explore magazine - jan 09

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January 2009


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2 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

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January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 3

EXPLORE magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, Tx. EXPLOREmagazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneousinformation, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers.Opinions expressed do not necessarily reect the opinions of EXPLORE and/or SchooleyMedia Ventures. Copyright 2009

Publisher

Benjamin D. [email protected]

Creative DireCtor

Lauren Tuttle [email protected]

aDvertising sales

210-507-5250 or [email protected]

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sideDearest EXPLORE reader,Welcome to 2009.

I remember when I celebrated New

Years Eve in 1990, and was amazed by it. It

felt so futuristic to be closing in on the mil-

lennium. Then when we went through Y2K,

2009 sounded like it was a million years into

the future. And yet, here I sit in 2009, and

2000 seems like it was yesterday. Time ies.

This past weekend, I was laid up on the couch channel surng, and caught

the opening sequence to Ferrell Buellers Day Off. The movie was lmed in

1986. I remember watching it and, like everyone else, guring that Ferris was

the coolest high school kid in history (I was in middle school at the time). As I

watched the movie the other day, it struck me that this movie is now 22 years

old. Matthew Broderick was 24 when he lmed it, and that makes him 46.

WOW. It makes a person think. Where were you 22 years ago, and did you

think you had all the time in the world to accomplish everything you wanted

to accomplish?

As we enter a new year, its one of the most popular times to take your

personal inventory and evaluate. At the same time, I have always liked the

quote, You cant change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying

about the future. Today its 2009, and in the blink of an eye, it will be 2031.

Doesnt that seem almost impossible? Im 33 today, and in 2031 Ill be 55 and

closing in on retirement. UGH. Enjoy 2009. Make it the greatest year of your

life, and spend as little energy as possible fretting over 2008, and dont worry

about 2010. Trust me, itll be here pretty quick.

I hope you enjoy this latest issue of EXPLORE. We have one of my favorite

pieces in Giddens Predictions. Local resident and businessman Michael Gid-

dens has a knack for getting creative with some of his off the wall predictions.

The last time we did this, in 2005, he predicted that Disney would buy a parcel

of land on the north end of town and put in a resort. I kid you nota few days

later I was elding calls from Houston realtors looking to see some propertyaround Boerne because of the new Disney project. So please, when you

read his humorous and creative predictions, take them with a grain of salt.

We also have the return of the wildly popular Marjorie, who has put to-

gether a few very interesting pieces about Boernes history. This one focuses

on The Flats, which old-timers will know is the area west of the Cibolo, and

south of San Antonio St. I forwarded the article to many friends and family, and

many agree that they learned much. I hope you do as well.

So here I sit on a cold and dreary morning in the futuristic year of 2009

writing this letter. I can see my reection in my computer screen, and while I

have a few scrapes and wrinkles that life has bestowed upon me, Im still thatkid from 1986 in my heart. Take the present, and make the most of it. Leave

2008 in the past, and tackle 2010 when it shows up. And hey, may the dreams

of your past become the realities of your future.

Smiling,

Benjamin D. Schooley

PS Happy New Year.


4/324 See it. Breathe it. Live it. EXPLORE it.

Calendar of Events - Januarythe most comprehensive events calendar youll find anyWhere!

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Thursday, January 1Kyle: p b sw e. K p. 512-268-4220Saturday, January 3

bandera: cwg r- & sw- t a wg,g/gw, , w . i xg g g. h 6 .. h cs n a. 830-796-4413Sunday, January 4boerne: j lk p sw K c fg. www.Kcfa.g830-249-2948Friday, January 9concan: t d. rw t w k s, f, n r. 800-210-0380.boerne: j lk sw & s K c fg. www.Kcfa.g830-249-2948Saturday, January 10boerne: o s s g b g 5 8. c g w g b as.p s s a W g g t ck r g . t w 4:30 pm h i ex x s ( W b), kg ww b kg g w 8:30 pm.

boerne: c n c - p W Wk tg g g g w. cnc $30/;- $40/. f t 1. sbec - . p-g q. c 830-249-4616 g.l 20. G www..g.bandera: b 100K u-m i 25K 50K - w . bg 7:30 .. h c s n a. www../b. 830-796-4413 210-687-4347hondo: c sw i & . 18 s. www.-. 830-426-3037neW braunfels: t v e & lg t j a, e -

, e b c. i r o m m. bg 7 .. bx t. www..832-623-4812boerne: mk d dz tx , ,q, , g . m pz.www.. 830-249-5530 210/-844-8193Thursday, January 15johnson city: b c y sk sw b c f-

g. www.x. 830-868-7684fredericKsburG: Ww tx m f i tx , - w fkg.

www.x. 830/997-2197Friday, January 16fredericKsburG: t d s 350 . hw. 290 e.www.g. 830-990-4900 210-846-4094Kerrville: d l! p: 830-896-9393 www.k.g c g , x g, , g -- g. cx t, 910m s. e-: @k.gSaturday, January 17fredericKsburG: h c G & m sw i w, ,, g g, x . p p, l bj m pk. www.kgk.g 830-990-9823 830-895-9630Saturday, January 24johnson city: a e b p: 830-868-5244 o , g wk, g, , , . bg 1:30 .. b G s r, 377 s r. e-: [email protected], January 25boerne: h c h c - s e mk s j25 a f rv 7. s s e ( cd: Wg

sq s). t w k .www..Thursday, January 29hondo: m c j. lk sw i x, , . m c fg. e-: -@. 830-741-6180Friday, January 30round rocK: p l ag p: 512-244-0440www.sambasstheatre.org Comedy is about a fctional meeting between Alberte p p. s b c t.Saturday, January 31bandera: W G d e g w ,

k. bg 4 .. G l c. 830-796-3091fredericKsburG: i a & c sw i -1900 na i , w x .p p, l b j pk. e-: [email protected]: b f f tx. r.r.1376, hw. 290e. www.kx. 830-997-3324


5/32 January 2009 www.hillcountryexplore.com 5

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ts 7:30, Saturday night. I just realized Ive forgotten my

promise to go to my neighbors party tonight. Ooooo, I feel

bad, but Im already in my comfy clothes and my make up is

off. No way Im going back out tonight! Besides, its cold outside, the

game is on and I just made popcorn. Im sorry, but I forgot!

Its just the beginning of a long line of things Ive forgotten. I forgot

Or, Im Much More Important Than You

to fulll promises, to follow through on things that needed to be done. I forgot to get insurance renewed as

I should have. I forgot friends birthdays, anniversaries, graduations. I forgot to go to my own high school

reunion! Sorry, but I forgot!

Now, everybody on occasion forgets a thing or two. If thats you, then Im not talking to you. Turn the

page! Go to a different article! Shoo! Im not talking about you. Im talking about serial forgetters, agrant

forgetters, four-star generals of forgetting.

Those who know better and just keep on being much more important than everybody else. If youre still

reading this paragraph in spite of being shooed away, then maybe you are one.

I am a serial forgetter. Why does this happen? It is so embarrassing when it does, you would think weforgetters (me) would gure it out. Well, actually, we (I) have. I know the answer in almost every case it is

because I am selsh and much, much more important than anybody else. I forgot my friends anniversary be-

cause something came up at work and I just forgot. Didnt call my parents when they expected it? Well, I

really didnt want to spend that time for a call just then, so II forgot. The reunion? I was enjoying working

in my yard! Plants = more important than helping set up those banquet tables! So I forgot! Sheesh!

I know Im not alone. We have plenty of examples -- the Bethlehem Innkeeper who, because he was

busy, forgot to notice that Mary was going to deliver a baby, to examples in the paper of people in hurries

who forget to lock their doors, their cars.

In all the examples I can think of, the forgetter has been wrong.

Because we choose to forget things, in the end we lose many things - opportunities, belongings -- and

worse, we risk losing friendships, trust and others belief in us to be depended on.I dont make New Years Resolutions. I always forget to keep them.

(Are you surprised?) But now Ive taken the step standing up in

front of the group and stating My name is and Im a forgetter!

Im in the Program now, and it is up to me to change. Ill let you know how it goes. If youre still read-

ing this and realize you, too, are a agrant forgetter, then join my self-help group. Buy that pad of yellow

stickies and start putting up those reminders! Commit to never having to say youre sorry. OK, I apologize

for that hokeyness. But the point is to Do what you say youll do in things great and small, or no one will

believe youll do anything at all.

Good luck!

Flagrant Forgetting



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everal times per month, I receive a CD in the mail. It typically comes with a nice shiny press pack full of testi-monials, pictures, and bio information about the artist. It tells me all the reasons why the musician (or band) isthe greatest new act on the scene in 25 years, how nobody is as talented as they are, and that the face of the musicmap will forever be changed. In some ways, its as if I dont even need to hear the CD, because obviously, thereis no determination to make other than when the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame will induct the artist.

This month, I received an envelope with a CD by Greg Coplen in it. There was a disk full of images in-cluded, but little else. I flipped the CD over and learned that Coplen is a contemporary Christian musician. I normally dig some upbeatChristian stuff, so I tossed his CD into my laptop. With haunting pianos, a voice that is jam full of emotion, and a strong backing band,I was quite impressed with Coplen. I scheduled some time for us to visit, and returned to the rest of the CD. However, as I quickly

learned about him, the music is only part of his story. In fact, theres a lot more to him than meets the eye.Growing up in West Texas, piano was a part of Coplens life early on, but not a major point of emphasis. I was way more into

sports. I played every sport, although tennis was a big thing for me. Eventually, I played in college. Music stayed close by as well.The music was something I loved doing, and I played here and there. But sports were much more important back then. I enrolledin Southwest Oklahoma, and eventually transferred to Baker University. As Coplen stepped out into the world, he began to find thatleft to his own devices, life posed many challenges.

When I was at college, I majored in parties, Coplen laughs. I stayed in school for a year, but I broke my hand the first week ofschool. I broke it badly, and that ended the tennis experiment. I thought I was being real smart and hit my mattress when I was drunkand mad, and instead hit the frame. I went through a good depression, and really began drinking a lot. I didnt go to class. Up untilI left to go to college I was a good kid, and a good student, but I saw it start slipping away from me. I tried to walk on at A&M, but itdidnt work out. I knew the whole time that alcoholism runs in my family, and had a pre-disposition to that. Coplen would make anattempt at cleaning up his act, to little avail.

I flunked out of school, and I lost my scholarship. The summer after my freshman year of college I came home, and my parentswere concerned about me. My dad asked me if I had a problem with drinking. I told him, probably. They figured treatment was thebest thing, so I went to rehab. Upon returning home, Coplen went right back to what he knew best. I came back home, was livingwith my parents, and that downward spiral started all over again. I just continued to get worse. When my wife and I met up again, andhad been dating a year or so, we wanted to get married and move to San Antonio and go back to school. She got pregnant a month aftergetting married. I was waiting tables, and playing in bars. It was just terrible for me. Drugs became a big part of my life. Pot was hugefor me. That led to coke. For about a year, I was crashed. I dropped 35 lbs, and by the grace of God got away from that. I just kickedit. Im pretty strong-willed, and at that point, I knew I had to stop the drugs or die. And hey, the drinking and the pot helped me!!

As Coplens addictions began to grip him harder and harder, his health began to fail. I spent a lot of time in ER rooms. I devel-oped some huge health problems. But, I was raised in the church, and I was a believer, and I had a relationship with Christ. I had justCHOSEN to leave that behind. I just chose to not follow. I was very happy for my wife that she became a Christian, because I couldsee the evidence of what was changing. Alcohol had a huge hold on me, though. Im battling the addiction during that time and whatI knew was right.

Coplen eventually recognized that changes were due in his life.Every Sunday I went to church, and each morning it was like the pas-tor had been driving with me in the car, as everything was directed atme. I was hungover and tired one morning, and I went to the pastorat the altar, and I told him everything that was going on with me. Illnever forget it. He just looked at me and said Dont be bullsh*ttingme. Thats exactly what I needed to hear. I love that moment. I didntwant this anymore, I want my life to change. He prayed with me, weconfessed, and re-committed my life to Christ. He began mentoringme, working with me, and guiding me. It took a few weeks, and I hada couple of slips, but Im trying to get through life and come out on theother side. The 1st month was rough. It was a good month or two be-fore I felt normal. I think that I thought I could just control the alcoholat that point. I had an opportunity to cut it off, but held on to the alcohol.I got involved with the church, but I held on to it. That went well for acouple of years. I tried to stay so busy I didnt have time for drinking. It

became apparent that I could work at the ministry level.Eventually working with Cibolo Creek Community Church in Fair

Oaks, Coplen pursued his career in the ministry. I eventually tooka job in Colorado, hoping for a fresh start, but nothing improved. Icouldnt hide it anymore. I got sent to rehab again. Theres no jobwhere you want your employees to drink and party, but for me, I was ina job where my personal and professional life simply clashed. You getdrunk and do stupid things, and I couldnt afford to do that. There weresome major spiritual upheavals going on with me. I got out, was sober

GREG COPLEN



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for a while, but my wife andI had a huge argument, and Iended up in the hospital thatnight. My wife picked meup, and I stopped at the li-quor store on the way home.I was soon red from that job. This was in 2005. Wemoved back to San Antonio,and moved in with my wifessister. They told me you

drink again here, and youreout. I drank that night. So Iwas then separated from myfamily for a while, workingodd jobs. I then ended up in

the ER again in mid-05. I was just on the oor of the waiting room shakinguncontrollably. I was just so sick. Beyond sick. I ate once a day, and drankthe rest.

Finally, and not a moment too soon, Coplens life changed. It was Au-gust 8, 2005. I had detoxed at the ER for 3 days. I got out and Jeff, the pastorat Grace Point took me to a treatment center in Fredericksburg. Somethinghappened, Im not sure. In the coming weeks, months, and yearsIve got-ten my family back, my nances. Life is awesome. Ive got my job back in

Ministry. Maybe I had nally gone far enough crap, maybe I could nallyadmit my problems and accept them. God is going to use my story I hope. Itwas during that I nally said Step up and be a man. Be a Godly man. Handthis over. And I did and I havent looked back. My recovery has been nothingshort of amazing.

Clean for the rst time in a long time, Coplen slowly returned to his talentsin music. Musically, and in leadership, God gave me a special blend and mixof gifts that could be hugely uplifting, and I had just tossed them. I never tookmy talents seriously. I did a worship CD in Tulsa, and I was drunk duringthe recording sessions. Bobby Maller, came up to me last year and said Wewould really like to put some energy behind you doing an album. One thingled to another, and we went to Nashville to record. That CD, Coming On

Again, has garnered rave reviews and is catapulting Coplen up the contempo-rary Christian charts.

The response has been extremely favorable so far, and I think that oneof the things thats happened is that Ive been given the opportunity to tellmy story and hopefully it is used for some good. God didnt make me gothrough my story, but He allowed it to happen. I see people come to Christbecause of my story. Its not just an alcohol thing, its a sin thing. To hear thestory of someone who was in it deep, and God led them out of it is extremelyencouraging.

Coplen has begun to map out his plans for the CD and for himself. Armedwith a notebook of songs and lyrics, Coplen is nally able to turn his talents

into a direction that will lead him to success, and bring others out of despair.Doing the cd, and bringing these songs to life, is what I wanted to do with it.No matter what happens, Ill always have the songs, and be able to see howmuch work God did with me. I look back at the past 3 years, and while He hasworked with others around me, the work He has done with me is nothing shortof miraculous. Its been a special time between me and God, and Ill alwayshave that as a reminder of what God delivered me from. I have no idea whathes prepared me for, but Im excited to learn.

Already writing for his follow-up CD, Coplen has hit a vein of creativitywithin himself that is deep. Whether you are a fan of contemporary Christianmusic or not, hopefully we are all fans of people overcoming their challengesand making the most of their talents. As Coplen continues to navigate his chal-lenges, his perspective is one of faith and condence. I do think God has big-

ger plans for me. What I want to happen with the CD is to be in a position toknow that whatever happens with the CD is Gods will. If that means stayinglocal and ministering, Im cool with that. Im halfway through songs for thenext CD, and theres a new story being told in those songs about my growth.And theyre not just about me, but about mans growth. Its every mans jour-ney, and about man meeting God, and He being willing to carry them. I hopefor huge things. Im capable of being a huge success, and by success, I seelots of ministry being done through it. Its a ne line. If Im in this just to hearmyself on the radio, Im in this for the wrong reasons.

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11/32


hen the world wearies, and society ceases to satisfy, there is

always the garden.We all know there are a lot of things going on that we haveno control over these days. If we have the nerve, we watch thenews, or the stock market. Then wish we hadnt.

I had a recent urge to do something that would make mefeel I have some way to take my mind off the news, help me take control of my life and help save our precious pennies too.I found the solution in a vegetable garden.

I have always had a vegetable garden of one sort or another, but in recent years the trees shaded the garden and my workcovered up my time. I was growing next to nothing, but the dream of armfuls of homegrown, organic veggies from my own

productive garden came creeping in again and again. Once it came while at the grocery store, while looking at a bunch oforganic kale that came all the way from California and cost $3.99. I happen to know kale grows like a weed in Texas in thewinter. I know that transporting vegetables across the country uses untold resources that would be better off saved. I put thekale back and marked a score for the garden idea.

I love to be outdoors. Time in the fresh air gives me good ideas and energy. Time in the yard takes my mind off the chal-lenges of the day and helps me unwind. I think this is true for lots of us. In this time of drought I found myself not plantingornamentals, rather keeping what I have alive with as little water as possible. So whats to do in the yard other than mulch?Another score for a vegetable garden.

There is a long list of reasons why we built a new garden this year, some physical, some economic, and some simplyromantic. You may have your own reasons. This story is about how we did it and how you can too.

STEP 1

Pick a sunny location. Vegetable gardens need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Dont cheat on this.STEP 2

Decide on size of your garden. We fenced an area 40x40 because we wanted lots of space and room to grow if we want.However smaller would be ne. We found that 6 beds 4x10 ft each would grow plenty for a family of four and friends too.You will also want to plan a compost pile nearby.

STEP 3

Build a good fence. Deer love vegetables even more that you do. So dont skimp here either. Our fence is made of 6foot welded wire with 2x3 inch squares and another single wire strung along the top. No deer will dare this fence, and noarmadillo can come in under it either. A large gate is very handy too. We had help from a local man, who has skills, andmuscle, and experience in fence building. It is here to stay.

STEP 4

Build the beds. Dont use railroad ties. They contain toxic chemicals that will leach into your nice organic soil. Weresearched and found that red cedar, redwood or cypress is a good choice. You can also use rocks, cinder blocks, local cedar

posts or other creative materials. We used 1x10 untreated cypress.The perfect bed size is 4x10 feet and 10-12 inches deep. The corners must be secured with brackets to keep the boards

secure when the garden is lled with soil. Rebar stays can help keep the board from warping. We built six beds with roombetween them for the wheelbarrow, or to get a pickup truck close for mulching or adding compost.

STEP 5

Fill your beds with soil. We used garden mix from a local materials yard. It took about a yard per bed. After lling thebed add a couple of inches of ready compost and the correct amount of ORGANIC fertilizer and mix it in to the top fewinches of soil.

STEP 6

Plan your drip system. We set up a timer that will help the garden survive my lapses in memory. Each bed has a 50-footsoaker hose laced in it and all are connected to a central system. They are the perfect length.

STEP 7

The fun part! Plan your garden. This is very important because you must grow the right vegetables at the right time tobe successful in Texas. Read all about it. There are many books on gardening in South Texas, but I always like talking to

my local nursery guys too. They will know. Dream, plan, then shop.I like tried and true varieties but I also love seeds with names likeColorful Carnival Blend Carrots, Red Velvet Leaf Lettuce, DinosaurKale, Ruby Red Swiss Chard and Rainbow Beets.

STEP 8Planting the garden. Water it rst. Its best to let your beds settle

for a couple of weeks before planting, but not critical. However hav-ing moist (not wet) soil is important. Transplants like cloudy days,or some protection from the sun. After setting your plants carefullyin their new beds give them a drink of Garrett Juice. That will makethem feel better. Water well and say a little prayer for them.

Seeds need special attention. Read the package carefully aboutdepth and spacing. They know what they are talking about. Theymust stay moist to germinate. I have a nozzle on my hose that I use tomist the seeds twice a day until they are up. Its so much fun to watchand wait, then one day like a long expected guest, they pop up. I nd

myself feeling good all day when new seeds come up.STEP 9

Once your garden is planted and your seeds are up, you just need to care for it.

They say the best fertilizer for a garden is a gardeners footsteps. Watch for caterpil-lars and roly-polys. Make sure your drip system is coming on. Mulch your plants asthey grow. Give them regular feeding good foliar spray. Take friends out to visit yourgarden. Put out some lawn furniture so you can watch it grow. Add some garden art.Plant some owers. Putz around.

There are great products on the market now that make organic gardening veryeasy and will solve all your garden needs. Support your local organic nursery.

STEP 10

Harvest your joy. The rst harvest from your garden will be a celebration. Havesome friends over to share the rst salad or tomatoes. It is an investment and accom-

plishment. A garden is a good thing that will bring you and your friends closer to theearth, closer to your home and closer to good health and happiness.

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Simple Pleasures in Complicated TimesPLANT A GARDEN AND GROW HAPPINESS

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THE RESTAURANT SECTION

John GrifnExpress-News Dining Edi-

tor

Tin Roof Steakhouse470 S. Main Street

Boerne, TX830-816-5011

Hungry Horse Restaurant116 Buckskin Dr./109 S. Saunders

Boerne, TX830-816-8989

Cypress Grille170 S. Main Street

Boerne, TX830-248-1353

Tapatio Springs Resort &Conference Ctr.101 Preston Trail

Boerne, TX830-537 4302 800-999-3299

Chilis Restaurant #844601 W. Bandera

Boerne, TX830-249-8558

Sidelines Restaurant &Sportsbar

1361 South Main, Suite 301

Boerne, TX(830) 331-9464

OBriens Restaurant848 Hwy 46 East

Boerne, TX830-336-3955 830-229-5600

Scenic Loop Cafe

25615 Boerne Stage RoadSan Antonio, TX210-687-1818

The Grill at Leon Springs24116 IH-10 WSan Antonio, TX(210) 698-8797

Spinellis Vistro &Country Inn

911 S. Main Boerne, TX830-249-9563

Cheesy Janes215 W. Bandera, #101

Boerne, TX830-248-1000 210-541-1480

Kendall Inn &The Limestone Grille

128 W. Blanco Boerne, TX830-249-2138 800-364-2138

Bumdoodlers929 N. Main Boerne, TX

830-249-8826

PO-PO Family Restaurant829 FM 289 Boerne, TX

830-537-4194

The Creek Restaurant119 Staffel Boerne, TX

830-816-2005

Boerne Grill143 S. Main Street

Boerne, TX830-249-4677

Lilys on the River412 River Road, #103

Boerne, TX(830) 249-9202

Eat Smart Restaurant1595 S. Main, Suite 121

Boerne, TX830-249-9288

Guadalajaras Diner103 N. Main Street

Boerne, TX830-249-0900

Dodging Duck Brewhaus402 River Road Boerne, TX

830-248-3825

Bear Moon BakeryP. O. Box 756 401 S. Main

Boerne, TX830-816-2327

El Chaparral MexicanRestaurant

707 S. Main StreetBoerne, TX

830-816-8288

Magues Cafe934 N. Main Boerne, TX

(830) 249-9168

Naples Pizza Restaurant215 W. Bandera Road, Suite 106

Boerne, TX830-249-0089

My Hill Country Kitchen109 Waterview Pkwy

Boerne, TX(830) 816-4804

Welfare Caf

223 Waring Welfare RoadBoerne, Texas

Conroys Pub9091 Fair Oaks Parkway #201

Fair Oaks Ranch, TX(210) 698-7310

Chilis Restaurant #844

601 W. BanderaBoerne, TX

830-249-8558

Sidelines Sports Bar &Grille

1361 South Main, Suite 301

Boerne, TX 78006(830) 331-9464

My Hill Country Kitchen109 Waterview Parkway,Suite 105 Boerne, TX

(830) 331-9863

Magues Cafe934 N. Main Boerne, TX

(830) 249-9168

Mary Brogans Irish Cottage455 S Main St. Boerne TX

(830) 249-6818

814 A Texas Bistro713 High St. Comfort, TX

(830) 995-4990

Guenthers Biergarten& Grill

220 Hwy 473 at 6th St.Comfort, TX

830.995.5370

Highs on High Street726 High Street

Comfort TX830.995.4995

EXPLOREs REstauRant GuidE

ndin

ing

{

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Naylene Dillingham-Stolzer

and her husband raise goats. Their neighbors down theroad, the McKinnerneys, also raise goats.

Trouble is, the market for goat meat has never been

that great compared with beef or pork. So, Naylene and

her neighbors started up a little roadside restaurant back in

1999 to market it.

They made a little more money by selling their goat

meat to their own restaurant than they would have oth-

erwise, but they made something else. Their little shack,

named Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery after the McKin-

nerneys, get it? has put their hometown, Tarpley, pop.

50, on the map. Well, on the foodies' map, at least.People from miles around show up for the cabrito burg-

ers that Naylene makes each Wednesday, Friday and Sat-

urday for lunch. But the crowds on Friday and Saturday

nights want something more than burgers. They want herseared Yellown Tuna with Wasabi Mayo, her Mustard

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Salsa Verde, her fried catsh

or whatever Naylene's had a hankering for.

"I cook what I want to eat," she told a sold-out Central

Market cooking class recently.

It's as simple as that, and so are her dishes. Though

the end product may taste gourmet, her approach is too

straightforward, too sensible and not fussy in the least.Her yellown tuna, for example, is cooking at its most unde-

manding. Just brush sesame oil on tuna steaks and grill to desired

doneness. (You should cook tuna the same way you want your

steaks cooked, she said.) At the same time, mix together mayon-

naise, wasabi, teriyaki sauce and water to make a sauce. That's it.Yet the sweetness in the teriyaki plays off the heat of the wasabi,

and both work well with the nuttiness of the sesame oil.

It's easy and complex at the same time.

Naylene is like that, as well. She may have a hyphenated last

name, but she's too free of pretensions to be called anything but

Naylene.

She also has the gift of remembering the name of everybody

she meets, even after a lapse of several weeks, according to a few

of her regular customers who attended the class as a means of

avoiding the 90-minute drive to Tarpley, which lies to the west of

Bandera. As each student entered the room, Naylene would walkover and introduce herself; for the rest of the class, she addressed

each questioner by name.

Naylene got her culinary start as a child. Her mother let her

use the "Betty Crocker Boys and Girls Cookbook" and "we could

cook whatever we wanted to," she said with her usual deadpan

manner. "It was pretty exciting."

When she was older, she worked her way through the kitchens

at Liberty Bar and Grey Moss Inn among other restaurants.

She learned the value of using produce at its freshest to achieve

the brightest and best avors. "I try to go as seasonal as I can," she

said.

She also learned thatrecipes are not meant

to be carved in stone. If

you're unfamiliar with a

certain style of cooking,

you should probably "try a

recipe the way it's written

once and then go for

the gusto," she said.

To Naylene, that could

mean adding more wasabi

to her tuna sauce when

she's making it at home

or adjusting the amount of

anchovies or capers in her

salsa verde. "If you like

'em," she said of capers,

"then add more. If you

don't like 'em, don't add

'em."

That attitude carries

over into one of the eat-

ery's signature desserts,

Eatery has Down-Home Attitude,goumet rsults.


13/32


170 South Main Street, Suite 200Boerne, Texas 78006

830.248.1353www.cypressgrilleboerne.com

Extensive Wine List New Main Street Entrance 12 Beers on Tap

THE DODGING DUCKRestaurant & Brewery

www.dodggdck.com

Open Daily at 11amSun-Thurs til 9pm Fri-Sat til 10pm

402 River Road Boerne, Texas(4 blocks from Main St.)

featuring an

eclectic wine list

and delicious,

freshly-prepared

food

coconut cream pie. It's made each week by her assistant, Kelly Bradshaw, who sits at the window at Mac & Ernie's

taking orders. Neither woman cares for meringue, so there isn't any on the pie.

"We do not cook what we do not eat," Naylene said.

Kelly demonstrated how easy it was to make the old-fashioned favorite, the recipe of which was adapted fromone her mother taught her. In the meantime, she had a few words to say about her boss: "Naylene is a very adventur-

ous person. She gets bored very easily. Hence, the reason she changes the sauces every weekend."

Kelly, on the other hand, enjoys making the same pies week after week. "Naylene goes, 'Can't you make some-

thing other than coconut cream pie or chocolate cream pie?' And I go, 'No.'"

The regulars are glad of that, as the pies sell out every weekend.

Boernes 1st Soup, Salad, Sandwichand Spud Bar!

830-331-9863noW open lunch & dinner

109 Waterview Parkway, Suite 105 Boerne, TexasW w G bk & sw W s W

Le t tuc e show YOU how Soupe r My H i l l Coun t r y K i t c hen i s !

TAKE HOME CASSEROLES AVAILABLE!!!

lc & D 11-8pm Mdy - Fdy!

Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery, Williams' Creek Depot, FM 470, Tarpley, isopen for lunch Wednesday and lunch and dinner Fridays and Saturdays.For information, call (830) 562-3250 or visit www.macandernies.com.

Reprinted with permission of the San Antonio Express-News.


14/32


17 Hi-Def TVs

Darts & Pool12 Beers on Tap

Live Music

Saturday Nights

Karaoke

Wednesday Nights

11 - 2am Every Day!!!!!

9091 Fair Oaks Pkwy. FAIR OAKS, TX 78015

(210) 698-7310

NOW OPEN

BOERNE

SANANTONIO

FAIR OAKS

Conroys

Pub

Daily Lunch Specials

Executive Chef Jim

Barajas of Casbeers!! www.conroysirishpub.com

NFL Sunday Ticket now available!!

1433 S. Main Street Suite 105 Boerne, Texas 78006 830-816-5354

Hours Mon 9am-5pm Tues - Fri 9am - 8 pm Sat 9am - 6pmSalonInfusion w w w . s a l o n i n f u s i o n . c o m

Come Pamper Yourself!!!

a n e W y e a r . . . a n e W y O u !

INDULGE IN A SPOIL YOU ROTTEN PACKAGE:

A Signature Pedicure, Essential Facial, SoothingScalp Massage, Shampoo & Style, and a 60 Minute

Massage for $230 ($254 value).

Salon Infusion offers a warm welcome to our new SalonDirector, Brandy Pate. Brandy brings her expertise to our salon,which includes being an accomplished Paul Mitchell Educator,

Creative Color Specialist, and Hair Extension Specialist.

a f -s s/d s


15/32


t ,

t f c

W,

g

g

w.

www.cibolo.org


16/32


art{

{i b sf theres one thing most of us can appreciate, its when some-one takes their dream and runs with it. Who doesnt love tohear the story of somebody deciding one day that they are go-ing to open their own business, and eventually they becomemillionaires. These are the stories that make America what itis, and Linda Constancio is no different.

Following a layoff from her real job, instead of being down inthe dumps, Linda decided it was the perfect opportunity to pursue her

dream of creating jewelry. I started really heavy this past August. I

was a stafng manager for a stafng agency, and I was laid off. So I

made the decision to really focus hard on the jewelry. I went into a

store called Wired Designs, and I looked at their jewelry and just fell

in love with it. So I took several classes, and have continued to do

so, and I have a knack for it. Its all one of a kind piecesall hand-

crafted. I can customize as well, utilizing existing pieces, or starting

from scratch.Armed with the desire, Linda focused on her strengths. Ive always

been creative. Ive been in interior design for a long time now. I also

worked in corporate America for all those years,

and only recently have realized that I was always

using the wrong side of my brain. So I realized I

could work for hours and hours on being creative.Thus, New Original Designs Jewelry was born,

and Linda hasnt looked back. Its gone great

since August. Ive been successful with it, and the

bridal shows and exhibitions have been great. I do

trunk shows, and do private showings for people in

their homes, and so I really would love to do this

full-time, and am looking at how to do that.

Having cut her teeth in corporate America, Lin-

da is ready to move on. I dont want to go back

to corporate America. Im sick of climbing

those ladders. Im qualied, but to go work

for a company again and be responsible for

budgets and numbers.Im more interested

in the jewelry.

And, as with any self-employed person,

the passion is the key. I so enjoy dealing

with the clients, and I swear I have a 6th

sense about what people want. I can just tell

that if my design isnt tting what they had

in mind, I can get in with them and sit down

and re-design it before we get too far. Ad-

ditionally, Linda is focusing on the unusual

market of men. Men are also a great client-

base with me. Not necessarily for them, but

for their wives and kids. I call them and

remind them of upcoming birthdays and

anniversaries, and handle the designs from

there.

Focusing on custom designed jewelrystretching across virtually any budget, Linda

has fast become well-regarded for her de-

signs. From simple bracelets, to heirloomnecklaces, Lindas designs spring from her

passion for not only the art, but also for the

client. I help women to understand how a

piece will work. Some people see a piece

and they love it, but they wonder what it will

go with. So I work closely with women and

help them understand fabric, texture, and

color and help them design what will work

with each piece. And perhaps most impor-

tantly, the joy that I get from doing this is the

look on peoples face when they put the piece on and it speaks to them. I see their eyes light up, and they

feel good about themselves when they wear it. Thats the joy for me, and I never got that from CorporateAmerica. It makes people happy, its in a price range they can afford, and it makes them smile. Its a

very real passion for me, and I really enjoy it. I have the support of so many friends, my husband, and

my clients. Without them, none of this would be possible.

Wanna See More?www.icustomizejewelry.com


17/32


Your One Stop Bead and Jewelry Shop

Quality glass beads, pearls, crystals, turquoise,coral, jade and rare stones

www.bittercreekdesigns.com

Located at The Rim17711 IH10 WestBuilding 700, Suite 104

San Antonio, Texas 78257

(210) 558-0559

Beginner to Advanced Bead Stringing, Chain Linking, Begin-

ner to Advanced Precious Metal Clay, Beginner to Advanced

Wire Wrapping, Beginner to Advanced Metal Smithing, Begin-

ner to Advanced Frame Soldering and more to come.

BITTER CREEK DESIGN CLASSES:


18/32


Our family chose to become members ofthe YMCA because of their dedication andcommitment to everyone who walks throughtheir doors. The equipment is state of the artand our entire family, including our 2 year oldson, is always welcomed and greeted with asmile by the staff. It's a wonderful environmentand a place we plan on being a part of for yearsto come.

-The Edall Family (Jesse ,Tara and Landon)

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 3rd ANNIVERSARYOpen House: January 10 from 12 to 5pm

YMCA Mission:To Put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

1361 S. Main Street Boerne, Texas 78006830-815-1040 www.ymcasatx.org

pp w

Financial Assistance is available through the YMCA Open Doors Scholarship Program.

Visit www.ymcasatx.org for more information.


19/32


The ranch is located in the most sought after area of the Texas Hill Country. From the large rock entrance to the

lovely 3 bedroom rock home, this property is gorgeous. The property is accessed from a paved farm to market road

F.M. 1623 and is only 5 miles west of Blanco, Texas. The amazing hilltop rock home overlooks a vast and sceniccountryside. The views are incredible and span across 30 to 40 miles. One can enjoy these fabulous views from

the back porch area and from the swimming pool located in the back yard. The early 1900s era German style rock

walls that populate the ranch add to the charm and beauty of this oak covered property. From the higher elevations

and vistas to the productive coastal filled fields along the creek bottom areas, this ranch has it all. The very produc-

tive fenced fields along the creek are utilized for cutting coastal hay and can be utilized for rotating livestock or

horses for grazing. Wildlife is abundant on the ranch! The ranch has many live oaks, elm and some cedar trees.

Please visit our web site for more information at: www.SouthTexasRanches.com

This is a great opportunity to own 892 acres of the Santa Maria Ranch located in the heart of SouthTexas only 15 miles from Cotulla, TX. This family owned, high-fenced ranch has been under a whitetail

management program for 10+ years. The ranch consists of native South Texas whitetails deer and manyother species of wildlife. The deer quality on the ranch is enhanced by a wide diversity of native SouthTexas brush and a good supply of water. The property has an abundance of quail, hogs, dove, bobcats,and all that South Texas has to offer. The roads are well maintained which makes it easy to get around.The ranch house is a 3,000+/- sq. ft. metal building that is completely finished out with 5 bedrooms, 2baths, a full kitchen, a large pantry, washer/dryer and a large living area which is perfect for entertainingfamily and guest. The ranch house will currently sleep up to 22 people and has about 1,200 sq. ft. of cov-ered patios and a wooden deck for enjoying the beautiful South Texas sunsets. If you are an avid hunteror you have family and friends that like to hunt, this is definitely the right place for you!


There is approximately four 1.3 miles of crystal clear river bottoms and this property is located only80+/- miles NW of Boerne, TX. This historic ranch is located in Southern Edwards County, in the

heart of the Nueces Canyon and is blessed with one of the strongest live water creeks in Texas. Theranch features Cedar Creek, a strong year- round constant flow stream that runs for approximately 1.3miles through the rich fertile bottom land. The valley has huge native pecans, large live oaks and elmtrees throughout the expansive valleys on this exceptional ranch. It can only be described as One of aKind. From the stories of pioneers settling in the Cedar Creek Valley in the 19th century, to the amaz-ing native Indian sites, geological features, subterranean caves and sink holes, this ranch is unique. Itis a fossil and arrowhead hunters dream. Pinion Pines are scattered in the higher elevations along withhuge virgin oak & cedar stands which add to the scenic views from the abundant mountain top vistas!This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to make an investment that will last for generations to come!


This beautiful ranch is located only 35 miles south of downtown San Antonio, Texas. This is truly one of those you have to see to believe

ranches. It is by far one of the prettiest and productive ranches we have seen in Atascosa and surrounding counties. The rolling terrain of

the property gives it a feel of being much larger than it is. One of the highest points in the county is on this ranch lending itself to 20+mileviews. This ranch has been game managed for years in a low fence setting and it is common to see a number of white tail deer in the

150-180+/- Boon & Crocket class range. The ranch also boasts of some of the best dove & turkey hunting in the area and this property

is surrounded by large ranches. There is 2.25 miles of Atascosa river bottom that meanders through the southeastern corner of the ranch.

The fields have all been sprigged with coastal and Tifton 85 grasses. There is a very nice 3 bedroom 2 bath brick home on the ranch

with a 2 car garage. The house has approximately 1,800 sq.ft. of living area. There are also 2 sets of working cattle pens on the property.

Whether you are a hunter, photographer, or just a nature lover, this place can satisfy all those desires.


2,215 Acres Edwards Co.

585 Acres Atascosa Co.338 Acres Blanco Co.

892 Acres LaSalle Co.

701 S. Main St.

Boerne, TX 78006

(830) 331-1250

110143 IH37

Pleasanton, TX 78064

(830) 569-3360

Century 21 Ruple Properties

Live Water Properties, Ranches, Residential & Commerical Properties

FEATURED PROPERTIES

This is a greatTexas only 15 m

his beautiful ranc

ranches. It is by far

There is appro0+/- miles N

The ranch is loc

lovel 3 bedroo

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VIEW ALL OUR LISTINGS AT SOUTHTEXASRANCHES.COM


20/32


n the Boerne of long long ago, when the Kendall Inn was just a small, private house and even before that was

built, when the town square was a holding pen for cows brought into town to await the cattle drive, when

most of the buildings we know on Main Street werent even built yet and Boerne wasnt the county seat but

just a stage stop and farming hub way out in Kerr County, there was a patch of land between the two creeks

where a farmer quartered his slaves. Main Street was a dirt road that wound around the oak trees that grew in

the middle, and another dirt path ran off it along the south side of the square and down to the Cibolo Creek,

where it became a footbridge that crossed into a different world called the Flats.

Back then there was no dam nor water mill on the Cibolo and the water was sparkling clear and prone to rising

up in a hard rain to meet the waters of the Frederick Creek, and flood the stretch of land between. In those days, even

the doctors believed that river mists and the damp miasma were teeming with disease, so the land there was fit neitherfor farming nor living on- only for housing slaves. The only relics that now remain of that time are one or two of the

tiny, one-room wood frame slave cabins and the old colored school house, now a home.

After the Civil War when the slaves gained their freedom, these Boerne-ites of African-American descent stayed

on in the Flats, in the little houses on plots of land they either bought or rented from their former owners. The men of

the families either farmed their own land or labored on other farms around town, and the wives and mothers went out

as maids, took in laundry and ironing or worked in the kitchens at the local restaurants and hotels.

In 1887, a man named HJ Graham, along with his business partner DS Irons, acquired a large tract of land from

the Spanish Land Grant located between the creeks and among the old slave cabins, in what was sometimes known

as the old Negro section. Graham and Irons surveyed and platted the land and had it annexed to the town of Boerne,

extending the borders of the town. It was officially the Irons-Graham Addition, but everyone just kept on calling it

the Flats. Henry J Graham was a local big shot, tax assessor and deputy sheriff, who made his real money in the

development and resale of land in Boerne, and he and his family lived in the Philip House. A street in the Flats isnamed for Graham, and one for his partner Mr. Irons. Another street was named for the prominent Herff family, and

another for someone named Lott, whose story has been lost to time (or at least to this researcher.) The fifth street in

the Flats is named for Grahams friend John G. OGrady, a jolly, redheaded Irishman, Indian fighter and postmaster

of Boerne, who built the original Kendall House hotel on the south bank of the Cibolo where the Robert E Lee house

now stands, and stood then.

The Flats is bordered on the north by the Cibolo Creek and on the south by School Street, on the east by Hosack

Street and the west by the Frederick. The old government trail ran through the Flats, the road connecting San Antonio

to Fort McKavitt, an Indian fort in Llano County, and later the stagecoach ran along the same route, from Main Street

at what is now West Theissen Street and across the convergence of the two creeks, the beauty of which area with its

sparkling clear waters is said to have been the reason the original settlers chose to build their town here. Some natives

still call this place the OST, not the Old Spanish Trail as elsewhere in the Hill Country, but the old Stage Trail.

The Flats was like a town within a town, as Boerne, in common with towns all over the former Confederate states,

was markedly segregated. When you crossed one of the two bridges into the Flats, you walked into a different place, a

little town with its own stores, restaurants and bars, society and traditions, food and customs and music. There was at

least one bbq place in the Flats and a honky-tonk, a dance hall by night where the tables and chairs could be removed

for roller-skating on the wooden floor by day.

In the early 1890s, a group called the Colored Womens Missionary Society of San Antonio created a Society

for the Baptist Church in Boerne, to raise support for a church building in the Flats. In 1895, land was deeded to the

Society and Mt. Nebo Church was built, a shotgun-style wood frame structure still standing today on Graham Street

and converted into a private home.

Up until the early 1900s, black kids who could do so attended school on the Richard Street ranch on FM 473, in

a one-room cabin Mr. Street donated for the purpose. But town kids couldnt usually attend a school so far out, so

most of them didnt go to school until 1910. In that year, the new Boerne Public School was completed on Blanco

Street- the building that is now the City Hall and Utilities building- and the city gave the old school house to the col-

ored students of Kendall County. The building was moved from Blanco Street to OGrady Street in the Flats, where

it became the Boerne Colored School, later the Royal School. Boerne was still very segregated in those days and all

the way up until fairly recently, in the 1960s when school integration became federal law, and the Royal School was

still in use until then. The old school house is still there, too; its been added to and remodeled for use as a home.

After the First World War the re-emergence of the KKK revived old tensions between blacks and whites, and

there are even reports that a sign was erected on the outskirts of town, containing a racial slur, that warned African-

Americans dont let the sun set on you in this town!in so many words. Dark chapter in Boerne history. Also,

economic opportunities were opening up for African-Americans in bigger cities, and the black population of Kendall

County began to decrease. It was a time in American history known as the Great Migration, when black Americans

left the rural South by the hundreds of thousands, and later by the millions, for better jobs and hopes of equality in

the industrial North. As black Boerne-ites left town, their property in the Flats was largely taken over by people of

histo

ry

{

{IHispanic descent, as Mexican-Americans were also seen as lesser citizens and

earned lower wages, and were able to acquire land and houses in the Flats

more cheaply than elsewhere.

By the 1970s, only three elderly black ladies were still living in the

Flats, including a lady called Aunt Tillie who sold sweets from her home on

OGrady Street. Otherwise the people who lived in the Flats were almost

exclusively Hispanic, and they had long since created their own enclave, and

neighborhood grocery stores and businesses thrived, as for instance Johnny

Sotellos store on OGrady Street. In 1969 the Crusaders Club organized asa Hispanic-American community club and scholarship organization, and were

able through fund-raising events and donations of time and money to purchase

property on Lott & OGrady Streets where they built the Crusaders Hall in

1978. Since the time of its charter it has been a hub of social activity and good

work among all citizens of Kendall County.

In 1964, Boerne was slammed with one of those 100-year floods that

come along every 10 or 15 years, and while homes and businesses all over

town were inundated, the Flats were hit the worst. A flash flood raged through

the Irons-Graham Addition, washing out the Irons Street bridge over the Fred-

erick Creek (which was never rebuilt) and claiming the life of one man who

was taken unaware by the wall of water. Parts of the Flats were frequently

surrounded by water and cut off from the rest of the town until the 1980s, whenthe old low-water crossing over the Cibolo at San Antonio Street was replaced

by a much higher and wider bridge. In the flood of 1997, however, waters rose

high enough to cover even that bridge, and some residents found themselves

stranded just like in the old days.

The Flats has ceased to be an isolated pocket in the middle of Boerne, and

is going through a renaissance these days with new houses going up all over.

Some of the old structures have fallen down or been demolished, including

one of the last original slave cabins on Irons Street, which was torn down in

the past five years. Another house, one of the oldest buildings in Boerne, a log

cabin of the chink-and-daub type at the corner of Herff and Graham, has no

historical designation when it really should have- its an amazing relic worth

preserving, and has fallen into serious disrepair. Its a neighborhood that has

housed slaves in the bad old days, that has been a hidden little town within a

town, and is rich in fascinating history, and you should take a drive through it

one of these days.

One last thing- the Flats has a few legends and myths of its own, too

including La Lechusa, a kind of half-woman, half-bird who comes around if

you whistle after dark, and a local ghost called El Negrito- the little black

boy. They say he sometimes shows up on the West Theissen bridge at OST,

hollering and waving his arms at kids riding their bikes or walking over the

creeks, but when you get close to him or ride your bike at him, he disappears.

Like slave quarters and the Irons Street bridge, and old Irons himself, he

just disappears.

by Marjorie Barron


21/32


spiritual{

{think sometimes I have some strange tendencies. No, I dont dress

weird or worship a tree or drink some sort of ritualistic drink, but

still, I think I have a unique way of handling things sometimes. I

handle things the only way my brain knows how to do it, so while

I feel its completely normal, people sometimes raise an eyebrow

at me when I explain my current state of affairs.Case in point shortly after last New Years, I was frustrated. I was

frustrated at the people in my life. I was left to feel as if I was the only

person interested in maintaining some relationships, the only person ex-

tending myself to preserve relationships that I felt were moderately im-

portant to me. I think we all have a circle of friends that surround us, and

sometimes, it can require a fair amount of work to maintain those friend-

ships. Unfortunately, there are times when we feel that we are extending

ourselves, and getting little response. So, in my standard strange way

of doing things, I stewed on the subject for some time, and eventually

popped.

I didnt scream or yell, but instead, I got very, very quiet. I talked it

over with my wife, explained my frustrations, and systematically wentdown my cell phone and began deleting phone numbers. I was so tired of

extending myself in an attempt to be a good friend, and seeing very little

in the way of their mutual extension. Im not saying I was right, but I was

just frustrated. It wasnt necessarily a tantrum, but I was so tired of being

the driving force behind an ongoing frustration.

And dont we all get frustrated sometimes with our relationships and

friends? The Bible tells us A man that hath friends must show himself

friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov

18:24 (New King James Version) I have a brother. I dont need another

one. At the time, though, I really could have used a friend, and felt aban-

doned, for lack of a better word. I certainly hope that no friend of mine

could ever say such a thing.

As Christians, our relationships are crucial. Whether its your spouse,

your kids, your boss, or your friendsthose relationships in many ways

define us. They are a reflection of us. My dad used to have a saying,

Show me your friends, and Ill tell you what you are. Re-read that three

times, and tell me its not true. Its also quite sobering. For me, I had a

moment where I looked at some of the people in my life that made no

attempt to connect, conducted themselves selfishly, and certainly didnt

reflect some values that were crucial to me. Im not perfect by any stretch

of the imagination, but I TRY. I call my friends on their birthdays, check

in with them on my commute home, and ask about their kids. And maybe

most importantly, I really want to be their friend.As we enter this New Year, take a moment and look around. You dont

have to handle things as strangely as I tend to, but take some time and

pray about your friends and relationships. While my examples are tied to

friendships, they are just as pertinent to marriages. Or co-workers. Or the

cashier at the convenience store you visit every morning. Be what YOU

would want. Give of yourself, care for them, and make every attempt to

add to your friendships. God blesses us with the ability to brighten others

lives, just as He brightens ours. Be a friend this year, and find friends.

Just dont do it as strangely as I did.

Iby Kendall Aaron


22/32


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24/32


got an email this morning with sad news. A friend in another state died last night of can-

cer. I was surprised because the last I heard she was in recovery and doing well. I started

thinking about the times I spent with her and the conversations we had which led to me

remembering another friend who had died several years ago that we both knew. Although on the

surface their lives would seem to be very different the more I remembered the more I realized there

were actually a lot of commonalties.

The big thing that stood out was that they both took large amounts of nutritional supplements but

they both ignored all the other components of health. Chasing symptoms has become a big business.

Most people do it with prescription drugs but more and more people are doing it with vitamins andherbs. Its not enough! Some people exercise, some people try to eat a healthier diet, some people

have a positive attitude occasionally. Some people think about making some healthy changes but

most people put it off until tomorrow.

Health encompasses every area of your life. Its not just trying to x whats broken. Its not only

about eating right and exercising, its about a positive and loving attitude, about taking ownership ofyour life. We have become a band-aid society slap it on and keep going, not changing anything,

especially our minds.

I dont blame or judge either of these friends because you just dont know what you dont know.

But I feel frustrated because there are so many people out there suffering and I can only help a few

those who are willing and who nd me. This magazine enables me to have a wider audience and

Im taking this opportunity to encourage you to evaluate your health in every area of your life.

d. a b. d nd g Wk u nw mx mg t

g a s mgt tx. s g k

health utilizing nutrition and detoxication, . h

b, tx.www..

health

{

{

a b. diITS NOT ENOUGH

Its traditional to make resolutions every New Years Day but most are

forgotten before the rst week is out. Your rst resolution can be to resolve

to do the rest of them! But dont make the mistake of being unrealistic and

overwhelming yourself. Pick a few easy things you can implement now and

you can add to them later once youve had some successes. And dont forget to

celebrate your successes no matter how small. This is really important.

Take an inventory of all areas of your life. Is what you are eating contribut-

ing to your health or to disease? Do you look for ways to get more movement

in your body every day or when you go anywhere do you circle the parking lotendlessly looking for the spot closest to the door? Are you stressing out about

money and talking to people endlessly about how the economy is going down

the tubes? Do you look for more proof every day about how bad the world and

your life is? Are you nursing resentments and grievances in silence, allowing

them to eat away at you? Or do you look for love and good deeds around you

and help spread cheer to others? Do you have loving relationships or are you a

loner hiding from the world? Do you beat up on yourself constantly or do you

cut yourself some slack and remind yourself of your good points?

My friend who just died yesterday had lots of friends and family and they

were able to be around her at the end when she passed on. She usually ap-

peared to be sunny and cheerful but I know from our private conversations

that she had a lot of anger and bitterness over the state of her marriage. Hernancial situation wasnt where she needed it to be so that was probably a big

worry also. I know that she fought a good ght against her illness to the best

of her ability. My other friend found out about her illness when it was in the

last stages so there wasnt anything she could do other than making her ending

a peaceful one.

None of us know how long we have here but there really is a great deal we

can do to inuence our longevity and enhance the quality of the years we do

have. I am here to be your cheerleader today and encourage you to take charge

of your health and not leave it to chance or the medical industry when its

too late. Im sure youve heard the saying An ounce of prevention is worth

a pound of cure. Well, its true. Its never too late to start turning your life

around; I dont care how old you are.

So heres your assignment should you choose to accept it:

1. Take inventory.

2. Make a list.

3. Start with an easy one.

4. Pat yourself on the back when you accomplish it.

5. Go to the next one.

6. Dont quit.

If you havent the foggiest idea where to begin, call me. Its as simple as that.


25/32


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gardening

{

{ r d

by Rob Doyen

The Garden Guy

(Certied NurseryConsultant)

Boernes Home Depot

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ur community has lost a truly unique nursery, and my wife and I have taken advantage of the nursery sale. Thearray of native rare plants was amazing and now we must construct a temporary green house to protect our newfound treasures. PVC pipe, heavy plastic, ventilation, and heat will complete a small green house on the south sideof our home. Ventilation is very important. The temperature can rise very quickly when full sun heats up inside thegreen house. Make-shift aps should be open and closed as needed. A small fan for circulation and using barrelslled with water will help maintain a warm temperature.

As I am writing this article we may have a new high temperature for Tuesday. Tomorrow the weather willquickly move down hill. We Texans always say, If you do not like the weather just wait a minute. We still have a few green plants that theearly freezes have not gotten. The green house will protect the special tropicals that will not survive here. Monday seems to be the coldestday yet and we are getting tired of covering everything. We will wait until March to begin trimming and cleaning up for Spring. Thesenext two and half months are designed to rest and get that big buck. Time to make jerky and get a couple more deer. With the drought andthe number of deer increasing, we all need to do our best to harvest the deer that God placed here for us to use. My three adult children do

not hunt, but they will not refuse venison.At Home Depot everyone complains about deer, but they do nothing. Deer will eat just about anything right now. The ground is

powder dry and anyone with a green yard in the county is not following the Cow Creek rules. Turf grass after this amount of time shouldbe very brown. Canyon Lake is dropping like a rock; eleven feet down and dropping fast because you can not sell more water than youhave.

Many people ask me at the Depot why their wildower seeds have not bloomed. Until Mother Nature says the owers will bloomthey will not. We have had no fall rains. That means no wildowers. The Hill Country is a very special place. The vegetation, weather,the warmth of the people, and we know that we can not fool Mother Nature. Our ecosystem is being threatened by the bull dozer and illinformed developers. The way the Hill Country is developed must be changed. As they say, The only thing constant is change.

I have people tell me that they have 82 oak trees on their property. When I ask about other trees and vegetation they normally repeat,We have 82 oaks. We have been blessed by grasses, owers, wild fruit trees, and better shade trees than our oaks. We have canyons,springs, caves, and rivers that are beautifully clear. I love my Hill Country, and the stars over my head, but as the insecurity lightsbrighten our skies, they dull our stars.

We must understand that depending on the time and amount of rainfall. This gives the signals to our seeds and vegetation of whatwill grow that year. Each year brings a different country side. This drought brings out only the hardiest of our vegetation. Many yearsare abundant; full of all of our natives. The drip lines along small groups of trees give moisture to newlygrowing plants.

Our Junipers or cedar trees are nurse trees to Madrones as well as many other seeds. All of the mulchunder the cedars is a welcome home to newly growing seeds. Our cedars were not so numerous whenwild res of years past controlled their numbers. With fences and less wild res the cedars spread to theprairies from the rocky valleys. Fence posts, buildings, etc use cedar. In many cases, even today cedar canbecome overwhelming. When removing cedars plan what you are doing and the amount of time it willtake to regrow some non-native bush. Cedar makes a great sound barrier, dust catcher, evergreen, and anurse tree to others.

When building in the Hill Country have someone help you identify different vegetation on your

property. Do your very best to t in not stand out.May all your weeds be wildflowers.

THE HILL COUNTRY, THE DROUGHT, ANDTHE CEDARS

o


27/32


28/32


fter taking a few years off,

be warned that these predic-

tions are done as I drink a

burgundy substance called Glugg Wein made by the

infamous CAT of Boerne Texas. I am now into my rst

16 ounce glass with extra raisins. Please no wagering or

phone calls about DISNEY. I looked back at 2005 to nd

that I had Barack going to VP status, so I guess I missed

that one.

JanuaryBush makes last minute pardon of former Louisiana

Gov. Edwin Edwards. Obama appoints Edwards to head

FEMA.

Florida Gators crush OU 45-17, Bob Stoops hired on as

Detroit Lions Head Coach.

Barack Hussein Obama is inaugurated as our 44th Presi-

dent. Fuzzy Zoeller is arrested at inauguration for not

wearing shoes and trying to bring in a bag of KFC to theparty.

CNN announces Iraq journalist is nominated as Man of

the Year for throwing shoes at President Bush. Anderson

Cooper to present award to the winner.

Fair Oaks man makes hole in one on Par 4 after slicing

ice shot on 12 Live Oak. Fair Oaks Ranch City Council

denies Fair Oaks Country Club request for a motocross

track on Black Jack 15.

Obama plans to stop all gun sales across the UnitedStates.

Palin Dude disqualied in Snowmobile race for using

Ethanol.

FebruaryObama in rst 30 days nds Osama Bin Laden and mob-

ster Jimmy Hoffa in same month. Al Gore takes credit

for both and announces 2010 Global Warming meeting

in Kerrville. City of Kerrville extends runway at the Air-

port.

The Reverend Wright gives opening prayer in 2010

Global Warming Meeting. Al Franken to MC special

meeting. Grand Hyatt to build new hotel without cutting

any trees, called space hotel.

Gas prices drop to under one dollar. Dollar stores across

the country petition to sell gas. Chelsea Clinton named

CEO. Bill leaves Hillary and marries assistant manager

from Little Rock location.

Natalie Hollaway is found off the British Isles in slave

camp by Geraldo. Geraldo breaks story she is alive and

well. CNN blames Bush Family.

OJ Simpson breaks out of jail in a Hertz rental car. He

was last seen heading for the golf course at the Domin-

ion.

Orange County Choppers ride into Boerne for the Valen-

tine Massacre. Merchants on Main Street close due to the

thousands of people in the streets.

Robby Kenevil announces record jump for 2010 mas-

sacre. Plans are from Cypress Grille to Magues. Free

Margaritas if he makes it.

Ford has record breaking month. Jennings Anderson top

dealership in US.

MarchKendall County Appraisal District announces another

property increase. Protestors create line from door to Vet-erans Park. Fox news reports Boerne Tea Party. HEB

gives away free tea bags.

Talks of Aggie Football program being moved to division

2 are discussed.

Boerne doctor nds cure for Cancer, part of the antidote

comes from an endangered species. Congress calls spe-

cial session to discuss whether the creature can be killed.

Local man turns himself in on string of robberies.

Post cereal announces free cell phone in every box of To-tal. ACLU sues.

aprilAl Unser Jr. cuts ribbon on Corvette weekend.

Record 10 inches of snow, skiers ticketed for speed limit

violation on Main Street.

Super Target slated to open on IH 10 North of Boerne.

Local man opens Ruth Chris Steakhouse at old Jennings

Anderson. City Council denies Sugars request for local

bar.

Texas A&M wins mens NCAA basketball Tournament.

City of Boerne increase budget by 10K from ag ordi-

nance revenue.

TexDot announces plans to x Main Street Drainage from

2002 plan. New surveys needed to start project, Randy

Bergmann buys Sand Bagging company in San Antonio.

Mayor Phil Hardberger announces plans to run for Presi-

dent in 2012. Mayor Heckler rumored has VP choice.

Boerne Golfer wins Masters on 18th with a 50 foot putt,

splits check with Caddie Gibbons.

City of Boerne sells Library for 2.9 million.

26 inches of rain in 24 hours. South Main Street Bridge is

underwater. Christmas River Parade revisited.

MayCity of Boerne lands Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers

Concert for the Plaza to follow Hill Country Village Band.

Most chicken dancers in the Main Plaza set Guiness Book

of World Records.

Ralph and Kakos opens new 40, 000 square foot restau-

rant at the Rim.

The Sheik of Saudi Arabia owns Kentucky Derby winner,

oil to 18 dollars a barrel, Obama/Pelosi/Reed consider na-

tionalize Oil Companies. Republicans protest and claim

they couldnt make money running a Chicken Ranch sev-

eral years ago.Boerne ISD wins National Award from Education Sec-

retary Bill Ayers. Dr. Kelley accepts position at Harvard

as new Dean. Fair Oaks Princ

explore magazine - jan 09

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