POSTCARDS Magazine
Cover Photo by Zach Green courtesy of
HOUSTON METHODIST
Publisher’s Post
Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com
A Hot Tub Idea
I am unsure why it surprises me. Another month has whizzed by, and somehow it is once again time to celebrate Christmas.
I love Christmas and everything about it…but I have a problem. I am a Christmas decorating-aholic...and it takes a while to get all the decorating done. Many of you have me beat. I do not put a tree in every room (only two in the house), nor do I have special Christmas bedding, or holiday shower curtains in the bathrooms, but I do tend to put a little Christmas cheer everywhere else.
Like most families, we store our Christmas decor in big plastic tubs. Every year like clockwork, I would find myself in the same situation when I asked my family to bring down the tubs from the attic. A couple of years ago, I realized my decorating might be a little out of control when about 20 tubs appeared in our den. It was quite overwhelming to face that job. More than that, I had to work fast, so tubs could be put away before we had guests! It was exhausting. That was when it hit me. Wouldn’t it be great to decorate an area (say the fireplace) and everything be in ONE tub? Because I tend to have small amounts of time here and there, it would be so great to bring down ONE tub (or two) and have everything I needed for a specific area. And even better...what if I could easily remember how it looked last year? Thus began my new idea. I tell you all this because my friend Katina told me it was absolutely THE best idea I’ve ever had and I should share it with you NOW.
When Christmas was over that year of the great “tub dump,” and it was time for decorations to be put away, I took a photo(s) of each area and then printed them out on our printer. Starting with the fireplace, I took down all the decor, putting it in one tub. I placed the printed photo(s) on top and closed the tub. On the outside, I put a sticker noting FIREPLACE. One down, many to go.
Last year, we hosted a December wedding at our house, and there were many hands helping get decor in place. This is when Katina discovered “THE IDEA.” She would open a tub, and using the enclosed photo(s), put everything exactly where it belonged. Mind you, this is no Better Homes & Gardens, all perfectlycoordinated decor. It’s just the stuff we like...things filled with memories and smiles. Trinkets and heirlooms like you have too, I’m sure.
I like for Christmas to be a peaceful time of year, not just another “job,” and it has been lovely to get a box or two and decorate an area without experiencing the great “tub dump.” If this helps you, then please feel free to share. If you have a brilliant idea, I would love to hear it, too!
Whether you thrive on the peace or the chaos of the holiday, whether you use one tub or twenty, whether your world is quirky and messy or perfectly pristine—it’s you.
Keep that in mind as we enter this Christmas season. YOU. It’s why Jesus was born in the first place.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas ~Karen
Museum of the American Railroad
From full-size rolling railroad stock to a million dollar model train layout spanning 2500 square feet, this organization preserves history and inspires future
In the heart of Frisco, Texas, a hidden gem awaits those with a passion for history and a love for trains. The Museum of the American Railroad, a not-for-profit Texas corporation, has been dedicated to celebrating railroads’ rich heritage and exploring their promising future since its founding in 1962. Through historic preservation, research, and educational programming, the museum offers a unique window into the significance of railroads in American life and culture.
A Journey Through Time
As you embark on a guided walking tour of the museum’s impressive rolling stock
generations.
collection, you’ll be transported back in time. The tour covers approximately one mile and takes place outdoors, so wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers, passionate about sharing the history and technology of railroading, will lead you through a fascinating journey that spans over 100 years of America’s rail history.
Imagine the early days of Dallas in 1873, when the first east-west rail line intersected at a point known as Browder Springs, a location that would later become the
bustling city we know today. This strategic junction drew people and businesses from across the nation, cementing Dallas as a Southwest commerce center. It was a time when trains were the city’s lifeblood, bringing much-needed materials and machinery and connecting Dallas to industries in the Northeast and Midwest.
Walking Tours and Educational Programs
The museum’s walking tours are a highlight for visitors. Offered Wednesday through Saturday at various times, these tours provide an in-depth look at select pieces of
Story & Photos by Marshall Altom
the museum’s collection. As you stroll among the historic locomotives and cars, you’ll hear personal anecdotes and historical tidbits that bring the past to life, as well as see rare locomotives and railcars. The tours cover uneven terrain and are best suited for ages eight and up, making them a great family-friendly activity that combines education and adventure.
Welcome to TrainTopia: A Railroad Odyssey in Miniature
One of the crown jewels of the Museum of the American Railroad is TrainTopia, an extraordinary model train exhibit that takes visitors on a miniature tour of the American Southwest. Inside the Frisco Discovery Center, TrainTopia is a gift from the Sanders Family, presented by Amanda and Brint Ryan and made possible by the City of Frisco’s Community Development Corporation.
Over $1 million and 20,000 man-hours went into creating this extraordinary exhibit, which features seven operating rail lines and spans 2,500 square feet. Initially constructed in the North Dallas home of Steve Sanders, TrainTopia combines his memories and interests into a tangible miniature world. After Steve’s passing in 2013, his family graciously donated the layout to the Museum of the American Railroad in 2017. Thanks to the generosity of Amanda and Brint Ryan, the layout was moved and faithfully reconstructed in Frisco.
Modeled in “G” Gauge, or 1:24 Scale, TrainTopia features scenic highlights and populated areas in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. The exhibit includes soaring Rocky Mountains, logging camps, oil fields, the spectacular Palo Duro Canyon, and a 1960s downtown Dallas complete with an animated Main Street and a bustling Union Station. Dramatic lighting transitions day to night, enhancing the colors and details of the hand-crafted scenery and mural backdrop. Visitors can experience a visual journey that includes the famous Palo Duro Drive-In with its operating movie screen and 1950s cars »
and animated signs in cities and towns. TrainTopia is a permanent exhibit at the Frisco Discovery Center, offering a unique and immersive experience for all ages.
Preserving History for Future Generations
The museum’s mission extends beyond public tours and exhibits. It offers TEKSbased distance e-learning programs and onsite guided educational tours for elementary and middle school students. These programs aim to teach the next generation about the railroad industry’s key role in building communities across North Texas and the nation. Students can learn aboard STREAMLINER classrooms in the museum’s Metra Highliner Commuter Cars, making history come alive in a unique and engaging way.
Looking Ahead
The Museum of the American Railroad is currently undertaking its most ambitious project to date: relocating its collections and operations from Dallas’ Fair Park to Frisco, Texas. While the Frisco site is under
construction, access to the locomotive and rolling stock collection is limited to scheduled tours. Despite the challenges, the museum continues to provide exceptional programs and exhibits, ensuring that the history of America’s railroads is preserved for future generations.
In addition to the relocation project, the museum is actively seeking donors to help fund the construction of a protective covering for the railyard. This crucial project aims to safeguard valuable locomotives and carriages from the elements, ensuring their preservation for years to come. The new structure will provide much-needed shelter and contribute to the museum’s overall conservation efforts.
Special Events and Community Engagement
Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of special events, including the popular “Day Out with Thomas” featuring Thomas the Tank Engine. This family-friendly event includes a 25-minute interactive train ride, live entertainment, and a range of activities
centered around the beloved character. The Bubble Tour, coming this October, promises even more fun with bubble-themed activities and photo opportunities.
As the museum looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of education and preservation. Plans are underway to build a new event pavilion, providing a versatile space for community gatherings and special events. With the community’s support, the museum aims to raise funds to complete this exciting project.
Visit the Museum
Whether you’re a history buff, a railroad enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique family outing, the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, Texas, offers something for everyone. Explore the fascinating world of railroads, learn about their impact on American life, and take part in preserving this vital piece of our heritage. All aboard! For more information, visit historictrains.org.
Museum of the American Railroad 8004 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034 (214) 428-0101
Dr. Custer, owner of the Better Care facilities, has been serving the Willis, Conroe, and Montgomery area since 2005.
A summa cum laude graduate of Texas Chiropractic College, he combines chiropractic care with physical therapy for a faster recovery, drawing on his background as a certified athletic trainer, including work with the Philadelphia Eagles.
His dedicated team ensures high-quality care. Dr. Custer is certified by FMCSA to conduct DOT physicals and has provided school athletic physicals for local districts since he's been in practice.
And the winners are... 2024 Postcards Cover Photo Contest
1ST PLACE IN EACH CATEGORY WINS:
GRAND PRIZE WINNER RECEIVES:
• Photo featured on a Postcards Magazine Cover
• 2 Nights at Margaritaville Lake Conroe Resort
• 6 Tickets to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek
• Specially Customized Postcards Award Gift
• Recognition in Postcards Magazine
• Photo on a Postcards Magazine Cover
• 1 Night at Margaritaville Lake Conroe Resort
• 4 Tickets to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek
• Specially Customized Postcards Award Gift
• Recognition in Postcards Magazine
2ND & 3RD PLACE IN EACH CATEGORY
WINS:
• 2 Tickets to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek
• Recognition in Postcards Magazine
WOW! You blew us away again in the fourth year of our contest with over 900 entries, and we are excited to share the
The contest categories were Animals, Nature, People, Local Living, and Seasons.
We thought you might appreciate knowing how the winners were selected.
• First, we removed any names or identifying marks from submissions.
• Our Postcards team then narrowed the field to multiple finalists in each category before the photos were submitted to our panel of judges. Photo contest judges consisted of several individuals (some local, some not) with photography experience and expertise.
• Each judge independently selected and ranked their top five photos in each category.
• From this information, we calculated numerical scores for the photos, which determined our winners.
1st Place Winner
Local Living
Christa Ashworth-Perkins
2nd Place Winner
Adele Carboni
3rd Place Winner
Kristen Crook
1st Place Winner
Kristen Crook
2nd Place Winner
Kristy Pinder
3rd Place Winner
Cade Crippin
Dustin LeNorman Teresa Smith
Lynette Dobbins Marilyn Day
Emily Day Trisher Ford
Steven Lawson
Donald Deromedi
Larry Miller, Jr.
Lynette Dobbins
Dear Gabby
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. ‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, the A/C was running ‘cause we live in the South! It is beginning to look and sound a lot like Christmas. All together now:“Here comes Amazon, Here comes Amazon, Right down my driveway!” Nowadays, Santa probably has to take pictures of the presents he leaves under the tree for proof of delivery! This year, based on my checking account balance, it looks like everyone is getting a text message for Christmas. The good news is Christmas calories don’t count! Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share
DEAR GABBY
My wife is one of those who has been ready for Christmas since last Christmas! I think she is in competition with Hobby Lobby to see
who has the most decorations. She puts up a decorated tree in every single room. I claimed the downstairs bathroom and declared it “tree free.” The towels (and even the toilet tissue) miraculously turned into holiday decorations. Who makes shower curtains with bells on them, anyway?
PLEASE HELP!
DEAR PH
Don’t resort to adding NyQuil to your cherry pie filling, just yet. Does all the Christmas fanfare make her happy? I‘m sure you’ve heard, “Happy wife, happy life!” You could have a wife like my husband Dud. I bought the latest in Christmas trees for this year. It’s artificial, but it drops needles to give it a more realistic effect. The cat is thrilled because he thinks he has a new scratching post, and the dog is upset because he’s not even allowed to bring
sticks in the house. You may want to count your blessings!
GABBY
CONFIDENTIAL TO “WHAT WOULD A SEVENYEAR-OLD GIRL WANT FOR CHRISTMAS”: I am the world’s worst at children’s toy advice. Several years ago, a great-granddaughter wanted “anything Frozen.” Apparently, English peas were not what she had in mind. My greatgrandson’s parents broke the news to him that this year, instead of toys, they would take a family trip to anywhere he wanted to go. He chose China. When questioned about the decision, he said, “That’s where the toys are made.” Remember the reason for the season!
Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things work. Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all three this Christmas! Have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
By Kim Bius
‘Tis the Season The Garden Post
Poinsettias are the plant most symbolic of Christmas and one of the most misunderstood plants around. They are not complicated, just “over and under cared for”.
The poinsettia is grown in almost every color or hue of the rainbow-from blues to yellow and every shade of pink or red imaginable. They are available in miniature form to tree-size, and in every price range. Florist-grown in greenhouses beginning 3 months before delivery, the plants must receive 12 hours of total darkness and 12 hours of light to be “forced” into bloom by the holiday season. If left to grow naturally (only in the southern-most tip of Texas), the plants would bloom in late January to mid-February. Poinsettias are tropical and should not be exposed to heavy drafts or temperatures below 40 degrees. The plant is fairly fragile, and brachts break easily. For this reason, always ask for a plastic sleeve for transport purposes, if one is not offered. As with all plants, premium grade poinsettias are given a premium deluxe status (label) and lesser quality plants (smaller, less blooms per plant, smaller blooms, less expensive) are sold as such with a lower price tag. They are not the same plant, just as a Hyundai is not a Mercedes, nor are they made the same. Higher quality poinsettias will last much longer, often into the next summer. I have a poinsettia I have had for years. Poinsettias can even be “saved” and grown as a houseplant. I keep mine potted on the patio until the threat of really cold weather appears, and then they become houseplants. Poinsettias love high light and require watering several times a week. The plants do not do well with soggy root systems and must be allowed to drain from the “foil hat” most are placed in.
As we begin decorating for the holidays, remember to purchase a few narcissi bulbs for force blooming. The fragrance is heavenly, and the cheery blooms are often synonymous with the New Year (white for purity and new beginnings). Force blooming a narcissi is easy. Use a glass, crystal, or otherwise clear container to be able to gauge the depth of the water. Fill container with marbles, rock, pea gravel, etc. and recess bulb ½ way into rock. Add water to container till it almost touches the bottom of the bulb. Place the bulbs in a bright sunny location, from cold temperatures. The plants may need to have a ribbon around several plants to give them stability or clear plastic florist pics work great as “tiny stakes”. In 3-4 weeks, you will have The same is true of amaryllis. As earlier discussed, amaryllis are available in differing grades (sizes). The larger the bulb stalks, more blooms per stalk, with multiple stalks), and the smaller the bulb, the less expensive. Amaryllis bulbs are also available in great little gift kits--excellent for neighbors, teachers and gifts under $20.00.
The season is here! Enjoy, celebrate, and spread the love Jesus gave to us--the gift of Christmas. Happy Gardening.
What’s Cookin’
Pecan Pie Cheese Ball
Ingredients
2 pkgs caramel dip singles, plus more for drizzling
1 Tbs finely chopped toasted pecans
2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbs light brown sugar
1 (3.2 oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
1/4 tsp kosher salt
apple slices, graham crackers, and pretzel chips for dipping
Directions
Step 1: Stir together caramel dip and 1 tablespoon of the pecans in a small bowl; store in refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2: Beat cream cheese and butter with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as necessary. Add powdered sugar and brown sugar; beat on low until just combined, about 5 seconds; increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Add pudding mix, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and 1/3 cup of the pecans; mix until just combined, about 10 seconds.
Step 3: Line the inside of a medium bowl with plastic wrap, leaving about a 2-inch overhang around the bowl. Place cream cheese mixture into prepared bowl, pressing down until cream cheese mixture is firmly packed; make a well in the center, about 3 inches wide and 2 inches deep. Refrigerate, uncovered, until just firm, about 45 minutes.
Step 4: Spoon caramel mixture into the well of the chilled cream cheese mixture. Use the edges of the plastic wrap to help spread cheese evenly over caramel mixture to enclose, pressing together the edges to create a sealed ball with a caramel center. Unwrap and smooth outside of cheese with clean fingers or the back of a spoon until smooth and no cracks remain.
Step 5: Place ball onto a new piece of plastic wrap and wrap it well, reforming it into a ball shape, about 5 inches in diameter. Place in a medium bowl and refrigerate until completely firm, 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
Step 6: Place remaining 1/3 cup pecans on a small plate. Unwrap cheese ball and roll in pecans to fully coat. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with additional caramel dip.
Step 7: Serve with apple slices, graham crackers, pretzel chips, and other dippers of choice.
Cannoli Cream Pie
Ingredients
1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 1/2 cups full fat ricotta cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped lightly salted pistachios
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Step 2: Bake graham cracker crust in the preheated oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Add heavy whipping cream to a clean bowl and beat with an electric mixer to stiff peaks. Set aside.
Step 4: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together in another bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in ricotta, vanilla extract, and salt until thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Gently fold whipped cream into ricotta mixture. Gently fold in chopped pistachios and mini chocolate chips.
Step 6: Pour the filing into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 5 hours or up to overnight. Top with mini chocolate chips to serve.
Award-winning French winemakers are making it bigger and better in Texas.
Above all else, it is a love story. First, there was a French teenager who spent ten years learning to be a winemaker. It was his passion. Then, there was his love for his wife and daughter. He was willing to move halfway across the world so the three of them could live as a family.
Story by Ruth Fields
Photos by Gina Turner
Winery
Friends & business partners, Steve Hari and Phillippe Legrand
From France to Texas
Steve Hari earned master’s certifications in viticulture (the study of growing grapes) and oenology (the study of winemaking) in France. He has been a winemaker for more than three decades. In 2008, he and his wife Stéphanie purchased a vineyard near the city of Beaune, in the Bourgogne region of France (Americans know it as Burgundy). Steve inspected the grapes daily; at harvest time, he used time-honored methods of making French wine. When the couple’s daughter Ines was born, Steve was a doting father.
Unfortunately, Stéphanie wasn’t able to spend much time at home. As a tenured geologist for the Hess Corporation, she often worked in North Africa. Steve wanted to spend more time living as a family, so in 2015, when the Hess Corporation offered Stéphanie a three-year job in Houston, Steve and Ines moved with her.
Learning Texas English was a challenge, but the Hari family found Texans friendly and welcoming, and they enjoyed living together as a family. So, when Stéphanie’s three-year job was extended, they decided to stay.
But Steve missed winemaking.
Texas wines, French wines
Fortunately, Steve had made the acquaintance of a French American, Philippe Legrand, who lives in The Woodlands. Philippe, originally from Aubusson, in central France, comes from a family of wine merchants. His grandparents marketed wine, beer, and mineral water--and from the time he was eight years old until he was a teenager, Philippe worked in the business. “I was filling wine bottles in the cellar,” he says, “going with the employees in town to make deliveries.”
The two friends soon established a business partnership. Philippe, an American citizen, was able to navigate the labyrinth of governmental requirements and obtain permits to open a winemaking business, and in 2017, Steve and Philippe purchased a 2100-square foot building in Coldspring to house a winemaking operation.
Steve and Philippe knew that good wine can be made from Texas grapes. In fact, Steve explains, native Texas grapes saved the French wine industry in 1890. A tiny insect, phylloxera, fed on the roots and leaves of grapevines, and by some estimates, the greedy insects destroyed 90 percent of European vineyards. Fortunately, botanists discovered that native Texas grapes are resistant to phylloxera, and by grafting European grape varieties (like merlot and pinot noir) to Texasgrown roots, the European winemaking industry was resurrected. »
Steve and Philippe produced their first vintage in 2018, calling it Domaine des Hospitalières. “Because no one can pronounce it,” Steve says with a chuckle, they nicknamed it H-Wines. Soon, H-Wines began winning awards at winemaking contests around Texas.
In the tradition of French winemaking, Steve and Philippe use only locally-grown grapes. In France, Steve explains, wine labels tell the exact part of the country the grapes were grown. In this way, people can be assured of a wine’s terroir—the influence of location, soil, geology, and weather on the flavor of the
“John was very personable and appeared more than interested in my business plans and extremely informative on what I needed to do to help progress my business (even with a tornado going on outside and losing power). 6 stars outta 5!” "[sic]" Trevor B
“Kim is absolutely amazing. She was knowledgeable and very helpful with advice and direction. She made me feel that she truly cared and believed in my dream of being a business owner. I am going to enjoy taking this journey with her.” Cody C
“I'm very grateful to have found the SBDC. Rhonda's advice was sound, thorough, concrete, and humanenot an easy feat so thanks, Rhonda! I would definitely recommend SBDC to others.” Maria L
grapes, and therefore the wine. The label, Steve says, “is a reference for the quality of the wine and respect for the terroir.”
Steve and Philippe make red and white wines, using the two varieties of grapes that flourish along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico: Black Spanish Lenoir (for red wine) and Blanc du Bois (for white). The grapes are grown in vineyards located near Montgomery, Huntsville, New Waverly, and Coldspring.
The tasting room
Because the history of Texas grapes and French winemaking is intertwined, it seems fitting that H-Wines’ tasting room is located in a historical building in Montgomery. Built in 1908, the First State Bank Building provides the perfect backdrop for the Old-World look Steve and Philippe had in mind. The building has a colorful history, and Steve and Philippe enjoy sharing it with patrons. They even use the original safe and vault—which played part in several bank robberies—to store wine. “The temperature never changes,” Steve says. He is fond of using the bank’s original stamp, which is still bolted to a counter, to emboss customers’ receipts as souvenirs of
“The
“My advisor Eric is absolutely the brain we needed to consult with! He’s highly educated in his position to advise new business owners and has given great resources for us to take advantage of that we would not otherwise been able to get access to.” Jacson R Scan here to register!
SHSU SBDC is a business advising and training center of the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network serving 32 counties in Southeast Texas. The SBDC program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Steve and Philippe also enjoy sharing their experiences in the wine industry. Most of the wines offered at the tasting room are French; however, customers can also sample Steve and Philippe’s own H-Wines. Unsurprisingly, Steve and Philippe are adept at helping customers find wines that suit their palates. “Usually, we’re spot on within one to two trials,” Philippe says.
Not long after the H-Wines Tasting Room opened in 2019, the pandemic forced a closure. When Steve and Philippe reopened, loyal customers flocked to downtown Montgomery’s historic district to enjoy good wine, food, and camaraderie with friends, old and new. Wine pairing dinners, served on Wednesdays, soon became a tradition. Each Friday, the menu for the following Wednesday’s dinner is posted to H-Wines’ Facebook page. For example, a recent dinner included a starter of crabcake (paired with chardonnay), a main course of chipotle salmon with roasted vegetables (with pinot noir) and carrot cake bites (with sparkling rosé) for dessert. The tasting room also offers a plentiful Sunday brunch that includes
omelets, waffles, fruits and crêpes.
In August 2024, Steve and Philippe opened a restaurant adjacent to the tasting room, furnishing it with American and French antiques. Diners rave about the atmosphere and the eclectic cuisine, which features flavors from France and India. Wine pairing dinners are still served in the historic bank building on Wednesdays; the restaurant and tasting room are both open on Thursdays through Sundays and are available for private parties and events.
On any night, friendly people, laughter and song can turn something as simple as good wine and a charcuterie board into an impromptu party. “We have a good time!” Steve says. “We are like a family.” At a recent wine pairing dinner, Philippe says, a group of individual diners became so friendly, one patron paid everyone’s bill. “The same is seen time and time again when patrons order a bottle and send it down for everyone to taste,” he says, noting that customers sometimes refer to the tasting room as “Cheers of Montgomery.”
Whether they are regulars or are discovering the H-Wines tasting room or restaurant
for the first time, customers are charmed by the quaint ambience and the friendly, knowledgeable proprietors. “It has such a cozy, welcoming, loving atmosphere,” says one regular customer. “It’s as if they are opening their own home.”
For more information, visit h-wines.com.
Steve: 832-870- 9303
Philippe: 832-992-2032
Tasting Room
14343 Liberty Street Montgomery, TX 77356
Wednesday: 5PM - 9PM
Thursday-Friday: 4PM - 10PM
Saturday: 2PM - 10 PM
Sunday: 2PM - 5PM
Winery
110 Pinto Lane
Coldspring, TX 77331
Grandchild of Grams
Evelyn Joyce Williams Grandchild of Randy & Joyce Parrish and Ann Williams
onecdcrawford@aol.com
Thru 12
CALENDAR
Montgomery
Friends of the Library Silent Christmas Tree Auction (936) 788-8314
Thru 15
Conroe
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” crightontheatre.org
Thru 22
Houston
“A Texas Carol Part Deux” adplayers.org
Huntsville
Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek lonestarlights.org
Palestine
The Grinch’s Lair txjailhouse.com Thru 23
Galveston
Polar Express Train Ride galvestonrrmuseum.org
Palestine
The Polar Express Train Ride texasstaterailroad.net
Houston
“The Nutcracker” houstonballet.org
College
Santa’s Wonderland santas-wonderland.com
College Station Christmas in the Park visitcollegestation.com
Holiday in the Gardens moodygardens.com
Tree Lighting / Christmas on Main cityofconroe.org
Justin Timberlake toyotacenter.com
Holiday Benefit Concert lonestar.edu/ticket-info
Huntsville Holiday Concert shsutickets.com
MC Choral Society: “Gloria” mcchoral.org
Huntsville
Gary P Nunn oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
College
“The Nutcracker” balletbrazos.com 6-7
Conroe
Discover Christmas wcbc.us
Galveston
“A Christmas Carol” thegrand.com
Huntsville Journey Through Bethlehem facebook.com/jtbhuntsville 6-8
Galveston
Dickens on the Strand galvestonhistory.org 6-22
Conroe
“White Christmas” owentheatre.com
Huntsville Winter in the Park huntsvilletx.gov
Lion’s Club Christmas Parade facebook.com/events
Madisonville
Christmas in Toyland Parade madisonchamber.net
Waco
Legends of Texas Whiskey Festival legendsoftexaswhiskey.com
Library Holiday Open House with Santa folstewart.org
/ Parade cityofconroe.org
“Christmas Around the World” conroesymphony.org Huntsville Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org
90th Annual Awards Gala & Auction huntsvillewalkerchamber.com
Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
Mustard Seed Moments
by J.R.A
A Gift Fit for a King
…they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts… --Matthew 2:11
Notice how the Wise Men reacted when they saw Jesus. First, they fell down and worshiped him. Second, they opened their treasures; and finally, they presented him gifts.
His very being and presence bid them to fall down and worship him. When was the last time you fell down to worship him?
They had been seeking him for some time, and they had come prepared—because they brought treasures. If you have been seeking him, do you come prepared with what you treasure? Treasure: riches, fortune, wealth, something of value. Have you given him something of value lately?
Why did they give him of their treasures? Giving is a way to express love. When the Wise Men found the one of their pursuit, they worshiped him and confirmed their worship by giving gifts to express their love.
Let’s give him of our treasures, as small as they may be; but we show him we love him by giving him ourselves; he treasures that more than silver or gold.
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