Texas farm & home august 2015a by Texas Farm & Home

TEXAS FARM & HOME

August 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

VOLUME 5

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NUMBER 10

AUGUST 2015 10

8 Rural Ramblings 38 History & Heritage 56 Texas Travels 60 Gardening Basics

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Texas Sports Hall of Fame Pays Homage To Athletic Greats

IN EVERY ISSUE

SECTIONS

A Special Heritage: West museum tell unique history

August 2015

Schulenburg Artist uses garden leaves and cement to create art

47 Recipes 52 Cafés Across Texas 67 Texas Events 69 Marketplace 70 Country As Cornbread

Fayette County monument final resting place for Texas heroes ON THE COVER

Monument Hill — La Grange

Photos by Christina Stewart

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editor’s welcome

Christina Cutler Stewart

Real Texans talk the talk As Wayne and I travel around Texas I see more and more people moving here from other places, and that’s great, but I really wish they would learn to speak

proper Texan. I don’t care about English, it’s not a language we normally speak around our house, instead it’s some sort of hybridized language of non-sense words sprinkled with a few words we pick up here and there out of a dictionary. One of the words used around my house growing up was “wopsided.” For those that don’t know “wopsided” means something isn’t square, or it is out of plumb.

If somebody gets a crack on the noggin and a bump develops then that is commonly referred to as a “poompknot.” Old tires also can have a “poompknot.” Some of these may be family words, and that’s the thing about proper Texan, words can change from house to house and family to family. While the words may be different, another Texan still will know what it means — it’s in the blood. Some other words to help the language impaired, if something is “wallered” out then a hole is likely out of round or the threads in a bolt hole have been stripped. If somebody is out driving after dark then usually they are out “prowling.” We have talked some about football in this edition, and if we witness a hardhitting football game then it commonly is called a real “slobber-knocker.” There are many more, such as “chimley” which could never be found in any dictionary, but is the East Texas word for chimney.

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FARM & HOME MANAGING EDITORS

If something starts the dogs to barking at night then that usually means there is a “booger” outside. I am sure other parts of Texas have different sayings, but that is usually the case with countries, there are different dialects in different places, and the country of Texas is no different. We do believe in border security and we whole-heartedly feel we need a stronger security presence along the Red River. Of course I am joking on that part as we welcome just about any kind of foreigner to Texas as long as they don’t try to change, nor change the things in which we believe because as God tells us “He does not change.” Those are lessons every person moving to Texas should know, and there is one other, and I don’t fully know why, but at all times and in all circumstance we should always save our bacon grease. To throw out bacon grease would be akin to forcing a good Texan to begin learning the English language. TFH

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Christina Cutler Stewart, cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com Wayne Stewart, wstewart@texasfarmandhome.com

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EDITORIAL/SALES OFFICES: 202 South Main St., Grapeland, TX 75844. TEXAS FARM & HOME is published monthly by Nicol Publishing Company L.L.C., Copyright 2014. Subscription price: $24.95 a year (12 issues). Reproduction without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

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rural ramblings

Wayne Stewart

Thoughts from a hay field A few weeks ago while sweltering in a hay field on a 100-degree day I came to understand why farmers once had such large families. I will refrain from saying how many, or few, bales we hauled that day for fear of embarrassment, but I would look longingly at Sam while he was riding in the Jeep with his Momma and sister and count the years until he could be out in the field while I get to ride in the Jeep. In the old days a farmer may have four, five six kids, and by the time he was my age he might have a couple of good hands, instead I am a nearly 43-year-old man with a 7-year-old angel for a little girl and her 2-year-old precious baby brother. Most of those men would probably be having grandchildren by my age — hopefully I will be an old man before I have to worry about grandchildren as the kids are raised in the fear of the Lord. As for me, the trick will be hauling hay for the next 10 years without having a heart attack. Sure, round bales take much of the work out, and we have done that in the past, but with goats,

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the squares work better as they just tend to climb upon then make a mess on the round bales of hay. The horses we have don’t care, at 13 hands tall and about 1,300 pounds the hay does not stick around long enough to get too nasty. Still, the smell of hay on one of those long summer evenings is one of those special things folks in town just don’t get to experience. There is something honest about it, honest about the work involved in it, honest about the animals it feeds, and honest about where it comes from. Ample rains this spring provided plenty of grass, while some hot, dry days made it grow — a perfect storm for ample grass, which definitely is a good problem to have. It’s been a strange summer for sure. Everything is seemingly upside down what’s bad is now good and what once was good is now considered bad, yet we press on. Such is the lot in life for the dedicated working folk. So as we zip through August toward Labor Day, I want to take the time to salute all the hard working men and women out there

August 2015

who just put their noses down and head to work every day without complaint. Thinking of the hard-working people out there reminds me of passage from the Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul gives some sage and inspired advice, quoted from the New International Version: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” If only everybody would just quit talking, work hard and mind their own business then this country, this world would be a much better place. With Christ at the head of our lives, this should be the type of life we endeavor to live — then truly we would be a light unto the world. Christina and I hope and pray everyone reading this had a safe and happy summer. As we gear up toward fall and school starts back life will get busier. In all the hustle and bustle, though, may we always remember Whose we are, and who we are. TFH

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A Special Heritage West museum tells community’s unique history from tragedy to triumph.

Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

o place celebrates its Czech heritage quite like the city of West. Since its founding in 1892 West has been home to a large contingent of Moravian Czechs looking to find a better life on the Texas frontier. “They brought an agricultural heritage with them,” noted West citizen and

city council member Al Vanek. “It’s still here today. They still farm a lot of cotton but have transitioned away from it some, they farm a lot more corn, oats and wheat these days. Agriculture is still as important for us today as it was when people first came here.” Mr. Vanek noted the city’s history on a tour of the History of West Museum, located in downtown West. The mu-

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A scaled version of the old Catholic Church in West.

The original church pump organ.

A special room in the museum is dedicated to the fertilizer plant explosion on April 17, 2013. Pictures to the right are displays dedicated to area veterans, early pioneers, farmers and tradesmiths. August 2015

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WEST

seum officially opened in June, and is open to visitors Thursday through Saturday. It showcases life in West from its days as a fledgling community in the latter half of the 1800s to a modern town, which has not forgotten its roots and has maintained its unique culture in this welcoming, yet tight-knit community. The history of the museum has

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a direct link to the tragic explosion at a fertilizer plant in West on April 17, 2013. The explosion, which happened a couple of miles outside of town, rocked the downtown district of the city, knocking out all the windows to the museum building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was just glass everywhere,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Vanek recalled, who still is noticeably shaken by the

Great Czech food always is a big part of West, as noted above and to the left with a selection of goodies from the oldest Czech bakery in Texas, Village Bakery. The downtown area of West still is a vibrant place with an active train line running through the center of town.

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WEST

The I-35 overpass in West honors the Czech culture of the town. memory as he lost friends in the blast. “The building had just been purchased for the museum a couple of weeks before the explosion.” As noted, the museum chronicles the life of the community of West, and the explosion was a big part of the city’s history and a special room is dedicated to it. In all the fertilizer plant explosion killed 15 people, injured more than 160 and damaged or destroyed more than 150 buildings. After the explosion Mr. Vanek said he made his way through town and then to the triage center at the West High School football field to help — a night he could never forget, but doesn’t like to remember. Even amidst the tragedy, though, the people of West banded together and rebuilt their town, and built a museum. Inside the entry of the museum, volunteers built a scaled replica of the old town including a saloon, which became a movie theater, the old Catholic Church, a bank, drug store and all of the other significant buildings of West. “We built them from old pictures,” Mr. Vanek noted. “We had some dedicated volunteers who spent thousands

Downtown West of hours in here working to put this thing together.” The town of West got its name from its early founder, Thomas West, who settled in the area in the mid-1800s. The community’s original name was Bold Springs and was located a bit west

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of its current location. The Czech people came in the years following and put their unique stamp on this special city. A room of the museum is dedicated to these early pioneers of West. “The people of the town really inundated us with gifts to the museum,” Mr.

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WEST

Slovacek’s pays homage to a West original, Nemecek Brothers Meat Market.

Vanek said. “They’ve given us tools, pictures, personal and family histories, financial donations — just about anyway you can imagine, they have helped.” Other exhibits in the museum include the front of the Interurban Train depot the line ran between Waco and Dallas; the front of the old Snokhouse blacksmith shop, the organ from the Catholic Church in town; a display for local veterans and a special room dedicated to the Czech heritage of West and the surrounding area. Mimi Montgomery Irwin, owner of the famed Village Bakery across the street from the museum, marvels at all the work gone into getting the museum

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up and running. “There was no extra money from the city or the government for this (museum,)” Mrs. Irwin confirmed. “Just the people of the town made it happen. We have a few people here who are truly

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WEST

Old Czech Corner Antiques

Agriculture is still an important part in the life of West.

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dedicated and care about the special heritage of this town.” Heritage is a big part of West and people like Ms. Irwin, with her famous bakery serving up delectable Czech favorites such as Kolaches, Klobasniki and Buchta have worked hard to preserve its unique heritage. The big thing, at least for Ms. Irwin, is to educate the young people of West on their unique culture. “We are going to start a special program to teach our local fourth graders about the history of West,” Ms. Irwin said. “We are taking a group of (Boy) Scouts to Bold Springs and teach them about how West got started and the part West played in the life of the Chisholm Trail as the town provided four watering holes for the traveling cattle.” The thing about West, it’s heritage is on every street corner, whether it is an antique store specializing in vintage and Czech collectibles, unique gift shops and restaurants specializing in Czech favorites, West truly is a place where Czech culture meets the Old West. Another great thing about West, though, is that even the new folks coming into town are working to keep the heritage of the area alive and well, such as Slovacek’s, the sausage company operating a convenience and rest stop along this busy stretch of I-35. Slovacek’s offers gas, fresh-cooked food, a meat market featuring famous Slovacek’s Sausage, a dog park and for the people of West a reminder of a town favorite — Nemecek’s famous sausage

A classic Czech restaurant in downtown West. August 2015

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WEST

West Depot

First responder-themed city park

Czech Stop and bologna. “Back in the 1950s and 60s Nemecek’s became famous for their sausage and ring bologna and their famous hot chubbies. “We bought the recipe and the name from Nemecek Brothers,” noted Ray Rabroker, whose brother Tim owns Slovocek’s Sausage. “We produce many of the products they did for 100 years.” The front of the store has many of the items from the old Nemecek Brothers Meat Market such as the butcher block, kerosene powered wiener warmer, and other meat grinding equipment, paying homage to an important part of West’s past. All of these stories are a testament to a way of life in a small Texas town with its own unique culture simply known as West. TFH

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T G a

WESTFEST A CELEBRATION OF CZECH CULTURE

ant a taste of what West has to offer, then spend the Labor Day weekend at WestFest for a bit of something for the entire family. For many of the people of West, the most popular event of weekend is the Polka Mass held Sunday morning of WestFest. “The Polka Mass is definitely my favorite part,” noted Mimi Montgomery Irwin, owner of the famous Village Bakery, the oldest Czech bakery in Texas and slated to be a part of the PBS show Cook’s Country this fall. “It started out as a way to help the workers of WestFest. The workers did not want to miss the mass, but they had to work at the festival, so they started a special mass for festival workers. Charles Nemecs, who is in a polka band, composes the music for the special mass, putting religious words to old polka tunes with a guest priest performing the service. The mass is now open to all who want to attend. It’s a great way for people to experience something different and unique to West.” The Polka Mass is held at the Cultural Amphitheater beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning. Festivities on tap for this annual trib-

ute to all things West and the rich Czech heritage of the community include the Giant Carnival and Midway on the WestFest grounds. For those that like to watch the big machines don’t miss the Tractor & Big Rig Pull to be held on Saturday, Sept. 5. Pulling runs from noon that day until dark, there will be a few practice runs on Friday night. Other events include a horseshoe and washer pitching contest; the Kolache 5000 Challenger where runners of all ages can take part in the 5K run on the WestFest course. See the WestFest grounds from the sky by taking a helicopter ride over the area during the three days of the festival. And, for those who don’t suffer from stage fright, take part in the WestFest Karoke during Saturday and Sunday night of the WestFest, which takes place after the events in the Amphitheater. One of the more popular aspects for WestFest is the food of WestFest with various Czech delicacies. There even are contests for the best Kolaches and the best Buchta. When coming to WestFest everybody is encouraged to forget their diet for a few days and experience some of the best food in Texas, and that means some of the best food in the world.

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Beyond the baked goodies there is a plethora of different types of sausage prepared in many different ways, such as sausage sandwiches, beer bread sandwiches, sausage dogs and sausage boats. Top it off with mustard and sauerkraut

The Village Bakery Westfest booth Labor Day 1976. Pictured, starting fourth from left are, W.O. Montgomery, Georgia Montgomery, Gladys Quilter, Lucille Price and Jim Quilter. RIGHT and FAR LEFT: Pictured are the gates at the Westfest grounds. An old poster advertises the 1976 Westfest event. for a taste bud treat. Chase that sausage with a fruit filled kolache or maybe some strudel for a special flavor experience that just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be found outside of the borders of Texas. At any festival celebrating Czech heritage, music is a big part of it, and music is polka. Some of the slated bands include

the Dujka Brothers Band; Jodi Mikula Orchestra; Brave Combo; Chris Rybak; Praha Brothers; Jerry Haisler; Czechaholics; Czech & Then Some; Ennis Czech Boys plus many more. Other things to look for is Miss WestFest; the young lady chosen to represent the festival every year. The WestFest

parade beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday morning is one of the biggest parades in Central Texas and features numerous floats in full Czech costume regalia. To learn more about the happenings of WestFest, visit the comprehensive website about the festival at www.westfest. com. TFH

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Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

CHRONICLING LEGENDS TEXAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME PAYS HOMAGE TO ATHLETIC GREATS

or many Texans there are two seasons, football season and off-season. While the game may only be played four or five months out of the year, it is talked about constantly. It is planned for, and football junkies across the state await their annual raison d’etre when the venerable Dave Campbell’s “Texas Football” hits the stands with its exhaustive look at football in Texas, from the high school level to the pros. From the rural schools of the Texas countryside, to urban mega-schools, football touches every facet of life in Texas and is loved by all through all class distinctions as it

brings millions of Texans together every Friday night high school game; Saturday afternoon college battle and the beloved Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans on Sundays. Much of the history of Texas football

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and the greats of the game is chronicled at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco; the museum is dedicated to all sports and legends like Nolan Ryan, Ben Hogan and George Foreman all are included in the hall, but football holds

a special place in the museum — just like it does in the hearts of Texans from Orange to El Paso and from Brownsville to Dalhart. Texas football is ripe with legendary players and coaches and some legendary characters. Some names like Davey O’Brien and Doak Walker are synonymous with football excellence. There are some, who go beyond mere legends to a mythic status. Sammy Baugh, born in 1914 in Temple, gave the country a taste of his greatness when he became and All-American at Texas Christian University. In 1937 he went to the NFL and played for the Washington Redskins from 1937 through 1952, where he became one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game. “Slingin’” Sammy Baugh, in 1963 was part of a 17-member charter class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Along with being a quarterback he was a renowned punter and defensive back. Baugh made the forward pass an integral part of the professional game and still owns a few NFL passing records. As a defensive back he was the first player in history to intercept four passes in a single game. After retiring from football Baugh came back to his beloved Texas and his 20,000-acre Double Mountain Ranch near Rotan. Just like any true Texan, Baugh’s family said ranching meant more to him than football ever did though he is considered one of the greatest football players ever to play the game. Tom Landry is to football as Albert Einstein is to physics, an innovator with a passion for the game belied by his stoic countenance. Much of modern football lends itself to the genius of Landry. The 4-3 defense wan an invention of Landry while he wan an assistant coach with the New York Giants in the 1950s along with another legendary coach, Vince Lombardi. New York was a long way away from Mission, his hometown, and his coaching prowess there got him a gig coaching

The Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco honors all sports at all levels in Texas, but pays special attention to perhaps the state’s favorite game — football. The Hall also has a replica entrance to the Cotton Bowl and features a special portion dedicated to the old Southwest Conference and the rivalries it produced. August 2015

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HALL OF FAME

A Tom Landry’s game-day fedora is on display at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame inside the Tom Landry Theater, an area dedicated to the legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys and a Mission native. for a new NFL team in Dallas, eventually to become America’s Team — the Dallas Cowboys. While coach of the Cowboys Landry set an NFL record with 29 consecutive years as coach of one NFL team along with his 20 consecutive winning seasons. During his tenure he won two Super Bowl titles; five NFC titles; 13 Divisional titles with 20 career playoff victories and a stellar 270-178-6 record. A successful high school playing career landed Landry at the University of Texas at Austin where he majored in industrial engineering. World War II interrupted his college career as he flew B-17s over Europe during World War II, completing 30 combat missions, even surviving a crash landing over Belgium. After the war he returned to the University of Texas where he played fullback and defensive end graduating in 1949. He earned his masters degree in industrial engineering from the University of Houston in 1952, while still playing professional football. A dedicated and devout Christian, Tom Landry not only coached football, but was a Sunday School teacher at his Methodist Church in Dallas and according to those close to him, would often show up only minutes before a noon kickoff due to his Bible teaching duties. He was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and spoke many times at the Rev. Billy Graham crusades. God was his first love, followed by his family, then football, but what he gave to football may never be fully appreciated. Bringing the 4-3 defense to life allowed different variations of coverage such as zone and man-to-man. He also was an offensive innovator, as he brought the man-in-motion back into vogue and he also brought the shotgun formation to the NFL. He brought strength and conditioning training to the NFL and quality control in the form of game preparation and film study. His life was one of faith and unyielding compromise — a true Texan. In 1948 Doak Walker, as a halfback at Southern Methodist University, won the Heisman Trophy. While at SMU he was a three-time All-American in 1947, 48 and 49. He was a force in college football and is considered one of the greatest college running backs of all time. He enjoyed continued success in the NFL playing for the Detroit Lions where he helped them win backto-back championships in 1952 and 1953. He led the league in scoring on two separate occasions and in 1986 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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In 1990 the Doak Walker Award was established and annually is given to the best running back in college football. Another Texas legend also has an award named for him, Davey O’Brien. Like Doak Walker after him, Davey O’Brien called Dallas home. After high school O’Brien attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where he was a backup for Sammy Baugh and after Baugh left O’Brien became one of the best quarterbacks in college football history. He still owns the collegiate record for rushing and passing plays in a single season. He became the first player to win the Heisman, Maxwell and Walter Camp awards in the same season. O’Brien was the first Southwest Conference Player to win the Heisman trophy. In the NFL O’Brien played for the Philadelphia Eagles where he led the league in passing in his rookie season. He retired from football in 1940 to become an FBI agent. In 1956 he was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. In 1977, after his death, the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy was established and is given annually to the most outstanding quarterback in college football. In its original form the award was given to the best player in the Southwest, with Mike Singletary winning the award in 1979 and 1980. When Earl Campbell came along he redefined power football. In high school he starred as a running back and saw spot duty as a hard-hitting linebacker. In 1973 he helped lead John Tyler High School, in Tyler, to a state championship. His legend grew at the University of Texas where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1977, leading the nation in rushing. He also was the first winner of the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy. In 1978 the Houston Oilers made him the first pick of the NFL draft where he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He thrived in Houston under the coaching of the legendary Bum Phillips, also a member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. In the NFL he unleashed his combination of speed and bruising power on an unsuspecting league. Campbell led the NFL in rushing in 1978, 1979 and 1980. Earl Campbell was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. The annals of football lore are filled with many other famous Texans. The colorful Bum Phillips who helped initiate the Luv ya Blue era in Houston began his coaching career in the Texas high school ranks, then from college to the professional level. To this day he still is the most popular coach to lead a Houston sports franchise. Dallas Cowboys fans always will remember the great Bob Lilly, Mr. Cowboy, the first player drafted by the Dallas Cowboys after he grew up in tiny Throckmorton and played football at Texas Christian University. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 with The Sporting News naming Lilly the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history. The list of notable Texas players could never be compiled because it grows by leaps and bounds every year. There are 11 players with Texas ties who have won the Heisman Trophy; at the professional level some of the greatest names in football history have come from Texas including Eric Dickerson, Darrell Green, Joe Green, Steve McMichael, Tommy Nobis, Bobby Layne, Raymond Berry, Forrest Gregg, Bubba Smith, Gene Upshaw and many more. Today’s group of NFL players also are loaded Texans including quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts, along with running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. Just like the people who play it, Texas football is legendary.

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Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State to meet for 90th time in Battle of the Piney Woods Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ootball is a storied game across Texas, but without its rivalries the games lose a lot of their excitement and urgency. One of the most notable rivalries in Texas today is the Battle of the Piney Woods, held annually for 90 installments with this year’s game at NRG Stadium in Houston between Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. This year’s game is slated for Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. The rivalry is the second longest in the FCS. Since Texas A&M bolted the Big XII for the Southeast Conference the state’s longest rivalry died, now

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only Baylor-Texas; and TCU-SMU enjoy longer rivalries. Sam Houston State also has a long history with Texas State University in San Marcos. Beyond the obvious, such as both schools being named for Texas heroes, much of the rivalry is due to proximity, with the schools being less than 100 miles apart and the fact they have been playing each other yearly since 1925 with Sam Houston leading the series with 52 wins. The team’s first game was played in 1923 with the Lumberjacks winning the tilt. SFA has won the meeting 35 times with a pair of ties thrown into the mix from the series’ early seasons. Sam Houston State and SFA both play within the Southland

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Statue of Sam Houston Conference. Both teams have enjoyed some recent success with Stephen F. Austin finishing as runner up in the Football Championship Subdivision in 1989, and Sam Houston finishing runner up 2011 and 2012, losing both games to perennial powerhouse North Dakota State. According to facts from the Sam Houston’s GoBearkats. com, the winner from the game has gone on to claim the Southland Conference Championship five of the past six years and for the past six years the winner has gone on to receive a post-season berth in the FCS playoffs. Over the course of this yearly Battle of the Piney Woods, 110 athletes have gone on to play in the National Football League with six of those appearing in Super Bowls; more than 50 have earned All-American honors. Nine of the last 14 meetings have been decided by eight points or less. This year’s meeting will be the seventh time the teams have played at a neutral site in Houston as the schools met one time in the Astrodome in 1976 where the teams played to a 14-14 tie, the second and last tie in the history of the rivalry. It has become a fan favorite over the past few years playing at NRG Stadium in Houston, where more than 80,000 alums from the two universities live, as the game’s attendance keeps growing reaching more than 26,000 people during last year’s contest, the largest crowd to witness a game between the two universities, ensuring this rivalry will last a long time.

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Statue of Stephen F. Austin

Bowers Stadium on SHSU campus

Homer Bryce Stadium on SFA campus August 2015

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Great High School Rivalry T

here are plenty of other great rivalries in Texas for colleges, but some of the best rivalries in the state are played on Friday nights on high school fields. Games such as Odessa Permian verses Midland Lee have become legendary, while other teams across the state, like Longview verse Marshall; John Tyler verses Longview, or Lufkin always are big games people circle on the calendar not to miss. One of those popular games is always Ennis verses Corsicana. What makes this rivalry so great are the

VS. great teams. Both schools are perennial powerhouses, but Ennis has taken it to new heights as they won the state title (the Super Bowl of Texas high school football) five times, with the last

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one coming just last year, they also won the state title in 2004, 2001, 2000, and in 1975. The two teams have played 70 times with Corsicana taking home 52 of those wins over the course of the two school’s history. This year Corsicana and Ennis will meet on Friday Nov. 6 at Tiger Stadium in Corsicana. Last year’s Ennis Team went 14-2 on its way to a state championship, defeating Corsicana 41-14. Corsicana won the state title in 1932 with a 0-0 tie to Fort Worth Masonic Home, as Corsicana won on penetrations; they won state again in 1963 over PharrSan Juan-Alamo. They made it to the state finals game in 1982 and again in 1997. So whether it’s a Friday night or a Saturday afternoon college game, great football is never far away in Texas. TFH

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LEFT: Maya, the cat, naps while the country concrete artist fills her booth for another garden show. Stephanie’s concrete creations start with leaves from the garden, the greenhouse or the nursery.

One Leafy Lady Story by ELAINE THOMAS

he neighbor’s cows line up at the barbed wire fence to watch this Schulenburg-area artist interpret her love of garden greenery. Enjoying the fragile beauty of garden leaves need no longer be a fleeting pleasure. Fayette County’s Stephanie Shroyer has perfected a technique that preserves their attractiveness indefinitely by marrying garden foliage and art. “I’ve always loved plants. It gives me pleasure to walk around my yard to see what’s growing or pull over on a street in town to look at a plant putting on a show. I like to say nature helps ground me,” says the Central Texas resident. For years, Stephanie worked with mosaics — creating

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art objects by gluing small pieces of materials like glass, broken china or tile on lots of different surfaces such as concrete. That art form led to another. “I noticed that when I set out a few leftover unfinished concrete bowls in the garden, they filled with water and the animals and birds seemed to love them. Leaves drifting down from native pecan trees naturally stained the concrete a rich, organic brown,” Stephanie says. “The bowls seemed to blend into the garden, adding character. I wondered if I could replicate and preserve this delicate beauty.” Through trial and error, Stephanie learned how to handsculpt one-of-a-kind concrete pieces of art. “I discovered it takes the weight of wet concrete to get a good impression of a leaf. When it has cured for a few

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HISTORY + HERITAGE

ABOVE: To create her unusual art, Stephanie places one or more leaves on a mound of wet sand. Using her proprietary blend of concrete, she manipulates the leaf by hand so it can create a striking imprint and then covers it with concrete. When the concrete piece has cured and the leaf has been removed with the help of a powerwasher, Stephanie applies different colored stains inspired by nature. LEFT: Stephanie Shroyer of Schulenburg, Texas, has never met a leaf that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the potential to become a beautiful piece of concrete art.

TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

weeks and I’m satisfied, I remove the leaf using an electric powerwasher and finish the piece by applying earth-tone acid stains by hand. No two of my concrete leaf creations are alike because no two leaves are alike,” Stephanie explains. From fountains and birdbaths to bowls and trays for outdoor and indoor use, the pieces are all finished in warm, earthy tones. The bowls, platters, bread trays, cake plates and dinner plates are all treated with a food-safe sealer and are dishwasher safe. There is a growing appreciation and interest in handcrafted, unusual “green” or “fossil” art. Stephanie sells her concrete leaf artistry at fine art shows and home and garden shows in and around Texas and at more than a dozen different garden centers in several different states. Her shop is now open at her retail space located at 5121 Hwy. 90 West in Schulenburg. In the meantime, Stephanie regularly works her way around the yard paying particular attention to the leaves, drawing inspiration she can channel into extraordinary concrete art. “Twenty years ago, art was just a sideline,” she says. “Now I’m fortunate to be able to share my knowledge and see my work bring pleasure to others.” Visit Stephanie online at www. cment2b.com. TFH August 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS HISTORY + HERITAGE

TEXAS COURAGE Monument Hill honors heroes of Dawson and Mier Expedition Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ost good Texans know Texas declared its independence on March 2, 1836 then won it at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Most probably know Texas went from being an independent nation to statehood with the United States in late 1845 and early 1846. That nearly 10-year interval was not a peaceful time for the fledgling nation as Mexico tried on several occasions to reassert its control over Texas. There were grand disputes with Mexico over the border of Texas with Texas claiming the Rio Grande River, all the way up into Colorado as its border while at the same time Mexico claimed the Nueces River (a

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TEXAS FARM & HOME

Monument Hill sits atop a 200-foot bluff overlooking the Colorado River and downtown La Grange. A mural depicts the decimation of Texas contingent at Salado, in Mexico. Right, the smokehouse at the Kreische Brewery, on the grounds of the 40-acre complex of Monument Hill, sits across from the main Kreische House.

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HISTORY + HERITAGE

much shorter river), which lies a considerable distance north of the Rio Grande. Violence was common in this Trans-Nueces no-man’s land with atrocities committed by people on both sides of the battle lines. It was during one of these skirmishes when one of the most notable events in Republic of Texas history happened — the Black Bean Episode. It wasn’t just Mexican forces Texas had to contend with, Comanche, Kiowa and some Apache made several attacks upon settlers in Texas, in essence forcing the young nation to defend an enormous amount of territory and fight a two-front war with only a few people. From 1836 through 1837 Mexico showed little interest in renewing hostilities with Texas even though they enjoyed superior forces and military capability. In early 1838 Mexico found itself at odds with France as the European country blockaded Mexican ports.

August 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

HISTORY + HERITAGE According to historian Mark AbolafiaRosenzweig, during these tense times with France, trade between Texas and Mexico grew and tensions eased a bit through 1839 when the French blockade finally ended. When the French threat had gone, the Federalist Revolution sprang up with peo-

ple in the Mexican frontier at odds with the central government. The Federalists used the no-man’s land between the Rio Grande and the Nueces as their base of operation with some Texans joining in the fight against Mexico. By 1840 the Federalist cause was lost and they re-devoted their

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loyalty back to Mexico, leaving a united Mexico to once again eye Texas. By 1842 tensions between Texas and Mexico had ratcheted up to open conflict as the Mexican Army led a pair of raids into Texas taking Goliad and San Antonio. These actions led to a group of volunteers from Fayette County, under the command of Nicholas Mosby Dawson, to attack superior Mexican forces in a pitched battle where 36 Texans, including Dawson, were killed with 15 taken prisoner, a battle that became known as the Dawson Massacre. During this battle, fellow commander Matthew Caldwell had inflicted severe damage on the Mexican forces, forcing them to retreat from San Antonio, regaining it for Texas. Hoping to take the fight to the Mexican forces the Somervell Expedition, under the command Brig. Gen. Alexander Somervell, had orders from Sam Houston, then president of the republic, to “pursue the enemy into any point in the Republic, or Mexico, and chastise the marauders for their audacity.” From its onset the expedition suffered from a lack of discipline from the pugnacious Texans, numbering more than 750 men. As it traveled from San Antonio, the expedition took Laredo without a fight, then turned south along the Rio Grande, though many of the men, itching for a fight, wanted to cross the river into Mexico. After a couple of weeks of the campaign, the deserters had reduced the fighting force to 683 men, then on Dec. 11, Gen. Somervell allowed the men to go home, or head to and attack Guerrero, in Mexico. Out of the men still with Somervell, 187 returned home with Col. Joseph Bennett. By Dec. 15, still unable to find an enemy to fight, Somervell ordered the expeditionary force to return home. Five men, Ewen Cameron, William Eastland, William S. Fisher, John Pierson and William Ryon, ignored the order — along with 303 other men — and decided to engage Mexican forces. William S. Fisher was chosen to command the Texans who chose to stay on the border, and he then made himself a colonel. His first order was to march toward the Mexican town of Mier, which they reached on Dec. 20 1842. Abolafia-Rosenzweig’s book, “The Dawson and Mier Expeditions and Their Place in Texas History,” relates the story that Col. Fisher demanded five days supply of sugar, coffee and other necessities for his men. The next day, instead of receiving the payment a local resident said, “Gen.

TOP RIGHT: The Kreische Brewery is visible from an overlook at the Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site. TOP LEFT: Hikings trails wind throught the 40-acre park providing a closer view of the brewery ruins. Pedreo de Ampudia had stopped the delivery of the requested supplies. He further claimed that Gen. Ampudia was at Mier with 350 men and two pieces of artillery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hearing this, Fisher decided to attack Mier to obtain the supplies that were needed by his troops. The Texans were unaware that the Mexican troops actually numbered about 3,000.â&#x20AC;? The Texan forces attacked Mier and fought bravely in the streets against the Mexican forces. The fighting lasted most of the day of Dec. 26, 1842, and finally, the Texans surrendered when they found out the number of troops they were facing, though Abolafia-Rosenzweig reported in his book that eventually the Texans learned if they had not surrendered the Mexican army was prepared to retreat from Mier due to the fierce fighting of the Texans. Negotiators for the Mexican Army told the Texans they would be held in the frontier area of Mexico, near the border with Texas, and not deep in the interior of Mexico. That did not come about as the Mexican forces marched the Texans, in two separate contingents to Salado Prison where they were put together with some of the prisoners from the failed Dawson expedition. On Feb. 11, 1843 the Texans attempted a daring escape and managed to elude capture for seven days, but after getting lost in the unfamiliar mountains of Mexico they once again fell into the hands of the Mexican Army. Three members managed to escape August 2015

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HISTORY + HERITAGE

entirely and 176 Texans were returned to the prison in Salado. Santa Anna ordered all the men to be executed, but the local governor refused the order and was able to force a compromise, so Santa Anna ordered the men be decimated, or every tenth man was to be executed. All of these events led to the Black Bean Episode in Texas history. An earthen jar held 176 beans, 17 beans were black and the rest were white beans. Officers chose first, followed by the enlisted Texans. Those who drew the black beans were to be shot and they were afforded 30 minutes to write letters home to their families before the execution was carried out. On March 25, 1843,

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the 17 men who drew the black beans were shot: James Decatur Cocke, William Mosby Eastland, Patrick Mahan, James M. Ogden, James N. Torrey, Martin Carroll Wing, John L. Cash, Robert Holmes Dunham, Edward E. Este, Robert Harris, Thomas L. Jones, Christopher Roberts, William N. Rowan, James L. Shepherd, J.N.M. Thompson, James Turnbull and Henry Walling all gave their lives for Texas that day. It was the events of the Dawson and Mier Expeditions and their aftermath, like the Black Bean Episode, that sent Texas in the direction of statehood by seeking to join the United States. A mass grave held their bodies in Mexico, but in 1848, during the Mexican-American War, permission was granted to have their bodies exhumed in Mexico and returned to their home in Texas. Today, a tomb on a 200-foot bluff overlooking the Colorado River in Fayette County is their final resting place â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a place known today as Monument Hill, overlooking La Grange. The 40-acre site also is home to the old Kreische Brewery and Kreische home, now known as Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site. The brewery was hand built by Heinrich Kreische in the mid-1800s. The ruins of the brewery are still there and there are several viewing trails around it. One of the most striking symbols on Monument Hill is the 48-foot shellstone shaft with its Art-Deco mural, built during the 1936 Texas Centennial celebration. Local residents purchased 3.5 acres around the marker and mass grave and donated it to the state for park land in 1957. Today, guests are welcome to come and tour this sacred site for Texas history and walk the ground around the brewery and have a picnic. Tours of the facility can be arranged through the park office. Special events at the site includes the Texas Heroes Day celebration held this year on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the site, located at 414 State Loop 92, just south of downtown La Grange. The day-long event features pioneer craft demonstrations, reenactors, cannon and musket salutes, dulcimer music, historic flag display and guided tours of the grounds around the monument and brewery. Also in December donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the Trail of Lights through Monument Hill along the 200-foot bluff and through the Kreische home decorated traditionally with Christmas trees, wreaths, lamps and candles. There will be entertainment and refreshments provided. To learn more about Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website at http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/monument-hill-kreischebrewery. TFH

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TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

Recipes FARM & HOME

Butter-Pecan Ice Cream

A LITTLE CZECH, A LOT OF TEXAS

o matter where you go in this great state people love to eat. There may be nowhere in this country where there is such a wide array of food from the diverse cultures of this state, whether it’s Tex-Mex; Asian; Southern; Barbecue; Cajun or Creole and just about everything else imaginable, there surely is something to please the pickiest of palates. In this edition of Texas Farm & Home we want to take a brief look at a few Czech dishes that are easy to make and tasty as well. We will feature a new take on just a same old meatloaf; potato dumplings and sweet and sour red cabbage as a grand accompaniment. We also threw in a Palaéinky jahodami, or a strawberry supreme sure to remind some of our readers of a crepe. To top all of that off, and to help the folks who might be missing their favorite ice cream brand, we offer a delicious recipe for homemade butter pecan ice cream that is out of this world — enjoy! August 2015

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FARM & HOME

Recipes

Sekana Pecene Domaci (Old Fashioned Meat Loaf) 1 pound ground beef 1 pound ground pork 1 cup milk 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 clove garlic 1 teaspoon black pepper 3 slices bacon, diced 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups beef broth 1/3 cups breadcrumbs 3/4 cup shortening 2 yeast rolls 1 egg white, beaten 2 tablespoons flour Salt Combine meat, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, bacon, eggs and breadcrumbs. Tear rolls apart and soak in milk until absorbed then add to meat mixture. Mix thoroughly. Divide the meat into two greased loaf pans then brush with

TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

egg whites. Place in 350-degree oven 45 minutes to an hour, until meat reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees. When the meat is done remove to a serving platter. Save drippings for gravy. Sprinkle frying pan with two tablespoons of flour and allow to brown, add drippings and make a roux, then add meat stock. Strain if needed and pour over meatloaf and potato dumplings.

Potato Dumplings 4 2 1 1 1

medium potatoes tablespoons cream of wheat teaspoon salt egg cup flour

Peel and cook potatoes in a small amount of water until tender. Mash and allow to cool. Add the salt and the egg and mix well. Add enough flour to make a stiff dough then roll into roll and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Drop potato dough into a pot of simmering water and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from water and drain. Top with butter or gravy before serving.

Sausage Vegetable Alfredo 15 ounce jar prepared light Alfredo sauce 1 cup low-fat milk 1 teaspoon crushed garlic 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 cups assorted sweet bell peppers, chopped 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 14 ounce smoked sausage, sliced In a large, heavy, non-stick skillet with tight fitting lid, whisk together Alfredo sauce, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning and onion powder. Bring mixture to slow boil over medium heat. Stir in potatoes. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in peppers, mushrooms, cheese and sausage. Return to slow boil, reduce to simmer and continue cooking for 10 minutes, until heated through and vegetables are tender. Serve immediately. Notes: Time Saving Tip: Pre-cut peppers, mushrooms, and turkey sausage ahead of time. Store in individual airtight containers up to 2 days before cooking.

Courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission

Potato Pancake 6 – 8 ounces Idaho® potatoes 2 large yellow onions, peeled 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or matzo meal 4 teaspoons kosher salt freshly ground pepper, to taste canola oil for frying Using a 4 sided box grater, or the medium shredding disc in the food processor, grate the potatoes alternately with the onions. Place the shredded potato/ onion mixture into a strainer above a large bowl, and with a wooden spoon, press out the excess moisture. Pour off the liquid from the bowl, reserving the potato starch that remained

August 2015

at the bottom. Place the shredded potato/onion mixture into the bowl and mix to incorporate the starch. Stir the beaten eggs into the mixture and add the flour or matzo meal to make a light batter. Add salt and pepper. Heat 1/2” oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Drop about 2 tablespoons of batter into the oil and flatten a little. (The flatter the pancake, the crispier it will be.) Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side, turning only once. Remove and drain on a wire rack over a sheet pan. Keep warm in a 200 degree oven.

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FARM & HOME

Recipes turning once, Remove; keep warm. Combine remaining ingredients, except steaks, in small bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon seasoning mixture over each steak; reserve. For each serving: Panbroil 2 steaks in hot skillet over medium-high heat to desired doneness, turning once. Place steaks on hot grid to “grill-mark.” turning once. Serve steaks on bed of grilled onions.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Cowboy Steak and Twice Baked Potatoes Cowboy Steak 2 Bermuda onions, sliced 3/4-inch thick Olive oil as needed 2 teaspoons crushed black peppercorns 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon dry Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon minced garlic 8 (4-ounce steaks) beef loin, tenderloin steaks, side muscle off, skinned Twice Baked Potatoes

4 whole Idaho® potatoes (70 count) 3 whole peeled and chunked parsnips 1/2 cup buttermilk 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon butter 3/4 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 cup sour cream (or crème fraîche) 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives 1/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg Salt & pepper, to taste 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Directions: Cowboy Steak Brush onion slices with oil. Place onion slices on hot grid to “grill-mark,”

Scrub potatoes and bake at 425°F for 50 minutes or until done. Cook parsnips in boiling, salted water until tender. Drain. Set aside. Warm buttermilk and 5 tablespoons butter until lukewarm. Set aside. Sauté garlic in remaining teaspoon butter. Set aside. When potatoes are done, split in half, lengthwise, and scoop out pulp. It is important to work quickly so ingredients will remain hot. Mash cooked potatoes with parsnips and add buttermilk/butter mixture, garlic, sour cream, chives, Cheddar cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Spoon mixture back into empty potato shells. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Put potatoes under salamander or broiler for 5 min. or until brown. Serve immediately.

Palaéinky s jahodami Strawberry Supreme 2/3 cup flour 2 eggs 1 cup milk pinch salt 4 teaspoons sugar 2 cups sliced strawberries 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoons cinnamon 1/4 cup powdered sugar 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon water 1 cup whipped cream 1/4 cup sugar Cream together sugar, salt and eggs in a mixing bowl. Add flour and milk to the mixture in small amounts and mix thoroughly after each addition. Place in refrigerator and let chill over night.

TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

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Slice strawberries and sprinkle with a couple tablespoons of sugar and allow to sit for about an hour. The next day pour a small amount of oil in a frying pan and heat. Pour about 3 or 4 tablespoons of batter into hot pan. Cook until set, then flip and cook about a minute longer. Remove to a plate to cool. Cook the remaining batter. Mix the three tablespoons of sugar and teaspoon of cinnamon. Lay pancake flat, down center third of pancake lay a line of strawberries, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Fold pancake flaps over berries. Melt the chocolate with the butter and teaspoons of water in the microwave and drizzle over crepe, then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream on high speed until it firms, add 1/4 cup sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Place dollops of cream on top of crepes. Garnish with extra strawberries for a good looking dessert.

Butter-Pecan Ice Cream

(Makes 1 1/2 gallons)

2 cans evaporated milk 6 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 quarts whole milk 3 cups heavy whipping cream Pecan Mixture 1 can sweetened condensed milk 3/4 cup sugar 4 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 cups pecans, chopped Mix together evaporated milk, eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar over medium heat until a thin pudding forms. Place in bowl and put in refrigerator until cooled. Meanwhile, mix sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 cup sugar, butter and vanilla together and cook over medium heat to the soft ball stage, stir in brown sugar and continue cooking until fully dissolved, add in pecans and cook another two minutes, stirring constantly. Pour pudding mixture into ice cream can, add the three cups of heavy whipping cream. Pour in pecan mixture then add the 2 quarts of milk. Follow ice cream maker directions for making ice cream. This is a delicious recipe and will go over well at the next family outing or church ice cream social. TFH August 2015

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas

Story and Photography By Randy Rollo

Combo plate with two pieces of fried fish, two ribs, sausage and two sides.

Ernie’s Friendly Pharm: Good Food in Buffalo

ucked away in Buffalo near the intersection of two major highways lies a cafe that is worth seeking out for excellent cuisine. Located in the northern part of Leon County at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Texas Highway 79, Buffalo was established in 1872 on the International-Great Northern Railroad and named for the herds of buffalo that roamed the area. Ernie’s has an unusual history. It is the former location of Ernie’s Pharmacy that operated there for 25 years. Remodeled and now home to one of the area’s best diners Ernie’s Pharm is a cafe that features steaks, barbecue, fish, burgers, and more. Ernie’s started as a weekend barbecue spot and soon changed into a full-time cafe specializing in steaks. Although Ernie’s features Filets and Rib-eyes (served after 5 p.m.), they have a large menu with over fifty

TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

Te xas Dining & Shopping Guide

August 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TFH

Cafés Across Texas

Right: The Rib-eye sandwich comes on an onion or jalapeño bun. BELOW: Owners, Pam and Ernie Ferguson opened the restaurant about a year ago. ABOVE: The hot fudge brownie topped with ice cream is a favorite dessert of patrons. FAR RIGHT: Charles Hawkins is the manager. The Chicken Fried Steak and hamburger also are on the menu.

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items from which to choose. Owners Pam and Ernie Ferguson opened the cafe about a year ago. Ernie’s is open for lunch and dinner five days a week and has a daily lunch special everyday. I visited Ernie’s during lunch and sampled several items. First I tried the Combo Plate; it consists of two pieces of fried fish, two ribs, sausage, and two sides. This plate was great and satisfies large appetites. The ribs were delicious, extremely tender and tasty, and the double battered onion rings were outstanding. Next, I tried a Texas standard, the chicken fried steak with loaded mashed potatoes and turnip greens. The Chicken Fried Steak was tender with a tasty batter. The loaded mashed potatoes tasted like a decked out baked potato, and the turnip greens were a refreshing southern comfort food. Finally, I sampled the Rib-eye sandwich, and it was great. It is thin sliced grilled Rib-eye on your choice of onion or jalapeño bun. This was one the best sandwiches that I have ever eaten, great flavor and just the perfect amount of steak. Two of the most flavorful items not listed on the menu were the fresh baked rolls and the hot fudge brownie topped with ice cream. The rolls are served at every table. They come warm from the oven along with butter and cinnamon butter. The rolls were amazing, so tender and warm that they melt in your mouth. No meal is complete without desert. Ernie’s does not list the deserts on the menu because they change frequent-

if you are not familiar with the area). Ernie’s Pharm is open TuesdayThursday 11 a.m.—9 p.m.; FridaySaturday 11 a.m.—10 p.m.; and they are closed Sunday and Monday. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, or call them at (903) 322-2229. Ernie’s is a fantastic place to visit if you are traveling close to the Buffalo

area. Ernie’s is best known for their steaks. However, it seems that everyone is welcome, and if you come into Ernie’s as a stranger you will leave as a friend. They have the friendliest employees that I have experienced in my travels across Texas. Everyone will enjoy a meal and friendly service at Ernie’s Pharm. TFH

ly. I sampled the hot fudge brownie, and it was delicious. The brownie was served warm with vanilla ice cream then fudge drizzled on both and a cherry on top. It was an excellent way to finish off an outstanding eating experience. Ernie’s has several salads for the vegetarians in your group. They have a children’s menu available. You can book Ernie’s for parties and showers on the days the restaurant is closed. They have a full bar and host karaoke and live music on a regular basis. Ernie’s is located at 520 West Commerce in Buffalo (just a few blocks east of I-45 on Highway 79

August 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS

Experience Luxury at La Cantera Hill Country Resort Story by MARILYN JONES Photos courtesy LA CANTERA HILL COUNTRY RESORT

a Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio has it all: beautiful public spaces and rooms, swimming pools, restaurants, two 18-hole championship golf courses and other wonderful amenities. It also hires and trains some of the nicest, most efficient employees I have ever had the pleasure of meeting at a luxury hotel. I immediately felt relaxed and welcome when I entered the expansive lobby. Managed by Destination Hotels, the resort underwent a multi-million dollar transformation this past winter, suspending overnight accom-

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LEFT: Castle Rock Spa relaxation room. RIGHT: At Bocado, you’ll find the finest smoked meats, gourmet cheeses and small bites. BELOW: Room with a view. La Cantera Country Resort offers beautiful views of Texas Hill Country.

modations from November to April in order the reimagine public spaces. “Our focus is to elevate the guest experience,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Ty Brassies. “Guests often visit area attractions such as nearby Six Flags Fiesta, Texas and downtown San Antonio, but if they choose, they can arrive at this resort and spend their entire time here. “There’ a lot to do and we’re family friendly with special activities for children including Kids Club, Kids Club Camp and Teen Lounge,” he added. “Our guests can discover Hill Country in a relaxed, yet sophisticated setting.” Touring the Resort The resort, located on one of the highest points of the city, is a maze of seemingly endless corridors and hallways. As I toured the resort with Brassie and Director of Marketing Communications and Public Relations Michelle Robertson, I was amazed at all the different offerings. Off-the-lobby Sire Bar serves cocktails, while guests can enjoy charcuterie and other small plates from Bocado. SweetFire Kitchen, the resort’s primary restaurant, features private dining rooms and al fresco dining overlooking Plaza San Saba. Primero Cantina, adjacent to the resort pool, features fresh Tex-American creations and is anchored by an indoor/outdoor bar. There are five resort pools. The main resort pool is the perfect spot for the entire family to enjoy, complete

with a waterslide and poolside dining at the Vista Grille. For those seeking an exclusive experience, the adultsonly infinity pool is in a secluded space with incredible Hill Country views and a poolside bar, Topaz. Private cabanas are available for full day rentals to unwind and enjoy the family pool as well as the adult pool. We make our way in and out of restaurants, past the pools and into Castle Rock Health Club & Spa. I immediately relax as I enter. Beautiful scents, lulling music and hushed conversations whisk away the cares of the day. The full-service day spa adjoins a 7,600-square-foot fitness

center. The resort’s two championship 18-hole courses include the Resort Course at La Cantera, a PGA Tour stop for 15 years, designed by noted golf course architect Jay Morrish and PGA Tour professional Tom Weiskopf. The second championship course, The Palmer Course, was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. Palmer Grille at the Clubhouse overlooking the 18th green offers continental breakfast and lunch daily. There’s also “The 19th Hole,” also known as Jasper’s Bar. The Future According to Brassies, even with all the reimagining of public spaces,

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TEXAS TRAVELS

If you go: I enjoyed my stay from the moment I started the drive along a winding roadway toward the resort to the moment the bellman loaded my luggage in the trunk moments after I checked out. This is truly a wonderful destination. La Cantera Hill Country Resort: 16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio; www.destinationhotels.com/lacantera-resort-and-spa; Reservations 855-499-2960; Main Number 210-5586500. Rooms start at $235. San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://visitsanantonio. com; 800-447-3372. TFH

there is more to come. “A new 17,000 square foot destination spa located away from the main building is scheduled to open in January 2016. It will be like nothing else available in this area and, we feel, the entire state. “The new La Cantera Ballroom will open this fall and will be more than 10,000 square feet,” he said. “Once complete the resort will feature 55,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. “The addition will bring the resort’s

total event space to 115,000 square feet. The ballroom and redesigned event areas will provide unparalleled venues for any size or type of meeting or group gathering,” said Brassies. “The final step will be a rooms-refresh to be completed this fall. “We have a lot to be proud of,” he said. “From our employees and beautiful contemporary design to resort guest offerings, we are continuing with the tradition of hospitality at its finest.”

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AmaWaterways Tulip Time Cruise

The journey begins (Part 1 of 2) By Marilyn Jones An AmaWaterways river cruise ship can be likened to a five star hotel with its luxurious accommodations, gourmet food served in an opulent dining room, a lounge with live entertainment, and spa, fitness center and swimming pool. What’s different, of course, is the scenery; always changing, always interesting. And, unlike ocean cruises where ports of call might be days apart, every day there’s a new city or village, a new adventure. AmaWaterways AmaCerto is my

chariot when I visit The Netherlands and Belgium on the popular Tulip Time cruise.

LEFT: The La Cantera lobby is contemporary and welcoming. ABOVE: Primero Cantina is one of nine restaurants at La Cantera Country Resort.

(Day 1) As soon as I leave customs at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, an AmaWaterways representative approaches me. I am sure she sees my luggage tags, but I am relieved to be immediately whisked to a waiting bus. Within a half hour I am onboard the AmaCerto; my home away from home for the next seven days. (Day 2) The first full day of exploring begins with a bus tour of Amsterdam and a delightful canal cruise conducted by a local captain who knows just when to slow for all the shutterbugs. Back on board, the AmaCerto begins its short journey to Volendam and Edam, arriving just after lunch for a tour of the towns now united under one municipality. I walk the short way into Volendam where the waterfront is team-

ing with tourists darting in and out of restaurants, shops and photo galleries. Walking along residential streets, I pass pristine cottages with meticulously kept gardens; many situated along narrow canals. It is no wonder that Picasso and Renoir spent time here along with other artists when the city became an artists’ retreat in the early 20th century. Edam is much smaller than Volendam with just over 7,000 residents and is most famous for its cheese. Every street offers a glimpse of its history and the lives of its once rich inhabitants. Past 17th century architecture in residential neighborhoods as well as the commercial center, it is easy to imagine this town as a bustling commercial center during its heyday.

To view full story and more photographs visit WWW.TEXASFARMANDHOME.COM

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San Antonio’s Historic Missions Receive UNESCO World Heritage Status By Marilyn Jones July 5 was a big day for San Antonio, Texas and history lovers the world over when San Antonio Missions was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision was announced at the annual UNESCO World Heritage committee meeting in Bonn, Germany. The five Missions, including The Alamo, became the 23rd UNESCO site in the United States and the first in Texas. The Missions are the largest collection of the Spanish colonial architecture in the nation and “symbolize an era when the world was expanding, cultures were intertwining and the global landscape was forever changed,” according to the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The United States has a powerful and valuable history that encompasses a wide range of peoples, creeds and experiences,” said Crystal Nix-Hines, U.S. ambassador and permanent representative to UNESCO. “The San Antonio Missions represent an important element of our story, and a World Heritage designation allows them to be shared not only within the U.S. but also the wider global community.” History of the Missions

Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada and Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) were built in the early 1700s to convert Native Americans to Christianity and help settle this region under the Spanish flag. Straddling both sides of the San Antonio River, the missions are situated close to one another, spanning just over seven miles. They proved critical to Texas’ iconic history and heritage, shaping the San Antonio landscape. Indigenous people and people from around the empire of New Spain were brought together to share technologies, art and cultures. The Missions continued to play an important role in early Mexican history and in the struggle for Texas independence. Today the missions host millions of visitors every year. All except The Alamo are active Catholic parishes, some with descendants of the original congregants. For more information: San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://visitsanantonio.com San Antonio Missions: www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm UNESCO: http://whc.unesco.org TFH

August 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

GARDENING BASICS

let’s get growing — tips for August

LEFT: A Spicebush Swallowtail rests on a petunia in a yard near Grapeland. RIGHT: A Red Admiral flutters around Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg. Photos by Christina Stewart

TNT (Ten ‘N Texas) — an Explosion of Butterflies in Your Garden Story By Barbara Cook & Jolene Renfro

Crockett Garden Club & Davy Crockett Master Gardeners

utterflies are sometimes known as flying flowers, and increasingly, gardeners want to include a butterfly garden in their yard to attract these beautiful insects. Besides being lovely to look at, butterflies are great pollinators as they go from flower to flower in search of food; yet another reason to attract them to your garden area. In their lifetime, butterflies undergo four different stages of change, or metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Because the larval and adult forms are so different, they require different types of food to live---larvae consume leaves, and the adults drink sugar nectar from flowers. In this article we list ten things you need to consider when planning your butterfly garden, tell you about ten of the most attractive butterflies (opinion), show pictures of the adults and caterpillars, give you

TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

a list of ten host plants for caterpillars and another list of ten nectar plants that are visited by the adults.

Let’s begin with ten things that are needed by butterflies:

1. A couple of nice flat rocks in a sunny spot. Since insects are cold blooded, they depend on the sunshine to get their juices going in the morning. Also needed is a shady place where they can hide from the intense heat of mid-day. 2. Shelter from strong winds so they can keep their fragile wings from being torn. 3. Host plants for their caterpillars to munch on. 4. Plants that are nectar sources for the adults. 5. Mass plantings of host and nectar plants (not just one or two plants), because the butterflies are often com-

August 2015

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GARDENING BASICS peting with each other and with other species for the same food. 6. Having a variety of plants with bright flowers planted, so that as one kind of flower finishes its bloom, another flowering plant comes into bloom, providing a constant food source.

7. No pesticides! Not too crazy about herbicides either. 8. Keep some leaf litter in an area in the yard to aid the butterflies in winter survival. 9. Have mud puddles for them to drink the water and absorb minerals.

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(They also like rotted fruit.) 10. Keep bird feeders in a separate part of the yard, so your butterfly garden doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become a bird buffet. The chart on page 61 lists 10 favorite butterflies, what their caterpillar looks like, the host plant, the adult form,

and the nectar plant These are not the only butterflies in the world, just a small sample of those commonly seen around the yard in Texas. Also, the nectar plants named are probably not the only ones visited by the adults, but will give the garden a nice cross section of plants. However, with butterflies such as the Zebra Swallowtail, the Gulf fritillary, and the Monarch, the host plant that has been named is essential to the survival of the butterfly, as their larva will eat nothing else. Monarch butterflies probably have the most interesting life of all the butterflies, making a yearly migration to Mexico to hibernate during the winter, and then returning north in the spring. Actually, it is not one, but four generations of monarchs that go through the metamorphosis cycle four times, so that the butterfly that you start with is not the same one that you end up with. From egg to mature adult ready to lay eggs, the metamorphosis takes about six weeks. Beginning in February/March the hibernating butterflies mate and begin to migrate north. In March/April, they lay their eggs on milkweed plants. Monarch larvae need the milkweed leaves to nourish them, and the toxins from the milkweed they have eaten accumulate in the larvae and adults to make them unpalatable for birds. These are the First Generation and they will lay their eggs and die, and the Second Generation will be born in May/ June, lay their eggs and die. Then a Third Generation will be born July/August, lay its eggs and die. Each generation has been traveling a little further to the north. The Fourth Generation is a little different, in that these butterflies do not live a brief life, but migrate back to Mexico to begin the cycle again. It can take up to two months to make this journey. Monarch numbers have declined alarmingly due to environmental factors in Mexico, and the use of herbicides and pesticides, resulting in lack of larval host plants in Texas. In the last 10 years the number of monarch migrants has gone from 550 million to 33 million and it is imperative that we, as gardeners, increase the planting of milkweeds to enable the species to survive. Another interesting butterfly is the viceroy. Viceroy butterflies mimic the

color pattern of monarchs to fool predators, but instead of milkweed, they eat willow tree leaves, so that salicylic acid from the willow accumulates in them to make them taste bitter. Interestingly, when they pupate, the pupa of the viceroy looks like a bird dropping, again to fool a predator.

A famous line from the movie, “Field of Dreams” states “If you build it, they will come.” If you will prepare a special spot in your yard and plant the recommended 10 host plants and 10 nectar plants, you should have an explosion of the Ten ‘N Texas butterflies to enjoy for years to come. TFH

August 2015

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SUMMER OUTING

TEXAS VACATIONS

Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

The Cave Without A Name

eed something cool to do before school starts this summer? Then head to the Cave Without a Name near Boerne where it’s 66 degrees all the time in this family-friendly adventure. The cave is filled with formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave drapery, flowstones, rimstone dams and a local favorite “cave bacon.” Guided tours are available on a regular basis and the well-informed guide provides plenty of information on the history of the cave and how it was formed and the constant formation of its internal structures. Cave Without a Name is a National Natural Landmark. Tours are $18 for adults and $9 for children from 6 to 12; children under 6 are free. Tours take about an hour and winds through six formation rooms. Visitors should wear comfortable, non-skid footwear. The grounds around the cave offer RV facilities. Cave Without a Name is located at 325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne. visit cavewithoutaname.com for more information. TFH

TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015

August 2015

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TEXAS EVENTS

A THE PROMISE: Sept. 4-Oct 31 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; GLEN ROSE: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this musical extravaganza about the life of Jesus Christ at this annual Passion Play. The play features an award-winning musical score with live animals and more than 200 people working to bring the production to life. The Promise is held every weekend during the fall at the Texas Amphitheater, a 3,250 seat outdoor venue. The production began in 1989 and has grown since. The events of the play are taken from Scripture and begins with the prophets foretelling the coming of Jesus, to his birth, ministry, death and resurrection. www.thepromiseglenrose. com. PRAIRIES AND LAKES

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7 R f s a t y b T 2 w o a D 9 T 8 F a f o w t i c s a t c G S 5 8 A w a a V

TEXAS EVENTS is a list of festivals and happenings occurring around the state. We recommend that you call before traveling to an event to verify the time and date as sometimes dates change. If you would like to submit an event to the calendar, please send to P.O. Box 130, Grapeland, TX 75844 or e-mail to cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com. Please submit information at least two to three full months before the first of the month in which the event will take place.

AUGUST 7 — RUSK: Teddy Bear’s Train Ride This family- friendly ride features snacks, children’s music, teddy bear coloring books and the opportunity to meet the Beary Bear family. Children younger than 12 years old who bring a teddy bear ride for free. Trains depart at 11 a.m. and 2:20 p.m., running to Maydelle, where the engine turns around on the historic 1890’s turntable and returns to Rusk. Rusk Depot. www.texasstaterr.com 903/683-3451 FOREST COUNTRY 8 — AUSTIN: Ice Cream Festival Come get a taste of all of the best ice cream and frozen treats that Austin has to offer. Each attendee entering with paid admission receives three tickets to redeem with the ice cream vendors of his or her choice. The minimum sample size is 3 oz. Some booths, such as Blue Bell, will not require a ticket and will hand out free ice cream until they run out. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E Segovia St. www.roadwayevents.com 512/441-9015 HILL COUNTRY 8 — LAMPASAS: Indian Artifacts Show Vendors offer wares for sale, trade or show and share their knowledge of artifacts and ancient times. AmVets Hall, 300 U.S. 281 S. www.

lampasaschamber.org 512/5565172 HILL COUNTRY 8 — MESQUITE: Florence Ranch Homestead Tours Tour an early settler’s homestead. Hours are 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Florence Ranch Homestead, 1424 Barnes Bridge Road. www.historicmesquite.org 972/216-6468 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 14-15 — BASTROP: The Sup Cup on the Colorado River Includes group stand-up paddling out- ings, races, social events and an expo. Fisherman’s Park. www.visitlostpines.com/ explore-your-options/ events/ the-sup-cup.aspx PRAIRIES AND LAKES 14-15 — WICHITA FALLS: Texas Ranch Roundup showcases top historic Texas ranches, the hard work of real working cowboys and every facet of ranch life. Ranches compete in chuck wagon cooking, cowboy art and ranch activities such as bronc riding, calf doctoring, team branding, team penning and wild cow milking. Begins at 7 p.m. Multi-Purpose Events Center, 1000 Fifth St. www.texasranchroundup.com 940/6874914 PANHANDLE PLAINS 15 — JEFFERSON: Civil War Symposium Jefferson played a key role in the Trans-Mississippi Department’s military/industrial complex. This program includes

a luncheon with the symposium speakers at the Excelsior House, vendors, exhibitors and museum exhibits. Jefferson Transportation and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St. www. jeffersonmuseum.com 903/6652775 FOREST COUNTRY 15 — JOHNSON CITY: Grape Stomp There is no charge to stomp grapes. T-shirts are for sale for participants to step on using their grape-stained footprints to make a keepsake. Hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Texas Hills Vineyard, 878 Ranch-toMarket 2766. www.texashillsvineyard.com 830/868-2321 HILL COUNTRY 20-22 — FORT DAVIS: Davis Mountains Hummingbird Festival Birding enthusiasts enjoy three days of bird banding, field trips, lectures and beautiful scenery in the Hummingbird Capital of Texas. Hotel Limpia. www.FortDavis.com 432/4263015 BIG BEND COUNTRY 20-23 — FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Fair and Parade The oldest continuously running fair in Texas features agricultural and home-skills displays, horse racing, concerts, dances, a carnival and midway. Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Friday on Main Street. Gilles-

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pie County Fairgrounds on Hwy 16 South. www.gillespiefair.com 830/997-2359 HILL COUNTRY 21 — GRAPEVINE: Frugal Farm Wife Series This monthly program features family-friendly educa- tional experiences designed to teach life skills that were important to a Texas farm in the 19th century. See traditionally dressed interpreters performing seasonal chores using tools and techniques of the era such as sewing, spinning, dying, cooking, washing, gardening, harvesting, preserving, candle making and many other house- hold chores. Hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Nash Farm. www. NashFarm.org 817/410-3185 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 22 — SCHERTZ: Hill Country Doll Show and Sale Find collectible dolls from antique to modern, plus bears, miniatures and repairs. Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway. www.dolldr.com 830/606-5868 HILL COUNTRY 25 — AUSTIN: Bat Fest Includes three stages with live music, more than 75 artsand-crafts vendors, children’s activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities that celebrate the world’s largest urban bat colony. See 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Ann Richards Congress Avenue

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TEXAS EVENTS Bridge at dusk. 100 S. Congress Ave. www. roadwayevents. com 512/441-9015 HILL COUNTRY 27 — STONEWALL: Wreath Laying for the 107th Birthday Observance for President Lyndon B. Johnson Celebrate the anniversary of President Johnson’s birth at this free celebration with the laying of a wreath on his gravesite in the Johnson Family Cemetery by representatives from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. Also enjoy free tours of the Texas White House. Begins at 10 a.m. LBJ Ranch National Historic Park, 199 Park Road 52. www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyour visit/events.htm 830-868-7128 ext. 222 HILL COUNTRY 28 — GLEN ROSE: Discovery After Dark Enjoy the evening beauty of Fossil Rim, watch the stars and lis- ten to the nighttime sounds as you venture into the park at dark. Start with an interactive learning experience where you can discover nocturnal animal adaptations and how animals use the night sky. Then, using spot- lights, go on a guided after-dark adventure that features both exotic and native nocturnal wildlife. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. www. fossilrim.org 254/897-2960 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 28 — PALESTINE: Moonlight Special Dinner Train Enjoy a train ride ride through the beautiful East Texas countryside to Maydelle and back on the night of a full moon. Tickets include a meal, and beer and

wine are available for purchase. Reservations required. Departs at 6:30 p.m. Palestine Depot. www.texasstaterr.com 903/6833451 FOREST COUNTRY 28-29 — GIDDINGS: Giddings Swap Meet This 50-acre auto swap meet offers new or used car and truck parts. Fireman’s Park, 2495 U.S. 290 W. http://giddingsswapmeet. com 512/581-2802 PRAIRIES AND LAKES

SEPTEMBER 3-6 — GRAPELAND: Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival This annual festival has been an East Texas Staple for 39 years and features some of the biggest acts in modern Bluegrass, all set in the beautiful confines of this park resembling an Old West town. Tickets can be purchased at the park or by going to www.txbluegrassmusic. com. Contact Salmon Lake Park for RV lots or rental accommodations at salmonlakepark.com FOREST COUNTRY 11-19 — BRENHAM: 147th Washington County Fair Come see what the “Oldest County Fair in Texas” has to offer. The fair features shows. rodeos, music and lots of fun with a carnival, crafts, food, livestock auctions, commercial exhibits and attractions. www.washingtoncofair.com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — CALDWELL: Caldwell Kolache Festival Celebrate this Czech favorite and loving salute to all things Kolache. There are kolache baking contests and plenty are available for festival goers to give them a try. Also, don’t miss the Czech festivities and costumes sure to catch the imagination. To learn more visit https://www. facebook.com/kolachefestival. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — GRUENE: Gruene 10k Enjoy

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Monthly Events JEWETT: Jewett Flea Market Open every month on the second Saturday weekend; Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Over 300 vendor spaces 903-536-7689 FOREST COUNTRY CROCKETT: Crockett Trade Days & Flea Market Open the first and third full weekend monthly, year round; free parking, free admission, vendors welcome, fun for the whole family; 764 Hwy 21 West. Call Mike 702-204-0731 FOREST COUNTRY MADISONVILLE: Small Town Friday Night Shop & Stroll Downtown retail shops will keep their doors open until 9 p.m. on the final Friday of each month. live music, explore the unique boutique shops for clothing, jewelry, home items, gifts, plants, yard decor and more; These various shops will have special treats, sales or featured products. FOREST COUNTRY

a leisurely or competitive run through the Texas Hill Country with awards for each age group. Visit AthleteGuild.com for more information. HILL COUNTRY 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 — GRUENE: Come and Taste It Sample some of Texas best wines and craft brews at the Grapevine in Gruene Historic District. Samples of food that is offered for sale will be provided and each event features live music and three prize giveaways which provides a great opportunity to learn from the Grapevine Staff. HILL COUNTRY 18-20 — HALLSVILLE: The Battle of Crawford Major Battles of the Civil War present the Battle of Crawford held at Maple Springs Farm just west of Hallsville. www. battleofcrawford.com FOREST COUNTRY 29-Oct. 3 — KENNEY: Hodges Farm Antique Show Located between Brenham and Bellville this air conditioned hall features food vendors plus a treasure trove of exceptional and affordable antiques, hand made items and plenty of Christmas decor. www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com. PRAIRIES AND LAKES TFH

marketplace

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COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD H By LOIS MARIE GUYMER

Dr. Pepper and Bridge Mix by the Pound

ecently I happened to be in the grocery store shopping with a few grandkids in tow, when we came across a new display. There, in an old-timey looking upright case, resided several rows of bottled soft-drinks. Smaller in size and larger in price, these “retro” looking containers caught my grandchildren by surprise. Used to buying pop in a can, cup, or large plastic liter, the short glass bottles tickled their fancy as “just too cute!” Of course I couldn’t resist the urge to point out that back when I (their own aging Granny) was a girl, soda only came in bottles of two sizes – short and squatty like those they were admiring, or a bit taller and thinner. And to boot, back in the ancient past those bottles weren’t thrown away either. No sir! Made from thick glass, a small refundable deposit fee was tacked on to the purchase price of each one. Therefore, the random bottle that actually made it into our door was drained down to the last drop and then saved. During more prosperous times Mama and Papa kept an old wooden soft drink case sitting on the floor by our ice-box (refrigerator) to house the empties. Worth three cents apiece, unless the bottle was nasty from having paint or motor oil poured in it, it was returned the next time we went to buy more sodie-waters, as we called them. Now and then, when we had hit a long dry spell in the carbonated beverage department, my brother and I would take a hankering for a swig of cool, refreshing Fanta. As kids without savings accounts, at times like this we were forced to stoop to industrious methods to ease the craving. Living in a tiny country community, that meant we went scrounging for old bottles. On a good day we sometimes found enough empties to add up to the price of a full one. Lugging our finds over to the little store across the way, we were rewarded for our labors with a bottle of grape or orange, straight from the box cooler and cold as ice! Talk about hitting the spot on a hot summer day!

Grandma, on the other hand, preferred Dr. Pepper and when she could afford it, would buy a six-pack of the little bottles, saying there was just too much in the bigger ones for her to drink. She also had a fondness for Bridge Mix – a delightful hodge-podge of candies ranging from assorted nuts and raisins to fruit-flavored soft centers, all covered in rich chocolate. In the beginning she would just buy a small box once in a while. Later on though, when the store started carrying it in bulk bins, she would scoop up a quarter of a pound of the mix and tie it up in a small sack to check out. And since our family most always took Grandma to town to get groceries, my brother and I would make sure we steered her buggy by the Bridge Mix display each trip. Once in a prosperous while when she took the hint and purchased some, we would grin all the way home. My grandma was old school when it came to doling out candy though, viewing it as a special treat to be savored, not swallowed whole! If we behaved, when it was time for us to go home she would swing by the old kitchen cabinet first. Knowing that was where she kept her sugar stash, we would stand at the ready while she fished around in the top back and pulled out the sack. Rarely did we get to choose for ourselves. Normally she just reached into the bag and handed us each one piece or sometimes two if they were smallish in size. And we knew better than to ask for more because Grandma had a strict one-piece per day rule (probably due to the fact that we lived just down the road and she didn’t want us to wear out our welcome.) Let me tell you though, there was a certain bliss that came in savoring a bit of store bought candy now and then, that our grandkids just can’t appreciate in this day and age of plenty. For back then, to me a bite of Bridge Mix and a swig of Grandma’s Dr. Pepper once in a while, equated to pure bliss and left a lingering taste of joy in my mind that time can never take away! TFH

You may purchase a copy of Mrs. Guymer’s book, Country As Cornbread, for $12. Please send payment to Lois Guymer, 362 CR 4401, Jacksonville, TX 75766 and specify for whom you’d like the book autographed.

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TEXAS FARM & HOME August 2015