Mueller
October 2023
FAMILY FUN
WITH CARGO BIKES
YOUR GARDEN: SPRING BEAUTY STARTS NOW
‘MARGARITAVILLE’ MEMORIES
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OCTOBER 2023
Contents
14 10
18 6
22 28
IN EVE RY ISSU E
F E AT U R ES
14 18
Authentic Tastes of Mexico
Two sisters make a delicious dream come true with their homeland cuisine at Veracruz Fonda & Bar.
Cargo Bike Cruising
Car-free transportation sparks joy, saves money, helps the environment and connects one family to the community.
4
Publisher’s Note HELLO, FALL!
6
What’s New EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
10 Meet Me at the Market SMOKIN’ SUCCESS 30 Better Health BREAST CANCER FACTS 32 Photo Op SUNSET HAIKU
O N T HE COVER
22 Spring Beauty Starts Now
Reyna (left) and Maritza Vazquez of Veracruz Fonda & Bar bring hometown Mexican flavors to the local dining scene.
28 Mueller and ‘Margaritaville’
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO
You don’t need a green thumb to follow simple fall steps for a vibrant spring garden.
Did Jimmy Buffett write his signature song here? Multiple versions of the story say yes.
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COMMERCIAL UNITS AVAILABLE! THE GATEWAY TO MUELLER Parkside at Mueller offers a unique opportunity to own ground-floor commercial space in the award winning Mueller neighborhood. Direct-entry commercial units are available for sale, and range in size from 2,500 – 3,400+ square feet. Delivering early 2024, please reach out for more information! SALES CONTACTS JAKE MALONE
PAUL BYARS, CCIM
512.897.3075
512.694.0878
JAKE@SAYERSADVISORS.COM
PAUL@SAYERSADVISORS.COM
LOCAL HOT-SPOTS! ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE COLLEEN’S KITCHEN BAO’D UP RESTORE HYPRE-WELLNESS MARAFUKU RAMEN SWEETGREEN & SO MUCH MORE!
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Mueller MAGAZINE
Hello, Fall!
PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO
robust food scene in Mueller is inspirational! For all the gardeners out there, we have a how-to story on planting fall bulbs now for a beautiful spring garden later. Whether you have a green thumb or not, this article will help you plan a beautiful spring garden. Mueller resident Josh Rudow also shares how he and his family have significantly cut back on automobile usage and navigate the bulk of their lives with a cargo bike. They not only have reduced their carbon footprint, but they also are living a healthy lifestyle and having fun at the same time! Rounding out the issue, this month’s Meet Me at the Market article highlights Mum Foods. You can always tell when you are getting near that booth when you see the long line and smell the waft of incredible barbecue. Its story, from Farmers Market vendor to brick-and-mortar shop, is a tutorial on business success. Enjoy the fall season, but don’t blink! The holidays are right around the corner, and we have some very special things planned for our holiday issues!
Although fall here does not quite have the temperatures and foliage that I am accustomed to from my years living on the East Coast, I am thoroughly enjoying the cooler air (by Texas standards) and all the “fall-feels” that come with the change in seasons. This month, we have a special story about our very own Veracruz Fonda & Bar, owned by sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez. Their journey to become anchors of the
Liz Reingold Publisher
Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Art Director Sue Park Copy Editor Nancy Fass Contributing Writers Carmen Grey Josh Rudow Haylee Killebrew Photographers Margarita Garcia Acevedo Rob Bergman Mia Reingold Social Media Manager Evan Hadd
WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2023 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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Welcome to Origin Hotel Austin, where Texas hospitality comes with a side of Lone Star spunk. Origin Austin, a Wyndham Hotel, pairs urban-chic guest rooms and luxury hotel amenities with state-of-the-art fitness, fun and fresh flavors from Blue Lacy as a lively newcomer in the capital city's vibrant Mueller neighborhood.
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originhotel.com/austin 1825 McBEE STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 512-861-1140
10/9/23 9:59 AM
WHAT’S NEW
In the Neighborhood
THINKERY’S
HALLOWEEN HOOTENANY
From left: Christy Black, franchisee and CEO, Primrose School of Austin; council member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2, City of Austin; and Paul Schlaud, senior vice president and general counsel, Texas Mutual.
ENHANCING ACCESS TO EARLY EDUCATION
Celebrate Halloween, Thinkery-style. Dress in your Halloween best and make this fall celebration spellbindingly fun for all! From mummy wrapping to a costume parade, there will be spooktacular activities for the whole family to enjoy. Friday, October 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available at thinkeryaustin.org/Halloween.
Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, and Primrose School of Austin at Mueller announced a partnership September 29 to enhance access to early childhood education for working families in Austin. The partnership will include construction of an expanded early childhood education space within Texas Mutual’s corporate building and child care scholarships for lowincome families. Texas Mutual has donated approximately 5,000 square feet within the first floor of its corporate building in Mueller to Primrose, allowing the school to expand its existing Mueller location. The expanded space will add 12 new classrooms, enabling the school to serve nearly 300 students. As part of the partnership with Texas Mutual, the school is offering subsidized tuition for 20 students beginning in 2024, with an agreement to increase the number of students each year.
BATCH’S BIRTHDAY BASH Last month, Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches marked its sixth anniversary with a weekend-long celebration. Craft beers were flowing and homemade food selections were plentiful—all accompanied by live music from various artists, including Endless Bummer, Noah’s Grackles, Sunday Paper Moon and jazz pianist Andrew Page. The house was rocking!
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COMING NOVEMBER 1900 ALDRICH STREET @DISHSOCIETY | DISHSOCIETY.COM
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Got a great image for Photo-Op?
Email your photo and a short description to
Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com
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WHAT’S NEW
In the Neighborhood MUELLER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
November 4, 8 a.m. to noon Help support our neighbors at the biannual Mueller Yard Sale, held throughout the neighborhood. Be on the lookout for maps identifying participating locations. Donation trucks from Goodwill and the Salvation Army will also be on hand at Ella Wooten Park and John Gaines Park from noon to 2 p.m.
MARKING A DHARMA YOGA MILESTONE Come celebrate Dharma Yoga’s 18th anniversary this month. Since 2005, Dharma Yoga has offered a fun blend of meditation and yoga for all levels. Join former Texas Monthly adventure writer and Buddhist teacher Keith Kachtick and his stellar Dharma Yoga crew seven days a week. No reservations required. 3317 Manor Road | www.Dharma-Yoga.net
LIVELY FUN AT LAZARUS BREWING COMPANY Get your week started off right. Join Lazarus for weeknight fun: • Trivia Night, Mondays, 8 p.m. •L az’s Bluegrass Music, Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. 4803 Airport Blvd.
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Don’t miss your final opportunities to build new with David Weekley Homes
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We know how priceless moments at home are. That’s what sets our approach to home building apart. We have a deeper commitment to making sure the experience – and final result – is everything you imagined. We take care of you the way we’d want to be taken care of so you can live the most rewarding home life. That’s The Weekley Way!
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See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2023 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Austin, TX (AUS-23-003814)
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Quality Work & Quality Service Now is the ideal time to be proactive and take control of your taxes. Let your neighborhood CPAs be that strategic partner to help you plan and maximize your savings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for personalized, expert guidance.
Get to know us and our services at: CraneHoltzman.com contact@CraneHoltzman.com 512-215-0057
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MEET ME AT THE MARKET
Whether at the Farmers Market or at a new nearby eatery, Geoffrey Ellis of Mum Foods combines classic barbecue flavors with deli favorites rooted in his Jewish heritage and culinary lessons learned from his parents and grandparents.
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Smokin’ Success At Mum Foods, locally sourced ingredients and a flavorful heritage add sizzle to Geoffrey Ellis’ classic Texas cooking. If you find yourself trying to navigate the landscape of our busy Farmers Market, there is a “north star” you can follow: Just take a deep breath and go toward the fragrant barbecue aroma in the air. This will lead you directly to Mum Foods. Located right in the middle of the action (at the entrance to the market, diagonal from the doors to the indoor pavilion), Mum has become a go-to favorite for barbecue lovers everywhere. The brainchild of proprietor Geoffrey Ellis, Mum excels at offering traditional Texas barbecue flavors with the establishment’s homemade brisket and ribs, but takes things up a notch
by adding surprising deli favorites from Ellis’ childhood such as pastrami and corned beef. From an early age, Ellis spent time in the kitchen with his parents and grandparents, helping wherever he could and learning the ins and outs of the culinary world. His grandparents were avid gardeners and instilled in him the importance of relying on the land for food while creating flavorful and delicious all-natural meals. When he was studying food and nutrition at Texas State University, he started what he calls “a little barbecue stand” at the Farmers Market, and the rest is barbecue history.
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Taking the Next Step The Mueller Farmers Market has become a second home to Ellis, who realizes the transformative impact it has had on his personal and professional life. When asked to identify the one thing about the market that is most important to him, he gushes, “I love connecting with people, and I feel that the market offers a great forum to do so. Whether it be with farmers, ranchers or shoppers, there is always a new friend to make or an old one to catch up with.” He also enjoys experiencing the change of seasons through the
selection of produce available each week. This often inspires new recipes or seasonal favorites that he pulls out of the recipe closet when the appropriate ingredients are available. Getting to know the different varieties of peaches, tomatoes, peppers, squash and other produce that ebb and flow from the market tables always spurs his culinary creativity. This past year, demand for Mum’s incredible barbecue and the success that Ellis has enjoyed at the market propelled him to open his very own brick-and-mortar restaurant just a mile down the road. The new Mum Foods site at 5811
Manor Road combines the best of Texas barbecue with the comfort of a local deli. All the same favorites that are available at the market—like Ellis’ signature brisket and unique corned beef and pastrami—are available in sandwich or plattered form at the store, paired with creative side dishes such as confetti coleslaw and baked beans with brisket. There are also many varieties of sausage, ribs and homemade chicken salad. Ellis even creates a new twist on a family favorite: homemade matzo ball soup that hearkens back to memories of his childhood and his Jewish heritage and culture.
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“I love connecting with people, and I feel that the market offers a great forum to do so. Whether it be with farmers, ranchers or shoppers, there is always a new friend to make or an old one to catch up with.” - Geoffrey Ellis
A Culinary Community Ellis recognizes that the Farmer’s Market has influenced Mum Foods in many significant ways. Most notably, the various people he has met through the market have solidified the importance of striving to source as locally and ethically as possible. Even though this has become more challenging as the business has grown, he is proud of the fact that Mum sources all its beef and chicken from a Texas ranch, and all grains for baking its sourdough breads are grown and milled right in Texas. Being a part of the Farmers Market for the past 10 years has given Mum and everyone associated with it a sense of community that people might not otherwise have experienced. The importance of this is not lost on Ellis, who understands the profound impact the market has had—and continues to have—on his life and his career. “Some of my deepest professional and personal connections have stemmed from the Farmers Market,” Ellis says. “It is truly my happy place!”
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Reyna (left) and Maritza Vazquez bring expertise from working at a fonda—a family-run restaurant—when growing up in their native Veracruz, Mexico.
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Doña Diabla with an in-house-made chamoy and chili salt rim.
Authentic Tastes of Mexico PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO
Two sisters make delicious dreams come true with their homeland cuisine at Veracruz Fonda & Bar. BY CARMEN GREY
On the corner of Aldrich and Simond, the sight of straw palapas and an inviting outdoor space with striking turquoise colors is reminiscent of one of Mexico’s oldest and largest port cities: Veracruz. This is because the owners of Veracruz Fonda & Bar, sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, were born and raised in
Veracruz, Mexico. I had the pleasure of speaking with them to find out more about their homegrown restaurant, which opened in Mueller on April 8. Many people, myself included, were eagerly awaiting the opening, as the sisters’ food trailer in Mueller, Veracruz All Natural,
had been a popular go-to spot for tacos. Reyna and Maritza still run five food trailers in various locations in Austin, with a sixth opening up by the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. These sisters obviously have worked hard to get to where they are today as business owners.
OCTOBER 2023
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAV SHRESTHA @FINDDELICIOUSFOOD
Fonda Dreams Reyna said that in 1989, she came to Austin and waited tables. She had a dream to eventually open her own restaurant, as she grew up with her sister helping their mother run a little fonda out of her house. A fonda in Mexico is a small, family-run restaurant where the owners do everything—from cleaning and shopping for ingredients to cooking the food. The years went by, and Reyna and Maritza started their own business with a food trailer in 2008. The dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant finally came to fruition when they were offered the space on Aldrich in Mueller. I’ve had the pleasure of trying some of their most popular dishes, which Reyna says include: • Mojarra Frita: Deep-fried whole fish al mojo de ajo laid on chipotle salsa, served with rice, pico de gallo and avocado • Camarones Enchipotlados: Head-on shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic and chipotle salsa, served with rice and avocado • Cochinita Pibil: Pork marinated in orange juice and achiote, served with red onion escabeche, refried black beans, rice and fried sweet plantains Hefty and delicious servings of their ceviche are also very popular. Friday and Saturday evenings are their busiest nights, but Sunday brunch is also quite bustling. The establishment’s bestselling drinks (I’ve also tried both!) are the ATX Mezcalita (Del Maguey Vida mezcal, chicha morada, lime, Angostura bitters, Aztec Ruda Bitter and egg white) and the Watermelon Agua Fresca.
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Above: Fried tilapia with a bed of chipotle sauce, rice, pico de gallo, lime, avocado and a small side of mayo.
Genuine Home Cooking I can attest that all these dishes and drinks are high quality. I’ve traveled to Mexico many times (including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Pátzcuaro, Macheros, Mérida and Tulum) and love that each region boasts specific gastronomical delights. Veracruz, as a coastal city, has incredibly tasty seafood dishes and refreshing drinks. If you have never traveled to Mexico, you can at least take a food tour to that area by visiting Veracruz Fonda & Bar to try any
of the authentic dishes on the menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant also offers a very reasonable happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday (I indulged in their shrimp ceviche and can assure you that it’s amazing). Mueller is so lucky to have such a unique place for dining. Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a duallanguage teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.
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Having ditched their second car, Josh Rudow (pedaling, right) and (from left) his wife, Galit, and two young children find their electic bikes, including a cargo bike, so central to family life that their remaining car often remains idle.
Cargo Bike Cruising Car-free (and more carefree) transportation sparks joy, saves money, helps the environment and connects one family to their community.
“We want croissants!”—the first thing I hear from the kids (3 and 5 years old) when I walk into their room to get them up. “Good morning to you, too,” I respond. It’s a Sunday morning in Mueller, and the kids have already reminded us of our weekly ritual: getting croissants from the Texas Farmers Market. Except it’s just before 8 a.m., so we can’t head over to Branch Park just yet.
“Let’s go on a bike ride before the Farmers Market,” I say to them as we make our way downstairs. “Yaayy!” they both respond in unison. Over the next half hour, we leisurely get ready to go and the kids lift themselves into our Urban Arrow electric cargo bike. My wife, Galit, gets on her Gazelle electric bike, and we’re off. We ride through the Cherrywood neighborhood and onto the Boggy Creek
Trail and take a quick tour along the shores of Town Lake, then turn around to make our way back up. The kids have become excellent wildlife spotters and yell out “Ducks!” “Squirrels!” and even “Dog!” along the way. We make it back into Mueller, park right next to the entrance of the Farmers Market and relax on the Branch Park grass as we people-watch and eat our delicious croissants.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROB BERGMAN
BY JOSH RUDOW
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OCTOBER 2023
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“We’ve found that we save at least $5,000 a year by not having another car payment or spending on gas, registration and major repairs.” - Josh Rudow
A Simpler, Slower Pace This little snapshot of our family time is common. We downsized to one car almost five years ago and bought the Urban Arrow to make it work. We thought it would help in a pinch without the car, but instead it’s turned into the center of our family life. We can talk to the kids on the ride and stop for fun adventures. The speed of the bike and its openness allow the kids to enjoy our wonderful city and neighborhood with all their five senses. Our Prius sits most weekends collecting dust. Instead, we ride our bikes and have learned parts of Austin that we never knew existed. Bike-Friendly Byways Austin’s bike network is improving rapidly, and there are now ways to wind along Austin’s many creeks and stay away from cars on many rides. It also helps that we live in such a centrally located neighborhood. Mueller is arguably the best bike neighborhood in Austin, maybe even in
Texas. There are numerous quiet streets to ride along, protected bike lanes and the Mueller Lake Trail. Having a central location and connectivity also means that we can make it to the University of Texas in 15 to 20 minutes and downtown in about 25 to 30. Better connections are coming to 51st Street between I-35 and Berkman, along with the Redline Parkway improvements on Cap Metro’s Red Line and the expansion of the Walnut Creek Trail. Mueller also allows us to easily run errands. We’ve found it’s much better to use a cargo bike for H-E-B curbside pickups, and our bike can even handle heavy and awkward loads from Home Depot—though six two-by-fours is roughly the limit.
Efficient and Sustainable Another pleasant surprise has been the significant cost savings when you don’t have to own a second car. We’ve found that we save at least $5,000 a year by not having another car payment or spending on gas, registration and major repairs.
Though electric bikes—especially larger cargo bikes—might have an intimidating upfront cost, they can pay for themselves in around a year if you downsize. New Austin Energy rebates can further reduce the expense and help you save up to $600 per bike if you’re an Austin Energy customer. Our decision was also influenced by the sustainability and climate change components. Our electric bike battery would fit in a breadbasket and needs roughly the same energy to charge as it takes a kettle to boil water. Electric bikes are also kinder on cities: Their smaller footprints mean cities need less concrete, allowing more space for people, animals and trees. Come join the revolution! It is a joy. We’re entering a golden age of electric cargo bikes, with more options becoming available every year. Please say hello when you see us riding around the neighborhood. Josh Rudow is an urban planner, mobility advocate, husband and father to two wonderful kids.
OCTOBER 2023
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY TO COME
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BY HAYLEE KILLEBREW
As temperatures dip and days
Spring Beauty Starts Now You don’t need a green thumb to follow these simple steps for a colorful, vibrant spring garden.
grow shorter, avid gardeners know it is time to prepare for a spectacular spring garden. One of the most rewarding ways to ensure a burst of color in your spring landscape is by planting bulbs in the fall. Fall is the optimal time to plant bulbs for a spring display because autumn soil is cool but has yet to freeze. This allows the bulbs to establish their root systems before winter. Planting too early may lead to premature growth, while planting too late may result in bulbs that fail to root correctly. With thoughtful preparation and these straightforward steps, you can delight in a garden brimming with vibrant blooms when spring arrives. CHOOSE CAREFULLY. When buying, it’s crucial to choose bulbs that are robust and diseasefree. Look for firm bulbs that are free from any signs of poor health or damage. Bulbs come in various colors and bloom times, allowing you to plan for a garden that blooms from early to late spring. PLANT PROPERLY. Proper planting is crucial to the success of your spring bulb garden. Plant bulbs in an area with ample sun and well-draining soil to prevent rot. Planting instructions on your bulb packaging will guide you to the recommended depth, usually around two to three times the bulb’s height. Drop your bulbs in each hole right side up to encourage healthy growth.
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SOAK SOIL. Give your newly planted bulbs a good soak after planting to settle the soil, help eliminate air pockets and initiate the rooting process. Throughout the fall and winter, continue to keep the soil consistently moist. If your bulbs dry out, they will not bloom. Remember, bulbs are living plants that need water even when they’re not actively growing. CONSIDER STACKING. To achieve a garden with continuous blooms, consider stacking your bulbs or planting varieties that bloom at different times. Consider crocus, snowdrops (Galanthus), aconite and early tulips for early spring color. Mid-spring brings daffodils, hyacinths, muscari and anemones. Late spring showcases the beauty of bluebells, alliums, ranunculus and late tulips.
ADD COMPOST. Incorporating compost into the soil when planting bulbs provides essential nutrients for their growth. It’s also necessary for amending our central Texas clay soil. Mixing compost into your soil before backfilling your bulb holes is an efficient way to set your bulbs up for success. Before planting, you can create a one-to-one blend of compost and soil to simplify incorporating compost into your planting bed.
EXPLORE LAYERS. In a practice commonly known as bulb lasagna, you can also layer various bulbs in containers based on their size and bloom times. This is a beautiful way to create full displays throughout the upcoming spring season if you’re in a pinch for space. Spice up your front porch, balcony or patio with flowers that change with the developing season. A vibrant spring garden begins with your fall bulb-planting efforts. Whether it’s early crocuses or late tulips, the burst of new blooms is a treat we all look forward to after our unpredictable winters. Grab some bulbs and get started giving life to your future space. Happy gardening!
MANAGE WITH MULCH. Applying two to three inches of mulch over the planted area helps maintain soil moisture. It also insulates the bulbs during the winter months.
Haylee Killebrew is a devoted stay-at-home mom who thrives as both a maker and gardening enthusiast. As a newcomer to the Mueller neighborhood, she’s excited to plant roots in our warm and welcoming community.
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HOW TO LAYER POTTED BULBS
INGREDIENTS • Container with drainage • Compost • Potting soil • Late-blooming bulbs • Mid-season-blooming bulbs • Early-blooming bulbs • Gravel • Optional: additional plants to enjoy until spring. Good options are creeping phlox, lilyturf or candytuft.
INSTRUCTIONS a container with at least 1 Pick one drainage hole in the bottom. your container by 2 Prepare applying a small layer of gravel
to the bottom of the pot to aid water drainage.
your container a third of the 3 Fill way with a one-to-one mix of
compost and potting soil.
in your late-blooming 4 Drop bulbs. Double-check that your
bulbs are bottom down. Cover with a layer of soil.
in your following 5 Layer selection of bulbs, the
mid-season bloomers. Top with soil.
the last layer, 6 Add consisting of your early-
season bulbs, and top with soil. Add another 7 Optional: plant to the top of your
container until your bulbs pop in the spring. thoroughly and 8 Water place in a sunny location.
Remember to keep the soil moist to reap what you’ve sown come spring.
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Reach
virtually EVERY home in Mueller with your business message.
Mueller
To advertise, contact Liz Reingold at Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com
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Mueller and
‘Margaritaville’ Did the late, great Jimmy Buffett write his signature song here? Multiple versions of the story say yes. BY LIZ REINGOLD
PHOTOGRAPH © FLICKR/BRUCE TUTEN
Many of us are still reeling from the sudden and untimely death of crowd favorite Jimmy Buffett. His music will live on for generations of parrot heads (devoted fans) to come. Since his passing on September 1, Mueller’s social media chatter has been abuzz about a fascinating link that Buffett may have had with our very own Mueller community. The story goes that—according to an interview Buffett gave to the New York Post—the song “Margaritaville” was penned right here in Austin. Now, here is where the story gets a bit hazy. There are a number of versions of how this apparently happened. ‘Austin, Texasville’? One version claims that Buffett was here in Austin visiting a woman he was dating, and it looked like they were headed for a breakup. After their fair share of margaritas, he headed to the airport, which was located at what is now the site of our Mueller neighborhood. While sitting at the gate for his flight back to Key West, Florida, he
pulled out his guitar and came up with the hook and chorus to what would become his signature song. He even told the Post that he almost called it “Wasting Away Again in Austin, Texasville”! Another version recalls that the first lines of the song were written in a Mexican restaurant on Anderson Lane but finished at the airport. And yet another version claims that Buffett started the song stuck in traffic on the way to the airport and finished it there. Whichever way it unfolded, the connection to Austin is there, and certainly, one way or another, Mueller indirectly has a history with the song. Since Buffett’s death, there has been renewed interest in Mueller to honor him in some way and pay homage to his contribution to music. So, next time you are “nibblin’ on sponge cake” and “watchin’ the sun bake,” raise a glass to Jimmy Buffett, who—although typically associated with Key West— has strong ties to our very own Mueller community!
Liz Reingold is the publisher of Mueller magazine.
OCTOBER 2023
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BETTER HEALTH
Breast Cancer Facts In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we’ve assembled some key statistics.
297,790
NEED-TO-KNOW NUMBERS
new cases of invasive breast cancer expected in U.S. women this year
2,800
98.9%
new cases of invasive breast cancer expected in U.S. men this year
1 in 833
a man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer
5% to10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations
5-year survival rate for stage I breast cancer
3.8 million
40%
breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Since 1990, mammography has helped reduce breast cancer deaths by 40% in the U.S.
1 in 8 HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK
Have an annual screening mammogram.
Perform breast self-exams.
Stay active and exercise.
Eat fruits and veggies.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Maintain a healthy weight.
U.S. women will have breast cancer in her lifetime
40 YEARS OLD
the age women of average risk should consider annual mammograms
1 in 6 85%
breast cancers occur in women aged 40 to 49
of breast cancer patients have no family history of breast cancer
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10/10/23 10:15 AM
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Mueller To contribute, contact Liz Reingold at Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com
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PHOTO OP
Sunset Haiku
resident Susan Martinello—whose poems have appeared in various publications and anthologies, and whose book “Gears of Time” was issued in 2020 by Negative Capability Press—penned these verses: Scuffing thoughts like leaves, I glance up at Heron’s squawk – catch Day’s fleeting gold.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MIA REINGOLD
Inspired by wispy, sunlit clouds, Mueller
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8/2/23 10/9/23 10:56 9:34 AM
The Mueller Silent Market Team The Mueller Silent Market Team has been helping people buy, sell, has been helping people buy, sell, and lease in Mueller since 2008. and lease in Mueller since 2008. We live here. We work here. We know Mueller. We live here. We work here. We know Mueller.
Hilary Herrin ® Realtor Hilary Herrin
Realtor® Amanda Trevino Broker Associate Amanda Trevino Broker Associate info@muellersilentmarket.com 512.761.5476 info@muellersilentmarket.com 512.761.5476
40 + 40 +of combined experience Years
$82M + $82M + 2022 sales volume
Years of combined experience
2022 sales volume
530 + 530number + of homes sold Total
232 + 232 +of homes sold Number
in Mueller Total number of homes sold in Mueller
off MLS in Number ofMueller homes sold off MLS in Mueller
Mueller Silent Market Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
Mueller Silent Market Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
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