Postcards
Bradlee Miller • Huntsville Book Review Club
Abby Gray • Kim's Home & Garden
Piney Woods
DESIGN
Publisher’s Post
First Things First
Spring is just around the corner, and it always brings a promise of fresh starts. The idea of “spring cleaning” feels like a natural instinct—an opportunity to breathe new life into our spaces and routines. But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years: before I can clean things up, I yearn to clean things out.
I remember as a teenager, when my mother would ask me to clean my room, the task would quickly turn into something much more involved. Instead of tidying up like a normal person, I’d dive straight into my closet. Forty-five minutes later, she’d return to find the entire contents of my closet dumped out across the floor—clothes, books, and shoes scattered in every direction. I’d be sitting in the middle of the chaos, proclaiming, “I know it looks bad, but trust me, I got this!” The reality was, adding to the closet clutter might make my room look better, but it wouldn’t make it feel better. To do that, I had to tackle the real source of the mess—the reason it had overflowed into the room in the first place.
As an adult, I still catch myself doing the same thing. My husband, who knows me all too well, hesitates whenever I suggest a new project—whether it’s decluttering the attic or rearranging the living room. He’s seen firsthand that when I get started, things can spiral. “Are you sure you want to start this?” he asks, already dreading the piles that will inevitably take over every room. I get it—it’s a bit daunting to think about how much work could be involved.
But I have come to understand that cleaning out is the first step to any real cleanup. First things first: before diving into the task of organizing or tidying up, clear out the old, whether that’s physical clutter or outdated habits and thoughts. Only when I’ve cleared the space—both mentally and physically— can I truly begin to feel the benefits of a cleaner, more organized life.
So, after some convincing, my husband and I finally agreed to tackle the clutter together. I have promised that this time, we will go slow and steady—no avalanches of stuff. We’ll clean out first, and then—maybe, just maybe—the cleanup will fall into place. And, as a bonus, we’ll be able to look forward to tackling the actual spring cleaning—one room at a time.
Now, if I could just convince him that the closets are the place to start.
Until next time,
I know it looks bad, but trust me, I got this!
Grateful
Dear friends at Postcards, Thank you for supporting A Time to Read and what we seek to do for our community. We are grateful for you!
Holly McMichael & the AT2R Board
I Love It All
We enjoy reading about different people and locations in our area. We have visited so many of those featured places.
Linda Horn
Thank You
To the generous team at Postcards Magazine, Thank you so much for your donation to the Lasso Your Imagination BBQ Fundraiser. Thanks to you, we can continue supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and provide children with free books that inspire a love of learning!
Kaye Boehning
Something For Everyone
There’s something for everyone to enjoy about Postcards!!
Lisa Wiese
The People I Know
I love finding people I know, seeing stories of places that are important to me, and knowing Postcards Magazine cares for our communities.
Melissa Jeter
Want to share something with us?
Local SHSU student recently competed National Bradlee Miller
BY WES ALTOM | SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Oneof Bradlee Miller’s earliest childhood memories is from when he was four. His dad, Bubba Miller, got the phone call notifying him that he had been hired as the rodeo team coach for Sam Houston State University. Bradlee vividly remembers the celebration with his dad, his mom Tammy, and his grand parents to commemorate the occasion. Little did they know then that, 17 years later, they would be reflecting on that phone call actually contributing to a career for both of them. Now 21 and preparing to graduate this spring from SHSU, Bradlee is competing both for the SHSU Rodeo Team and as a successful PRCA bareback competitor. Postcards visited with Bradlee to learn about his journey and his plans for the future.
Opposite page pictured left to right:
Clara Malak, Deta Rogillio, Sam Massey, Glynda Tuner & Debbie Womack
Obviously, you grew up around rodeo. Share how you selected bareback riding as a pursuit. Growing up, my biggest dream was to make the National Finals in bull riding. I did both events and had success in junior competition.
To quantify his humble “had success,” Bradlee won five outright Junior World Finals titles – three in bareback bronc riding and two in bull riding – and tied for another bareback title.
My last junior rodeo was when I was 17. I then transitioned to professional rodeo; I bought my PRCA permit when I turned 18.
Both events seem pretty risky to me. There’s plenty of risk in both, but they’re different. In bull riding, even the best bull riders in the world don’t complete a ride on 50-60% of the bulls they get on. That’s a lot of rough landings, and there’s just not a soft way down. In the bareback riding, you’re tied to that horse. If they throw you, a lot of times you’re going to be hanging and dragging—which, in a weird way, kind of protects your head [laughs]. You might get your legs stomped and your body beat down the side of the fence, but your head seems to be pretty safe most of the time.
Compare competing in the junior circuit to the PRCA events you enter now.
The junior rodeos definitely prepare you for professional rodeo in ways with skills. For the most part, however, you have a lot of help whenever you are junior rodeoing—from your parents and family helping you get from one rodeo to the next. On all those drives, they’re splitting it for you, and you’re in the back sleeping.
The biggest transition for me was that, in professional rodeo, you’re without your family for 150 days a year—it’s a full-time job. You’re traveling mostly on your own or with your competitor partner. Logistics can be challenging. You may end up sleeping in an airport, or you’re scrambling for a hotel because they’re all sold out due to a basketball game in town.
I look forward to when the circuit brings me into Texas for a few days, and my family can pick me up at the airport and go to an event with me.
Describe rodeo “season.”
Most rodeos occur between June and the end of August, but rodeo is growing at such a fast rate, there are more events extending that out all the time.
So much of this is mental. Often, you really CAN do more than you think.
”
We’re only in February, and I’ve already slept in two airports this year—that’s normally not happening until summer! It’s rapidly becoming where there is no “off season.”
Thankfully, I compete in a rodeo category where I get to fly to the rodeo events. Competitors who have to haul their horses have very different travel challenges. Rough stock riders like me are allowed to enter 100 qualifying rodeos in the season, whereas calf ropers only get like 75, to help balance that out. We get to go to more rodeos, but it’s a little easier for us to get there.
NFR standings are an accumulation of money won during the season. It’s not how many rodeos you go to, it’s about the winnings. So, if you win more, you can qualify for the National Finals with fewer rodeos entered. This last year, I went to 98 of the 100 allowed rodeos to get to the Finals.
Describe your feelings about your NFR performance from December. Going into Vegas, my goal wasn’t to win a gold buckle—I mean, I would love to one day, but for my first NFR appearance, my goal was to win one go-round and win maybe $100,000.
Bradlee finished a career-best 4th in the PRCA | RAM earned $371,403. He placed in 8 rounds--highlighted by winning Round 2, Round 4 and Round 7. He gave a lot of local people reason to follow the Finals and cheer him on—a win-win for sure!
About halfway through the week, I realized I had a shot at a gold buckle. That night, after the fifth round, my goals completely shifted. Going into the final (10th) round, I had a shot to do it. I drew a tough horse, and I messed him up bad, but…you live, and you learn. Hopefully, I’ll get another shot at him this year.
I think the ride in the third round bothers me more than the 10th. If I had just gone for the average instead of going for the round win, it might have helped me out in the long run.
I wonder if I should have set my goals higher sooner—if that would have made a difference. So much of this is mental. Often, you really CAN do more than you think.
Bradlee and his parents at last year's Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Explain how college classes work with you on the road to that degree. This semester, thankfully, I’m all online. In the past, with some in-person classes, it takes a “little understanding from a professor and a lot of effort from you.” It can end up costing a lot more to rodeo because of making extra trips home for class requirements. I think it’s all going to be worth it, when it’s said and done.
Are there conflicts between professional rodeo events and college rodeo events?
I have to miss a handful of PRCA events during the year to make college rodeo events. There have also been a couple of times when a big pro finals overlaps a college event, and you have to make a businessman’s decision to stick it out through the final and try to earn money. You then hope you can make
Paying it Forward: In December, before his own NFR appearance in Las Vegas, Bradlee spent time at the National Junior Finals giving encouragement and advice to this year's younger competitors. Pictured are Azreal Lara (bareback riding winner), Bradlee, & his father Bubba Miller.
up the ground you lost and still make the college finals in the end.
Share a good lesson you’ve learned along the way.
I’ve learned that you can learn a little bit from everyone. Never stop learning. You just have to shut your mouth and open your ears a few times [laughs]. I’ve heard that a lot from my dad. I like to talk a lot, and I learned it’s hard to hear when your mouth is open!
Tell us about your field of study and future plans.
I graduate this spring with a degree in construction management. I would like to rodeo until I’m 28-30 years old—as long as I can stay healthy. After rodeo, I hope to own rental properties here in Huntsville and make some places for new rodeo students to live!
And THAT sounds like another winwin. Thanks, Bradlee, for making us hometown proud. May good health and God’s blessings follow you on the circuit.
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Snapshots
Submitted by Jordan Anderson
Sophia, Scarlett, & Carter peeking at Santa before their picture is taken!
Jason Abramski, winner of the Truck Rodeo held at Texas Motor Speedway - Pictured with family members Ashley, Bryson, and Maddie
Teachers Touching Tomorrow
For children ages 3 - 6
Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond, and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”
Susan Small
Huntsville High School
CTE, Education and Child Development
Tia Forney
Ms. Small is a source of kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support. From the moment I stepped into her presence, I felt valued, seen, and capable. She has a way of uplifting every aspect of a person—not just academically—but emotionally and personally as well. Her words of encouragement have pushed me to believe in myself, even when I doubted my own abilities.
Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com. Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse. NOMINATED BY
Star Students
Nataly Campa
Trinity High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Country
FAVORITE FOOD:
My Grandma’s
FAVORITE QUOTE: “I’m not good at EVERYTHING; I just do my best at EVERYTHING.”
–Michael B. Jordan
Nataly is a senior at Trinity High School and is the daughter of Xotchil Alfaro and Jean Hernandez. Her activities include athletic training, golf, student council, Beta Club, FFA, HOSA, yearbook, and FBLA. Following graduation, Nataly plans to attend college and study criminal justice. She believes, “To know is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.”
Francis
Cifuentes Zea
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
10 Things I Hate About You
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST:
Taylor Swift and Charli XCX
FAVORITE FOOD:
Brisket Sandwiches
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Never be so kind that you forget to be clever.”
Francis is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Ruth Vasquez and Jamie Vasquez. Her activities include Criminal Justice Club, National Technical Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, TXPSTA/ TPSA competition, and Ready Writing UIL. Following graduation, Francis plans to obtain a degree in criminal justice, attend law school, and become a criminal district attorney. She believes, “Never let the things of the past stop you from succeeding in the future.”
Gracia Ayuk
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE: Resort to Love
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Classic R&B
FAVORITE FOOD: Fried Rice & Chicken
FAVORITE QUOTE: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” –Isaiah 54:17
Gracia is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Ayuk Ayuk Emmanuel. Her activities include TAFE Member and CTE Ambassador. Following graduation, Gracie plans to make her heart’s desires come true. She believes, “What you sow is what you reap. This simply means that whatever action or energy you put out into the world, expect yourself to gain the same in return.”
Tia Forney
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
The Princess Diaries
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Frank Ocean
FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
Tia is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Carla Teal and Earnest Williams. Her activities include TAFE (vice-president) and CTE Ambassador. Following graduation, Tia plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University then become a licensed clinical social worker. She believes, “I believe in the power of kindness, empathy, and growth. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and every person deserves to be heard and understood. My purpose is to support and uplift others.”
Never let the things of the past stop you from succeeding in the future.
He’s
You’re
He
He’s
He’s
No
Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris
Sudoku from page 68-69
Glorious Grandchildren
Aiden
Grandchild of Angela & Michael McCather and Kelli & Joshua Gantz
Billie & Dash Benson
Grandchildren of Buzzy & Mo Cole
Noah Scott McBee, Addie Elise May, Arbor Jane Carlin, Jett Patrick McBee & Sadie Ryan May
Grandchildren of Scott & Shannon Williams
Ryelin Johnson & Kai'li Linton
Grandchildren of Kelly & Kent Lewis
Max Franklynn Jones
Grandchild of
Donnie & Anita Jones and Steve & Mary Ann Connor
Seen by: Jane Pryor
Carolyn & Roger Goodwin celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary
Todd & Kara Tipton
20th Wedding Anniversary
Abby Gray
Abby Gray Releases Inspiring True Story in New Book
In 2022, Huntsville native Abby Gray published a children’s book, Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark, and we shared the heartfelt story inspired by the gift of life they received from her husband Reid’s liver donor, Clayton Sparks. Clayton, the 24-year-old son of Beth and Larry Sparks of Willis, Texas, lost his life following a ski accident in Colorado. This gift of life through organ donation forever joined the two families with a special bond.
In February, Abby released another book, Impatiently Waiting for Miracles, an adult read which is a raw and inspiring account of the couple’s journey through adversity,
DECEMBER
hope, and triumph. Just two months after their wedding, the couple’s life was upended when Reid was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses. The illness ultimately led to the need for a liver replacement. (According to the United Network for Organ Sharing [UNOS], over 11,000 people in the U.S. are currently
2022
(written by Claudia Kirkwood)
Abby, Reid, and their twins Kaylee and Oliver.
on the waiting list for a liver transplant, with an average wait time of over 150 days). Simultaneously, Abby struggled with infertility, a condition that affects 1 in 8 couples in the U.S., according to the CDC. Abby and Reid persevered, ultimately experiencing life-changing miracles they never imagined.
Abby began writing in 2017 as a therapeutic outlet, sharing her struggles in a blog that resonated with readers facing similar challenges. Driven by her personal experiences with infertility, organ donation, and mental health, Abby is now an advocate, author, and storyteller. Her writing and public
speaking is a beacon of hope for those navigating life’s toughest challenges, offering encouragement and support through her authentic voice.
Impatiently Waiting for Miracles is available wherever books are sold. For more information, visit: www.abbygraywrites.com
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Isaiah 117 House
Home Now Open to Serve Montgomery and Walker Counties
In fall 2022, we shared the story of Isaiah 117 House, an organization providing comfort and care for children while they await foster care placement. At the time of that writing, there were 8 such centers open in the country, with numerous more in the works, including one to serve our area.
The Montgomery and Walker County Isaiah 117 House celebrated their kickoff event on April 30th, 2022. Krista Patton and her core team of 9 individuals from both counties and all walks of life hosted the event to raise awareness about the foster care system, Isaiah 117 House, and their mission.
After much work, planning, prayer, and construction, the Montgomery/Walker County, TX Isaiah 117 House is complete and is the 30th such facility to open! For more information or to find out how you can help, visit facebook.com/ isaiah117housemontgomerywalkertx.
The Purpose of Isaiah 117 House
When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.
Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe
with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.
The mission of
is threefold:
• reduce trauma for children awaiting placement
• lighten the load for child welfare services
• ease the transition for foster families
AUGUST 2022
(written by Libby Rogers)
Isaiah 117 House
Laura Nelsen, Krista Patton, & Emily Miller
Isaiah 1:17 says, "defend the cause of the fatherless." That is what God was calling me to do. I saw a team of volunteers on call to greet "the least of these" when they need love most. I saw a place always ready to take in children in their time of need and lavishly love on them on one of their worst days. This was the dream for the Isaiah 117 House in February of 2017.
I believe these homes have the potential to positively affect the children who are coming into custody in ways far beyond what we could ever imagine, as well as support the caseworkers and future foster families who are a part of their journey. I believe these homes change the way foster care begins.
- Ronda Paulson, Founder and Executive Director
Be an Angel
Casa de Luz Water Bottling Plant: MISSION COMPLETE
In 2023, we featured Be An Angel, a Texas-based non-profit organization which helps children with disabilities by providing adaptive equipment, hearing aids, respite care, select services, and support programs. In addition to helping children across our state, the organization helps support a special needs orphanage in the Dominican Republic—Casa de Luz (House of Light). This mission effort helps abandoned children with severe special needs by providing a home, medical care, nourishment, physical therapies, and a loving family environment.
Jim Anderson, member of BAA Board of Directors, provided details in that feature of a mission trip to assist with construction of a water bottling plant adjacent to the orphanage. This idea was the vision of Ray Solcher, with the goal of making the orphanage financially self-sufficient.
Be An Angel coordinated and worked with the nonprofits Water at Work Ministries and Rotary International to raise over $380 thousand dollars in funding for this project and to get the water plant built.
APRIL 2023
(written by Jim Anderson)
The new water bottling plant at House of Light.
Fast Forward to Today
This was a long and tedious effort, with a phase of required studies, followed by a phase of grant requests. Water at Work Ministries took the lead in the construction of the plant, which took over a year and a half to complete. There were many requirements of the local government which had to be met, as well as weather delays.
After completion, there was a period of hiring and training 10 employees to run the plant on a day-to-day basis.
Finally, with the completion of the plant and passing all tests, the plant commenced bottling and selling the water. On April 26, 2024, a ceremony attended by many of the local community and church members was held to dedicate the plant to the memory of Ray Solcher, whose vision had now become a reality.
The plant has now been producing 5-gallon water bottles on a regular basis and has increased production every month with a total of 16,028 produced since April and profits of over $10K during that time. The goal to provide funding for the 38 special needs children at the House of Lights orphanage and 12 full-time staff who take care of these angels has now become a reality.
Thanks to North Shore Church, who together with Be An Angel, has provided funding to the orphanage for over 13 years and has been a faithful partner in this adventure. And lastly, I must recognize my lost friends, Ray Solcher and Steve Watkins, who were so instrumental in providing inspiration and dedication for this special place for so many years.
They are special people who never leave us, even after they have gone.
Jim Anderson, BAA Executive Board
Giggles & Grins
I bought a fake koi fish. It’s my dekoi.
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I’m taking steps to overcome my hiking addiction…but I’m not out of the woods yet.
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My landlord wants to talk to me about my high heating bills. I told him, “My door is always open.”
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I made a graph of all my past relationships.
It has an ex axis and a why axis.
If a cop pulls over a U-Haul, did he bust a move?
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Five ants rented an apartment with another 5 ants. Now they’re tenants.
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Grammar: The difference between feeling you’re nuts and feeling your nuts.
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My brother had to quit his job as a weightlifter because he wasn’t strong enough. He handed in his too weak notice yesterday.
A sweater I bought kept picking up static electricity, so I returned it to the store. They gave me another one, free of charge.
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My computer:
Sorry, but your password must contain:
At least 8 characters upper and lowercase letter a symbol or number a hieroglyph a haiku a musical note the feather of a hawk and a drop of unicorn blood
I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose – I am selfsufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.)
Grigsby, Principal/CEO
6yo: I'm done, can I have ice cream?
Me: Not until you've eaten all your food.
6yo: But I'm full.
Me: If you're full, you don't need ice cream.
6yo: My stomach is full of food, but ice cream will fill in all the cracks.
Me: I don't know enough science to dispute that.
After Norah said something very polite, I said, “that was very polite.”
She responded, “What is polite?”
“It is when you speak kindly with good manners.”
“What are manners?”
“When you are respectful to those around you.”
“What is respectful?”
“When you give honor to others.”
“What is honor?”
“When you prioritize someone.”
“What is prioritize?”
“Treating someone as if they are more important than you.”
“What is important?”
“Making them number one.”
“What is one?”
We stared at each other for a second, then I said, “Did you understand politeness all along?”
She threw her head back in uncontrollable laughter and ran off.
Bested by my own offspring. I really thought I was killing the explanation.
Kara Tipton
I made my bed and found a half-eaten stick of butter in it. When I asked my child if she put anything in mommy’s bed, she said, “I did not put butter in it.” The mystery continues. More at 10 PM.
BIG OR SMALL WE WILL STAND BY YOUR SIDE
Avoiding The Flu This Flu Season
t’s all over the news and all over our community…and I have been getting the question more and more frequently: “Doc, how can I avoid catching the flu?” With a few preventative measures and some commonsense exercises, we can all increase our chances of riding out this flu season healthy while avoiding the dreaded fevers, headaches, coughs, and other symptoms that come along with it. Personally, I know our clinic has seen more flu this season than I can remember in the past several years. This leads to problems getting in with your doctor, and unfortunately, has a domino effect to filling up the hospitals as well. This makes staying healthy even more important. Other clinics in and around our community are reporting the same numbers.
One thing I preach every year is the flu shot. I get mine every year, and I encourage my patients to do the same. The vaccine doesn’t just reduce your risk
of contracting the flu; it also helps make symptoms milder if you do catch it. In addition to the flu shot, washing your hands regularly and avoiding crowded places can make a big difference. The flu spreads quickly and being mindful of your environment helps reduce the chance of infection.
How long you are contagious is a very common question I get. People with the flu are generally contagious for 5-7 days, and they are the most contagious the first 3-4 days of the illness. This is a general rule though, and some people (such as those with weakened immune systems) may be contagious for longer.
If you do feel sick, please be sure to stay at home to keep from spreading the illness—and call your doctor! The benefit of calling your doctor sooner than later is that the medicine they prescribe to help you fight the illness will work better. The flu is a virus, and antiviral medications, the ones we give to help
Dr. Lane Aiena Family Practice
with diseases like the flu, work better the earlier you start them. As your doctor will also tell you, rest and hydration are important as well.
We can also work on keeping our immune system in top shape year around. Studies have shown that eating a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein; exercising regularly; and getting adequate sleep all lead to a stronger immune system. Probiotics also appear to play an important role in the health of our immune system. Those found in yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir seem to give a good amount of benefit. Probiotic supplements can also be very helpful after taking antibiotics to get your healthy gut bacteria back to where they should be.
Flu season can be daunting, but there are ways to increase our chances of staying healthy. Here’s to you and your family having a safe, flu-free season, and let’s keep our communities healthy!
Book That Left A Lasting Impression On You? Mere Christianity by C.S.
Thing You BingeWatched?
What Would We Find You Doing On Your Day Off? Chores, yard work, or hanging with my family
How Would Your Perfect Day Begin? Wake up late, coffee (lots of coffee), sitting on my back porch
How Do You Clear Your Mind After A Bad Day? Video game, cooking, hanging with my kids
Thing You’re Epically Bad At?
Jeff Dunn Preaching Minister
Bucket List Item You’re Most Glad You’ve Done? The shark slide at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas
Top Thing Left To Do On Your Bucket List? Visit the Holy Land 17
If You Could Live Abroad, Where Would That Be? St. Lucia (or some tropical island)
18
19
Who Do You Admire? N.T. Wright - I find his level of biblical exposition amazing.
Best Advice You’ve Ever Gotten? Keep your mind open, your mouth closed, and your pants zipped.
20 Advice To Your Younger Self? Don’t do stupid stuff.
DEAR GABBY
I’ve been thinking about Texas Independence Day. Do you have any little-known facts we would enjoy knowing?
CURIOUS GEORGE
DEAR GABBY
I want to share a love story with you about my 90-year-old grandmother and her gentleman friend. It’s amazing that they spend all day, every day, together and no one has ever heard them utter a cross word to each other. I wish I knew their secret!
DEAR GEORGE
There is limited space to honor our state, but I have a couple of tidbits about our beautiful flag that every Texan should know. The Texas state flag is the only flag that has been both the flag of a state of the United States and the flag of an Independent Country, the Republic of Texas. You’ll have to use your imagination for the next one. Every US flag has a miniature Texas flag within it. If you separate one of the right-hand stars and a small portion of one white and one red stripe, you have a Texas flag. Never mind; here’s a picture.
DEAR JEALOUS
I think I know the secret. They can’t hear each other.
JEALOUS
CONFIDENTIAL TO “FAVORITE WINE”?
Gabby
I don’t imbibe, but I did just hear an interesting story. A winery in California that produces Pinot Blancs and Pinot Grigios developed a new hybrid. It acts as an antidiuretic and will reduce the number of trips an older person has to make to the toilet during the night. They are marketing it as Pinot more.
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. Fellow Texans; please remember Texas Independence Day on March second! St. Patty’s Day is on the seventeenth, but I am pretty sure I am not a descendant of St. Patrick. My ancestor must have misunderstood his quest and tried to rid Ireland of all the snacks. FYI, I think I’ve had my last encounter with my friendly, neighborhood police officer. I informed him I was now old enough that I didn’t need a driver’s license. He asked where I got that information, and I told him about my latest doctor visit. The doc cut up my driving license and told me I wouldn’t need it anymore. How nice! Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share
CHARM CHARM CHARM CHARM
Gabby
The Garden Post
Azaleas - The Grande Dame of Spring
There are generally two reasons azaleas fail to thrive: lack of consistent watering (80%) and an ill prepared bed (20%).
Azaleas are acid lovers, thus most soils in our area are their native habitat. Azaleas love rich, loamy soil and need raised beds, especially when poor drainage can become an issue from a clay base. A perfect azalea bed is raised 4” and contains 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 heavy humus, and 1/3 growers mix or a sandy topsoil (no clay…rose mix works well on this).
Azaleas will tolerate full west sun exposure, but they will also thrive in a shady habitat. Very sunny areas require additional irrigation, and heavy shade areas do not produce as many blooms.
New plantings will NOT have an established root system and will require consistent watering at least 3-4 times a week on a 3-gallon size or larger (minimum size recommended for most gardeners).
Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
Rust is your next enemy. This fungi effects plants in rainy seasons and is apparent by the rusty powder on the top side of the leaves. Systemic fungicide will keep this at bay. Azaleas are available in a wide range of varieties, colors and sizes.
The miniatures are the Gumpos. These little guys resemble a helleri holly in mounding growth to a height of 2 ½’ x 2 ½’. They bloom a bit later than the others. Gumpos have large blooms of white or medium pink. This series makes a great border for an existing bed.
The semi-dwarf to dwarf range in height from 3’ to 5’. Kurume and various other hybrids make up the population of this group. The varieties of semi-dwarfs are almost endless, but popular are:
Maintenance is easy. Pruning is done once a year, after the last bloom fades. Trim all top shoots back to the main “ball,” generally 2’ shorter than the “over- all” growth. Do not be afraid to cut them back 50% if they have grown too large for their area. New growth will appear, and the dramatic pruning will not be visible in 6 weeks.
Fertilome makes a great azalea, gardenia, and camellia fertilizer. It is used once a year after pruning and again in 6 weeks. Do not fertilize prior to or during blooming, or azaleas will drop their blooms.
Liquid or granular iron is often needed several times a year, because our clay soils are easily depleted of iron in heavy rains. Limey colored leaves with dark green stems are “tell-tale” signs of iron deficiency, termed chlorosis.
Red Ruffle – large, rose-red double blooms; 3’-5’ plant.
Pink Ruffle – large, baby pink double blooms; grows a bit taller than a red ruffle if left unpruned.
Fashion – orange/pink bloom; blooms spring and fall. Deep bronze-colored leaves in fall. Grow 3’-4’.
Snow – double white; blooms profusely, spring bloom only.
Azaleas do have a few insects/diseases to watch for. Lacebugs are the number one nemesis and can be spotted by mottled leaves that have turned “crispy, white, and devoid of chlorophyll”. Turn the leaf over, and you will see hundreds of black and rust colored dots. A systemic liquid insecticide followed by a systemic granular is your best line of defense against repeated infestations.
Christmas Cheer – cherry red; blooms spring and sporadically at Christmas. Sunglow – neon pink; blooms later than others, into May.
Encore – many varieties; bloom heavily throughout the year; these are patented, so plan on paying double.
The Southern Indica is the largest group of azaleas. These hardy azaleas can easily reach 8’ tall x 6’ wide, if left unpruned. They are at their “prettiest” in full spring bloom and should be pruned (heavily or lightly) after blooming and maintained at the 3’- 4’ range or desired height.
Purple Formosa produces a raspberry/purple bloom; Red Formosa produces a ruby/magenta bloom and has “hairy” leaves; Pink Formosa produces a fuchsia pink bloom; G.G. Gerbing produces large white blooms and is most susceptible to rust and blight; and George Tabor is pale pink with a purple throat and always a showstopper.
Happy Gardening. Hurray for Spring!
The beautiful varieties can make a garden lover swoon.
Tasty Bites
Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew
INGREDIENTS
3 russet potatoes, diced
1 lb baby carrots
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs olive oil, or to taste
2 lb beef chuck roast, cubed
1 (16 oz) bottle stout beer, divided
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 Tbs garlic powder
1 Tbs onion powder
1 Tbs smoked paprika
salt and ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Place potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic into a slow cooker.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef; cook and stir until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer beef to the slow cooker with vegetables.
Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup beer into the same skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of beef off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in tomato paste; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Pour remaining beer, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cook on low until potatoes and carrots are easily pierced with a fork, about 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
MEMBERSGETADISCOUNT
Tasty Bites
Creamed Cabbage
INGREDIENTS
4 slices bacon
¼ cup butter
1 Tbs all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 large head cabbage, cored and shredded
½ cup sour cream
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over mediumhigh heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towellined plate.
Step 2: Add butter, flour, and salt to the skillet; whisk with drippings over medium heat until butter melts. Add cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 15 minutes. Crumble bacon into the skillet. Stir in sour cream and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.
Tasty Bites
Minestrone Casserole
INGREDIENTS
4 cups dried mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles)
2 Tbs olive oil
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-oz) can red kidney beans
1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans
1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup frozen cut green beans
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, covered, for the minimum time according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Step 3: Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are just tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add zucchini and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute more.
Step 4: Add carrot mixture, beans, tomatoes, green beans, tomato sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl of pasta. Stir well to combine. Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared dish and cover with foil.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and top with mozzarella cheese; continue baking until heated through and cheese is melted,10 to 15 minutes. Top each serving with remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
COOK’S NOTE:
8 ounces ditali pasta can be substituted for mafalda.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
chopped fresh basil and/or oregano
Tasty Bites
Onion Jam
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup white sugar
4 cups onion, coarsely chopped
¼ tsp salt
ground black pepper to taste
½ cup red wine vinegar
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir sugar into oil with a wooden spoon, stirring constantly, until mixture is a light caramel color, about 10 minutes. Mixture will be very hot.
Step 2: Stir onion, salt, and black pepper into sugar mixture. Onions will immediately start to caramelize. Stir frequently over medium heat until sugar has dissolved and onions are browned, about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Pour red wine vinegar into onion mixture; simmer until mixture reaches a jam consistency, about 30 minutes. Let cool to serve.
JUST FOR FUN Huntsville Book Review Club
Professional storytellers bring books to life.
BY CLAUDIA KIRKWOOD | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Treat yourself to an hour of laughs, gasps, hilarity, and drama at the Huntsville Book Review Club. You can savor this delightful event six times a year in the Community Room of the Huntsville Public Library, located at 1219 13th Street near downtown Huntsville.
The Huntsville Book Review Club, established in 1972 and now in its fifty-third year, has enjoyed a growing membership and is open to the public. Guests can attend the first review at no charge, after which a $35 annual membership fee is due in order to attend the remaining events of the year. It’s a nominal fee to pay for the joy of watching and listening to professional storytellers, historians, and authors as they bring good literature to life.
Huntsville is home to several book clubs, with each club having its own format for book review presentation. HBRC contracts with many world-class professional reviewers through the Dallas Book Reviewers Association and the DFW Book Reviewers, Storytellers, and Entertainers Association. Genres and topics include historical events, biographies, poetry, drama, comedy, fiction, fantasy, music, and more. Programs for the remainder of this membership year follow and include a bio submitted by each presenter.
Think a Book Review might be boring? Think again!
March 24, 2025: A Lotus Grows in the Mud, by Goldie Hawn, presented by Kathleen Cunningham
Kathleen Cunningham has had a lifetime involvement in dance and performing that she now uses to present book reviews and talks about show-biz personalities.
She began studying ballet at the age of four. Over the years, she studied with the Houston Ballet as a teenager under Madame Tatiana Semenova, and later with the first Dallas Ballet Company under George Skibine.
Kathleen began to acquire her speaking skills as part of her job in Governmental Affairs for the Texas Credit Union League in Dallas. She spoke to credit union groups all over Texas. At the same time, she continued to take adult ballet classes.
After raising her two sons, Kathleen found time to become a volunteer at the Dallas Arboretum as a docent,
origins of the dances and demonstrating them at the same time.
eight volunteers she trained gave about 100 presentations annually across the Dallas Metroplex. Kathleen also served on the Arboretum’s Board of Directors for six years. As an extension of her ballet career, Kathleen became involved in the world of competitive ballroom dancing with her husband, Randy Willis. After competing nationally for eight years, they performed professional floor shows for another 20 years. Since Randy was also a professional speaker on the national lecture circuit, he and Kathleen combined their dancing talent with their speaking skills to present a program called, The History of Ballroom Dancing, telling the
After Kathleen had been Director of the Arboretum Speakers Bureau for ten years, she moved on to devote her time to giving book reviews all over Texas and has been doing them for nearly 15 years. The Dallas Professional Book Reviewers Association invited her to become a member.
“I love doing book reviews because I’m using the talents that God gave me. I feel that I’m giving the audience a gift by taking them out of the present into the life of the performer I’m doing. It’s more than a book review. I use techniques of oral interpretation, acting, dancing, singing—it’s a whole one-hour show.”
She was first asked to speak for the Huntsville Book Review Club in 2019 and has been invited back 6 times. She’s already booked to come back in 2026. Kathleen says, “I always have a great audience when I come to the Huntsville Club. They’re so welcoming and appreciative. I remember one time I came to speak, and it was thundering and pouring rain—but I had a big turnout, and that’s a huge compliment for a speaker. Another time, it was announced that over 80 ladies packed the Library Community Room to hear
Randy Willis & Kathleen Cunningham
me, their biggest turnout ever. One lady called out, “When we know Kathleen is coming, we all show up.” I really love the wonderful ladies of the Huntsville Book Review Club.”
This year, Kathleen will review the biography of Goldie Hawn. We all remember giggly Goldie from the TV show Laugh-In in the 1960s and from her movies. But her life was so much more. With a career of almost three dozen movies behind her, this Oscarwinning movie star took 15 years off to create a curriculum for schools to help children cope with their emotions and reduce stress. The Goldie Hawn Foundation helps kids around the world live better lives.
April 28, 2025: Bringing You Books, A bag full of book reviews, presented by Carolee Juergens
I have been reading and telling stories since I was a little girl. Because I am the daughter of a schoolteacher…maybe I inherited the love of reading from Mom? Because I am also the daughter of a soldier, I have traveled a great deal. I have been in 46 of the 50 states, lived in 9 of them, and spent a year in Japan…. but Texas was always home! I have a BS from Hardin-Simmons University and a Masters of Education from Texas Women’s University. As librarian for 30 years, I was lucky enough to have a job I thought was heavenly…I was sur-
If your club is looking for a program centered on books, but with a twist, I might have just what you are looking for. Like the T-shirt says, “So many books….so little time” I found it hard to settle on just one book, so for my program I have compiled a “BOOK BAG” with 10-12 books. I will try to tempt the reader by telling about the setting, the problem, and the main characters, but I don’t tell the solution. My purpose is to open the window on many fun reading possibilities. Knowing I will be speaking to diverse groups of readers, I search the libraries and bookstores for biographies, historical fiction, mysteries, romance, adventure, non-fiction,
I have been reading and telling stories since I was a little girl. Because I am the daughter of a maybe I inherited the love of reading from Mom?
Carolee Juergens
try to read all of the suggestions, but I have several ladies that tell me that is exactly what they do. There will be a bookmark available for each member with the titles and authors listed.
To the delight of club members, several favorite presenters are asked to return year after year, which is the case for the two reviewers scheduled in March and April.
When asked to share her thoughts on being a member of the book club, Carolyn Goodwin mentioned this in her summary:
When I was about to retire, I wanted to find something fun to do with my “free” time. Best Bets in The Huntsville Item had two items that piqued my interest. A book club at the public library and Huntsville Book Review Club, meeting there as well. I went the first time just before Covid19 shut everything down. I was surprised to see several ladies I knew and some I have now been friends with since then. I sat in the back, because the room was filling up and I didn’t want to take someone else’s place. That first day, there were over 100 women in the room! The reviewer was 90-year-old Rose-Mary Rumbley, a former television actress and theater performer. If you get a chance, check out some of her reviews on YouTube. She had my attention from her first word! Another favorite of mine is Kathleen
Linda York, Becky Kelly, Lisa Fairchild, Kim Titus, & Gayla Lawson
Linda York, Mary Wessels, Gayla Lawson, Becky Kelly & Karen Mermis
Officers: Gayla Lawson-President, Karen Mermis-Treasurer, Linda York-Vice President, Becky Kelly-Facebook Manager/President
Not pictured - Mary Wessels-Historian/Past President
Cunningham. She is a former professional ballroom dancer. Her reviews of Mary Tyler Moore and Lawrence Welk were fantastic. She dances during her reviews!
Join us at one of the Huntsville Book Review Club meetings, and you will be entertained and amazed. Going to lunch with friends and the reviewer is an added bonus. Hope to see you there! Savoring six book reviews each year presented by highly skilled artisans, spending time with friends, and having the opportunity to make new and lasting friendships are all features of being a member of the Huntsville Book Review Club. Knowledge is increased, delightful memories are made, and spending time with friends is priceless. At the close of each event, members are invited to enjoy lunch with the guest reviewer at a local restaurant to get acquainted and to reflect on the rich experience.
Officers for the current year are President, Gayla Lawson; Vice President, Linda York; Treasurer, Karen Mermis; Secretary, Becky Kelly; Historian/Past President, Mary Wessels; and Facebook Manager/Past Secretary, Carolyn Goodwin. For more information, check out the Best Bets section of The Huntsville Item or visit the Huntsville Book Review Club on their Facebook Page. And then, join in the fun and fellowship while you feast on fascinating facts presented by firstclass reviewers! An experience to relish and to remember!
Hello
Spring!
The first day of Spring is March the 20th marked by the spring equinox!
Spring is a season of many changes and new activities; we are excited to go for a picnic, take a hike, plant a garden, freshen up our home, restore our health, and change our personal style.
Sims Dentistry is dedicated to your health and personal style. We feel privileged to renew your health and create a personal smile!
Pictured -
Pet Pals
Elizabeth
loved by Buzzy & Mo
Chicken loved by Thomas & Chantai Brewer
Paco loved by Alex & Mely
Kermit & Koko loved by Rhonda & Steve
Axl remembered by Lacey & Berry
Houdini loved by Randi Clower
Funspace
Funspace
St. Patrick's Day Would You Rather?
Find a big gold coin
Have a golden pen
Have green hair
Find a Leprechaun
Have horseshoes for feet
Wear a Leprechaun hat for a year
Live in a green house
Eat chocolate gold coins
Walk on a rainbow
Make an art project for St. Patrick's Day
Eat green eggs
Have green plants
OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR OR
Find $1,000
Have a green paper
Have green teeth
Find a Mermaid Horseshoes for ears
A gold robe with green clovers for a year
Drive a green truck
Drink hot cocoa
Float on a cloud
Give a speech about St. Patrick's Day
Eat green bread
Have gold plants
Funspace
We have you
• Farm and Ranch • Multi-Peril • Auto • Home • Commercial Properties
RESOURCES SECURITY,
Kim’s Home and Garden
Every day really is a beautiful day at Kim’s.
BY LAUREN SWONKE | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
She isn’t just a business owner, designer, or entrepreneur—although Kim Bius is all those things and more. She is also the steward of a piece of Texas history, and her business is living its best life on the grounds of the historic Top O’ the Hill Farm located at 2715 Lake Road in Huntsville. Guests of the award-winning Kim’s Home and Garden can stroll the breezy hill complete with acres of beautiful plants; peruse all sorts of gardening supplies in the garden center; and take in the majesty of the mansion that’s chock full of home decor, antiques and gifts. It’s a taste of heaven for gardeners, shoppers, and history-lovers alike.
This year, Kim is celebrating 40 years in business. “Due to customer demand and requests over the years, it has evolved. Kim’s is about lifestyles and living. We are now a true home and garden center,” she said.
Eminent domain came knocking in 2017, as the Texas Department of Transportation began their I-45 expansion in Huntsville directly in front of where Kim’s was previously located. This meant she would have to move her business that had enjoyed a very visible freeway frontage location. It came as a shock, but Kim is certain God was in control and that he knew this move would literally make history. “God just had another plan,” said Kim. “He kept bringing me over to this place while I was looking for my second location. He kept saying, ‘You’re going to go here.’”
Kim has been serving the gardening needs of our community for 40 years.
“Here” was the old Top O’ the Hill farm property, a nearly six-acre plot with a dilapidated homeplace as its centerpiece. The home showed up on the Walker County tax roll in 1911. It was built over an existing home that goes back to the 1840s. In fact, there are letters from 1864 written by previous owner J.R. Johnson to his wife, telling her how to operate the farm while he was away serving the Confederacy on the battlefield. Kim had been contemplating an event venue at the location, but later went down a more ‘outdoorsy’ path.
The location didn’t seem ideal for the garden center move; it was off the freeway, and the home was in poor condition. Turns out, it was perfect. After an extensive renovation, which was
really a near rebuilding of that beautiful mansion, the business opened its doors at Top O’ the Hill in spring 2020. “My whole team was on board. We all understood the vision. And we haven’t looked back,” said Kim.
Today, the business is thriving, and Kim couldn’t be more delighted to welcome shoppers, travelers, and historians to stop by for a visit. Her design inspiration for the mansion is garden district New Orleans at the turn of the century.
When guests arrive, they enter through welcoming iron gates and are greeted by flowerbeds teeming with beauty. That welcome is just the beginning of “the Kim’s experience.” The mansion is stately with colonial columns, an abundance of windows, and a
balcony peeking out from the upstairs quarters. The first look at the interior leaves guests in awe. Every corner of the mansion is beautifully designed with a floating staircase, unique molding, and artfully staged fine home decor and gifts. Guests can find home accents and furnishings, home fragrances, collectibles, holiday decor, linens, bath and body, leather Bibles, and so much more. “Everything we do is classic. It will be just as gorgeous today as it will be 20 years from now. We don’t do trends,” said Kim.
It’s a short walk past the 200-yearold magnolia tree to the stone garden center. The center sits in place of the original dairy barn. Dixie Dairy was the largest dairy in Texas from the turn of the century to the 1940s, according to Kim. From decorative items like windchimes and flags…to useful items like handmade hats out of Austin…to all sorts of products to make your flowers sing, Kim’s Garden Center has it all. Visitors can expect employees ready to answer questions and help find the perfect gift or greenery. Also present is Dixie, an easy-going four-legged friend that likes to see about the property. Outside of the garden center are the real gems, acres of plants of all sorts. There are rose bushes, trees, shrubs, Texas natives and heirlooms, fruit trees, tropicals and color, seeds, and bulbs that have all been hand-selected from growers whose plants work best in this area. Bulk soil and rock are available with delivery offered, too. Kim’s also offers a landscaping design service.
Kim has a different philosophy about sourcing and maintaining their plant material. “Box stores don’t have to pay for their plant material unless they sell it; they aren’t concerned about whether
it lives or dies on the shelf, because it’s not part of their inventory,” she said. “We purchase it, so we maintain it. They have to be grown the old-fashioned way. The folks who shop here say, ‘The plants I buy from Kim’s last’. They were grown correctly, without all the artificial stimulants put into mass production plants found at a box store.”
Groups are welcome for a day of shopping adventure. Kim just asks for a call if it’s going to be larger than 15 people. In years past, a restaurant has been located on site. They have done so well, they’ve gone on to open their own locations. At this time, Kim is seeking a chef or restaurateur to open the cafe again, providing wholesome food for her shoppers.
Special events and seminars are held throughout the year. All are invited for a Spring Artist Festival on May 17th. The west lawn will be filled with a number of artists selling their creations to an expected audience of over 1,200 guests. Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County will also be on hand with pets in need of adoption. “We’re all big dog people. You’re welcome to bring your dog anytime, as long as they’re on a leash,” said Kim. Her original intent for the property as an event venue has not been lost. Kim’s offers rental of the site for weddings, albeit a large undertaking, because it closes the business for the day. The towering magnolia and mansion provide a breathtaking backdrop for happy couples.
Kim’s is a truly unique experience. Shoppers are often heard saying how good they feel while enjoying the day at Top O’ the Hill. This location is one of the highest points in the area, at 502 feet above sea level. Naturalists have stopped for the experience of time on the hill, noting the height gives good vibes. The beautiful sights, light breeze, friendly faces, and industry expertise create an experience that shoppers don’t get just anywhere these days. Every day really is a beautiful day at Kim’s.
Kim
along with Dixie, are ready to greet you and help you find the perfect items for your home and garden needs.
For more information, visit kimshg. com or find them on Facebook for gardening tips and business updates.
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
and her team of knowledgable employees,
Along the Road
Akin Hill
Marker Text: A landmark on the “Old Colony Road” between Huntsville and Ryan’s Ferry on the Trinity River. Named for Thomas Akin (1828-78), a native of Mississippi, who came to Texas in 1853 with his wife, Ruth Leakey Akin, whom he met and married in Bienville Parish, LA., along the way. Akin, a horse trader, farmer, and singing teacher, came to this area in 1854, settled in the rural community of McGuire, and built a cabin at the base of the hill. While Akin served in the Civil War as a courier for Confederate Gen. John B. Hood, Mrs. Akin moved the family a few miles to the east. The couple had 7 children.
The marker is located on State Highway 19, 0.1 miles south of Louis Grant Road. The Akin couple are buried in Shockley Chapel Cemetery in Dodge.
Your Best Agrilife
Springtime Means Exhibition Season for Walker County 4-H
With the season changing from winter to spring, so come changes for the Extension Office in Walker County. This is the season of livestock shows and contests! Many local 4-H members are busy competing in the major livestock shows across the state of Texas. These major shows offer some great learning experiences for our kids and give them the opportunity to show off their hard work in the livestock show arena, and compete in various contests within their project areas. Walker County has youth participating in the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, Texas Elite Gilt Show, San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Rodeo Austin between the months of January and March. All species of livestock are exhibited, and youth are showing off their project accomplishments in
contests such as Dairy Judging, Livestock Judging, and Skillathons.
Once these shows commence, it’s time for us to move right into the Walker County Fair, which is scheduled for March 28-April 5, 2025. Not only are there livestock competitions at the county fair, there are also quilting, sewing, photography, art, and baked/ canned good competitions in which our youth can participate. No doubt our 4-H members would love to see you support them at the fair this year. It is the highlight of the 4-H year and is the pinnacle event for our 4-H clubs. The top 15 placings in all of the market shows will experience the excitement of the Premium Sale on April 3 at 7:00 pm. The Premium Non-Livestock Auction is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at 12:00 pm. 4-H members excitedly participate in the premium auction in hopes of receiving premium bids for their efforts. Many of
Kristy Titzman Walker County Extension Agent
these young people put their winnings into college savings to help ensure they can attend college after graduation from high school. Show your support for the kids and check out the 2025 Walker County Fair.
It’s also contest season around the office, and kids are gearing up to show off everything they have learned about their projects in county, district, and even state-level events. This is a super busy time of year, but one that is filled with celebrations of a job well done for these young ones. And this fills our hearts with gratitude for the volunteers that work with the 4-H program. They truly are the backbone of our organization.
To learn more about the Walker County Fair, please visit their website at www.walkercountyfair.com.
For more information about Walker County 4-H, please contact Kristy Titzman at 936-435-2426 or Kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu.
No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.
Wildlife Wonders
The Hide and Seek Champion: The Walking Stick
In Mother Nature’s world where only the most cunning survive, the masters of disguise hold the winning hand. Insects and animals alike depend on their ability to remain unseen to ensure their continued existence. Take frogs and toads as an example--their skin is often mottled with browns, greens, and grays, providing excellent camouflage in leaves or near water. Owls blend into tree bark or foliage. The fur of rabbits and hares often matches the surrounding environment.
The walking stick is an example of an insect that is nearly impossible to spot. As the name implies, it looks like a stick. The body is divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They are wingless, have long, slender legs, and long thread-like antennae. Normally they grow to about 4 inches long, but there is one Texas species that grows to almost 7 inches long, making it the longest insect in the United States. Everything is bigger in Texas, right?
One particular species of the walking stick insect, the two striped species, emits a milky, toxic spray to defend itself against ants, birds, possums, cats, even people. Aiming for the eyes, they can spray up to 15 inches with astonishing accuracy. The spray can cause serious injury to eyes with cases ranging
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors
from conjunctivitis to corneal ulceration. If you get sprayed, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
The opossum isn’t the only thing in nature that plays dead. The walking stick has been known to purposely fall from wherever it’s perched and lay completely still on the ground until the danger has passed. Another defense mechanism is swaying back and forth mimicking the movement of branches in the breeze.
What are walking sticks good for? Believe it or not, they play a very important ecological role, especially in dense forested areas. Because they eat leaves, they create light gaps. These gaps allow sunlight to reach the ground. This helps new plants to grow. Consumption of leaves also encourages new growth. What I find most interesting about these insects is that people actually keep them as pets. Apparently, they are easy to care for. They don’t smell, they’re quiet, require minimal space, and they’re fascinating to watch. Not for me!
Camouflage is one of many ways animals have to survive in their environments. I find the walking stick insect to be one of the most interesting examples of camouflage in the animal world. Now, go see if you can find one. Good luck.
March 2025
20 - Apr 6 ROUND TOP Spring Antiques Show roundtop.com
Compassion United Annual Gala
Guy Penrod
oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
HUNTSVILLE
Pitch Hit & Run huntsvilletx.gov 22
HUNTSVILLE
Herb Festival at the Wynne Home texasthymeunit.org 22
HUNTSVILLE
Lucky Charm Bingo saafehouse.org/community-events
22 - Apr 5
PALESTINE
Dogwood Trails visitpalestine.com
23
MONTGOMERY
Community Band: “Out of This World” mcb-tx.org 26
COLLEGE STATION
Theo Von Band: “Out of This World” mcb-tx.org
27 - Apr 6
BEAUMONT
South Texas State Fair ymbl.org
27 - 29
PALESTINE
Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival oldpalmusic.com
28 - Apr 5
HUNTSVILLE
Walker County Fair & Rodeo walkercountyfair.com
28 - Apr 6
PALESTINE
“The Sound of Music” pctboxoffice.com
29
HUNTSVILLE
Tribute: The Lost Shaker of Salt oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
Mustard Seed Moments
By Pres Holcomb
Be a Blessing, and You Will Be Blessed
About a month ago, I decided to go and visit an elderly, widowed woman from our Sunday School Class and her 100+ year-old mother-in-law who lives with her to play games and have lunch together. We met once, and then we decided once a week would be achievable, so Wednesdays for brunch at their house it was… I thought this would be something I could do to bless them since I stay home during the day. We play SkipBo (which is a game I grew up playing with my Nanna) and dominos.
What I’ve come to learn is that the two Bible verses below hold very true thousands of years after Jesus said them. I have been blessed way more than I ever thought possible. They are amazing women, and they are exactly what I needed at this time in my life. I look forward to it every week now!
[Sensitive subject: the 100+ woman is almost undefeated in all games played, and she trash talks (Christianly, of course), so it’s awesome, <ha ha>]
Moral of the story:
Filling someone’s cup with blessings does not empty your own cup; it simply allows God to fill yours up even more often with His blessings! ”
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
- Luke 6:38
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
- Proverbs 11:25
