Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country Vol 4 No 3 Spring 2017

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Sam & Lou Miller, Proprietors

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CONTENTS

SUMMER 2017

Publisher/Designer: Karyn Lyn Publisher/Editor: Greg Forest

Allyce's Attic Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs

Design & Layout: Lonesome Dove Design Studio Columnists & Contributing Writers: Karyn Lyn, Greg Forest, Kathleen Hudson, Joe Herring, Phil Houseal, Jil Utterback, Gary Lockte, Mary Schenk, Genie Strickland, Betty Sharp, Homer Stevens, Colleen Brooks, Carlotta Schmittgen & Jack Armstrong Proof Readers: Jil Utterback, Guy Barzetti Layout & Web Site: The Music Office Photographers: Greg Forest, Karyn Lyn, Nancy EssarySales: Karyn Lyn, Greg Forest, Colleen Brooks, Jennifer Nimmrichter, Gary Smith, Guy Barzetti, Richard Redmond

Contact Heart Beat

Signs are everywhere directing you to many places but if you can't read the sign, it doesn't do you much good. I imagine there is an art School of Signage, but much of the "signage" you see these days has little or no aesthetic.

Carlotta Schmittgen Requiem For Rex

Carlotta isn't the only sports fan in her family. In fact until his passing her dog Rex was front and center as a primary canine sports fan - replete with outfits to show that sports aren't only a "human thing." As all dog owners know, our furry friends aren't just pets but members of the family. Check out the height of canine sports fashion and team dedication.

texasheartbeat.com | PO Box 1204 |Bandera,TX 78003 Karyn (210) 316-2986 karyn@texasheartbeat.com Greg (830) 746-8041, greg@texasheartbeat.com

The 46th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival is coming up this Memorial Day weekend and, as always, has a great lineup of some of America's best and most beloved songwriters. Dalis fills us in on some of the highlights during the 3-week festival.

Kathleen Hudson Lee Ann Womak

Robert Earl Keen performed at a benefit for the Hill Country Youth Orchestra and country music star Lee Ann Womak joined him for a great show. Lee Ann has had a great ride in the music business and Kathleen has the whole scoop.

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The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country is published quarterly by Heart Beat Publishing PO Box 1204, Bandera, Texas 78003. Opinions expressed in articles may not be those of the publisher and editor of the The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country, its advertisers, writers or contributors. All content is copyrighted by The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country is not liable for editorial content, typographical errors and any statements or claims by advertisers or columnists. Subscriptions are $25 per year payable to The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country at the above address.

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Joe Herring The Rialto Theater

Kerrville at one time had more movie theaters than you could shake a stick at. With renovation planning underway for the Arcadia Theater, many folks don't remember the Rialto Theater just a few doors down during Kerrville's silver screen heyday .

Dalis Allen Folk Festival Gearing Up

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Phil Houseal Food Truck Heaven - Münch Food Park

There is now a great way to cure the "münchies" in Fredericksburg. The new Münch Food Park now offers a variety of cuisine at their one-stop food truck venue. The park revolves around their "beverage barn" where they serve craft beers and wine and is the center of activity.

Suitable as a live music venue or a great location for a wedding or private party, a great new eatery is born.

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Greg Forest CD and Live Concert Reviews

Four great artists and one great event are on station this month with CD reviews for Bob Dylan, Bob James, The Time Warp Cowboys, The Hellecasters and a look at the 1st Annual Kerrville Renaissance Fair. texasheartbeat.com

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THE KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL 45 YEARS AND COUNTING

By Dalis Allen

T

he Kerrville Folk Festival has reached another milestone! Our 45th annual Festival, May 26 - June 12, 2016. We are pleased and humbled to continue honoring songwriters from all over the world. As our Founder Rod Kennedy believed, ‘We are saving the world one song at a time’. We still believe it!

RANDALL BRAMBLETT First Weekend - Moors & McCumber, Jimmy LaFave, Johnsmith, Billy Jonas, Randall Bramblett, The Deer, Del Barber, Kenny White, Cheryl Wheeler, Brother Sun, Steel Wheels, Vance Gilbert, this month’s Cover Girl - Terri Hendrix, Slaid Cleaves, Mary Gauthier, Ruthie Foster DANA LOUISE

STEVE JAMES The Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk competition concerts are on Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29. The 32 Finalists will perform the 2 songs they were chosen for at the Threadgill Theater for a panel of 3 judges, Johnsmith, Kenny White and Cheryl Wheeler. The 6 Second Weekend - Dana Louise & the Glorious Award Winners will perform in concert on Birds, Berkley Hart, B Sterling, Trout Fishing in Sunday June 5.

America, Rev. Robert B Jones, Lance Canales, Dala, Peter Rowan, Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan, This issue we are dedicating the column to Wheatfield. announcing our schedule so far and telling you about a special concert with the Kerrville Symphony Orchestra.

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In the parking lot between my family’s print shop and Grape Juice there once stood a movie theater called the Rialto.

The Rialto opened on February 11, 1938, 79 years ago, and showed “Hollywood Hotel,” starring Dick Powell and Frances Langford as its first feature.

A front-page story in the February 10, 1938 Kerrville Mountain Sun offered this schedule: “One-day runs will be shown on Saturdays, and the theatre will offer four bills each week, three of them on two-day schedules. The first of a regular series of Saturday night matinees is set for 11:30 us two, really: Grape Juice and Herring Printpm Saturday.” ing.

The Rialto was owned by Hall Industries, headed up by Henry W. Hall of Beeville, Some remnants of the Rialto Theater still which also owned the Arcadia Theater a exist. Grape Juice’s northwest wall (the wall block away on Water Street, and the Rio closest to the print shop) is actually a wall of the theater. If you stand in the parking lot and Theater, one block farther. look at the Grape Juice wall, you’ll see several I believe Henry W. Hall is from the same smooth places in the plaster: these are hints family of Halls which own the Rio 10 The- of the stairway to the movie theater balcony, ater in Kerrville today. and the risers of the theater’s balcony.

There were a lot of movie theaters here in The Rialto was empty for many years, though the late 1930s! for a brief time in the late 1960s it was a sort of dance/ music venue called the Casket. My In fact, the businesses in the 600 block of memories of the building are from this period, Water Street took out an ad to celebrate when it was empty. We neighborhood children the new Rialto Theater. “The Theatre Dis- found a way to get inside the place and extrict is Extended into the 600 Block on Wa- plore; it was dark and spooky in there. ter Street. The following firms Welcome the Modern, New Rialto Theater: F. F. Nyc The Rialto Theater was eventually torn down (public accountant), Miesch Optical Co., in the 1970s by the Charles Schreiner Bank, Norge Appliance Co., Roland Insurance, and the land was used to construct a parking Campbell’s Lunch Room, the Modern lot. In 1990, my family purchased the parking Beauty Salon, Kerr County Motor Co., the lot from what was left of the Charles Schreiner Cone Car Co. (and service station), the Bank after it failed.

Sunshine Laundry, and Peterson’s GaSometimes, late at night, you can still hear the rage (and service station).” old projectors running up in the Rialto Theater I mention this because the 600 block was projection booth, and occasionally the laughonce filled with businesses. Now it’s just ter of an audience.

joeherringjr.blogspot.com

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DANCING BEAR CANTINA A MUSIC DESTINATION SPOT AND DAILY GETAWAY TO RELAX!

Overlooking Beautiful Medina Lake 7794 County Road 271, Mico, Texas 78056 830.751.2160 * www.dancingbearcantina.com

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Voted Best Restaurant In Bandera County

Thursday - Saturday 10am - 6pm • Sunday 10am - 4 pm

8312 Highway 16 S (Between Bandera and Pipe Creek) • 830-535-4979

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Indoor and Outdoor Dining Lunch 11 - 3 Mon - Sat Dinner 5:30 - 9 Thurs - Sat

201 Earl Garrett ● Kerrville ● 257-2995

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Home Cooking, From-Scratch Bakery, Native Nursery, & Landscape Design Live Music Friday & Saturday Nights from 6-9pm 13439 S. Ranch Rd. 783, Kerrville, TX * shopsattheridge.com

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Signs are everywhere. We love ‘em - we curse ‘em. Some signs are for advertising everything from “Welcome To Our Town” to local businesses and events. Even in a small town like Bandera, there are businesses devoted to making signs, both artistic and purely prosaic. There are pesky ordinances regulating signs in most towns, where signs are preordained according to size, styles, and types. This annoys some folks and pleases others. For the most part, the advertising types of signs are not the ones that get me. What makes me crazy is what developers and city planners insist on calling “signage”.

I shudder just typing the term.

Again, I’m not trashing storefront signs. If held to some good and well thought out guidelines, they can really dress up a town, actually add to the ambience of a place. Add a clever name along with an attractive sign and you’ve got a winning combination to draw customers.

The signs I’m taking aim at are the ones you need to help you find your way around a strange place. Yes, I know most of us have access to a GPS and they are wonderful – most of the time.

When I was doing survey work for the government from Texas to New Mexico, my GPS became a trusted friend and only misfired with wildly inaccurate directions a couple of times in five years and it was usually easy to pick up the error.

But I just don’t understand the folks who design and govern the readability of these directional signs. I get the reasoning behind the “signage” in planned real estate developments. Sort of. Seeing cute lantern lights with graceful “signage” adds consistency, value and prestige, at least according to developers who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on the phenomenon. (I know, I

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was married to a developer for over 35 years and how they love their signage.) If you’re strolling through a sedate neighborhood with little traffic and 25 mph speed limits, slowing down to read a cutely quaint type font on a street sign is no big deal. Translate it to a big city, local traffic streaming along at over-thelimit speeds and you’re trying to read a sign that’s almost, but not quite readable. Argh.

Sure, the GPS is droning, “In half a mile turn right . . . In five hundred feet . . . in three hundred feet the address is on your left . . .” The address? If street signs are hard to read, numbering is apparently a lost art. Try to find the number on a building or a sign before you’ve driven past it. I dare you unless you work for the fire department!

Recently I developed health problems that necessitated trips into the medical center area of San Antonio. I want to make it clear up front that these top notch medical professionals, some of the best in the world, have been my angels, my hope and my trust in them is unwavering. But as Red Skelton used to say when he opened a live show in a new city, “Boy, the guy who designs your streets [and signs] around here – “ and he would pause with his trademark befuddled look. “You must be real proud of him down at the home!” Yep.

The first road we missed was Wurzbach off of Highway 16. Sounds easy until you’re trying it at rush hour and the backup in the turn lane outruns the GPS. We got turned around and made the turn and now we are in search of 12345 Wurzbach, a fictional address. No need to humiliate the actual building. Building after building, all low key, pale hued flow past with the traffic with numerous curb cuts on right and left and as you slide by, you think you can pick up a number here and there. By this time I had two GPS’s going and both of them insisted “The address is on your left.” Could be.

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L

ast spring I was writing this column in San Miguel de Allende, wearing a great t-shirt sporting an exotic picture of Patricia Vonne. This year I am heading to San Miguel de Allende for the literary conference where Stephanie Urbina Jones will lead a songwriting workshop and open for Judy Collins. My second book, Women In Texas Music, has an interview with Stephanie, and the third book, still a manuscript, has an interview with Patricia Vonne. Just sayin’ “Everything Connects.”

Now I want to tell you a little about Lee Ann Womack, who is in Kerrville on March 4 singing at the Robert Earl Keen (a chapter in my first book on Texas songwriters) at the annual fundraiser for the Hill Country Youth Orchestra.

My foundation, Texas Heritage Music Foundation, celebrates 30 years in 2017, and we need such an angel for our educational programs.

career, take care of my kids, and figure out how to make it all work. My mom’s mother has her master’s in education as well as my great-grandmother. That’s a lot of hard work. My sister went on to become a lawyer. I watched all the women in my family work really hard and balance their family life with their careers. My mom’s sister, my aunt, has also taught me a lot. My mom always told me I could do anything I wanted to do and be anyone I wanted to be. She made me believe it. She never pushed me. I never had a stage mom; I had a mom who gave me the tools then encouraged me to go work hard for what I wanted.”

I had to agree with this as I thought about Annabel Lee McClary Pillow, my mother.

She was a voice for my success, a voice of ongoing encouragement in my life. My second book, an oral history on the women in Texas music, is a collection of interviews on writing, family, performing, balancing and creating. I re-read from time to time as the encouragement I need.

We talked about her Texas roots: “I’ve always said that country is not something you put on and take off. It’s inside you. I know when the Dixie Chicks came out, they had to face those comments: ‘They’re not country. They’re wearing Marc Jacobs or something.’ I just remember thinking how ludicrous that comment was. You can’t get any more country than they are. It doesn’t matter what kind of shoes are on their feet.”

And we talked about reading: “I read many different kinds of books…. I’m in the middle of about five different ones right now. I went through a period of time where I read a lot of Larry McMurtry books. I love that. I love Cormac McCarthy.” And I remember back to my conversation with Robert Earl Keen, and he was reading Cormac. Now the two will play in Kerrville on March 4. Just something an English teacher would notice.

I will keep featuring the women I have interviewed in this column, and you can also expect some new voices. Seems Kathy Bauer will be working with my foundation more, and we have started visiting. Time for a complete list here. I know the first was Lisa Beck as she and Art Crawford started their marriage. My time is flying.

I first heard Lee Ann sing with Willie Nelson at the Verizon Theatre. The magic was in the air. Her roots are in East Texas, but her music life is based in Nashville. We talked by phone in 2004, and she shared stories of her heroes, her family, her goals. “I’ve always said that I got my work ethic from all the women in my family. My mom has a master’s degree in education. She did that with two kids, going to school at night. I watched her make it work. I learned how to do that. Now I have to do my KH

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As I write this column, it is Super Bowl Sunday. Normally, my favorite day of the year, but this year God threw a curve ball and took our Boxer Rex away from us a week ago. It just won’t be the same without him. “Big Boy” Rex was the one who would obediently come to the closet when I said, “Game Day! Where’s your bandana?” He would sit and hold his neck up, still as a statue, as I put his New England Patriots scarf on. He knew it came with his mom’s crazy superstitions on game day! You ask how could a gal who lives in Texas like a team who deflates footballs? Well, I’ve lived in three areas of Texas all but 14 years of my life, but I was born in New England. Patriots football is in my blood along with fall foliage, skiing on ice, “pahking the cahr” and loving “lobstah.”

Cam in the pregame walk around the ballpark.

He proudly stood stoic while they mounted the camera around his neck. I could tell he was thinking this was something important happening and to not to screw it up. What a great job he did! As he did his lap around the perimeter, he got the attention of the Ranger players and coaches observing from the dugout as well as fans hanging over the guardrail. He was the envy of every dog attending! And his footage ran on a Fox Sports Southwest Special including his shot of his “sister” Roxie licking his camera.

It was fortunate for Rex that he was so big that I couldn’t find game jerseys to fit him.

He just wasn’t into clothes. He made his point with one torn football jersey from his puppy days. He drew the line at bandanas. One time when I put my ski hat on him, you could tell by his look that it wasn’t a game face; it was instead a “Seriously, Mom?” There were exceptions to Yes, Rex led a life many dogs only dream of. the rule like the time Rex helped me with a Duck R.I.P. Rex. Sports will never be the same withDynasty contest entry at Texas Motor Speedway out you. by donning a beard … well, sort of … it was Rex posing behind a cardboard beard.

Rex’s claim to fame came at the Texas Rangers Bark in the Park. The first year we went, Rex became the hit of section 11 as he howled at the hotdog vendor. The guy yelled back, “Ain’t no dogs for you Bud!” The following year he was chosen from over 700 canines to wear the Fan

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Over 50 Gourmet Popcorn Flavors!!

www.papahoos.com Texas Dublin Sodas * Assorted Candies * Imported Root Beers SPRING 2017

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If you would like to be included in our Menu Board, “Where to Eat in the Hill Country” section, please contact Karyn @ (210) 316-2986

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Dancing Bear Cantina, Mico Texas

Dancing Bear Cantina is on the corner of 1283 and 271 in Mico, TX. Whether you are on your way to Rio Medina, Hondo or Bandera, it's an easy stop and has the most beautiful view of Medina Lake! Enjoy the view of Medina Lake from inside or outside on our deck! With a selection of over 50 beers, served ice cold, you'll enjoy the best Bear Burgers and other eats from our kitchen! Sit back and relax watching the boats and sunset over Medina Lake. We have great live music on the weekends and an open Jam every Thursday night. It is a destination stop to be seen! 7794 CR 271, Mico TX dancingbearcantina.com Jakes Bar & Grill, Pipe Creek, Tx

Beer, Backyard, and Italian Streetfood!

Jake’s has BIKE NIGHTS every Thursday from 7pm-10pm offering drink specials and live music! Big Guido’s is open daily serving NY Style pizzas, sandwiches hot wings & more!

RV spaces are also available. www.jakespipecreek.com 12246 State Hwy 16 Pipe Creek, TX

11th street cowboy bar, Bandera, TX

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is a world-famous destination for all brands of folks, from cowboys to cowgirls, bikers to business folk.

They come for the good brew, top-tier live Country, Swing, and Southern Rock music. Come park your Harley or ride up on your horse at the Biggest Little Bar in Texas.

307 11th Street Bandera, TX 11thstreetcowboybar.com Frio canyon motorcycle stop, leakey, TX

The Twisted Sisters have become three of the most popular roads in the State of Texas. The Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop is just the place to begin (or end) your ride. We’ve got plenty of great gear to choose from with new “Three Twisted Sisters” merchandise every season. Enjoy one of the best damn burgers you’ll ever have at the Bent Rim Grill. 657 West RR 337 Leakey, Texas 78873830 - 232 - 6629 Lonestar motorcycle museum, vanderpool, Tx

The LONE STAR MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with beautiful motorcycling routes all around. They display a wonderful collection of machines from around the world dating from the 1910's to modern. 36517 Hwy 187, Vanderpool Texas (830) 966-6103 www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com

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SPRINGTIME IN THE can always go on a Historic Horseback Ride COWBOY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! in the City Park, float the beautiful Medina River while you are there too. Visit the local

Get your boots ready and Dude Ranches for campfire fun and horsebring ‘em to Bandera, Cowboy Capi- back rides too. Music is everywhere! Check tal of the World! We have a fabulous out the Cowboy Capital Opry, the Bandera spring time planned! Stomp your Boots Music Fest, or Cowboy Camp Picker’s Circle! in Bandera!

You just have to make them all! Special out Spring Break is a good time door fun is available at the Hill Country State to visit! Lots going on at all the Dude Natural Area, one of the most beautiful State Ranches. Trail Rides, Chuck wagon Parks in Texas. Check out their planned nadinners, gun fights(?). Well, we do ture walks, horseback rides, and tours. have gun fights! Visit the Bandera Vis- April will feature Thunder in the Hills itor’s Center at high noon or at 2pm on Bike Rally at Mansfield Park when Bandera Saturdays to see Bandera’s own Ban- welcomes our iron horse cowboys and the dera Cattle Company. Well, known beginning of Market days scheduled the first throughout Texas for their Cowboy Gun Saturday April through November. What is shows. This group also participates the Cowboy Capital of the World without a roin many western movies and shows deo of some sort! The first rodeo of the seathroughout Texas. Starting March 18th son is kicked off with Buck Wild hosted by the you can also catch our strolling sing- Ridin’ the River Cowboy Church at Mansfield ers, Medicine show, Chuck Wagon set Park scheduled for April 22nd. up on Main Street or Covered Wagon May features the Medina River rides around town.

We also have Clean Up, an annual event that insures the longhorns and trick ropers and horses beautiful Medina river holds its title of one of in our Cowboys on Main Program from the clearest, cleanest rivers in Texas! Join the 1 o’clock to 4 each Saturday until the fun and help keep the Medina River beautiful! end of the year. Different entertainers Most important for Bandera, is the Memorial each week.

Day events starting with the Chamber of Com The last Saturday of Spring merce Craft Show on the Court House Lawn Break is the crazy, wild, Wild Hog Ex- and the popular Frontier Days Parade. The plosion! Bring the kids, catch a hog weekend is “Bandera complete” at the most and win a belt buckle, shop the arts popular rodeo in Bandera County May 26th – and crafts and pig out at the Wild Hog 28th at the Bandera Pro Rodeo!

Feed and the Lone Star BBQ Society Be sure to check www.banderacowboycapSanctioned Cook-off!

Hog Calling ital.com for the complete schedule of events Contest and music too! All to bene- with times and locations. fit the Kronkosky Library of Bandera County. Good cause, Good Fun! www.wildhogexplosion.com! banderacowboycapital.com

Bandera, for a small community does not disappoint visitors. You

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At long last, the return of spring!

A time when the Texas Hill Country is blessed with abundant sunshine and an ever-changing landscape of wildflowers. The bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, Indian blankets, and the Drummond phlox all await their audience as they prepare to display their magnificent colors. You will take notice, won’t you?

A lovely place for a spring picnic is at New Braunfels’ Landa Park. Here you can play a round of mini-golf, ride the paddleboats and the children’s train, and hike the trails. New on the scene in New Braunfels is Guadalupe Brewing Company, which pairs well with a visit to Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Finally, if you’re looking to get pampered, give Massage Heights a call.

They are new to the Creekside Shopping Center and have ten soothing massage rooms which can easily accommodate any traveler needing a little downtime.

The historic district of Gruene is very enchanting when spring is in bloom!

Stroll around the quaint shops, visit their market days (held on the third full weekend of every month), and dine on their patios that overlook the beautiful Guadalupe Riv-

er. You can find these relaxing views paired with fabulous food and drinks at the Gruene River Grill, The Gristmill, or Cantina del Rio. Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall, has a great lineup planned this spring, which includes Loretta Lynn, Leann Rimes, Roger Creager, Stoney Larue, and Bob Schneider.

Just a few steps away at The Grapevine, you can sample good Texas wines and craft beer at their “Come and Taste It” event on the third Thursday of every month.

Taking a drive from Gruene to Wimberley is a must during the wildflower season! There’s plenty to do once you arrive in Wimberley, including climbing the steps at Mt. Baldy to get a panoramic view of the Wimberley Valley, or walking the grounds at Blue Hole Park. Market Days is the first Saturday of every month. The EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens will host their widely-anticipated Butterfly Festival on April 22. Also that weekend, the Wimberley Valley Art League will host their 9th annual Artsfest (April 22-23) at the Waters Point Retreat (also known as Rio Bonito). There are also numerous art galleries and shops on the square in addition to Wimberley Valley Winery, and Wimberley Glass Works, to also keep you occupied. For a meal with a view, visit The Leaning Pear, I’noz deck, or Chef Jay’s Back Porch.

To take this gorgeous “wildflower ride” between Gruene and Wimberley, Take FM 306 from Gruene to Purgatory Road.

Follow Purgatory Road to the end and make a right onto RR 32. About a mile down, RR32 will end at RR 12. Make a left onto RR 12 and you’ll head into Wimberley. This is one of my favorite rides this time of year!

Enjoy!

COME VISIT wimberley.org

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LIVE MUSIC IN THE HILL COUNTRY KERRVILLE Kerrville Festivals 3876 Medina Highway, Kerrville, TX (830) 257-3600 Texas Heritage Music Foundation 2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, Texas (830) 792-1945 Cafe on the Ridge 13439 S Ranch Road 783, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-0420 Azul 202 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-9338 Callioux Theater 910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-9393 Ol Watering Hole 1109 Broadway, Kerrville, TX (830) 257-4653

Hondo’s on Main 312 W. Main St. Fredericksburg, TX (830)-997-1633

Billy’s Ice House 1193 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX

Flying L Ranch Saturdays - Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show PO Box 1959, Bandera, TX

The Rockbox 109 N Llano St, Fredericksburg, TX (830) 997-7625

Conway’s Dance Hall 262 W Jahn St New Braunfels, TX

Jake’s 12246 TX-16, Pipe Creek, TX (830) 535-6699

Silver Creek 310 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX (830) 990-4949

Freiheit Country Store 2157 FM1101 New Braunfels, TX

Wildhorse Saloon 134 River Bend Rd, Bandera, TX ( 830) 796-9930

El Milagro Twenty Twelve 249 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX Phone:(830) 307-3051

Oma Gruene’s Secet Garten 1263 Gruene Road New Braunfels, TX

BOERNE/BLANCO

Auslander Restaurant 323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX (830) 997-7714

Phoenix Saloon 193 W San Antonio Street New Braunfels, TX

INGRAM / HUNT

Pour Haus Patio Bar 343 W San Antonio Street New Braunfels, TX

Cave Without A Name Frequent Concerts in the Cave 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX (830) 537-4212 Blanco Riverside Bar 18 Main Street, Blanco, TX 78606, USA (830) 833-0208

Guadalupe River Club 1483 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-3354

COMFORT/WARING

Inn of the Hills 1001 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX (830) 895-5000

Cocky Rooster 7 US Hwy 87, Comfort, TX (830) 996-5501

1011 Bistro 1011 Bistro, 1011 Guadalupe, Kerrville, TX (830) 895-1169

Tucan Jim’s 5814 Texas 27, Center Point, TX (830) 634-2640

BANDERA

FREDERICKSBURG

11th Street Cowboy Bar 307 11th St, Bandera, TX (830) 796-4849

Luckenbach 412 Luckenbach Town Loop Fredericksburg, TX (830) 997-3224

Red Horse Saloon 2440 TX-16, Bandera, TX (210) 209-7405

Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar 308 Main Street, Bandera, TX (830) 796-8826

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Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse 305 W Main St, Fredericksberg, TX (830) 992-3288

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Roddy Tree Ranch 820 Texas 39 Ingram, TX 830-367-2871 Crider’s Dancehall 2310 hwy 39 Hunt TX (830) 238-4441 Our House BBQ Old Ingram Loop Old Ingram Wine Room Old Ingram Loop

Tavern in the Gruene 830 Gruene Rd New Braunfels, TX The Brauntex 290 West Seguin New Braunfels, TX Watering Hole Saloon 1390 McQueeney Rd New Braunfels, TX

Encore Restaurant 122 Pointe Theatre Rd

Phoenix Saloon 193 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX (830) 643-1400

The Hunt Store 1634 Highway 39, Hunt, TX (830) 238-4410

CONCAN/UVALDE

NEW BRAUNFELS GRUENE Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX (830) 606-1281

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House Pasture Cattle Co 2 River Rd, Concan, TX 78838 (830) 232-6580 Lone Star Saloon 2429 Milam St, Uvalde, TX 78801 (830) 591-9191

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QUICK CD REVIEWS

Bob Dylan "Fallen Angels"

Produced by Jack Frost Columbia Records Review by Jack Armstrong

This is Bob Dylan's 37th album on Columbia and it's following his recent trend for releasing cover songs from the 1930s-50s. Its hard to believe that Dylan is a real crooner but this latest release of torch songs from a bygone era underline the rare fact that Bob Dylan has a very good voice.

Plunging into a deep pool of classic songwriters ranging from Johnny Mercer to Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Cahn, this could almost be tribute album to Frank Sinatra as old "Blue Eyes" recorded every song on this CD at one time of the other except, "Skylark."

A clean but relatively stark production by Dylan's road band sets the foundation for this easy-listening gem. A voice famous for its abrasiveness is now smooth as cream and an intimate addition to your CD collection.

Recorded over a year i"Fallen Angels" was nominated for a 2016 Grammy this year in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal category. Great songs from a great artist.

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Bob Charles Band "Blue Sky Black"

Producers: Brian Evans, Bob Charles & Scott Baker Independent Release Review by Greg Forest

I first met Bob Charles fresh out of the Jackie King School of Guitar and he was already making a name for himself as a top-notch Central Texas guitar slinger.

In those days his talent was apparent and Bob was called to many stages as a side-man and now, after a few decades of seasoning, Charles has grown into an artist in his own right playing, singing and composing a tapestry of well crafted tunes. Bob also is displaying something I had overlooked in his early career and that is the fact that he is also a fine singer.

The range of musical genres is painted with a wide palette of sonic colors ranging from tender ballads like, "The Line" to funky down home blues like the slide dobro rendition of, "Trouble My World" and the back-beat funk of "Don't Look Good in Blue."

No collection of top notch Texas guitar slingers would be complete without this gem.

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QUICK CD REVIEWS

The Hellecasters "The Return of the Hellecasters

Produced by Dan Fredman Pacific Arts Audio Review by Greg Forest

Mike Nesmith (you remember, the Monkey who could actually play an instrument) wrangled three of the world's best guitarists and producer Dan Fredman into this studio to produce this Guitarmageddon of scorching guitar work.

Jerry Donahue, Will Ray and John Jorgenson are three of the recording industry's "1st Call" session players. Each is a master of the instrument and while their styles are remarkably different, they blend together nicely without stepping on each others feet (or frets). Nesmith and Fredman should take pride in having pulled together some of the best blistering guitar licks ever put to tape (or more accurately hard drive).

Although most of the songs on the CD are penned by the Hellecasters, there are a few covers that really stand out "Sweet Dreams (of You)" and a damn-the -torpedoes-full-speed-ahead version of the "Orange Blossom Special" that will have fiddle players dropping their jaws are my favorites. texasheartbeat.com

The Time Warp Cowboys "No Peddlers Alllowed" Produced by Tom Morrell WR Records Review by Greg Forest

The pedal steel guitar is one of the base ingredients in country music but to take the instrument a step further and delve into the lap steel guitar's place in music history. Tom Morrell and the Time Warp Tophands have done this bring some of the world's best steel players together on this CD that prohibits knee levers and peddles.

The entire CD is some of the best Western Swing out there played by the A-team of lap steel players including Bob White, Tom Morrell, John Ely, Herb Remington, and Bobby Koefer,

This CD is the 7th in the WR Record Series, "How the West was Swung," adding to an already great collection of swing recordings.

If you are a fan of the lap steel or steel guitar, this CD is for you. There is also a sequel available, "Son of No Peddlers Allowed," the 9th CD in the series that features more of the the same great swing and is available at Amazon.com Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country

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We’re firing up for our 2016 Spring and Summer projects.

Medieval and pirate memes are busting out everywhere in film, books and TV these days. Game of Thrones and Black Sails have sparked a great deal of interest in the era. On the TV show you see a lot of beheadings but at Renaissance Festival you will only see people that be heading for a cold flagon of ale. The 1st Festival was blessed with almost perfect weather over the weekend (albeit a bit windy) and lots of free parking, A wide variety of entertainment was on hand falconers, troubadours and story tellers - something for the whole family.

Looking for casts & crews Call 830.792.5737

400 SIDNEY BAKER ST S, KERRVILLE, TX 78028 (877) 469-4031 STOEPELFORD.COM

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Regardless of what soil lies in your gar-

den, your soil can be dramatically amended by adding organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, the addition of organic matter improves both drainage and aeration and also allows better root development. Liberal amounts of organic matter help sandy soil hold water and nutrients.

I am often asked where to obtain organic matter. The answer....it is everywhere!

You can utilize grass clippings, wood chips, small sticks, leaves, food scraps, and egg shells; just about any related kinds of matter will work just fine.

In due time, the matter breaks down and feeds your plants.

Organic matter improves soil and serves as a food source for soil fungi and bacteria which comes in the form of peat moss, compost, hay, grass clippings, barnyard fertilizer, shredded bark, leaves or even shredded newspapers.

When adding organic matter to soil, supply enough to actually change the soil structure. The best ratio appears to be as follows.....at least one-third of the final soil mix should be some type of organic material. To accomplish this, spread a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic material over the garden surface and rake it to a depth of at least 6 to 10 inches. Tilling is not recommended, and tends to kill the earthworms attempting to occupy the upper layers of the soil. Apply the recommended rate of organic fertilizer over the garden surface at the same time, and rake it in along with the organic material.

Some gardeners prefer a shovel or spading fork to the rototiller for working garden soil, but many look for an easier way to handle this chore. Gardeners who already own tillers will be tempted to use them........please refrain. Tillers are for impatient gardeners! Take your time and

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rake the matter into the soil. The benefits and overall health of your garden soil will be much better.

If you have followed my articles, you know I am a proponent of enriching the soil with wood ash. Good sources of wood ash are from your Bar-B-Que pit, fireplace, or burn piles. Ask your neighbors to save their wood ashes for you. Just dispense wood ash directly on the garden soil.

Wood ash is almost 100% mineral with many of impurities burned out. You might recall that as recent as one or two generations ago, our ancestors cooked using wood stoves. The wood ask was collected from the stoves and used to fortify the soil. The mineral rich soil digested the minerals, and the food producing plants assimilated them. The result was mineral rich plants. When people and animals consumed the mineral rich plants, they became strong, healthy, and peaceful.

I am aware that fortification of your garden soils is work........and, it takes time. But the results are long-lasting and extremely beneficial.

Previously I recommended a video titled “Back to Eden� which can be viewed on-line for free. In this presentation, my friend Paul Gautschi describes this practical soil fortification process.

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SHWEIKI INSERT

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ON THE BEAT

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“We hope to offer a venue that really promotes gourmet food out of food trucks,” Armes said. “We want to give the opportunity for chefs who want to start a new business to come showcase what they can do, while at the same time give people a place to go and try different things at the same spot.”

donuts by the dozen, made fresh and covered with toppings to order.

Hours are Mon-Sat, 7 am-5 pm, though times vary for each food truck.

Information at: www.munchfoodpark.com and on Facebook @munchfoodpark.

Münch: Food trucks find Fredericksburg Justin Armes and his wife, Kara, consider themselves foodies. While traveling from Fredericksburg to larger cities on business, they noticed the rise of a new phenomenon: the food truck. It seemed to be a great concept for both the adventurous diner and the inventive chef, so they started brainstorming ways to bring the trend to Fredericksburg.

“We thought food trucks would be a good concept in this community,” Armes said.

“It’s a different eating experience, being outdoors with the chance to try unique foods.”

With its steel structures and distinctive tower, Münch Food Park presents a different architectural look for Fredericksburg.

The food truck concept will allow diners to sample a variety of fare in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

More was new and different about this place than just serving food through a sliding window.

Armes’ brother-in-law Justin Seitz of Fort Worth came up with a design theme that featured bright corrugated steel-sided siloshaped structures.

“It was a different look. It’s not ‘Fredericksburg-y,’” Armes offered. Not at all. But it sure attracted attention, as passers-by speculated on what new business was rising on Highway Street.

Justin Armes believes Fredericksburg is ready for food truck fare and craft beer and wine at his new Münch Food Park.

At first, the City of Fredericksburg wasn’t quite ready for an invasion of meals on wheels. So the Armes put their idea on hold for several years while local ordinances caught up with the idea of serving food from mobile restaurants. But by the start of 2016, the Armes were breaking ground on a site at the entrance to Seitz Fundraising, their family business that is a fruit and meat wholesaler for national fundraising projects.

Last November, Münch Food Park opened.

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When the weather warms, Armes plans to add live music. In addition to the beverage barn, the site includes a fenced kids play area, shaded picnic tables, and a stage. It’s family and pet friendly.

He sees the project as a win for everyone: diners have an easy way to experience new cuisine, while chefs can experiment with fresh menu ideas.

“People were asking if it was a new winery, grain storage, park, and so on,” Armes said. “They were definitely intrigued. But they like that it’s well done.”

“We want people to come and try new foods, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “You can sit here, or grab it and go. We are open to anybody. If you want to get out for a quick lunch, or enjoy the day, and don’t want to mess with traffic and parking downtown.”

The real answer to “What is Münch?” is just as interesting.

People seem to like the ability to munch and sip outdoors.

Münch Food Park is a public space and event venue. The main permanent structure is their “beverage barn,” where they serve craft beers and wine. Along one edge, a lineup of food trucks cook up a diverse menu. Current vendors include Mahaley’s at the Park, serving burgers and tacos (including breakfast tacos); Maui Shave Ice & Dogz, serving flavored shave ice and Nathan’s famous hot dogs; and Fredericksburg Mini-Donuts, serving hot

“The majority of people walk out with a smile on their face,” he said. “They say ‘it’s the coolest thing in town’ and ‘totally different than anything else.’”

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The menus can change, as the site will accommodate six food trucks with full hookups, with even more on the parking lot.

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Münch Food Park 1108 Sunco Street in Fredericksburg

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Allyce's Attic Continued from Page 35

Lace, Grace and Gears 2nd annual rally focusing on women riders offers a unique opportunity in Bandera, Texas from September 28 – October 1, 2017. Wind sisters riding all motorcycle makes and models across the U.S., and traveling from overseas, will come together as one sisterhood-- and all for the love of riding. In 2017, LGG rally participants share a common goal: breaking the world record for the most lady motorcycle riders in a single event.

The 2017 Lace, Grace & Gears 2nd Annual Rally will include the Mayor’s ride, self-guided Hill Country rides, scavenger hunt, live entertainment, adventure outings, Sisters’ Parade, and more.

Participation is open to women and men as well as riders of any experience level. Lace, Grace & Gears, a non-profit organization, will raise money for charities supporting women and children.

In 2016, 806 rally participants succeeded in breaking the U.S. record for the most women riders in one location. Lace, Grace & Gears’ first attempt very nearly missed the world record of 1,003 women riders set in Australia. The women riders at LGG 2016 proudly represented millions of wind sisters across the world with one united message, “We did! And you can!”

Women today represent 25% of America’s 30 million motorcycle riders.

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In the span of just ten years, the number of women riders doubled, according to a 2015 Motorcycle Industry Council survey.

Why do 7.5 million American women ride motorcycles? Freedom, independence, and empowerment are a few important reasons. And these women tell deeper stories.

Many are survivors of cancer or domestic abuse. Many others are U.S. military veterans. Often female passengers simply screw up the courage to get behind the wheel themselves.

Happy Spring, y’all!

Information and registration: LaceGraceGears.com

They all faced fears and chose to pursue the thrill of living. Motorcycles offer one avenue and become an expression of that thrill. Still, for women in some countries, riding is not merely a hobby, but an act of political and social freedom.

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This diverse group cuts across every profession, spans all ages, welcomes all races and cultures, and represents all levels of education and income.

Women on motorcycles are daughters, wives, mothers, and grandmothers.

Not surprisingly, when women riders gather, they share a strong sense of adventure. They also discover an environment of mutual support and establish lifelong bonds they call “sisterhood”.

LGG 2017 promises to be an unforgettable, record-setting weekend! Early registration begins March 2017.

We turned a corner where a rather large building took up space. It had a large parkng lot. To the left. We entered and found ourselves at loading docks and a ticket gate that insisted “Ticket Is Printing”. For fifteen minutes. The GPS’s chimed in with, “Arriving at destination.”

Not likely.

A kindly soul took pity on us and instead of blasting through the prepaid pass gate, stopped and directed us back out to the street and around the corner.

As we drove through the proper gate, a huge sign only fully visible once we were already in the right place proclaimed the name of the building, also proudly announced in lovely lettering on the face of the building, and you guessed it, the address number "12345" appeared in the lower left corner of the sign in small, extremely tasteful, understated numerals. Wouldn’t want to make it too easy.

You get the idea. My plea to municipalities, planners and other such powerful folk is this: Make your signs readable! Make ‘em pretty, dignified, uniform – whatever you want, but please, make them readable with the human eye!

I’d love to soar like an eagle, but I sure can’t see like one.

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History tells us that back in the early by a second level of species most of which had l800’s the Texas Hill country and much some type of thorn, grass burrs, three awns, of the rest of the state was covered mesquite, prickly pear, or Texas Mountain with tall grasses-- Little Bluestem, Big Cedar that has its own adaptive techniques.

Bluestem, Yellow Indian grass, Eastern Fortunately some of our government entities gama , Switch grass to name a few. recognized the value of encouraging land Subsequent articles of this publication owners to restore the tall grass culture. may deal with each of these species individually, in fact Eastern gama has already had its position of individual attention. Most of the early Bandera history books mention men on horseback riding through grasses stirrup high, and these are the species that are capable of fullfilling that description. However, as might be expected this group of grasses has deep penetrating root systems which allow them to have abundant tall leaf areas. This constitution requires years to establish, and all forms of herbivore animal life whether it be

The Ag Extension Service provides deer, buffalo, or domestic cattle, sheep educational materials and makes research and goats have strong preferences results available. The Soil Conservation Service for these broad leafed species. evaluates and gives engineering advice on

The species mentioned were specific situations. The Agricultural Stabilization prevalent in the pre wire era of Texas Service actually distributes government where huge herds of buffalo were the funds for such practices as clearing cedar. dominant range species that would Clearing brush species mechanically is a graze the grasses to the ground but step forward, but unless followed by controlled would move on and allow months even grazing, and some other form of land care, its years before coming back to the same value can be negated rapidly. Research at the grounds. This would give the primary Kerr Wildlife Management Area has shown species of grass time to recover. that land cleared free of cedar even though Another important controlling factor the tall grasses may reestablish themselves in maintaining the tall grass ecology was temporarily, the brush species will take over in fire. Such events as lightning storms, due time if no other follow-throughs are initiated. or possibly human action accidental Here on the Farm! A twenty + acre field or intentional occasionally touched off that was formerly used as cropland has wildfires that consumed vast areas of lain fallow for several years only subject to the tall grass prairie. These sequences occasional grazing by cattle. For the most of events, short grazing and prairie part tall grass conditions did reestablish. wildfires, prevented the establishment However, a smattering of cedar trees of invasive species such as prickly pear, and prickly pear patches have appeared. mesquite, or Texas mountain cedar.

Four years ago the field was In the late l800’s and early 1900’s shredded using a 40 Hp John Deer tractor with the advent of wire fences grazing and a PTO shredder in the hope that this kind animals were confined to specific areas, of practice would suffice without the danger and most of the land was grazed almost of fire. At first appearances the practice to ground level. Nature, however, is seemed to have been successful. However, persistent in seeking to maintain plant recent examinations have shown that the life, and the tall grasses were replaced 64 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country SPRING 2017 2017_Spring_Issue_68P.indd 64-65

cedar that was not cut completely to the ground has grown bigger trunk bases and spread closer to the ground. The prickly pear is an even bigger problem.

The shredder scattered pieces of the plant over a wide area and many of them formed new plants increasing the size of the pear patch significantly.

Not only did the shredding process increase the amount of pear it apparently PO’ d the plants so that the new growth has bigger and longer thorns than its predecessors. The recommended practice that is planned for this spring is a controlled burn. Any cedar that has all of its green removed by the fire will not resprout, the prickly pear will react in the same manner, and the burned pear will be eaten by deer and antelope.

Obviously the practice of controlling grassland ecology by burning requires careful attention, but is a time honored proven practice.

April 21-22, 2017 / Friday & Saturday The 3rd Friday and Saturday of April Llano’s Robinson City Park – Located on the banks of the Llano River

approximately 2 miles west of Downtown Llano on FM 152

100 Robinson Drive

Llano, Texas

llanocrawfishopen.com texasheartbeat.com

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Licensed Massage Therapist #MT017178 Nina Restivo

Bandera, Texas

Hil Country Cellars Winery

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inozwimberley.com 14004 RR-12 Wimberley, Texas

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Lately, Bandera regulars have noticed a new sign above the shop space next to OST on Main Street. The Remington Fine Art Gallery and Studio is the new home of local award winning artist and author Roger Evans. Originally from Houston, Roger moved to Utopia in 2004 then recently migrated to nearby Pipe Creek. There he shares a home overlooking the beautiful Medina River with high school sweetheart, Jaimie, their dogs of questionable intelligence, as well as a variety of useless cats. Roger credits Jaimie for believing in his art. “I had been turned down by every gallery from Austin to Fredericksburg,” lamented Roger. “They loved my work but I had no name recognition. Jaimie saw my frustration and insisted my efforts were as good or better than she had seen in any local gallery.

be easily reconfigured into a different layout, as needed,” he explained. In one front corner, you can find Roger working at his easel on his next piece; across the room is a fireplace and formal sitting area with a comfy love seat and chairs where visitors can relax with a complimentary cup of coffee. “We see a lot of overflow from OST while people wait for a table,” noted Roger, “so the traffic at this location is great. People are welcome to watch me paint, if that’s something they find interesting, or just kick up their heels and chill or chat.”

As we toured the space, Roger showed me the adjoining photographic studio that takes up the other half of the building. “I looked around and, to my knowledge, there isn’t a rentable photo studio within 300 square miles. I use this studio to produce the photos that I work from for commissioned portraits but it’s

When this space became available, I made the decision to open a private gallery to showcase my work. I named the gallery after my daughter, Remington, who is an art history major at UNT in Denton.” Roger added, proudly, “Remi’s also a pretty darned good artist.”

After taking over the location that long housed the Fickle Pickle, Roger redesigned the interior into a striking but intimate gallery that also doubles as his studio space. I recently caught up with Roger after he opened just in time for Bandera’s annual Mardi Gras celebration.

“We weren’t going to open until March but wanted to take advantage of the crowds that Mardi Gras always seems to attract.

So, there were a lot late hours and long weekends getting the space ready.”

Getting the space ready included building faux-brick partitions to divide the space into gallery and studio areas.

“The partitions are on wheels so they can

available to any local artist or photographer that needs a studio. I have affordable hourly, half day and day rates. The studio is roughly 30’ x 30’ with high ceilings and includes a full set of cool LED lights, stands, restroom, kitchen area and full service make/up dressing room. All you have to do is bring your camera and your talent.”

The Remington Fine Art Gallery and Studio can be reached at 830328-5085. The gallery is normally open Wednesday through Sunday. “We’re usually, but not always, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays,” explained Roger. “I may be out on location shooting photos for a commission, so it’s best to call before coming by on those days. But basically, if you see the open sign, I’m here painting.

So, come on in, have a cup of coffee and relax at the Remington.”

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mckennakids.org New Braunfels, TX

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EASTER TEJANO FEST TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION OFFERS PERFECT MIX OF RELAXATION AND FUN WITH FIRST ANNUAL EASTER TEJANO FEST

Texas Hill Country River Region, just an hour and a half scenic drive from San Antonio, is a place of simple pleasures – home to chalk cliffs, three crystal-clear rivers, a canopy of Cypress trees and some of the best festivals in Hill Country.

BBQ, float down the Frio River in a inner-tube, kayak or take a dip in the Nueces and Sabinal Rivers, gaze up as 10 million bats fly overhead at the famous Frio Bat Tour or spot the Milky Way while star-gazing with the ones you love. Then, settle in to one of the region’s luxurious cabins-style resorts or rental vacation properties.

Easter Tejano Fest Friday, April 14, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Tickets on sale at housepasture.com or call 830-232-4310; General Admission: $20 (children 10 and under are free) Visitors can unlock the magic of uninterrupted time with loved ones in this secluded oasis that truly lets you get away from it all while experiencing some of the best entertainment that Texas has to offer. It’s a perfect place to refresh, recharge and celebrate the coming of spring. In fact, this spring, Concan, Texas is hosting its first annual Easter Tejano Fest, which kicks off with a fish fry on the Frio River, followed by a concert headlined by AJ Castillo and Grupo Massore that’ll be fun for the entire family.

Don’t miss these other Texas Hill Country River Region celebrations and festivals – March 4-5: Freedom Fest BBQ Cook Off, March 14-18: RioFrio Fest and March 31-April 2: Sabinal Wild Hog Festival and Crafts Fair. To make your Uvalde plans today, log on to:

www.visituvaldecounty.com.

While in town, enjoy the many charms of the Texas Hill Country River Region – hike at Garner State Park, dine on authentic Texas

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ever. I’ll just bury her in the north forty when the time comes.

I avoid the July 4th classic auto parade every year because I still miss her. Don’t want to be reminded that I let her go. Still not over it after 24 years. She wasn’t my first, she wasn’t even my best. But she was with me from 1978 to 1993, from the fading of my youth into the blooming of middle age.

She was a green International Scout pickup with a white camper top bought in 1978 and sacrificed in 1993 for cold cash.

She brought good money because International pickups were extinct by then. Tired of boarding my horses, I was driving around in a new GMC, looking at places, figuring out what I’d need for a down payment. Two older fellows were pulled off the road and one of them had an International. I stuck my head out the window and asked if they had any interest in buying my Scout. They did.

I negotiated a good price, and made a friend of the buyer. I handed him my file of notes and subsequent invoices and got a lecture about telling a mechanic too much.

Mansplaining. But he let me keep everything I stored in the camper at his place till I moved. He cured a few problems the Scout had developed and resold her to the guy who uses her in parades, still, as far as I know.

Before I had the Scout, I bought my first pickup, a half ton International, red and strong in heart. Widowed early, I needed to feel powerful and in control. In 1972 that wasn’t an accepted attitude for young widows. Plus, inflation hit like a comet and gas soared from 29 cents to over a buck.

Lots of money for someone attending college, earning a living and running weekend trail rides. But I was sick of driving a used Crown Victoria, which was out of sync with my personality and had a nasty habit of accelerating suddenly. Driving the International gave me a sense of adventure during economic chaos and long, hard days. Six years later an accident on ice caused some damage, and I traded for the Scout.

I did minor maintenance on the Scout, like replacing the gear shift cable, but soon job responsibilities left less free time as

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the Scout aged. Every once in a while she just wouldn’t start. After obvious but unsuccessful replacement parts, I put the occasional non-starting off to jealousy of my new GMC pickup. I kept the Scout running, when she chose to, until I sold her. I wore out the GMC commuting 90 miles round trip so I could live in the country, and next made the worst buy of my life. The new pickup I bought barely outlasted the skimpy warranty. I’d tell you the make but I know some may take offense when I call it a horror. The GMC was serviceable, not great, but this new pickup--well, let’s just say it was so poorly made if you tied a rope to the trailer hitch, you couldn’t pull a calf out of the mud before the transmission squealed. I got tired of breaking down on the freeway. It had to go

.

I wasn’t ready to buy a car even with the commute--good grief, I wasn’t that old. But I’d been laid off, took a job for half salary, and I could afford only a plain work truck in 2002. I bought a halfton Dodge Ram with push button locks.

No extra gee-gaws. Fifteen years and 223,225 miles later, we still do pretty well for two old gals. Who says senior citizens don’t have fun! Last week I hauled a half ton of gravel to put down between pasture gates. Never have broken down on the road. The check engine light came on about four or five years ago, but I got home just fine. I don’t plan on selling her

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In 2014 around 220,000 miles, I semi-retired the Ram to country duties and short trips. The AC gave up the ghost after twelve years and I was too cheap to have it fixed. Actually, I was scared to let anyone mess with her inner parts unnecessarily. I gave in and bought a car, but, hey, it’s called an Outback! All wheel drive that’s great on hilly terrain. One difference I notice is that no one tailgates the Ram, but a few drugstore cowboys in pickups that never get dirty try to herd me when I’m in my Outback. So far, they’ve just given up and moved on.

My first transportation choice to enjoy the Hill Country would be a horse, next a pickup rather than a car, but passing years limit options. If I were young, I’d learn about motorcycles and ride Devil’s Backbone. But adventure comes in many ways, so I’ll combust my brain by rereading Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. And, just for fun, Fannie Flagg’s The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion: A Novel.

It’s about Polish-American Catholic girls like me who knew their way around an engine before you needed computer analytics. Some kindred spirits could probably be found around St. Stanislaw’s in Bandera, a gorgeous place to refresh your soul and contemplate where you’ve been and what your next options may be.

Embassy Suites San Marcos March 30-31, 2017

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(830) 688-6061

Goat Milk SOap

$3.75 each -

Call for Bulk Pricing

Bandera, Texas Karyn Lyn

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210.316.2986

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Bark For Life Relay For Life of Kerr County

Saturday, March 11, 2017 | River Star Arts & Events Park |12 PM – 2 PM The American Cancer Society Bark For Life of Kerr County honors the caregiving qualities of canine companions and is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives and help us move closer to a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Bring your best canine friends and

join us for a fun-filled day!

Bark For Life Activities: Bark Ave Fashion Show Bark Alley Auction 2 “Dog Centric” Handmade Quilts for Raffle For more information to Register, Sponsor or Volunteer, please contact: Chelsea Hart | chelsea.hart@cancer.org | 210.595.0224

www.RelayForLife.org/BarkKerrCoTX www.Facebook.com/KerrCountyBFL

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Run for Comal County Crisis Center

Sat, March 25, 2017 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Guadalupe Brewing Company 103 Gattuso Road New Braunfels, TX 78132

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SHAKEY GRAVES · THE DEL MCCOURY BAND · LOS LOBOS OLD 97’S · SAM BUSH · LEFTOVER SALMON · GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV SHINYRIBS · SARAH JAROSZ · RECKLESS KELLY · ELEPHANT REVIVAL THE LONE BELLOW · ANDERS OSBORNE · NIKKI LANE · GAELIC STORM PETER ROWAN & FRIENDS · THE TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS MANDOLIN ORANGE · WOOD & WIRE · THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS VÄSEN · THE HONEYCUTTERS · RIVER WHYLESS · THE LAST BANDOLEROS BILLY STRINGS · SESSION AMERICANA · THE PETERSON BROTHERS THE LIL’ SMOKIES · AMERICAN DREAMER · GRIFFIN CARTER

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