Texas farm & home july

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TEXAS FARM & HOME

July 2015

July 2015

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VOLUME 5

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NUMBER 9

JULY 2015 24

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56

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Leather Bound Tradition

9 Rural Ramblings 40 History & Heritage 56 Texas Travels 60 Gardening Basics

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IN EVERY ISSUE

SECTIONS

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Making Memories on the Texas State Railroad

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Outdoor Family Getaway

47 Recipes 52 Cafés Across Texas 65 Texas Events 69 Marketplace 70 Country As Cornbread

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Exploring Madisonville

ON THE COVER

Texas State Railroad Page 10.

THIS PAGE

Photos by Christina Stewart

July 2015

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editor’s welcome

Christina Cutler Stewart

Where has the year gone?

Here it is July and I

have no idea where the summer, nope, more than that, where has the year gone.

It seems like we were unwrapping Christmas gifts just yesterday; and now, at the rate time is going by we will be opening them again tomorrow.

It is a different story for the kids, as Claire thinks it’s been about three years since she opened up her big doll and other gifts that went with it, and will be another three years before she gets to decorate the tree again. Einstein said time is relative, but you just don’t realize it until you near 40.

The thing is, summer may seem like it is slipping away, but there is still plenty of time to go out and have a bit of fun before the kids head back to school and schedules fill with after school activities and all the things autumn brings.

In this edition we visited Huntsville State Park and rode the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, both ways of having a bit of summer fun. The three-hour round trip on the railroad is an experience no train lover should miss.

As I noted before, time is relative and for me the train

ride lasted three hours, but for Wayne and Claire, it only lasted about five minutes as both of them wanted it to keep going. Sam slept for a good portion of the ride, but when he was awake he did enjoy the ride once he got away from the noise of the locomotive.

The way Wayne stared at the engine and hopped around the train while trying to stare at every moving part — I guess I had three kids on the train rather than just the two I thought I brought with me.

There are a lot of other things to do around Texas, just look around and you are sure to find something in a nearby town, or if traveling is in your blood strike out across the state on a Texas roadtrip.

As for us, our favorite destination is home as that is where lessons are taught and learned. It is where we can be as quiet, or loud, as we want to be.

Just the word home can inspire so much comfort. As we ponder time, it is encouraging — and comforting — to project time and think of the homecoming that awaits those who name the name of Jesus — our great and final heavenly home.

We read from Paul where he wrote to the Corinthians, “We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” TFH

TEXAS

FARM & HOME MANAGING EDITORS

936-687-2424

www.texasfarmandhome.com

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Barbara Cook, Jolene Renfro, Lois Marie Guymer, Marilyn Jones, Randy Rollo

PROMOTIONS MANAGER/ ADVERTISING SALES

Linda Moffett, lmoffett@texasfarmandhome.com 512-966-9426

DISTRIBUTION SUBSCRIPTIONS

Randy Rollo, rrollo@texasfarmandhome.com Lesia Rounsavall, lrounsavall@messenger-news.com 936-687-2424 or Texas Farm & Home, P.O. Box 130, Grapeland TX, 75844

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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A

d

rural ramblings

Wayne Stewart

A family destination spot

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or 40 years, or so, Wimberley has been a destination spot for my family and me.

At first, it was my parents taking me to this Hill Country paradise of cool, clear water, stately cypress trees, and an Old West Town staging corny shows that had me guffawing all night long as we took the late night train ride around Pioneer Town. Those were beautiful days.

Then, about five years ago, I was able to take my children to this wonderful place and share with them some of the same wonders of my childhood. We floated down the river, strolled through the shops downtown, ate in the wonderful restaurants around this beautiful village. Gone are the medicine and other shows at the Pioneer Town, but the Old West town is still there and the kids still loved it.

A lot changed over the years, but the changes made it better in many ways. The people, as always, are some of the friendliest around and to be truthful, there is no better family destination than Wimberley.

Unfortunately the community was in the news a lot about a month ago as the city had to deal with the massive flooding of the Blanco River over the Memorial Day weekend. While the storms and the flood did some damage and tragically took some lives, Wimberley is still there and it still is one of the most beautiful places in all of Texas.

Yes, the scenery is gorgeous as the little hamlet is nestled among towering hills and ample water resources, but so much about the place drawing us back to it year after year, and as we are sure our readers have noticed story after story, are the people of the community.

We have been welcomed at every turn and made to feel

right at home on a personal level few places have ever been able to duplicate. Even our 6-year-old daughter knows there is something special about Wimberley as it has been and still is her favorite place in the world to go visit — whether it’s splashing around in the water, or eating a sandwich followed by an ice cream cone on the porch of a local café — there is nothing about Wimberley she doesn’t love.

So, while the flood did some damage, the town is still open and it wants people who fell in love with it so long ago to come back and fall in love with it all over again. For those who never have been there, go for a visit and experience why it is so special.

Places like the Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens that puts on special shows and plays, along with their summer Shakespeare series, currently and throughout the remaining summer months are there and producing unparalleled live entertainment. During June they featured “The Wizard of Oz” with its final showing on July 4 and gave the community a free performance on June 7. Shakespeare Under the Stars begins on Aug. 6, with the musical “Godspell” opening in September. The gardens are open all the time and visitors to the area are encouraged to come by and experience the magic of the place.

If you like shopping, then Wimberley still has it all from clothing boutiques, gift stores, art studios, cooking accessories and so much more — they are still there and are open for business.

Relax and enjoy a quality movie in the comfort of a Hill Country summer night at the Corral Theater, a Wimberley tradition that spans generations, just as the town has created generations of family fun. TFH

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There is no shortage of beautiful vacation rentals in the Wimberley Valley. To book a visit to Wimberley go to www.texashillcountryreservations.com or email info@texashillcountryreservations.com While in Wimberley visit the famed Blue Hole, Jacob’s Well, EmilyAnn Theatre or catch a movie under the stars at the Corral Theatre. Experience zip lining, great shopping from arts to kitchen gadgets, gourmet food, restaurants and unique little gift shops.

Also, visit Wimberley Square, Wimberley Glass Works, Bella Vista Olive Ranch and the many wineries and wine tours. To learn more about things to do in Wimberley visit http://wimberley.org

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Texas Supports Wimberley Texas Farm & Home friends sending support to Wimberley In times of trouble and calamity people rise up to help those in need.

In 2011, in the midst of a series of wildfires that devastated Central Texas, area residents established My Neighbors Keeper to help raise funds and get them directly to the local people who needed it most.

The fund is able to provide immediate assistance to residents affected by any natural disaster such as a fire, flood, tornado or other disaster.

Funds raised through My Neighbors Keeper places funds in an account so they are ready to disperse within 48 hours after a need arises, a system known as “Pre-funded Victim Assistance.”

Funds are raised through several fund-

raisers throughout the year such as an annual Mardi Gras celebration and through direct donations from private individuals, sponsoring businesses, civic organizations and other charitable groups.

Donations for My Neighbors Keeper always are accepted, and those donating can rest assured donated money only goes to help local Wimberley residents.

There are no administrative costs associated with My Neighbors Keeper as all work is done on a volunteer basis.

Through June 15 My Neighbors Keeper has dispersed more than $120,000 in assistance funds to local residents affected by the floods.

My Neighbors Keeper offers several different ways to donate including PayPal via their website at www.mynkwimberley.org; by direct deposit or bank draft at Ozona National Bank at PO Box 528, Wimberley, Tx 78676.

Donations also can be sent directly to My Neighbors Keeper, Attn: Memorial Flood 2015, PO Box 1532, Wimberley, TX 78676.

For more information on My Neighbors Keeper visit their website at www. mynkwimberley.org or give them a call at 512-788-1143

The following businesses have donated to My Neighbor’s Keeper in support of Wimberley.

Slade Saddle Shop

Navarro Pecan Co, Inc.

419 E. Davis Luling, Texas 78648 830-875-5957 sladesaddleshop.net

2131 East State Hwy 31 Corsicana,Texas 75109 800-333-9507 • 903-872-5641 www.pecanproducersonline.com

1401 E. Milam, Mexia, Texas 76667 254-472-0512 farm-house-restaurant.com

You are in our prayers!

We are all Texans and we care!

Thinking of Ya’ll!

God Bless

Henson Family Dealerships 105 S. May St. Madisonville,Texas 936-348-3618 hensonfamilydealerships.com

Centerville Feed & Supply 1517 S. Commerce St. Centerville,Texas 75833 903-536-2735

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

God Bless!

City Market

Merle Norman

Bar-E Barbecue & Sausage 633 Davis St. Luling,Texas 78648 830-875-9019

Keep the Faith, we are praying for you!

Farm House Restaurant

Luling Chevrolet 1088 E. Pierce St. Luling,Texas 78648 830-875-5425 www.lulingchevrolet.com

Thoughts and Prayers are with you!

309 E. Milam Mexia, Texas 76667 254-562-2582

Wishing you well.

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Memory Making Take a trip back in time through the East Texas forests by Texas State Railroad Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

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wo whistles sound and the old train lurches forward as its steam pistons chug their way up to speed — a staggering 20 miles per hour through the East Texas forests between Palestine and Rusk.

Trains have long been a source of fascination for children, and adults who never lose their wonder with the iron horse. That’s why the Texas State Railroad still is in operation, to provide the fascination and to stoke the wonder of a time long past.

“When people ride with us they are happy and have a good time,” Texas State Railroad spokesman John Garbutt said as he swayed with a rocking rail car on a recent excursion of the railroad. “This is something they will remember all of their lives. We like to call the train a ‘memory maker,’ and it has made for some great memories over the years.”

These days the Texas State Railroad is leased and operated by Iowa Pacific Holdings (IPH) out of Chicago, but its origins date back to 1881 when the Texas State Railroad was owned and operated by the state as a service railroad for the state prison in Rusk, which at the time was the second largest prison in Texas, only trailing the original prison in Huntsville.

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Engine No. 610 uncouples from the train

The interior of a climate controlled cafĂŠ car.

Robert Goar has been with the Texas State Railroad for 18 years.

A baggage cart at the Palestine Depot.

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MEMORY MAKING

Getting ready to couple to the train.

Waiting for passengers at the Rusk Depot.

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“The state believed the prisons had to be self sufficient and prisoners had to pay their way and the railroad brought raw materials for a furniture factory and helped supply the iron ore needed,” Mr. Garbutt explained. “Prisons had to be built in areas with ample natural resources to make products.

Those products were sold to make the money used to operate the prison.”

By 1913 the state began winding down operations at the prison and by 1917 Texas repurposed the railroad as a general carrier between Palestine and Rusk, hauling passengers and freight. In 1921 Texas leased the line to the Texas & New Orleans until 1962. The Texas Southeastern Railroad, a division of Temple Industries in Diboll, leased the train until 1969.

After the lease was over Texas decided to shutter the old railroad, but a man named Emmett Whitehead worked tirelessly to save the railroad and turn it into a state park.

Eventually the Texas State Railroad came under the direction of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and on July 4, 1976, the grand Bicentennial year, the new Texas State Railroad made its first run after going through four years of refurbishment including the building of new depots at both the Palestine and Rusk ends of the line.

In August of 2007, the state decided to turn over operations to American Heritage Railways (operators of the famed Durango-Silverton line in Colorado,) which operated the line until July of 2012 when IPH took over operations.

Throughout the railroad’s history it has been a popular destination spot for train lovers from across Texas and the United States. It also has been a draw for moviemakers, as Mr. Garbutt confirmed the railroad has been used for 35 film productions over the years, and has been used in many commercials, music videos and television shows. The last movie shot at the railroad was the Great Debaters starring Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker.

Another well-known movie shot at the railroad includes “O Brother Where Art Thou” starring George Clooney.

“It’s been a lot of fun working with the movie and TV people,” Mr. Garbutt chuckled. “They always make it interesting.”

Still, the railroad is about the passengers and seeing them experience a true piece of Americana. Last year more than 75,000 people rode the Texas State Railroad with 58,000 taking a trip aboard the Polar Express, the railroad’s most popular attraction in the weeks around Christmas.

“The Polar Express, definitely is our biggest event of the year,” Mr. Garbutt said. “It is something we look forward to every year.”

Other popular excursions include the Pumpkin Patch Express, held during the weekends in October. The excursion, Mr. Garbutt explained, provides children a safe place to enjoy Halloween and take a train ride in the process. They also get to visit a pumpkin patch, play games, take a hay ride and

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MEMORY MAKING

Robert Goar, a fireman on the train, examines the controls of the old Baldwin engine. do some trick or treating. The kids can even pick out a pumpkin they can take home.

Several other special excursions are held throughout the year along with the weekend runs from March through December. The train does not run Janu-

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ary and February, months where staff at the railroad make needed repairs and work to keep the old steam engines the railroad operates in running condition.

“It is constant work,” Mr. Garbutt said of keeping the trains running. “The bridge and track crew are constantly

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working to make sure everything is safe and the track is clear.”

When it comes to the engines, the folks at the Texas State Railroad are on their own trying to keep the living relics rolling.

“We have to do the work ourselves,” Mr. Garbutt said. “We can’t go to O’Reilley’s to get the parts we need so we have to manufacture our own parts and we have a tool and dye shop where we make them.”

While some work on the engines, others are busy refurbishing passenger cars, maintaining them, adding new paint where its needed and doing whatever needs to be done to make them a memorable experience for people coming out to create special moments with loved ones on the train.

“We have a lot of people here who have worked here a long time,” Mr. Garbutt said. “They do it because they love what they do, but also they love the Texas State Railroad and making the people that ride on it happy.”

Robert Goar, a fireman on the Texas State Railroad engine, has been working there for 18 years.

S h o p Pa l e s t i n e

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MEMORY MAKING

A conductor takes tickets.

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“I’ve done just about every job here you can think of,” Mr. Goar said. “I worked my way up from attendant to a fireman and an engineer — it sure beats the heck out of having a real job.”

The employees love it, but the most inspiring part of the job, at least for Mr. Garbutt, is seeing the spark it makes in the lives of the passengers.

“For the kids, the steam train is like a living, breathing creature,” Mr. Garbutt pointed out. “For our older riders, you can see them going back in their minds, thinking about riding a train as they headed into the (Armed) service or maybe remembering taking a train to see a family member. A simple train can inspire so much.

“Railroads are not as much a part of people’s lives as they once were, but when we see kids get excited about the train, it’s something they can take into their adult lives, because trains and railroads are still a big and viable part of our economy and they are growing because people are realizing they are a much more economical way of shipping products than by truck. Railroads still provide a lot of jobs for people and are still an important industry to be involved in — and they are growing once again.”

Instilling the love of trains is a burden no one at Texas State Railroad takes lightly.

Riders and visitors are encouraged to stroll through the Palestine and Rusk depots.

The Rusk depot features iron ore rock construction, a lake and campgrounds. The Palestine depot is just a few minutes from downtown Palestine and its various shopping and dining opportunities. Palestine also offers several quality hotels along with numerous bed and breakfast accommodations to couples looking to get away from it all after taking one of the railroad’s popular excursions.

For the railfan out there, just a trip to the railroad is enough, as they take a walk around the Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive still capable of pulling the train up the 2.3 percent grade heading into the Rusk depot. The locomotive currently in operation was built in 1917 for the U.S. Army, but never made it overseas to Europe. It served at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Eventually the engine made it into the service of a lumber company near Nacogdoches and converted to an oil-fired engine.

“After the oil boom here in Texas just about all the trains in the South were converted to oil,” Mr. Goar explained. “Oil around here was a lot cheaper than having coal shipped in. Today, we run them on used motor oil.”

There is so much more to learn about the trains, but don’t read about them, take a ride on a piece of Texas history.

——— To book a ride on the train, or to learn more, visit the Texas State Railroad website at www. texasstaterr.com TFH

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Slade Paradeaux

LEATHER-BOUND TRADITION Slade Saddle spans 137 years and five generations

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or nearly 140 years and across five generations a saddle with the “Slade” mark was a stamp of excellence and ensured the saddle also would be around for generations.

Cowboys and dignitaries alike made sure they had a Slade saddle sitting atop their horse and many would make the trip to Uvalde, where the shop originally was located, to meet with the people responsible for infusing quality into every stitch.

“If you don’t know anything about a horse and about leather, then you just don’t know how to put a saddle together,” fourth generation saddle maker Will Paradeaux said of his craft.

Slade saddle shop is now in the hands of the Paradeaux family, descendants of the Slade family. Slade Paradeux, the fifth generation of Slade saddle makers, runs the shop these days with his father, Will, helping him out in the business.

“The leather business is a bit of a dwindling trade,” Slade noted, “but everything I make is just a bit different. Everything is hand cut, hand tooled and hand made.

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Will Paradeaux Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART July 2015

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Slade Saddle “People still love that and it is a status symbol for many people,” Slade added.

The status and the quality started a long time ago when George C. Slade began his foray into the saddle-making business as an apprentice at Padgitt Brother Saddlery Co. in Waco where he learned the craft and became an expert, eventually taking over the A.M. Rice saddle shop in Uvalde in 1929. Through those years George Slade taught his son, Will A. Slade the business, helping to keep it in the family.

Over the ensuing years the trade was passed down through the family with a person from each generation eventually developing an interest in something that is more than a trade — it is an art form.

“It was something I decided to learn on my own,” Slade said. “But, I guess you can say it was in my blood.”

It isn’t just saddles keeping people coming to Slade Saddle Shop, as many come for hand made belts, wallets, holsters, chaps, brief cases, knife sheaths and Slade Saddle oozes many other leather items. tradition, from the “These aren’t made in tools used in the China items,” Slade conprocess of saddlefirmed. “These are things making and leather we make right here using work, to just holding our hands and people are something a grandparent did 80 years ago, Slade Saddle is full of memories. Right, Slade Paradeaux holds a college project done by his grandmother circa 1930, the book features a leather cover carved by his grandfather and inside is the Story of Hiawatha. Left, Will Paradeaux works on a custom saddle on order for a customer.

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coming back to that — they want that quality.”

The quality the Paradeaux men put into their craft is the same their grandfathers put into the business more than a century ago.

“It hasn’t changed all that much over the years,” Will Paradeaux said of making saddles. “We still do it the same as they did it in 1883, the only thing the horses are bigger and fatter these day.”

While the craftsmanship has not changed, saddle styles have somewhat.

“It used to be, a cowboy had to sit in a saddle all day long so he needed something comfortable, usually a high back saddle with a small cantle; today, though, saddles have become so specialized with roping, cutting and all the different specialties.

“Folks really aren’t spending all day in a saddle any more, they just need a saddle for their special event (in many instances.)

Saddles just aren’t for cowboys out working all day anymore.”

To create these saddles take a lot of experience and a lot of tools. Every tool has a special purpose, but it only is in the skilled hands of their masters their purpose fulfilled.

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Slade Saddle A miniature saddle hand-made and tooled

by Will Slade during the Great Depression, is a prized possession of Slade Paradeaux, a the fifth generation of Slade Saddle. Far left, Will Paradeaux checks out a pair of chaps made at Slade Saddle. Right, Will Paradeaux and his son Slade carry on the tradition of Slade Saddle, honored by such famous folks like Will Rogers, noted in a telegram.

Knives, punches, hammers and other objects used to shape, cut and add a personal and custom touch to the products produced inside the four walls of Slade Saddle Shop. While the work, at times, may seem repetitious, it truly is an art form as the detailed work imprinted and embossed into the leather comes to three dimensional life. It’s nothing new, as leather has been something Slade Paradeaux has worked on since he was a pre-teen, with some of his work depicting a bucking bull and a barrel racer hanging on the walls of the family shop in Luling. It also shows up in the work.

“When we build a saddle it usually takes about 40 hours of work to do a plain saddle,” Slade said. “Any hand tooling and that time goes up to at least 60 hours of work — there is a lot of effort and skill that goes into it.”

Don’t expect to go in there, order a saddle and leave with it in a week, though; as there is a nearly 12-month waiting list for a Slade saddle. That’s because people who know saddles know a Slade saddle was made to be ridden and provide the most comfort to the cowboy and to the thing most precious to a cowboy — his horse.

“A lot of times if a horse isn’t moving right and is really uncomfortable, it’s the saddle not fitting properly,” Slade noted.

“A poor fitting saddle can really create some problems for the horse and the rider.”

It has been that way for decades as people such as the famous Oklahoma philosopher Will Rogers purchased a Slade saddle years ago, also, former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe is a firm believer in the Slade Saddle, just as Gen. George

Patton and as legend has it, Pancho Villa., though the Paradeaux men can’t quite agree on the truth about Pancho Villa. A letter from Will Rogers confirms his love of the saddle, and a photo from governor Briscoe adorns the wall, along with other pictures from the shop’s historic past.

The photographs are memories from a bygone era when cattle was king around Uvalde, the saddle shop’s original home.

Just next door at the Kincaid Hotel, more cattle was bought and sold than any other place in Texas, Mr. Paradeaux noted, and the Slade family was right in the middle of it, and for the discerning cowboys the Slade saddle still is in the middle of it, and once bought, it will become a part of the family for decades to come.

The store moved to Luling around

Slade Saddle in Uvalde in 1950 with a saddle featuring cactus. LEFT: The same saddle today.

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1990. A few years before Mr. Paradeaux sold the saddle shop and entered the ministry. In the late 1980s the shop became available to the family once again and this time Mr. Paradeaux’ son, Slade, became a part of the family tradition when the father-son pair decided to relocate the shop to Luling, where Mr. Paradeaux was pastor at a local Christian Church.

Much of life has changed over the course of the past 137 years, just like the town the business calls home has changed, but there still are cowboys around who still need saddles, and many of them want a name they trust, and that name is still Slade.

——— Slade Saddle Shop also does saddle repair, custom made leather goods, home dé-

cor and just about anything that can be made from leather — except boots. To learn more about Slade Saddle Shop and the people who have carried on the tradition of excellence, visit their website at www. sladesaddleshop.net. TFH

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OUTDOOR FAMILY GETAWAY HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK

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ummer is meant to be spent outdoors and for families in need of a fun vacation spot, look no further than Huntsville State Park.

The park offers campers and visitors a bit of everything they need to make a vacation fun with things like swimming opportunities for kids, paddle boat and canoe rentals for families, fishing in the 210 acre Raven Lake, named after Huntsville’s most famous resident — Sam Houston. Motorboats are allowed in the lake at idle speeds only.

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Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

Huntsville State Park offers 160 different camp sites, screened shelters and shelters with amenities along with a group pavilion and a meeting hall, most notably Raven Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a 4,000 square foot facility with air conditioning, a full kitchen and other amenities. The front of the facility, facing away from the lake, features the distinctive architecture of the CCC with log construction. The back of the hall, facing the lake, features a rock façade with a large sitting area overlooking Raven Lake — a perfect location for family reunions and other group functions. Contact park headquarters to find out about availability.

Huntsville State Park also boasts a park store, known as Gator Junction, after the numerous alligators calling July 2015

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OUTDOOR FAMILY GETAWAY Boats await renters at the Huntsville State Park Boathouse, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Raven Lake home. The store features camping and fishing supplies, groceries, ice cream, cold drinks, ice, souvenirs and much more. Just down the bank from Gator Junction is the Boat House, where canoes and paddleboats are rented.

The thing making the boathouse so special is its CCC origins. Whether renting a boat or not, stop in the boat house and take a look at the murals on the walls dedicated to the park’s origins and the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

All of that is just part of the fun, as the park also has 21 miles of hiking trails for those wanting to strike out and experience a bit of what an East Texas pine forest is like.

Like horses? Then visit 2E Stables and arrange hour-long trail rides through Huntsville State Park. The horses are trail savvy and safe for riders of all experience levels. There are size limits, so contact 2E Stables at (210)861-0105 for more information or visit their website at www.2estables. com. Riders must be age 6 or older.

If all that is not enough fun, Huntsville State Park is just 6 miles south of Huntsville where visitors can shop through downtown boutiques for world class antiques, clothing, jewelry or just enjoy strolling and browsing through the historic down-

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Wildlife is abundant at Huntsville State Park.

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OUTDOOR FAMILY GETAWAY

town area. Not to be missed are many of the fine eating establishments around Huntsville.

If golf is part of the family fun list, then a head a few miles up to Raven Nest Golf Club, named one of the best economy courses in Texas and is operated by the Sam Houston State PGA Golf Management program.

Want to view a little history of the area, then there is no better place to visit than the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, located on 19th Street across from the main

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OUTDOOR FAMILY GETAWAY campus of Sam Houston State University. This year take part in the summer tours of the museum from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The guided tours take visitors through artifacts from the Huntsville area at the Walker Education Center, then go through the grounds of the museum and see Sam Houston’s favorite home, the Woodland Home. Stroll through the tranquil grounds of the park and try to remember what life would have been like in the mid-1800s when Sam Houston oversaw a fledgling country and helped lead it into statehood with the United States.

Also on the grounds is the Steamboat House, the home Houston lived in at the time of his death in 1863. Just on the other side of downtown Huntsville from the museum is Oakwood Cemetery, Sam Houston’s final resting place.

If that isn’t enough, across the interstate from Sam Houston State Park is the Sam Houston statue and museum, featuring the larger-than-life of Texas’ most famous hero. The statue is open to visitors every day.

——— To learn more about Huntsville State Park visit tpwd. texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville; also visit the museum’s website at samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com; and the Raven Nest Golf Club at www.ravennestgolf.com; to learn more about all Huntsville has to offer visit the Huntsville visitors center at www.huntsvilletexas.com. TFH

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Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

EXPLORING MADISONVILLE The Texas crossroads offers plenty of attraction to make visitors stay awhile instead of just passing through.

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t’s hard to go too many places in Texas without going through Madisonville.

For those living in East Texas, Madisonville is the gateway to Central Texas as folks head to the Bryan-College Station area and beyond toward Austin and the Texas Hill Country, it also is the gateway to East Texas as people from the center portion of this great state head toward the Forest Country.

On the next trip, don’t just drive through Madisonville, stop and stay awhile and experience some of the great hospitality and recreational opportunities this small town has to offer travelers who might just want to slow down for a couple of hours.

Madisonville provides those opportunities. Just north of downtown Madisonville is a quiet and picturesque

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The Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen’s Association has been a big tradition in Madisonville over the years. Right, the historic Woodbine Hotel has been a fixture in Madisonville for generations.

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EXPLORING MADISONVILLE

The Madison County Museum chronicles some of the history of Madison County and the county seat of Madisonville. Below, Lake Madisonville is a popular spot for residents and visitors to Madisonville. The lake is located north of downtown Madisonville along Collard Street.

75-acre lake providing great fishing opportunities for locals and visitors as it was stocked with bass, channel catfish and sunfish in the early 1970s not long after it was built.

The lake is the centerpiece of the 246-acre Lake Madison Park that boasts community meeting facilities, paved roads, picnic areas, playgrounds and a sports complex.

If fishing isn’t on the itinerary, then take in a round of golf at the Madisonville’s Oakridge Country Club, a public course southwest of downtown Madisonville located on FM 1452. The nine-hole layout features a well-maintained course able to provide a comfortable morning, or evening, of golf on the rolling hills outside of Madisonville.

If exploring history is an exciting travel experience, then spend some time at the Madisonville City Cemetery, located along

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EXPLORING MADISONVILLE

Madisonville serves at the county seat of Madison County, as noted by the Madison County Courthouse above, meanwhile, fishermen take advantage of a nice day on Lake Madisonville.

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EXPLORING MADISONVILLE the historic Texas 21, also known as El Camino Real.

While strolling through the cemetery, pay careful attention to the cemetery’s northwest corner, the old section. There the grave of the Father of Madisonville can be found, he also was a Hero of the Battle of San Jacinto — the decisive battle for the life of independent Texas — Job Stark Collard.

Job Stark came to Texas from Missouri in 1834, and when hostilities erupted with Mexico in 1835 and early 1836, Mr. Collard joined the cause of Texas independence.

He eventually became a captain in the Republic of Texas Army, and served in the Battle of San Jacinto as a part of Capt. William Ware’s company. The cemetery also is the

An old Humble Oil station located a few blocks east of downtown on Texas 21. final resting place of Jubal R. Parten, a Texas oil baron and the architect of the Big-Inch Pipeline connecting the great East Texas Oil Field with the East Coast during World War II, giving the United States and the allies the fuel they needed to win the war.

If shopping is on the docket, then Madisonville has that

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too, as the downtown area features notable shops including antique stores, clothing stores, gift shops quality dining experiences such as Texas Legend’s Steakhouse, Lakeside, Walker Café. Also, the Woodbine Hotel is a popular destination for those looking for a fine-dining location and an elegant bed and breakfast experience.

Beginning this month, on the last Friday of every month, downtown retail shops will keep their doors open until 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to walk the sidewalks of downtown Madisonville and enjoy the live music while exploring the boutique shops of downtown and searching for clothing, jewelry, home décor, gifts and more. Participating merchants include the Mule Barn, Heart to Heart, Nettles Country, Standley Feed & Seed, Lucille May Market, Vintage Finds, Texas Legends Steakhouse and Walker’s Café.

Many of the shops are planning special events for the evening — so don’t miss this family friendly small-town event brought in a way only Madisonville can. TFH The historic Madisonville City Cemetery is home to several notable people. There is a woman buried in the cemetery who was born in 1755.

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TEXAS HISTORY + HERITAGE

A legendary lawman Bass Reeves believed to have inspired the story behind “The Lone Ranger” Story by WAYNE STEWART

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A statue of Bass Reeve in Fort Smith, Arkansas

f lawmen had stat sheets like baseball players then one Texas man may be considered the Babe Ruth of law enforcement — Bass Reeves.

Over the course of his crime fighting career this man born into slavery arrested more than 3,000 felons and killed 14 men in the line of duty. His law enforcement exploits became the thing of

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legend as he is believed to have inspired the story behind “The Lone Ranger.”

Born in 1838, Bass Reeves came to Texas as an 8-year-old with William Reeves, his owner, whose father George Reeves served as Speaker of the House in the Texas legislature. During the Civil War Bass Reeves escaped his Texas slave owners and headed for the Indian

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Territory, now known as Oklahoma, and stayed there until the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery was enacted in 1865.

As the years passed Bass Reeves married a woman named Nellie Jennie, also from Texas. Together the couple had 10 children and during this time he worked as an Arkansas farmer until he was hired to serve as a deputy U.S. Marshal

due to his experience and knowledge of the Indian Territory. With his swearing in Bass Reeves became the first African-America deputy west of the Mississippi River.

In 1893 he was transferred to the Eastern District of Texas in Paris, then later up to Muskogee, Okla. in 1897.

Over his 32 years as an officer of the law he brought in many notorious criminals, and in all of his gunfights was never wounded, and was a renowned marksman with a rifle and his trusty pistols.

Often overlooked was his detective skills, which helped to lead him to his high arrest total as he was able to track down and find wanted criminals across an area spanning 75,000 square miles.

As a lawman Reeves was a striking figure at 6-feet 2 inches, always riding a white stallion (much like the fictional Lone Ranger) and became known during his ca-

Bass Reeves reer as a master of disguise, and when tested, deadly with the two Colt pistols he wore — proving to be equally adept at shooting with either hand. During his forays into the Indian Territory Reeves often brought along an Indian Scout known as a “Posse Man” and also a wagon and a cook.

One of his toughest cases was when Bass Reeves was forced to track down and arrest his own son who was charged with murdering his wife. The son spent some

The Lone Ranger was popularized in comics, movies, television and radio.

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HISTORY + HERITAGE time in federal prison, but was eventually released and pardoned of the crime due to his model behavior and likely due in part to the prowess of his father.

Eventually the Marshal service was phased out as Oklahoma took over its own law enforcement duties in 1907.

For two years Bass Reeves served as a policeman before retiring in 1909 due to illness. He died on Jan. 12, 1910 and was buried in Muskogee, Okla.

When the Lone Ranger made its way first onto the radio and eventually to television and movies, many of his actions and exploits mirrored those of Bass Reeves, though the Lone Ranger was never portrayed as African-American.

After his death he has received many accolades as his many accomplishments have come to light. He was the first African-American inducted into the Great Westerners Hall of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1992 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2010. The U.S. Route 62 bridge over the Arkansas River now bears his name and a statue in Fort Smith, Ark. with him atop his trusty stallion honors the famed lawman. TFH

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Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Hot Dogs

SPICIN’ UP SUMMER Recipes by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

F Strawberry Shortcake

ood is something that can change with the season.

When it is hot outside then try something spicy, followed by a cool and fruity dessert.

Do you like tried and true summer favorites? If so, add a bit to it by stuffing a hot dog and wrapping it with what else — bacon.

Just because it’s sultry outside doesn’t mean cooking something can’t be fun these are the days to experiment and even try something new.

Like a fruit pizza. While we have featured one before, this one is a bit different featuring the velvety smooth flavor of marscapone cheese.

If tradition is your thing, like we noted in our column, then try this easy-tomake strawberry shortcake — a Texas Farm & Home favorite.

For a main course try some delicious chicken flautas, or maybe some spinach quesadillas, round it out with some guacamole and it becomes a great mid-summer treat.

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FARM & HOME

Recipes

Flautas

Chicken Flautas Oil for frying 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 red onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded 1 cup salsa 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Juice of one lime In a pan over medium heat melt butter and sautĂŠ onions until tender, about five minutes. Add garlic and other spices and cook about two more minutes. Add chicken and salsa and stir, continue to cook until heated through, add cilantro, cheese and lime.

In a skillet, add about an inch of cooking oil and heat to about 375 degrees.

Lay tortillas out, and spread a spoonful of chicken mixture along each tortilla, roll tortilla tightly and place seam side down in hot oil, allow to brown then

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Spinach Quesadillas

turn. When brown all over, remove from hot oil and place on plate with paper towels. Place on platter and put in preheated 200 degree oven to keep warm while others cook.

Serve with guacamole. Put a few refried beans and some Spanish rice on a plate to enjoy a wonderful meal.

Spinach Quesadillas 8 ounces baby spinach 8 large tortillas 8 ounces Cheddar/Monterrey Jack Cheese 1 cup taco sauce 1 grilled chicken, finely chopped 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup whole kernel corn 1 cup black beans, cooked In large pot mix chicken, taco sauce, corn, beans and chicken and heat through.

Lay out tortilla and spread chicken mixture over half of tortilla, sprinkle spinach over mixture and then cheese. Fold over other half of tortilla. In a skillet melt 1/2 tablespooon of butter. Place quesadilla in hot butter and cook until it become stiff, turn quesadilla over and brown on back side. Remove from heat and place in warm oven until others are done. Makes four to six quesadillas.

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Hot Dogs 1 teaspoon ketchup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 4 large links of Polish kielbasa Cheddar cheese cut into long sticks 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 cup sauer kraut, optional 4 slices bacon Olive oil Pretzel hot dog buns Mix ketchup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. In another bowl mix the sauerkraut with the chopped onion and set aside. Slice the sausage lengthwise to form a deep pocket being careful not to cut all the way through. Coat the inside of the sausage with the ketchup mixture. Place a strip of cheese in the pocket of the hot dog. Top with sauerkraut and onion mixture then tightly wrap with bacon.

Just a tip, partially cook the bacon in the microwave before wrapping around hot dog, this will cut down on the cooking time and drippings that can cause a fire.

Cook until the sausages are thoroughly heated and the bacon is done and the cheese is melted.

Place in warmed buns and serve with chili and other condiments if desired.

Courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission

Roasted Potato and Bacon Caesar Salad 1 lb. Idaho速 baby red potatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced salt and pepper to taste 4 cups romaine lettuce leaves 4 Slices bacon, cooked crispy Caesar Dressing Ingredients: 2 Anchovy filets 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon mustard 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Add the potatoes to a pot of boiling water, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Drain and set aside to cool just long enough to be handled. Peel and slice in half.

Pre-heat the oven to 400 de-

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grees.

Add the tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic to a pan and saute for one minute. Add the potatoes, stir to coat and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Be careful not to over-salt because the dressing will be salty.

Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are a light golden brown.

Make the dressing by combining the anchovies, garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese in a small food processor. Puree and then, with the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Season with pepper and salt, if desired, although it will probably be salty enough.

Divide the lettuce evenly onto four plates, top each with potatoes, drizzle with the dressing, crumble the bacon on top and grate on some additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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FARM & HOME

Recipes 1 tub Marscapone cheese 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Take half of cookie dough and roll out into a flat circle. Place on cookie sheet and bake in 375 degree oven until done, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before topping.

Meanwhile, allow Marscapone cheese to soften, then add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Spread evenly over cookie. Alternate rounds around pizza with blackberries, then strawberries. Mix tablespoon water with apricot preserves then brush over the fruit. Place any unused portion of the pizza in the refrigerator.

Strawberry Shortcake Shortcake:

Fruit Pizza Sugar cookie dough, makes enough for two pizzas: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 egg 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

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Beat together powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg in a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.

Pizza: Fresh blackberries Fresh strawberries 1/4 cup apricot preserves 1 tablespoon water

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Sugar 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup shortening 1/3 cup milk 1 egg 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 pints strawberries 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup sugar Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare a tube pan by greasing and flouring the pan.

In a bowl mix 1/4 cup sugar, flour, shortening, milk, egg, baking powder, lemon peel and salt. Beat until well combined then place into baking pan.

Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Wash and slice strawberries then sprinkle with a 1/3 cup of sugar.

After cake is done, invert onto a platter and cut in half. While cake is cooling make whipped cream by beating 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on high speed.

When soft peaks form add in 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until peaks stiffen. Spread half of whipped cream over bottom layer of cake, add strawberries, then top with other half of cake. Then layer again with whipped cream and strawberries. Garnish and decorate the cakes as desired. TFH

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Strawberry Shortcake

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas

Story and Photography By Randy Rollo

A PERFECT DINING EXPERIENCE The Garden Company Market Place and Café

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chulenburg is the perfect rest stop when traveling from San Antonio to Houston on Interstate 10 or traveling north or south on Texas highway 77. The city of Schulenburg is known as the home of the painted churches.

It has several museums including the Stanzel Model Aircraft museum, the Texas Polka Music museum, and the Historical museum. The city has several outstanding venues where you can dine, and right at the top of the list is The Garden Co. Market Place and Café.

The Garden Co. is a unique eating establishment. On first impression the location is a nursery, because you can see the plants; but on closer examination you notice the big letters on the side of the building letting you know that this business is a cafe and market also. The Garden Co. was established in 1990 and started as a nursery and landscape services company. They still operate several landscaping crews that design and build all types of beautiful outdoor areas.

However the nursery and landscaping business is seasonal and the owners Stevie Smith-Thompson and Jeff Thompson decided last December to open a small Spinach Waldorf Salad sandwich shop. One thing led to another, they met and

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Te xas Dining & Shopping Guide

ABOVE: Chinese Chicken Sandwich

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas also are visually appealing.

I sampled several items off the lunch menu and every serving that I ate was outstanding. I started with the grilled salmon salad. In consisted of local greens, tomatoes and citrus vinaigrette topped with grilled Norwegian salmon and finished with a basil pesto glaze. Next I tried the steak sandwich. It is a French

Stevie Smith-Thompson, Jeff Thompson and Kenny Kopecky hired chef Kenny Kopecky, and the small sandwich shop is now a full cafe with a wood fired pizza oven and an outdoor Biergarten.

The Garden Co. has a great menu with all types of choices from the wood fired pizzas, burgers, mussels, a wide choice

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of salads, seared duck, ribeye steak, and fresh pacific seafood. Yes, in Schulenburg fresh pacific sushi grade seafood is flown in weekly from Hawaii, and prepared fresh, never frozen. Chef Kenny Kopecky does an amazing job of preparing not only a great tasting product, but his creations

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roll with grilled hanger steak, caramelized onion confit, chimichurri, lettuce, served with horseradish creme. It was an outstanding steak, with a perfect mixture of marbling. The horseradish creme was a great compliment of tastes. Then I tried the special of the day, the Chinese chicken sandwich. It was chicken lightly breaded with corn flakes, coconut, and the Asian spice togarashi served on a bun. It had layers of flavor with tasting the spice first followed by the chicken and topped with a sweet Asian zing. But I could not stop there. Next, on to the spinach Waldorf salad which consists of grilled chicken, baby spinach, Granny Smith apples, grapes, mango, walnuts, blue cheese and celery with a honey mustard dressing; what an outstanding mixture of flavors set off by the apples and mangos. The last dish I sampled was so good I could not stop eating it. The Asian lettuce wraps were great! The filling is chicken, water chestnuts, carrots, and mushrooms served with a stellar Asian sauce along side crisp Boston leaf lettuce cups. This dish is listed as a starter on the menu and is great to share, if you like Asian this is a “must try” dish that has layers of flavors.

Stevie, Jeff, and Kenny do an outstanding job with the cafe. The Garden Co. uses only fresh ingredients, and grows many of the items they serve including tomatoes and spices. They offer a ribeye and beef tenderloin that is USDA prime, wet aged for three weeks, and cut in house. None of

Grilled Salmon Salad

Steak Sandwich their items are deep-fried and they use the freshest ingredients available. They serve beer and wine with a line of organic Sonoma valley wines available. All of the tables and most of fixtures were built at the Garden Co. Stevie and Jeff offer a complete experience, after dining you can browse the gift shop or the plants in the nursery. The Garden Co. does small catering jobs and also has another gift shop located in Round Top on Henkel square.

They have a childrens’ menu and specials that change everyday.

Once or twice a month they also have live music in the Biergarten so check their Facebook page for dates.

If you are traveling near Schulenburg I recommend you try the Garden Co., it is located at 217 Kessler Ave in Schulenburg just 3 blocks south of interstate 10 on Highway 77 and worth the short trip off the interstate. The nursery and gift shop operate from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

The cafe is open for lunch 11-3 Monday-Saturday and for dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday; they are closed on Sunday. Normally you do not need reservations for lunch, but a reservation is recommended for dinner. Call (979) 743-4648 and enjoy a perfect dining experience. TFH July 2015

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TEXAS TRAVELS

Staycation in Houston

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Story and Photography by MARILYN JONES

taycations have become very popular for couples and families in recent years for many reasons. For one thing everyone is busy with work, sports, organizations, church and other social obligations. But the importance of getting away from it all remains just as important as it ever was.

Texans have hundreds of possibilities including awesome cities to explore. In East Texas, Houston has become a staycation option for many with many attractions, world-class accommodations and exceptional restaurant choices.

DO There are dozens of options for adults and children in Houston from children’s museums to fine art galleries to the zoo and the symphony. Here are some of the top attractions in Houston.

Space Center Houston is a theme park-like tribute to the

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Space Center Houston.

Photos courtesy Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Peska Seafood Culture is a new Houston restaurant.

space program and Houston’s ongoing role in its success. This is the official visitors’ center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Exhibits include Blast-Off, a multimedia sensory experience where visitors encounter high-definition audio and video to simulate a space shuttle blast off; Living in Space, a hands-on exhibit where guests can test their skills at landing the shuttle or retrieving a satellite through interactive computer simulators; and The Astronaut Gallery featuring spacesuits dating back to the first American trip to space and a wall that contains portraits and crew photos of every U.S. astronaut who has flown in space.

But a trip to Space Center Houston wouldn’t be complete without the NASA Tram Tour. With this behind-the-scenes journey, you visit the historic “Houston we have a problem” Mission Control Center and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.

At Downtown Aquarium you are immersed into the wonders of the sea, mysteries of the swamp and legends of the jungle as your enter the aquarium and observe its 200 species of aquatic life from around the world.

After exploring the aquarium, there’s still more fun outdoors.

Outside is the featured attraction Shark Voyage. A train makes its way through a glass tunnel with blacktips, whitetips, sandtigers, zebra sharks and sawfish swimming overhead. For the younger set there are also carnival-style games to play, a fountain for kids to run through, and amusement rides including a Ferris wheel and carousel.

The Houston Zoo is always a favorite.

The sprawling 55-acre park is home to more than 6,000 animals representing more than 800 species.

Your adventure will take you through

The African Forest, the zoo’s recently opened area, beginning with a village trading outpost before winding your way into the forest where you can observe chimpanzees, white rhino, Masai giraffes,

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TEXAS TRAVELS zebra and ostriches in natural surroundings.

Other habitats feature Asian elephants, tigers, jaguars, grizzly bears, elands and warthogs as well as tropical birds, an aquarium with everything from coral reefs and the Amazon Basin to the Rift Valley lakes of Africa, and the Reptile House.

Always a favorite with children is the children’s zoo where river otters play, and children can pet goats and sheep.

EAT The restaurants and hotel I picked, although family friendly, certainly appeal to anyone on a special couple getaway.

At Caracol, ingredients are sourced from the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean for authentic regional and historic dishes of Mexico according to Chef Hugo Ortega. “We want the restaurant to be a ‘beach getaway’ at any time during the week.”

Caracol’s brunch, lunch and dinner menu options include such dishes as Pescado Alcaparrado a la Plancha today’s catch, tomatillo-caper sauce and crispy shallot, and Mariscos al Ajillo scallop, shrimp, lobster, clams, mussels, octopus, frog legs, mojo de ajo, chile de arbol and green onion. Add to this beef, lamb and pork options.

The atmosphere is casual, the staff is friendly and the food is perfection.

“We hope the menu, décor and even our wait staff uniforms transport our guests

Royal Sonesta Hotel - Photos courtesy Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

to their favorite places in Mexico even if for an hour or two,” Ortega says. “Join us at Caracol for a culinary tour along the Mexican coasts.”

Peska Seafood Culture is a new Houston restaurant marking two culinary milestones for the city. The restaurant and bar showcases seafood traditions from around the world and introduces a seafood market component into finer dining, and its executive chef is one of the youngest in the nation.

Just 20 years old, Chef Omar Pereney relocated from Mexico City for the position. The Venezuela native began his

What’s Online GLOBETROTTING

TEXAN

Antarctica

By Marilyn Jones

Getting to Antarctica is no easy feat.

Since I live in Northeast Texas, I like to fly out of Shreveport, so I flew Shreveport to Houston to LAX to Lima to Buenos Aires International Airport to a domestic airport by way of an hour long bus ride. From here I flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. I left Friday morning and arrived Sunday morning. The reverse trip was even longer

because my flight from LAX to Houston was canceled, but that’s another story.

Ushuaia is a delightful city used to tourists not only taking one of the ships to Antarctica, but Tierra del Fuego National Park is just a short distance away from the city and offers lakes, mountains and numerous hiking paths.

This is also a popular skiing destination in winter.

Ushuaia Bay is beautiful with its backdrop of snowcovered mountains and it’s pleasant to stroll along the waterfront, stop at the many shops and have a nice meal.

And friendly locals at the tourist information center will stamp your passport to

career at age 12, hosted a Latin American television cooking show at 15, landed his first Executive Chef role at 16 and served as a Chef Instructor for Le Cordon Bleu at 18.

The menu focuses on the best of globally sourced seafood and cuisine that blends the cooking styles of the Mediterranean, Europe and South America.

STAY Royal Sonesta hotel near the Galleria is a beautiful upscale hotel with a causal feel and friendly staff located in the heart of it all with shopping, dining and entertainment just outside the door. Many

prove you were in the world’s southernmost city.

The next afternoon I met with 90 other passengers at a hotel where we checked in with crew members before taking a bus to the ship. I was surprised at the age range— a few tweens, a large contingent of twenty-something backpackers, middle-aged couples, and older men and women from all over the world.

Onboard One Ocean Expeditions’ Akademik Ioffe, an ice strengthened ship specially designed to take passengers across the Drake Passage—the world’s most turbulent waters—I unpacked and began exploring the ship. A dining room, bar,

library, gift shop and lecture rooms offered plenty of ocean views and amenities for the two days at sea before we arrived in Antarctica.

The Drake Passage was as rough as its reputation although crew members said it often gets worse. But after two days the ocean calmed and Antarctica came into view.

For the next five days we traveled along the northern edge of Antarctica. The view from the ship was spectacular: great mountains and glaciers reflecting the summer sunlight against a backdrop of crystal blue skies. Seals cruised by on ice flows and penguins swam past the ship.

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

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R s a c A H

RIGHT: At Caracol, ingredients are sourced from the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean for authentic Mexican dishes. Photos courtesy Caracol ABOVE: Houston Zoo - Photo courtesy Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

restaurants and shops are within walking distance including Caracol and Peska Seafood Culture.

This hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Property and received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2014.

Hotel Sorella is a cornerstone for CITICENTER. This hotel is not as laid back as The Royal Sonesta, but makes up for it with its beautiful rooms and public spaces including a European Murano glass chandelier.

Right outside the door is CITICENTER with its upscale shopping and dining options.

Houston offers it all: couples’ getaway, family-style, casual and upscale.

For more information:

• Space Center Houston www.spacecenter.org • Downtown Aquarium www.aquariumrestaurants.com • Houston Zoo: www.houstonzoo. org • Caracol: www.caracol • Peska Seafood Culture: • www.peska.us • Royal Sonesta: www.sonesta.com/ royalhouston • Hotel Sorella: www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com For information about other attractions, restaurants and hotels: www.visithoustontexas.com July 2015

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GARDENING BASICS

let’s get growing — tips for July

Calla Black Forest

Dianthus Gladiolus

Bearded Iris

Tales from the dark side Story By Barbara Cook & Jolene Renfro Crockett Garden Club & Davy Crockett Master Gardeners

“Sometimes I have a tendency to walk on the dark side.”

C

J. K. Rowling author of Harry Potter

onjure up a mental picture of a black flower and you think of something that is elegant, mysterious, dramatic, sophisticated, and symbolic of “farewell and goodbye”. Plant breeders have worked very hard to come up with a true black flower, but so far

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everything, and makes a fashion statement. If you want that look for your garden, look for the following plants at your local garden center, or order them from catalogues: For cold weather blooms, plant “Queen of the Night” tulips, “Almost

Black” pansies, and “Black and Gold” primroses. These will all die back as warmer weather comes along, but a new group of black plants is waiting in the wings ready to take their place. Warmer spring weather will support “Superstition” iris, and

Lili Landini

have only been able to grow plants that are dark blue-black or maroonblack--- total black seems to have eluded them.

From Yahoo Answers.com we learn that flowers that appear almost black reflect large amounts of pigments from a class of chemicals present in plants known as anthocyanins.

Why is there such dark pigment in nature? This pigment absorbs light and protects the plant from UV or oxidative damage. The absorption of light creates an environment that cold-blooded insects can come to and keep their muscles warm enough to function. Warmth is a reward for insect pollinators, but evidently not as great a reward as the pollen and nectar in brighter- hued flowers, so black flowers are not that common in nature. Also, in a climate that has lots of sunshine (warmth), dark flowers would be quickly dehydrated by the sun, shortening the time seeds would have to grow to maturity, so these plants would have a difficult time reproducing themselves.

However, plant developers, knowing that gardeners want to add a little excitement to their landscape, have a few specimens of almost black flowers available from which you can choose. The names given to all these black plants are indicative of the ability of the color black to convey images of power and sophistication.

Think about the “little black dress” that every woman needs in her wardrobe that goes everywhere, goes with July 2015

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GARDENING BASICS “Mourning Widow” geraniums.

Not to be outdone, the summer season also sports a number of nearly black flowering plants. These include “Chocolate” cosmos, “Black Eye” and “Landini” Asiatic lilies, “Edge of Night” or “Black Forest” calla lily, “Almost Black” rose, “Black” hollyhocks, “Black Fury” daylilies,

“Black Velvet” petunias, and “Black Walnut” gladiolus.

Included in summer’s black beauties are plants that have bright red flowers, but dark, almost black foliage. Some examples are “Black Diamond” crepe myrtle, “Midnight Marvel” hibiscus, and “Australia” or “Black Knight” canna.

Hollyhocks

Lily Blackeye

Canna Black Knight

Having no flowers and grown just for its dark foliage, “Black Magic” colocasia (elephant ears) will add just that hint of the tropical and exotic to make it a focal point in a shady part of the garden.

This year think about whistling in the dark and plant some of these almost black plants, for as poet Walt Whitman said, “Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.” TFH

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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.

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TEXAS EVENTS JULY

10-11 — FAYETTEVILLE: City Wide Garage Sale Find bargains and treasures at Fayetteville’s world famous City Wide Garage Sale on the second Saturday of July – Presales start Friday. Antique dealers, collectors, and junk enthusiasts will revel in the variety of garage sale items spread out around Fayetteville and in the square.

During the day, enjoy the specials held by the local merchants and then set up your lawn chairs for Texas Pickin’ Park. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 10 — ROUND TOP: The Best of 2015 Chamber Music Program with Young Artists at Festival Hill. Tickets are $24 for adults and $10 for students.

PRAIRIES AND LAKES 11 — ROUND TOP: Festival Hill Concert Hall Closing Or-

chestra Program Texas Festival Orchestra with Vladimir Kulenovich conductor; James Dick on piano, all performing Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Ludwig van Beethoven.

PRAIRIES AND LAKES 10-Aug. 2 — WIMBERLEY: “Catch Me if you Can” Presented by The Wimberley Players. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Wimberley Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road. www.wimberleyplayers.org 512/847-0575 HILL COUNTRY 11 — WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4-7 p.m. Wimberley Square. www.wimberleyarts.org 512/8472201 HILL COUNTRY 12 — MARBLE FALLS: Founders Day This community celebrates its founding in

1887 with music, exhibits, food, stories and demonstrations of skills from the past. Falls on the Colorado Museum. www.falls museum.org HILL COUNTRY 16-Aug. 9 — ROUND TOP: Shakespeare at Winedale This year’s performances include “Twelfth Night” and “Henry V.” Winedale Theater Barn. www. shakespeare-winedale.org 512/471-4726 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 18, 25, Aug. 1 — SALADO: Salado Legends Central Texas’ favorite outdoor musical drama.

Written by playwright/lyricist, nationally honored Jackie Mills and directed by Donnie Williams. This play depicts life in the 1850s. Reservations are required for the optional dinner. Dinner 7:15 p.m., $10 adult or child. Show 8:15 p.m. $20 adult, $5 for child under 12 years. Tickets online: www.

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tablerock.org, Group Tickets 254-947-9205. Tickets for sale at Fletchers Books & Antiques, First State Bank and Compass Bank. Show tickets sold on show night at gate. Concessions building open at 7:30 p.m.

PRAIRIES AND LAKES 18 — BRAZORIA: Santa Anna Heritage Ball This reenactment of the ball given after the Battle of Velasco in 1832 welcomes guests in period costume (optional) for dinner, dancing and auctions. Reservations required. Begins at 6:30 p.m. Brazoria Civic Center, 202 W. Smith St. www.brazoriahf.org 979/236-0241 GULF COAST 18 — FREDERICKSBURG: Night in Old Fredericksburg Fredericksburg’s original celebration of its German Heritage includes live music, food and other vendors. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.gillespiefair.

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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

com 830/997-2359 HILL COUNTRY 18 — FRIONA: Cheeseburger Festival Come to the official “Cheeseburger Capital of Texas” to taste what competitors cook up. Judging begins at 11 a.m., and cheeseburgers are ready for the public at 11:30.

Also enjoy a car and motorcycle show, music, arts-and-crafts booths and other food vendors. Friona City Park, 700 Main St. www.frionachamber.com 806/250-3491 PANHANDLE PLAINS 18 — VICTORIA: Cowboys and Coyotes Activities, educational talks and live music focus on cowboy culture. The Texas Zoo, 110 Memorial Drive. www.texaszoo.org 361/573-7681 GULF COAST 20-26 — LONGVIEW: Great Texas Balloon Race and U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships The official “Balloon Capital of Texas” hosts this three-day, world-class balloon competition with more than 80 sport and special-shape balloons, concerts, food and exhibits. The “ring toss” event challenges balloon pilots to steer well enough to catch a 12-inch ring on a 20-foot pole. The evening “balloon glow” is a crowd favorite. East Texas Regional Airport. www. greattexasballoonrace.com 903/753-3281 FOREST COUNTRY 21 — BOERNE: Abendkonzerte Enjoy

traditional German music and tales from Boerne’s historic past from the Boerne Village Band. Main Plaza, 100 N. Main. www. boerne-tx.gov/parks 830/249-9511 opt. 5 HILL COUNTRY 23-25 — CLUTE: Great Texas Mosquito Festival This 33rd annual event features live entertainment each evening, a carnival, arts and crafts, mosquito-calling contest and other competitions. Clute Municipal Park, 100 Brazoswood Drive. www.mosquitofestival.com 979/265-8392 GULF COAST 25 — BANDERA: National Day of the American Cowboy Watch real cowboys from South Texas ranches compete in events that showcases teamwork and skills used every day on the ranch in the evening. Also includes a horse race in the afternoon and other events at the Frontier Times Museum. Mansfield Park. www. frontier timesmuseum.org 830/796-3864 HILL COUNTRY 31 — 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.

Come walk along the sidewalks of Madisonville, enjoy live music, and explore the unique boutique shops for clothing, jewelry, home items, gifts, plants, yard decor and much more.

After discovering some new favorite shopping spots, finish the evening at any of the nearby restaurants, located just steps away. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 31-Aug 2 — SCHULENBURG: 37th Annual Schulenburg Festival at Wolters Park, continious live music; rodeo PRAIRIES AND LAKES

AUGUST 1 — LUCKENBACH: Hill Country Food Truck Festival Enjoy a food-lovers’ paradise of food trucks, wine and live music.

Luckenbach. www.luckenbach texas.com 830/997-3224 HILL COUNTRY 1 — WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Lions Market Day Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Wimberley Lions field, 601 F.M. 1325. www.ShopMarketDays.com 512/847-2201 HILL COUNTRY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner Includes barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, hat and pistol branding, archery, oldfashioned photos, a cowboy stage show, gunslingers, line dancing and other entertainment. Hours are 5:30–7:30 p.m. www. flyingl.com 800/292-5134 HILL COUNTRY 6-8 — DALHART: XIT Rodeo and Re-

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union Annual event celebrates the cowhands that worked the famous 3 million-acre XIT Ranch. Includes nightly rodeo events, live music and dances, free chicken wing feed Thursday, free pork chops Friday, the World’s Largest Free Barbecue on Saturday, a street parade, fiddler’s contest, wild cow-milking contest, nickel scramble, arts and crafts show, the La Rita Theatre XIT Melodrama, queen’s contest, 5K run and more. Rita Blanca Coliseum and Rodeo Grounds and other locations, F.M. 281 at Apache Drive. www.xit-rodeo.com 806/244-5646 or 806/244-4434 PANHANDLE PLAINS 9 — GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist Serves awe-inspiring gospel music coupled with a mouth-watering buffet from 10:30 a.m.–noon.

Advance tickets recommended.

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road. www.gruenehall.com 830/629-5077 or 830/606-1601 HILL COUNTRY 11-16 — FAIRFIELD: Big T Bash PRCA Rodeo, Barbecue cookoff, carnival, craft fair, music festival; 6th annual proceeds go to Big Ts Buddies Autism Support Network sponsored by Golden Circle Special Needs Organization. 903-4313611 HILL COUNTRY 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

Hills Vineyard, 878 Ranch-toMarket 2766. www.texashillsvineyard.com 830/868-2321 HILL COUNTRY

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

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 Lim- pia. www.FortDavis.com 432/4263015 BIG BEND 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

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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

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COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD H By LOIS MARIE GUYMER

Brown Thumb-Itus!

A hh, summer! For some it represents the picture perfect time for relaxing in the porch swing and sipping iced tea, while for others the lake beckons in peaceful, shimmery silver invitation.

And naturally, while the days just seemed designed for sweatin’, swattin’ mosquitoes and dodgin’ red wasps, it is also the season for a kid to cut loose and enjoy life. From digging “up” worms and “down” into doodlebug holes, God seems to have designed hot weather for the barefoot joys of wading in the creek and having too much watermelon to eat! Any way you slice it, to the fortunate summer equals the sum total of long, lazy, relaxing days of fun.

On the other hand, if the preceding spring has been kissed by gentle rains and fast-fading frosts, summer also grows into a time of plenty – plenty of produce from the garden, that is, and plenty of work putting it up! For along with those picturesque nights where mockingbirds singing in the moonlight, grows a volume of vegetables to be watered, hoed, picked and canned for future consumption.

Stemming from a long line of farmers myself, although our parents worked a family business, I grew up with several uncles blessed with green thumbs and generous hearts. From a tender age I watched my mama and learned to help when the produce started to pour in. So it comes as no wonder that I was put to shelling peas by the time I could sit and hold a bowl in my lap without spilling it.

Since our whole clan loves anything that resembles a bean or pea, everyone’s garden always abounded in purple-hulls, black-eyes, crowders, and little cream peas, not to mention fresh pintos. Back in the day, many summer mornings found mama and me out on the porch in the early cool, shelling away at a

bushel basket of one or the other. The black eyes were easy to shell, but I dreaded to see a basket of those little cream peas come in the door, for as delicious as they were, I knew my thumbs would end up sore before the bottom of the bushel hove into sight.

My favorite variety to shell were the purple hulls. They were easy to unzip and the bowl filled to the brim as fast as my fingers could fly. There’s just one thing though, that will always give you away about shelling purple hulls – your fingers are left with a dark, tell-tail stain when you’re finished.

And if you are like me and shell with your thumb most of the time, you may be showing off a case of BrownThumb-itus for quite a spell after a bushel basket or two of these tasty picks!

That being said, I never minded the embarrassment of having brown thumbs too much because Mama loved to cook up a pot of those delicious peas nearly every week when they were coming in fresh. Severed along with a pan of hot buttermilk cornbread, some green onions and big juicy slices of red-ripe tomatoes, and we had a lip-lickin’ meal set to stuff us with enough contentment to purr, as we pushed back from the table.

Now, looking back on those days, it’s not so much the hard work I remember. And it isn’t the sweat-trickling stillness of our small kitchen with just a window and door open to cool the air as Mama cooked and canned her way to heated exhaustion. No, what I remember most about those times was the way we worked together, sitting out on the porch, laughing and talking our way to the bottom of the bushels as Mama shared her memories. And mostly, it’s the way I learned to appreciate having BrownThumb-Itus, for it meant we were part of a family that seasoned the pot of peas with lots of love. 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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