POSTCARDS Magazine
Cover Photo by Kathryn Altom
APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in The Woodlands
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Publisher’s Post
Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com
Tea for Two
There’s an old saying: “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Wes and I just returned from a lengthy trip across the pond. We spent time in France, Italy, and Greece doing some research and learning for future articles, as well as taking time to recharge our batteries while seeing this historic part of the world.
We planned to be gone for several weeks and felt we were as well-prepared as we could be, given we had never been to this part of the world before. Passports, one suitcase each, Tide pods for laundry. Check. Check. Check. Since we knew Tex-Mex was not to be had over there, we even made sure our last meal before getting on the plane was Mexican food. We were set.
I could write an entire column just on the food we experienced…croissants and soufflés in Paris...pastas, Bolognese sauce, and gelato in Italy...gyros, Sfakianopita, and baklava in Greece. We also drank a lot of water--which we knew was good for us--but my goodness we missed iced tea! (I also missed my Diet Dr. Pepper, but mostly I just wished for more ice…in everything!)
We were about 10 days into our trip when Wes decided to make a run to the laundromat. (Side note: if you go to Italy, be aware, laundromats are few and far between.) While he was gone, I decided to surprise him and make a pitcher of tea. Our hotel room had a water kettle I could heat water in. I knew there were tea bags downstairs in the dining room, so all I needed was ice and a pitcher.
I approached the dining room manager and shared my request. She excitedly told me, “No problem! In fact, you do not need to do that. I have tea with lemon in a can right here!” She seemed taken aback when I explained that was not the kind of tea my husband liked…and he also did not like lemon in his tea. I told her what I needed to do was quite simple; I just needed a carafe or something to stir it in. That was all. Still wanting to help, she asked if she could make it for me. Not wanting to be rude, but also knowing she did not understand, I winked and said, “Sure! If you can do it right!” Her face gave away she was not positive she could deliver, so she told me she would be right back.
A few minutes later she appeared from the kitchen pushing a little cart. On it was a thermal pitcher filled with hot water, a carafe with a long stirring stick, tea bags, a champagne bucket filled with ice, and a tiny platter of chocolate cookies. I was overwhelmed by her kindness and thanked her profusely. Needless to say, Wes was amazed when he returned and there was a pitcher of iced tea in our hotel room. I feel sure he would tell you, he had never had tea that tasted so good.
It reminded me, once again, to enjoy the simple things we often take for granted in our day-to-day life. Our joys are different from those of others, but helping each other find that joy makes our days so much more fulfilling. We are happy to be home…but now I sure do miss croissants!
Ciao! Until next time, ~ Karen
From Our Readers
World War II Veterans
I just finished reading your May issue of Postcards that I received yesterday. I enjoy your publication each month. Your Publisher’s Post article about Mr. Buck Sloan has prompted me to respond with this message. As a U.S. Marine, I attend the Lone Star Honor Flight Veterans Group meeting and breakfast every Wednesday morning. Our group is honored to have a couple of World War II veterans present almost every Wednesday that share the same June 6th birthday. Mr. Putman will turn 106 and Mr. George Watters will be 103 years old on JUNE 6, 2024! They both reside in Conroe and it would be great if you could give them a “shout out” next month in the Postcards.
What’s the odds that Mr. Sloan has a June 6 birthday as well?
Stan Zinn
From all of us at Postcards Magazine, we hope both Mr. Putman and Mr. Waters had a wonderful day! We are so thankful for your service!
To Postcards Editor:
Ruth Fields’ article in your May (2024) issue of Postcards titled ”Heritage Museum of Montgomery County” attracted my attention because of a family connection to the museum.
Velma Steely Warner, my mother, purchased a Singer treadle machine the year she was married (1940). Mom was a proficient seamstress and she made most all of the clothing my sister and I wore during our childhoods. Both Doris (Warner) Phelps and I learned how to sew on the treadle, proudly displayed in one corner of our three-bedroom home.
Shortly before Mom died in 2011, Doris (who moved to Conroe in 1969 with her husband) asked mom if she could donate our family’s sewing machine to the museum because of its historical value. I hope your readers will enjoy their trips to a well-stocked historical treasure in Montgomery County.
Laverne Warner
Texas Talent
Story by Ruth Fields
A friend once introduced him, saying, “This is Smokey. He’s a cowboy, a poet, and a musician.”
When Charles “Smokey” Culver was a young boy, his grandfather hoped he’d become a rancher; he nicknamed him “Smokey,” because it sounded like a respectable cowboy name. The moniker must have worked its magic, because Smokey, who grew up in Pasadena, spent lots of time working cattle at his grandfather’s ranch in Georgetown. He took to the cowboy lifestyle so well, his grandfather asked him to take over the ranch one day. Unfortunately, that day never came. The family went through hard times and the ranch was lost, but Smokey never forgot the lessons learned.
As it turned out, “Smokey” was also a good railroad name. Smokey joined the Missouri Pacific Railroad (later Union Pacific Railroad) in 1970 as a track worker. He began training to become an engineer in 1971 and was promoted to engineer in 1973.
He ran freight and passenger trains until his retirement in 1995. Over the years, he became quite knowledgeable, and he was known for his expertise in interpreting “black boxes,” which trains—like planes—have on board. He is still called upon to testify as an expert witness at court proceedings. Smokey notes that every 90 minutes, there is a railroad accident in this country that causes a person to be injured. Most of the time, a lawsuit follows. Smokey travels throughout the country, providing assistance when needed.
Even during his years on trains, the cowboy lifestyle kept tugging at Smokey. He has entered many local rodeos as a calf roper and a team roper, and has earned a reputation for throwing loops accurately. “I don’t miss that often,” he says, “but I’m not that fast getting there.” Even today, his usual attire includes a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, and some
Photos by Tom Miller
Destined to be a cowboy at 4 years old.
Smokey at the throttle of locomotive in 1997 on left & 2018 on right
of his favorite days are spent in the company of cows and horses. “I’m still roping cows and riding horses at 74,” he says.
Cowboy, poet, musician
When Smokey was a teenager, he learned that he had a way with words. “In high school, I started throwing rhymes out there,” he says. “I started writing poems about one thing and then another.” Poetry writing eventually led to songwriting. Smokey has played the guitar since he was 14 years old, and he has been writing songs since the early 1970s. Although he doesn’t read music, he writes both lyrics and music, playing by ear. “I get the melody down in my head,” he says. He estimates he has written 100 songs, including the western song “One More Star,” which was recorded in 1974 by vocalist Pat LaSalle. “It never went anywhere,” he says, “and that was the end. I published a lot of poetry, but not any other song.”
Smokey isn’t a fan of the way country music has drifted during the past decades, so he writes only western music that evokes
the cowboy state of mind. For example, in one of his favorite musical compositions, “Arizona Sky,” he sings: “Riding through the canyon on my old paint horse, the Arizona sun is sinking low.” He likes to perform his own songs, especially at retirement centers in and around League City, where he lives today. When he packs up his gear to go home, he hears comments like, “Thank you so much for coming,” and “You just made our day. We really enjoy your music.” It pleases Smokey to make his audiences so happy.
Over the years, Smokey has become a prolific poet, composing an estimated 500 poems. Like his songs, many are about the cowboy way of life, but others were written at the request of friends to pay tribute to family members who have passed away. His latest work is a book of poems called True and Faithful Friends, which is about connections with dogs and horses. Some of his poems are happy, and some are sad. “If I make you laugh, I have done my job. If I make you cry, I have done
Smokey with kindergarten class in Angleton, TX-1986
Smokey at railroad inspection Phoenix AZ-1996
my job,” he says.
The inspiration for poems can come from just about anything. Consider, for example, “A Walmart Rodeo,” which Smokey wrote after getting tangled up in a clothes rack at Walmart. “When something bad happens, you can make something good out of it,” he says.
Smokey never writes alone. “When I sit down to write a poem, I say a prayer asking for the words. I don’t do it on my own,” he says. “I ask for some assistance from above.” He does not have a secret formula for writing poetry, but once he has an idea for a poem, he can compose it pretty quickly. He sometimes writes a poem a day on his trusty computer. “Whenever I see anything that needs a poem written about it, I write one,” he says.
Smokey has published many of his poems. At first, he went through a publisher; today, he has a cowboy friend in Canada who makes the self-publishing process easy. “It’s a very simple operation, and it doesn’t cost me a lot,” Smokey says. “I send him the transcript, and the next thing I know I’ve got books out there.” Although Smokey sells his books on Amazon, he gets more satisfaction from giving them to people who will enjoy them. “If I had sold as many books as I’ve given away, I would be driving a Cadillac Escalade right now,” he says with a chuckle.
Smokey, along with a tightly-knit group of writers from throughout the U.S. and Canada, is a frequent participant at cowboy poetry competitions. He sometimes serves as a judge and is quick to credit his fellow
poets for their abilities. “They know their poetry,” he says. Participants perform their own compositions from memory and are judged on rhyme, meter, delivery, stage presence, and other variables. Cowboy poetry competitions, like rodeos, often award belt buckles to winners, and Smokey has won a few. He humbly says, “It’s kind of like a rodeo. If you stay on the bull for eight seconds, you might win.”
Top left: Smokey & Mitch at Orchard Park Retirement Community-2024
Top right: Granddaughter Kylie & Smokey at a nursing home performance-2019
Bottom left: Starting them young at George Ranch-2019
Smokey is also a family man. He and his wife Susan have four children between them and have been blessed with 10 grandchildren and two great-grands. Smokey hopes he inherited his mother’s longevity. “She is 95 years old and going strong,” he says. “She drives a Mercury Marquis like A.J. Foyt.”
As the saying goes, Smokey has a lot of irons in the fire. While he doesn’t have a daily routine, during a typical week he might write poetry, participate on a conference call
to discuss an upcoming trial about a railroad accident, perform at a retirement center, and work at the George Ranch and Historical Park near Richmond. The 23,000-acre ranch
is 200 years old this year, and people come from all over the world to see what its cattle operation was like in years gone by. Smokey often demonstrates calf roping, branding, and dipping at the George Ranch 1930s Cattle Complex. He tells visitors that the ranch sprawls for 36 square miles and quips, “When I mow the grass here, it takes me a week and a half.”
Although his resume is long, Smokey likes the short version. A friend once introduced him, saying, “This is Smokey. He’s a cowboy, a poet, and a musician.”
Perhaps Smokey said it best himself in “Coffee with the Lord,” his favorite of his own poems:
I guess a hand reached down to me from up above somewhere
And pointed me toward the western sky
Because I was destined to become exactly what I am:
Guess I’ll be a cowboy ‘til I die.
Smokey, wife, Susan, & rescue, Dally
ILegal Corner: ESTATE PLANNING FOR AVERAGE PEOPLE
By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law
n my practice, I find that many people are “turned off” by the term “estate planning”. In trying to determine why so many persons find the term “estate planning” offensive or unnecessary, this writer has come to the conclusion that general information about estate planning gets unnecessarily confused with financial planning (also an important tool but entirely different type of animal).
I have had the opportunity to observe seminars and other meetings (with and without the obligatory complimentary meal), that were designed to persuade the audience to sign up for a particular estate product or plan that was being sold.
What most of these meetings fail to do is to address the planning needs of the common, ordinary, average working man or woman. These seminars, in my experience, are aimed at the moderately wealthy or wealthy client. Those persons certainly need estate planning but so do those people who identify with the normal “Joe or Sally Wage Earner”.
This firm deals with many children of deceased parents who, unfortunately are caught in an uncomfortable position. That discomfort was caused by their parent(s) believing that their estate was too small or too insignificant to require at least a basic Will. A number of people have erroneously declared that they, “…do not need estate planning because they do not have an estate”. That is a wrong statement
Everyone has an estate; it is just that some are smaller than others. If one person’s estate is smaller than another person’s that does not change the fact that each needs a plan of distribution after death.
Estate planning for the average working person should consist, at minimum, of a will that determines how property is to be divided upon their death. Unless there is at least a basic simple will to divide property upon death, the property will be
divided as dictated by the laws of intestate succession. Many people decide that that’s okay because, in many cases, that’s what they would have put in their will, if they had a will. What those people do not realize is that their heirs will still be faced with a probate procedure. That procedure will, not only be dictated by the state of Texas instead of them but also will place a greater financial burden on their surviving spouse or children than if they had a will.
An example of how even a modest estate needs a will can be demonstrated by “Joe and Sally wage earners”.
Joe and Sally worked hard all their lives and reared three children, Tom, Dick and Harry.
* Tom and Dick each survived their parents, but Harry died at age 30 with two children, Crystal and Penelope. Crystal and Penelope moved to Chicago with their mother and haven’t been heard from in the last 45 years
* Joe retired at 65 from a manufacturing job - Sally retired at 62 from her job as a bookkeeper.
* Joe and Sally died very close to the same time when they were 90 to 95 respectively.
*They owned that a modest home which has been paid for as well as a couple of six-year-old cars. The total value of the home and cars together is approximately $200,000.00.
* They live on Social Security and have been able to establish a small savings account (about $25,000) for any emergencies that might arise.
* During their declining years, Tom took care of his parents - carried them to doctors visits and generally helped out.
Based upon the above fact scenario and relying upon the laws of intestate succession the distribution of their estate , after payment of all expenses would be: one third to Tom, one third to Dick and one sixth to both Penelope and Crystal.
Even if this distribution is what Joe and Sally would have wished, (which it
probably is not) - the cost of settling Joe and Sally’s estate is estimated to be about three times what the cost would have been if they had probated a Will. Not only would the raw cost be greater, the cost would be further increased by courtappointed attorney ad litem (an attorney which must be appointed by the court to locate any unknown heirs together with Crystal and Penelope).
All of these extra expenses could’ve been avoided if Joe and Sally had chosen to have even a simple will.
Distribution of the estate of Joe and Sally is less dependent upon the size of the estate and more dependent upon the planning that has been done.
Please don’t fall into that trap of believing that your estate does not need a Will. The relatively small number of dollars needed to prepare a Will becomes insignificant as compared to the cost of settling your estate through probate without a Will..
Harris and Montgomery counties in Texas have an abundant number of capable attorneys to assist you with your need for a Will. You are encouraged to find an attorney of your choice to draft a Will so that your estate has a plan.
Glorious Grandkids
Madison Grekstas Grandchild of Randy & Joyce Parrish
Ezra Grandchild of Denese & Peter Rancharan
Lavina Grandchild of Iris & Jesus Campa
Story by Linda W. Perkins
Have & This Summer
Everyone in Texas knows summers in the Lone Star State are not just hot…they are HOT! If you don’t have a pool at home, you’ll be looking to cool off in a nearby community pool; and time at the lake, the river, or the beach is a given. There will be cookouts and campfires at nearby state parks and recreation areas; and fireworks–from sparklers to high-flying color bursts–are all the rage on the 4th of July and at other festivities throughout the summer months.
keep yourself, family members, all these good There’s a lot of to be had, but there are also unique dangers
that come along with summertime activities. There are some obvious ones and some not-so-obvious ones, so keep reading!
Critter Awareness
No one likes insect bites, but what if I told you one could change your life forever? Just one undetected tick, picked up from walking in the woods or just tall grass, is enough to cause Lyme disease–a bacterial infection that, when left untreated, can spread to the joints, the heart, and the nervous system, causing permanent damage.
Mosquito bites come with a risk of other diseases like West Nile and Zika viruses, for which there are no treatments. While symptomatically mild in some people, these viruses can be deadly to older or immunocompromised individuals, and Zika can be passed on by pregnant women to their unborn children, causing birth defects.
Your best bet is to use mosquito repellant, to wear long sleeves and long pants when walking in the woods, and to check carefully yourself, your children and your pets for ticks after being in areas frequented by deer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of safe and effective insect repellants such as DEET and Picardin (along with guidelines for applying them to children) on the CDC website.
Insects are not the only critters to watch out for this summer, though. Warm weather means venomous snakes are coming out of hiding, and alligators become more active.
Per Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TDPW), be careful where you put your hands and feet–use a long stick or garden tool to move aside grass, leaves, and to check around logs for snakes; don’t reach around or step until the coast is clear. Wear heavy boots if you’ll be working in areas where snakes may be nearby, and use a flashlight when moving about, even in your home yard, at night. Also be aware snakes will often hide under brush piles, overturned boats and tarps, and may even be found in crawl spaces and garages. If you do come across a snake, back slowly and carefully away from it.
Alligators are frequently seen in Texas lakes, rivers, and bayous – and even the beach! They can be fun to watch from a distance, but
The most common insect bite in the U.S. is the mosquito bite. According to the National Park Service, there are over 200 mosquito species across America. The state of Texas has the most different species, with 85.
they are not something you want to mess with up close. Normally, a gator will shy away from humans. Problems arise when alligators are fed by people, however, as the reptiles then lose their fear of humans and associate people with food. It is critically important NOT to feed alligators (from the shore, a boat, or a pier) or to outstretch a hand towards them.
If you are in a kayak or on a paddleboard, it is advisable not to dangle fingers and feet off the side and in the water. If you spot an alligator heading your way, quickly paddle away from the gator. If you encounter one on land, the beach, or in the surf, back away from the alligator slowly and give it plenty of space. It is likely to go back home where it belongs. In Texas, alligators are protected by law, so shooting one is not a recommended defense. Alligator-human conflicts are rare, but if you do encounter a potentially dangerous alligator, report it to TDPW so a game warden can handle it properly.
Sun Safety
Did you know many cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can be traced to childhood sunburns? Yeah, neither did I. It’s good we’ve come a long way from laying out by the pool, covered in baby oil! Yet, with all the different types of tanning products out there, it never hurts to be
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reminded to pick broad spectrum sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF. Apply it 15 minutes before you’ll be outdoors–and yes, you can even get sunburned on a cloudy day–and reapply it every two hours (or more often if you’re swimming).
Remember to apply sunscreen to your lips, your ears, and the tops of your feet, which
Younger people are exposed to the sun more often, and it’s estimated that 60%-80% of an individual’s entire lifetime sun exposure occurs within the first 18 years. Younger individuals tend to spend much more time outside, often due to numerous extracurricular activities outdoors.
are often forgotten. And ladies, if you don’t want crow’s feet (wrinkles at the outside edges of your eyes), make sure you wear sunglasses, because those wrinkles are often caused by squinting! Not to mention, your eyes can also be injured by the sun, resulting in burned corneas and cataracts, so choose sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays. For extra protection against both skin cancer and wrinkles, wear a hat and consider covering up with long pants (or a skirt) and long-sleeve shirts. These days, you can even find swim shirts designed to get wet while providing UV coverage.
Water Safety at Home and Beyond
Growing up with a pool or near a body of water, it is easy to take water safety for granted. Nevertheless, it is so important to be emphasized in any piece about summer safety. Drowning is a leading cause of death for young and older children alike, and boating accidents take the lives of Texans every year.
Aquatic accidents in home swimming pools often happen very suddenly–about five
minutes or less after a child goes missing–and while parents are at home. It is critical to teach your children not to go near the water without you, and an adult should stay within arm’s reach of a young child at all times. Even older children should be carefully, actively supervised (even when a lifeguard is present). According to the Red Cross, drownings often occur when parents are distracted and the Red Cross also warns against relying on substitutes such as water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys, and other items designed for water recreation. It is important to know that someone can drown in just a few inches of water, so be just as cautious with children in the baby pool as in full-size pools.
When going to the lake or to the beach, there are additional precautions you can take to keep yourself and your family members safe. First, if you are on a boat, make sure everyone is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket in case someone accidentally falls overboard. Secondly, remember that driving a boat while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor, with a fine up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail, and penalties go up
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from there on second or third occurrences. If an accident occurs that results in serious bodily injury and the accident was caused by intoxication, the driver will be charged with a felony. If you’re going to drink alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver.
Secondly, when out in the water swimming or in a boat, watch out for the “dangerous ‘toos’”: too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, and too much strenuous activity. Whenever possible, have a telephone or mobile phone nearby in case of an emergency.
Third, make sure swimmers know about any potential hazards such as currents, deep and shallow areas, and obstructions. Don’t swim outdoors during inclement weather. Listen for thunder and watch for storms with lightning and high winds. Only swim in designated areas, and stay at least 100 feet away from jetties and piers to avoid rip currents. Lifeguards stationed at the beach can advise on the best places to swim and tell you about any unusual issues. If at all possible, swim with a buddy, who can assist in case of an emergency.
Fire Safety
As a last summer safety tip, don’t forget that as the weather heats up, so does the chance of forest fires. The U.S. Forest Service offers a number of tips for fire safety at home and while you’re out camping. At state parks, fire conditions are posted at the entrances to the parks, so be extra cautious if the conditions are in the danger zones. Clear campfire areas from dry leaves and use fire rings. Do not light fires in windy conditions, where sparks can fly into the brush. Check with your local county officials about burn bans and follow their guidelines. This includes the use of fireworks. While lighting up the night sky may seem like a great idea on holidays like the 4th of July, you don’t want to inadvertently light your house or field on fire at the same time.
SITKA loved by Jean & Deanna
CHARLIE loved by Norman & Lindsey
GHOST & RANGER loved by Jacob & Betty Kelly
Dear Gabby
You have to love Texas! I wear driving gloves in the winter so I can stand to touch the steering wheel, and I wear driving gloves in the summer so I can stand to touch the steering wheel! Independence Day is July 4th, and let’s think about what the holiday actually stands for. Let freedom ring! Patriotism is not about fireworks set off by drunken people you normally wouldn’t trust with a glow stick. Neither is patriotism an act of one day; it is an emotion you live 365 days. Have a fun, safe, and happy Fourth of July, but always remember freedom is never given, it is won. Let’s give thanks for those who make freedom possible for all of us. Send your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.
DEAR GABBY
There’s been a lot of coverage in the news lately about UFOs (unidentified flying objects) or the new term, UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), with eyewitnesses and videos to back them up. I’ve never seen anything in the sky that couldn’t be explained. Do you believe in extraterrestrials or their vehicles?
SEEING IS BELIEVING
DEAR NON-SEEING IS NON-BELIEVING
You are not alone. No; not in that way…in not believing. In my customary five minutes of internet research about the subject of the day, the Pentagon website headline reads: Pentagon study finds no sign of alien life in reported UFO sightings going back decades. We all know everything on the internet is true, so don’t give it another thought. I agree with cartoonist (Calvin & Hobbes) Bill Watterson. He said the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us. Google said it, so you can surely believe it.
GABBY
CONFIDENTIAL TO “TIRED OF BEING IGNORED”: You need to stop watering dead plants. It’s the same thing.
What’s Cookin’
Fried Peach and Pancetta Pizza
Ingredients
8 oz pancetta bacon, thickly sliced
1 tsp olive oil, or as needed
12 oz pizza dough, or more to taste, cut into quarters
1 Tbs all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 cup olive oil, or as needed
½ cup ricotta cheese
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or to taste
ground black pepper to taste
20 fresh peach slices
¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste
4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Line baking sheets with aluminum foil.
Step 2: Sprinkle pancetta into a cold skillet and drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over pancetta. Cook and stir pancetta over medium heat until browned and caramelized, 5-10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cool pancetta in the oil in the skillet.
Step 3: Place 1 dough quarter on a work surface and lightly dust with flour; roll into a 1/8-inch-thick irregularly shaped crust. Stretch dough with your hands to an even thickness;
let rest on the work surface for 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 4: Heat about 1 cup olive oil, reaching about 1/2-inch depth, in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each piece of dough until browned and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. The first side will be lighter than the second side. Drain the crusts on paper towels.
Step 5: Transfer pizza crusts, lighter-side up, to prepared baking sheets. Spread 2 Tbs ricotta cheese onto each crust using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp fresh thyme over ricotta layer. Sprinkle pancetta over the ricotta-thyme layer; season with black pepper. Nestle about 5 peach slices onto each pizza, working around the pancetta pieces. Sprinkle 1 Tbs Parmesan-Reggiano cheese over each pizza. Drizzle about 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil over Parmesan-Reggiano layer.
Step 6: Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and peaches are tender, 12-15 minutes. Cool for 5-10 minutes on baking sheet.
Note: The fried pizza crusts can be made ahead of time. Fresh basil can be used in place of the thyme for a sweeter flavor.
Easy Asian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) pkg spaghetti
1 tsp olive oil
6 Tbs soy sauce
¼ cup white sugar
3 Tbs rice vinegar
1 Tbs toasted sesame seeds
2 tsp sweet chili sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup sugar snap peas (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl and toss with olive oil.
Step 2: Whisk soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame seeds, chili sauce, and sesame oil together in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Toss soy sauce mixture with pasta; top with green onions, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Refrigerate 30 minutes to overnight to allow flavors to blend. Toss again before serving.
Story by Claudia Kirkwood
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
As I gazed at the beautifully handwritten letter from Sam Houston to U.S. President Martin Van Buren, dated May 3, 1837, I realized the thrill of viewing such a significant historical document. Adding to its rare and unique nature was that the letter was signed by Sam Houston as President of the Republic of Texas and it contained the Presidential Seal of the Republic of Texas.
This letter is one of the recent acquisitions for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library. Derrick Birdsall became the director in the fall of 2021, and building upon the superb work of former director Mac Woodward, he is on a constant search for documents and authentic artifacts to add to the already impressive collection. Derrick’s love for history was on full display as we talked about the museum and its contribution toward educating the public and creating a greater depth of appreciation for Texas history.
Upon moving to Huntsville in 1847, Sam Houston and his wife Margaret purchased several acres of land, now part of the fifteen acres which make up the museum property and are under the management of Sam Houston State University. Several buildings were erected on the original property--including the Woodland Home, Sam’s law office, a kitchen, and other essential structures and gardens to maintain life and livelihood during that time. The Steamboat House, the home Sam died in on July 26, 1863, was moved on the property in 1936.
Honoring the life & times of Sam Houston
The primary source bringing truth to Andrew Jackson’s famous prediction, “The world will take care of Houston’s fame.”
Photos by Tom Miller
While living in Huntsville, Houston served as a United States Senator, and when absent from home, he corresponded almost daily with Margaret, a fact which Derrick notes, “has provided us with a treasure trove of information regarding the Houston family and their daily life.” With some letters on display in the museum, the bulk of the correspondence is online or will soon be online through the museum’s website. In addition to the museum’s online offerings, there is a wealth of digital material available on sites such as “Texas History Trust” and “The Portal of Texas History,” including a four-volume set of Houston letters compiled by descendant Madge Roberts. These documents are rich with details about the Houston family and their daily life.
In 1910, Sam Houston’s home (The Woodland Home) was presented to Sam Houston Normal Institute (which became Sam Houston Teachers College in 1923, and evolved into Sam Houston State University in 1969), and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum was established as a Texas Centennial Museum in 1936. The institution was renamed Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library in August 2022 to commemorate the fact that Houston served as the President of the Republic of Texas. This resolution was approved in 2017 by the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas. The complete history of the institution is available in museum literature. Museum staff are always on the lookout for documents relating to Sam’s life.
Plans are currently being developed to build a new section of the museum and library to display the growing number of documents and artifacts from Sam’s years when he served as President of the Republic of Texas. Additionally, the museum staff are preparing to renovate current displays, as well as make seasonal changes to other buildings on the complex. One such example is to update the Woodland home to portray life as Margaret described it during each season of the year.
The museum is not only a repository of historical documents, but uses its staffing and resources to make history come alive through tours, re-enactments, and displays reflective of the daily life and times of the Houston family. These community events are posted on the museum’s website and Facebook page. Demonstrations may include:
• Blacksmithing
• Spinning and weaving
• Kick wheel pottery
• Hearth cooking
• Working with dyes
• Wood shaving
• Shucking and grinding corn
• Gardening
• Black powder
“Last year, we were able to acquire the largest collection of Houston documents and artifacts that we have obtained in the past 40-50 years. These acquisitions have been provided through descendants of the Houston family or found at auctions.” -- Derrick Birdsall, Museum Director
These along with many other period activities and skills make it a wonderful place to enjoy a family outing and learn some history in the process. During the summer months, interpreters (usually in period clothing) will be onsite to provide information about the various structures and activities that took place on the Houston farm. The interpreters and living history historians are well-informed and prepared to provide accurate information that has been researched to guarantee its authenticity.
Museum staff work hard to find ways to connect the public with all the museum has to offer. They have developed some new events, including General Sam Houston Day and a concert series named “Sundown at Sam’s,” to be enjoyed, along with the popular annual photo contest.
• GENERAL SAM HOUSTON DAY is a one-day event that offers free access to both the museum and grounds and is replete with activities and demonstrations. Food is available for purchase, or you can bring your own food and drink and picnic on the grounds. Check the website for the 2025 date and other essential details.
• SUNDOWN AT SAM’S is a free live music series three times per year. Check the website for 2025 dates.
• PHOTO CONTEST EXHIBIT will be on display in the Katy and E. Don Walker Education Center on the museum grounds. Check the website during midsummer for contest information.
Other notable events and exhibits include:
• Blue Star Museums – free admission for active-duty military and families:
May 18 – September 1
• Saturday Spotlight event: June 8 – July 27, 10 am-2 pm
• Commemorating the Life of Sam Houston
– Steamboat House open: July 27, 10 am – 2 pm
• The Café Raven- Honoring Sam Houston: May 21 – September 1
On display at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center:
• Sam Houston: A Texas Icon: May 16 – August 25
The museum also provides traveling trunks for schools, assists other historic sites with their programs, provides staff to serve as guest speakers to different organizations, and is always open to ideas for educating young people in the hopes of creating in them a love and appreciation for history.
In Derrick’s own words, “It’s an exciting time to be working in a history museum. We enjoy a lot of support from the community and university.” In addition to the new structure for housing the Presidential Library documents and memorabilia, future needs include addressing infrastructure and drainage issues, as well as providing better mobility throughout the grounds. Derrick hopes to have these needs remedied by 2036 when Texas commemorates its bicentennial. This celebrated landmark date will certainly attract state and national attention and put the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library on full display. But until then, we can enjoy the benefits of this local, state, and regional treasure now! If Sam and Margaret were still here, they would be thrilled to know you have visited their family farm and gotten a taste of their Houston family hospitality!
Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library
1836 Sam Houston Ave./1402 19th St. Huntsville, TX 77340
For information regarding days, hours, and fees/donations: 936-294-1832
www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Facebook: samhouston.memorial.museum
Don’t be afraid of your Freedom!
As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s spend some time talking about freedom. 248 years ago, several brave men stepped into a dangerous position by signing a document declaring freedom from the rule of Britian. I am not sure that any of us can truly understand the courage it took to sign that document. By signing, those men put themselves in direct conflict with one of, if not the, most powerful countries and militaries of the time. Since that time, brave men and women have repeatedly stepped forward to defend our freedom all over the world. What are we doing with the freedom we have been gifted?
We, as Americans, have the unique opportunity to build whatever life we can dream up for ourselves. Our government and economic system, while far from perfect, allows us the latitude to take as much or as little risk in our lives as we deem appropriate. If the risks we take provide for financial return, we get to keep the vast majority of that reward. Make no mistake, this is the best system in the world! Our system fosters a community of innovation that much of the world does not understand or have the opportunity to participate in. This is not to say that the risk taken always works out the way we want. But, if not, we have the freedom to regroup and start again.
So, what do you want your life to look like?
Take the freedom you have been gifted and start designing something great. Your design will not be the same as mine, but that is the beauty of having the freedom to make something truly unique to yourself. It often starts with and end in mind. Those are the goals that we need to work toward every day. Spend some time really thinking about what makes you happy. This may be an exercise with your partner to identify what you jointly want life to be. Once you have identified your goal, then it is time to get to work.
We can help. We work with people like you to help work toward the life they have designed for themselves. We will take your design and help break it down to smaller actionable steps. We will then help you monitor progress as you work toward your end goals. If you are ready to get started, call for a no obligation consultation.
Happy Independence Day – Enjoy your Freedom!
Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP®
Medical Matters
By Kyle Mueller. MD
How to Get Better Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s because the amount of quality sleep you get affects everything.
“Restoring your sleep quality is crucial for your mental well-being, daytime productivity, quality of life, and overall health,” said Dr. Kyle Mueller, a family medicine doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Spring. “Getting less than seven hours of sleep each night puts you at risk for serious, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.”
But the real victim of a lack of sleep is your brain.
When you are asleep, your brain catches up on tasks it can’t do while you are navigating your day--such as cleaning out waste, saving new information, and filing away memories. Without enough sleep, the brain can’t complete all these tasks, which can lead to memory problems and serious brain disease.
If you don’t get enough sleep because you have trouble falling and staying asleep, here are a few tips for healthier sleep habits.
Develop a Wind-down Routine
“Your routine should include simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, taking a warm shower, listening to relaxing music, or reading a book,” said Mueller.
Combined with a set bedtime and wakeup time, your routine will train your brain to recognize this pattern signals it is time to relax, releasing hormones to help you fall asleep when you get into bed.
Mueller recommends getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night — and maintaining that regular sleep schedule.
No Devices in the Bedroom
Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching TV or staring at your phone before bed. Create a sleep environment that’s cool, dark, quiet, and free of distractions.
“If you must have your phone by your bed, don’t use it once you’ve begun your winddown routine,” stressed Mueller. “Light can affect how the brain prepares for sleep, so don’t pick up your phone or turn on the TV if
you wake up at night.”
Eat and Exercise Early
Consume your last meal of the day no later than 7:00 pm.
“Since the brain runs the digestive system, it will not be able to settle down and prepare for sleep until the digestive system does as well,” Mueller explained.
People who exercise during the day tend to sleep better. Exercise as early in the day as possible, since exercising releases adrenaline and endorphins, which may keep you awake if you exercise in the evening.
“Many people can get enough sleep naturally if they develop good sleep hygiene and stick with it,” noted Mueller. “But sleep problems differ from person to person, so it is important to get to the bottom of any you are experiencing.”
Get Help Catching Z’s
If you’ve tried all the above but still aren’t consistently getting enough quality sleep, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
The Garden Post
By Kim Bius
Crape Myrtles: The Queen of Summer
No plant really says “Texas summer” like a crape myrtle in full bloom. These Texas hardy, deciduous shrubs really cannot be beat for overall return on a landscape investment. Beautiful blooms in the summer, colorful fall foliage, and showy white bark in winter. Crape myrtles are often referred to as trees, but are actually large shrubs available in a range of sizes, from miniatures under 3’ to small trees under 25’.
Crape myrtles have simple requirements: sunny location, good air flow, well-drained soil, and water as needed. Powdery mildew often becomes a problem when plants have little chance of air movement in the corner of a building. Crapes love high heat, humidity, tolerate severe drought, and will grow in any Ph level and any soil (as long as it is not soggy on a consistent basis).
Crape myrtles bloom on new wood and have the best show of blooms when the plant is pruned in mid-February. Crapes can be left to grow naturally in a large shrub form, but will not have a manicured look. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While large knots of scar tissue should be removed every 5th year and may not be attractive, this is merely a pruning technique…just like pruning a rose for spring.
Crape myrtles come in a wide range of colors: white, pink, red, lavender and purple, with stunning fall colors/ foliage in hues of red, purple, bronze and gold, depending on the variety. There definitely is a variety and size for every summer landscape. To help you choose, the following is a list of the top performers for summer blooms in the crape myrtle category:
Miniature Weeping - Height 2-5’, fair disease resistance, little fall color. Dixie Series includes varieties Baton Rouge (red), Bourbon Street (watermelon red), New Orleans (purple), Delta Blush (light pink).
Petite Series - Available in pink, lavender, plum, red, and white. Some fall color; maximum height 8’.
Semi-dwarf - Height up to 10’, such as Dynamite.
Standard Series Varieties - Maximum height of 12’-18’+. The older varieties fall into this category.
Happy Gardening.
on the Roof” adplayers.org
Houston Symphony: Star Spangled Salute visitthewoodlands.com
The Queens of R&B: Xscape and SWV woodlandscenter.org
TX
The Rocky Horror Show owentheatre.com
Huntsville
Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org
Main Street Music Series: Brown Sugar Band huntsvilletx.gov
New Kids on the Block woodlandscenter.org
Galveston
Fourth of July Celebration visitgalveston.com
Houston
Freedom Over Texas visithoustontexas.com
Huntsville
4th of July Family Celebration huntsvilletx.gov
New Caney 4th Fest on the Hill thehillvalleyranch.com Tomball
4th Celebration & Street Fest tomballtx.gov
High Caliber Gun Show texasgunshows.com Houston “Bluey’s Big Play” performingartshouston.org
Sweet Home” Patriotic Concert mcb-tx.org
Disney’s “The Lion King” thehobbycenter.org
Texas Haunters Convention texashauntersconvention.com
Woodlands
Acoustic Alchemy doseydoetickets.com
Montgomery ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon chamber.conroe.org
Conroe
Balloon Glow & Laser Show balloonshows.com Fairfield
Fuzzy PeachFest fairfieldtexaschamber.com
Mustard Seed Moments
by Linda W. Perkins
When young, we spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of career we might have and what goals we might achieve. It is often not until we get older that we start asking ourselves questions like: Is this all there is? What is the point of everything I’m doing? Why am I really here? What we are seeking is more than a career or a lifestyle; we are searching for purpose
I recently moved across the country; as such, I have the opportunity to chart a new path from scratch. Part of that process has been praying about what God would have me do with my new life in my new surroundings. I am not just in a new place geographically; I am also in a new stage of life as an empty nester. My child is grown up now, and my prime time of teaching her about God’s love is over – it is up to her to experience that without mom and dad by her side every day. So now what?
As I unpacked my office boxes today, I ran across a tiny card deck I bought years ago--a companion to the book The Purpose Driven Life I saw there was a card for each of 40 days. I looked at Day 1, and it said “It’s not about me.” On the other side of the card was a Bible verse: “…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” -
Colossians 1:16B (MSG)
So today, I have rephrased my question from, “What here in this place?” to “God, what is your purpose for I am reminded of Jesus’ assurance that when I stay seeking to join Him in what He is doing, then all the other life will come together as well.
Are you seeking your purpose in life’s daily pleasures or earthly treasures that will pass away, or are you focused on what your purpose is in Christ and in His eternal kingdom?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things that be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
“We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels – everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” – Colossians 1:15-16 (MSG)
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – I John 2:17 (NIV)
