Postcards
Piney Woods
Publisher’s Post
Whispers and Shouts
This is the wonderful month of love, hearts, and (perhaps) having sweet nothings whispered in your ear, right?
Sometimes, life with a soft-spoken spouse like mine can feel like everything is a whisper. He could pass you in a hallway, say hello, and you’d swear you missed it entirely. I often find myself chuckling, having to remind him that if I can hear a pin drop (literally), my hearing is not the issue!
It’s funny how the quiet ones seem to get away with so much. Sometimes I miss the small things—quiet gestures of love just as meaningful as grand declarations.
I’ll be honest. In the past, I’ve often wished he were a little louder in expressing his feelings—maybe a few more dramatic, grand gestures that sweep you off your feet. But over the years, I’ve learned genuine love is often quieter than we expect. It’s in the soft-spoken words, the little acts of kindness, the way someone just knows what you need.
My husband’s soft-spoken nature is something not yet inherited by our grandson Sutton (2), who’s quickly learning that love, at least in his world, is something of an entirely different volume.
In church recently, as Sutton chattered away during the sermon, I leaned down and whispered, “Sutton, can you whisper?” Our little firecracker looked right at me and, in the loudest voice imaginable, belted out, “YEAH!”
Hearing a child say “yeah” with the enthusiasm of a marching band can reduce you to giggles - quiet sanctuary or not.
So, here’s to February—the month of love in all its forms. A reminder that love, whether it’s whispered or shouted, is filled with joy…and joy knows no volume control. Sutton’s pure enthusiasm was just as much a declaration of love as a quiet “I love you.” How often we forget that sometimes, love is as loud as it needs to be.
So, I’ll keep working on getting my husband to raise his voice a little, but I’m not worried about Sutton. He’s got love down perfectly—full of volume, heart, and just the right amount of mischief.
Love is never as simple as we think. It’s loud. It’s quiet. It’s messy. It’s perfect. Because sometimes, it’s the whispers (or attempted ones) that hold the most meaning.
Until next time,
Love, whether it’s whispered or shouted, is filled with joy…and joy knows no volume control.
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Walker County Genealogical Society
The Circle Unbroken: Still Alive and Well after 60 years
In June 1965, Virginia Humphrey organized eleven of her friends and formed the Walker County Genealogical Society. Nearly sixty years later, the organization is still fulfilling the role Virginia and her friends envisioned. WCGS is continuing to provide help to those researching their family history with presentations, member help, and a partnership with the Huntsville Public Library. The Society has survived when most genealogical societies have not—even a pandemic
couldn’t slow it down. Faces have changed, but the society is still going and growing and offering free events to the community throughout the year.
In 1967, two years after the organization of the Society, Huntsville built a small library. The Society donated a three-shelf bookshelf to the library and filled it with their own genealogical books. That is how the current genealogical room got started. The Society then changed their by-laws to read that yearly membership dues would include
either a genealogical book donation to the library or monetary donation to help buy a book. Those conditions have never changed. The dues currently are $10 a year for an individual and a donation of some kind to the genealogy room.
As time went on and the genealogical donations continued, a small Local History/Genealogy Room was created in the Huntsville Library. In 2004, the Huntsville City Council renamed the Local History/Genealogy room
SPECIAL TO POSTCARDS | PHOTOS BY KATHERINE E. STEPHENS
Opposite page pictured left to right:
Clara Malak, Deta Rogillio, Sam Massey, Glynda Tuner & Debbie Womack
to honor longtime Society President Johnnie Jo Sowell Dickenson. With the opening of the new library in 2012, the genealogy room was given much bigger quarters and room to grow. The room currently houses over 10,000 books
and 70,000 vertical files and is the premier genealogical room in the state for a city the size of Huntsville. Throughout the years, the Society has endeavored to bring the best of genealogical programming to the community for free and with open arms to all. By December of 1965, the Society was offering programs to help members with their research. Genealogical research from the 1960s well into the 1980s was by letters and personal visits to a government repository. Ancestry. com did not come along until 1983, and FamilySearch did not get started until the 1990s. Genealogical research was much more difficult and occurred at a much slower pace until recently. Help to genealogical researchers was needed much more, and friend-helping-friend was absolutely necessary. WCGS fulfilled that role.
By October 1967, the Society was holding their meetings at the Huntsville Public Library and giving presentations. In 1969, the Society
Above: Some of the early members of the WCGS.
Below: Deta Rogillio looks through some of the "family history" of the organization itself.
donated the first microfilm reader to the library and started organizing trips to other places to attend genealogical programming. The first Society organized trip to the Clayton Genealogical Library in Houston, Texas, was in April of 1971. This tradition has continued, with the most recent trip being in July of 2023 and another trip being planned for the summer of 2025.
Because of the dearth of genealogical records available about Walker County, the Society began compiling and writing their own books. The Society has written books on all the cemeteries, on probate records, on court records, on marriages, and many others. In 1984, in conjunction with the Walker County Historical Commission, the Society helped compile and publish “The Walker County History Book,” which contains over 1,000 family histories and is one of the first “go to” books for Walker County genealogical research. In August of 1994 in conjunction with the Huntsville Public Library, WCGS hosted its first Library Lock-in. For this event, the Library closes its doors at the normal closing time but the genealogy room remains open for WCGS members and their guests. The Lock-ins allow WCGS members to help other researchers and each other as well as being a quiet time to work on their own research. These Lock-ins have continued. The Society now has one every February, combining an “Open House – Learn About WCGS” with a Lock-in; and one is held each
August in conjunction with the Friday events of the annual two-day Summer Genealogy Weekend.
In 2000, to celebrate the new century, WCGS instituted three unique lineage registries – First Families of Walker County, Century Families of Walker County, and Waverly Emigration Society. To belong to one of these registries, you must meet a few eligibility requirements. To belong to First Families of Walker County, you must be able to support a direct descendancy from someone named in the 1850 United States Federal Census of Walker County. To belong to Century Families of Walker County, you must be a direct descendant of someone named in the 1900 United States Federal Census of Walker County. Waverly Emigration Society is particularly unique. To belong, you must a direct descendant of one of the 143 individuals who traveled from Poland to New York City and arrived on 9 April 1867. This remarkable voyage occurred because of twelve planters in Waverly, Texas, who, after the Civil War, needed a labor force to help them work their farms. Meyer Levy, Waverly store owner and Polish immigrant, agreed to make the trip and recruit his countrymen. Forty-five families, totaling 143 people, agreed to make the trip, and come to Waverly, Texas. These lineage registries are still available for new members.
In August of 2013, the Society hosted its first Summer Genealogy Weekend, a free
The WCGS and the Huntsville chapter of DAR have joined together to produce a book for America's 250th Anniversary in 2026.
The book will allow anyone in Walker and contiguous counties to submit biog raphies about their ancestors who participated in the American Revolution in any form. It will not be limited to patriots but will also be open to those whose ancestors were loyalists, British soldiers, Hessian soldiers, enslaved, indigenous, farmers, shopkeepersbasically anyone who was in America during that time.
two-day event held the first weekend in August with presentations, a lock-in, and Silent Book Auction. It has been held continuously since with co-host Huntsville Public Library. Rrefreshments are provided by the Mary Martin Elmore Scott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and by the President Houston Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. This last August saw the event hosting internationally known speaker, author, podcaster, genealogist Lisa Louise Cooke, along with Faye Jenkins Stallings, Jim Thornhill, and Mary Bailey. Two days of exceptional speakers, great information, and wonderful comradery.
Ten years ago, the Huntsville Public Library and the WCGS had an idea for a fundraiser that would help both groups – an annual book sale. In 2022, the sale expanded into a twice a year week-long Silent Auction. The Silent Auctions are the culmination of WCGS/HPL events. In February, the Auction ends with the WCGS Genealogy Room Open House/Lock-in and the August Auction ends with the Summer Genealogical Weekend.
The proceeds of the Silent Auction are dedicated completely to the needs of the Genealogy Room. In the last year using Silent Auction proceeds, the Genealogy Room has received a
new genealogical database, a makeover of the scanner/ microfilm area with new scanners purchased, a new book cart, and over $2500 worth of new genealogical books. Toni Herrington, Genealogical Librarian, came to the WCGS with a desire to have at least one genealogical book from all 254 counties of Texas. The library was over 75 county genealogy books shy when Toni started her county plan. Using Silent Auction funds and WCGS donations, the library is now within 3 counties of realizing that dream.
In addition to the Texas collection, WCGS has helped ensure all 50 states are covered. Genealogical “How to" books for researchers on Irish, German, and England research have been purchased as well as “How to" books on research methodology, writing family histories, and understanding DNA. WCGS and HPL are proud of our African-American collection. Thanks to Dorothy Hightower, a collection of funeral celebrations, composing 20 volumes, is available to research. We are proud of our collection of family histories which cover not only local families, but families from all over the United States.
The Silent Book Auction is built on book donations to the Society. For many years, former member families have been donating their collections to the Society. The Society happily
accepts any donation – whether genealogical or not. If the donation is genealogical, we first check to see if we have the book in the Genealogy Room. If not, the donation goes to the Genealogy Room to increase our collection. Non-genealogical books go straight to the Silent Auction, which gives the auction books from every genre imaginable. Every donation of any size – from one book to 50 boxes of books – is gratefully accepted. The last Silent Auction raised over $2300.
WCGS and the Genealogy Room have been working for over fifteen years to make digitized archives possible. Thanks to the new equipment purchased through the Silent Auction, digitization is underway and will continue until all archives are processed. Making genealogical information easily accessible is what Toni, WCGS, and the library do.
Interested in joining a lineage society? WCGS is happy to help you with that! The Society has been hosting a Lineage Society Fair/Workshop each June since 2017 to introduce the different lineage societies and give help to people who wish to join. (However, you need not wait for June for help - come to a Society meeting and ask for help. That’s what we do!)
The Society meets monthly from September through May and then has a
Lineage Society Workshop in June and the Summer Genealogy Weekend in August. Additionally, the Society has a Writers Circle group meeting every third Wednesday from September through May in the Genealogy Room. This group meets to encourage the recording of family stories as well as to share advice and help each other. Other courses are offered through the year as well. You can find a schedule of events and more information at the Society’s website wcgstx.org.
The Society also publishes a monthly Newsletter which will keep you updated on Society events and happenings. It offers information on electronic research sources and unusual sources, trivia, new books in the genealogy room, and other snippets of genealogical interest. The Newsletter is free, and you may sign up by sending your email address and request to wcgensoc@ yahoo.com.
Psychologists are finding more and more evidence that telling, hearing, and sharing family stories help give children a firm emotional base and help older persons retain sharpness and hope. Genealogy is family stories—whether of how a great-great-great-great grandfather came to America or how you and your significant other met. The Walker County Genealogical Society wants to help you pass those stories and information to generations to come.
Every Step and Every Movement Deserves a Little
Tommy Brabham, PT,
Cassie Fry, PTA
Snapshots
Bryson Abramski won the bike rodeo held at Texas Motor Speedway
Dr. Stephen Means of Means & Associates Optometry is pictured with Russ Cooper, VP of the Walker County Amateur Radio Group, & Shaun Dwyer, auction winner of a radio tower donated by Means in memory of Dr. David Rathke to help raise funds for the group.
Identify the things that are most important to you Learn from your loved ones
Serving families of Madison and surrounding counties "The Walters Way" for over forty years.
Photo by Hello Huntsville
Teachers Touching Tomorrow
Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond, and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”
Gloria Carter
English
Huntsville High School
NOMINATED BY Ana Marin
One of the main reasons why she made a difference is because when I arrived in this country, she was the person who helped me the most. She is a wonderful teacher, the best I have ever met. She marked my life in a beautiful way.
Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com. Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.
Sponsored by:
Star Students
Clarisa Salazar Ramirez
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Los Alegres del Barranco, Edicion Especial
FAVORITE FOOD: Enchiladas
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Por la familia, Por los momentos, Por todo, gracias Dios.” (For the family, for the moments, for everything, thank you God.)
Clarisa is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Maria G. Ramirez Rodriguez and Miguel A. Salazar Flores. Her activities include National English Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Following graduation, Clarisa plans to attend Sam Houston State University. She believes, “Hay que destacar, porque la que puede puedeee! y la que no... criticaaa!!” (We must stand out, because those who can, do! And those who don’t, criticize!!)
Ana Marin
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE: Coco
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Luke Combs
FAVORITE FOOD: Mexican
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Dios por delante por que el nos va guiar!” (Put God first because he will guide us!
Ana is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Maria Gabriela Bautista and Baltazar Marin. Her activities include National English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Hornet Influence Program. Following graduation, Ana plans to obtain her cosmetology license, then go to college to get her dream career so she will be able to give her parents the things they deserve. She believes, “Todo lo puedo en cristo que me fortalice” (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me).
C’Nori Lemons
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE: La La Land
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Lana Del Rey
FAVORITE FOOD: Shrimp Alfredo
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
C’Nori is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the son of Laketria O’Bryant. His activities include Buzzy’s Lunch Box. Following graduation, C’Nori plans to obtain his real estate license. He would like to act on screen someday and maybe even win an Oscar. He believes, “What goes around, comes around. Put good energy out into the world.
Alexiz
Delafuente
Trinity High School
FAVORITE MOVIE: Moana
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Megan Moroney
FAVORITE FOOD:
BBQ with Mashed Potatoes
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Anyone who takes the time to be kind is beautiful.”
Alexiz is a senior at Trinity High School and is the daughter of Rafael and Rosa Delafuente. Her activities include cheerleading captain, HOSA, student council, FBLA, FFA, Beta Club, and class vice president. Following graduation, Alexiz plans to attend UT-Tyler to major in nursing. She believes, “Enjoy the little things in life because, in the blink of an eye, they become memories.”
Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.
Things My Granddaddy Said
That person is as crazy as a sprayed cockroach!
I’m so mad, I could bite the head off a nail and spit bullets!
She’s been as busy as a hound in flea season.
I’ve had so much coffee, I could thread a sewing machine while it was still running.
He’s happier than a clam at high tide.
I would rather walk on my lips than gossip, but…
As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!
Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris
Puzzle Solutions
Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 22, Book 1
It is hard to believe we are already in 2025. The past year has been a great year for financial markets and likely a record year for financial fraud. We have seen an increase in fraudulent activity across our industry and specifically targeting our clients. It is becoming more important to maintain diligence in protecting yourself from fraud.
What can you do to protect yourself?
1. Monitor your accounts regularly. You are your best defense. Create online logins for your accounts and monitor the activity on the accounts weekly. We often hear from clients that they do not want to create online logins because they do not want their information on the internet. The fact is the information is already out there. Creating a login for yourself simply gives you a way to monitor activity in your accounts.
2. Pay attention to emails from your financial institutions. Be careful that the emails are legitimately from your financial institution. If you have questions regarding something you receive, call your institution using a publicly available phone number. Do not use the phone number in an email – it could be fraudulent.
3. Create Unique, Complex Passwords. Do not reuse or share passwords and change passwords regularly. If you need help with passwords there are several programs available to help you create and manage passwords. These password management programs will create multi-character passwords that are nearly impossible to crack, and they store the passwords for you. This allows you to create and remember one long, unique password to access everything.
4. Use multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication is another tool that will require you to enter some sort of code each time you log into your accounts. It requires a text message to your phone or some other method to deliver a code directly to you. While this tool is not 100% effective, according to security professionals it is one of the most effective ways to protect your accounts.
5. Subscribe to a credit monitoring service and lock your credit file. There are several reputable credit monitoring services available. In most cases they can alert you when a credit inquiry is made and may even allow you to lock your credit file so an inquiry cannot be made without your permission.
With a few simple steps you can be more confident in your ability to protect your information and accounts. If you need help with any of these steps, do not hesitate to reach out with questions. We are here to help you Enjoy More, Worry
Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP® New Year, New Habits.
Glorious Grandchildren
Nova
Grandchild of Sylvia Clark
Grandchild of Gregg & Nancy Jolly
Grandchildren of Ronnie & Peggy Belinoski
Grandchild of Kelly & Kent Lewis
Noah
Grandchild of GG
Maverick
Lauren Corcoran, Greyson Scherz, Adalynn Scherz, & Maegan Corcoran
Weston Parker Slocum
Seen by: PC Staff
Shirley Jeter celebrating her 90th Birthday
DENTAL CARE TIPS
Butch & Dianne Maywald celebrating their 42nd Wedding Anniversary
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can damage your teeth.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
3205 Robinson Creek Parkway Huntsville Office (936) 291-6589
Dr. Aaron Fritsch
Dr. Scott Logan
The National Videogame Museum
Discover gaming’s past and present through dynamic, interactive exhibits.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARSHALL ALTOM
The National Videogame Museum (NVM), located in Frisco, Texas, is a captivating destination for gamers and enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of video games as you explore interactive exhibits that showcase the evolution of gaming. From vintage consoles to modern technology, you’ll discover iconic games, rare artifacts, and intriguing displays that highlight the impact of gaming on society. What are you waiting for?
Gaming bliss awaits!
Honoring Gaming’s Past
The National Videogame Museum’s quest is to archive the artifacts and
narratives that shaped video games. Their mission is straightforward: to preserve the video game industry’s history by archiving physical artifacts, information, and the stories behind its creation. Video games have been around since the 1950s, and many pioneers have passed away, taking their stories with them. The goal at NVM is to document, firsthand, as much information about the creation and evolution of the video game industry as possible and preserve physical artifacts for generations to come.
Meet the Founders
• John Hardie: An Atari fan since the days of Pong, John has been collecting artifacts and prototypes since 1986. He has written for various publications and organized conventions and is a co-founder and on-site director of the NVM.
• Sean Kelly: A pioneer in video game archiving, Sean has been merging the old with the new since the industry’s early days. His passion continues at the NVM, where he focuses on preserving gaming history.
• Joe Santulli: Co-founder of “Digital Press” and one of the first video game collectors, Joe published the first price guide for video games and opened a shop in 2005. His rarest pieces are on display at the NVM.
Exhibits at the National Videogame Museum
Giant Pong
Prepare to witness a gaming marvel at the National Videogame Museum: Giant Pong. Standing over 12 feet tall, this colossal exhibit pays homage to the game that started it all. Engage in an epic battle as you control enormous paddles, experiencing the thrill of Pong on a grand scale. With its impressive size and immersive gameplay, the Giant Pong machine offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience that showcases this beloved classic.
Head-To-Head Wall
Experience the thrill of playing video games from various points in history, from pixelated pioneers’ early days to today’s cutting-edge technology. Challenge friends or family as you discover the evolution of gameplay and witness the advancements that have shaped the gaming landscape. The “Head-to-Head Wall” offers an interactive and immersive experience that showcases the diversity and progression of video games, making it a must-visit destination for gamers and enthusiasts of all ages.
Timeline of Consoles
Get ready to embark on a journey through time as you explore the varied history of video game consoles. Using a giant SNES controller, navigate through a comprehensive database of gaming systems, from the earliest pioneers to the latest innovations. Discover
fascinating facts and delve into the stories behind each platform. Whether you’re a curious gamer or a devoted enthusiast, the “Timeline of Consoles” offers an interactive and nostalgic experience that celebrates the legacy and impact of gaming technology.
1980s Bedroom
Step into a meticulously recreated bedroom that captures the essence of gaming culture during that unforgettable decade. Explore the vibrant colors, retro decor, and authentic memorabilia that adorned bedrooms in the 1980s. From the distinctive posters of pop culture icons to the cassette tapes lining the shelves, every detail has been carefully curated to transport you to a time of Dungeons & Dragons, vinyl records, and endless gaming excitement.
Rise of Computers
Experience the sheer ingenuity of early personal computers, from the legendary Apple II to the groundbreaking Commodore 64 and the trailblazing IBM PC. Engage with these vintage machines, each representing a significant milestone in the rise of personal computing, and dive into classic applications and games that captured the hearts and minds of early computer users, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of personal computers.
Virtual Reality
Explore the groundbreaking advancements that have revolutionized the way we experience digital realms. From the early experiments with VR in the 1960s to the cutting-edge headsets and immersive experiences of today, this exhibit allows you to step into the shoes of virtual adventurers and pioneers.
From BattleZone, a game so real at the time that it was used by the US Army to train tank pilots, to the PSVR, discover how VR technology has progressed over time, from early wireframe graphics to photorealistic environments.
Pixel Dreams Arcade
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a bygone era as you step into this meticulously crafted arcade haven. From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by rows of vintage arcade cabinets, each faithfully restored to their original glory. Relish the familiar ambiance as you hear the clatter of buttons and witness the glow of CRT monitors transporting you to iconic gaming
realms. Complete with a live high scoreboard, you can relive the days of pure arcade bliss, embracing the nostalgia of competing for the top spot. Native American Representation in Videogames
Explore diverse perspectives and experiences through interactive displays, insightful commentary, and captivating visuals. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, stereotypes, and evolving representation faced by
Native American communities within the gaming industry. Engage in meaningful discussions and reflect upon the responsibility of game developers and players alike in shaping a more inclusive gaming landscape. Explore the power of gaming as a platform for education, empowerment, and cultural preservation, and learn about initiatives that strive for more accurate and empowering Native American representation.
Journey to the Next Generation NVM 2.0 is developing and promises to be a monumental leap forward for the National Videogame Museum. The new expansion will feature an expansive Game Library, a vast collection of games from all eras, and a state-of-theart eSports arena where the thrill of competitive gaming comes alive. NVM 2.0 will also introduce new interactive exhibits and educational programs, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Fundraising efforts are underway to bring this vision to life.
Engaging Adventures Await
Immerse yourself in the history of video games at the National Videogame Museum. From competing for high scores to exploring new exhibits, there’s always something exciting happening at the NVM.
Explore the magic of video games at the National Videogame Museum, where every visit promises a new adventure. Ready, set, game on!
Location & Contact Info
8004 Dallas Parkway Suite 300 Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 668-8400
nvmusa.org
Giggles & Grins
I was in a band called The Hinges. We opened for The Doors.
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Ants never get sick, because they have little anty bodies.
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There’s a Women’s Roofing Expo this weekend. All the shingle ladies will be there!
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My therapist said I have trouble expressing emotion. I can’t say I’m surprised.
I made a chicken salad last night. Apparently, they prefer grain.
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Did you hear about the dentist who married a manicurist? They fought tooth and nail!
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I married my wife for her looks…but not the ones I’m getting lately.
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Being in debt attracts a lot of interest from bankers.
Inspecting mirrors is a job I could really see myself doing.
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I got booted from the coffee club because I wore a tea shirt.
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HEADLINE: “Man in boxers leads police on brief chase.”
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I think my wife is putting glue on my firearms. She denies it, but I am sticking to my guns.
My 8-yo summarizing her first snow skiing lesson:
“Pizza to stop, and French fries to go!”
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Cordelia, 4-yo: I love Panda Express so much! I want to eat everything there they have on the counter! At every store!
Me: You know, some of those have broccoli…
Cordy: I don’t like Panda Express anymore.
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Cordy: What would happen if we ate too fast?
Me: You might choke on your food.
Cordy: No! I mean if we eat so much so fast that we accidentally grow into grownups too early! Then I would freak out! I would run to the light switch and flip it on and off really fast to go back in time! Then what would happen?
Me: I guess nothing would happen, since you went back in time to the correct age.
Cordy: You’re silly.
Garrett Carson
My 4-yo pretended she was a hired cleaner yesterday. As she helped me clean, she asked if I had any kids. After telling her about my two, I asked if she had any of her own. Turns out she has five kids and has been married to a guy named Carlin for 30 years. You think you know someone. ••••••••••••••••••••
My 12-yo son tried coffee for the first time today.
Him: It tastes like dirt!
Me: Well, it was just ground this morning.
Medical Matters
Understanding Dry Eye: Finding Relief for Your Eyes
Dry eye disease is a very common condition that affects many people across the world. While it may seem like a minor issue, dry eyes can have a significant impact on quality of life, causing everything from blurred vision to difficulty reading, working on a computer, or even driving. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms and restore comfort. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and treating dry eye.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the tear film that keeps the eyes lubricated becomes unstable. Factors that contribute to this are meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), reduced tear production and environmental factors. MGD occurs from the blockage or dysfunction of the meibomian glands which produce oils necessary for prevention of tear evaporation.
Inadequate tear production can happen as a natural part of aging especially in people over 50, or due to certain medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Environmental factors like prolonged screentime and heating/cooling vents and fans can also increase dry eye symptoms. Over time, the lack of tears and poor tear quality leads to chronic inflammation and irritation on the surface of the eye that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of dry eye are often not what patients initially associate with dryness. The most common symptom of dry eye is due to excess tearing or watering as it is the eye’s way of trying to compensate for surface dryness. Other symptoms include gritty or sandy feeling, burning, redness, blurred and fluctuating vision.
Dr. Lindsey Mills
Therapeutic Optometrist
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
There are many treatment options for dry eye today.
• Conventional dry eye treatment: Lifestyle modifications like staying hydrated, taking breaks from digital devices frequently, using humidifiers, avoiding direct air flow from vents and fans and supplementing with a good quality over-the-counter artificial tear. At home warm compresses can be helpful in treating MGD and prescription eyedrops can also be helpful when addressing inflammation and tear insufficiency.
• Targeted therapy with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF): Both treatment options work to treat the underlying cause of dry eye. IPL and RF improve the function of the meibomian glands. IPL therapy uses a broad-spectrum light to target the meibomian glands by breaking up blockages in these oil glands and reducing inflammation of the surrounding tissue. RF uses controlled heat energy to stimulate tissue regeneration and enhance the overall function of the meibomian glands. These treatments can be used in combination or individually depending on a doctor’s recommendation.
Address Dry Eye with your Doctor
For countless patients, dry eyes can be a frustrating and persistent condition that affects daily routine and quality of life. Speaking with your eye doctor about your symptoms will help determine what treatment option is best for you. An annual eye exam is a great opportunity to be evaluated for dry eye disease as well as keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy for years to come!
Most
Thing Left To Do On Your Bucket List? Catch a bass over 10 pounds ( second thing is to be buried in Texas).
Could Live Abroad, Where Would That Be?
have nowhere else I would want to live other than Texas.
Who Do You Admire? My father, because he was a man of integrity and honesty--no matter what.
Best Advice You’ve Ever Gotten?
yourself, no matter what people think.
Blaine McCadam
DEAR GABBY
I talk to my cats, so my relatives think I’m ridiculous. However, the cats are more conversational than the kinfolk. I also have a dog, so does that mean I’m not a crazy old cat lady?
Queen of Cats
DEAR GABBY
It’s Super Bowl LIX time! I am also 59, so I don’t have to look up any Roman Numerals. Are you excited about the upcoming Super Bowl parties? Do you have any recipes to share?
Touchdown Ted
DEAR QUEEN
I only have one cat, but I do talk to him. What am I supposed to do? Just ignore him when he asks me a question? I do hate it when he stares at me like I’ve just asked him for a ride to the airport.
Gabby
CONFIDENTIAL TO “LIVING WITH DOGS”?
DEAR TD TED
I hate it when I go to a Super Bowl party for the food and the football pool…and people start trying to talk to me about football! I will never get tired of the pound of Jimmy Dean sausage, big block of Velveeta, and can of Rotel dip. I still make a half-order once a year, during Super Bowl, even if I stay home by myself. That’s good stuff!
Ring your doorbell on your way to bed. That will clear the bed long enough for you to get comfortable.
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. February agenda: Sleep, eat, repeat for 28 days. Groundhog Day is February 2nd. Does anyone know a good Groundhog Day joke? I keep hearing the same one over and over. Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is on the 14th. If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular on Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day has lost some of its romance since Cupid got replaced by drones. President’s Day falls on Monday, February 17th. You know I don’t discuss politics, but I have noticed George Washington is the only president that didn’t blame the previous administration. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.
Gabby
The Garden Post
Fruit Tree Season is Here!
Mid to late January/February is the best time to shop for “hard to find” and newer varieties that have limited availability, and late winter is also a great time to plant fruit trees (not citrus) such as peach, pear, apple, plum, pecan, persimmon, blueberry, and a few others.
Cold temps give area fruit trees the chilling hours needed to produce well. If this is your first year to plant fruit trees, let us start by choosing the site.
Site
Choose a location that receives full, direct sunlight (min. 8 hours) and has good drainage. Heavy clay is generally considered a poor site choice. Fruit trees will not survive in waterlogged soil, and water must drain away from the roots within 6-8 hours. If you have no choice, a few inches down, treat the area with gypsum 3-6 weeks before planting, build a “watermelon mound” 12-18 inches above ground, and plant the tree into mound, with 1” of the root ball above the soil grade. This will work 60%+ of the time, and that is the best we can do on heavy clay pockets that come to surface grade. Pass on planting pecan trees, if this is your only site. Pecan trees have deep tap roots that do best in sandy river bottom land or deep sandy loam.
Water
Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
root system to handle. If this is too daunting for you, ask a garden center to do it for you. Most fruit trees will bear heavily after 4-5 years, but all will produce on 3-year growth…just not as much.
Choosing
Select healthy container-planted trees when possible. Bare root trees or packaged trees are fine until mid-February for purchasing, as long as it is still cold outside and trees are “heeled in” properly. Many independent garden centers bring in their fruit tree stock bare root, soak the roots, and then pot them. The trees are potted in bio-degradable peat pots, which add compost to the soil and disintegrate over time from watering and rain. Some folks prefer to cut an “x” on the bottom for faster disintegration. What is the best size to plant? I prefer a tree in the 4’-6’ tall range, ½” or larger caliber. The tree will generally be around two years old and easy enough to handle for a homeowner. Prices increase drastically on larger sizes, so be aware of “sticker shock” on 30 gallon+ fruit trees.
Planting
New plantings need to be irrigated a minimum of twice a week during the next few weeks, and three times a week when temperatures stay in the 70s. Fruit trees are crops and will require consistent watering throughout their lifetimes, especially during the first summer and production season. Following is a listing of the least drought tolerant fruit trees to the most drought tolerant.
Least tolerant (will die in 10 days with no water) – peach, apple, plum, apricot, blueberry Medium tolerance – pecan (once established), grapes, blackberry, and citrus Most hardy once established - pomegranate, fig, and pear
Pruning
Trees should be pruned back 20% before planting to stimulate growth and ensure the branching is not too extensive for the
Ensure the tree is planted at a slightly higher level than the existing soil. The tree root ball should be above the soil level at least an inch, and the existing soil level on the tree cannot be changed once planted.
There are two schools of thought root stimulator: apply before or after planting. To me, it depends on the size of the tree. Trees over 3” in caliber should have the hole filled with water and pour the appropriate amount of root stimulator in the hole BEFORE planting the tree. Smaller trees can be watered in upon planting.
Root stimulator is a fertilizer and natural hormone that greatly accelerates growth of the root system so the tree can anchor itself and begin growing. I feel it is a must for newly installed plant material. It can be reapplied 6 weeks after planting. Green Light and Fertilome both make good products.
Spring is just around the corner. Looking forward to an incredible ’25 growing season!
The circle of life of a fruit tree.
Tasty Bites
Perfect Lobster Bisque
INGREDIENTS
3 Tbs butter
¼ cup chopped fresh mushrooms
2 Tbs chopped onion
2 Tbs chopped celery
2 Tbs chopped carrot
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
1 ½ cups half-and-half
½ cup dry white wine
½ lb cooked lump lobster meat
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms, onion, celery, and carrot. Cook and stir until tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in chicken broth, and season with salt and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Pour vegetable and broth mixture into the container of a blender, and add 1/4 cup of the lobster meat. Cover, and process until smooth.
Step 4: Return to the saucepan, and stir in half-and-half, white wine, and remaining lobster meat. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until thickened, about 30 minutes.
Tasty Bites
Broccoli CasseroleCauliflower
INGREDIENTS
2 cups broccoli
2 cups cauliflower
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup butter, melted
1 (15 oz) pkg seasoned croutons, crushed
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Place broccoli and cauliflower in separate saucepans, cover with water, and bring to a boil; cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and arrange in an 11x7-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Beat eggs in a bowl until creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and onion; pour over vegetables. Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Scatter crushed croutons evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until browned and bubbling, about 40 minutes.
COOK’S NOTE:
Quickly melt butter by placing butter pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) until butter is melted, about 30 to 45 seconds, depending on the amount of butter. If you still have just a few small pieces left in the dish, you can stir the butter until they melt.
Tasty Bites
Ginger-Lime Chicken with Coconut Rice
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ lb skinless, boneless chicken breast - cut into 1” cubes
2 limes, zested and juiced
2 Tbs grated fresh ginger root
1 ¾ cups coconut milk
½ tsp white sugar
1 cup jasmine rice
1 Tbs sesame oil
1 Tbs honey
¼ cup sweetened flaked coconut
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: In a glass bowl, mix chicken breast cubes with lime juice, lime zest, and grated ginger. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the jasmine rice, reduce heat to low, and cook tightly covered for about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and fluff rice with a fork; cover and keep warm.
Step 3: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and marinade. Stir fry until the chicken is nicely browned, about 3 minutes. Drizzle the honey onto the chicken and continue to stir-fry for another minute or so, being careful not to let the honey burn. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with coconut.
Step 4: Serve hot with the coconut rice on the side.
COOK’S NOTE:
Add fresh herbs to garnsh and a delicious aroma.
Tasty Bites
Lava Cake
INGREDIENTS
6 ½ (1 oz) squares semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup butter, cut into 8 pieces
3 eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup white sugar
2 Tbs all-purpose flour
4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease and flour four 6-ounce ramekins.
Step 2: Place chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine eggs and sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Mix in melted chocolate, flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until combined. Pour batter into the prepared ramekins and place on a baking tray.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until the sides are set but the middle is still jiggly, 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tasty Bites
Butterscotch Budino
INGREDIENTS
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ cup water
2 Tbs unsalted butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup milk
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 tsp cornstarch
1 Tbs white rum
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Combine brown sugar, salt, and water in a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; cook until caramel is very dark, and bubbles appear, 7 to 10 minutes. Immediately turn off the heat.
Step 2: Carefully whisk in 2 tablespoons butter; pour in heavy cream and continue to stir. Be careful, as mixture may boil up in the pan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Whisk in milk.
Step 3: Whisk whole egg, egg yolks, and 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch together in a mixing bowl. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of hot cream mixture to temper egg mixture. Whisk egg mixture into the saucepan and increase heat to mediumhigh. Bring to a simmer, and cook, whisking, until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and pour into a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl to remove any lumps. Whisk in rum.
Step 5: Pour into serving glasses. Let cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes, before wrapping in plastic wrap and refrigerating until thoroughly chilled, 3 to 4 hours.
CHEF’S NOTES
This is an amazing Italian custard pudding. Serve as is, with whipped cream, or topped with caramel sauce and flaky sea salt. If you want to make the recipe firmer, add more cornstarch. Or, if you want it softer and creamier, add less cornstarch.
P TEXAS TALENT Chaser
Crouch
This real-life cowboy from Corsicana grew into a musician.
BY AMY BARNETT | SUBMITTED PHOTOS
It’s no secret that country music and rodeo life go hand-in-hand. So, when Chaser Crouch, a real cowboy from Corsicana, Texas, decided to learn to play guitar as a kid and start writing songs, everything came out “country.” Over the last few years, he has been honing his craft, writing and playing shows across the state and beyond – and he has grown his fan base and racked up some impressive industry nominations along the way. Postcards Magazine visited with this singing cowboy about his passions and goals as he forges his path in the music industry.
Let’s start from the beginning. Rodeo and music have always been a part of your life. Tell us about your start in rodeo.
My whole family has been a part of rodeo in some way. My dad’s been a horse trainer since he was 15 years old, and my mom ran barrels and has been all over the rodeo world. My grandfather was a bulldogger and trained bulldogging horses; my grandmother was a
barrel racer, and all that’s on my mom’s side. On my dad’s side, my grandmother ran barrels, my grandfather was a bull rider, and my great-uncle was a bulldogger.
And you followed in their footsteps and earned some championship buckles of your own in cutting horse competitions. That’s amazing!
I don’t talk about it a lot. I am proud of it, but I don’t want to sound like I am bragging. I have three world titles under my belt. I’ve been reserve world champion and won numerous scholarships. I won the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I’ve done a lot of things on the back of a horse, and I have a lot of friends from all over the country I’ve met doing this.
Impressive! When did music enter the picture?
I used to watch country music videos every morning before school. We’d have it set on CMT, and my dad and I would sit there and watch it. I also grew up watching all the Texas country music
artists from the late 90s and 2000s and was always fascinated with learning more about each artist. It seemed like they were all friends and took care of each other. It was always something I wanted to be a part of, and I was always intrigued by it, but it was never something I thought I could do. But fast forward—I started playing more, doing gigs, going to open-mic nights, and decided I was going to go for it and see what happened. Music has always hit me in an emotional way, and I try to take that over into my own music. I try not to sing or write about anything I haven’t experienced. That’s what drew me into it. And being on stage singing with lights flashing, that’s just a plus.
Tell us about your songwriting process.
The first three songs I wrote really just happened when my buddies were sitting around and we wrote a song. “Hell of a Night” was my very first song, and we put it out to test the waters and open the door. People ended up loving that song. How it came to be – I was 18,
a senior in high school, and through high school, I met some buddies through a mutual friend. They were all going to Navarro College. They had a camper, and we had a place with a hook-up for a camper, so they stayed at our place in their camper for about two years while they were going to college. I’d become really good friends with a bunch of the kids in Navarro College’s John Deere program, and I’d go hang out at the dorms with everybody. One night, there were a couple of us sitting there, and two of us had our guitars out and I said, “Let’s write a song,” and we wrote this song. We didn’t finish it then, but I finished it later on. It went through a lot of changes by the time it was recorded, but that song was written in the John Deere dorm rooms at Navarro College. That song is a mixture of stories from me and my buddies. It’s just one of those songs everyone can relate to.
How have you brought your two passions – rodeo and music – together?
I wanted to write something about
that because it was such a big part of my life. I was on the road on the weekends going to every show I could with my parents for 4 or 5 years. For a lot of high school, I was gone every weekend. I missed out on a lot of time with my buddies, but it paid off.
I co-wrote a song called, “Born to Ride.” The song’s about chasing a dream in the headlights. You’re on the road late at night, gone every weekend, and you’re coming home at 1 or 2 in the morning. I’ve watched the sun come up on the dash of my truck numerous times coming back from Wyoming, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana – all over the place. I might have been home for two weeks during the summers when I was in school, but other than that I was competing.
When it comes to music, who inspires you?
George Strait, obviously. Mainly because he’s George Strait. But someone like Cody Johnson, who also grew up in the rodeo, can throw one heck of a concert. And Reba McEntire. I’ve
always thought of myself as a mixture of George Strait, Cody Johnson, and Koe Wetzel. I want to have the rowdiness of Koe, the pure country of George, and the songs of Cody. His songs just hit you. A song like “Dear Rodeo” will make me tear up.
You recently signed a management deal. What does that mean to you?
My mom and I had been managing this whole thing. We talked about looking for management before, but it just never worked out. Then we started working with Gilligan Promotions for radio promotions, and I would poke at David (Gilligan) and say, “You should just be my manager,” and he finally agreed. What this means is I’m just digging a deeper hole into what I want to do. I can’t back out now, so I’ve just gotta keep going. Things are finally happening, it seems like. It’s a little overwhelming, but I don’t think about it. I take care of my guys, and we do our shows, and I only worry about the music. I don’t mess with the nitty gritty stuff. Everyone’s got that end goal, whether it’s a gold buckle or a Grammy. It’s just one step closer to my dreams.
Speaking of awards, you were a finalist at the Texas Country Music Awards in Fort Worth last year and are now up for New Male Vocalist at the Texas Regional Radio Awards (T3R). How cool is that?
This is the second year I have been nominated for New Male Vocalist for T3R. It still blows me away to be nominated with such great new artists in Texas country music, and being recognized by another association in country music is crazy to me. When I started full-time in Texas country music three years ago, I could not imagine being nominated and participating at award shows.
What has the support of your rodeo community meant to you as you have moved into country music?
I have friends all over Texas and the United States that keep showing up to my shows and are having fun watching me evolve. A lot of my friends remember when I only knew one song. It’s so
cool how they keep showing up for me. Almost every show I play, I know someone in the crowd from my “horse world.”
Tell us about your new song that’s out now.
boy who bought a cheap guitar/ played for tips and beers in the bars / sang from his heart and shot for the stars / kind of looks like me.” I think everyone needs to shoot for the stars.
My new song, “Just a Dream Away,” was written by Thomas Rhett. The first time I heard the demo, I related to it a lot, because everyone is just a dream away from a goal or achievement. It relates to me not only chasing a dream in music, but also chasing dreams in the horse world. It took a lot of drive, hard work, and dedication, along with ups and downs to win a World title. I am trying to take that same mindset into music. This song is about getting started and chasing that dream. My favorite part of the song is, “I know a Check out "Just a Dream Away"
Well said. You have a lot planned for 2025. Fill us in on what we can expect.
My band and I are excited about playing the World-Famous BBQ Cook-Off at the Houston Rodeo. We will be playing in a private tent hosted by The Cowboy Care Coalition. This organization raises
Precision Repairs.
money for injured rodeo cowboys. I think it is a great cause, and I am proud to be a part of the event. The guys and I are also playing at Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and at a music festival in Louisiana. We have our first band gig at the TCMA “Music Venue of the Year” – The Kenney Store in Kenney, Texas, in February. We are also headed to Oklahoma and Kansas for gigs. Additionally, I am trying to finish recording some songs. We have a lot of new music coming out this year.
Sounds like an amazing 2025 ahead. To learn more about Chaser Crouch, visit www.chasercrouchmusic.com and stream his songs wherever you get your music.
3 Generations of Amayas, serving our community.
Pet Pals
Bella Luna loved by Kathryn & Gabriel Craig
Enzo, A.J., & Zora loved by Suzannah & Dan
Miss Lolita loved by Almanza Family
Cici & Lala loved by Kayden & Jasminel
Cruzer loved by Anthony & Cecilia Cruz
Ivanka loved by Dan & Toni Glerum
Funspace
Write a Valentine's Day Acrostic! Acrostic is a poen in which letters in a line form a word.
Where did Mr. Cow take Mrs. Cow on a Valentine’s Day date? – To the Moooovies!
“Thousands in Huntsville Have Found Back Pain Relief Here… Now It’s Your Turn!”
Are you tired of living with back pain?
For over 40 years, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute has been helping people in our community find real relief from back pain. Thousands of people, just like you, have trusted us to help them get their lives back.
At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, we don’t just cover up the pain. Our expert team of chiropractors and medical professionals uses innovative, non-surgical treatments to fix the problem at its source.
Whether you’ve been dealing with pain for months or years, we’re here to help you feel better fast.
Why Choose Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute?
✔ Serving Huntsville for over 40 years with proven results
✔ Thousands of success stories from people just like you ✔ Innovative, non-surgical treatments that actually work ✔ A caring team that includes Chiropractic AND Medical Care (like Regenerative Medicine!)
Sudoku Marketspace
Sudoku Marketspace
RESOURCES SECURITY,
Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute
“The greatest medicine is to teach people how not to need it.”
BY KATHERINE E. STEPHENS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
In a professional building on Normal Park Dr. in Huntsville, Texas—if you make your way up to the second floor and walk down to suite 201—behind the door, you will find staff and doctors who merge both chiropractic and medical practices to help bring patients the best quality of life possible. Dr. Brian McGee stands proud with continuing the legacy of Dr. Gregory Peter, who owned the practice for over 40 years. Having kept the name, staff, and patients in place, these doctors look ahead to a bright future of caring for people in our communities.
Upon arrival of the Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute office, you will find a play area for children, friendly staff waiting to greet you and assist you with appointment scheduling, and a sitting area where encouraging words adorn the walls.
“The greatest medicine is to teach people how not to need it.” This quote can be seen by patients right when they walk through the door, as it is posted on the wall by the front desk. This quote is from “Hippocratic School of Medicine” and after speaking with Dr. McGee, there is no doubt this is the motto they are doing business by.
Dr. Brian McGee treating a paitent's knee
Continuing the Legacy
After 43 years of providing care and building relationships with patients, Dr. Greg Peter passed the torch two years ago. Dr. Brian McGee is now the friendly face patients have grown to know. “We have an integrated approach. Our foundation is chiropractic. We also have a medical provider on our staff, Dr. Blain. We have merged the best of both worlds, where we have chiropractic and modern medicine, so our medical provider does things that complement,” explains Dr. McGee. The legacy to continue is this, says McGee, “Getting rid of back pain, joint pain, neuropathy in a unique way – no medicine, no surgery, just results.”
As Huntsville has seen before, when a doctor retires, it can sometimes shake up the community a bit, leaving patients unsure of what path they will take with their future care. That does not seem to be
“While other professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to suit the environment.”
– B.J. Palmer {quote displayed in HPMI}
the case here, as Dr. McGee feels thankful to his patients for welcoming him with open arms.
“It’s an honor to be able to take care of the community. From TDCJ workers, to university students and faculty, Elkins Lake golfers…a lot of them come on a weekly basis. It has created an atmosphere of “family,” and I want to thank them for accepting me,” Dr. McGee continues with a smile of gratitude.
“I definitely take it as a compliment that patients have stayed through the transition.” Dr. McGee attributes the warm environment in the office to his team. “That’s a credit to the staff, that it is a family atmosphere; the staff get told on a daily basis how awesome they are, and they really are.”
Do YOU need a Chiropractor?
Who can Huntsville Physical Medicine help? Well…most likely you or someone you know.
Bulging or herniated discs? Sciatica? Migraines? Pinched nerve? Tech neck? If you are experiencing symptoms, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute would like to help you get on the road to recovery.
Dr. McGee says, “When you have a symptom, you have a problem. Symptoms are the last thing to show up, and typically the last thing to go away.”
This is why many patients choose Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute for preventative reasons.
“Symptoms are your body’s alarm system saying something is not right,” explains Dr. McGee. “Chiropractic is a lifestyle; the majority of my patients come in to get tweaked, to make sure the nervous system is working the best it can. The nervous system controls everything – without that, we don’t work.”
Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute wants you know: You are never too old to set a new goal.
The old saying “age is just a number” is highlighted here because, from newborns to great-grandparents, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute sees them all.
The birthing process can be taxing on both mother and baby, which may result in both benefiting from adjustments. It is not uncommon for HPMI to be a pit stop for newborn babies on the way home from the hospital. As life continues for the child, they may start taking tumbles…or your grandfather may fall on the golf course. Misalignments happen to all ages, and HPMI wants to be there to serve your family.
Dr. McGee says the goal of HPMI is to “help people get back to doing the
things they enjoy doing in life, without pain.” He also makes it clear he wants his patients to continue with great quality of life no matter what the age, and that “the answer should never be to give up what you love doing.”
What’s To Come
When asked what his hopes and plans are for the future, Dr. McGee had this to say: “We want to continue to do more regenerative medicine. That’s going to be important. I think that’s the wave of the future, instead of people having to become reliant on drugs and surgery. Something we strive for is to be on the cutting edge of new technologies that can help our patients without using drugs and surgery.”
With shock wave therapy, decompression tables, in-house x-rays, and numerous adjustment tables available, the HPMI team is prepared and ready for a bright future of caring for Huntsville and area residents.
To learn more about Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, schedule an assessment, or set goals for your wellness, Dr. McGee and his staff would love to talk to you today.
901 Normal Park Dr #201
Huntsville, TX 77320
(936) 291-2111
huntsvillechiro.com
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
The Kilgore College Rangerettes, celebrating their 85th anniversary, performed at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic January 10. The performance marked the 75th anniversary of the group performing at the Cotton Bowl and included
more than 750 former Rangerettes performing alongside the iconic group to mark these milestones. Among the former Rangerettes performing was Huntsville resident Tai’Shea Hyde, an HHS and SHSU alum.
Your Best Agrilife
Gift Your Valentine Dark Chocolate for Better Health
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, chocolate sales are about to soar. But here’s the fun and nutritious surprise. Your Valentine’s Day chocolate could have benefits! All you must do is choose dark chocolate, preferably with 70% cocoa or more. The percentage of cocoa in dark chocolate indicates how much cocoa solids are in the bar. The higher the percentage, the lower the sugar and milk content. When switching from milk to dark chocolate, start slowly. You can start with 50% dark chocolate and work your way to 72%. Before you say you don’t like dark chocolate, let’s talk about what it can give back to you. What makes dark chocolate a better nutritious choice than milk chocolate?
1
Rich in Flavonoids and Antioxidants:
Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that can help relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow, which may contribute to lower blood pressure. These antioxidants also help protect your skin from sun damage.
2
High in Fiber: Dark chocolate contains more fiber than other sweet treats, making it a healthier option when you’re craving something sweet.
3 Boost Your Mood/ Energy: With higher caffeine content, dark chocolate can give you a little energy boost, though it’s more subtle than a cup of coffee. It also has mood-enhancing properties, due to compounds that can trigger the release of endorphins.
4
The Right Amount Matters: To enjoy the benefits without overdoing it, stick to a serving size of 1-2 ounces (about 30-60 grams). This will give you the benefits without consuming too many calories.
5
Moderation is Key: While dark chocolate has some good nutrients, it’s still a calorie-dense food, so enjoying it in moderation is important.
Elisabeth Moon
Dietetic Intern through Sam Houston State University
So, this Valentine’s Day, go ahead and indulge in that chocolate—just make sure it’s dark! You might just find your sweet tooth is helping you stay healthy.
Love is like chocolate, sweet and irresistible. ”
Give this recipe a try!
Ingredients:
12 oz 72% cacao dark chocolate, divided 3 tsp melted coconut oil, divided ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Pinch fine sea salt
Instructions:
Add liners to a standard cupcake pan Chop 6 ounces of dark chocolate into small pieces. Add 1 tsp of melted coconut oil Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each until melted Add melted chocolate to cupcake liners and brush up the sides to coat evenly
Freeze to set
Melt remaining dark chocolate with 1 tsp of coconut oil. Top peanut butter in even
Freeze for 5 minutes
Add a pinch of sea salt to the tops
Serve at room temperature
At First National Bank of Huntsville, we believe our customers deserve the very best. Contact Lorri directly at 936-294-8082 or email her at lorri.lehman@fnbhuntsvilletx.bank. You may also apply online by clicking the link at www.fnbhuntsvilletx.bank.
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Wildlife Wonders
The Fish that Time Forgot
Everything's bigger and better in Texas—hats, hair, the Texas sky, our longhorn cattle, and even our Texas pride. It takes something very special to impress Texans, but even a true Texan might have to do a doubletake when they see an alligator gar fish.
This prehistoric-looking fish is big, has a scary appearance, and is a living fossil. They have been traced back over 100 million years. They are among the largest freshwater fish in North America, growing up to 10 feet long and weighing 300 pounds. Alligator gars have a bony snout and rows of razor-sharp teeth. Adults have two rows of large teeth on either side of the upper
jaw. Their scales are called ganoid scales and are unlike the scales of other fish. They are bone-like and rhomboidal-shaped with serrated edges, and they are covered in an enamel-like substance. They are nearly impenetrable. It's been said its scales can deflect a .22-caliber bullet.
Alligator gars are ambush predators, meaning they wait patiently for their prey and then launch a sudden attack that incapacitates. They eat waterfowl, other birds, turtles, and small mammals that might be in the water.
Alligator gars can tolerate salt water and can be found in large rivers, reservoirs, and coastal bays. In East Texas, they're found in
Cypress Creek, the Sabine, Neches, Angelina, and Trinity Rivers, as well as in mainstem reservoirs including Caddo, Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and Livingston. Along the coast, they can be found in nearly every river system draining into the Gulf of Mexico and in every coastal bay system in Texas including Galveston, Corpus Christi, Matagorda, San Antonio, and Laguna Madre — and within the intercoastal canal system.
The alligator gar has become a popular sportfish in Texas. The season is in the spring and summer. With the exception of the Falcon International Reservoir, the statewide daily bag limit is 1. Gars must be less than 48 inches to be retained and
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors
you must report your catch within 24 hours using the My Texas Hunt Harvest mobile app.
Alligator gars stand as a testament to the resilience of ancient species. With its impressive size, unique adaptations, and vital role in aquatic ecosystems, this remarkable fish deserves our admiration and protection. As we continue to explore and understand the complexities of our natural world, let us advocate for the conservation of the alligator gar, ensuring future generations can appreciate its uniqueness and ecological significance.
February 2025
Thru 8
Stock Show and Rodeo fwssr.com Thru 9
“Bedroom Farce” owentheatre.com Thru 23
“The Foreigner” adplayers.org
The Gatlin Brothers thegrand.com 1, 2, 8
Preparing for a Spring Vegetable Garden myhuntsvillelibrary.com 6 - 23
“The Trip to Bountiful” unitybrenham.org
“High Heels and Cowboy Boots”: Jaston Williams thegrand.com
Chilly at the Lodge chilly.joseyscoutlodge.org
STATION The 5 Browns boxoffice.tamu.edu 7 - 23 CONROE “Big: The Musical” crightontheatre.org 7 - 9
Home & Garden Show nrgpark.com
Martin Lawrence toyotacenter.com
- 9
Brick Fest LEGO Fan Experience nrgpark.com
Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org
Comedian Jeff Allen oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
Shen Yun Shenyun.com/collegestation
Asleep at the Wheel cypresscreekface.org
Annual Free Tree Giveaway mcmga.com
Mustard Seed Moments
By J.R.A.
Able vs. Available
When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and asked him to go to Pharoah, Moses offered excuses. When God told Jonah to go to Ninevah, he ran from God.
Like many others in the Bible (and, all too often, us and those around us), they did not want to be available. They complained that they did not have the ability.
We often say:
• “Find someone else that is better prepared.”
• “God, you know I am afraid to get up in front of people.”
• “Surely you can find someone who can do a better job than me.”
• “God, I have failed you so many times. Don’t ask me to fail you again.”
• “God, doing this thing will take me out of my comfort zone.”
When God asks us to do, we start looking for excuses and reasons we can’t. When will we learn that, in God’s eyes, our best ability is found in our availability?
God can see past where we are. He sees the end from the beginning. He can see into the future and the realized potential he has in store for us.
We need to ask God to help us be available. In being available, He will increase our ability.
Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised.
Hebrews 10:23
