Ten West Living July/August2013 by Dante Klar Media Group

July/August 2013

Two Step

Texas Favorites Take Center Stage

Transplants For Children Creating Heroes

Portland Oregon

Allure of the Pacific Northwest

Ten West Living

Traci Burton Director of Sales & Catering (210) 293-6110

Melanie Planas Sales & Event Manager (210) 293-6113

245 E. Commerce, San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.rioplaza.net Photos cour tesy of Caitlin's Creations Photography & Design, and Images & Memories Photography

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CONTENTS

2013 JULY/AUGUST

TEXAS FAVORITES TAKE CENTER STAGE

WHAT IS SAUVIGNON BLANC?

SUMMERTIME BLUES

SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL

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OUTDOOR LIVING AT IT’S MOST ENTERTAINING

RELIEVING TENSION CAN LEAD TO BETTER GOLF

TRANSPLANTS FOR CHILDREN CREATES HEROES

ALLURE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

C OF INSPIRATION

DATE BOOK

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port pass TO

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find us on... Ten West Living

ummer is wrapping up (on the calendar, anyway). Baseball is weaning towards football, last minute family getaways and school will be back in session. Our lives will get busier with homework, school projects, sports practices and musical performances. Our children are valuable and unique individual with matching gifts, talents and temperaments. Positive, encouraging parental involvement is key to a child’s success. In fact, all children thrive when they have support from the people in their lives, whether that support comes from their parents, teachers, coaches or mentors, A school is about to start, think about how you can make a difference in the life of a child. Take a good look around Two Step Restaurant & Cantina and you will have a pretty good idea what this place is all about. The restaurant serves up a winning combination of Texas roadhouse fare and fine margaritas in a one-of-akind space. Two Step has grown up around two buildings that date back to the 1850’s incorporating aged, rugged walls of stone into a lively design that is modern with a cozy echo of times past. The food is a tasty blend of oldfashioned favorites brought to the table with a modern sensibility for choosing the right ingredients and showcasing them in ways that will make you hanker for more. Since establishing as a nonprofit organization in 1986, Transplants for Children has participated as stakeholders and advocates for transplant children and their families throughout the San Antonio health care system. As the only organization in San Antonio and South Texas to assist transplant families, Transplants for Children provides education, counseling, support services and emergency funds to more than 1,000 families every year. While transplantation provides an opportunity for the child to live and thrive, often, sadly, new challenges arise, and many families lack preparation to respond to the strange and sudden roadblocks that face them. Their vision is to empower children, who are waiting or have received transplants, and their families to live self-sustaining, healthy and successful lives. From outdoor adventure in the Columbia River Gorge to sipping a pinot noir on a veranda in Willamette Valley, the “City of Roses” is one of the best destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Portland will seduce you with its beauty, while it intrigues you with its eclectic blend of people. A trip to Portland would not be complete without a trip to the Portland City Grill, the city’s most popular award-winning restaurant. From the 30th floor of the US Bank Building, the views of the city and Cascade Mountains are unsurpassed. Watch the sun go down over Portland, as you relish the moment you stopped to smell the roses in the Pacific Northwest. We hope that you enjoy the magazine, Ten West Living is meant to be your publication and we encourage you to contact us with your recommendations or story ideas. We wan to hear from you about your business, family, events, inspiring student or anything else that is unique to our community. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your home.

Patrick Klar Publisher

Ten West Living

Volume 2 • Issue 5

PUBLISHERS

Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

EDITOR

Patrick Klar patrick@tenwestliving.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erich Lynch erich@tenwestliving.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Vernelle Lynch vernelle@tenwestliving.com

ADVERTISING

Bill Dante bill@tenwestliving.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Griffin, Jennifer Broome, Bjorn Dybdahl, Cesar X. Chavez, Lisa Dante, Cathy Cardenas, Vernelle Lynch, Evie Reichel, Mike Champagne, Nichole Romero, Staci Almager

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Al Rendon

Advertising, Editorial and General Inquiries 110 Broadway, Suite 530 San Antonio, Texas 78205 210.807.3860 info@tenwestliving.com To Subscribe www.tenwestliving.com/subscribe.html Ten West Living is published bi-monthly by Dante Klar Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Copyright ©2012. Reproduction of Ten West Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Dante Klar Media Group. Unsolicited material cannot be returned. Ten West Living reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Ten West Living is mailed bi-monthly to homes along the IH 10 corridor.

Bill Dante Publisher

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July/August 2013

Ten West Living sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. This issue was printed on recycled paper using inks containing a blend of soy bases. Our printer is a certified member of both the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. We can have a better world if we choose it together.

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by John Griffin • photographs by Al Rendon

ake a good look around Steve Warner’s Two Step Restaurant & Cantina and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what the place is all about. The restaurant, along the northwestern stretch of Loop 1604, has grown up around two buildings that date back to the 1850s with the final space incorporating aged, rugged walls of stone into a lively design that is both coolly modern and a cozy echo of times past. The food is likewise a tasty blend of old-fashioned favorites brought to the table with a modern sensibility for choosing the right ingredients and showcasing them in ways that’ll make you hanker for more. “We’re not trying to make a chicken-fried steak better than Mom’s,” Warner says. But it’s a chicken-fried steak that anyone would be proud to serve Mom -- or anyone else in the family. To do that, his staff take their ribeyes – that’s right, rib-eyes, not some too tough slab of mystery meat -- and wet-age them for 28 days before breading them, pan-frying them and plating them alongside a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and, of course, gravy. “It’s pretty straightforward, all the things we’re serving, from sausage to tacos,” he says. The smoked meats are seasoned simply with salt and pepper, so that the flavor coming through in each bite is a balance of the meat and the aged post oak used in the smoker. Among the barbecued treats is one meaty delight that traces its history back a ways. It comes from Warner’s in-laws, who ran a meat market in Edinberg, Texas. His father-in-law was a butcher who cut some “Loaded” Beef Ribs, focusing each on the hunk of meat at the end of the bone. At Two Step, smoking turns that well-marbled meat into something that resembles a brick and yet it is fork tender down to the bone. The ribs are served atop the barbecue sauce, but, as the owner says, “I don’t think our barbecue really needs it.”

habanero, a bottomless basket of chips and salsa or fried pickles with Fritos in the crust. Then work your way through a sautéed chicken breast with chorizo and sweet corn butter on top or Parmesan crusted pork chops with a raspberry-chipotle sauce. Roadhouse fare with a decided twist, the type of roadhouse that serves beef tenderloin that’s been blackened and finished with a roasted poblano cream sauce. “There’s not a lot of ingredients there,” Warner says, “but those are good combinations.” That sense of simplicity runs through the menus at both lunch and dinner, whether you’re sitting down to an 11-ounce hamburger with fried egg and avocado or a griddled New York strip topped with habanero butter and presented with a pair of enchiladas on the side. “All you have to do is buy the best ingredients,” he says. “We’re not trying to create a piece of art work here.” Translating that minimal approach into maximum flavor is largely the work of Carlos Cruz, the restaurant’s chef and a magician, in Warner’s opinion, because he has “an unusual combination of creativity, leadership and organization. He really makes the Two Step what it is as far as food is concerned.” Warner worked his way up as a chef, though he focuses his energies these days on the overall operation of the family-friendly Two Step. He grew up in San Antonio and started working for his father, who was in the construction business. He soon learned, though, that he could get off a hot roof and into an air conditioned kitchen at the local chain, Bill Miller’s Bar-B-Q, for 50 cents more an hour. That led him to one kitchen job after another until he was working as a chef for Romano’s Macaroni Grill. “At the time, everything was made from scratch,” he says. That had a tremendous impact on his approach to food, and it continues today at the Two Step, where everything but the ice cream is made in house – and that ice cream comes from Amy’s in Austin, which is known for its superior product.

Start your meal with bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with brisket and

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Years ago, if someone interested in becoming a chef couldn’t afford to go to culinary school, kitchens like Romano’s offered a great education, Warner says. He then moved on to Morton’s and eventually Eddie V’s, a restaurant group behind such restaurants as Wildfish, which he opened in San Antonio. But Warner felt he was ready to move out on his own. Little did he realize at the time how overwhelming owning your own restaurant can be. The past two years have been a humbling experience, he says with a laugh. “Suddenly you’re talking to people who know so much more than you,” he says, citing the contractors, plumbers, decorators, even fence contractors he’s had to deal with. Instead of concentrating solely on the menu and what people are eating, he’s had to think about what kind of chairs are the most comfortable, what kind of glasses to use for the margaritas, what’s the best lighting design of the dining areas, and how to deal with how customers will wash and dry their hands in the bathrooms. “Suddenly, you’re a jack-of-all-trades out of necessity,” he says. It took a lot of work to get the Two Step off the ground. The two buildings on the property, a home and barn that the Ruempel family built in the mid-19th century with stones from the nearby Helotes Creek, were too close together to use separately, so the restaurant’s designers incorporated both into a spacious single edifice that includes an open kitchen on your left when you walk in the door. Philipp and Carolina Ruempel raised 10 children on that spot, and their many descendants have been to the restaurant to see what Warner and his partners have done with

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the place. So have many other history lovers who are glad to see the historical buildings being given new life. The job of making the Two Step successful is one Warner admits he hasn’t been able to do alone. He gives a lot of credit to his wife, Adrienne Muñoz, who wears numerous hats in her various roles around the restaurant. One area under Muñoz’s control is the margarita list, which features 10 varieties labeled World Class because of the quality ingredients, from the tequilas to the fresh squeezed lime juice. The variety helps people find a mix that suits their tastes without having to play a guessing game with the bartender on what they want. At the top of the list is El Jefe, a seriously tart and refreshing blend of Gran Centario Reposado, fresh lime juice, Cointreau and Grand Marnier. It won the readers’ choice award from local TV station WOAI and is winning more customers over each week. Many Two Step regulars want that margarita while sitting out on the spacious patio where live music can be heard Thursday through Sunday evenings. To keep the temperature bearable, even at the height of summer, the restaurant features water-cooling fans that can take up to 15 degrees off the day’s heat. That’s blessed relief while you’re enjoying one of the singer-songwriters or performers that Muñoz books. Programming the music is another of Muñoz’s hats. A third is maintaining the website. She also keeps an eye on customers to make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Clockwise from Left: Crispy Sauteed Chicken Breast, with sweet corn butter, pork chorizo and cotija cheese; Two Step Burger, 11oz freshly ground chuck patty with fried egg, lettuce, onion, tomato and pickle; Smoked Chicken Stuffed Avocado, with chive oil, pecans and shredded lettuce; “Loaded” Beef Ribs, with barbecue sauce and Nana’s Award Winning Borracho Beans

Two Step’s audience has grown steadily since it opened around Halloween 2011. Waits for a table can now be lengthy on weekends, even though the various dining areas can seat up to 450 people. Many of the people are from the neighborhood or those who work nearby. Some come in several times a week to fill up on their Texas favorites, Warner says. But the combination of solid food and unique ambience also brings in people from all over the region. The call of an authentic chicken-fried steak with real cream gravy is that strong, and it’s becoming rare in an age when too many other places settle for gravy mixes or second-rate cuts of meat. To keep up with the growing demand, Warner has realized that he needs extra kitchen space, which isn’t possible in his current space. So, he’s working on another kitchen that’s about a hundred yards away, he says, where some prep work can be done and maybe even the desserts made. The space will eventually house a casual Italian restaurant, too. Like the Two Step, it will operate on the concept of using the ingredients in simple ways designed to show off the quality of what’s being used. Pizzas made in a wood-fired oven and pasta dishes will be on the menu. There’s no date set in stone as to when the new place will open; Warner has spent too many years around the construction business to do that, but he’s hoping to have it open sometime during the summer. He’s also quick to reiterate that the kitchen’s first priority will be as a commissary that bolsters the work of the Two Step.

“This will allow us to continue cooking everything from scratch,” he says. “But it will also allow us the room to do it more efficiently.” Efficiency is welcome by both the customers and the kitchen crew, Warner points out. People want their food quickly and they expect it to be delivered with good service. “I always felt that if the food was good, you had it made, but bad service ruins good food every time,” he says. So, Warner and Muñoz work hard on training their staff to be able to handle parties of all sizes, from one to 100. Private events are a growing part of the Two Step scene, and the owners have learned how to cater events in ways that show off their food without letting too much of it languish in steam tables. It’s all part of the ongoing learning process involved in running a successful restaurant, and Warner welcomes each new lesson in order make his restaurant better. “It’s been awesome,” he says. “It feels like I’ve gone back to college.” Two Step Restaurant and Cantina 9840 W. Loop 1604 N. (210) 688-2686 www.twosteprestaurant.com

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Directions: 1. Pound rib-eyes to less than ½-inch thick. 2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, corn starch and white pepper. (Remove ½ cup for the gravy.) 3. Dust the meat in the seasoned flour. 4. In another large bowl, mix the milk and buttermilk. 5. Wash each of the steaks for 1 minute. 6. Dust again, press the flour over the top of and into the steak. Be gentle! Never shake a chicken-fried steak! 7. Heat oil in a large pan to at least 325 degrees. Deep fry for about 4 minutes. Remove it before it stops “steaming” – steam pushes oil away from the steak and coating. 8. Serve on a hot plate with cream gravy. Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients: 4 (8-ounce) ribeyes, preferably Certified Angus Beef from the loin end 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon sea salt 2 tablespoons corn starch 1 tablespoon white pepper 1 cup milk 1 cup buttermilk Oil, for frying

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper ½ cup seasoned all-purpose flour 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups heavy cream Directions: 1. Sauté butter, onion and black pepper. Sift flour into onion mixture. Stir to make a light roux. 2. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and return to simmer.. Adjust thickness with seasoned flour or chicken stock as needed. Makes about 2 ½ cups gravy.

Ingredients: 12 ea. whole eggs 3 cups granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups dark corn syrup 2 1/4 cups light corn syrup 3 oz cooled butter, melted 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 4 cups pecan halves Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees 2. Whisk eggs until blended 3. Add remaining ingredients except pecans and whisk throroughly 4. Spread pecans evenly into two pie shells 5. Pour mixture evenly over pecans 6. Bake 55-60 minutes and cool Makes 2 pies.

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by Cesar X. Chavez any Americans when drinking a California Fume Blanc for the first time actually think that they are drinking a varietal wine from Fume Blanc grapes. Sorry my friends, but Fume Blanc is nothing more than a wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Well then, what’s the story, and what actually are Sauvignon Blanc grapes and why is a California wine that is labeled “Fume Blanc” not just called Sauvignon Blanc? OK, let’s slow down and take it one at a time. After all, what makes buying wines from California so popular and easy is the labeling, right? You have the name of the winery or producer, or both, and you have the name of the grape right under that. Many of us have already learned that, by the usual standards, when buying a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc you’re going to get a white wine that tastes dry but with forward varietal fruit character and sometimes a touch of oak aging, depending on the likes of the winemaker.

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First of all, this “Fume Blanc” name was the innovative and marketing genius of Robert Mondavi, who back in 1960’s had bought some Sauvignon Blanc grapes to plant on his property . At this point in time you have to understand that many people were not familiar with the varietal names as we are now and as a matter of fact, the few wine-drinking Americans that were around, many had not even heard of names such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Pinot Grigio! So, Mondavi came up with the proprietary name: Fume Blanc, constructed from a regional wine appellation in France called Pouilly Fume. But first, to expedite my article, I will interject a formal quote from “Les Vignerons de Pouilly,” an official organization of wine growers from the area. This gives you a quick definition and explanation of Pouilly Fume and why the word “Fume”. “The Pouilly Fumé grape is derived from the Sauvignon blanc, with egg-shaped berries in tight clusters resembling a Tit bird’s eggs. When mature these berries are covered in a smoke-colored, grey bloom, which explains why the Pouilly wine growers talk amongst themselves about Blanc fumé (smoked white) to describe the Sauvignon grape or wines produced from it. The word fumé also refers to the incomparable, universally-recognized aromas and bouquet (or fumet - smoky aroma - the famous gun flint aroma, released by rubbing two flints together) which comes from the outstanding land of Pouilly/Loire vineyards.” So, Robert Mondavi officially comes out with his Fume Blanc in 1968 (which I personally tasted back in 1970, don’t ask my age please) and by the late 1970’s, it was being sold by the glass or in just about every wine list in any restaurant in the country that catered to fine dining. But let’s go back even further still when the origin of Sauvignon Blanc in California starts back in the late 19th century. Charles Wetmore, founder of Cresta Blanca winery (no longer in existence), brought the first cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc to California in the 1880s. Some came from the vineyards of the legendary Sauternes Chateau Y’Quem, the world’s most expensive and renowned dessert wine. These plantings did well in the Livermore Valley and Sauvignon Blanc became one of the early American

favorite wines, even though the Sauvignon Blanc wines produced back then were actually sweet, not dry as we know them today. For many years many of the California wineries would make Sauvignon Blancs without any consistency or style. Some would oak age it, others in trying to copy the French winemakers, would blend it with about half Semillon Blanc to try to imitate the Bordeaux whites, with not much success. But as I had reiterated earlier Robert Mondavi’s Fume Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc grapes) pretty much made Sauvignon Blanc a household word in the wine drinking community.

American winemakers have for years have been experimenting with adding a little oak to Sauvignon Blanc. I personally have always enjoyed a good, crispy, clean Sauvignon Blanc without any wood. To me, adding wood to Sauvignon Blanc is unlike adding it to Chardonnays, it just seems to mask the varietal’s characteristics. Well, guess what, I discovered that there is a wood that really enhances Sauvignon Blanc without imparting those traditional oak flavors and overtones. Acacia wood - France and Spain have been using this particular wood for years now to enhance the bouquet and floral character of various whites with a few California winemakers following suit. The Acacia barrels are made from what’s popularly called acacia wood, actually the Robinia pseudoacacia or black locust tree, a native of the eastern U.S. now widespread in central and southeast Europe. The wood is dense, tight-grained and tough, and it makes excellent barrels. Winemakers who have tried it largely enjoyed its impact on white wines, especially its lack of “oakiness.” Besides Sauvignon Blanc, the wood is being used on other whites such as Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier with stunning results. Well, here’s what everybody is waiting for, my suggestions on what to buy, I know some of you just skip down to the end and see what I’ve picked for this month.

Sauvignon Blancs with Acacia Wood

Tamber Bey Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Napa 60% of this wine was aged for six months in both oak and Acacia wood barrels. The wine finishes clean with a bright acidity and a fresh hazelnut finish. Price -$42.00 btl

Kokomo Timber Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Dry Creek 20% barrel fermented in Acacia wood which gives it its complexity with aromas of pear, apricot and a rich vibrant acidity. Price- $23.00 btl

Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Dry Creek Firm and fleshy white wine fermented in neutral French and Acacia oak barrels resulting in a wine with balanced acidity, loads of tropical fruit and a really clean finish. Price- $26.00 btl

Anyway, here we go enjoy and have a great summer.

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by Nichole Romero So, what are we going to do? I don’t know what do you want to do? I don’t know, what is there to do? I don’t know. Summertime blues can sometimes hit a person so hard that you look like a zombie sacked out on a couch with the words “I don’t know” programmed to REPEAT. Just remember summer isn’t over yet and there is still time for a cure. San Antonio has so many places for you to see and experience with friends and family that the summertime blues won’t have time to sneak up on you again.

The Institute of Texan Cultures is a 182,000 square foot complex that features 65,000 square feet of exhibits designed to entertain, inspire, and educate. Bring your camera, and be on the lookout for museum docents and interpreters who will share fascinating stories that help bring the museum’s exhibits to life. You will not want to miss Texans One and All, an exhibit that brings the stories and customs of more than 20 of the original cultural groups who settled in Texas to life. Learn Wendish wedding customs. See how early Swedish Texans lived. Your whole family will enjoy learning about the people that make Texas the great state that it is. The Institute of Texan Cultures is open MondaySaturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 12noon-5pm. 801 East Durango Blvd. 210-458-2300 www.texancultures.com

The San Antonio Zoo is open rain or shine, 365 days a year, and the summer is the best time to visit! No matter if this is your 1st or 100th time visiting the Zoo, there is always plenty to see and experience. The Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 600 species on 56 acres. Africa Live! the Zoo’s newest exhibit presents an amazing opportunity for visitors to actually experience the world of Africa - its plants, animals, and people. So come out bring the family and don’t forget the camera! The Zoo is open daily 9am–5pm. Plus enjoy Half-Price Tuesday Zoosday all summer long! 3903 North St. Mary’s Street 210-734-7184 www.sazoo-aq.org

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history of What better place to experience the e to see com Texas than at the Alamo. Most Texans of band ll sma the old mission where a of army the nst agai days en held out for thirte . The Anna a Sant de z Lópe nio Anto General d Crockett, memories of James Bowie, Davi erful today pow as and William B. Travis are Houston Sam r unde y Arm n as when the Texa by the Stop o!” Alam the er emb “Rem shouted, what e rienc first Saturday of the month to expe AlaThe . 40’s ’s-18 life was like in the 1830 9am rday Satu gh throu day mo is open Mon better To . 0pm -5:3 10am ay Sund and 5:30pm in open on serve visitors, the Alamo will rema during the 7pm until Fridays and Saturdays month of July. 300 Alamo Plaza 210-225-1391 www.thealamo.org

This National Historic Landmark represents the last visual vestiges of the Presidio San Antonio de Bejar. Traditionally known as the Spanish Governor’s Palace, this building was the original “Commandancia,” living and working quarters, for the Captain of the Presidio. Constructed at this location in the early 18th century and restored in the 1930’s, it is furnished with Spanish Colonial period pieces and features a beautiful, hand-carved wooden door at the entrance. It is a must visit, see why the National Geographic Society has called this landmark “the most beautiful building in San Antonio.” The Spanish Governors’ Palace is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. 105 Military Plaza 210-224-0601 www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/parks_plazas/governorspalace.aspx

A great place for the family to beat the summertime heat is to go to the Children’s Museum. The museum is a wonderful tactile experience where kids can learn, have fun, and experience new things. The Children’s Museum is dedicated to their mission of “providing engaging hands-on experiences where kids play to learn and adults learn to play.” July is a busy month for the museum, with the Tinker-N-Tales, Art Pavilion, Pint-Size Science (just to name a few) and FREE Kids Night every Tuesday! This is a great place to have a day filled with fun, leaving you and your family “stuffed” with good times! The Children’s Museum is open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 12noon-5pm. 305 E. Houston St.  210-212-4453 www.SAKIDS.org

The movie provides visitors to the Alamo shrine an opportunity to see the story of the Alamo, to understand how the battle became a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution and to celebrate the courage and sacrifice of the Alamo defenders in an epic way. They truly succeeded in their task with Alamo: The Price of Freedom. Emotionally powerful on its own, a visit to the Alamo shrine is much more humbling after you have stood beside famous folk heroes Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Barrett Travis, watching as they and their Texian and Tejano compatriots stood and faced General Santa Anna and his columns of soldiers in spite of the outcome they knew was to come. It is a must see while in San Antonio and it will ensure that you always remember your visit to the Alamo. Alamo: The Price of Freedom in IMAX plays several times every day beginning at 9am and ending at 9pm. Rivercenter Mall 210-247-IMAX (4629) www.imax-sa.com

This 33-acre living museum offers endless fun thought the summer. Discover outstanding works of art in Art in the Garden: Savage Gardens the Real and Imaginary World of Carnivorous Plants. Fun family activities are planned throughout July. Don’t miss the Carriage House Bistro located in the historic Sullivan Carriage House (circa 1896), for an eclectic menu that is sure to please. The San Antonio Botanical Gardens are open daily from 9am-5pm, the Carriage House Bistro is open 11am-2pm Tuesday-Friday and 10zm-2pm Saturday and Sunday. 555 Funston 210-207-3250 www.sabot.org

What is summer without water? Not a summer at all! Splashtown has over 50 rides and attractions, a Kiddie Pool with 16 slides all in a safe family fun environment. Splashtown has something for everyone. Every Friday night in July you don’t want to miss the Dive In Movie, the movie starts at dusk. Watch the movie at the wave pool. In or out of the pool you can relax and have a good time. You will also enjoy free parking. Just 3 minutes north of downtown San Antonio, this family waterpark has something fun for everyone! 3600 North IH 35 210-227-1400 www.splashtownsa.com Ten West Living

Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park. This 25-acre park offers fun for everyone, regardless of age, ability or disability. Enjoy a fun-filled day with over 25 attractions inclucing rides, playgrounds, gardens, amphitheater, fishing lake and picnic area. Enjoy the “Mom’s Coffee and Conversation” every 1st and 3rd Friday of every month. It is a great chance for the kids to explore while you sip coffee and talk with other moms. Plus don’t miss the 4th of July Celebration, it will feature music, games, food and lots of free stuff on July 4th from 11-2pm. Morgan’s Wonderland is open Tuesday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. 5223 David Edwards Drive 210-495-5888 www.morganswonderland.com

The San Antonio River Walk started as the vision of a young architect in 1929, and is now one of the most beloved destinations in the nation as well as a great place to cure your summertime blues. Take a self guided tour with the help of the Hugman Tour. Visit www.hugmantour.com for an audio tour that will guide you through the story of the River Walk. Learn about the city’s rich history aboard a river cruiser, as well as get to see the new sights of the Museum Reach. Bring your four-legged friend for a nice stroll down the new Mission Reach’s 15 miles of hiking and biking trails...and now paddling! Don’t forget about the farmer’s markets…There is the Main Plaza Farmers Market every Tuesday from 10am-1pm at, you guessed it, Main Plaza, as well as the Pearl Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm and the Southtown Farmers & Ranchers Market at Blue Star Arts Complex every Saturday from 9am-1pm. Needless to say, you won’t die of boredom during your adventures on the San Antonio River Walk. Downtown San Antonio www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com www.sanantonioriver.org

Sea World and all the thrilling rides, amazing animals, a water park and all the fun exhibits… but what about Summer Nights? Sea World offers late hours and night time shows till September 1st. Shamu Rocks® features Shamu, a crowd-rockin’ show with a few new surprises. Don’t miss the brand new finale show, Sol Celebration. Enjoy singers, dancers and musicians as they Latin-inspired dance the night away. There is also Sesame Street Bay of Play that features 3 acres of fun for kids of all ages! Don’t forget about Aquatica, Sea World’s newest water park featuring a Stingray Encounter, more than 42,000 sqft of sandy beaches and refreshing rides. With longer hours and new shows, there is plenty to do! 10500 Sea World Drive 800-700-7786 www.seaworld.com/sanantonio

One can never want for history in San Antonio and in 1718 the Franciscans and Spanish established the first mission and within 13 years, five more were established along the San Antonio River. This has been a beautiful place to experience history and many locals take these paths to walk and/or jog. The Missions also offer a museum, bookstore, and a Movie: Gente de Razón that gives you an account of the natives and the Missions. Come out and experience the Missions at your own pace or take a guided tour. The Missions National Historical Park is open daily 9am– 5pm. Now you can also enjoy outdoor activities on the new Mission Trail, including paddling and bike riding. Mission Concepción, 807 Mission Road • Mission San José, 6701 San José Drive Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Road • Mission Espada, 10040 Espada Road 210-932-1001 www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm www.sanantonioriver.org

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by Lisa Dante

y now, I’m sure you’ve moved all your sweaters to the back of the closet. It’s hot out there. It’s hot every summer in San Antonio. We all know that, but sometimes I just like to say it. But there is no reason you can’t keep your cool, or at least look cool while trying to do so. This season, summer in our city is all about light, breathable fabrics, bold jewelry and soft colors. Color may have been king this past spring, but neutrals are always in fashion for summer. MAKE A STATEMENT What’s the number one trend of the summer? Statement jewelry,

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of course! But what exactly is statement jewelry? To me, it’s big, chunky, show stopping pieces either worn together or separately. Some women feel more comfortable wearing a bold necklace, while others prefer a large-and-in-charge chandelier earring, or maybe an eye catching cuff. I think the secret to wearing statement pieces is to pair them with solid colored clothing, preferably a neutral color. And don’t forget about location. For example, a bold ring next to a bold cuff bracelet might overpower each other. You might want to choose one or the other, and then pair that piece with a spectacular chunky necklace, either matching or in the same color tone. However, for black tie events I like to bend the rules a little.

Previous Page: Bold goldtone statement jewelry available at Nordstrom’s at The Shops at La Cantera; This Page: Two neutrals, tan and navy working will together with the season’s hottest color handbag available at Nordstorm’s at The Shops at La Cantera, long sleeve cinch waist cover-up available at www.canyon beachwear.com.

SAY YES TO NEUTRAL All shades of biege, white, tan, navy, and of course black, are some of my favorite neutral colors. These colors go with anything. The one rule of thumb I can recommend when going neutral is to not wear a neutral that is too close to your skin tone, just be sure and go a little darker or lighter. HANDBAGS GO NUDE The trend of neutral shoes, specifically beige, or taupe, with a matching oversized handbag has been a warm weather trend for a few seasons now, and with good reason. Nude tones are eternal fashion

staples that simply never go out of style. I’m often asked the question by friends, “What color of shoes should I wear with this?” Sometimes the answer is, a silver or gold pump or sandal, especially if it’s evening attire. But more often than not, I say,“Go neutral,” as in dark beige or tan for daytime looks. Stay cool, with light reflecting pale, neutral colors this summer, and embrace the lighter side of fashion.

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by Bjorn... Just Bjorn

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ith summer comes more outdoor living and to make the outdoors more entertaining you might need something other than a pool and a grill. These days having a great outdoors sound system and even a weatherproof television can make your outdoor living space more enjoyable and more entertaining. Today’s outdoor sound systems are for more than just a boom box, today it can be your favorite tunes coming from what looks like a landscaping stone, or a small speaker hidden in the flowers. The options for outdoor speakers has never been larger, there is a speaker system to fit any project. One of our favorite outdoor sound systems is the SonArray SR1 System by Sonance. The SONARRAY SR1 SYSTEM raises the bar of outdoor entertainment; featuring eight small satellite speakers that are evenly, yet discreetly, distributed throughout garden beds in addition to a below-ground subwoofer, which disperses bass from a canopy hidden under the foliage. This results in high quality, crystal clear sound that is the perfect volume throughout the entire back yard. The SONARRAY SR1 SYSTEM eliminates problematic loud areas that can make conversation difficult while at the same time addressing quiet areas where you can barely hear the music. Due to the nature of the setup all of the speakers face inwards causing all sound to be contained within your back yard, so your neighbors will love it as well! Another favorite, are outdoor all-weather speakers from Definitive Technology like the AW6500 and the AW5500. Enjoy the incomparable sound of Definitive Technology anywhere around your home with the groundbreaking All-Weather loudspeakers. These technology-packed wonders feature high excursion active drivers to give you more than double the bass output while maintaining a weather-tight seal for ultimate placement flexibility, reliability, and performance. With their fully sealed design, aluminum grilles, and rugged PolyStone enclosures, the AWs can be fully exposed to the elements and

still reliably deliver their indoor speaker sound quality for years of outdoor listening enjoyment. Their integrated galvanized steel brackets and unique shape allow a full 360 degrees of rotation allowing the listener to orient the sound toward the listening area. Pointing the speaker towards the listener while the Low-Bass Radiator side faces the wall or ground gives you the ideal balance of clear mids, extended highs, and thunderous bass even in the tough acoustic conditions of the great outdoors. Now you can have it all — the great sound of Definitive indoor speakers on the patio, deck, garden, or in the sauna. We have not forgotten about televisions and the best one we found for outdoor viewing is from SunBrite TV the leader in true outdoor television. Perfect for the ultimate outdoor deck, patio, pool, or BBQ area. This Signature Series all-weather come in sizes from 32 to 65 inches. Dressed to impress with powder-coated aluminum for “strong like bull” durability. Styled to show your friends, family, neighbors or clients that you are serious about outdoor presentation and presence. These are just a few ideas on how to move your outdoor living beyond just a grill and a pool.

Previous Page: SunBrite TV 55” Outdoor LCD; Above: Definitive Technology AW 5500 Outdoor Speaker; Left: Sonance Sonarray SR1 System

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by Mike Champagne

olf is a great game and played on the most aesthetically pleasing terrain around. What is more relaxing than enjoying a round of golf with friends and family on a beautiful sunny day? Everywhere you look there are trees, water features, possibly some wildlife and perfectly manicured fairways and greens. What could possibly ruin this perfect day? How about the little white golf ball staring up at you from the first tee box? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, you look down at the golf ball and then all of a sudden your surroundings change. No longer is the landscape in front

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of you serene, it is now filled with danger on all sides. To the left there is out of bounds lurking and to the right a water hazard is waiting to claim your precious golf ball. You can feel yourself tense up, gripping the club tighter and tighter and that fluid and smooth practice swing you just had is now a distant memory. I am going to give you some tips to help relieve this tension and in doing so you will then be able to enjoy the peaceful serenity of the golf course and a better round of golf. First, lets look at your grip. The tighter you grip the club the

harder it is to properly release the club head through impact. When you are holding it tightly both hands are working against each other and the result is a swing through impact in which you “hold on”, meaning you do not release the club. By doing this you lose club head speed and therefore distance, and everyone wants more distance. Also by not releasing the club properly the face tends to be open at impact leaving you with a golf shot that is going to be pushed right or sliced to the right, if you are a right handed player. A side result is by gripping the club tighter you will wear a hole in the palm of your glove at a faster rate requiring you to purchase gloves more often. To remedy this, grip the club and squeeze as hard as you can, then hold it as lightly as you can without dropping it. Now that you know the two extremes find a grip in the middle and hold the club. If you need to you can assign a number scale with ten being the tightest you can grip the club and zero being the lightest. The goal is to be at a five on this scale. Now swing the club in front of you similar to as if you were swinging a baseball bat, feel the club head release and swing around you.

two of the longer hitters on The PGA Tour. You can also keep time in your head with each and every swing. For example, on the back swing count “one thousand and one” and then again on the down swing count “one thousand and two”. This is a simple way to create a consistent rhythm in your swing.

Second, lets look at the swing itself. If every muscle in your arms, shoulders, back and legs are tense it is very difficult to make a fluid swing. When most players tense up they swing harder. The problem is they do this by using the big muscles (shoulders, hips and legs) in their body. The flaw in this is that usually when this is done everything is not synchronized. As a result the club head does not reach the ball square or travel as fast as it could be. A great drill to eliminate this is to grab an eight iron and lets say you hit this club, with a good swing, 140 yards. What I want you to do is pick a target that is 100 yards away and make a smooth relaxed full swing trying to hit the ball to that 100 yard target. Really concentrate on feeling the club release through impact. What you will find is that the ball will not go 100 yards, and in most cases it will not go 140 yards it will go farther. By relaxing all the big muscles in your body you are enabling a proper release and generating more club head speed. Think of Fred Couples or Ernie Els, both of these players appear to swing the club effortlessly and they are

So remember, by gripping the club with the proper grip pressure, keeping all of your big muscles relaxed and visualizing the shot you want to hit you will remove the tension created by that little white golf ball. With all the tension gone there will be nothing left to do but to enjoy your relaxing round of golf and possibly play better as well.

Third, lets look at visualizing the golf shot. I believe that it is fair to say that if the last thought in your head before you hit your golf shot is “do not hit it left into the hazard”, you are going to hit in the hazard. Instead, when you get to the golf ball and there is a hazard on the right and out of bounds on the left pick something in the fairway as a target. For example, look for a tree in the distance. In your mind visualize hitting a golf shot that flies directly to that tree. As you approach the ball and are prepared to hit your shot think of nothing else but that tree, this will eliminate any negative thoughts you may have. Tiger Woods is fantastic at this. In his pre shot routine he is visualizing exactly what he wants the ball to do and as we all know most of the time he executes it perfectly.

The Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club is a beautiful, dramatic and balanced 27-hole facility designed by the nationally acclaimed golf course architectural firm, Arthur Hills and Associates. Each 9-hole course is a tribute to the designer as well as the environment. The Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club offers professional instruction from experienced and qualified PGA professionals. Call today to arrange for what promises to be a great experience, one in which you will see improvements in all aspects of your game. For more information regarding tee times or lessons call 210-520-4040.

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by Staci Almager

od chooses some people for difficult journeys. Monstrous events and situations overtake our lives and bring with them intimidating henchmen: pain, fear, anger, loss, sadness, helplessness. Immediately, almost unconsciously, a single question begins to form on our lips: “Why?” Transplants for Children (TFC) has been working with families of children who suffer some of the most difficult journeys for more than 27 years. Since establishing as a nonprofit organization in 1986, Transplants for Children has participated as stakeholders and advocates for transplant children and their families throughout the San Antonio health care system. As the only organization in San Antonio and South Texas to assist transplant families, TFC provides education, counseling, support services and emergency funds to more than 1,000 families every year. While transplantation provides an opportunity for the child to live and thrive, often, sadly, new challenges arise, and many fami-

lies lack preparation to respond to the strange and sudden roadblocks that face them. These challenges can include depression, isolation, parental unemployment, failed marriages, educational disruption for the child, and financial ruin. Our vision is to empower children who awaiting or have received transplants and their families to live self-sustaining, healthy and successful lives. Transplant families face physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and social roadblocks. “Disabilities” families must overcome to simply to live their lives, let alone reach their dreams. TFC’s programs work in partnership with both local health providers to reach families when they first begin their difficult transplant journey, supplement the medical care with a system of support, and refer children and parents to other critical resources. Transplants for Children offers the TFC Heroes Network Program, the first medical based Youth and Family Development program in the nation. The program incorporates the entire family includ-

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ing the transplant child, parents and siblings. The program was developed through many years of research and a partnership with a global youth development organization, Boy with a Ball. Transplants for Children’s Heroes is a family-centered empowerment program using a team and strength based approach through mentoring and leadership development that fosters a tribe for solidarity. We create a space for trust where family members can express their reality, achieve acceptance and help each other triumph. Through 27 years of working hand in hand with families, TFC discovered that when our lives are faced with significant suffering, we can easily feel helpless and lost. Yet, hidden deep in our day to day life, just out of our ability to see with our eyes, hear with our ears and touch with our hands is a whisper of an invitation, “You are going to make it,” the whisper says. “There is purpose in this process. You are not alone”. This whisper is Hope. Transplants for Children’s dedicated staff meets families when their children are newly diagnosed in need of either an organ or bone marrow transplant. The diagnosis is terrorizing for families and they are led on a very challenging rollercoaster of emotions. The TFC organization offers hope at a time that families feel that most of their hope is lost. The TFC Heroes program helps families discover that they did not chose to be in the situation they find themselves in. They can, however, choose where they go from here. The Tour for Children cycling event was created by three local business owners/philanthropists who spend their lives serving the community, learned about the mission and ongoing work of Transplants for Children, specifically the TFC Heroes Network and wanted to become involved. Gabe Garcia, retired professional soccer player and owner of El Chaparral Family of Restaurants and Eliot Garza, local business entrepreneur and Ruben Santascoy, Owner of Ride Away

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Bicycles wanted to share their passion for cycling with the community by creating a Hill Country cycling event to benefit a worthy local charity. Their dream became a reality when the Tour for Children was created in 2010. The event has become legendary in the Hill Country. The 2013 Tour for Children event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14th at 8am. The event will start at the El Chaparral Restaurant in Helotes, TX and all levels of cyclists are encouraged to participate. Last year, over 880 cyclists participated in the ride which hosts 4 distinctly different distances. Courses include a 62 mile ride, a 45 mile ride, a 32 mile and a 10 mile family friendly ride through the stunning Texas Hill Country between Helotes and Boerne. Registration is $60.00 and includes a Primal Cycling Jersey, breakfast and lunch after the ride. The 2013 Tour for Children will promote the specific need heart transplant donors. Many local heart transplant recipients will be part of the event and riding in the Tour for Children. Cyclists can choose to ride on behalf of a child who is waiting on the transplant waiting list and may wear an arm band with the child’s information listed as a constant reminder of the long and harrowing journey the children must endure. Come and ride, so others may follow.

7550 W IH 10, Suite #104 San Antonio, TX 78229 210-949-1212 www.tourforchildren.org

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by Jennifer Broome

From outdoor adventure in the Columbia River Gorge to sipping a pinot noir on a veranda in Willamette Valley, the “City of Roses” is one of the best destinations in the West. Portland will seduce you with its beauty, while it intrigues you with its eclectic blend of people.

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Previous Page: Multnomah Falls; This Page, Clockwise From Top Left: Bridge of the Gods, Skamania Golf Course, Outside of Skamania Lodge, Skamania Lodge Lobby, Outdoor Jacuzzi at Skamania Lodge

Have your hiking shoes ready and make your first stop at the famous Multnomah Falls, which are approximately 20 minutes from the airport or 30 minutes from downtown Portland. At 620 feet and fed by underwater springs in Larch Mountain, it is one of the most famous waterfalls in the United States. Within a short five minute walk off of the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can bask in the beauty of Multnomah Falls. In the fall’s cliff face you can see five layers of lava flows. Follow the 1.2 mile trail that climbs approximately 600 feet to the top of Multnomah Falls for great views of the falls and Columbia River Gorge. Forty-five minutes away from Portland, cross the Bridge of the Gods and you will find a spot that offers 45 different recreation options in the small town of Stevenson, Washington. Skamania Lodge is a Destination Hotels and Resort property that offers an 18-hole championship golf course and a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge. “Skamania” is the Chinook Indian word that means “swift water”. There are over 70 waterfalls nearby, including Multnomah Falls. It also has a 22,000 square foot conference and event center, full service spa and fitness center, solarium style indoor heated swimming pool, dry saunas, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court, and five miles of hiking trails on property. For an adrenaline rush, try the new Canopy Zip Line Tour. Ten stories high, you can fly with the eagles on eight zip lines and four sky bridges. The 2-hour tour gives you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains, Columbia River and forest. On Friday and Saturday during the summer, do not miss the Falconry Program on the front lawn. The demonstrations give a rare opportunity to interact with Bald Eagles, peregrine falcons, and other trained eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. It is a chance to see some of nature’s most powerful birds in the scenic Columbia River Gorge setting.

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Skamania Lodge was built in 1993. It was designed to have the charm and appeal of the great lodges of the early 1900s, yet have all of the modern conveniences of a rustic luxury lodge. In the four-story Cascadian style lodge you immediately notice the high-pitched roofs and enormous fireplace you would expect to find in the great lodges of the West. Some of the large timber columns in the Gorge Room are over 100 years old and came from a dismantled BumbleBee cannery in Astoria, Oregon. In the heart of the lobby and Gorge Room is the 85-foot tall fireplace made with andesite rock that was excavated from an abandoned quarry just a few miles from the lodge. It is estimated the fireplace weighs 500,000 pounds. On the walls are original local artwork, ceramics and petroglyph rubbings depicting the Native American history of the Columbia River Gorge. The rubbings across the hall from River Rock Restaurant are special as the petroglyphs are now underwater and no longer visible. Grab a narrated CD or brochure from the front desk to learn about the artwork that lines the walls. The rustic feel of the lodge extends into the guests rooms. Skamania Lodge has 254 guest rooms with either a commanding view of the Columbia River Gorge or a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains forest. Each room has a distinctly Northwest, yet luxurious feel with modern amenities like a coffee maker and terrycloth robes. Open up the window and let the fresh mountain air fill your room. After exploring Skamania Lodge, head back into Oregon. Make a stop at Bonneville Hatchery. Built in 1909, Bonneville Hatchery was first named “Central Hatchery” and now received an average of a million visitors a year. The hatchery raises Fall Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead Salmon. There are also trout ponds, at least 40 different species of birds, and

This Page Clockwise From Top: Columbia River Gorge, View from the Portland City Grill, Hotel Monaco Entrance, Bacon Maple Bar doughnut from Voodoo Doughnut

numerous roses on property. In the Sturgeon Viewing Center, you might meet Herman the Sturgeon who is approximately 10’ long, 425 pounds, and over 60 years old. The neighboring Bonneville Dam offers a fishviewing window where you can see adult salmon swimming through the fish ladder. Spend a night or two in downtown Portland. The vibrant, eclectic, hip city is filled with shops, restaurants, and interesting people. My pick for a downtown boutique hotel is the stylish and luxurious Hotel Monaco. Located at the corner of Washington and Fifth Street, Hotel Monaco is just blocks away from the Pearl District, Pioneer Square, and Willamette Riverfront. The 221 spacious guestrooms and suites are decorated in a luxury meets graphic art flair. Hotel Monaco is pet-friendly. Enjoy the hosted wine reception in the lobby 5-6pm daily. Take a leisurely moment in the beauty of the living room lobby to read a paper while enjoying morning coffee, tea, and muffins. Stand in line at the iconic Voodoo Doughnut. Open 24-hours a day, this purveyor of good things in pink boxes draws big crowds. The folks you meet in line are part of the Voodoo experience. The bacon maple bar doughnut put them on the map. From the Captain My Captain doughnut made with Captain Crunch to the Old Dirty Bastard doughnut with chocolate, Oreos, and peanut butter, the doughnut combinations are creative, funky, and well, as their slogan says, “the magic is in the hole.” Urban Farmer Steakhouse is a sophisticated farm to table dining experience. Emphasizing the Northwest, the food features sustainable ingre-

dients prepared in a simple, straightforward fashion. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 8th floor of the Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. Stop in Urban Farmer for happy hour to enjoy beer selections from the Portland city limits, unique cocktails made with Oregon spirits, or a glass or bottle from their 350-bottle wine list. Try the Pacific Oysters for happy hour or as an appetizer. They are fresh and fabulous. The Charcuterie Platter with artisanal and house-made selections of pâté & cured meats or Cheese Board with artisanal cheeses and seasonal accompaniments are great options to savor and share. Holding true to its name meaning truly a state of perplexity, Veritable Quandary is a dining oasis of old Portland charm in the bustling downtown scene. The patio bursting with color is known as Portland’s favorite al fresco dining spot. For an outside feel without being out in the elements, reserve a table next to the ceiling to floor windows. The blooming garden patio contrasts with the old-style intimate bar. VQ as it is affectionately called is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch. They usually feature about 40 wines by the glass, microbrews on tap, and creative cocktails. Go for the fresh seafood. Oregon Petrale Sole with fresh Oregon white truffles is outstanding. Save room for the sinfully delicious Chocolate Souffle. A trip to Portland would not be complete without sampling some pinot noir from the Willamette Valley. Sineann is a small producer of highly intense wines. Winemaker Peter Rosback is well-known for sourcing fruit from the best vineyards. Pinot Noir is the main attraction, but Peter crafts wines from vineyards from Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills to California’s Napa Valley to a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough Vineyard in New Zealand. Nestled in the rolling hills of Newberg, visitors are welcome to visit the tasting room within the barrel room. Call ahead to let them know

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This Page Clockwise From Top Left: Adelsheim Vineyard, Oysters from Urban Farmer, Herman the Sturgeon, Argyle Winery, White Water Rafting

you are coming. They also pour wines at The Dark Horse Wine Bar, a tasting room in Newberg shared with Medici Vineyards and Ferraro Cellars. It is open 5 days a week, from 11am to 5pm. Adelsheim is one of Oregon’s founding wineries. David and Ginny Adelsheim planted the first vineyard in the early 1970’s. Today they farm 237 acres in the north Willamette Valley. Adelsheim has a reputation of producing some of the best wine in Oregon and as an innovator in sustainable, cool climate viticulture. Some of the Adelsheim wine labels feature portraits of beautiful women drawn by Ginny Adelsheim, including Adelsheim’s best known pinot noir “Elizabeth’s Reserve.” Adelsheim’s creme-de-la-creme is the Winderlea Vineyard Pinot Noir. The tasting room at the vineyards in Newberg is open daily 11am-4pm. Slight changes throughout the year based on the limited production of the wines. Enjoy a tasting while soaking up a stunning view of the Chehalem Mountains and rolling vineyards from the patio that is open July through October, weather dependent. Winery tours are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. by appointment. Since 1987, Argyle Winery in Dundee has produced high scoring sparkling wines, Rieslings, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs. In the Dundee Hills, besides grapes, the only other agricultural crop is hazelnuts. Oregon produces 99% of the hazelnuts in the United States. Argyle’s Nuthouse Chardonnay and Pinot Noir pay homage to filbert. Wine Spectator gave the 2010 Nuthouse Pinot Noir a score of 92 points. Several of the sparkling

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wines also scored in the 90-92 points range. The most unusual wine is the Argyle Black Brut. It combines a rich, full-palate of Oregon Pinot Noir with the effervescent of a sparkling wine with currant and blackberry essence. The tasting room in Dundee is open daily 11am-5pm, closed major holidays. Right across the street from Argyle Winery, is The Dundee Bistro, a place for vintners and friends since 1999. Their “Bistronomy” features Michelinworthy food that is inexpensive and served in a casual atmosphere for lunch or dinner. On beautiful days, dine on the patio. Starters and hand tossed pizzas are less than $16. Entrees ranging from a grass fed burger to king salmon are under $30. The pasta is house made. If you simply want to enjoy a glass or bottle of Oregon wine in a relaxed and comfortable setting, then pair it with the artisan meat and cheese plate or flatbread with hummus, prawns, curry, Mama lil’s peppers, and pea shoots. A trip to Portland would not be complete without a trip to the 30th floor. Portland City Grill the city’s most popular award winning restaurant. The fresh seafood is prepared with Northwest, Island and Asian influences. They are also known for their steaks and chops. From the 30th floor of the US Bank Building, the views of the city and Cascade Mountains are unsurpassed. Watch the sun go down over Portland, as you relish the moment you stopped to smell the roses in the Pacific Northwest.

If this house could talk it would boast jaw-dropping Internet speeds, mesmerizing sound and picture quality and the ability to keep it that way for years and years to come â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just like thousands of other fiber optic homes in the Hill Country, all powered by GVTC. So, what would your house say?

gvtc.com 800-367-4882 | Inter net TV Phone Security

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by Cathy Cardenas

“ O n c e w e s u r r e n d e r o u r m i n d t o G o d c o m p l e t e l y, H e w i l l t a k e c a r e o f u s i n e v e r y w a y. ” U n k n o w n How many times in our life have we gotten down or upset because things just did not work out the way we wanted them to? We constantly beat ourselves up wondering why things did not go according to plan - whether in a relationship or a job or in other areas of our lives. I’ve been in that place of wonder on more than one occasion. For so many years I had a plan for my life - a fabulous one too, if I must admit. I knew the career path I wanted, my plan for finding the perfect husband - it was a plan for the perfect life. For many years I went headlong in that direction and while pushing forward with the things I wanted, some of them came to me - including my career. Strangely enough it was the career I wanted; but upon further review, I realized that it did not come with happiness or purpose, or peace. In fact, my life was constantly filled with heartache and dismay and I was spending year after year forcing this “plan” into my life. After 10 years of this, everything came crashing down. The amazing career, the only one I’d ever know, the one that had become the only important thing in my life was ripped out from under me. I was let go from a job for the first time in my life. There was a lot of transition, drama and turmoil at this radio station at the time. Being humbled doesn’t quite do justice to the experience. It really rocked my world as I knew it. As things came apart, I quickly learned who my real friends were and just how strong I was. After years of being in such a dog eat dog industry, the career path and environment had really worn my soul down had not left me with much self-worth, esteem or value. I worried that this was the only job I had ever had, how would I survive and support my kids? In all of this I was given the most important gift and understanding of all; God’s love for me. Sounds strange saying that my whole life came crashing down because God loved me, but it’s the truth. Sometimes ego, selfish desires and even a will to do as one pleases is so intense that we can’t see any other path than the one we want. Through all of this I learned that God loved me and He often lets me

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persevere through my trials for a period of time before He steps in and beckons me on the right path. It will always be the path that He needs me to be on, the path that He has planned, the one that will bring me the most happiness. He truly humbled me so low that I was in a place that I had no choice but to give it all to Him and exert true faith for the first time in my life. I had to trust that He would have a better plan for my life than I did. It took a few hard humbling months, a lot of worry and uncertainty but eventually the blessing and the new path of my life started rolling in, almost faster than I could handle. I found that as I let go of my will and started to embrace His will for my life, true happiness was discovered. During this, I changed myself spiritually, mentally and even physically. One’s countenance truly changes when one is filled with peace and happiness! The first time I experienced true happiness was when I realized that I had to stop trying to control things that I have no control over and instead surrender it all to Him. I know that so many have had this same sort of a-ha moment. Often times we just don’t see His hand in our lives - we don’t see Him helping us on the right track. Perhaps we don’t really want to see it because of fear or pride. A heightened sense of self definitely has a way of keeping us from surrendering and seeing His will. I know that we are all missing blessings and opportunities that He’s trying to give us each day because we want our needs and desires more. Pain and suffering are often the consequence of this mindset; we will never experience the true joy of what our life would be - unless we let His plan fall into place. We need to stop and think about all the wrong choices in life, the wrong paths, people, jobs and ask ourselves - were those things our will or His? We need to ask ourselves - who is better off running our lives? It’s hard to think about because sometimes His will is not at all what we want. Think about the times your

heart was severely broken by the love of your life and how you thought it was the end of the world. Now think about years later when you met “The One” - your soul mate. In moments like this, we realize that God has a plan for us and sometimes we don’t see it at the time especially when we are suffering but he is removing obstacles from our lives that should not be there. He does this because He knows we are not always strong enough or faithful enough to let go of problems that don’t belong in our lives. I think sometimes He lets us suffer in circumstances so that we will learn to appreciate the right things when they come into our life. I promise that when you give up all the bad qualities in you, banish pride and ego, humble yourself, and develop the spirit of surrender, you will then experience Bliss. I found this quote that gave me great insight when writing this column and wanted to share these wise words: “When you have compassion and surrender to your own heart, you are surrendering to the hidden power in your heart, God. You are surrendering to love, because God is Love, the cohesive force of the universe that connects us all. Surrender is not just a religious concept; it’s a power tool for listening to the voice of your spirit and following its directions. When you surrender your head to your heart, you allow your heart to give you a wider, higher intelligence perspective. Remember the phrase, “The real teacher is within you.” Very simply, that teacher is to be found in the common sense of your own heart.” -Sara Paddison I encourage you all to remember that when you are in a place in your life where you have no peace inside; know that you are probably not on the path that leads to your destiny. When this happens ask God to guide and direct you to the plan that He has in store for you, the one that is waiting for you when you are willing to surrender. Today just let go and let God.

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COMEDY Ron White August 3 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

800-745-3000

FAMILY Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Dragons July 4-8 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Cesar Millan Live! July 18 Lila Cockrell Theater 200 East Market St. www.ticketmaster.com

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People en Espanol Festival August 31 Illusions Theater at the Alamodome 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

MUSIC An Intimate Evening with Clint Black August 1 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Gary Allan July 5 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Cory Morrow July 12 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Radney Foster July 13 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

210-695-8827

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Peter Frampton’s Guitar Circus July 14 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com

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Roger Creager’s Birthday Bash July 24-27 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road 830-606-1281 New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Under the Influence of Music Tour July 25 Austin 360 Ampitheater 512-301-6600 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, Texas www.circuitofhteamericas.com Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons July 26 Majestic Theatre 224 East Houston Street 210-226-3333 www.majesticempire.com Stoney LaRue and Reckless Kelly July 27 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Johnny Bush and the Bandoleros August 3 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road 210-695-8827 Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com Vans Warped Tour August 3 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

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Train with The Script and Gavin DeGraw August 4 Austin 360 Ampitheater 512-301-6600 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, Texas www.circuitofhteamericas.com Bob Schneider August 10 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Casey Donahew Band August 10 Floore’s Country Store 14464 Old Bandera Road Helotes, Texas www.liveatfloores.com

830-606-1281

210-695-8827

Trey Songz August 11 Illusions Theater at the Alamodome 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Jack Ingram August 16 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

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Delbert McClinton August 17 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com Loretta Lynn August 23 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway www.ticketmaster.com

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The Temptations and The Four Tops August 24 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Charlie Robison August 31 Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road New Braunfels, Texas www.gruenehall.com

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SPORTS San Antonio Scorpions NASL Soccer Carolina RailHawks July 4 Club Tigres July 6 Tampa Bay Rowdies August 3 Tampa Bay Rowdies August 13 Fort Lauderdale Strikers August 17 NSC Minnesota Stars August 31 Toyota Field 5106 David Edwards Drive 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com San Antonio Silver Stars WNBA Basketball Washington Mystics July 12 Minnesota Lynx July 19 Connecticut Sun July 20 New York Liberty July 25 Tulsa Shock August 4 Minnesota Lynx August 6 Phoenix Mercury August 17 Seattle Storm August 25 Seattle Storm August 27 Los Angeles Sparks August 31 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 210-444-5050 www.sasilverstars.com

San Antonio Talons AFL Football Tampa Bay Storm July 13 Philadelphia Soul July 27 Alamodome 100 Montana Street 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Showtime Championship Boxing July 27 AT&T Center One AT&T Center Parkway 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

LOCAL FLAVOR Farmers Market at the Cibolo Every Saturday 33 Herff Road 210-854-1116 www.hillcountryfarmersmarket.com Abendkonzerte July 2, July 16 & July 30 Main Plaza 100 North Main 830-249-7277 www.boernevillageband.org

Fourth of July Fireworks July 4 City Park 106 City Park Road

830-249-7277

Fiesta Noche del Rio Every Friday & Saturday until August 10th Arneson River Theater 418 Villita Street 210-26-4651 www.fiestanochesa.com 2nd Saturday Art & Wine Every Second Saturday of Each Month Galleries throughout Boerne 830-833-0621 www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com Boerne Market Days Every Second Weekend Main Plaza 100 North Main 210-844-8193 www.boernemarketdays.com Moondance Summer Concert Series Texas Lady Bugs July 20 Lost Mule Band August 10 King William Jazz Collective August 24

Cibolo Nature Center 140 City Park Road www.cibolo.org

830-249-4611

Movie in the Park Arthur Christmas July 26 Enchanted August 23 Main Plaza 100 North Main 830-249-9511 www.ci.boerne.tx.us/calendar Ring of Fire Ranch Rodeo August 3 Kendall County Fair Grounds 1307 River Road 210-460-0932 www.sacorralclub.org Kendall County Fair & Parade August 29-31 (Parade August 31) Kendall County Fair Grounds 1307 River Road 830-249-2839 www.kcfa.org

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Volvo Center Summer Sell Down Now is the Time to Buy or Lease

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See The Volvo Center for complete details. 2013 Volvo XC60 T6 MSRP $41,545.00 24 payments of $399 and residual value or one remaining payment of $28,250.60. $2,760 down plus 1st payment due at signing. Tier One approval required thru Volvo Cars Financial Services. No security deposit required. TT&L are excluded. 10,000 miles per year. August 31, 2013 2013 Volvo XC90 MSRP $40,595. Volvo Center Discount $3500 Volvo Center Sale Price $37,095 plus TT&L. Offer ends August 31, 2013. 2013 Volvo S60 MSRP $32795.00 39 payments of $399.00 and residual value or one remaining payment of $18,037.25. Zero down and 1st payment due at signing. Tier One approval required thru Volvo Cars Financial Services. No security deposit required. TT&L are included in payment. 10,000 miles per year. Offer ends August 31, 2013. 2013 Volvo C70 MSRP $44035.00 48 payments of $479.00 and residual value or one remaining payment of $20,256.10. $3500 down and 1st payment due at signing. Tier One approval required thru Volvo Cars Financial Services. No security deposit required. TT&L are included in payment. 10,000 miles per year. Offer ends August 31, 2013. Artwork for illustration purposes only. ***Volvo & Saab Owner Loyalty $1000 bonus is available on all 2011/2012/2013 Volvo purchase option. $500 owner loyalty on all 2013 Volvo lease option.

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