properties.

The business also makes whiskey barrelaged honey. About every three months, Cyrus obtains a 50-gallon oak whiskey barrel from the William Price distillery in Houston.

He pours honey inside; after three months, the honey is slightly darker and has a subtle whiskey flavor. (After the honey is taken out, Cyrus returns the barrel and the distillery uses it to make honey whiskey.)

In addition, a newer product is being produced especially for athletes and health-conscious individuals. Bee Butter is a superfood made from honey and pollen. It has the consistency of loose peanut butter, Cyrus says, and can supply quick energy because honey can be broken down into glycogen—muscle fuel— efficiently.

In just seven years, Cyrus has become highly-knowledgeable about bees and their proper care, so people often ask him how to become beekeepers themselves. He often suggests that they join a local beekeeping organization, such as Montgomery County Beekeepers Association (mocobees.com).

For more information about Hive Bee Farm, visit hivebeefarm.com.

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January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 15

A Special Conversation Story by Amy Barnett Submitted Photos

Ryan Lindsay

All roads lead to Texas… even for a country music singer from Canada.

Singer-songwriter Ryan Lindsay has two “happy places” – behind a microphone with his guitar and out in the Canadian backcountry. He is a five-time Country Music Alberta award winner whose first career was working as an outdoor guide in the Canadian Rockies, where he’d run multi-day river trips helping people experience the great outdoors. At night, he’d sometimes play his guitar and sing around a campfire. It didn’t

take him long to realize he had the talent to pursue music – and he had stories to tell.

Last spring Lindsay made his way to Texas and shared songs from his new album, “Seasons,” a collection of music that provides an introspective look at the seasons of his life.

Lindsay shared with Postcards the concept behind the album, his influences in music, and what he loves most about touring in Texas.

16 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

The New Album

Tell us about your new album, “Seasons.” How did you come up with the concept of this album?

Back when 45s were common, artists used to press two songs into a record, and I’ve always liked that idea. I wanted to create a body of work, so the idea developed into releasing the music as I recorded it, two songs at a time over the course of a year.

It’s like a collection of 45s that make one full album. So, we started with a two-song digital 45 called “Fall,” and released those songs on streaming, followed by “Winter,” “Spring,” and “Summer.” We then compiled them this year into a final album with a bonus track.

How important was this strategy?

Most artists are starting to market their music as a series of singles instead of albums these days. That’s just a result of people’s listening habits, but with this project, I still wanted to express the music through a body of work.

This allowed me to stagger the releases and give people a little more than just a single each time new music dropped.

You’ve said this album allowed

you to share the personal seasons of your life. Describe that journey with us.

Recording an album is always a journey you go through different emotions throughout the year, and the music tends to change the further you get into the project. This album was a way to share that experience with my audience.

You released “Heart of a Troubadour” to radio in Texas, and it did well here and on streaming. Why do you think it resonated so well with listeners?

“Heart of a Troubadour” is a story about being young and a little bit naïve and growing up to recognize there is a lot more to life than you realize. There’s always more to learn,

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Do you have a favorite song on the album? If so, why is it your top pick?

there’s always a little searching left to do.

I guess I can’t speak for the listeners, but I think it’s something we all experience, and it was something that certainly resonated with me when I wrote the song.

“Rich Folks” was your most recent release. Talk about the light-hearted tone of the song and the story behind writing it.

This was such a fun song to have on an album that was otherwise quite reflective and at times got a little heavy. I felt like it was important to just cut a song for the joy of it - this song just came from that place. It’s been a great song for radio, and the story is simple - you don’t need money to have a rich experience in life!

I love all the songs for different reasons, but if I had to pick one that defines the record, I would choose “Heart of a Troubadour.”

I had just started playing harmonica at the time, and it’s fun to listen back on how it all came together. Val McCallum from Jackson Browne’s band played slide guitar on it, which gave it a little heartland rock flair. I think once we recorded that song, it set a new tone for the rest of the album.

How do you go about songwriting? Do you start with a melody or a lyric, or do they hit you all at once?

I use voice notes to take down melodic ideas or lyrical ideas – often the two together. I’ll use that as a starting point, and then sit down and work it out later. Every song gets worked out a little differently, and I kind of let the song guide the process.

Pursuing Music

Why did you decide to pursue a

career in music?

I guess I reached a point in my life where I felt I had something to say. I started writing, and it just became my life. Music is that thing in my life that kept tugging at me, and I am so grateful for all the great experiences and friendships I’ve made doing this for a living.

How would you describe your style of music?

People have called it heartland country, and more recently, the “Seasons” album has fit into the Americana genre, but I just consider myself a country artist more than anything else.

Who are some of your favorite musicians who have inspired or influenced you in your career?

I have admired artists like Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Blue Rodeo, and The Eagles. I grew up around that music.

Who are some of your favorite current artists?

I need to shout out some friends that are touring right now that you need to catch live probably my favorite Texas-based band right

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now is The Wilder Blue, and a killer band from Winnipeg, Canada – The Bros. Landreth. Go see them live.

We understand you are quite the outdoorsman. When you’re not playing music, what are some of your favorite outdoor activities?

My favorite thing to do when I have the time is canoeing. There is nothing better than to pack your bags and head down a river for a few days. I also love to hunt and fish – any chance I can get to be in the backcountry is a good day for me.

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Touring Texas

Texas is a long way from Alberta!

What are the major differences in touring here vs. in Canada?

The distance between towns! Alberta is very spread out, and has a lot of wide-open spaces, but in many ways very similar to Texas. It’s very rural, and people love their country music.

What do you like most about playing in Texas?

I love the venues. There are many cool listening rooms down there, and I think those tend to be my favorite style of shows to play these days.

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When will you bring your tour back to Texas, and what can people expect when they attend a show?

I’ll be back in Texas and announcing some tour dates. I’ll be stripping back the show to a solo acoustic performance. It’s a cool opportunity for me to share some more stories and sing the songs the way they were written, just myself and my guitar.

If you enjoy great storytelling and live music, don’t miss Ryan Lindsay when he comes back to Texas. Visit www.ryanlindsaymusic. com to find out when he will be playing a show near you. And make sure to follow him on social media and download “Seasons” wherever you get your music.

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Milestones

Congratulations to Cody Cockroft and Hannah Gauthier who are engaged to be married this month.

Share your Milestone!

PostcardsLive.com/Share

Congratulations to Mac & Leanne Woodward on their 50th wedding anniversary! Pictured in their wedding photo above are their beloved parents Nick & Mary Winifred Grivich, Leanne, Mac, and Dr. Mac & Mary Smither Woodward.

20 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

Congratulations to Stan & Nancy Sproba of Willis on their 60th wedding anniversary!

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column.

By the time you read this, we’ll probably have finished with our ‘To Do List for the First Week in January’, otherwise known as New Year’s Resolutions. May your troubles last as long as your New Year’s Resolutions. My only resolution was to stop lying to myself about making lifestyle changes. We all know me better than that! Submit questions (about life in general, or specific problems), to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY I am researching a new phone and got so confused with all the technology available on the new ones that I almost flunked my dry January protocol. There are pages of specs on categories that I wasn’t aware existed. The TrueDepth camera comes with Animoji and Memoji. I don’t even know what that is. The only choice I am fairly sure of is the color.

THOUGHT I WAS UP TO SPEED DEAR TIWUTS If you thought this was a technical hotline, did you ever get a wrong number! All I can do is commiserate with you about the avalanche of technology that has buried most of us. It’s a good thing the new phones perform most of their functions without much input from the users.

Unfortunately, those people who are so excited about the new iPhone are the same ones that missed the awesome technology of using their blinker when they drive.

GABBY DEAR GABBY During the holiday season, there was such an abundance of commercials on television about diets and diet products that there was hardly room for the cornucopia of pharmaceuticals. Are we obsessed with our weight and our bodies, or what?

AVERAGE JOE DEAR JOE In answer to your question—absolutely, yes.

The best solution I’ve ever read is credited to Unknown. “People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between New Year and Christmas.”

Profound.

GABBY CONFIDENTIAL TO “UNDERSTANDING WOMEN” You guys really have a thing about this, don’t you? Once you understand why the pizza is made round, packed in a square box, and eaten as a triangle, then you will understand women.

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

It’s Not Too Early to Shop and Plant!

Welcome 2024! January 2nd marks 39 years for me in the nursery, garden center, and landscape industry—and what a beloved journey it has been! Many things have changed, but the passion and basic “known” techniques are the same. Revolutionary new technology is on the way that will change the industry and our lifestyles forever. New products and a definite return to “cleaner” methods, non-gmo seeds, and “home gardens/locally grown” for controlling your food source is a top priority. All this seems a bit higher than our local spectrum, so we will return to our area gardening front.

January is traditionally the month bare root fruit trees, shade trees, and roses arrive to garden centers. Premium garden centers will soak the roots overnight, plant in their own special potting/fertilizer solution (recipe), and place in biodegradable peat containers for consumer purchase. If you are searching for something unusual or just want “first pick” on hard-to-find varieties, January is definitely the time to begin. Folks often make the mistake of shopping when they see the plant blooming or producing fruit; optimum planting time is when the plants are dormant and generally 60-90 days prior.

We are often asked, “When can I begin

planting?” Southeast Texas has a 10-12 month planting season, and you can plant trees and shrubs between 35-95 degrees. Can you plant outside of these parameters?

Absolutely, but be prepared to water daily or use freeze protection, if the plant is not dormant.

To date, our overnight temperatures have been slightly above freezing, making this the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and cold weather annuals. When planting new trees and shrubs, apply a root stimulator to increase production of anchor roots and not stem and leaf production.

Fertilome makes an excellent root stimulator we have used for decades. It gives plants a mini-insurance policy going forward. Use 4 tablespoons per gallon of water for every 3’ of plant height (instructions are on the label) upon planting and again in 6 weeks. Sickly looking plants (not due to watering, disease, or insect issues) can often be cured by feeding the root system.

Do not forget to feed the birds this season, and add a large holly shrub (such as American, Savannah or Oak Leaf Holly) to not only bring elegance to your plantings, but a natural food source for our feathered

friends. Keep your birdbaths clean and full of fresh water. For the home crafter, start with a florist green wreath foam and make your own outdoor wreath from holly, pine, and other readily available foliage from your landscape.

Spray with water every few days and they will generally last a few weeks, and be fragrant, too. They need cooler temperatures inside, but can always be moved outdoors again after the party or company leaves.

January is also the time for making plant and product requests to your local garden centers, as well as attending workshops.

Check out websites and social media pages, and you will be sure to find local seminars and events to attend. January is also a great time to reach out to local gardening groups or even apply for spring “plant technicians”-every garden center needs experienced pros on hand who love working in the garden! It has been a fun and love filled journey, sharing gardening tips with everyone through the years. Sending well wishes for great health, joy, and prosperity in the New Year! Happy Gardening.

MEMORIES ARE PRECIOUS AND DESERVE TO BE CELEBRATED.

Your hometown experts in celebrating life! shmfh.com Family-Owned and Managed since 2002 Huntsville • Montgomery • Willis 22 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

What’s Cookin’ Potato Chip Cookies

an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add milk and vanilla and repeat. Stir potato chips and chocolate chips in with a spatula until just combined. Add flour mixture; continue mixing in with a spatula until flour disappears and dough comes together.

Ingredients 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup very soft unsalted butter (2 sticks)

Sudoku #2 1 cup white sugar 2 6 7 3 1 8 4 9 light 1/25cup brown sugar 7 4egg1 8 5 2 3 9 6 1 large 6 8 2 Tbs milk3 4 1 9 7 2 5 3 pure 5 4 7 extract 8 1 2 6 9 1 tsp vanilla 9 crushed 2 3 5 4 chips 7 1 8 6lightly 2 cups potato 1 dark 9 6 chips 2 7chocolate 4 8 5 3 1 cup 2 1 8 5 4 6 9 3 7 9 3 6 1 2 7 5 4 8 Directions 4 1: 7 Whisk 5 3flour,9 baking 1 and 2 salt together in a bowl; 8 6soda, Step set aside.

Sudoku Step 2: Beat#4 butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together with 4

3 6 9 2 5 8 3 8 6 7 2 5 4 1 9 Puzzle Solutions 9 5 2 4 8 1 7 3 6 6 9 8 2 5 4 from 1 page 3 7 30 CONUNDRUM 1 3- a variant 7 8meaning 2 4 9 of clew, 5 6 CLUE a ball of thread or yarn. It comes to us from 5 2 7 6 1 3 9 8 4 Middle and Old English. According to Greek 2 8 entered 4 1 7 6mythology, 3 5 when 9 Theseus the Labyrinth to kill the minotaur, he 2 1 a5 clew, 6 string 3 behind 9 7 8 a4 unraveled ball of him, so he could find his way back.

8 4 9 1 3 7 6 2 5 7

Step 3: Wrap and chill dough for about 30 minutes, or until ready to bake. Dough can be used immediately if desired.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment.

Step 4: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Space evenly, as dough will spread when baked. Bake in the preheated oven until outside edges of cookies are lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, before removing cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, let cool completely before serving.

Chef’s Note: Feel free to play around with varieties, but what I think works best is a nice, thick crispy kettle chip. I used regular sea salt flavor.

1

SUDOKU

from page 31

Sudoku #6 7 1 4 6 3 5 2 8 6 3 7 2 9 1 5 2 9 1 4 8 7 1 9 8 2 6 3 5 6 5 7 4 8 1 9 4 3 2 9 5 7 6 9 4 1 8 7 2 3 3 7 6 5 1 4 8 2 8 5 3 9 6 4

9 5 4 3 6 4 7 2 3 1 8 8

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Business Focus Story by Rosa Coss Submitted Photos

24 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

Located on the square in downtown Huntsville, Rejuv’ MB Spa & Aesthetics offers an atmosphere that will allow you to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. A day at the spa is much more than getting a facial or a treatment; it’s a whole experience. It all begins when you walk in the doors and are greeted with a fresh scent of aromatherapy and a welcoming staff member ready to meet your needs. They also offer Exclusive Clinical Grade Products such as DMK, Jan Marini Skin Research, Esthemax Face Reality, Bio Therapeutics, GlyMed Plus, and Truth Treatment Systems, as well as brow products with Kelley Baker Brows, sunless tanning products with Infinity Sun, and at home professional grade Beaut Teeth Whitening Kits so you can continue to pamper yourself at home.

Moneé Burke, owner of Rejuv’ MB Spa & Aesthetics became an esthetician 19 years ago. “I always knew I wanted to do something of service to others,” she said. “I absolutely love it. I enjoy getting to know my clients, the history of their skin, and helping them meet their goals--revisiting their skin and completely changing it. I truly feel God guided me in this direction. I knew I wanted

“Regain a state of central tranquility”

to help people build their confidence.” According to Moneé, being an esthetician wasn’t then what it is now. It has evolved so much in more recent years, but Moneé says she’s still more of an ‘old school’ esthetician. She likes giving her clients that whole experience, with lavender scented towels, warm beds, talking to them in a very personable manner, appreciating them, and respecting the fact they chose to see her in the first place.

“We have a very pleasant energy in our spa,” said Moneé. “We’re all very friendly, and we get along very well, so it’s very welcoming.”

As a first-time client, you can expect to hear relaxing music playing. You will fill out a skin and health questionnaire form. Then it begins with a consultation, going over any medications you may be taking, discussing any allergies, autoimmune disorders, and basically any history prior to coming into the spa. “We recognize something brought you to us, and there may be something you want to

change about yourself. We discuss your goals and begin with a treatment that compliments your skin, said Moneé. “At Rejuv’ MB Spa & Aesthetics, we want to accommodate your needs, so whether you just need a pause during lunch, an afternoon retreat, or a full day of pampering, we can help you set aside the day-to-day pressures and help you regain a state of central tranquility.”

Rejuv’ offers a variety of treatments that include: Clinical Facial Treatments (which are recommended for first time clients), Acne Treatments, Diamond Glo Treatment, DMK Paramedical Treatment, RevitaPen Treatments, and Cellula LED Light Therapy (which improves circulation, kills acne

» January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 25

bacteria, accelerates tissue repair, decreases inflammation, improves skin tone and texture; it also decreases under eye wrinkles as well as minimizes muscle and joint pain, as well as pain associated with arthritis, spasms, and stiffness). Other treatments include: ProCell Therapies, Chemical Peels, CryoLab Aesthetics (which is a cryo treatment for skin conditions such as skin tags, age and sun spots), ThermoClear, Waxing Services, and Professional Teeth Whitening. For a complete description and pricing of these treatments, visit rejuvmb.com.

Ordinarily, when a client comes in with a skin condition they want to treat, one of their first questions is, “How long before it goes away?”

According to Moneé, they always recommend

starting with a customized at home regimen and rebooking every four weeks, then reevaluating to see if further treatments are necessary or if the client is satisfied. The clients at Rejuv’ MB Spa & Aesthetics come in a wide range of ages, starting as young as teenagers. Some of their clients are virtual consultations only (since they are out-of-state college students and only come home to visit their families); in these cases, they don’t have the opportunity to treat them in person. Nevertheless, they do still get to know their skin and their concerns.

For Moneé, it is very rewarding to accompany their clients through their journey to having better skin. She gets to see the transition of their skin, their boost in confidence level, how they express themselves, smiling, feeling

26 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

beautiful about themselves. “This is especially true in our younger generations,” said Moneé, “but it is also true at any age. I can definitely see that more in my younger clients.”

Oftentimes, skin conditions can be due to underlying problems such as gut health, which requires a process of skin revision and rebuilding their skin from within. “We have to start from the root of it, there’s not a topical eraser that is going to magically make everything disappear”, said Moneé. “We have to talk to them about their eating habits; many are eating fast food every day. We also talk about their lifestyle, allergy sensitivities, refined sugar, which is really bad for you.

Starting skin treatment is like going to the gym--you can’t expect to go a couple of days

of the week and see results--it takes work, time, and dedication.”

For clients with autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, or rosacea, Moneé often refers them out to dermatologists if she feels they need more than she can provide. She typically recommends Dr. Brown (and says she is amazing).

Moneé has been married for 29 years and has 3 beautiful children. Her family, including her mom, were very supportive throughout her journey to becoming an esthetician. She got her license at the age of 30. Besides herself, Rejuv Spa is blessed to have an excellent team of staff: Tara Pankey, N.P., offers treatments such as Botox, fillers, kybella, IV therapy, weight loss shot, and PRP micro needling; Julie Fischer, Massage Therapist, treatments ranging from sports injuries, aches and pains, to NICU infancy therapy; Laney Pait, Cosmetologist, fibroblast treatments and facials; Rebecca Burnett, Esthetician, offers spa facials, Gua Sha facials, and full body waxing; Kait Mears, Esthetician, microblading, lash extensions, spa facials, and waxing; and Shawnise Bibbs, Esthetician, spa facials and full body waxing.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, call Rejuv’ MB Spa & Aesthetics at 936.439.6353 or visit: rejuvmb.com. Moneé Burke and her team of skin care experts look forward to seeing you soon!

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Conroe Aquatic Center 1205 Candy Cane Lane (936) 522-3930

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January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 27

Pet Pals

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28 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

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Medical Matters

By Sachin Allahabadi, MD

Signs it’s time to see a doctor about your knee pain Knee pain is hard to ignore. You feel it with just about every move you make. And if you’re active, an achy knee can also make the first few minutes of a workout pretty miserable — or totally disrupt your exercise routine, if the pain is bad enough.

• Injury – meniscus or ligament (ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL) tears

It’s not long before you’re looking to do something about it, but what’s the best way to get knee pain relief? And should you see a doctor about it?

“The major signs to get evaluated for a new knee injury would be: any trauma, instability (feeling that your joint is ‘giving way’ or buckling), inability to fully move your knee in either straightening or bending, swelling, and popping that causes pain,” says Dr. Allahabadi. “Furthermore, if you have a minor pain that is not improving with rest and time, it is worthwhile to be evaluated.”

Knowing how to get rid of knee pain starts with trying to get to the bottom of why your knee hurts in the first place, as well as whether the pain warrants seeing a doctor or if there are things you can safely try at home first.

Of those, only injury is cause for immediate action. If you experienced an acute injury to the knee — felt or heard a pop, for instance — make an appointment with your doctor.

“Knee injuries tend to be the most common in recreational athletes, and they tend to be bothersome as they’re used for almost every daily activity, in addition to sporting activities,” says Dr. Sachin Allahabadi, orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “In general, if you have an injury that causes new pain that exceeds normal soreness, results in instability (feeling that your joint is ‘giving way’), or large amounts of swelling, it is helpful to be evaluated sooner than later.”

If you’ve tried the at-home remedies for achy knees and you’re still dealing with trying to stay active through the pain, it’s time to see a sports medicine doctor.

The most common causes of knee pain include:

“Pain, even if minor, which is not improving, should be evaluated to understand the cause and if it is something that could get worse with more activity and time. Many times, if we can catch a minor injury early, we can help guide a recovery process that allows you to get back to being active sooner.”

• Overuse (too much activity) – which can also lead to misuse • Growing pains – such as growth plate changes in young people • Arthritis – typically in older adults

“Pushing through injuries or pushing too hard can only make an existing injury worse or increase the risk of additional injuries,” says Dr. Allahabadi.

And if knee pain is new and you’re worried about it, don’t be shy about looking for help, even if it feels minor.

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January

2024 Thru Jan 6

CALENDAR 7

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Holiday in the Gardens

NCAA Division I FCS

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

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Houston Zoo Lights

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Ron White

19-Feb 11 Houston

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“Tina - The Tina Turner Musical”

“Pictures from Home”

Conroe

thehobbycenter.org

alleytheatre.org

Beatlemania64 crightontheatre.org

5-7 Rockport

Education Session:

Gospel Music Festival

Spring Vegetables

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mcmga.com

Galveston

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19 Huntsville Sundance Head oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

20 Houston

Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest yagaschiliquest.com

A Tribute to Dean Martin & Friends crightontheatre.org

Monster Jam nrgpark.com

Huntsville

Huntsville

Montgomery

Comedian James Gregory oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Celebration of Gospel

2024 Chairman’s Ball chamber.conroe.org/events

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of-gospel-concert-2024-

Victoria

Houston

tickets-736071879807

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

MLK Grande Parade Midtown

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The Woodlands bigtop.show/thewoodlandstx2024

Candidate Forum

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Boutique Bargains

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16-17 College Station “To Kill a Mockingbird” mscopas.org

32 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

Conroe 12th Annual Job Fair chamber.conroe.org/events

23-27 Houston “The Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” thehobbycenter.org

23-28 Houston thehobbycenter.org thehobbycenter.org

24-Feb 8 Houston “Steel Magnolias” adplayers.org

26 Cleveland Annual Awards Banquet: Red Carpet clevelandtxchamber.com

26-Feb 11 Conroe “Wait Until Dark” owentheatre.com

27 Conroe Annual Fruit & Nut Tree Sale mcmga.com

Huntsville Twitty & Lynn oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Round Top Asleep at the Wheel festivalhill.org

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January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 33

CHOOSING TO BE DIFFERENT. There are many reasons people choose to move, and the market is not always the reason.

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Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins

Epiphany: God’s Wake-up Call Epiphany. In church tradition, that’s the name of the feast celebrated on January 6 to remember the day the Three Wise Men (also known as the Magi) visited the Christ child. It officially marks the end of the Christmas season and begins Carnival season in New Orleans. But why the name “epiphany”?

The epiphany I am most familiar with is an “ah-ha” moment, or a sudden revelation or insight, as in, “I just had an epiphany!”

I can only imagine the surprise of the Magi when--after looking at biblical prophesy, current events, and the unique astronomical configuration of the stars--they concluded the Jewish Messiah had been born. Wow, what an epiphany that was!

I like to think of an epiphany as God’s wake-up call that spurs us to action. It’s almost as if we are asleep with our eyes closed, then something happens and pop! We jolt out of our slumber, sit straight up with eyes wide open, and see what it is He is calling us to do.

When Esther became queen and Haman plotted against the Jews, she had an epiphany that she was in the unique position to save them.

Centuries later, fishermen and tax collectors would suddenly realize that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a carpenter, and they would drop what they were doing to follow Him. Even those who scoffed at Jesus during his earthly lifetime would have encounters with the risen Christ and become changed forever.

Over my lifetime, I have had a number of wake-up calls leading me to a deeper trust in God and to a life of greater obedience. In some cases, I was called to take action; in others, I was called to be patient and still, and to know He was in control of the situation I was facing.

God is not silent. He speaks to us in many ways. The question is, are we listening? What epiphany have you had recently that is calling you to go deeper with God? If you have unanswered questions about your life, pray for your eyes to be opened to the truth of what God is trying to tell you. According to Scripture (James 1:5) He will always grant us wisdom when that is our prayer.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’” – Esther 4:14 (NIV) “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. They their eyes were opened and they recognized him… – Luke 24: 30-31 (NIV)

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34 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2024

Legal Corner: THINGS YOUR EXECUTOR SHOULD KNOW By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

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

A

s an estate planning attorney, I have been asked to compile a list of things that would be helpful to your executor when acting to carry out your wishes after your death.

This list, as compiled, does not assert that it contains everything that your executor must know, but it is intended to make his/ her job easier. It is recommended that you answer these questions, periodically update the answers and let your executor know where the list is located.

LOCATION OF YOUR WILL AND/OR TRUST- Unless you advise your executor/ executrix of the physical location of the original of the Will, they will have to do an extensive search. The originals of these documents may be kept in a safe deposit box, a filing cabinet in your home or any other place that you might keep valuable documents. It does not matter so much where you keep them as it does that your executor knows the location.

IDENTIFY DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS - It is important to know not only what institutions hold these accounts, but the individual account numbers of each account. This list would include not only bank accounts but any brokerage accounts, IRAs or retirement accounts.

DEEDS - Should include the legal description of any real property in which you have a beneficial interest.

This legal description may be a lot and block description. or, if it is a more rural property, by metes and bounds.

MINERAL INTERESTS - If you have mineral interest of any type, your executor will need to know the extent of those mineral interests. In some cases, the decedent may have an agreement with a firm engaged in extracting those minerals.

If that is the case, your executor will need to know which firm has the agreement with you and what that agreement is.

INSURANCE POLICIES - Most insurance policies have a beneficiary designation and therefore pass under contract law instead of probate law. If, however, designations have not been kept current, the policy may be paid to the estate of the decedent and distributed in accordance with the Will, or, if no Will, the laws of intestate succession.

LOCATION OF ANY SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES - It is important that your executor know the name of the bank, location and box number and where you may have additional assets. If your Will and/ or insurance policies are stored in a safe deposit box, then there are simple procedures whereby they can be obtained and properly processed.

LIST OF ASSETS - This list should consist, at least in general terms, of all of your assets. This does not mean an inventory of every crescent wrench that you have in the garage or every piece of crystal that you have in the parlor, but should include an estimate of the total value of your estate and of what it is comprised.

VEHICLES - This list should include all the vehicles in which you may hold a beneficial interest, the make, model, VIN number and probable value.

CREDITORS - This should include a list of all credit cards, including numbers, or other credit arrangements.

OWED TO YOU - A list of sums owed to you, if any, should be included. If these sums have been memorialized by a written document, then the executor should be advised concerning the location of that document. If it is something like a lawsuit that is being decided in your favor, then the executor should be advised of the current status of that action so that it can continue to benefit your heirs.

MEMBERSHIPS - AARP, veterans associations, American legion and alumni and fraternal groups are just a few of the types of memberships. In some cases, these organizations may offer accidental life insurance or funeral benefits for their members.

This writer is certain that he has not listed every possible thing that the executor needs to know, but, hopefully, this will be a good start. Being an executor is an awesome responsibility, but it does not have to be traumatic if he/she is supplied answers to most or all of the above questions.

If your executor has a lot of experience or no experience, he/she will be best served by contacting an attorney who is experienced in probate law to guide them.

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IMMEDIATE CASH - Your survivors may incur particular charges, such as funeral costs or legal fees. You may want to make arrangements for your executor to access funds for these immediate needs.

PASSWORDS - In this electronic age, this particular need is often overlooked.

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These passwords can be made part of a sealed and inaccessible document that can be kept private and protected before your death.

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January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 35