February 2014
It’s Stock Show and Rodeo Season. Let Texas Tack & Rags outfit you and your horses. Top brands, fantastic prices, and incomparable service.
Boots • Jeans • Hats • Saddles & Tack
28765 IH 10W • Boerne, TX 78006 • 830-981-5577 • www.txtacknrags.com
actual online reviews from yelp, facebook and completegent.com
This is where leather and steel, hot lather and steamy towels; and the aroma of sage, eucalyptus, and bay rum combine with a highly professional staff to give you the best cut and shave experience ever.....definitely habit forming. Ken S – Boerne, Texas
My son actually begs me for a haircut now. Jessica B – Boerne, Texas
I cannot say enough good things about Gent, except what are you waiting for - book your appointment already! Chad C – San Antonio, Texas
Ok, I read the reviews & was skeptical. I went & the experience was as good as the reviews! Jonathan C – Boerne, Texas
I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to GENT. Bret W – Boerne, Texas
The best haircut I’ve ever had in my life. I loved every minute of the experience. This place is amazing. Mark L – Boerne, Texas
Great Place, Great Cuts with a Hot Shave (and a Ice Cold Shiner). I actually enjoy going to get my hair cut now. Thanks Ben, Thanks Ladies. Alan H. – Waring, Texas
If you are still telling yourself that you are a “$10 haircut kind of guy”, you have no idea what you’re missing. Seriously, you have no clue. Michael S – San Antonio, Texas
Nice upscale men’s salon. The hot towel and reclining chair was a relaxing end to a great hair cut. Patrick A – Boerne, Texas
Great place, great people, and most importantly great haircuts. If you haven’t been, well, you are missing out! Period. Chad C – Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas
Awesome job! I can’t wait for My next appointment! Charlie B – Boerne, Texas
styling for the discerning gentleman
$ 1 0 OF F YOU R F I R ST E X PE R I E NC E
9 3 0 E . B l a n c o , S t e . 4 0 0 : : 8 3 0 . 4 4 3 . 4 5 0 0 : : w w w. c o m p l e t e g e n t . c o m
Welcome to Boerne
Scan Code With Your Smart Phone
Bluebonnet Realty HOMES FOR SALE
1.) FOR SALE - $139,500 - 3 bed, 2 ba + bonus room on 1/2 acre in Ranger Creek. HOA includes use of the community pool, tennis courts, club house, and covers the trash pick up.
2.) For Sale - $695,000 - 3 houses, barn, smokehouse all on 2.82 acres with rental income in place. Lots of potential in all three structures! Large covered pavilion/carport, property fenced on 3 sides, close to IH-10 and auto dealerships.
3.) For Sale - $435,00 - Fair Oaks home on 1.23 acres cul-de-sac setting. Approx. 3108 sf.of living area including 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and oversized 2 car garage. Front and back yard completely fenced. Beautiful Hickory wood floors in large open floor plan. Must see! Priced at market to sell quickly!
HOMES & COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE ! D SE
LEA
4.) FOR LEASE - $1500 Boerne Heights 3 bed, 2 ba, approx. 1600 s.f. of living area, new ceramic tile floors installed in living areas, convenient location.
5.) FOR LEASE - $2850 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in Cordillera Ranch on 4.57 Acres with great outdoor kitchen for entertaining.
6.) FOR LEASE - $2500 - Napa Oaks new home. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, beautiful kitchen and family room. Be the first to live in this home. Gated community with pool for residents. Fair Oaks exit off IH-10 for easy commute.
8.) FOR LEASE - $1200 3 bed, 2 bath on 1/2 acre in Ranger Creek.
9.) FOR LEASE - $1575 Charming 2 bed, 2 ba, with office/ guest room in Ranger Creek. Beautiful yard, garden, and covered patio with arbor. Close to community pool and tennis courts.
! D SE
LEA
7.) FOR LEASE - $2650 - Trails of Herff 5 bedroom, 3 bath, approx. 3000+ s.f. of living area, with fenced yard and lots of trees. 3 family areas including cozy eat in kitchen with large fireplace.
830-816-2288 • www.boernetexashomes.com
FEBRUARY
Explore what's inside this issue! 10 From the Publisher 12 Calendar 16 Music 22 History
30 Gardening 32 Wine 38 Old Timer
24 Dining 28 Spiritual EXPLORE magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. EXPLORE Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of EXPLORE and/or Schooley Media Ventures. Copyright 2012 Schooley Media Ventures, 265 N. Main, Suite C, Boerne, TX 78006
Contributing Writers
Marjorie Hagy (History) MARJORIE is a bibliophile, a history nut and an insomniac, among several other conditions, both diagnosed and otherwise. When she's not working tirelessly to avoid getting a real job, she nurses an obsession with her grandson and is involved in passing legislation restricting the wearing of socks with sandals. She is an aspiring pet hoarder who enjoys vicious games of Scrabble, reading Agatha Christie, and sitting around doing nothing while claiming to be thinking deeply. Marjorie has five grown children, a poodle to whom she is inordinately devoted in spite of his breath, and holds an Explore record for never having submitted an article on time. She's been writing for us for five years now.
Rene Villanueva (Music)
Rene Villanueva is the lead singer/bass player for the band Hacienda. Having toured worldwide, hacienda has also been featured on several late night shows, including Late Show with David Letterman. Rene and his wife Rachel live in Boerne, TX and just welcomed thier first child.
Publisher Benjamin D. Schooley ben@hillcountryexplore.com Creative Director Benjamin N. Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Kate Kent kate@smvtexas.com ADVERTISING SALES 210-507-5250 sales@hillcountryexplore.com
Kendall D. Aaron (Spiritual)
I’m just a normal guy. I’m not a theology student, I don’t preach in church, and I’ve never written a book. I’m just a normal guy that thinks, and feels, and is on a never-ending journey attempting to be the best person I can be. I fail frequently at this quest, yet each day, the quest continues. I’ve lived in Boerne since the late ‘80s, I’ve got a most beautiful wife, three wonderful children, and just really, really love God. Thanks for going on my spiritual journey with me.
Old Timer (Ramblings)
The Old Timer tells us he's been a resident of Boerne since about 1965. He enjoys telling people what he doesn't like. When not bust'n punks he can be found feeding the ducks just off Main St. or wandering aimlessly in the newly expanded HEB. Despite his rough and sometimes brash persona, Old Timer is really a wise and thoughtful individual. If you can sort through the BS.
8 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Valentine’s Day Menu
February 14th 2014
::
5:00-9:00
$49 per person
Reservations Call 830-331-1368
Salad
Arugula - Strawberry Salad with ChocolateBalsamic Dressing
Soup
Chocolate Soup a la Goethe’s Mum
Entrée
Choice of: 10 oz. Rib Eye & Grilled Shrimp or Chicken Breast with Chocolate-Port Sauce lavender roasted red potatoes and grilled asparagus
Dessert
Strawberry Pavlova Angelic meringue with fresh creme, chantilly cream and berry sauce
5 1 8 R I V E R R O A D , B O E R N E , T X : : W W W. L I T T L E G R E T E L . C O M : : 8 3 0 - 3 3 1 - 1 3 6 8
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim FREEDOM for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoner Isaiah 61:1
Locally owned and operated, serving coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and home made baked goods... including gluten free options! 118 Old San Antonio Rd. • 830-331-2337 • Mon - Fri: 6:30 am - 5:00 pm • Sat: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
February 2014
www.hillcountryexplore.com
9
From the Publisher Dearest EXPLORE reader, Life is a conversation. Make it a good one. I read that little quote in a book the other day and it was one of those statements that caused me to pause and really think it through. It contains an extraordinary amount of truth, and it also contains a challenge; a challenge that reveals a choice. A choice that few of us choose to address. I had been wanting to write something about Facebook/Twitter and my growing disdain for it. I’m not sure if I’m in the minority regarding my thoughts on social media as it pertains to our personal lives, but recently, I’m just finding Facebook (the only social media outlet I really use) to be a larger and larger distraction, and I’m also struggling to see how it benefits my life much. When the guys at Facebook sat around a dorm room and came up with the idea for Facebook, I’m sure one of them exclaimed, “Just think – you can keep up with all of your friends and people will be so happy because it will keep them closer to their loved ones!” and surely they all nodded in agreement. And maybe it does for some people. Maybe you are able to keep up with family and friends in other parts of the world and you reap great benefit from it. Again, I confess I may be in the minority. For me, I think that it’s just become something that limits my REAL conversations. Let me explain: I actually have siblings of high school friends on my Facebook. I was friends with their brother/sister, and for some reason, that younger/older sibling found me on Facebook and now we’re virtual buddies. I can barely remember this person from 20 years ago, but sure enough, there I am seeing pictures of their kids or family vacation photos. And so I wonder: is this bringing us closer? Or is it just some sort of voyeuristic urge to know what EVERYONE is doing? I don’t even know where some of these people live, but here I am in Boerne, clicking through pictures of someone’s wedding. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that does this. We comment “Beautiful wedding!” and then the person that posted the picture thinks, “Who the hell is that?” Sigh. Here’s how I think that Facebook should work: initially your friends on Facebook can only be your actual FRIENDS and family. Not just some person you’re familiar with, or whose name you might recognize. No, they have to be actual people that you’ve shared a beer with or share some relation to you. From there, you’re welcome to add as many friends as you’d like, but each and every one of them requires lunch. You actually have to set an appointment with this person, meet them at the Little Gretel, and share a hamburger. You would catch each other up with your lives, share your struggles, and grow some amount of appreciation for each other. From there, the “friendship” can be accepted within Facebook and you are on your way. Great idea? Obviously. Realistic? Not at all. Life is a conversation. Make it a good one. Facebook just seems to be taking away the conversation. I meet people all the time (as in really meeting them face-to-face) that say “Oh yeah, we’re friends on Facebook” and I just cringe. My wife and I lay around the living room after the kids are in bed, and watch TV. Invariably, one of us is scrolling through stupid Facebook, checking up on other’s lives. What about our very OWN lives? What if the time that we spend snooping through the lives of others, we devoted that same energy into unpacking the emotions and experiences that are happening in our spouses? Or our children? Or our dear grandmother who has no interest in Facebook? We would be having the CONVERSATION the way it was intended to be held. Admittedly, I’m probably worse than most. At last count, I had something like 1200+ “friends” on Facebook. Now, keep in mind that I sincerely know a dozen people around town that give two shakes about what I’m up to, and vice-versa. But this means that some 1200 people are keeping up with me “virtually”, and doing so without any true appreciation for the events in my life. And I’m doing the same with them. These are people I’d probably like to have an actual conversation with and truly get to know. I could use some more real friends in my life, and so this means that if you’re reading this letter and we’re friends on Facebook (but not in real life), then let’s go to lunch. Let’s turn off our phones, and log out of Facebook, and have an actual encounter; not online, but in this thing called LIFE. Welcome to February. The month of love. May you EXPLORE the relationships in your life, hold tight to those that are important to you, and have a conversation about the ones you’d like to improve. Because while life may be a conversation, life is also short. So make it a good one. Smiling,
Benjamin D. Schooley
10 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
a
gRoup oF expeRienced ResidenTial Real esTaTe pRoFessionals oFFeRing impeccable peRsonal seRvice.
222 s. main sTReeT boeRne, Texas 78006 830.249.7979 oFFice
InFo@lonesTaRBoeRne.com WWW.hillcounTRypRopeRTies.neT
Check out our website for other listings
Exp EriEnc E • Skill • DED ication
CONTRACT PENDING
21 bRandT Road
717 n. main
Enjoy the privacy oF 71+/- genTly Rolling acRes in The
153 hiTching posT
The Foote-Hawkins Home is an historic,
laTe cenTuRy home, 4,300 squaRe FeeT WiTh 5 bedRooms and 3 baThRooms. The TWo-sToRy, Wood-FRamed esTaTe siTs on appRoximaTely one acRe WiTh 192+/- FeeT oF FRonTage along main sTReeT-boeRne. The pRopeRTy is zoned b-2 (commeRcial), and oFFeRs appealing opTions FoR developmenT, such as a bed and bReakFasT, ReTail oR oFFice space. an addiTional1.46 acRes is available WiTh This oFFeRing. see bRokeR FoR deTails and pRicing.
eleganT comFoRT oF a classic Tx hill counTRy Ranch sTyle home. 4000+/- sq. FT., 4/3 1/2 baTh Rock & sTucco home, limesTone inTeRioR accenTs. gouRmeT kiTchen W/ gRaniTe, double oven, huge island. FoRmal dining, Rock FiReplace in lR WiTh baR. spacious masTeR suiTe, oveRsized laundRy; game Room. beauTiFul vieWs oF pleasanT valley; 5 sTall baRn, Tack, aRena. 2625 sq. FT WoRkshop, suRRounded by laRge TRacTs; exTReme seclusion. ag exempT, FibeR opTics !!
19Th
MLS#998197 $3,250,000 ContaCt CaroL SChuLtz 210.268.3691
$975,000 ContaCt Steve Bennett 210-287-3776
PERFECT HOME IN TRAILS OF HERFF RANCH. cul-de-sac deep loT cReaTes backyaRd ReTReaT oF planTs, spacious Rock paTio and laRge TRees. kiTchen aid sTainless appliances; double oven, 6 buRneR W/gRill gas cookTop and poT FauceT; glass FRonT cabineTs; gas FiReplace, gRaniTe ; 2 panTRies; kiTchen desk; haRdWood FlooRs. 2800+ sq. FT., 3/2.5 /sTudy/bonus on .2 acRe, FanTasTic neighboRhood ameniTies!
MLS # 1022687 $299,000 ContaCt CaroL SChuLtz 210-268-3691
PRICE REDUCED
313 bRoadWay
123 deeR TRail
loT 119 Radiance
Charming historical Comfort farmhouse
Beautiful Lot! This immaculaTe 3bR, 2ba Rock home siTs
Beautiful corner lot acreage with fantastic views in gated community. level
builT in 1890 buT ToTally updaTed WiTh all The modeRn ameniTies. 4 bedRooms and 3 Full baThs WiTh a laRge living aRea and Rock FiReplace. 4Th bedRoom is aT The FRonT oF The home and could be used as a FoRmal dining aRea. check ouT The size oF The masTeR bedRoom WiTh space FoR a pRivaTe siTTing aRea and access To deck and paTio! Wood FlooRs and ceRamic Tile ThRoughouT The home. gReaT scReened in poRch. sepaRaTe building WiTh Finished ouT mulTi-use Room. backyaRd is beauTiFul and Full oF maTuRe TRees!
on a beauTiFul ½ acRe loT and is suRRounded by many maTuRe TRees and WondeRFul landscaping. The masTeR bedRoom and living Room have Rock inTeRioR accenT Walls, Which add a loT oF hill counTRy chaRm! come enjoy The seReniTy oF naTuRe FRom The back deck and WiTh no neighboRs behind you. The neighboRhood also oFFeRs a clubhouse, pool, playgRound, and Tennis couRT FaciliTies To homeoWneRs as Well!
ledge WiTh a genTle slope FoR a peRFecT building siTe Which Will pRoduce goRgeous vieWs! FanTasTic 15-acRe homeoWneRs paRk WiTh Fishing dock, lighTed Tennis couRTs, laRge bbq pavilion WiTh picnic Tables and his/heR ResTRooms. jusT minuTes To boeRne shopping, schools and ih-10 FoR a peRFecT and convenienT locaTion.
MLS #1010113 $89,000. ContaCt Sharon ParKer 210-334-7902
MLS#1035861 $239,900 ContaCt Shannan Baird 210-379-8063
MLS #1014192 $250,000. ContaCt Sara Baird 210-317-9996.
Red bluFF cReek Ranch
kendall and gillespie counTy Ranches
kendall co - double ee Ranch
10.60+/- aCreS secluded
80+/- aCreS
RusTic log home oFFeRing a seRene
Texas hill counTRy. Red bluFF cReek pRovides 700+/- FeeT oF cRysTal cleaR spRing-Fed WaTeRFRonT. TWo-sToRy 2800+/squaRe sq.FT. log-sTyle home makes FoR quieT counTRy living only minuTes FRom boeRne. This pRopeRTy oFFeRs pRivacy, long Range vieWs, geoRgeous TRees, FeRTile soils, cRysTal cleaR Red bluFF cReek and unique living accommodaTions. seTTing The The
$565,000 ContaCt Steve Bennett
at
210-287-3776
looking FoR some opTions FoR a small To medium sized Ranch WiTh an ideal locaTion? Take a look aT one oR seveRal oF The TRacTs available in These oFFeRings. TeRRiFic acReage FRom 35 acRes To 200 +/- acRes. pRopeRTies sTaRTing aT $278,250. see The beaR cReek lake, gRape cReek Road, kendall and gillespie counTy Ranches aT www.texaSranCheSForSaLe.CoM.
ContaCt Ken hoerSter
at
210-859-6256
This 80+/is
peRFecTly
acRes oF genTle, Rolling TeRRain suiTed
FoR
counTRy
living
also has an implemenT baRn, old seT oF WoRking pens. jusT minuTes FRom ih-10, san anTonio and hisToRic boeRne. boeRne isd and geneva school campus aRe neaRby This pRivaTe esTaTe. WaTeR Well, elecTRiciTy and loW peRimeTeR Fencing make iT Ready To go. cuRRenTly ag exempT FoR loW Taxes.
ContaCt Steve Bennett at 210-287-3776.
Texas Ranches FoR sale is a seRvice oRienTed Ranch bRokeRage FiRm ThaT geTs ResulTs. We combine yeaRs oF expeRience WiTh cuTTing edge Technology FoR maRkeTing qualiTy Ranches ThRoughouT Texas. www.TexasRanchesFoRsale.com • InFo@TexasRanchesFoRsale.com we
h av e
the
right
tools
to
sell
and
RecReaTional use, WiTh iTs beauTiFul haRdWoods.
ranches
222 s. main sTReeT boeRne, Texas 78006 830.249.9339 oFFice 210.579.1900 Fax
FEBRUARY Get out and enjoy the great Texas Hill Country! The most comprehensive events calendar. Send submissions to info@hillcountryexplore.com
February 1 BOERNE Hill Country Family History Seminar
February 8 Boerne Second Saturday Art & Wine Walk
Boerne Convention and Community Center. www. rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txgskc 830-331-8730
110 Rosewood Ave, Boerne, TX, 4:00 - 8:00 pm. www.carriagehousegalleryofartists.com, 830-2481184
February 2 BOERNE Super Bowl Party at RANDOM!
February 9 GRUENE Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist
Great Home cooking and a Beer Bucket Raffle to Benefit the American Diabetes Association. For more information visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/RandomTexasFamilyFun
February 3-15 BROWNWOOD Stars of Texas Juried Art Show
See a juried art exhibit and daily demonstrations of artistic technique from three artists. www.starsoftexasjuriedartexhibit. com 325-646-7167
February 4 BANDERA Cowboy Capital Opry
Begins at 7 p.m. Silver Sage Corral. www.silversage corral.org 830-796-4969
February 6-Mar. 2 KERRVILLE American Plains Artists Annual Juried Show Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville. com 830-895-2911
February 7-16 FREDERICKSBURG/JOHNSON CITY Wine Lovers Trail
Get tickets to this self-guided tour through vineyards and wineries to enjoy special events, tours, tastings and live music. www.texaswinetrail.com
February 8 Boerne Barrel to Burgers
RANDOM is having a Cask Tapping. The Cask is made special for RANDOM by a brewery, the old fashion way. Barrel aged not Co2. For more information visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/ RandomTexasFamilyFun
Advance tickets recommended. Gruene Hall. www. gruenehall.com 830/629-5077 or 830-606-1601
February 9 KERRVILLE Chocolate Fantasy Extravaganza
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville. com 830-895-2911
February 10 BOERNE The Step Crew
February 14-16 NEW BRAUNFELS Troutfest
Fly-fishing exposition includes talented fly tiers, a children’s fishing pond, classes, vendors, a casting contest and guest speakers. Rio Raft and Resort, 14130 River Road. www.rioraft.com 512-413-3301
February 15 BOERNE Chocolate Walk
A ticket includes a map of the participating businesses and a bag to collect chocolate treats. Tickets are available online only starting January 15. Downtown. www.boerne-tx.gov/chocolatewalk 830-249-9511 ext. 5
February 20 GRUENE Come and Taste It
Champion High School Auditorium. www.boerneperformingarts. com 830-331-9079
Three wines from top Texas wineries and surrounding regions are featured, along with live music, food samples, giveaways and more. Grapevine Texas Wine Bar, 1612 Hunter Road. www.grapevinein gruene.com 830-606-0093
February 14 Boerne Valentine’s Italian Style
February 20-23 BANDERA Cowboy Mardi Gras
Parisi’s Italian Cuisine with special wine tasting and live music at RANDOM! For more information visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/RandomTexasFamilyFun
Enjoy country-style Mardi Gras activities with a parade and Cajun-style music Saturday morning. Downtown. www.11thstreetcowboybar.com 800364-3833
February 14-16 FREDERICKSBURG Trade Days
February 22-23 BOERNE Hill Country Optimists Antiques Show
Shop with more than 350 vendors in six barns, plus acres of antiques and collectibles, or kick back and enjoy the biergarten and live music. Seven miles east of town off U.S. 290, at 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com 830-990-4900
February 14-16 LUCKENBACH Hug-In and Valentine Ball
Get back to the basics of love during this annual camping event with live music and plenty of boot scootin’ at the annual Valentine Ball. Dale Watson plays Friday and Gary P. Nunn performs Saturday. On R.M. 1376, off U.S. 290 East. www.luckenbachtexas.com 830-997-3224
Real American antiques—no reproductions or imports—are offered by collectors from across the region. Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.texasantiqueshows.com 830-995-3670
February 27 KERRVILLE Symphony of the Hills Concert Cailloux Theater. www.symphonyofthe hills.org 830-792-7469
12 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Boerne's Newest, Most Complete Fitness Center Combining Performance Sports Training & General Fitness Now offering state-of-the-art & proprietary equipment for Personal Training Group Exercise Performance Sports Training
AS LOW AS
$38/MON. FOR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
1024 North Main St. | Boerne, TX 78006 830.816.5513 | www.athleticrepublicboerne.com
Luxury real estate leaders in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country since 1989
If a move is in your future, or you just want an accurate market evaluation of your home from the most trusted name in South Texas luxury real estate, call and speak to our Hill Country specialists! We will find the perfect new home for your lifestyle – and the right buyer for your current home!
The Very Best
for 25 years
Alamo Heights I North Central San Antonio I I-10 / Hill Country I Boerne I PB Ranch I www.phyllisbrowning.com I 210-824-7878
February 2014
www.hillcountryexplore.com
13
www.riverbedconcrete.com polished concrete flooring | stained concrete flooring concrete countertops & sinks | concrete basins & firebowls
As Seen On:
39390 W IH 10 #C - Boerne, Tx 78006 830-981-2210 (p) | 830-755-6055 (f) showroom by appointment
Rehabilitate in Boerne, One Step Closer to Home
Cibolo Creek provides accommodations
in the heart of Boerne, with individualized therapy programs that enable one to return home quickly. By receiving rehabilitation services close to home, family and friends are able to visit often and with ease.
Cibolo Creek stands apart by:
• Being the most contemporary rehabilitation facility in Boerne • Providing physical, occupational, speech, and vital stim therapy in a modern and innovative setting under the guidance of highly trained and experienced therapists • Offering both inpatient and outpatient therapy services to improve one’s overall strength and mobility • Facilitating admissions 24/7
1440 River Road • Boerne, Texas 78006 • 830.816.5095
C ibolo C reek H ealtH . org
14 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
You’re Invited The Boerne Education Foundation’s 17th Annual Fundraiser
save the date MARCH 29, 2014 ESTANCIA at Thunder Valley 6:00pm to MIDNIGHT
Thanks to past Rock On donors, BEF has distributed almost $1,600,000 to Boerne ISD schools. Celebrate education with us, knowing that 100 percent of your donations to BEF stay in Boerne ISD and fund improved student achievement initiatives and superb teaching. Rock On Round Up features unique Live and Silent auction items, a Hill Country dinner buffet, a Raise the Paddle campaign and other Wild West activities.
Live Auction Highlights Experience the very essence of privacy and luxury at Royal Belize, an all-inclusive private island with full concierge services, numerous water activities and a private chef. Four nights for four couples. Bid with your friends for this exclusive getaway! RoyalBelize.com
Corporate Sponsorships Our Corporate Sponsorship packages are designed to provide recognition for our supporters. We would be proud to partner with you in this event and welcome you to join our endeavor as we pursue excellence in education in Boerne ISD. For detailed information, please contact Lori Hodo at: lhodo@me.com
• King Ranch Baron - $25,000 • Texas Rangers - $10,000 • Silver Star Sheriffs - $5,000 • True Grit Gunslingers - $3,500 • Table Wranglers - $1,500 • Cowboy Posse - $500 • Individual Tickets - $150
For more information, please visit: www.BoerneEducationFoundation.org
February 2014
www.hillcountryexplore.com
15
MUSIC
By Rene Villanueva “I’ve been hunting something for a very long time. I guess since I started playing music.” Sheila wanted more of an answer, and was happy to work for it. Though it’s hard to tell what she’s thinking behind the straighteness of her smile. An interviewer who wants, but doesn’t give makes a tough conversation. But when conversation is slow, persistence helps, and Sheila doesn’t stop. “Can you describe your hunt... what it is you’re after? What it means to you?” The two of us, and her tape recorder make three, are in the midst of a fury of noise backstage. Other bands loading out gear; stragglers and hanger-ons are earning their titles. The melted ice sloshing in the tubs of beer emptied by young bar hands, and I remember having a few more than a few cans myself. I started to feel light, and the emptiness swirled in to my stomach, as all the brave fury seems to evaporate. And there’s a strange feeling in the back off my mind when I know I’m going to talk too much, beer makes me talk too much. “I wanted a purpose,” I said with a thousand thoughts of my first days playing music playing in my head. “But less noble than that. I wanted to go. Away from the people I knew. Away from my past. The feeling really started in high school. Some people had a great time and never wanted to leave. Some of us,” I said with an raising brow, “couldn’t wait to escape.” My eye zeroed in on her small notepad, and that red rubber ball of an erasure dancing up and down between her fingers. “I knew the world was bigger. I wanted to run in it. Leave everything I couldn’t change. Remake the things I could.
That’s what I see most of us doing. Musician’s, artists.” She’s not writing a word I’m saying. I usually don’t like giving interviews after a show, but it’s the only time and had. I’m fried. Sweaty. Red faced. Ridiculous. I spent the first few questions splashing water on my face from the small dirty sink, near-falling off the wall, in the edge of the room. I moved, slightly clearer in thought, on to the one cushion free of cigarette burns and questionable stains; but once I sit, I can’t help feel stuck between the couch and the question. Sheila smiled, “Do you think you’ve found the life you want?” Suddenly there’s a commotion over a lost guitar, I turned my attention away. She leaned in, and hit me with her pencil dead in my hand. “Your purpose... did you find it?” “Well I don’t know...” I laugh, rubbing the small stinging pain, like an ant just had a snack across the back of my hand. “How can you go up in front people and not know?” She pushed. The good ones try and let you lead because with enough space, people will confess as much truth as they can. And she’s gave me more than enough rope to hang myself with some deep-old-dirty truth. But something’s are too big to explain. A great interviewer will bend the questions, acrobaticly, weaving the words to get the right answer to appear. I know only a handfull of people who can, and do, this well. Sheila’s knows how to get her way, not by tact, but it’s her own lovely pushy-ness. To tell the truth, I had asked her not to ask the regular questions. Tell me about your band? How would you describe your music? I could do without ever answering those
16 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
again. But still some lazy writer, won’t even give a Google to get those. So a few days before, on a phone call when I was still three cities away, I challenged Sheila to think of something different for us to talk about. So now it’s on me. Forget clever. Everyone wants to say something clever, but it’s not easy when the question is there, and the moment is quick and tired. Stick to honest. “I think I found a purpose... Trying. Every song. Every show... To try. Others want to change the world. Enlighten. They want their music to instruct. And they do. Beautifully. I guess I want that too but... there’re many ways to do that. I’m just not so direct.” She started to write in her pad again, “so you consider yourself a teacher?” “No,” I laugh again. Artists hate being concrete. “Still a musician. But we can learn from everyone. We all have stories, not just songwriters.” I search the shelves to find an un-opened water. “And those stories have truths. Even the mistakes,” I finally find it and come back to my chair. “You can get out there and explain your message. Spread the word.” “Or...” “By example. One note at a time.” My head is finally slowing down. “My favorite teachers gave to me by example. By living clearly in the day-to-day. Subtle meaning you know? I feel like if I give honestly. People can listen honestly. That’s all I have. My purpose. The simple tasks say so much. Showing up to a performance and not playing the motions, but really trying to get there.” I could tell she wasn’t buying it, “example?“ “Great players, my favorite players, don’t fall on theatrics or clothes to help them get noticed. They play. And that speaks for them. They don’t even use the music. They play the song, the best they can, and let the music illuminate itself, not the person behind it... you see? And that’s what makes them so special. So simple. To do your job well, there’s nothing better.” Sheila put down her pad, then lays back in her chair. She asked, “Is that what you think people want? Effort?” And I have the feeling this is off the record now, but you never can tell in an interview. I heard always assume anything you say will go. “I don’t,” I start then catch myself in half-li e, “ I try not worry about that. I worry about what I can give. With my mind. My song. What they want is up to them... I can’t control
February 2014
that. Only what I give. I’d go crazy worrying about others’. Though I admit it’s a struggle.” Sheila sat for a moment before she reached for her pad and got back to her list of questions when my tour manager came in to get me. The club was closed. People ready to leave. The show was done. So was the interview. And we said goodbye, in the mess of a green room. But like any conversation not ready to end, there was more hanging in that room waiting to be said. I rested my head against the cold window looking out into the vast darkness that is the night highway, and I can’t help but think of what I said to Sheila. My home. And what I was looking for out here. I realize I wasn’t done. In fact I wanted to change my answer. I hadn’t lied, but it wasn’t complete. The truth: I was running. I was exploring. Searching the country. Collecting. Hunting. Looking for it or away from home. Away from the things I couldn’t change. Away from the life that was. In every part of my journey I have gotten something, but I also realized then, I brought something too. I was carrying all the best parts of home with me, and gave them to everyone I met. I carried the movement of the people in our streets. The songs of the wild hill country beauty that surrounds us. I carried the subtle means, and lessons of all the wonderful people I knew. I wasn’t just leaving home, I was being sent out.
A son of South-Texas, and two of the most beautiful souls I’ll ever know. Writer, dreamer, singer of songs, bass player, and professional observer. Toured the world with my band of “real-blood-tied” brothers, and friends as Hacienda/Fastfive. Recorded three albums, written countless songs, played countless shows, including two national tv late-night extravaganzas, festivals, throwdowns, parties, and hoot-nights. Lover of books, vinyl, dancing, people who laugh loud, walking, vintage craftsmanship, and my home in Boerne.
www.hillcountryexplore.com
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EXPLORE
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4. Boot Jack Bar 1 FM 3551, Ste. 100, Bergheim, TX 78004 210-861-0074 www.bootjackbar.com
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23. Little Gretel 518 River Rd., Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-1368 www.littlegretel.com 24. Lodge at Leon Springs 24137 Boerne Stage Rd., San Antonio, TX 78255 210-698-9365 www.boerneassistedliving.com 25. Ms. Sue’s Art Studio Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas 415-246-4017 www.mssuesart.com 26. Riverbed Concrete 39390 W IH-10 Suite C, Boerne, TX 78006 830-981-2210 www.riverbedconcrete.com
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February 2014
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20 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
All performances at 7:30pm at Boerne Champion High School Auditorium The StepCrew – Monday, February 10 Time for Three – Tuesday, March 25 SPECIAL EVENT – Voca People – Thursday, March 6 Single Tickets $30 - $40 - $60 for The StepCrew and Time for Three SPECIAL EVENT Single Tickets $35 - $45 - $60 for Voca People
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February 2014
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21
HISTORY
pictured fro left to right clockwise: Robert M, (Mac) George, Bill Ragsdale, John Eddie Vogt, Sidney L. Voges, and George Edensberger
THE TABLE OF KNOWLEDGE By Marjorie Hagy
The gang I infiltrated call themselves the Table of Knowledge, and they operate right here in the heart of Boerne. Are they a secret society? Are there secret rules, rites, mystical initiations which involve otherworldly language and funny hats? “If we’ve got any rules,” laughed one John Eddy Vogt, unofficial leader of this unruly gang, “They’re so secret even I don’t know ‘em!” He considers for a moment. “Or hell, maybe I forgot ‘em.”
This month my assignment took me deep undercover, and one afternoon I found myself in a little Mexican café conferring with a band of rogues. The heat was brutal and unrelenting, dust hung in a haze over the Plaza as peasants passed along on their way to various tasks, and I sat under the steady whirr and tick of a lazy ceiling fan, at long last in the very presence of these mysterious men. We’ve all read about the escalating drug wars and violence in Ciudad Juarez and, indeed, all along the borderbut this has nothing to do with all that. The gang I infiltrated call themselves the Table of Knowledge, and they operate right here in the heart of Boerne. Are they a secret society? I’m bold enough to ask the hard-hitting questions that make other reporters blanch. Are there secret rules, rites, mystical initiations which involve otherworldly language and funny hats? “If we’ve got any rules,” laughed one John Eddy Vogt, unofficial leader of this unruly gang, “They’re so secrete even I don’t know ‘em!” He considers for a moment. “Or hell, maybe I forgot ‘em.” Hmmm…canny, Mr. Vogt. No, these wastrels are bold-faced enough to meet right out in the open. Just about any weekday afternoon they can be found at their headquarters at Sely’s Restaurant. And there’s a plaque right on the wall that announces that this is their turf. “Table of Knowledge” it proclaims, “Disorganized since way back when.” And “way back when” seems about right. I asked how long, and the consensus seemed to be wa-ay back. Forty years? I pressed (I’ve seen a picture of them from about that long ago). Oh, probably longer than that, they figured. Fifty?? Somewhere along in there, they allowed. So just who ARE these men? Well, having heard vague rumors of their existence for a long time, I decided to make it my mission to find out. After debating with myself whether to assume a disguise in order to embed myself in their midst and attempt to pass myself off as a conservative Republican gentleman of a certain age, I reluctantly scrapped the idea as far-fetched. Passing myself off as a
22 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
gentleman of a certain age, I had every confidence I could do, but I know I would have considerable trouble with the other part. So I adopted the simple, expedient method of hitting my father up for an invite. He’s a fairly recent recruit, and when he put the suggestion to the fellas, they were gracious enough to let me sit in on a session. Thus, I found myself one afternoon actually seated at the renowned and mysterious Table of Knowledge. There was Freddy Grisham and Bob Magers, Wally Whitworth and John Hagy (definitely NOT the preacher) , a guy named Cowboy Culver, and one they called the Ragin’ Cajun, Harold Lambert and Robert Prentiss and two Eds, Wagner and Beauford, and the garrulous John Eddy Vogt. Not all the gang was there, daily attendance is not required but the guys say their wives prefer them to attend as often as possible. The guys are, in fact, mostly conservative gents of a distinguished seniority, except I was sorta surprised to see one guy there about my own age—now I’m no spring chicken, but I did feel kinda dewy compared to these old boys. “I once changed our sign to say ‘Table of Senility’ instead of ‘Table of Knowledge’,” John Eddy said, wagging to indicate their plaque. “And do you know nobody even noticed it for three weeks!” They all laughed. They laugh a lot, and mostly at themselves. But if these guys have been getting together for high on fifty years, where have they been meeting all this time? Sely’s hasn’t been there that long. Well, they’ve met at La Hacienda Restaurant, at Ebner’s Drug Store for a while, at the old deli that used to be up on Main Street where the Appraisal District is now, at the long-defunct P&G’s (Paul & Gertrude’s) next door to Ebner’s and elsewhere. “That’s one of the things we feel kinda bad about,” one of the guys said. “Whenever we meet someplace, they always go outta business!” And at least one place even went so far as to throw ‘em out and ban ‘em from the place—not because they were bad for business though. What happened was, during a particularly heated discussion, tempers suddenly flared and one guy ended up chucking his coffee into the other one’s face! "What was the fight about?" I wanted to know. “Politics!” they all shouted above the laughter. And you get the sense that even in the midst of all the brouhaha and pulling the two combatants off each other and getting tossed outta the joint, they were even then storing up the incident, turning it into the best story so they could tell the tale on themselves at the table in their new place. Politics. I’d already pretty much deduced that any group my dad belonged to wasn’t likely to be a hotbed of liberalism, but here I was in for a little bit
February 2014
of a surprise. “Oh, we got some Democrats!” the guys told me, and while they were listing off fellow members they hollered about one of the names, “Oh he’s one! Put a big D by his name!” So while the table does lean heavily to the right, there are a few liberals in the bunch (hence the coffee throwing affair). I asked them what they talk about, around their small-town, rural Algonquin Round Table. “We talk about who’s dead,” Wally said. “And who’s not lookin’ so good.” “We talk about everybody who doesn’t show up,“ Bob added. “That’s why I try to always be here!” They told me they talk about the “usual things”guns, hunting, veggies. “'Remember when?'” Freddy said. “That’s a big one.” “Yeah!” Gabe Nunex called down the table—he’s the Ragin’ Cajun. “Remember when? And I wish I still could!” “Hearing is a recurring issue here,” said another guy. “Oh yeah,” someone else chimed in, “’What?’ and ‘Huh?’ are the most frequent things we say!” “Hell, we’ve been meeting so long now we all know everybody else’s jokes,” John Eddy said, “Now when we wanna tell a joke all we gotta say is ‘Number four!’” And all the fellas holler out ‘Number four!” in unison. Even that has become one of their old jokes! Of course, these guys aren’t all the original crew, not after fifty-some years of this business, and many members have moved on to that Big Table in the Sky, but still fondly remembered around the Sely’s table. Seems like all the old Boerne names once gathered around- Levi Zoeller, George Ebensberger, Cliff Bruce, JL Dudley, to name a few. George Quick, the guys told me, is the last remaining WWII vet of the crew, and they tell me he used to pilot Air Force Two- the Vice President’s plane. Within these guys’ memories lie all kinds of Boerne history- these were the boys who were born here when this was still a one-horse berg and folks still conducted their business in German, whose fathers and grand-fathers and whose own hands built up this town. “I was born in that old house right next door to the fire house, and I still can’t figure out one thing,” John Eddy Vogt mused. It was a rare and serious moment around the table, and the men sat, hushed. “And that’s why there’s still no historical marker on that house!” The guys around the table roared. They all remember when the pole holding up the awning outside John Eddy’s store on Main Street was a regular meeting place, and they all perfectly remember John Eddy’s store. “He’d pat you on the
back with one hand,” one of ‘em recalled. “And pick your pocket with the other!” They remember a guy who lived over on a place over off Hosack Street during the war, when there were still farms butting up to Main Street, who rode his horse to town and went around his home-place naked, and whom the Secret Service finally arrested as a spy who’d been mapping out Camp Bullis for the Germans. They remember a teacher, Miss Lohmann, who grew up in Luckenbach and spanked kids for speaking German in school, and another one they called Old Lady Toepperwein who’d have her German-speaking first-graders speaking English in a month. I wanted to stay and listen to their stories and laugh with ‘em and pick their brains, for days, and get everything they remember. These old guys are the history of Boerne , in a Boerne that is itself passing into history. And as my old hometown changes out of all recognition all around us, I’m happy the old boys of the Table of Knowledge are still meeting, still holding court, keeping their fingers on the pulse of this old town, keeping the old torch lit. I never have thought before that the occasion would ever arise in which I really would want to pass as a conservative Republican gentleman of a certain age, but I had so much fun with the guys sitting around the Table of Knowledge that I just might show up there someday disguised in a beard and a pair of biboveralls with a Bush/Cheney button… well, maybe just the beard and overalls. *I wrote this story to appear last month, but right after I met with the Table of Knowledge they lost one of their own, Dick Magers, whose brother Bob is also a member in good standing, and I decided to keep this story back for a month. Dick was much loved by the fellas around the Table, and whenever they meet and raise a cup of coffee or fight about politics and talk about their gardens or their guns, he’ll be right there with ‘em in spirit. Peace, fellas. thefam2001@yahoo.com marjorie @hillcountryexplore.com
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DINING
Speaking of Sex, Without Actually... As Valentine’s Day approaches, our thoughts turn to love---both romantic love, and the kind that requires red lace underwear. Love is simple, but it isn’t always easy. In any intimate relationship, there is the need for both romantic love, and the red lace underwear kind. The key to a successful relationship is in striking a balance. Women tend to regard red lace underwear as a nonessential but sometimes nice ending to a time otherwise made fabulous by hand holding, cuddling, and general intimacy. If it were a business project, then the red underwear would be happy hour. Men tend to regard hand holding, cuddling and general intimacy as a non-necessary morning huddle—a pre-cursor to getting down to the real business of the red lace underwear. The good news is that we are already sitting in the same boardroom, we just need to understand each other’s business model. What ladies need to understand about men is just how much of their behavior is driven by their brain. No, the other brain. To be clear, let’s refer to the male brains as Big Brain and Little Brain….And since we know how sensitive men can be about the size of their, um, brain, let me clarify that Big Brain is NOT the one resting behind their eyes in their cranial cavity. That’s Little Brain. While Little Brain is still mostly asleep, and has maybe just begun to note the sun coming up, Big Brain is often already wide awake, apparently fully caffeinated and ready to do business. Men tend to regard this as a sign that they should actually conduct business. Although the reason for this “morning business readiness” is not entirely known, most doctors and researchers believe that men awake feeling ready for business because they in fact just had a dream during which business was conducted. In fact, this morning readiness is probably the last in a series of “readinesses” that took place throughout the night,
during periods of REM sleep. Because of this morning readiness, Big Brain will try to conduct business before anyone else is really awake. And since Big Brain isn’t checking for a pulse, faking unconsciousness is not an effective defense. Just know that your man is not being as obnoxious as you think. He’s sort of on autopilot. In the evening, alcohol may have the same effect on Big Brain, although his business readiness isn’t as ready for business as it believes itself to be. The bottom line is, though, that man are always on standby, and able to get business ready at the site of some exposed skin. Women are different creatures altogether. I mean, there are some women who are business ready all of the time. You can pay them cash, conduct your business, and be on your way. And there are some women who can get business ready pretty fast. They don’t work, they have maids, and they have no children. But most of us are more process-oriented. We need extra time to process, plan, and shift priorities. We might to do a root cause analysis to figure out why the need exists for the business at this time, and in this way. You should be prepared to make your business case by giving work samples. This would include things such as hand holding, hugging, kissing, and whispering sweet nothings. It would also be very beneficial if for you to highlight other skills that you bring to the table….you, know value added skills such as helping clean up after dinner, taking out the trash, and assisting with parenting responsibilities. Seeing these sorts of skills in action can do more to close the deal than anything else, and you may find yourself in business much more quickly than you would otherwise. These basic principles can easily be seen at work on Valentine’s Day more than any other time of year. When you ask most of The Fairer Sex what Valentine’s Day is about, you’ll hear frequent mention of champagne and long-stemmed roses, expensive perfume and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. Oh, and anything with
diamonds. Girls are fond of “long walks on beaches” and kissing under the moonlight. Poetry and proclamations of love should not be ruled out, and guys, if you’ve lost all sense of masculinity, you may even be expected to serenade your lady-love. It might also be good to go back and remember the lines you had to memorize in 9th grade, when your class read Romeo and Juliet. If you ask young men what the day is about, you may see a wicked flash in the eyes and a slight smile creep across their faces. They do understand the above referenced expectations, and may even be fully prepared to execute on some, or even all of them. Of course, they have a set of their own expectations, and will provide for you---in the same gift box as the perfume--- the lingerie to carry them out. Oh, you don’t look good in handcuffs? Too bad…He looks silly down on one knee trying to sing “Love Me Tender” with a red rose in his mouth. When you ask mature men what Valentine’s Day is about, you are likely to see some anxiety creep across their faces. Why? Because they understand completely what their ladies believe Valentine’s to be, and they are frightened. Most men are inherently horrified at the thought of writing poetry, or crooning their love out in song, and equally afraid of screwing up on the purchase of perfume or diamonds. Never mind the absurd amount of money that many of them feel compelled to spend on this day. This group of men is usually called husbands, and they have the firmest grasp on reality. I’m glad that’s what I have at home. Speaking of what I have at home, the quickest he ever closed a business deal was the evening I came home late from work and completely exhausted. And there he was…….in his birthday suit……...sweat dripping off his pecs……… biceps bulging……….while he stood in the bathtub scrubbing the ring of soap scum away with a big brush and a can of scrubbing bubbles. His value proposition was clear. And he was in business.
24 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
So that everyone gets what they want, might I suggest serving your Valentine some lobster? Here are three of my favorite recipes featuring Lobster. If either the availability or the price of lobster is a hindrance for you, try using the biggest shrimp you can find, instead.
Traditional Surf and Turf The Casual Way:
2 4 oz lobster tails, steamed until 75% cooked 1 cup orange juice ¼ cup lime juice ½ fresh jalapeno, finely minced 1 ripe mango 1 tablespoon minced cilantro 1 tablespoon olive oil Carefully remove lobster from the shell, and slice crosswise very thinly into medallions. Place in refrigerator to chill. Place juices and jalapeno in a small saucepan over medium heat, and simmer until reduced to about ¼ cup. Peel the mango with a paring knife. Use a cheese slicer or mandolin to slice very thin slices. Arrange the mango in a circular fashion on two small plates, overlapping a bit. Arrange the lobster in a circular pattern over the mango, overlapping the slices. Drizzle with the olive oil, the warm orange juice reduction, and sprinkle with minced cilantro. Serve immediately.
2 lobster tails, 4-5 oz each 2 Tablespoons soft butter 1 pound ground sirloin Ancho Cocoa Grill Rub (see below) 2 kaiser rolls 2 teaspoons olive oil ½ cup mayonnaise A few leaves of butter lettuce Using kitchen shears, cut the lobster tail down the length of the bottom, and split open slightly. Spread butter into the slit, and sprinkle with the grill rub. Divide the meat into two hamburger patties. Sprinkle both sides liberally with grill rub. Place lobster tails and meat over medium flame, and cook through (actual time will depend on how thick you made the patties, and how well done you like them). For safety, ground meat should ideally be served well done. When removed from grill, use a large knife to cut lobster tails all the way through, lengthwise. Carefully remove from shell. Brush olive oil over cut sides of rolls. Grill over flame until toasted nicely. Mix mayonnaise with 2 teaspoons of grill rub. Spread on buns, and top with lettuce, burger patty and lobster tails.
Surf and Turf, Two Ways
Ancho and Cocoa Grill Rub
Lobster Mango Carpaccio
The Traditional Way:
2 lobster tails, 4-5 oz each 2 Tablespoons soft butter 2 6 oz beef tenderloin steaks Ancho Cocoa Grill Rub Using kitchen shears, cut the lobster tail down the length of the bottom, and split open slightly. Spread butter into the slit, and sprinkle with the grill rub. Sprinkle both sides of the steak with the rub. Grill both lobster and steak over hot flame, 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on desired doneness. Serve with salad, and not much else, because steak and lobster are all anyone really needs to be happy.
February 2014
1 cup coarse salt ¼ cup brown sugar 2 T black pepper 1 T ground cumin 1 T onion powder 1 T garlic powder 1 T unsweetened cocoa powder 1 T ancho chili powder Place all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Store with your other spices.
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$2.75/each $30/dozen
128 W. Blanco Rd., Ste. 9 Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 331-2523
Custom cakes priced to order
Blanco
Located adjacent to the main plaza, beside the Ye Kendall Inn Monday-Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm Main St. Old Library
Merchantile
Ye Kendall Inn
Enjoy your life. We’ll take care of the rest. Home Automation Solutions
26 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Town Plaza
Mary Mellard, DDS
Randy Mellard, DDS, MS
• American Dental Association
• American Dental Association
• Texas Dental Association
• Texas Dental Association
• San Antonio Dental Society
• San Antonio Dental Society
• Academy of General Dentistry
• Academy of General Dentistry
DENTISTRY for the WHOLE FAMILY
The minute you walk through the doors at Mellard Dentistry, you will know you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Mary Mellard and Dr. Randy Mellard, a well-regarded husband-and-wife dental team, will help make you and your family more comfortable than you ever thought possible. Both doctors received their degrees from the University of Texas at Houston, and each year they continue to study advanced, postgraduate dentistry with some of the best-known clinicians in the country, In addition, Dr. Randy Mellard is a specialist in periodontology (gum therapy), and has advanced training in implant dentistry. But despite their clinical accolades, Dr. Mellard and Dr. Mellard do something all too rare in today’s rushed world... they listen, and get to know each patient one-on-one. So whether you’re looking for advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry or simply a dentist to help maintain your family’s dental health, join us. We’ll give you something to smile about! Dr. Mary Mellard and Dr. Randy Mellard have been married more than twenty years, and have four children. They are native Texans, and enjoy being active in our local community.
Important Awards: Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry - Dr. Mary & Dr. Randy Mellard Master, Academy of General Dentistry - Dr. Mary Mellard Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition Award - Dr. Mary Mellard (one of 10 dentists in the state)
Comprehensive Dental Care
Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry
• Great with children and adults • Professional dental cleanings • State-of-the-art equipment • Digital x-rays significantly reduce radiation • We make your comfort our priority • Periodontal specialist on staff
• Advanced training in cosmetic dentistry • Invisalign® “invisible” orthodontics • Galileos ® 3D Dental Imaging System • Implants to replace missing teeth
Twice nominated as Texas Dentist of the Year (2007 & 2009) - Dr. Mary Mellard Master of Science in Periodontics, University of Texas -Dr. Randy Mellard
Services Offered:
Sedation Dentistry for fearful patients or long procedures All-on-Four Smile in a Day Same day crowns (Cerec) Implants Six Month Smiles Cosmetic makeovers Invisalign Non-surgical treatment for gum disease
CARE for the whole Children deserve a wonderful dental experience. We encourage parents to bring their children in for a visit any time after their first birthday. Your child will love it here!
Now Welcoming New Patients
(210) 782-8421
www.mellarddentistry.com
Creating the healthy beautiful smile of your dreams in a comfortable caring atmosphere
SPIRITUAL
By Kendall D. Aaron kendall@hillcountryexplore.com
I sin. No, scratch that. I sin a WHOLE lot. Constantly. Every day. All the time. No, I’m not a bad person; I’m just honest about my sin. I understand what it is, and I am resigned that despite every best effort, I will invariably forever be a wretched sinner (and we all are). But, sure enough, every single day I hit my knees and pray for forgiveness and God covers me with a blanket of forgiveness and I am washed clean. We’ve all been told this since our Sunday school days; God loves us and will forgive us every single day for every single sin. As kids, this surely tells us quickly that there’s little sense in following the “rules” if we are eternally forgiven, but as adults, this speaks to a deep and profound love that God holds for us that He shares with us via intense and powerful grace. And we all sin, so we all need that grace. However (and I am incredibly guilty of this), we tend to expect other people to NOT sin. Whether it is because they are fellow Christians, or our spouses, but we tend to be surprised when the people in our lives do the wrong thing. When you step back and think about this, isn’t it funny (in a sad way)? We all sin. Every day. Your wife does something that is considered sinful (it could be nothing more than speaking to you rudely), and you gasp in horror and hold a grudge and get into a big screaming fight over it and tell all of your buddies about your wife’s sin. Despite her confession that she knew it was wrong, you
are angry and end up in counseling as you attempt to find forgiveness in your heart. All the while, the second that she confessed that sin to God, she was forgiven and the slate was wiped clean. Now, I understand that we are not God. We are not equipped with unending grace and cannot simply wipe the slate clean daily. We are imperfect souls, and are busy sinning as well. But, I think that if you calm your heart a bit and really step back to look at this important truth, it truly can prove life-changing. Apply this in your marriage: no other relationship will probably involve more confession and forgiveness than your marriage. You each spend so much time together and have so much history (and baggage) that it’s impossible to live in perfect harmony throughout your lives. Instead, you sin against each other. It could be little more than speaking disrespectfully, or it could be infidelity. Regardless, you will sin against your spouse. As the spouse that has been sinned against, the natural response is anger, exasperation, mean words, blame, etc. That’s what we do because we’re human. But guess what that is? Yup, your response to sin is……….sin. King David talked in Psalm 51 about his sins, and boy, did he really grieve over his sin. One of the more famous passages in the Bible, David throws himself at Christ’s feet and wails out for forgiveness. While we might not lament in sonnets about our sin as David did, he did genuinely seek forgiveness as we all should. And that’s where we come back to your marriage: if
you truly understand that your spouse is a wretched sinner, a sinner that will sin every single day the rest of their lives, and who has no ability to NOT sin, then why are we surprised when they do it? What if you looked at your spouse with compassion and understanding and understood that their sin is just that: sin. It’s something that we are all doomed to commit, but it’s also a situation where you can show God’s grace to them and extend as much of the same grace and forgiveness that God gives to you every single day. Accept their apologies. Look beyond their sin and soak in the beauty of their spirit and the person that they are. Just FORGIVE them. Sounds easy, huh? No! It’s very difficult, and not something that is natural to us. However, if you’ll make your heart vulnerable and drop your defenses, your left looking at a person just like you; someone that sins. We are all full of sin, so don’t be surprised when they get their sin all over you. And don’t be surprised when you do the same. There was a line from a book I was reading recently that said that marriage vows should conclude with “I’m a wretched sinner, and I’m yours for life.” I liked that because it’s an admission of a humbling truth, and one that would alter the expectations of a couple entering a marriage. It also reinforces the message behind this article: love the people in your life…..in spite of themselves.
28 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Facility available for special events Call for details Guitar Workshops • Artist Performances String instrument rentals for students
Premier Custom Home Builder in the Texas Hill Country
Specializing in fine instruments, accessories, and instruction Offering group or private lessons for all ages Guitar | Flute | Harp | Violin Piano | Mandolin | and More
109 Oak Park Dr. Boerne, Texas 78006
830-331-9840 Call today to reserve your lesson space
For over 40 years, KCN has been building beautiful custom homes of all sizes in Boerne, Comfort, Bandera, Castroville and throughout the Texas Hill Country. Our commitment to excellence is reflected not just in the quality of our products, but also in the superior level of customer service we provide during the building process. Our reputation for honesty and integrity, combined with our commitment to deliver excellent quality, expert craftsmanship, and customer service, has afforded us the opportunity to build many long lasting relationships with our clients. In fact, we are now working with our 29th repeat client.
830-816-5202 920 East Blanco Road Boerne, TX 78006 www.kcnbuilders.com
Family Style Beer Garden.
50 Craft Beers on Tap – That’s the Best Kind of Love Tap!
11 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd. • (210) 724-6921 • Facebook.com/RandomTexasFamilyFun Kiddo Friendly • Dog Lovers • Wonderful Food Truck Eats • Live Music!
Great space for Weddings, Birthday & Corporate Parties! Please call we are very interested in hearing from you!
February 2014
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29
GARDENING
Turf-grass, Roses & Tomatoes February typically brings the first ‘warm’ front of the year with a day or two approaching, if not well in to the 80’s. These few warmer days spur many to fanciful thoughts of springs emanate arrival. Fertilize, plant and prepare; A few things we can do this month that will pay long term rewards for the spring to come. Lawns will be waking up soon from the ravages of this colder than average winter and will need a boost of energy to get them going. Hopefully you fed your landscape last fall, as this is (was) the most important feeding. I often lament “The bear that goes into hibernation hungry doesn’t always wake up!” This applies to our landscape as well. The fall feeding helps our plants store energy to rebound after winter dormancy, February’s fertilization helps to carry forward that vigor. Lots of good folks will comment about how poorly their plants perform in the spring compared to their friends and neighbors, I don’t have to ask, they didn’t fertilize in the fall… But anyway, we are here now, so let’s feed our lawns, trees, flowers and shrubs. I prefer a natural fertilizer for many reasons but mostly the long term benefits coupled with the value of the products… lets face it, I’m cheap! Natural (or ‘Organic’) fertilizers are more efficient at building soil biology and making healthy plants as compared to synthetic ‘steroids’ that drive plant growth at unhealthy rates leading to all kinds of stresses later down the road. And I guess I should mention that gardening the natural way significantly reduces the amount of water used to maintain a healthy garden & landscape. I am not brand loyal, but many good fertilizers can be found locally; Medina, Ladybug, Espoma and Maestro-Gro just to name a few. Apply as directed, preferably just before a rain… and do be aware that most of these fertilizers will have a temporary ‘odor’ that some pets may find appealing and will either want to eat or just roll in. Don’t worry, they aren’t toxic, but the odor – which dissipates quickly – may be unwelcome if brought in to the house by our furry friends… That’s the only reason to water these natural fertilizers in to the soil, so I suggest waiting for a good rain or before your irrigation cycle. Who doesn’t love roses? Often a rose will be the first flower we plant in our new (deer proofed) gardens. February is a fine time to add one of these fragrant shrubs to our landscape. Many, many varieties thrive in the hill country, especially the own-rooted “Antique” roses. Grafted roses have a place in a well tended garden, but the virtually carefree nature the own-rooted varieties favors the lifestyle most of us enjoy. Whether a classic red flower like ‘Dame de Coeur’ or the subtle beauty of
‘Blush Noisette’ few things can make for lasting memories like that of a fragrant rose. Did you know that fragrance is the sense most strongly associated with memory? Watch anyone when they shop for, or are presented with a store-bought rose… the first instinct is to smell them… but sadly we know there is no fragrance here… While I’m not suggesting we can replace our obligatory bundle of picture perfect long-stemmed roses and box of bon-bons on the 14th - but how about planting a live rose bush as a gift to symbolize your love for all the years to come…The only warning I may offer, other than the obvious – that most bite – is to match the size of the shrub to the location where we will plant it. Most varieties can easily reach over six feet tall and wide; I take out more ‘Mutabalis’ roses for clients than I plant. Our local nurseries should be well stocked with all colors and sizes of beautiful roses this month; I sure hope you choose to bring one home. But don’t be disappointed if the new plant doesn’t have a flower on it immediately; this is the courtship period, our wanting grows… waiting as the first blossom appears and opens gifting us with the kiss of sweet fragrance, and the promise of so many more to come. As roses are so often our first flower, tomatoes are our first fruit. February is the time of year to start – or revive- our vegetable garden. Apply a generous 3” layer of compost over any bare soil; I might also suggest adding some lava sand which helps with moisture holding, soil friability and adds paramagnetic energy… all combining to radically improve our garden soil. A Garden-ville product called ‘Volcanite’ is a blended rock mineral and is my choice, but any Lava Sand will help. As compost is often too ‘hot’ or unfinished in March, adding the compost and minerals early allows their further decomposition to occur in your garden soil, trapping all of the vital energy, and allowing the released humic acids to penetrate deep into the subsoil… it really pays to plan ahead and compost now! I offer many more tips for growing tomatoes on my website: Texas-Heirloom-Tomatoes.com under the ‘General Information’ tab. The Farmer’s Market at the Cibolo / Herff Farm is scheduled to re-launch Saturday March 1st. I will have many varieties of heirloom tomato plants and other assorted vegetable transplants to offer; I hope you will plan a visit it should be a great season.
30 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Hill Country Real Estate & Property Management MLS # 1037642, $196,000
Immaculately kept 4 bedroom home located conveniently to Boerne schools and 1-10. Home is still under 10-year builder warranty. Features include an open floor plan, walk in closets in every bedroom, owned security system, covered patio, and mature landscaping.
MLS # 1037232, $435,000
Custom Hill Country Home, on over an acre, in sought after Fair Oaks Ranch. This beautiful property features pecan and hickory wood floors, granite counters, 3 car garage, and gorgeous landscaping. Property is located on cul-de-sac lot with easy access to 1-10.
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Bluebonnet Realty
Wine
By Tom Geoghegan tgeoghegan@boernewineco.com
32 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
This is the time of the year when we start enjoying a little better weather, and start getting our life back to normal. February is an unusual month, shorter than average with the main things being Superbowl and of course Valentine’s. I’m not going to get in the middle of which is the more significant event (Denver I hope), but personally, I’m getting ready for Valentine’s…sure beats sleeping on the garage floor. And with Valentines just around the corner, here are a few suggestions. Make sure you made that reservation for your significant other yesterday, if not earlier. Valentine’s Day is the single biggest day of the year for the restaurant industry. Please don’t wait till the last minute. The date this year falls on a Friday, but there is nothing that says it has to be celebrated that day. With our busy schedules, it’s sometimes easier to schedule a special dinner a few days before or after the actual date. Make sure to indicate the reservation is for Valentine’s to take advantage of any special offerings from the restaurant. And since we covered romance as it relates to wine last year ( please go to Explore’s web-site and scroll to the 2/2013 issue), I thought it might be fun to give you an inside look at the restaurant world from the other side…wait staff, bartenders, managers, etc….even some owners. I took a very informal poll amongst my F&B (Food and Beverage) friends and received a wide array of topics to consider. In working up the outline for this article, I considered many of the topics to come up with a few points for the consumer side to consider the next time they go out…enhancing the dining experience. First…a restaurant is a business. It’s not a clubhouse, unless you’re the owner. Then you get to stay as long as you’d like. Ownerships set the hours of operation and related policies. The restaurant industry is very glamorous from the outside…great food and spirits being served with great service in a great atmosphere. The reality is 7 days a week, with hours ranging from 7:00 AM till 3-4:00 AM, some operating almost 365 days a year. Only 1 in 3 new restaurants survive to their 5th anniversary. Profitability is negligible…36% food and beverage cost, 32% labor cost, and 28% operating costs… leaving 4% profit on average. For most consumers, their work world consists of 9-5, generally 5 days a week, with weekends off and long weekends for most of the major holidays. Closing down consists of turning off the lights or their computer, and they’re on their way home 5 minutes later. Reality in the restaurant world is much different. Their day generally starts much earlier and runs much later, 10-15 hour days the norm, not counting double shifts. Closing down starts only when the last customers have left. Then it’s a process of breaking everything down to clean, then restocking for the opening shift. Then, they get to drive home to their families. Working weekends and holidays are pretty much the norm. If they are lucky they have an occasional weekend off. Try working every holiday, with maybe Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day off. Anyone know what a turnaround is? All it consists of is closing the operation (sometimes it’s as late as 3 or 4 AM), then turning around and opening the next morning….this can be a little tiring 3-4 times a week. Am I trying to paint a bleak picture of this industry? Absolutely not. All I’m trying to do is help make the consumer more aware of what goes on behind the scenes, and appreciate all that work. Everyone seems to think the restaurant business is an easy one…after all, you just cook food and serve it…what could be simpler? My goal is to help us all appreciate the tremendous amount of work and dedication that makes it possible to serve that many customers a great meal in a very short amount of time. All they ask is for you to use common sense and courtesy as much as possible.
February 2014
And the 800 pound gorilla in the room is of course the topic of tipping. The perception from the outside is lots of cash being left on tables, waiters driving luxury vehicles, and working only 15 to 20 hours a week. The reality again is most different. The current minimum wage for foodservice workers in Texas is $7.25 an hour. Current law allows restaurants to include estimated tips to be added to their hourly rate to bring it up to the minimum wage rate. So on a very quiet shift with little to no customers, a waiter could be making only $2.13 an hour theoretically. In addition, most operations have a tip pool that waitstaff contribute to (tip-out) for their support staff of busboys, back waiters, bartenders, etc… a slowly diminishing piece of the pie. Here are a few suggestions. First is the most basic…tip for good service. The opposite is also very true…minimal or no tip for mediocre or poor service. Second is how much to tip. The accepted industry average is the traditional 15%, while most people in the industry tip 20-25%.Lastly, cash is most appreciated. Then, there were two interesting suggestions from my poll. First was pre-tipping…putting down a tip at the start of the meal to insure good service. The second was leaving something for the line cooks (normally never tipped or acknowledged). This came from a restaurant with an open or display kitchen that looked out on the dining room. The patron stopped by the line at the end of his meal to thank the chefs for a memorably perfect meal, and left a small token of his appreciation for the culinary team….any guess on how good his meal was on his return visits? Either of these ideas a requirement?…absolutely not, but what a nice surprise. It demonstrates a commitment to be an integral part of the dining experience. All of us have a favorite regular person that we go to for goods and service…it’s our favorite mechanic, hairdresser, checker at the HEB, etc…why not a favorite waiter. Cultivate that relationship. Nothing better than being recognized by name, birthdays and anniversaries remembered, favorite beverage ready as you’re seated, and dietary concerns communicated to the kitchen. The biggest compliment for a waiter is to be asked for by name…people wanting to sit in his section. Just remember it takes two to make it a working relationship. Lastly, there is the consumer’s Bill of Rights. This is what the consumer should expect when they go out to eat. Coincidently, it’s the same expectation from the restaurant side of things…that is excellent food, beverages, and service done as consistently as possible in a clean, safe environment. Great restaurants and their staff want you happy as you walk out the door…they want that repeat customer. Also in that grouping is the right to criticize lapses in food and service and also the right to make informed suggestions on improving the performance of the establishment. Great restaurants welcome that feedback, and their waitstaff are a great conduit. Thanks to you folks, there is dietary information on menus, non smoking environments, an almost infinite variety of culinary influences, better trained waitstaff, and of course my favorite…better house wine, wine lists, and wines BTG (by the glass). The future looks very bright for the industry. Make yourselves part of the equation by supporting your favorite restaurants, and developing the relationship with your favorite waitstaff. So much great food and wine to share!
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33
SPORTS MEDICINE
FAMILY MEDICINE
Charles McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine Board Certified Sports Medicine
AESTHETICS
Advanced arthritis treatment Muscle and joint pain Sports injuries for all ages Ultrasound guided treatments/injections In-office x-ray Sports physicals Broken bones/fracture care
Primary care for all ages Acute care/ Urgent care Newborn care Pediatric care/ Well Child exams Well woman exams Contraceptive management Adult medicine
Botox Chemical peels Cosmetic filler treatments
Wendy McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS 136 Old San Antonio Rd, Suite 406 • Boerne, TX 78006 • www.sfmboerne.com • 830.816.5800
TEXAS INVESTORS TITLE Performance is our Priority
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Steve Vallone President
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116 Blanco Rd. Ste 102, Boerne, TX 78006
p. (830) 816-5888 f. (830) 816-5889
34 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Chris Taylor, a Boerne High School graduate with a long family history in Kendall County, has the educational background, community engagement, and work experience to be Taylor Made for the position of Kendall County Judge. Chris is a graduate of St. Mary’s University with a B.A. in Organizational Administration and a graduate of LeTourneau University with a Masters of Business Administration. His community experience includes his current service as a commissioner on the City of Boerne’s Zoning Board of Adjustments and past service on the City of Boerne’s Historic Landmark Commission. Taylor is also a Certified Firefighter, Level 2 Firefighter Instructor, and trained in swift water rescue. He has also served as an EMT and Treasurer for Kendall County EMS Association. Taylor is currently employed with Hewlett-Packard,one of the world’s largest computer companies with 330,000 employees, as an Engineering/Operations Manager. In his role as Operations Manager, Taylor has helped HP save over $42 million dollars in the last two years without cutting any jobs. He has also reduced hardware and software expenses by $6.6 million per year and reduced packaging expenses by $1.8 million per year. Taylor is also trained in fraud detection and investigation and has worked as a global procurement manager. His other accomplishments include a U.S. Patent for a computer system with an external air mover, an Inventor Award from HP, an Environmental Advisory Council Award for the development of a recycling program and numerous other awards and certifications, including Microsoft Windows certification. Chris is married to Holly, his wife of twenty-five years, whom he met at Boerne Elementary School in fourth grade. They have three daughters; Kendall, Brittany, and Jordan. Holly’s great grandfather was former Kendall County Sheriff Sidney Edge, who died in the line of duty in 1948. The Taylors are members of First United Methodist Church. Taylor desires to create a more efficient county government by reviewing procurement policies, developing a long-range plan and budget, updating technology, and building collaboration between local governmental entities for the purpose of leveraging buying power. He also wants to increase citizen engagement by enticing and rewarding citizen participation in county government. Taylor also believes it is important to promote desired economic development for future generations while protecting our natural resources. Through the process of creating greater efficiencies and promoting economic development, Taylor believes he can prevent future tax rate increases.
As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Chet Hawkins posses the highest level of education recognized for a dentist. As a graduate of the Pankey Institute, he’s had the finest post-doctoral training in the world. “I want to establish a master plan and then develop a blueprint for my patients’ long-term care,” he explains. “We want to solve the causes of the problems before we do anything else to their teeth. Then we can rebuild or repair with confidence that the fix will last as long as possible. We also educate our patients about other health issues related to oral disease. There is a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease that people need to know about.” Dr. Hawkins and his wife, Deby, have been residents of Boerne for 7 years and are excited to be joining the practice in Boerne.
I just went to see Dr. Hawkins yesterday for an exam and cleaning. I was promptly seen, the procedures were done painlessly and in a timely manner with the latest equipment. My necessary dental work was explained fully to me. Everyone in the office greeted me warmly and made me feel special. - Elaine The moment you enter the office you are greeted by Kim’s warm smile and friendly personality. The hygienists are professional and make you feel very at ease. Dr. Hawkins is very calm and soft spoken with a gentle touch. The office runs very smoothly and on time for appointments. - Charlotte Pleasant, friendly staff. No wait. Dr. Hawkins listens to your issues and then provides clear solutions. Great dentist. Also, great hygienist. Overall, great experience. - Cindy
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Boerne’s ONLY Master Dentist The Dental Wellness Center • 806 N. Main St. • Boerne • 830-249-7870 • www.drchethawkins.com
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ASSISTED LIVING AMENITIES: • Private and Semi private rooms and suites • Assistance with bathing, dressing & grooming • Medication assistance and healthcare management • Assistance with ambulation to meals and activities • Excellent home cooked meals and special diets • Activities, exercise and entertainment • 24 hour staff • Housekeeping and laundry service • Beauty and barber shop services • Senior Buddies personal assistance service is available for one on one care. • Walking paths in a beautiful woodland setting
...where their heart is SENIOR BUDDIES was founded to provide a loving, caring way to assist the elderly and their families. We specialize in enhancing the lives of seniors limited by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and strokes. We also provide respite care, surgery recovery and service for other seniorrelated needs.
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Old
Timer
Old Timer is our resident cranky old guy. We all know one or love one, and we’ve become quite fond of Old Timer, and enjoy letting him spout off about stuff that he sees happening around town.
Old Timer, who the hell are you? I look around town to see if I can spot you, and I haven’t yet. I want to meet you. Nope, you’re creeping me out. You either love my little column here, and I don’t need to meet someone that would want to hang out with someone as grumpy as I am, or you hate my column and want to debate me. I’m too old to debate. I’m right, you’re wrong. Debate over.
Man, you really laid into the “arts community” in your last column…constantly making fun of the little duck statue down on the river. What’s up Old Timer? Be kind, my man. Quick – best BBQ joint in town?!!
Ok, sissy pants, here’s the deal: there was a duck that lived in the bushes at the Dodging Duck across from the river. He walked across the street, was hit by a car, and he died. Sad story. But then the fact that people spent the money to build a monument to honor the duck just drives me up a wall. We had a young man from Boerne fly to Afghanistan, and during his wartime duties, was killed. Did we build him a monument? No. If you can’t see the ridiculousness of that, then there’s no hope for you.
I’m a BBQ aficionado. Between this and cheap-ass Mexican food, nobody is more educated than I. As for best, you probably know we have limited options here in town. There’s Riverside: good, but just not a great dining experience. You’re sitting in a gas station. There’s Farmer’s Market: very good on their good days, awful on their bad days. Then there’s Fritze’s: the most userfriendly place, but a bit on the pricey side. Lastly, Rudy’s: their success speaks for itself, but it’s also messy and a bit frustrating. The winner: cheap-ass Mexican food. You’ve got 5 times the options, and won’t spend more than $5. Haven’t you ever seen progress before?
Have you seen the Herff Road work they’re doing? That is a crapload of trees they cut down! How do you think this will turn out; benefit or mess? BOW DOWN ALL WHO COME TO FEED US STALE BREADCRUMBS! YOUR GENEROSITY WILL BE YOUR UNDOING!
The loss of trees happens. To build things, you have to move things. As for the road, it’s a symptom of a greater disease: people. People keep moving here, and we keep changing the town to accommodate them. Is it necessary? I suppose. Is it good? Hell no. What can we do? Not a damn thing.
It tastes better because, even after all the diarrhea and doctors visits, I still save money.
38 EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
124 Kendall Parkway, Kendall Pointe
$487,900 105 Roadrunner Circle, Tapatio Springs
$519,000
Move in ready! Leslie Brown,Realtor
®
The Phyllis Browning Co.
210-845-4484 (Direct) • lbrown@phyllisbrowning.com www.lesliebrownhomes.com SABJ Top 25 Agent, Texas Monthly Five Star Agent, Platinum Top 50 Finalist
February 2014
www.hillcountryexplore.com
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