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DECEMBER
26 Music 34 Spiritual
Explore what's inside this issue!
36 Gardening
10 From the Publisher
38 Wine
12 Calendar.
40 Must Do
18 Cibolo Nature Center
46 Old Timer
20 Boerne Performing Arts 22 History
EXPLORE magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. EXPLORE Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of EXPLORE and/or Schooley Media Ventures. Copyright 2012 Schooley Media Ventures, 265 N. Main, Suite C, Boerne, TX 78006
Contributing Writers
Marjorie Hagy (History) MARJORIE is a bibliophile, a history nut and an insomniac, among several other conditions, both diagnosed and otherwise. When she's not working tirelessly to avoid getting a real job, she nurses an obsession with her grandson and is involved in passing legislation restricting the wearing of socks with sandals. She is an aspiring pet hoarder who enjoys vicious games of Scrabble, reading Agatha Christie, and sitting around doing nothing while claiming to be thinking deeply. Marjorie has five grown children, a poodle to whom she is inordinately devoted in spite of his breath, and holds an Explore record for never having submitted an article on time. She's been writing for us for five years now.
Rene Villanueva (Music)
Rene Villanueva is the lead singer/bass player for the band Hacienda. Having toured worldwide, hacienda has also been featured on several late night shows, including Late Show with David Letterman. Rene and his wife Rachel live in Boerne, TX and just welcomed thier first child.
Publisher Benjamin D. Schooley ben@hillcountryexplore.com Creative Director Benjamin N. Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Kate Kent kate@smvtexas.com ADVERTISING SALES 210-507-5250 sales@hillcountryexplore.com
Kendall D. Aaron (Spiritual)
I’m just a normal guy. I’m not a theology student, I don’t preach in church, and I’ve never written a book. I’m just a normal guy that thinks, and feels, and is on a never-ending journey attempting to be the best person I can be. I fail frequently at this quest, yet each day, the quest continues. I’ve lived in Boerne since the late ‘80s, I’ve got a most beautiful wife, three wonderful children, and just really, really love God. Thanks for going on my spiritual journey with me.
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Old Timer (Ramblings)
The Old Timer tells us he's been a resident of Boerne since about 1965. He enjoys telling people what he doesn't like. When not bust'n punks he can be found feeding the ducks just off Main St. or wandering aimlessly in the newly expanded HEB. Despite his rough and sometimes brash persona, Old Timer is really a wise and thoughtful individual. If you can sort through the BS.
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
TM
“We have taken something that could have been just another exercise class and turned it into a small, more intimate community here at e+l Barre.” - Owners, Kathleen Greathouse and Anna Hunter
Give the gift of an E+L Barre Gift Certificate this holiday season! Not sure what to gift or receive for the holidays? As Christmas is quickly approaching, what a better gift than the gift of an E+L Barre Gift Certificate to use towards Barre classes, apparel, or accessories! Gift Certificates and gift bundle packages can be customized upon your request! See the front desk for details on how to create YOUR perfect gift! 10% off ALL memberships and class packages, and 15% off ALL apparel and accessories through the month of December!
What is e+l, Barre Studio? Elegance and Life Barre is known as the fastest, yet effective workout inspired by the disciplines of ballet, pilates and yoga. Set to uplifting and inspirational music, we incorporate the use of a resistance band, a core ball, hand weights, and of course, the ballet barre for a low impact, full body workout that is great for all fitness levels!
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From the Publisher Dearest EXPLORE reader, I take a fair amount of grief amongst my family and friends for wearing my heart on my sleeve. I share too much, perhaps when I shouldn’t, and am told frequently of what I should or should not bring up. I get it, as people don’t want secrets shared, but I don’t think that I like to share secrets; I like to share emotions. I think that emotions are so universal, that most every story I might share in these Publisher letters is relatable in some way (and I’ve shared a lot of ‘em). If I speak to fear, you have been scared before, too. Same with happiness. Loneliness. Heartache. All of it. Sure, I will share a story specific to me, but I’m not doing it to talk about ME, I’m doing it so that you can relate to the emotion. Make any sense? Maybe not. But it’s been a recurring theme of these here little Publisher Letters since the first one: we’re all on this blue marble floating in space together, and we might as well share the ride and find a common element to keep our humanity in check. At the end of the day, no matter how different we all are, we are all more similar than we might imagine. My brother Morgan died 6 weeks ago from a rare cancer. He was 35 years old, and left behind a wife and 2 year old son named Parker. Ok, I’m back after a two week hiatus from this letter. Typing the sentence above simply wrecked me. Did it wreck you? Maybe not, but you’re probably sad, and I’m sad, too. You’ve been sad before, and you might have even lost someone close to you, so you’re probably relating to how I feel right about now. Sucks, doesn’t it? I typed that sentence above, came undone, slammed the laptop closed and had to do something else for a couple of weeks. I went to the lake, the coast, and even to West Texas. All had amazing sunsets, and I smiled at every one of them. And I cried a lot, too. As you can imagine, my emotions are still pretty raw, and I suspect they might be for a very, very, very long time. He was my younger (and only) brother. This is probably one of those moments when my family and friends are rolling their eyes and mumbling, “Surely he’s not going to talk about his brother in such a public forum, is he?” for fear that I make this letter too personal. Or too sad. Or too….something. And I don’t think I will. I think that I’ll just talk about life. And death. And dreams. And joy. Yes, joy. I mean, we’re all reading this, so that means we’re alive, and odds are, we’re going to experience all of these emotions in the coming days, weeks, and years. So let’s just talk about life, and maybe we can continue our search for the human thread that winds around each of us and ties us all together. As for me, I’m at a bit of a crossroads lately. I’m struggling. Understandably, my brother’s passing has shaken me to my core, but it’s also opened an entire world up to me. I stand here now on the edge of a precipice and peer out across the vastness of Earth and more importantly my LIFE and I gasp, “Man, where did all THAT come from? Where did all this beauty and wonder come from?” It’s been there all along; I just never opened my eyes to see it. I wonder if you have? Perhaps. Or perhaps, like so many people do, your eyes are on balance sheets and computer screens, locked in on today’s chores and errands and to-do lists. It’s soccer practice, and dinner, and laundry, and a thousand things that make up the fabric of our day. It’s normal, and I understand that. I’ve spent the better part of the past 15 years focusing on those things, too. But today, I stand here looking out across the beauty of existence…and I’m dropping things. I’m standing here, slack jawed as I marvel at this thing called LIFE, and I’ve dropped a lot of concerns. I’m struggling to care about due dates, and spreadsheets, and bank accounts. These things have importance, but for now, I just keep dropping them. I’ve dropped my cell phone, and I left my notebook with my calendar and to-do list. I’m not sure where I put them, but they’re around here somewhere. And right now, I’m leaving them where I dropped them. I’ve dropped some old grudges I’ve held. Some I’ve had for a LONG time. All I know is that I looked at that thing called LIFE, turned around, and couldn’t seem to find those old grudges anymore. I’ve also dropped my fists; from their tight-fisted stance they’ve been in due to stress and concern and frustration; I was just walking around looking at LIFE and all of a sudden I noticed that my hands were gently hanging at my sides. I’ve dropped a lot of things; things that I’ve come to find out only really weigh us down. My brother dropped a lot of things, too, as he endured his final year of chemos and doctor visits and endless tubes of some God-awful mixture they wanted to put in him. He dropped his heart, and he gave it to his son and his wife. He shared some with me, and my mom and dad, and even spared a little for the nurses and the doctors that were trying to save him, even when they woke him every 20 minutes throughout a night. He dropped his pride, and instead showed us all how to accept and be loved. Countless people donated money to him, and he graciously thanked them, and promised that he would always pay it forward ten-fold. I think he did, but not with money. He dropped his fear, and showed strength that I will forever be in awe of. He showed us that if you will die, as we all will, what is there to fear? Instead, he projected love. And caring. And sincerity. We never spoke of bank balances during our talks, or deadlines, or cell phones. He dropped those somewhere long ago. I was too stubborn or distracted to see it, but he was just showing me how. I share this essay not so that you may mourn for me and my family’s loss. Nah, we’re doing enough of that for a lot of people. I don’t want you to think I’m taking this opportunity to lecture you about more of this Carpe Diem nonsense or about how you should quit your job and become a missionary. Heck no, I like running water. I share this essay because I think that I’ve learned the lesson that can only be shown to you, and I am blessed with the opportunity to share it: This is your life. Today is the youngest you will ever be again. Live your life as happily, joyously, and with as much love in it as you can possibly fit into it, for it may end tomorrow. And that’s it. That’s the great message I wanted to get across. Nope, it’s not ground breaking, and you’ve heard something similar every single Sunday you’ve ever been to church. I never told you it would be original, did I? Instead, I just told you it would be relatable and normal. And that’s all it is; NORMAL. We all fear what we don’t know in terms of our future and our lives and when they will end. We wring our hands over our
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businesses and ensuring we have giant inheritances to leave our great-grandchildren, and we talk about how we’d REALLY like to see Italy before we’re too old. And I’m no different; just some slouch out there trying my best to navigate LIFE and make it something worth living. I just know that your LIFE is finite. I just saw it first hand as a young man withered away. Well, if my life is finite, then why do I treat it as if it’s not? Do you do the same? Probably. Because you’re human. All I can say is that the view from the edge of this precipice, looking at the beauty of our existence is pretty breath-taking, and I’m not so sure I’ll ever be able to pick back up some of the baggage that I had worn quite comfortably for a very long time. Heck, why would I? The beauty isn’t in my pockets, or my briefcase, or my stupid damn cell phone. The beauty is in my children’s eyes, and my wife’s, and my faith, and my loved ones that surround me. That’s where my existence resides, even if I was distracted from it. And it was definitely in my brother, who will go down as my hero. He’s my hero for showing me this lesson in the only way he could. What are you holding on to? Where are you looking? Are you beholding the gloriousness and beauty of the landscape of YOUR life? Or are you doing what I did for a helluva long time and burying your nose in spreadsheets and computer screens while the sun sets on you each day? Stop. Do something different. Breathe deeper, and love harder. Laugh louder, and trust stronger. Stand out here with me, and wipe tears of joy from your face as you finally, truly, totally understand just how wonderful your existence and your life is. Hug your kids, and kiss your spouse. Then, when you finally get it…I mean, really GET IT, turn around and look at all that envelopes you, drop a few things, and EXPLORE. Just EXPLORE. Thanks for letting me ramble. I’m still smiling,
Benjamin D. Schooley
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DECEMBER Get out and enjoy the great Texas Hill Country! The most comprehensive events calendar. Send submissions to info@hillcountryexplore.com
December 1-31 BURNET Christmas Trail of Lights
Celebrate Christmas on Burnet’s historic square with seasonal activities. Follow the trail from Wallace Riddell Park to Hamilton Creek Park, sparkling with thousands of Christmas lights.
December 6-7 BOERNE Dickens on Main
This winter wonderland features live music, the Tannenbaum Trail, a pet parade, the lighted Weihnachts Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, and other events. Downtown.
December 6 - 7 BROWNWOOD Christmas Under the Stars Festival
Includes children’s activities, photos with Santa, story telling, an ice skating rink, food and hot chocolate. Hours are 4-8 p.m. Depot Complex, 600 E. Depot St.
December 6-7 CASTROVILLE Old-Fashioned Christmas
This 30th-annual event starts Friday with a walking parade, carolers and the lighting of Houston Square and the town’s Christmas tree. Then on Saturday, enjoy shopping with 250 vendors, food, live entertainment and visits with Santa. Houston Square, at Angelo and Paris streets. E-mail: chamber@castroville.com
December 6-8, 13-15 BURNET Main Street Bethlehem
Popular live nativity scene is set amid a detailed re-creation of the town of Bethlehem. Hours are 6-9 p.m. First Baptist Church of Burnet, 108 S. Vandeveer.
December 6-15 FREDERICKSBURG Holiday Wine Trail
Purchase tickets online to receive a grapevine wreath to decorate with ornaments from each winery visited on this self-guided tour. Vineyards and tasting rooms will be cloaked in lights, warmth and holiday fun. Various locations at 32 participating wineries.
December 7 BANDERA Cowboy Campfire Christmas
Gather at 5 p.m. for caroling, Christmas stories and a live nativity with camp coffee and hot chocolate. Bandera City Park.
December 7 BANDERA Holiday Parade
Welcome Santa to town. Begins at 11 a.m. Main Street.
December 7 FREDERICKSBURG Pearl Harbor Day Observance
Recognition and memorial program features a WWII aircraft flyover (weather permitting), joint color guard, a guest speaker, rifle salute, wreath laying and music to commemorate the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The National Museum of the Pacific War, 340 E. Main St.
December 7 - 12 GRUENE Town Lighting and Pony Express Ride Relay riders carry Christmas greetings to this historic town. Also enjoy Christmas Market Days, Cowboy Kringle and Gruene Town Lighting. 1281 Gruene Road.
December 13 - 14 GRUENE Jerry Jeff Walker in Concert Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road.
December 14 SAN MARCOS Art Unhitched Art Market
Browse arts-and-crafts booths, enjoy live music and sample treats from the food trailers. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Hitch Mobile Eatery, 312 E. Hopkins St. E-mail: jshaw@sanmarcostx.gov
December 21 Luckenbach Luckenbach Christmas Ball
Celebrate the season in a historic dance hall with a concert by Gary P. Nunn.
December 21 BANDERA Christmas Caroling Bandera Style
Gather at the Longhorn Saloon for a Christmas caroling trail ride around Bandera. Bring a horse or rent one, or ride the wagon. Afterward, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate at the chuck wagon.
December 21-22 BOERNE Cowboy Christmas at Enchanted Springs Ranch
Celebrate Christmas in a Western wonderland of children’s activities, animals, wagon rides, arresta-guest, puppet shows, cowboy skits, Christmas music and caroling, food and pictures with Cowboy Santa. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Texas 46 W.
December 12 - 22 FREDERICKSBURG “The Sanders Family Christmas”
The Sanctified Sanders Family singers say a bittersweet goodbye to their only son as WWII begins. Presented by the Fredericksburg Theater Company. Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 U.S. 87 S.
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EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
A Christmas to Remember... Gift ideas galore at
Lillians!
EXCLUSIVE offers just for YOU at EVERY Lillians, ENTIRE weekend of DECEMBER 7TH ENTIRE weekend of DECEMBER 14TH DECEMBER 21ST ONLY! Be sure to join our email list and like us on Facebook so you can see the offers ‘unwrapped’ the week prior to each Saturday!
Lillians of Boerne
107 E San Antonio Ave • Boerne, TX • 830.446.2182 Wed (10-6), Thur (10-6), Fri (10-6), Sat (10-6), Sun (12-5) www.lillians.com/boerne www.facebook.com/lilliansofboerne
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DECEMBER 2013
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EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
HAPPY
HOLIDAYS
A WORLD OF DELIGHTFUL CHOICES DECEMBER 2013
210 SOUTH MAIN STREET • BOERNE, TEXAS 78006 (830) 331-9355 • BOERNEEPICURE.COM
www.hillcountryexplore.com
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ROUND, DENSE AND GOLDEN BROWN! L i t t l e G r e t e l ’s p r i d e . P e o p l e c o m e f r o m f a r a n d wide to our restaurant, not only for great food but for our Czech Kolaches.
SAUSAGE KOLACHES GO HAND IN H A N D W I T H O U R G R E AT B E E R S . COME RELAX IN OUR BEAUTIFUL BEER GARDEN AS YOU INDULGE ON SOME OF THE FINEST FOOD AND DRINK BOERNE HAS TO OFFER
Little Gretel features an amazing assortment of menu items, all hand-selected by chef Denise Mazal. Each and every dish is p r e p a r e d t o o r d e r, a n d f e a t u r e s items that are fresh, vibrant, and locally grown (when possible). In fact, many of our items are grown on site in our own vegetable and herb garden!
ENJOY B R E A K F A S T, L U N C H , O R D I N N E R W I T H U S T O D AY !
5 1 8 R I V E R R O A D , B O E R N E , T X : : W W W. L I T T L E G R E T E L . C O M : : 8 3 0 - 3 3 1 - 1 3 6 8
Cibolo nature center
It’s that special time of year again! You know, when we start fires in the fireplaces, sip hot cocoa, decorate the tree, lovingly wrap gifts for all our friends and relatives. Oh no! Gifts!! That one word can strike fear into our hearts during a time when we should be decking the halls and enjoying the season. The list of folks who we’d like to appreciate and acknowledge with a little gift from the heart can be overwhelming. There’s your motherin-law, your kids’ teachers, your baby sitter, and on and on. Not only do we want to give gifts to those who mean so much to us, but we want to give them something unique. Something meaningful. Something that won’t break the bank! Luckily, the Farmers Market at the Cibolo has got your back! While the Market is officially taking a winter hiatus, we don’t want to leave our loyal shoppers and gift-seekers in the cold, so to speak. So we are hosting two Harvest & Holiday markets in December. On December 7th and December 14th, you can stop in the Market at 33 Herff Road from 8:30am-12:30pm to find something special for someone special. Now I know what you’re thinking, what can a Farmers Market offer me for gift items? You’re probably associating a Farmers Market with lots of fresh, local produce. And we do have that! Plenty of delicious healthy options for making your holiday feasting the best it can be. Also homemade baked goods, just in case you don’t feel like making all those holiday pies and fresh bread yourself. Plenty of canned goods as well, to help feed your houseguests with the flavor of the area.
EVENTS December 7 and December 14 Farmers Market at the Cibolo, 33 Herff Road, Boerne 8:30 am -12:30 pm The Farmers Market at the Cibolo features local produce, baked goods, canned goods, and other natural food products, along with handmade artisan products. The Market also features a demonstration organic and water-conscious garden and regular live music.
So that will make your life easier, but may not solve the gift problem unless your recipients are foodies. For our Harvest & Holiday Markets, you can also find handmade jewelry, repurposed and upcycled items like planters, from-scratch goat’s-milk soaps, unique decorated hats, hand-sewn aprons, and more. For our Farmers Market at the Cibolo loyalists, you’ll be glad to know that some of your favorite vendors are also making holiday merchandise! For instance, Grandma’s Garden will be offering holiday trays full of cookies for your next party or just to enjoy with your family. They have also made gift-giving easier by putting together gift baskets full of jams and jellies. And that’s not all! If you’re sick of plastic decorations, how would you like some holiday cheer in the form of fresh wreaths and centerpieces? Don’t forget, there’s also Farmers Market merchandise, for those who would like to show their local pride with a t-shirt or a hat. For the gardener in your life, you can also find books on gardening using organic methods or identifying which garden bugs are helpers and which ones want to eat your plants. Those special people in your lives should receive gifts as unique as they are! These will be the feel-good gifts of the season, since they also help support local economies. OUR local economy! See you there on December 7th and 14th!
CIBOLO NATURE CENTER PROGRAMS DECEMBER 14 Second Saturday Volunteer Day of Service Location: Herff Farm at 33 Herff Road Time: 9 am - Noon
DECEMBER 17 Mother Nature’s Storytime: Birds! Location: CNC Visitor Center Time: 10 - 11 am Suggested Donation: $5.00 per family
DECEMBER 14 Kid’s Club: Winter Birdfeeders Location: CNC Visitor Center/Back Porch Time: 10 – 11:30 am Suggested Donation: $5.00 per family
Winter Prairie Bird Surveys Thursdays: Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 13: Cibolo Preserve Sundays: Dec 8, Jan 12, Feb 2: Cibolo Nature Center Time: 9:30 am – 1 pm
Call 830.249.4616 or go to www.cibolo.org/calendar to learn further details about each of these events.
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DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 3 CNC & Farm offices will be closed The park is always open seven days a week. Restrooms in the pavilion are open.
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
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Just North of Boerne towards Comfort
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4. Boot Jack Bar 1 FM 3551, Ste. 100, Bergheim, TX 78004 210-861-0074 www.bootjackbar.com
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13. GENT 930 E. Blanco, Boerne, TX 78006 830-443-4500 www.completegent.com 14. Graves Group 210 E Blanco, Boerne, TX 78006 210-408-4053 www.txhillcountryproperties.com 15. Gussied Up 905 North Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006
17. Hill Country CrossFit 37131 IH-10 West, #200, Boerne, Texas 78006 830-446-3084 www.hccfit.com
7. Cibolo Creek Nursing Center 1440 River Rd., Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-5095 www.cibolocreekhealth.com
18. JR Mooney Galleries 305 S. Main St., #400, Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-5106 www.jrmooneygalleries.com
8. Dancer’s Bag 615 S. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-2428 www.dancersbagboerne.com
19. JST Outfitters 635 Hwy. 46 East, Suite 102, Boerne, TX 78006 830-336-4867 www.jstoutfittersllc.com
9. DermSA 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., Ste. 20270, San Antonio, TX 78256 210-641-9500 www.dermsa.com
20. KCN Builders 920 East Blanco Rd., Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-5202 www.kcnbuilders.com
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23. Little Gretel 518 River Rd., Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-1368 www.littlegretel.com 24. Lodge at Leon Springs 24137 Boerne Stage Rd., San Antonio, TX 78255 210-698-9365 www.boerneassistedliving.com 25. Ms. Sue’s Art Studio Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas 415-246-4017 www.mssuesart.com 26. Riverbed Concrete 39390 W IH-10 Suite C, Boerne, TX 78006 830-981-2210 www.riverbedconcrete.com
2, 9, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 33 Cascade Cavern
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6. Celeste 140 S Main St, Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-9660 www.shopcelestetx.com
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To Leon Springs, Fair Oaks Ranch & San Antonio
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16. Hearts’ Home Acoustics 109 Oak Park Dr., Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-9840 www.heartshomeacoustics.com
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5. Catrina’s Ranch Interiors 31300 IH-10 W., Boerne, TX 78006 830-755-6355 www.catrinasranchinteriors.com
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3. Athletic Republic 1024 North Main St., Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-5513 www.athleticrepublicboerne.com
12. Fantastic Sams 1375 S Main St # 215, Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-6916 www.fantasticsams.com
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2. ARTchitectural Interiors 1350 E. Southcross, San Antonio, TX 78223 210-533-1269 www.artchitectural.com
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Menger Springs
1. All County Home Care & Hospice 32826 IH-10 West, Boerne, Texas 78006 830-331-1291 www.allcountyhomecareandhospice.com
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31. Texas Investors Title 101 S Main St., #C, Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-5888 www.texasinvestorstitle.com
27. R&R Tractor 28660 IH-10 West, Boerne, Texas 78006 830-755-9080 www.rrtractor.com
32. Texas Ranches For Sale & Lonestar Properties 222 South Main St., Boerne, Texas 78006 830-249-9339 www.texasranchesforsale.com
28. Rick’s Studio 28286-1 Boerne Stage Rd, Boerne, Texas 78006 830-981-4171 www.steviericksstudio.com
33. Texas Tack & Rags 28765 IH 10 W., Boerne, TX 78006 830-981-5577 www.txtacknrags.com
10. Dr. Chet Hawkins 806 N Main St., Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-7870
21. Leslie Brown, Realtor 24200 IH-10 W., #101, San Antonio, TX 78257 210-698-4717 www.lesliebrownhomes.com
29. Sports & Family Medicine of Boerne 136 Old San Antonio Rd., Ste. 406, Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-5800 www.sfmboerne.com
34. Toyota of Boerne 31205 I-10 W, Boerne, TX 78006 210-870-1800 www.toyotaofboerne.com
11. Elegance and Life Barre Studio 412 River Rd. #104, Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-8939 www.eleganceandlifebarre.com
22. Lillian’s of Boerne 107 E San Antonio Ave, Boerne, TX 78006 830-446-2182 www.lilliansshoppe.com
30. St. Peter the Apostle Parish 202 W. Kronkosky St., Boerne, TX 78006 830-816-2233 www.stpetersboerne.com
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35. Woodhouse Day Spa 908 S. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-8511 boerne.woodhousespas.com
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PUTTING BOERNE ON THE WORLDWIDE MAP
THE TEN TENORS
TIME FOR THREE What do the Indy 500, Carnegie Hall, NFL Stadiums, and The Kennedy Center all have in common with Boerne Champion High School Auditorium? By March 25th of 2014, all will have hosted the world’s first classicallytrained garage band…TIME FOR THREE! Performing music from Bach and Brahms to their own arrangements of The Beatles, Katy Perry, Kanye West and Justin Timberlake, Time for Three (Tf3 for short) is a charismatic ensemble with a reputation for limitless enthusiasm and no musical boundaries. And who specifically has heard them perform? Paul Newman (Actor) - ”To hear these three young guys is to be thankful that music was invented. If I had been able to create a sound like these kids a few years back, I might have thought twice about going into acting!” Sir Simon Rattle (Conductor, Berlin Philharmonic) ”Time for Three is the future of music. Three benevolent monsters, monsters of ability and technique, but also conveyers of an infectious joy that I find both touching and moving.” Boerne Performing Arts will present Time for Three’s debut in Boerne on March 25, 2014. Can you envision a show that blends the international dance troupes of “Riverdance” and “Tap Dogs”? How about the fusion of two previous Boerne Performing Artists…“Bowfire” (2012) and “Celtic Nights” (2013)? The StepCrew combines all four, featuring the world’s top talents in Irish Step, Ottawa Valley and modern tap. With a cast arriving from Canada and Ireland, Boerne will be providing some hometown hospitality to an electrifying performance whose stars have captivated audiences at Royal Albert Hall in London to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Several members of The StepCrew also tour with Ireland’s Music Ambassadors, The Chieftains, whose founder
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STEPCREW
VOCAPEOPLE
Paddy Malone lionized, “The StepCrew does not simply draw their audience in, they take them by the hand and remind us what dance is meant to be about – fun!” Boerne Performing Arts will present The StepCrew in Boerne on February 10, 2014. Holey, Dooley! D’ya know blokes from down under are comin’ to Texas to find them some utes. Here’s the drum on their trip to Boerne… The mates, aka THE TEN TENORS, will arrive with their hugely anticipated brand new show, The Ten Tenors on Broadway. This dynamic live experience is a wonderful collection of Broadway’s most-loved classics sung by ten of Australia’s hottest tenors, with a powerful mix of theatrical showstoppers and heart-melting ballads as they take on some of the greatest show tunes in the world. The Lingo on the Aussie’s international successes: 3.5 million concert tickets sold across seven continents (Boerne Performing Arts will sell 3.5 thousand tickets to Kendall Country Residents in 2014) Recorded 6 albums, including four gold and two platinum (Boerne Performing Arts has successfully presented 6 performances in their first two years of operations) 14 successful years touring as a group of down-to-earth Aussie blokes asserting their power and finesse that only THE TEN TENORS can deliver. Most watched performance of THE TEN TENORS Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure (10 million viewers) Boerne Performing Arts will present The Ten Tenors on Broadway in Boerne on January 27, 2014.
ated a great buzz and has dazzled audiences in over 25 countries around the globe, from South America, North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Yes, this unique vocal and visual group will appear in one exclusive show in Boerne, Texas!!! Think Blue Man Group without their instruments and the image you concoct are eight vocal acrobats who are literally out of this world with their a cappella harmonies and the art of Beat Box! Boerne Performing Arts will present VOCAPEOPLE in Boerne on March 6, 2014. Boerne Performing Arts is bringing the world of performing arts to Boerne…and residents of Boerne, all you have to do is drive about 5 minutes to Boerne Champion High School where the parking is free, and the traffic is easy! These artists (and their agents) do NOT know how to pronounce “Boerne” prior to their arrival…but our goal that they will be talking about Boerne as one of the great small towns in America when they return home to Indianapolis, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the planet Voca. For more information about Boerne Performing Arts or to purchase tickets ($30-$60) to one of these events, visit http://boerneperformingarts.com/, or call 830-331-9079.
But wait…an artist that is out of this world???? The VOCAPEOPLE will arrive from the planet VOCA with a purely vocal performance that will send you into orbit!!! What began as an overnight YouTube sensation (over 5 million viewers in the first 4 months) has now cre-
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Shoes with
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‘Tis the season for giving 830-249-9660 • shopcelestetx.com
The Graves Group The art of fine residential real estate presents:
Nothing beats being home for the Holidays – except being in a new home for the Holidays!
Transitional Texas style 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home by Robert Thornton on over 5.5 acres in Cordillera Ranch. $760,000
4 bedroom, 4.5 bath masterpiece in Stone Creek Ranch with Tuscan-inspired interiors and architectural details. $749,999
4 bedroom, 4 bath contemporary Fair Oaks Ranch home offers elegant custom decor and sophisticated living. $684,500
Traditional Elegance in a gated community offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 half-baths. Great outdoor living! $499,500
Former Perry Homes 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath model home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Limestone Ranch. $479,500
38 acres of Hill Country history dating to 1883, with 2 homes plus 2 project homes. Incredible possibilities! $349,950
Denise Graves, Realtor®, CLMS, CRS, ABR, GRI I Office: 830-331-9898 I Cell: 210-260-2176 I www.thegravesgroup.com
DECEMBER 2013
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HISTORY
OF CHRISTMAS PAST By Marjorie Hagy | thefam2001@yahoo.com The German immigrants who founded our beautiful town of Boerne brought many fine Christmas traditions with them from their homeland- the Tannenbaum or Christmas tree, the Adventskranz, the Advent wreath, gorgeous with its evergreen and rose red candles...buuuuuuut we’re not talking about that this Christmas season. Today we will be discussing the great holiday traditions of people just like us, living in the seventies in a small country town in Texas. We’ll take as our representative family the Hagys- father, mother, a son and two daughters, the older of whom was smarter and kinder than most other people but nobody else had realized that, and treated her like she was just anybody, or maybe even worse. She had been filled with angst all throughout the seventies, ever since she was about six years old, and felt things more deeply than others did, especially her own troubles and how unfairly she was always treated, and she continued to be a complicated person and has now become an eccentric old hippie who wonders why she was always such a whiny drama queen, but enough about me. I mean her. The father was, to outward appearances, a regular white-collar kind of guy, the kind of guy who wore a suit and a hat to work and carried a briefcase and looked a lot like the crewcut, bespectacled guy who often appeared in social studies films made in the late fifties, until he moved his family to the country at which point he grew a Grizzly Adam’s-style beard and started wearing really wide neckties, and then he looked like the guy in social studies films in the seventies. The mother of this brood was an alumnae of Future Homemakers in the fifties, a Michigan transplant who’d grown up sledding in the snow and skating on the frozen ‘crick’ out Nine-Mile Road and other northern kinds of things which were incomprehensible to her Texas-born children, who thought snow was that thing that happened every five years or so and with which one might build a tiny replica of a snowman if one was committed to the work of harvesting the entire accumulation of snow from their four acre homestead. Anyway, Mrs. Hagy or, if you prefer, Mom, was brought up in a vanished world where girls were trained up to become wives who were capable of whipping up a delicious and beautifully presented spread in ten minute’s time on those occasions when ‘hubby’ showed up unexpectedly bringing the boss home for dinner, whereas if most men pulled that stunt nowadays, the wife might invite him out to the garage for a few words and bean him over the head with a shovel. No matter what was going on during the day, what disastrous household calamity had arisen or hideous injury one of the children may have playfully delivered to a sibling, Mother Hagy would invariably disappear to her boudoir in the late afternoon and emerge in a dress and stockings, smelling like an angel, to greet her man home from work. And she would make sure the children didn’t overwhelm the old man with their bickering and general grittiness and smelliness when he walked in the door by means of death threats before he got there, and they knew that in spite of her looking like a cross between
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Mrs Cleaver and the lady schoolteacher on the Andy Griffith Show, she could deliver. There remains the younger brother and sister, of whom little can be said except that they paled in comparison to their elder sister although said elder sister seemed to be the only one as yet aware of that fact. The little sister was the baby of the family and although a constant drain on her sister’s patience, was frequently useful as either an accomplice or an actual missile in combat with the brother. The brother, finally, was in all honesty a pretty decent sort and he and his sisters had many things in common and much fun together, but the brother was the favored pet of his parents so the sisters felt they had no choice but to beat him up pretty regularly, on general principles. That’s what the Hagys looked like in any given holiday season during the seventiesyour average nuclear family, living in a regular house in the country attached to a small Texas town. Thanksgiving was always a wonderful occasion, the mother would prepare a nice fat turkey with bread stuffing (which distinguished the Hagys from their neighbors who all had cornbread stuffing, but Mom Hagy was from up north, so people gave them a pass on that kind of thing.) Relatives like their grandparents and beloved great-grandmother would eat with them and everything was lovely. And then it was time to get their Christmas tree. The mother, having grown up in Michigan, had warm, happy memories of her own family going out in the snow to cut down their own Christmas tree, and to the Hagy children, raised in a place where most years it’s warm enough on Christmas Day to have a BBQ beside the pool instead of a roast turkey by the fire, this sounded like a slice of paradise, like stepping into the Joske’s Christmas display and walking around with the reindeer: a family all wearing scarves and earmuffs, their breath coming out in puffs, laughing together as they trudged through the snow down the mountain pulling their fresh-cut tree on a sled. Putting completely out of mind that only the day before one of the sisters had tried to murder the other with a Barbie doll, all three kids seemed to feel that if only their family could go out to the woods and cut down a Christmas tree like that, afterwards they could sit around the living room drinking cocoa together and singing carols in their newfound spirit of Christmas peace, and everybody could just get along. Children often fool themselves in such a way- the three Hagy kids, for instance, coveted a skinny, scary old spider monkey in the back of the Winn’s Store, even though it secretly terrified them and gave them nightmares, but they were able to trick themselves into believing that, once out of his cage, the scrawny little creeper would be transformed into a friendly, chubby little chimpanzee who did NOT play with himself all the time nor throw his poop, and with whom they could pal around. Other kids petition to be allowed a goat or an elephant or a horse for a pet, promising to personally tend it with a wealth of responsibility and compassion, when they have so far proven themselves incable of sprinkling a few flakes of food into the goldfish’s bowl without throw-
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
ing a full-blown tantrum first in order to limber up. Kids are like that, and so are some adults. The eldest Hagy daughter, for instance, fooled herself like that later in life into a couple of ill-starred marriages, but that’s fodder for another article. Anyway, everybody was excited about the outing, and when the time came they all bundled themselves up sufficiently to survive a night outdoors in Siberia even though it was around seventy-six degrees out and balmy, and they headed out to explore the vast Boreal Forest that was Pleasant Valley. Now, Mom Hagy was, of course, from Michigan, a place where I believe several species of evergreens are native, many of the variety that are pointy at the top and taper down gradually to a wider bottom in a fairly even fashion. So Mrs. Hagy’s birth family, the Weinburgers, and all their neighbors, were presumably able to return to their hearths every year with rosy cheeks and a perfect Christmas tree, the very Platonic Ideal of a Christmas tree. But the Hagys weren’t in Michigan amongst virgin forests of pine and spruce and fir, they were in Texas, and in Texas there’s cedar. The only thing cedar really has in common with those other noble breeds is that it’s an evergreen, but as far as the pointy at the top, tapering out to the bottom like a Christmas tree thing, not so much. The Hagys, undaunted, set out to find the perfect specimen. They searched. And searched. And, intrepid, kept on searching. The mother, by this point, was thinking about the roast back home in the crock pot and when the potatoes needed to go in (thirty minutes ago), and kept telling the father, sweetly at first but then at more and more frequent intervals and with increasing urgency in her tone, ‘How about that one, honey? Honey?! Honey!!’ The children, by now having shed several layers of clothing, were forgetting all that Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men stuff, there had been some minor skirmishing and someone in the ranks was strongly suspected of having called someone else a butthole under their breath, and the alleged butthole was tattling in a whiningly insistent voice, trying to draw someone’s attention to this outrage. The old man, meanwhile, was grimly determined to find the perfect tree for his family by God and they were gonna have FUN for once without all this BICKERING! On the Waltons, the whole fam-damily was always doing stuff like this and loving it, climbing up Walton’s Mountain and discovering a lone, perfect spruce standing in a sudden, religious shaft of light, John Boy would be helping out the younger kids and carrying an orphan on his shoulders while Grandpa dispensed home-spun wisdom and they all learned a valuable life-lesson and yet he, Pa Hagy couldn’t even get the damn kids to act like human beings for an hour at a stretch, the damn roast was gonna be just FINE and for Pete’s sake quit that TATTLING!! When things had finally reached this point, it was the signal to cut down the nearest tree. Now, earlier I mentioned that Father Hagy was, to all outward appearances, just a regular guy, but he had a secret alter ego, known only to his family. Much like Goofy in
DECEMBER 2013
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the classic film ‘Mr Walker, Mr Wheeler’- a thought-provoking interpretation of the timeless Jeckyll-&-Hyde enigma- when Goofy changed from the decent, sensible taxpaying citizen Mr Walker into the violently psychotic Mr Wheeler, so was Mr Hagy prone to flip out when his switch was triggered. And Father Hagy’s trigger was when mechanized things refused to work. His children had seen the mild-mannered family provider transform into a crazed lunatic when the lawnmower refused to start, had known him to invent new cuss words which eventually had to be banned by the FCC when he worked under the hood of one of the family cars. And, as in the case of most people who suffer from this syndrome, his mechanical tormentors seemed to sense this weakness in him and purposely refused to work properly, sending him into a towering rage so intense that he was actually in danger of losing his human form and becoming simply a unit of furious energy. There was an episode of Twilight Zone once where the main guy had the same issue, and in the end all of his electrical and motorized stuff ganged up on him and attacked him, I’m pretty sure his electric razor finished him off, which was kind of what I believe all of the old man’s power tools were up to at one point- but at any rate, knowing this, the patriarch of the Hagy family insisted on taking, not a handsaw, but a chainsaw along on the Christmas tree excursion! It was a point of pride with him, a sort of in-your-face, I will not be beaten declaration, and plus he had taken the precaution of starting the damn thing about forty times out in the front yard beforehand to make sure it was in working order. Nevertheless, out in the wilds of Pleasant Valley, sweating through his utterly gratuitous scarf and suffering through the initial stages of a brutal cedar-fever attack, his wife now openly speculating on the extreme likelihood of the house having burnt down due to the untended crock pot and two of the children engaged in open hostilities, the head of the Hagy clan yanked the ripcord of the chainsaw with manly vigor, and the chainsaw gave a couple of wheezy gasps and died. The words to which Hagy gave utterance that day still stand in the annals of history as some of the worst, some of the most shocking and vulgar ever heard. At least two of them are legendary to this day, mostly among bikers and Merchant Marines. It is my belief that his fury that day gave him the super-human strength to rip that cedar tree from the earth with his bare, white-collar-guy hands, and it is said that people all over that side of Bergheim heard his triumphal cry- some say it sounded like a wolf. For one moment he stood atop Walton’s Mountain with the perfect Christmas tree grasped in both hands over his head, roots dripping dirt, and then he dropped it to the ground and the Hagys went on home. The children had quit their scuffling and walked in stunned silence as Mother Hagy herded them and shooed them along, and when they got home they ate the roast and Mrs. Hagy put on a record of The Might Pipe Organ playing America’s Most Beloved Carols while they decorated the tree. She was cheerful but a bit thoughtful, and in the ensuing years the children, grown now, have decided that she was most likely trying to puzzle out where her husband could possibly have learned of some of the practices he’d described in his swearing. The father of the family, who, in real life, was a quiet man who wore cordouroy houseshoes which his pet beagle brought him, seemed to have forgotten what he’d become for a moment out there, and worked a crossword while the kids made a popcorn chain for the tree, but when an argument started up about somebody eating too much popcorn and the old man absent-mindedly muttered, ‘Quit that bickering’, they quit. The perfect Christmas tree ended up being about three feet taller than the ceiling height and, true to its species, grotesquely misshapen, but they all thought it was the lovliest one they’d ever had. It was a wonderful Christmas that year, and when the next one rolled around, having forgotten every lesson they’d been taught the year before, the Hagys all bundled up and did it again. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah- whatever you celebrate, have a wonderful season and make it your New Year’s resolution to share the gift of love, every single day. God bless us, every one.
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EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Welcome to Boerne
Scan Code With Your Smart Phone
Bluebonnet Realty HOMES FOR SALE
1.) FOR SALE - $94,500 - 3 bed, 2 ba mobile home on 1.99 acres with views. All fenced.
2.) For Sale - $475,000 - Large home (approximately 3600 s.f.) on 5+ acres, fenced/ cross fenced with barn, stables, pool, guest house.
HOMES & COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE
3.) FOR LEASE - $2850 Beautiful 3 bedrooms home with pool, apartment over 3 car garage all on 2.19 acres
4.) FOR LEASE - $2900 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in Cordillera Ranch on 4.57 Acres with great outdoor kitchen for entertaining.
5.) FOR LEASE - $1450 3 bed, 2 ba on large lot and extra storage. On cul-de-sac low traffic area.
7.) FOR LEASE - $1150 2 bed, 1 bath in Ranger Creek. Large fenced back yard, and extra storage
8.) FOR LEASE - $1650 Charming 2 bed, 2 ba, with office/ guest room in Ranger Creek. Beautiful yard, garden, and covered patio with arbor. Close to community pool and tennis courts.
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6.) FOR LEASE - $5900 Exclusive Cordillera Ranch gated community 4 bed, 4.5 bath, approx. 5361 s.f. of liv area, plus pool with waterfall,outdoor kitchen, and so much more!
830-816-2288 • www.boernetexashomes.com
MUSIC
By Rene Villanueva
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EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Let’s start on a grey evening, driving into a new town from miles of highway. Every night: show, pack up, drive, unload. City through mirrored city. Slowly watching the past polished out into a reflection of television suburbia. Shelled out. Some cities hold well, the small ones better than the others. When I was 15 at Boerne High School, small town dreaming of roads and places to go, I didn’t think it would be this way. I wanted everyplace to be new and different. I wanted to see the quirks. The strangeness. But I see that all going. More and more are cities become the same. Exotic America survives in novels, photographs, songs, everything we keep in tucked away in our big community sock drawer. Maybe that’s why I love coming back to the hill country, with all its character and love. Anyway, I’m not too messed up about it. The best parts are safe, hidden away in every town, deep inside the minds that people them. Never completely lost as long as there are thinkers hungry for living on the outside. Unhappy with what-is, and turning out the could-be. People ready to explore. Here I give a vignette about us, the line of strange thinkers. This night, our band had a show in a small hold out town in Colorado. We’d just set up our amps and drums into a corner dive called The Firebird with a few hours before soundcheck, so I took off walking. Usually there’s not a lot of time for sight-seeing in rock’n’roll, but we had time that day, and I needed it. My head was drowsy from lack of good sleep and thoughts of a warm night at home, people, food, real food cooked over a real fire... and a neck bent out of shape from crowding against a 15 passenger van window. Suddenly I feel a walk could be medicinal. I needed change to shake off the tiredness. The routine of motels and fast food. The streets wet from a day I didn’t know, tell me I’m stepping into this town’s history that’s a great fact of travel. The outsider should be cautious, it does us well to know we don’t belong. Observing from a distance. My headphones drowning out the slides of rolling tires, and the shuffle of people unloading at a bus stop. “What are you listening to?” rings out. She’s young. We were both young, but I was college young and she’s high school. And those are oceans across. I pretended not to hear, but kept walking to her and she saw me through bright red swept bangs as she stood by a steel city bench. I like to keep my walks to myself, especially with my headphones in, but she seems sweet. Little sister sweet like she will follow you for blocks, trailing behind a step asking question on question, until you give some time. And anyway she stood right in front of me, so how could I ignore? She tapped her finger to her ear, and looked straight at me, “What are you listening to?” Again. I lifted my phone to show her saying, ‘I Got A Right.’ Iggy was yelling half-way through - yeeeaaawww. She took out her iPod, showed me ‘1970’ and swore it was synchronicity. The girl had a laugh she couldn’t control, and kept the history of Iggy Pop written verbatim in her head. Her blue eyes up the clouds like she’s reading her lines of our conversation on the
clouds. I couldn’t have interrupted her if I wanted. She said, “You know... of course you know,” as she described what she was listening to. “He sings with his whole body. Every part of him... it’s more than performing. Every part of him believes.” And she laughs again. “You know?” And she’s right. I know. She never asked who I am, or where I’m from, or names, because music was enough. Music connects. I knew she’s a girl who listens, and she knew about me, all from a phone or an iPod. As we were talking, I remembered my beginnings. When I was her. The times I was eager to talk. The times I built my friendships on taste. When I looked for those who listened because only they understood. All the regular chat can be saved for a chit-chatting with estranged relations. This is real talk. Music’s enough. Until it was time for me to head back to the bar. I waited for a break to smile and pull out my phone checking the time. Not that I wasn’t having fun. It was just time. I’ve got my hands back in my jeans, my thumb hovering over the play button. “Gotta get ready for the show.” “Firebird? “ she asked sliding on earbud. “Of course you’re going too.” Laughing again as she picked up her jacket. I said “Let’s walk,” and step out of her way. Side by side like two siblings we walked back up the street quietly for a few steps before she flips her hair to say, “I’m writing about the show for my school paper. I love The H...’s - the other band not mine - so glad they finally came here.” She said ‘here’ with all the frustration of being stuck in one place. And I saw in her pocket a well-worn notepad with ideas scribbled on it from past shows. Her dreams. Her words. Collected bits of Exotic America drifted in to her town with each band, and show. She’s recorded them, made them her own. I say something cornball like “hopefully it’ll be something worth writing about,” and left her in line outside of the club as I go in, with only a wave good-bye. I didn’t see her again that night or after, though I looked for her face in the crowd. Never finding what she wrote, but I hope it was positive. Never telling her I was in the other band. But what a set we played. Jaime’s bass drum rattling my leg on a tiny stage, nearly fell over twice. The monitors were so bad, I couldn’t hear a note of my voice over the amps. The whole time, with the heat of the stage lights and the sweat on me, I thought of what she said. And Iggy Pop. Believing. And trying to sing like every bone in me had something to tell. Like I could make the words come alive. And give what I got out of music, to someone else. Someone who is really listening. At the end of the night I was packing up and moving out. Having connected. Having given something to that night, and the city. Having received a memory. No longer tired of show after show, I felt good about cramming into the van again. Sometimes people can do that. Resuscitating a love. Taking me to the start. Feeling again in the lull of a long tour, a right to sing, a right to move, and more importantly the need.
A son of South-Texas, and two of the most beautiful souls I’ll ever know. Writer, dreamer, singer of songs, bass player, and professional observer. Toured the world with my band of “real-blood-tied” brothers, and friends as Hacienda/Fast-five. Recorded three albums, written countless songs, played countless shows, including two national tv late-night extravaganzas, festivals, throwdowns, parties, and hoot-nights. Lover of books, vinyl, dancing, people who laugh loud, walking, vintage craftsmanship, and my home in Boerne.
DECEMBER 2013
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(830) 331-9966
::
M-Th: 10:30am - 9pm
info@mainstcafeboerne.com ::
::
Fridays: 10:30am - 11pm
1101 South Main Street ::
Saturday: 9am - 10pm
:: ::
Boerne, Texas 78006 Sunday: 9am - 3pm
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EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
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210-845-4484 (Direct) • lbrown@phyllisbrowning.com www.lesliebrownhomes.com SABJ Top 25 Agent, Texas Monthly Five Star Agent, Platinum Top 50 Finalist
DECEMBER 2013
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Bill’s paintings are available for viewing & purchase exclusively at one of the finest gallery spaces in the country - Johny Rosa’s TEXAS TREASURES FINE ART GALLERY at 605 S. Main in Boerne, TX. Johny, a veteran of the Santa Fe art scene, has assembled a distinctive collection of art and placed it in several beautifully appointed rooms. The gallery is open 7 days a week for your convenience.
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For over 40 years, KCN has been building beautiful custom homes of all sizes in Boerne, Comfort, Bandera, Castroville and throughout the Texas Hill Country. Our commitment to excellence is reflected not just in the quality of our products, but also in the superior level of customer service we provide during the building process. Our reputation for honesty and integrity, combined with our commitment to deliver excellent quality, expert craftsmanship, and customer service, has afforded us the opportunity to build many long lasting relationships with our clients. In fact, we are now working with our 29th repeat client.
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DECEMBER 2013
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35
Sure, I know what you are thinking “a funny time to start writing about gardening”, but no, there are many reasons to plant the seeds of inspiration as the shortest days and coldest mornings approach. While many are focusing their efforts on shopping for the newest in hand held combination phone-toaster-bug zapper, or boarding up the doors and windows against the annual onslaught of relatives we wished lived further away, a few die hard garden enthusiasts embrace these months and the challenges they bring.
Vegetable Gardening I often say that my own garden has never been as beautiful as it was in its first January; Color and structure abound in the winter garden. As I like to remind folks, we don’t have winter here in the Hill Country, we have summer! We should all take advantage of these cooler days and enjoy the bounty our gardens can give. On the whole we are very much a drive-through society. One stop, get it all and get out quick is the norm. Not many invest the time and effort to grow their own veggies when we can easily go to the local store and purchase whatever we want, whenever we want regardless of where it came from or what it took to make it look so perfect (I will save my pesticide ranting for another time). There are many tasty treats that flourish through our typically mild winters; Chard, Kale, Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach, (Artichokes & Strawberries – planted now for production later on) and lets not forget Snow Peas! All of the “root crops” like carrots, beets, turnips and radishes grow at this time of the year. The brassica family which includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard and their deadly toxic cousin the Brussels Sprout all thrive with a modest amount of garden care. Most of the aforementioned can be purchased as small starts at better garden centers, with the exception of the root crops… which must be direct sown. A carrot will reach its total length in about its first week of life, and then grows layer upon layer becoming thicker with each new leaf produced. Kind of hard to grow a 6” long carrot in a 3” deep pot! If for some reason you are not inspired to grow a winter vegetable crop I encourage you to think about planting bluebonnets as your winter cover crop. Being legumes they help build nitrogen in the soil; Tomatoes usually go in just as bluebonnets are past their peak, making for a good crop rotation cycle. If flowers aren’t your thing, Elbon Rye grass (aka Cereal Rye), sown at this time of year also helps our gardens by providing lots of nitrogen when it is cut back and lightly worked in later in spring plus it has the added benefit of trapping harmful types of nematodes in its roots. Late December is also the time we begin spraying our fruit trees if necessary; please contact me or your preferred garden professional if you would like more specific information on this subject.
December Landscape Maintenance Hopefully we have all mulched our shrub and flower beds, covered our tender plants with frost blankets as needed, and applied our fall/ winter fertilizer… If you haven’t, well??? It is never too late (except for the frost blanket thing). Mulch with 3-4“of ground up wood stuffs, I am not that picky, just avoid pine bark – cockroaches love this stuff! The mulch available at the Boerne brush collection site is hard to beat for the price, but as the ‘inventor/originator’ of mixing compost with mulch – some call this “Living Mulch”- this is hard to beat! You can add quality compost at the rate of 20-30% volume of mulch and make your own, or purchase pre-mixed from any of the local material yards. Maintaining this layer insulates the soil; protecting the roots from rapid temperature fluctuations and helps reduce evaporation. Proper mulching year round can reduce over all landscape irrigation usage by as much as 50%! Fall (or winter if you haven’t yet) is the most important time to feed your landscape. The energy stored within our plants prior to, or while dormant, is what allows for vigorous growth when the soil warms and springs’ rains come – hopefully! We feed again in the spring to maintain this vigorous growth cycle. Think of it this way – the bear that goes in to hibernation hungry doesn’t always wake up in the spring. Feed ALL of your plants; fence line to fence line. And please use a natural fertilizer. Oak wilt is a major concern, as it should be. If for any reason your oak trees need to be trimmed, late December through January is the best time as the trees sap in moving at its slowest. My two cents is that any cut branch bigger than a pencil should be sealed; at any time of the year. What is the extra labor cost versus the risk of infection and possible losses? And on the subject of trees… This is still a fine time to add a new tree to the landscape. As mentioned earlier, we don’t have winters, as compared to our summers. The farther away from summer we can get is the best time to plant new trees (and shrubs… well, any major landscape work really!) True, this is a great time to add a new tree, but unfortunately the best selection of fruit trees is still a month or so out. Pick your spot and dig the whole now! Don’t dig too deep, usually 10-12” is more than enough for new 5 gallon fruit tree… but do dig a nice square whole say 24-36”or as wide as possible. ‘Living Christmas Trees’ are a popular notion. If you are hoping to enjoy the tree indoors for the holidays and then plant it out later I may offer a few hints. Start with choosing either an Aleppo Pine (hard to find) or an Italian Stone Pine. Watering your tree with ice cubes while indoors is an easy trick; but keep a sturdy saucer underneath to collect any possible excess. Try not to keep your tree inside for more than two weeks..Gradually expose it back in to sunlight by setting it outside under an oak tree or the like for a week or so to let it get re-acclimated to the full sun. Plant as we normally would, allowing for the size of a mature 30-40’ pine tree if all goes well twenty plus years from now. If we didn’t get our perennial flowering plants covered and they suffered a little frost damage there is no need to rush to cut them back just yet. Pruning can encourage new growth which would be much more vulnerable to subsequent freeze damage. I like to let my plants go through several freezes before I think about trimming back the dead foliage, if not waiting until early spring altogether. Pansy’s, their little brothers the Jump-Ups, Kale and Cyclamen are all welcome addition to the winter flower garden. Snapdragons, much like Petunias and Dianthus bloomed earlier, will take the dead off winter off, but come back in to bloom, often tripling in size and can be quite stunning either in our annual flower beds or containers replacing frozen Zinnias or Vinca. Unfortunately, deer seem to eat all of these winter gems… though some folks may be able to keep cyclemen??? Early December is bulb season! Hardy Daffodils, Narcissus and even several varieties of Amaryllis can over winter in the ground if not ‘naturalize’ and reproduce. Consult with your favorite nurseryman for the best varieties, there are too many to list here! Feel free to call if you need sources…
Let’s Not Forget… In the landscape our maintenance should be fairly minimal this month. Raking the leaves off of our turf-grass will keep it from mildewing; These leaves can easily be ground up with your mower and used as mulch in your flower or vegetable garden. Pull any dandelions or other winter broad-leafed weeds before they re-seed or simply keep them mowed to prevent as many flowers from forming.. Visit your local Mom-n-Pop nursery and purchase a gift for your favorite gardener; A simple little Rosemary (the herb of ‘Remembrance’) coupled with a generous $500 gift certificate would make one gardener I know very happy! And last but not least, feed our birds! Thistle seed should be going out as the gold finches are coming!!!
36
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
The Hill Country Real Estate & Property Management
E X P ER T
oley
cho aS
gel
An
C 210.912.8221 | P 830.816.2288 F 830.816.5903 angela@smvtexas.com www.boernetexashomes.com
Bluebonnet Realty
Wine
38
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Life with
Bubbles is always better By Tom Geoghegan tgeoghegan@boernewineco.com
When you look at all the steps involved in the production of this wine, it’s a wonder that Champagne is ever produced. With all the variables involved, it’s an uphill struggle even in a good year. But the end result is always worth it. It makes any occasion better, adds an element of elegance and romance to even the simplest meal…why don’t we indulge in this simple pleasure more often? I guess my work is still cut out for me when it comes to helping to boost consumption in this category.30 years ago when I got into the business, 90% of champagne was consumed essentially from Xmas thru New Year’s weeks. Since that time, the time frame has expanded to include the Thanksgiving period all the way through to Valentines and Superbowl….must work harder…must sell more champagne! The trilogy of holiday meals and the related parties during November and December give us that golden opportunity to try something different in the sparkling world or maybe try one for the first time. I’m the first to admit that it’s an acquired taste. And cost is certainly a factor, but not necessarily the only one. But with some basic information, and an awareness of the different styles, you too can achieve the bliss that is truly methode champenoise. The best descriptor I can share is the story of the legendary Benedictine monk Dom Perignon when he first sipped champagne. His response was “I am tasting the stars”. Now factor in the element that the good monk was blind, and you have a beautifully eloquent description. Let’s start with the basics…all champagne is sparkling, but not all sparkling is champagne. This conundrum comes from the fact that the French are extremely proprietary about this appellation and the process, even with other areas in France. The Holy Grail for champagne lover is that specific district in France (appellation), just north of Paris that produces the best sparkling wine in the world. The actual method of making champagne (methode champenoise) is now used all over the world, but started here almost 500 years ago. The primary elements are the secondary fermentation in the bottle and the use of primarily 3 specific grapes. Other parts of France (and the world) produce their own versions (sometimes utilizing different grapes) that cannot legally be called champagne (hence the term sparkling, cremant, cava, or prosecco, etc), but are made in the traditional champagne manner. For the sake of simplicity, in the remainder of the article, I’ll use the term champagne in its generic sense. I hope this disclaimer keeps the French wine police at bay. Champagne styles vary primarily in how the finished product is ranked in terms of sweet versus dry, and also the grape composition. The basic progression (from sweet to dry) is from demi-sec to extra-dry to brut. There are also some marketing terms like “riche”, “natural” ,”prosecco” ,”nectar”, and others that you will see on various labels…just ask your wine guy/gal for clarification. And a quick story on the origin of the term extra-dry, easily the most confusing term in the world of champagne. When the French started shipping this new style of wine in the 1600s to their #1 export market (England), the customers complained that it was too dry in style. The French, in their typical manner, created a new medium dry style that they christened Extra-dry…and the confusion continues to this day. The other aspect of style is the grape composition. Blanc de Blancs (white from white grapes) are made with 100% Chardonnay, while the Blanc de Noir (white from black) is produced from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Rose is increasingly popular and is beautiful in the flute. This style is generally off-dry, and is made by adding a small percentage of red wine to the final blend. Lastly, if there are no budget constraints, is the cuvee de prestige, or the very best champagnes they make….think the Belle Epoque or flower bottle from Perrier-Jouet…each producer has their own version. Taking all this into account let your personal taste and budget dictate your purchases. And, as in almost every aspect of our lives, there are values to be found around the world. The value leaders are the sparkling wines of Spain, generally referred to as Cava’s. Some of the brands to look for are Paul Cheneau, Cordorniu, and of course the
little black bottle…the Freixenet series. These are perfect for the first time champagne drinker or those who enjoy sparkling wines year round. A special bottle to look for from this producer is their cuvee de prestige designation… Segura Viudas. They also make this premium package in a magnum size (equivalent to two 750ml bottles) with a delicately shaped bottle with a pewter base. I love to share this on special occasions with a large group and have everyone sign the bottle with those special pens that write on glass (Moon Mippy in Boerne stocks these)The perfect accessory for the champagne lovers is the resealer or stopper made especially for these types of wines. The one we sell in the shop is simplicity itself (has only 3 moving parts) and retails for $4.99. This keeps the wine fresh for up to 10 days from my personal experience, and is perfect for saving those last glasses to enjoy for the weekend. Australia has been experimenting for the last few years with their version, which is a sparkling Shiraz…beautiful red color in the flute and great flavors for those looking for something a little different. Chook sparkling Shiraz is one of the best that I’ve sampled lately, and there are more than a few producers to choose from. The other districts or appellations in France are starting to get some of their regional champagnes into the local market. Look for the designation Cremant from the Loire, Alsace, Burgundy, and other areas. The Bichot Brut Rose from Beaune in the Bourgogne appellation is a consistent seller year round. California offers some great values, both for their homegrown wineries, and for the Cal-European versions. Iron Horse is one of the oldest producers, and illustrates how diplomatic this winery is. When the owner Joy Sterling was invited to show her wines at an international wine trade show in Paris many years ago, she took great pains to describe her wines as California sparkling wine, rather than to describe them as champagnes as many of the other producers did. The result was that Joy became the “belle of the ball”, and today France is one of the best export markets for this family owned winery and sparkling producer! The international collaborations make sense on so many levels. For France especially, the region is almost 100% planted to vine, whereas land is available to plant in California for a fraction of what it would cost back home. Combine the centuries of experience applied in the new world and you have a recipe for success. The house of Mumm was one of the early pioneers, and their Domaine Mumm series of sparkling offers French quality and tradition, with California pricing…generally half the price of their French counterparts. Another producer to look for is Domaine Carneros by Taittinger. It’s certainly different to be tooling around the back roads of Carneros, crest a hill, and see a beautifully built replica of a French chateau there by the side of the road producing magnificent sparklings. My personal favorite is the Gloria Ferrer winery in Sonoma. This is done in partnership with the Freixenet group in Spain, and pays tribute to the modern patriarch of the family which goes back over 600 years…Gloria Ferrer. Great wines and sparklings at even better prices. Even Texas is in the hunt. Our good friend Kim McPherson (McPherson Cellars) is producing a very nice sparkling that is worth tracking down. Last, but not least are the true French champagnes. Nothing really beats the original. All the big houses produce a very nice product, but the fun part is discovering the smaller, more boutique producers, and generally family run operations. Some of the better big names are Mumm, Perrier Jouet, Heidsieck, and Taittinger among others. Just remember the different styles and price levels and let your personal tastes and budgets determine the best fit. Some small producers I’ve tried recently are La Maison, J. Lassalle, and Veuve Fourny. They may be a little harder to find, but well worth the effort in terms of quality and price. A quick reminder that we are happy to special order any item any time for our customers. And my holiday wish for all of you is to step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy what this holiday season is all about…family, friends, and celebrating all we have to be thankful for!
Salud!
DECEMBER 2013
www.hillcountryexplore.com
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As a card-carrying resident of the Texas Hill Country, and more specifically Boerne, there are a few things that you need to know about. You might have only moved here this past summer, but as a resident, there are certain “secret” things that we’re about to let you in on. These are places, experiences, and moments that you simply must experience if you’re going to call Boerne “home”. In no particular order: Above you can see the view from Tower Rd. You don’t know where Tower Rd. is, but we’re here to help. Head north on Main Street until it is just about to spit you out on I-10. Stay on the access road, go up the hill, and look for the little road off to the right. That’s Tower Rd. Drive on up this road SLOWLY, and thank us later. Above is a Bumdoodler’s Brainstorm sandwich. It is, quite simply, the greatest sandwich in the history of the world. There is no other sandwich that can compete with its greatness. It’s about 11m calories of sandwich artistry. No, it’s not on your diet, but that’s no reason to not experience it. We have often swore that they must put crack cocaine in this sandwich, as you will return to eat another one every week from now until eternity. Below you will see a gentleman experiencing a haircut at GENT. This secret isn’t just for the guys, as the ladies have discovered that if they’ll send their men to GENT, they return transformed into clean shaven, properly groomed, gentlemen. Enjoy a beer or cocktail, watch your own TV, and behold a proper haircut service. Stop going to SuperPro-Great-Sport Clips, and come try a haircut like you’ve never had before.
The Boerne Library for many years, was housed in the building across the street from it, and patrons fumbled against one another as they watched the building falling apart. Then, a couple of years ago, the new Library opened. It’s about a million square feet of awesome books, movies, and literature. Get over there and experience it. It’s a library 20 years ahead of what Boerne “deserves”, and we here at EXPLORE thinks it’s straight up AWESOME. This is the Kronkosky Tower. Located on the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne property and only long-time locals know that it’s even accessible. It’s a beautiful vantage point to survey the landscape and inhale the beautiful Hill Country air. Navigate to the back of the property, park in the appropriate spots, and bring some binoculars. But keep it quiet – the nuns are praying.
Know of a M
UST DO in Boerne? If so send it to u s a excursions@ t hillcountrye xplore.com
40
EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Baby Love!
BOERNE CITY CENTER 194 South Main Street, Suite 110 Boerne, Texas 78006
BabyLove.com
(830) 331-9495 Monday – Saturday • 10am – 5pm
DECEMBER 2013
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Advanced arthritis treatment Muscle and joint pain Sports injuries for all ages Ultrasound guided treatments/injections In-office x-ray Sports physicals Broken bones/fracture care
Primary care for all ages Acute care/ Urgent care Newborn care Pediatric care/ Well Child exams Well woman exams Contraceptive management Adult medicine
Botox Chemical peels Cosmetic filler treatments
Wendy McCurley, MD Board Certified Family Medicine
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS 136 Old San Antonio Rd, Suite 406 • Boerne, TX 78006 • www.sfmboerne.com • 830.816.5800
TEXAS INVESTORS TITLE Performance is ourPriority
Commercial, Ranch and Residential Title Transactions
Steve Vallone President
steve@texasinvestorstitle.com
Becky Edmiston Vice President
101 S. Main Street “C”
Boerne, TX 78006
p. (830) 816-5888 f. (830) 816-5889
becky@texasinvestorstitle.com
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EXPLORE it! LIVE IT! The REAL Kendall County.
Locally owned in Boerne
For more information about this high-quality organic product go to www.truecollagen.com or write to ela.truecollagen@yahoo.com
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As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Chet Hawkins posses the highest level of education recognized for a dentist. As a graduate of the Pankey Institute, he’s had the finest post-doctoral training in the world. “I want to establish a master plan and then develop a blueprint for my patients’ long-term care,” he explains. “We want to solve the causes of the problems before we do anything else to their teeth. Then we can rebuild or repair with confidence that the fix will last as long as possible. We also educate our patients about other health issues related to oral disease. There is a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease that people need to know about.” Dr. Hawkins and his wife, Deby, have been residents of Boerne for 7 years and are excited to be joining the practice in Boerne.
I just went to see Dr. Hawkins yesterday for an exam and cleaning. I was promptly seen, the procedures were done painlessly and in a timely manner with the latest equipment. My necessary dental work was explained fully to me. Everyone in the office greeted me warmly and made me feel special. - Elaine K. The moment you enter the office you are greeted by Kim’s warm smile and friendly personality. The hygienists are professional and make you feel very at ease. Dr. Hawkins is very calm and soft spoken with a gentle touch. The office runs very smoothly and on time for appointments. - Charlotte S. Pleasant, friendly staff. No wait. Dr. Hawkins listens to your issues and then provides clear solutions. Great dentist. Also, great hygienist. Overall, great experience. - Cindy H.
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Boerne’s ONLY Master Dentist T he Denta l Wellnes s Cen ter • 8 0 6 N. M ai n St. • B o er n e • 8 3 0 -2 4 9 -7 8 7 0
We care for seniors in their home... INDEPENDANT LIVING COTTAGES AMENITIES: • One or two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry room & screened in portch overlooking beautiful woodland grounds and pond • 3 Meals a day delivered to cottage • Housekeeping and laundry service • Medication reminders • Activities, socialization and entertainment • Senior Buddies personal assistance available as needed. • Pets Allowed
ASSISTED LIVING AMENITIES: • Private and Semi private rooms and suites • Assistance with bathing, dressing & grooming • Medication assistance and healthcare management • Assistance with ambulation to meals and activities • Excellent home cooked meals and special diets • Activities, exercise and entertainment • 24 hour staff • Housekeeping and laundry service • Beauty and barber shop services • Senior Buddies personal assistance service is available for one on one care. • Walking paths in a beautiful woodland setting
...where their heart is SENIOR BUDDIES was founded to provide a loving, caring way to assist the elderly and their families. We specialize in enhancing the lives of seniors limited by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and strokes. We also provide respite care, surgery recovery and service for other seniorrelated needs.
WE meet with clients and their families in their own
home-setting to effectively facilitate a match between our caregiver and the client.
OUR personal assistance services may be just what is
needed to safely maintain our client’s independence in their own home.
OUR KIND AND THOUGHTFUL CAREGIVERS PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:
• Respite Care
• Joyful Positive Companionship • Bathing • Hygiene Assistance • Alzheimer’s Care • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping • Errands & Shopping • Medication Reminders • Incontinence Assistance
License # 030092
WE OFFER:
210.698.9365 210.410.3864
24137 Boerne Stage Rd • San Antonio, TX 78255
www.thelodgeatleonsprings.com
• Affordable Hourly Rate • Morning, Midday & Evening
210.698.7772
License # 01411
www.senior-buddies.com
An Open Letter from Old Timer GROWTH No single word will split this community faster than the word GROWTH. We have one faction, that will spit insults at anyone that uses terms like “responsible growth” or “controlled growth”, because, well, the word GROWTH is in there, and it will eternally piss them off. They want no new growth; they want little quaint streets with kids selling lemonades while Dad works his donkey-led plow on the back 40. You know, like how it’s ALWAYS been. On the other side, we have some sly dogs that are quietly campaigning for buzzwords like “responsible growth” and “affordable housing.” I’m fairly confident that every single one of them that uses these words are in the game for some amount of profit. No, that doesn’t mean they are land developers or realtors per se, but odds are, they own local businesses that would benefit tremendously from the new faces. They are cool with vistas of rooftops as far as the eyes can see, and so long as government is in control of the growth, they shrug their shoulders and say “What are ya gonna do?” Ok, now that we’ve covered that, I’m about to let you in on who is actually guilty for the curse known as GROWTH: the answer is that we all are guilty. That’s right, Mr. “Over my Dead Body Will Another Business Move to Town”. You’re guilty, too. And you too, Mr. “Hey, It’s Cool Cause I Sell Hamburgers And Could Use Some More Business”. We’re all guilty. Don’t believe me? Let me let you in on a little secret: Boerne is popular because of the town that has been created. On its good side, we are a town with a charming Main Street district, low crime, and not a lot of the big city inconveniences. These are the things that Mr. “Hey, Let’s Move Out of this Dump Known as San Antonio” thinks about when he thinks of Boerne. He’s sick of sitting in bumper to bumper traffic next to a car with bass so loud that it’s shaking his mirrors, and he wants to get his family to somewhere appropriate to raise his family. So he looks at Boerne. And what does he see? He sees a brand new library. We built a library so that we could handle the “future growth” of our area and to provide a great resource to the citizens. And you know what? We did a good job. We built a HUGE library that is amazing. One that is well larger than we actually needed, but hey, people are moving here, so we better accommodate ‘em, right? Then he sees a newly revamped River Trail area. The old river trail was little more than a park with some beat up picnic tables, but the City spent a truckload of cash to spruce it up, and the visitors exclaim, “Isn’t it beautiful here?!!” (Except for that RIDICULOUS duck statue). The visitor sees land values that are insanely high, and thinks, “Wow, the land is so beautiful!” and we all agree that it is. But because the City has valued land at such crazy high values, Grandma sells her 500 acres to CENTEX Homes because she can’t afford the tax values. Then he sees a sea of “affordable housing” because the geniuses at the Economic Development Corporation have been pushing for that kind of housing for years.
He sees a Main Street District that is full of retail that is jam packed on Saturday afternoons when he visits, and he thinks “What a charming little area!” However, if you look at that same area on a Wednesday afternoon, the shop keepers are standing on their front stoops, having a smoke because the locals don’t shop on Main Street (for the most part). He also sees a crap load of parks and trails and playgrounds, and blah, blah, blah. You see – we have actually done a pretty good job of sprucing up Boerne from the sleepy little town it WAS, and turned it into the neat little town it is now. Those people involved with the Library screamed “Oh my goodness, we MUST have a new library!” and sure enough, they got one. And those at the Parks and Rec department campaigned for new trails and parks, and they got those, too. Every one with a vested interest in the latest improvement got what they wanted thanks to Grandma’s stupid-high tax values. And now here we sit, scratching our heads as to why so many people keep moving here, and essentially transforming the “neat little town” into the “ho-hum suburb”. So from my chair, we’re all to blame. We wanted improvements, and we got them. And we created a town that Mr. “Visitor from Another Town” looked at and thought “Let’s move HERE!” So the next time you sit in traffic on Main Street, or grumble when you see a new franchise business coming to the area, just remember that we all share the blame. There is no real solution to the problem, other than to bus in criminals, vandals, and all the riff-raff we can find in order to lower our property values, increase our crime rates, and destroy the pretty things around town. Sound like a good idea? Nah, I didn’t think so. So buck up fellow old timers. It was a good run, but the writing is on the wall. More people are coming, and we might as well welcome them to town and give them the lay of the land. Either that, or we install gun turrets out on I-10 and refuse entry to EVERYONE. I’m good with either idea. One last thing I’d like to say to the new residents: Just recognize that while you were picking out your new lot at Herff Ranch, and while you were telling all of your friends how you live out in the “country” now, there’s a lot of history to this town. History that you don’t know the first thing about. Yes, I’m old and cranky and hate change, but I won’t fault you for moving here. I’d move here, too. I loathe that black hole known as San Antonio worse than perhaps anyone in the county, so if I had to choose, I’d make a bee-line for Boerne also. That being said, recognize that you’re not in SA anymore. You’re in a small town in the Texas Hill Country. Act like it. Shop here. Get involved. Learn about your community. Meet your neighbors. If all you’re going to do is commute to and from the Black Hole every day and never be involved in your community, then you my friend, are the true disease that has affected my town. Oh, and welcome to Boerne.
119 Staffel Street, Boerne, Texas 78006 830.816.2005 | TheCreekRestaurant.com
DECEMBER 2013
www.hillcountryexplore.com
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