On The Road Again… - Country Line Magazine

Since 1995
It's not just music ...
it's a lifestyle
june 2013
On The
Road Again…
‘Round about Texas
PG. 5
DESTINATION…
Lake Bastrop Lodge
George Strait George Jones Bob Schneider
All Inside
Dangerous Weather!
Tips to keep you safe
PG. 10
Summer Travel Calendar
PG. 22
Stinging Worms?
TEXAS EVENTS CALENDAR • Hunting and Fishing • Texas Living • Lifestyle & More ...
FROM THE LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, AUSTIN, TEXAS • COUNTRYLINEMAGAZINE.COM
:::: NORTH ::::
FINANCING & ON THE SPOT DELIVERY
GREG CHAPMAN MOTORS
gregchapmanmotors.com
950 S. Bell at 183 | Cedar Park
512-401-2555
:::: CENTRAL ::::
POWER SEARCH 500+ AUTOS ... CHAPMANMOTORSALES.COM
DOYLE CHAPMAN MOTORS
doylechapmanmotors.com
6000 Cameron Road
512-454-3763
BILL CHAPMAN AUTO SALES
billchapmanautos.com
5324 Airport Blvd
512-459-1141
:::: SOUTH ::::
CHAPMAN
MOTOR SALES
You can trust a Chapman Family Dealer
A TEXAS TRADITION
STEVE CHAPMAN MOTORS
stevechapmanmotors.com
5919 E. Ben White Blvd
512-385-8807
&
4712 S. Congress Ave
512-444-6800
KYLE CHAPMAN MOTORS
kylechapmanmotors.com
2301 S. Lamar Blvd
512-476-5304
&
1503 River Road | San Marcos
512-396-9966
CHAPMAN ONE AUTO SALES
chapmanone.com
905 E. Cesar Chavez
512-431-6775
KYLE CHAPMAN IN BUDA
18300 South IH-35
Exit 217
Buda, TX 78610
512-782-0111
2 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
YOUR TRUCK SOURCE
by TJ Greaney
How To Do Life:
A Manual for Living My Life
if Anything Happens
I
It had been bugging me for weeks. The
weather was off-and-on warm – not hot,
but warmer. That meant for my family
that there was the possibility they might
sweat and so they turn on and down the
air conditioner. I want to open windows,
but they just hit the magic button and the
house cools down. Now, I do want them to
be comfortable, especially the Mrs. She has
occasional periods of time when regardless
of the temperature, she is on fire, but I
digress. So what was bugging me – no, not
the battle over the use of the A/C – it was
the filter. I knew it was way past the time
to change it, and if I didn’t get it done, it
would just be that much harder on the old
system. So I went to the store at 9 o’clock
at night and got two of them.
While I was out, I got to thinking
about who would do all that stuff if I
wasn’t here to do it. If I wasn’t here when
the wood trim needed to be replaced or
the dryer wasn’t drying. I suppose it is all
relative, and there are plenty of service
companies offering the help. But thinking
about it, I just felt like there are a lot of
things I do and that I should probably
write a manual in case something happens
to me.
Chapter One: Mechanical and Home.
This list, of course, includes all types of
things like A/C filters and toilet flappers. I
would say that there needs to be a regularly
scheduled walk of each room and facility.
Check for loose screws on doors and knobs,
check for tight mounting on toilet paper
holders, check for dryer vent cleanliness,
light bulbs and window screens. The
gutters, French drains, fertilizing of the
yard and bug control need to be in this
chapter. Gas for the blower, mower and
weed eater needs to be available but not
overstocked and never, never leave fuel in
the equipment for a long period of time.
Chapter Two: The Partnerships.
The obvious ones are at work. Deadlines,
scheduling, creative elements and
meetings. This is a tough one. I guess that
a look back at my day timer would explain
a lot, and a blanket email to everyone on
my contacts would get some of it done.
But these are the things in life we are just
set out to do. We can be replaced, mostly,
for the tasks, but our creative and personal
touches are hard to match if we are truly
engaged in what we do.
Chapter Three: The personal part of
the manual is going to be really hard to get
everything down. Again, the mechanical
decisions will happen. The tire for my
daughter’s truck or a baseball bat for my son.
The financial can be taken over by mom.
Moms do this stuff all the time. The bill
payer who sneaks a few bucks into a savings
account each month or handles the taxes
and knows the nuances of the family CPA.
But it’s the male figure, the father
leading the family, final answer, decision
maker, the real dad stuff. It’s the arm
around my boys when they need a guy
to tell them, “Job well done.” It’s the
conversations on the way to school each
morning with my boy, a dad praying over
his son, blessing him, encouraging him
before he steps onto the school grounds.
It’s those times only dad knows when to
push the boy to do just a little more, stay
on it, go, lift, hold, run, stand, look, do
hard things. How to use a hammer and the
importance of opening the door for a girl.
To listen to a business plan or a struggle in
his first years of marriage. To celebrate the
victories, successes and joys with him, guy
to guy.
This section has to find a way to fill
the needs of my daughter, too. How to
comfort a daughter who needs to know
safety is only as far away as daddy. A daddy
is the hard guy who says no but hugs her
and tells her how proud he is of her and
how beautiful she is. Who teaches her
to do hard things, to stand strong in her
convictions, shoot a gun, gut a deer, buy
auto parts. Daddy teaches, shows by his
example, to never settle for a guy who does
not open her door or want to meet her
parents, go to church or listen to her.
How do I explain the little nuances
I have learned about my wife over the
last 20 years that are absolutes? Movies,
dreams, favorite snacks and workout tapes.
The joy she gets from cleaning the house
and that there is one laundry soap allowed.
Chapter Four: Warranties and
guarantees. There are so many examples in
the Bible where only God had the answer.
Where He was the blessing, the caregiver,
the rock, the joy, the guide. The only way
I can figure out how to get chapter three to
work is to instill the heartfelt knowledge of
our heavenly Father in my kids and for my
wife to feel it from me while I am here. For
them to know He is there no matter what
and by that they get strength to go to Him
for comfort and direction and find a safe
haven.
This is really the most important part
of the manual. It is the last chapter that
should probably be the first. God is the
Guy who services the warranties and
guarantees. He even wrote them down for
us (Bible) so we would have them handy.
I guess it boils down to: There is an
extra A/C filter in the closet, fertilize two
times a year, and as my buddy Joe Don
Mayes always says, “Read the Bible; do
what it says.” Seems simple, right?
B U L L O C K
M U S E U M
The biggest screen in Texas!
1800 N. CONGRESS AVE.  (512) 936-4649
™
Shows subject to sell out, change, or cancellation without notice.
B
B
BEST BROTHER
Steam Carpet Cleaning
3 Rooms - $50.00
Carpet • Flooring • Ceramic Tile
512-748-8680
*Se habla Espanol
512.280.4037
“Keeping it local since 1991”
Hill Country
Springs is Central
Texas’ largest and
independently
owned bottled
water service.
Refreshing Spring
Water bottled
right here in
South Austin.
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 3
in this issue
FEATURES
destination: lake bastrop lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
album spotlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
san marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Dallas Safari Club Grant to assist with hunting,
fishing and camping programs for Youth in Texas . . 17
$5.7 Million Recreational Trail Grant
Largest Award in Program’s History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
dangerous weather!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
FFA Founder/President Honored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Lake Belton Trails to Join Texas
Paddling Trails Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
DEPARTMENTS
Nashville news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Texas roadhouse by Dale Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Round about texas by Ruby Servin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
coffee shop moments by D. “Bing” Bingham . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
recipe by Shirley Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Texas tales by Mike Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
counting your chickens by Mike Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
following the way by Jeff Gore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
on the trail by Kendall Hemphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
the outdoor classroom by Larry LeBlanc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
texas outdoor zone by T.J. Greaney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
w w w. c o u n t r y l i n e m a g a z i n e . c o m
512-292-1113
MAILING ADDRESS
9508 CHISHOLM TR • AUSTIN, TX. 78748
LETTERS & COMMENTS
[email protected] or mailing address
E D I T O R | T. J. Greaney
P U B L I S H E R | G&G International
M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R | Sandra L. Greaney
[email protected]
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S | Mike Young, Larry LeBlanc,
Shirley Baker, Ruby Servin, D. “Bing” Bingham, T.J. Greaney,
Kendall Hemphill, Jeff Gore, Paul Pryor, Dale Martin
Scan with your smart phone
& join us on Facebook!
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in Country Line Magazine do
not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the editor, publisher or owners. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without
prior written permission from the publisher and is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.
4 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Destination… Lake Bastrop Lodge!
When you look at a map, you will find
Lake Bastrop Lodge located in beautiful
Bastrop, Texas. Upon further examination,
you will discover that it is just a few miles
from the peaceful 906-acre Lake Bastrop
that offers excellent fishing, boating
and water recreation. The lodge itself
is a full-service hotel and is also a fullservice meeting and recreational facility
equipped to handle business meetings,
seminars, wedding receptions, reunions
and any other functions requiring indoor
or outdoor space. While all of that is
true, you will also find out that the folks
who own and operate it are the kind of
genuine businesspeople who didn’t miss
a beat when they chose to purchase this
property and make it their own. The
Chapman family, also known for their
“motor sales” businesses, embarked on this
journey after finding this “little gem” just
a couple of years back. Originally built as
a Kids Sports Camp in 1970, it now has
all the luxuries of a fancy hotel coupled
with wonderful amenities that the whole
family will enjoy! And let us not forget to
mention the fact that the “Cafe at Lake
Bastrop Lodge” serves up some of the
most scrumptious food available in the
area! That key element comes from Laura
Chapman herself who is celebrated for
her “specialties.” She has brought them
over from the well-known C-5 Steakhouse
that so many enjoyed in Austin until its
closing in 2003. Now that her specialties
are available once more, our prediction is
that they will bring many Austinites out to
Bastrop to enjoy them again.
Some of the other upgrades and
additions made to make this place so
comfy is that they have the very best Serta
mattresses, Phillips 32″ LED televisions,
the latest Split system air conditioners
with remotes, tile showers, granite
lavatories and a small meeting room
located next door at the VFW post that
will aid in hosting small business meetings.
Also on the property is a nicely sized
swimming pool for your pleasure to cool off
on those upcoming double-and triple-digit
days. Improvements coming within the
year are tennis courts, basketball courts,
a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits,
washer pits, a pavilion for hosting family
reunions and wedding receptions and who
knows what else the Chapmans may have
up their sleeves. They are always aiming to
please their visitors.
Our recommendation to you would
be to add The Lodge at Lake Bastrop as
a permanent find on your travel GPS
System. You and your family will be glad
you did. For more information, rates and
booking, please visit lakebastroplodge.com
or call 512-303-5253.
NOTE: The Cafe at Lake Bastrop
Lodge is located downstairs and serves
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. With
a night’s stay, you will also receive a
complimentary breakfast ordered off the
menu.
Lake Bastrop Lodge
1128 Hwy 21 East
Bastrop, TX 78602
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 5
George Strait’s Love Is
Everything Debuts at
No. 1 on Billboard
Country Albums Chart
Love Is Everything,
the new album from
MCA Nashville
recording artist
George Strait,
debuted at No. 1 on
the Billboard Top
Country Albums
Chart this past
May, selling 119,843 units in its first
week of release. That also earned Strait
the No. 2 position on the Billboard Top
200. The album contains the hit single
“Give It All We Got Tonight,” which
Mediabase named as the most played
song on country radio this week, earning
Strait an unprecedented 60th No. 1 song.
Love Is Everything is Strait’s 40th studio
album. Love Is Everything, which Strait
co-produced with longtime collaborator
Tony Brown, continues to receive great
reviews, including: “His voice is in superb
form and … the album sparkles. Among
the highlights is ‘That’s What Breaking
Hearts Do,’…. conjuring sensibility similar
to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘All That Heaven
Will Allow.’ ‘Blue Melodies’ is a reminder
of how effectively a heart can be broken by
a voice, an acoustic guitar, and lyrics that
succinctly summarize when a sentiment is
‘too sad to sing.’” – Boston Globe
Strait kicked off 2013 in high gear
for the first leg of his The Cowboy Rides
Away Tour. Only the June 1 show in San
Antonio’s Alamodome remains in the sold
out tour. Known as the “house they built
for George,” the Alamodome sold out
within an astounding six minutes of going
on sale. Dates for the second leg of his tour,
taking place in 2014, will be announced
later this year.
Hank Williams Jr. Kicking Off
Summer with “OLD SCHOOL,
NEW RULES” Tour
Grammy Award winner Hank Williams
Jr. is gearing to launch a 2013 summer
tour in celebration of his latest album,
Old School, New Rules. Cities among
the concert lineup include Beaumont,
TX at the Lamar University in late
August. Known for his powerfully charged
performances and trademark style, Hank
will take the stage with a string of hits
along with new tunes that showcase
his distinctive vocals and extraordinary
musicianship. Hits for the country
superstar include “Family Tradition,”
“Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound,” “Old
Habits,” “All My Rowdy Friends Are
Coming Over Tonight,” ”A Country Boy
Can Survive” and “Red, White & PinkSlip Blues” and more. Known as driving
force in the music industry, Williams
continues to be empowered by loyalty to
his homeland and remains committed to
songs that are patriotic and sung from the
heart.
Blake Shelton & NBC
Organizing Oklahoma
Tornado Fundraiser
Blake Shelton
expects to have more
details about the benefit
concert he’s organizing
with NBC to raise
money for victims of
the Oklahoma tornado.
The country star tells Billboard.com the
special show “will be televised and will
happen really quickly.” Shelton is an
Oklahoma native, and still makes his home
in the state. He was born in Ada, which
is approximately 75 miles away from the
town of Moore, which was devastated by
a massive and deadly tornado on Monday.
Shelton now makes his home with wife
Miranda Lambert in Tishomingo, which
is just over 100 miles south-southeast of
Moore.
“Summer Convoy”
Hits the Road
Brandi Carlile will kick off her 2013
summer headline tour on June 13 at
Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in
Hampton Beach, NH. She’ll perform at
Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO
on July 13 and the Filene Center at Wolf
6 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Trap in Vienna,
VA on July 24.
Special guests
will include...The
Lone Bellow, Blind
Pilot and Ivan &
Alyosha. Carlile
will also join Dave
Matthews Band
for four dates on
its summer tour,
play Somerset
Amphitheater in Somerset, WI with The
Avett Brothers on June 29 and perform at
numerous festivals. Bear Creek, Carlile’s
highest-charting album to date, debuted
at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 and the
collection’s first single, “That Wasn’t Me,”
was a Top 5 at Triple A radio.
Josh Doyle Debuts
Hard Rock Calling
British-born Nashville transplant Josh
Doyle is taking the “next big thing” buzz
to another level. Doyle will make his Hard
Rock Calling debut in London on Sunday,
June 30 at one of the UK’s most iconic
venues, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band,
Alabama Shakes, The Black Crowes,
Kasabian, Zac Brown Band and more will
join Josh at the biggest, most-anticipated
Hard Rock Calling to date.
Darius Rucker Cuts
3rd Solo Album
The Hootie
and the Blowfish
frontman, who
traded pop
superstardom for
a solo country
venture in
2008, has since
scored platinum
album sales, Rucker’s country debut,
2008’s Learn to Live, proved he wasn’t a
musical carpetbagger, selling more than a
million copies and hitting Number One
with its first three country-to-the-core
singles. But in crafting his new album,
True Believers, the South Carolina native
refused to rest on his country laurels.
The album’s second single, a cover of
Old Crow Medicine Show’s signature
“Wagon Wheel” with Lady Antebellum
on harmony, conveniently hit the top of
Billboard’s country singles charts the day
before the project’s May 21st release. “It’s
about my marriage, but it’s also about my
career,” Rucker says of “True Believers.”
“When I started this solo thing, it was
just me and Mike Dungan, the guy who
signed me (to Capitol Records). The day
he decided to sign me, he called 13 people
who he thought were movers and shakers
in Nashville, and 12 of them told him it
wouldn’t work.” The hands-on dad brings
his two daughters and son on the road
with him whenever their school schedules
allow. “That was something I never even
thought of in rock & roll. I’ve lived both
lives. No doubt about it, country is a much
more family-friendly business than pop.”
“We work so hard to stay true to country
music,” Rucker concludes. “People can say
they don’t like it, but they can’t say it’s not
country.”
Ronnie Dunn Shares New
Song, “Peace Love and
Country Music”
The former
Brooks and Dunn
singer shared a
new song titled
“Peace Love and
Country Music” via
Souncloud recently,
and from the
glowing comments he’s been getting, so far
his fans are mostly thrilled with it. “Peace
Love and Country Music” has more of a
traditional vibe married to a slick modern
production, and it’s exactly the kind of
mid-tempo tune that serves as a perfect
showcase for Dunn’s signature vocal style.
he new track is apparently from an album
that Dunn has been working on, which has
no set release date as of yet. It may be one
of the focus tracks, since he has adopted
the title as a closing line to many of his
online posts – and as he recently noted,
“That’s a T-shirt.”
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 7
Texas roadhouse
by Dale Martin
When George Jones passed away at the
end of April, country music lost what was
possibly its greatest singer of all time. At
the time of his death, he was in the middle
of his retirement tour and was playing
to sold-out crowds every night. He had
planned to end his tour with a final concert
on November 22 at the Bridgestone
Arena in Nashville. That final concert
will now be a tribute concert complete
with all the main talent who promised
to participate before Jones passed away.
“Everyone has been asking if we will still
do the show,” Jones’ widow, Nancy, said in
a statement. “I have asked Garth Brooks,
Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, The Oak Ridge
Boys, Montgomery Gentry, Sam Moore,
Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson and others
and they all said ‘Yes, I am still going to do
it.’ So with all the artists still planning on
coming, we are going to honor George one
final time.”
Jones’ team is in the process of
reconfirming attendance with the rest
of the artists who previously committed
to attend. Tickets for the show were
previously sold out but fans are encouraged
to periodically check with Ticketmaster
on the chance that more might become
available. Reach Ticketmaster at 1-800745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
hometown of Waco, TX. All proceeds of
the benefit will go to The Bowen Family
Foundation that will focus on relief for
the families and organizations affected by
the recent tragedy in nearby West, TX.
“Upon learning of the tragedy in West, I
immediately knew that I wanted to raise
as much money as I could to help with
the community’s rebuilding efforts,” said
Bowen. “I have many fond memories of
West. It was the town where I played my
first real music gig. I even used to work
at a family pizza restaurant there and it is
the hometown of one of my best friends.
My heart goes out to all affected by the
explosion and I want nothing more than to
help as many as I can through the Bowen
Classic this year.”
Since the inception of The Bowen
Family Foundation, it has raised close
to half a million dollars for various local
organizations in need. “This event is very
special and important to me for so many
reasons,” Bowen continued. “I truly love
having the chance to help those in need.
I’ve been very blessed over the last 15 years
to have so much help from friends and
family in doing so.”
The Wade Bowen Classic kicks off
Sunday, June 2 with an all-star concert
at Indian Springs Park featuring Bowen
and friends including Josh Abbott Band,
Aaron Watson, Neal McCoy, Cody
Canada & Seth James of The Departed,
Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly, Charlie
Worsham, Josh Weathers, with more
artists to be announced soon. The classic
resumes Monday June 3 at 10:00 a.m. with
a two-man golf scramble at the beautiful
Cottonwood Creek Golf Course.
Tickets are available at wadebowen.
com/classic and in Waco at George’s
Restaurant. Tickets to golf in the
tournament are $180 and include two
concert tickets. Sunday concert only
tickets can be purchased in advance for
$20 or $25 on the day of the show. Kids 12
and under get in free.
Award winning singer, songwriter
Wade Bowen will host his 15th Annual
Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament
and concert on June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s
When Miranda Lambert decided to
form her all-girl group, the Pistol Annies,
it all came together with their combined
love of songwriting. “Somebody can just
8 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
say something, we write it in our phone
and it becomes a song,” Miranda Lambert
said. “Like the other day I said, ‘My mom’s
wine store would probably do way better in
our Baptist town if it had a back door.’ So
now we’ve got ‘Back-door Bar.’ It’s often
that simple.”
Ashley Monroe adds, “We all have
a Pistol Annies folder on our iPhones,
sometimes the songs just seem to write
themselves.” Spend a little time around
Lambert, Monroe and Angaleena Presley
and you get a glimpse of what those writing
sessions might be like. All three clearly
love working together and are very relaxed
when they get together for their shows.
Ask them what each brings to the group
and you should know you’re not going to
get a straight answer. “I bring big boobs,”
Presley jokes. “Well I bring big words,”
Monroe responds.
That kind of chemistry pulled the solo
artists together to form the Pistol Annies
three years ago. And after a soft release
on their runaway debut “Hell on Heels,”
they’re now a fully realized group with
an appearance-filled rollout for the new
album, a radio campaign, a music video, a
summer tour and a lot of momentum.
Lambert got the trio its initial meeting
with Sony Music Nashville, but it was up
to the group to prove itself from there.
Fans found and downloaded the Annies’
digital-only debut on the Internet, about
500,000 copies so far. The 12 songs on
Annie Up find a group that’s gaining
confidence with each new song and
performance. Laced with humor, the songs
are both sassy and deep, finding the humor
in even the toughest of circumstances.
They share the songs on stage, taking
turns on lead vocal and blending into
the background harmony. Monroe thinks
they’ve even started to sound alike. By the
time you hear a song, it’s hard to pick out
who wrote what and who’s singing where.
It goes back to that chemistry thing. Check
out their website at pistolannies.com.
Natalie Maines has never been one
to keep her opinions to herself. We all
recall her famous on-stage comment that
forever changed the career of her band,
the Dixie Chicks. Her new solo album is
out now and it’s the first time fans can hear
new music from Maines in over five years.
Granted, the new CD consists of all cover
tunes, it still proves just how powerful her
amazing voice really is. The first single,
“Mother,” a searing cover of the Pink Floyd
classic, becomes her own after she adds a
special twist to the melody and rhythm of
the tune. It’s a song about coming to terms
with your past and reaching out those
listening.
Could it be that Maines’ is attempting
to reach out to Dixie Chicks fans? We
may never know because this time around,
Maines is keeping her thoughts to herself
and letting her music do all the talking.
In “Without You,” Maines remakes the
Eddie Vedder hit and cuts loose in her best
rock howl, making fans realize just how
powerful her voice really is. When Natalie
Maines remarked from a London stage in
2003 that the Dixie Chicks were “ashamed
the president of the United States is
from Texas,” she was criticizing Iraq War
policy. Will history prove that she was just
saying what the majority of America was
thinking? Time will tell. In the meantime,
Maines has a solo album to promote and
a few select dates to play with her former
band. Listening to this album, one has
a tendency, to hear every song on this
album as some sort of response to Maines’
life-altering remark and her subsequent
public retreat. I’m sure many fans will be
watching to see what she does next.
ALBUM SPOTLIGHTS
Small Town Sundown –
George Ensle
(Independent Release)
Texas has produced some of the finest
songwriters in the business, Townes Van
Zandt, Guy Clark, Billy Joe Shaver and
Willie Nelson are the ones most often
mentioned. George Ensle is another name
you will want to add to this list. Like many
others, he got his start in Houston back in
the 1960’s and often shared the stage with
the writers I just mentioned.
Ensle has a knack for crafting a song
that comes straight from the heart and soul
of a man who can take our everyday lives
and turn it into an epic song. It’s no secret
that I’m a huge fan of concept albums,
with my two favorites being Lullabys,
Legends & Lies by Bobby Bare and Red
Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson.
I have a new one to add to my list,
it’s titled Small Town Sundown by George
Ensle. Coming from the tiny Texas town of
Yoakum, this album holds a special place
in my heart. The album takes place in the
small Texas town of Windmill and tells the
story of a young man that returns home
after ten years. The town has changed a
lot since he left and he quickly realizes
that the town he once knew is no longer
there. With songs like “Mom and Pop’s,”
he relates how small family businesses
are being replaced by super stores. “Hill
Country Moon” reflects on the beauty of
a night without the blinding lights of the
big city. “Give Me My Flowers While I’m
Livin” instructs us to enjoy life and give
our loved ones their gifts and words of love
before they are gone.
With a simple finger picking style,
Ensle takes his listener on a journey
through an America we all once loved
so dearly. It’s a way of life that is quickly
disappearing from the landscape if we all
don’t make an effort to save it. Ensle’s new
album should be our call to arms to stop
and smell the roses and save a legacy we
can leave to the next generation.
Bob Schneider –
Burden of Proof
With the release of his latest album
Burden of Proof, Bob Schneider breaks new
ground in what may be his most ambitious
and sophisticated album to date.
Born in Michigan and raised in
Germany, Schneider was playing music and
creating art from the time he was four years
old. “I was left-handed, but the nuns at my
Catholic school forced me to write with my
right hand,” Schneider reflects. “But I still
like to think of myself as left-handed. I’ve
always thought of myself as a round peg
in a square hole sort of person. Like I just
didn’t quite fit in. I was socially awkward
and I think that led me to finding solace in
imaginary worlds that I would create in my
art and music.”
At age 10, Schneider’s father, an opera
singer by trade, dressed him in a leisure suit
and took him along to gigs where they’d
perform jazz standards and other hits from
the 1940s-70s.
Schneider spent his college years as a
fine arts major, but dropped out to move
to Austin and pursue a music career
after taking to heart the words of singersongwriter Terry Allen. “I remember him
saying ‘If you’re going to do art, drop out of
school and start doing your art and living
your life ‘cause your degree’s not going
to make a difference.” So Bob Schneider
blazed into Austin and has been packing
houses and winning over audiences ever
since.
With Burden of Proof, he has elevated
his game once again, creating a brilliant
and elegant album. “Some folks might
think that I'm taking a big risk musically
by getting away from the more easily
accessible pop songs of the earlier records,”
said Schneider. “But to me it seems
like a natural progression that is more
subconscious than conscious really.”
Schneider’s artistic exploration is not
limited to the stage or the studio. He is also
a celebrated sculptor, painter and poet with
two published books of poetry and art and
another one forthcoming.
With Burden of Proof, Bob Schneider
delivers a much-heralded explosive
addition to his already expansive
artistic canon, a work of sophisticated
craftsmanship and a wild ride to boot.
PROFESSIONAL
ASSOCIATION
MANAGEMENT
SERVICES
Specializing in Nonprofit Management
Since 2001
512.358.8000
www.ProfessionalAMS.com
Staff
Accounting
Member
Services
Marketing
Clerical &
Administrative
Support &
Services
Nonprofit
Bookkeeping
Government
Regulatory
Compliance
Long-Range &
Strategic
Planning
Communications
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 9
by Ruby Servin
When it comes to soaking up the sun, there’s no better place like Texas!
Whether you’re enjoying the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, building
sand castles in Galveston or tubing down the San Marcos River, Texas
offers it all. So why don’t you pack your swim suits and head on out for a
fun filled weekend with your family and friends during this summer; because
when you’re “Round About” in Central Texas – you can’t go wrong.
JUNE 28-30
BIGFest
Big fest is a fundraising music festival for
the Cheatham Street Warehouse Music
Foundation, and a celebration of Big John
Mills’ birthday. BIGFest will be featuring
more than 100 musicians and bands in a
historic music hall. Bigfest.org
GRUENE
JUNE 15-16
Old Gruene Market Days
Gruene Market Days has been held every
month except January for over 30 years and
features more than 100 artisans offering
handmade items made by the vendors
themselves, including uniquely crafted
items, collectibles and packaged Texas
foods. gruenemarketdays.com
GALVESTON ISLAND
SAN MARCOS
JUNE 1
JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27
AIA Sandcastle Competition
More than 80 teams of Houston area
architects, designers, engineers and
contractors compete with their sandsculpting tools. aiasandcastle.com
Music in the Park Concert Series
Enjoy free music on the banks of the
San Marcos River at the 23rd annual
summer in the Park outdoor concert
series Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:00pm.
sanmarcostx.com
JUNE 8, 22
Music Nite on the Strand
Music enthusiasts looking for a great live
music scene will enjoy Music Nite on The
Strand. A dance floor and limited seating
are provided so crowds can dance to the
beat and rest between songs. Bands perform
at Saengerfest Park. Galveston.com
JUNE 12-15
Great Texas Catamaran Race
This offshore race is an offshore beach
catamaran race along the Texas Coast.
Starting in South Padre Island and
finishing in Galveston, the race will cover
approximately 300 miles along the Texas
coast over the Father’s Day weekend. The
race will be conducted in four stages with
each stage starting and ending on the
beach! gt300.com
JUNE 15-23
Juneteenth
A weeklong celebration highlighting
the history of Juneteenth and Galveston
Island. Activities include a jubilee
parade, a picnic, prayer services, musicals,
banquets and educational exhibits and
demonstrations. galveston.com
JUNE 8
JUNE 20
Come and Taste It
On the third Thursday of each month
except January, Grapevine Texas Wine Bar
invites visitors to meet the Winemaker.
Throughout the year, eleven of Texas’
best wineries and their winemakers will be
showcased. grapevineingruene.com
JUNE 2
JUNE 9
JUNE 12
Salsa Fest
The festival will feature live music, good
food, washer and horse shoe tossing, crosscountry croquet, and a children’s play area.
This event is the annual fund raiser for Art
of the Dog Art Center. zzzdog.com
13th Annual Soul to Sole Tap
Festival & Concert
The festival is all-encompassing with
over 75 master classes taught by worldrenowned dancers, five choreography
courses, tap jams, and panel discussions.
It also includes a participant showcase
anchored by members of Tapestry Dance
Company and a world-class faculty concert
at the Rollins Studio Theatre at The
Long Center. “Soul to Sole is truly is truly
a journey…rhythm is a terrible thing to
waste! tapestry.org
Juneteenth Celebrations
Includes an old-fashioned picnic and
parade, cook-offs, a cake walk, and
children’s activities. 512-738-2583
10 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Chisholm Trail Roundup
The annual Chisholm Trail Roundup
(CTR) is always the second full weekend
in June and is Lockhart’s biggest annual
festival. It is held Thursday to Saturday
at the Lockhart City Park, 504 E. City
Park Road and offers a packed schedule
of activities and fun for all ages. This is
a major tourism event for the Lockhart
Chamber of Commerce and the City of
Lockhart with 10,000+ people attending
from cities and counties all over Central
Texas. chisholmtrailroundup.com
JUNE 15
Texas Outdoor Family –
Pedernales Falls State Park
Learn how to camp at Pedernales Falls
State Park! This workshop will include
activities like: Geocaching, Swimming,
Bird Watching, and Star Gazing. This fan
favorite is back for 2013 Spring season!
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
JUNE 15-16
Make-A-Wish: Over The Edge
Make-A-Wish challenges you to face your
fears, catch your breath, step up to the
edge and rappel down 32 stories at One
American Center. The first 300 individuals
to raise a minimum of $1,500 will earn a
spot to go Over The Edge for Make-AWish. More than 350 children in central
and south Texas are diagnosed each year
with a life-threatening medical condition.
Last year they granted 216 wishes – help
them reach more of these children and
create hope, strength and joy in their lives.
austinovertheedge.com
AUSTIN & SURROUNDING AREAS
Texas Water Safari
The Safari is a long, tough, non-stop
marathon canoe-racing adventure,
traversing 260 miles of challenging rivers
and bay. Many participants enter the race
with no intention of winning, but with the
goal of joining the elite group of finishers
and earning the coveted Texas Water
Safari finisher’s patch. texaswatersafari.org
JUNE 14-15
JUNE 13-15
Bridal Extravaganza
The Bridal Extravaganza is Central Texas’
largest bridal show! Sample some cake.
Sample some more cake. Talk to a DJ. Get
a quote from that photographer. Try more
cake. Obsess over table placements. Feel a
few dresses. Top it all off with some more
samples. austinweddings.com
JUNE 27-30
Luling Watermelon Thump
The Luling Watermelon Thump kicks off
with a pageant, live music and a dance on
Thursday night and continues on through
the weekend. A variety of events and
activities take place during the “Thump,”
including a seed spitting contest, melon
eating contest, largest melon competition,
queen’s pageant, parade, concerts, dances
and more. watermelonthump.com
An
Tickets $25
Includes Dinner
Event is BYOB
Available at
www.amajorfunding.com
or
at the door
Production
June 9th, 2013
Painted Horse Pavilion
1750 S. FM 1626
Buda, TX 78610
To benefit
Doors Open at 4:30
Music Starts at 5:00
Featuring:
Courtney Patton
Walt Wilkins
with a special performance by the
It is the perfect
time of the year
to grab a cup of
Frozen yogurt
and Fall in love
all over again!
Yogurt in love
Drew Kennedy
complimentary drinks courtesy of
&
San Marcos
Visit
Today!
yogurtinlovesmtx.com
512-392-2997
Located on the corner of
Hunter & Wonder World
102 Wonder World Drive•Suite 205
San Marcos, TX 78666
/YogurtinloveSM
@YogurtinloveSM
Don’t get caught in the summer HEAT!!
*Proudly Serving Central Texas Since 1986*
24/7 Emergency A/C Service - 512-353-2511
www.smairtx.com
TACLA51319C
TACLA51419C
Apply Online Today!
Tree House Cabins
Geronimo Creek
SE HABLA ESPANOL!
San Marcos, TX
www.geronimocreekretreat.com
Geronimo, TX
Lucas Novak -President/ Owner
www.texasautocenter.com
FREE 24- Month/ 24,000 Miles Limited Waranty on ALL Cars!
TIPIS
Get APPROVED with Easy Financing!
*Bring this ad in for....
www.riverroadcabins.com
Canyon Lake, TX
$200.00
Towards Down Payment On Any Vehicle
*Accepted only in the San Marcos Location
For Reservations & Information:
1-888-993-6772 (Opt. 1)
Email:
[email protected]
Currently:
1612 South IH 35
San Marcos, TX
Moving soon to:
2707 South IH 35
San Marcos, TX
512-878-0888
512-789-8878
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 11
Austin’s Rock ‘n Roll Dentist
AUTHENTIC SMILES DENTAL STUDIO
Downtown Austin’s most technologically advanced dental
office. We offer the latest treatments in reconstructive
and aesthetic dentistry including same-day crowns and
veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening and a full range
of neuromuscular treatments to correct TMJ problems.
Contact us today for an appointment!
Shane Matt, DDS
211 San Antonio Street | Austin, TX 78701
512.330.9403
Book Your Appointment Online!
www.authenticsmiles.com
12 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
ROUND ROCK • AUSTIN • ROCKPORT
RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - CUSTOM ORDERS
Family Owned & Operated since 1987
Prompt & Courteous Service
CALDWELL, TX
512-835-7575
www.morrisglasstx.com
Proud Sponsor of the
Round Rock Express
3575 Rocking J Road
Round Rock, TX 78665
Rodeo Austin
Team Roping Sponsor
Expand your horizons...
Rural Land Loans
Country Home Loans
Farm & Ranch Loans
Livestock &
Equipment Loans
Operating Capital
We’re the answer.
Real Estate
Appraisal Services
C
apital Farm Credit has made agricultural
production, real estate and agribusiness
loans for 95 years. As a cooperative, we
are proud to return almost 100 percent of
our net earnings back to our customers
through our patronage program.
Austin Credit Office 512.892.4425
Toll free 1.866.886.4425
T E X A S ’
L A R G E S T
Agribusiness Financing
Leasing
CapitalFarmCredit.com
R U R A L
Visit us at www.lcspgiddings.com or on
L E N D E R
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 13
Ranch Style
photography
Engagement ~ Bridal ~ Wedding ~ Family ~ Portraits
Capture your perfect memories
Like us on Facebook
www.ranchstylephotography.com
Save $2 per person! Present this coupon prior to purchase at any Schlitterbahn
New Braunfels ticket windowSunday through Friday in June, July and August or any
operating day in May or September and SAVE $2 each on up to 6 full-price, all-day
tickets.
14 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
D. “Bing” Bingham
Starbucks Isn’t
A Rodeo Bull
M
My wife and I look forward to taking
a break in the big city. For us, with
metropolitan downtown in the windshield
and home in our rear-view mirror, it’s an
exciting time. We get a chance to eat at
exotic, ethnic restaurants, visit libraries
with massive collections and renew
acquaintances with old friends.
However, before any trip to the big city,
some mental adjustments need to be made.
That begins with personal space.
The average city dweller has a personal
space of six to eighteen inches. For us,
after spending tons of time outdoors
using personal space to move livestock,
we jokingly tell people ours extends into
the distance for about a quarter mile. A
stroll down a crowded city sidewalk is like
walking through a pen with too many pigs
– adjustments need to be made.
One of the best parts of our trip to the
city is computer-mapping programs – they
work.
Where we live, people who follow their
GPS without engaging a healthy dose of
common sense can die a hard death in a
sudden storm or snow bank. An ambulance
crew called to our community had better
listen to their phone directions – if they rely
on their computer-generated route, they’ll
wander lost, passenger free, for hours.
At home, folks stop and talk when they
meet. Chatting is almost a requirement.
This is how far-flung neighbors stay
in touch with each other’s lives. It’s
part of the glue that holds a spread-out
community together.
In the city, communication is different.
It tends to be direct and, sometimes, “inyour-face.” The life history of a person can
be heard in a matter of minutes. Shouting
occurs; the volume is in direct relationship
to the amount of bus traffic and sirens.
If we hear a siren, it’s because the
sheriff hit a pothole on a dirt road and
accidently bumped the switch during his
bi-annual visit to our community.
RECIPE
RECIPE
Pineapple Cream
Cheese Pie
Curried Chicken
Salad
Ingredients
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
¼ C fresh lemon juice
3 oz. cream cheese (softened)
8½ oz. can crushed pineapple
(drained)
Ingredients
9-inch Graham cracker shell
Directions
Combine condensed milk and
lemon juice. Then add cream
cheese and beat mixture until
smooth. Pour into crust and chill
4-5 hours before serving.
Deep and enduring friendships happen
in both places. In the city, its roots often
take hold in mutual interest, while in the
backwoods; geographic proximity is the
glue that holds friends together. In other
words, finding a way to be friendly with
the only other people in the area is a good
idea, making life easier and more pleasant.
Neighbors in the big city are generally
not acknowledged with more than a nod
or wave. Assisting someone in trouble isn’t
being neighborly. It’s called a fund-raiser
and might end up on the nightly news.
Not all adjustments between the city
and backwoods need be made by us –
sometimes it’s our dogs. City and rural dogs
leave behind the same sort of presents.
I’ve watched city people trot along
behind their dogs, plastic bags ready to
gather little treasures. After collection,
they turn the bag inside out and toss the
misplaced item in a garbage can.
My dog thinks I’m a stalker when I
follow her in a city park with a plastic bag. If
I’m lucky enough to receive a direct deposit
– and there are no nearby waste cans – I’m
uncomfortable with the idea of putting
a bag of digested dog dinner in my coat
pocket. Sometimes I refuse to take matters
in hand and just kick them under a bush.
An easy adjustment for us is the city
coffee shop.
We simply remember that flavors like
Almond Roca and Hazelnut are a treat, not
a farm crop. Dried bread isn’t tossed to the
chickens, it’s called Biscotti and Starbucks
is a coffee shop, not a high-dollar line of
rodeo bulls.
Once we’ve had a good cup of coffee,
break time is over and we hit the road.
Finished with a barrage of culture,
advertisement and exhaust fumes, for us,
home always looks better when viewed
through the windshield rather than the
rear-view mirror.
BING BINGHAM IS A WRITER, RANCHER
AND STORYTELLER. HE’S THE ONE WITH A
D A Z E D L O O K I N T H E B I G C I T Y. I F Y O U ’ D
LIKE TO READ MORE STORIES, LOG ONTO
BINGBINGHAM.COM/BLOG.
2 boneless-skinless chicken breasts
½ C plain yogurt
¼ tsp. curry powder
¼ tsp. ground ginger
2 green onions (thinly sliced)
3 Tbsp. chopped green pepper
½ C pineapple chunks (drained)
2 Tbsp. raisins
¼ tsp. Salt
1 head romaine lettuce
Directions
Combine the chicken with water
to cover in a saucepan. Bring to
boil then lower heat; simmer until
tender, about 40 minutes. Remove
from broth; cool; chill.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
– set aside. Combine yogurt,
curry powder, ginger, green
onions, green pepper, pineapple,
raisins and salt in a large bowl;
blend well. Add chicken and toss
until well mixed. Refrigerate
1 hour or until well chilled. Serve
on romaine leaves; garnish with
a radish rose if desired!
WHY PAY HUGE CREATIVE
& HOSTING FEES?
Simple. Clever. Effective.
Web hosting starting at $1.95 per month
www.faminehosting.com
512.945.6842
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 15
Texas Tales
H
Howard Campbell never lost his vivid
memory of the only time he ever saw his
parents cry.
They lived in Jones County on what
Campbell called a ranch, but his family
did more farming than ranching. And on
that sunny day in May 1920, their leased
land had never looked finer. Almost-readyto-harvest grain and row after row of corn
covered 400 acres around their two-story
house.
“The barley, wheat and oats were all
waist high and ready to bundle and shock,”
Campbell later wrote in Spotted Stripes, a
self-published family history. “The corn
was also about waist high and had been
plowed out two or three times. All the
crops were extra good for that time of
the year and the pasture grass was equally
superior.”
Campbell had watched his father and
uncle move the broadcast binder from a
shed to the shade of a large live oak. Soon
it would be time to harvest their crop, the
best they had ever raised.
But grain and corn weren’t the only
things growing that spring. Campbell’s
mother was pregnant, and the country
doctor she saw reckoned she would be
having twins.
“It looked as if nature had smiled on
everyone and everything in that part of the
state,” Campbell continued.
Around 3 p.m. tall, dark clouds
appeared on the northwest horizon. Back
then, long before commercial radio,
by Mike Cox
pounds.)
“Mom and dad, my uncle and another
hired hand began putting quilts on all
west windows,” Campbell wrote. “The
front porch protected the windows to the
south.”
The blankets did little good. Hail beat
out all the upstairs windows and even
came crashing through their roof. When
big chunks of ice started rolling down
the stairs like so many giant marbles,
Campbell’s mother grabbed a bucket and
began trying to pick them up.
The bombardment continued for 30
minutes, with wind and torrential rain
going on for another hour.
When the storm abated, the Campbell
family rushed outside to see the damage.
They could hardly believe what they saw.
Dead chickens, their coop destroyed,
lay buried in snow-like drifts of hailstones.
The sheds and barns looked like they had
been bombed. Most of their roof was gone
and all exposed windows of their house
broken out.
Even worse, their fields “lay as flat and
barren as desert.” What two hours earlier
had been their best crop ever had floated
off and now lay in large drifts against their
fences and in the gullies.
At least no one got hurt. In fact, only
two fatalities have ever been attributed
to hail in the United States. One of those
deaths occurred in Texas, where a farmer
caught out in the open near Lubbock died
in a severe hailstorm on May 13, 1939.
“I saw my parents embrace and cry
profusely,” Campbell wrote. “This made a
lasting impression on me and [served as] a
constant reminder that when it pertains to
farming and ranching, one never has it made
until the money is in the bank.”
television or Doppler radar, the only
warning most Texans got of an impending
storm came in seeing its approach.
When it seemed certain that they
would be getting rain, Campbell’s father
and uncle rolled up the binder canvas and
put it under a shed so it wouldn’t get wet.
Distant thunder soon gave way to
close-in lightning strikes. The supercell
thunderstorm towered so high, a bright
afternoon turned nearly into night. Then
a barrage of hailstones larger than hen eggs
began coming down, followed shortly by
driving wind and high wind.
(Hail falling from 30,000 feet, a typical
large storm height, reaches 120 miles an
hour before it hits the ground. In addition
to achieving velocity a major league
pitcher could only dream of, hail can be up
to baseball or grapefruit size – the largest
recorded stone weighing more than 1.5
16 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
The Campbell place had been visited
by what meteorologists call a hailshaft,
a column of hail falling from a single
thunderstorm cell. The area swept by a
hailshaft, again in scientific speak, is called
a hailstreak.
“I saw my parents embrace and cry
profusely,” Campbell wrote. “This made a
lasting impression on me and [served as]
a constant reminder that when it pertains
to farming and ranching, one never has it
made until the money is in the bank.”
Campbell’s mother and father both
shed tears, but they did not give up.
Within three weeks of the hailstorm, they
had re-plowed and re-seeded their fields in
cotton, maize and grass.
Those crops came in bountifully. And
that July, as Campbell put it, the family
had “two more cubs in the den.”
Premier Veterinary Care for Horses and Small Animals
Clean - Beautiful - Scenic Facilities
Routine - Preventative & Acute Emergency Care
Dallas Safari Club Grant to assist
with hunting, fishing and camping
programs for Youth in Texas
The Kids Outdoor Zone Youth Outdoor
Adventure Ministry (KOZ) recently
received a grant from Dallas Safari Club
(DSC) to assist with funding their summer
hunting, fishing and camping camps for
youth in Texas.
The grant from DSC totaled $5,000!
“We’re grateful for the support from
Dallas Safari Club and other donors,”
said TJ Greaney, who is the founder of
Kids Outdoor Zone. “The majority of
our kids have never experienced outdoor
adventure. Statistics say the average kid
spends 40 minutes a week outside and 70
hours a week in front of a screen. With
this funding we can take kids for a week
long adventure walking uneven ground,
experiencing the outdoors in ways that can
change their lives forever. It is good for
the future of hunting, fishing and outdoor
adventure not to mention the health and
well being of the kids.”
The KOZ 2013 summer hunting camps
are for boys and girls. Dates and more
information on these amazing camps can
be found at www.kidsoutdoorzone.org.
DSC is an independent nonprofit
organization that works to conserve
wildlife and wilderness lands, educate
youth and the general public, and promote
and protect the rights and interests of
hunters worldwide.
KOZ in a 501c3 nonprofit that trains
men in churches then provides curriculum
to mentor kids through outdoor adventure.
They also provide hunting, fishing and
adventure camps year-round to kids all
across the country.
$5.7 Million Recreational Trail Grant
Largest Award in Program’s History
The Texas Parks and Wildlife
Commission on Thursday approved
$5.7 million in federal grants for 33
recreational trail projects across the state.
This is the largest amount of grant funds
awarded from the Recreational Trail Grant
Program in the 20-year history of the
program in Texas. Seventy-two project
proposals were submitted requesting almost
$12 million in funding assistance.
The National Recreational Trails
Fund (NRTF) comes from a portion of
the federal gas tax generated by gasoline
purchases to utilize off-road motorcycles
and four-wheelers. The purpose of the
NRTF is to create new, or improve
existing, recreational trails.
A requirement of the NRTF is that 30
percent of the total funds must be spent on
motorized recreational trails, 30 percent
on non-motorized trail projects and the
remaining 40 percent is discretionary.
The Schertz Seguin Local Government
Corporation in Guadalupe County
was granted $400,000 for the SSLGC
Motorized Trail which will include a new
35 mile motorized trail, restroom, staging
area, signs and an entry booth.
The city of New Braunfels in Comal
County will receive $200,000 toward the
Fisher Park Trails to add a new 2.5 mile
concrete trail, signs, a shade structure and
a boardwalk.
The city of San Marcos in Hays County
was awarded $92,375 for a new 1.4 mile
granite trail and parking extension to
Purgatory Creek Natural Area Trails.
The city of Pflugerville in Travis
County was awarded $172,500 to go
toward the Gilleland Creek Trail. The
grant will help fund a new .55 mile
concrete trail, signs, benches and trash
cans.
For more information about the grant
awards or the recreation grant programs,
see TPWD’s grants Web page, phone the
Recreation Grants Branch at (512) 3898224.
MEGAN MATTHYSSEN, DVM
BUCK VANTREASE, DVM
13345 NUTTY BROWN RD.
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78737
(512) 301-0070
WWW.SOUTHWESTHILLSVETERINARYHOSPITAL.COM
ALL THE
COMFORTS
OF HOME
MINUS
THE BILLS!
Most models include: A/C, microwaves,
flatscreen tv’s, stereo systems and MORE!
“Create travel memories with family &
friends today to last a lifetime.”
CURL’S RV RENTAL & HAULING, LLC
2415 HWY 71 East, Del Valle, TX. 78617
M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM
SAT 8:00AM-3:00PM SUN CLOSED
512-614-2262
Fax 512-614-2263
curlsrvrental.com
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 17
Howdy!
The end of May is here and June
is coming on fast, bringing with it, the
beginnings of the Texas summer. I must
admit, however, that this spring has been
rather pleasant. We’ve enjoyed cooler than
usual mornings, some even setting new
record lows.
Sandra, the editor of this magazine,
planned this issue around travel themes.
You know: summer vacation, going
somewhere fun, getting away. Anyway, it
was requested that I get in line and write
about something having to do with travel
and chickens.
I could probably do that with a couple
of sentences. “If you are going to leave your
place for any length of time, ask someone
you can trust to feed and water your birds
every day.” How’s that? I’m sure that’s not
what Sandra had in mind – nor would she
expect what I’m going to do next.
I’m going to travel back in time
to recount a little bit of the history of
Callahan’s General Store where I have
been gainfully employed for the last 30
years. I will also attempt to illustrate just
how important the lowly chicken has been
to the overall development of our business
model.
The store that stands today on the
Bastrop Highway, started life as a cattle
auction barn around 1946, shortly after the
end of World War II. To feed the animals
coming in for auction, a feed mill was
constructed next door. The excess was sold
to small feed retailers, ranchers, and right
out the front door of Capitol Feed and
Milling Company.
Baby chicks were also being sold and
soon, with the help of KVET Radio’s
advertising program, the business began to
by Jeff Gore
H
grow. Other items were added to the mix
and, in 1970, an Implement-Hardware
store was built next door to the feed mill.
In 1978, the business was consolidated
into a single building under the name of
Callahan’s General Store.
That was 35 years ago and, although
many things have changed in Austin and
Central Texas, the legacy of the original
store lives on. Every week, visitors from all
over the continental United States and the
world, stop by to experience a little piece
of Texas.
I did not set out to make this sound like
an infomercial for Callahan’s but rather, to
make a connection between success and
the chicken. Poultry, and related sales, are
still a big part of the mix. Every year sees
an increase in sales and popularity of baby
chicks, laying hens, and even meat birds.
So it is with a great deal of gratitude
that I write about how the life of a business
in Austin, Texas and the life of the
chicken have been intertwined.
Here’s to 35 more years.
Adios,
Hello friends,
This month I want to visit with you
about today. Yes, today. Whatever day this
is, as you read this article, could be your
last. It could be the last for any of your
loved ones or close friends...your boss, or
employee. How does that make you feel?
Uneasy? Angry? Scared?
Because God is all-knowing and as the
Psalmist said God knew us before we were
“knit together in our mother’s womb” Ps.
139:13, it stands to reason that he knows
the end of our days.
The fact still remains that we do not
know when our last day will be. Jesus
Himself said He would come again when
it is least expected. Just recently, we were
ministering at a ranch rodeo and a young
man only 20 years old, was kicked in the
chest by a horse. With his lung, heart,
and liver severely bruised, and a hairline
fracture to his sternum, the doctors kept
him on close watch knowing it was serious
enough he could die. At the same rodeo
was another young man not yet 40, who
just over a year ago broke his back when
a horse fell back over on top of him. His
doctor told him if he had not been so big
and strong muscled, he would have been
killed instantly when his back snapped
in two rather that mere fractures to three
vertebrae.
I know that the people who went to
work in the twin towers in New York City
on September 11, 2001, never
dreamed they would never see
their families again.
Both of the young men I mentioned
know that the outcome could have been
vastly different. They also know that had
they died they would be in heaven right
now. How do they know? Because they
both know that Jesus Christ has saved
them and they have a personal relationship
with Him.
Do you know that as well? If this was
your last day, where would you spend
eternity? God’s word tells us Jesus is the
only name by which a person can be saved.
(Acts 4:12)
Since we are not promised
tomorrow and 2 Corinthians 6:2 says,
“Today is the day of salvation,” won’t you
consider following Christ? He’s ready to be
your savior and Lord. Contact me for a free
book that will challenge you to investigate
Him for yourself. Today, because you never
know about tomorrow.
Thanks for reading,
Jeff Gore
www.jeffgore.org // 325-280-5457
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Facebook
MIKE YOUNG
Myspace
Twitter
Dangerous Weather!!
When dangerous weather is predicted, know what steps
you can take to stay safe! With all the recent tragedies
caused by inclement weather its yet another reminder
to do everything that you can to be prepared. This
information shared by the American Red Cross is good,
sound, practical advice that we hope will be a help to you.
·
TORNADOES
Spring can be the peak season for tornado activity.
Tornadoes occur mostly on warm spring days between 3:00
and 9:00 p.m. However, tornadoes can occur anywhere, at
any time of the year, at any time of the day. The Red Cross
has safety steps people should take now to be ready if a
tornado warning is issued for someone’s neighborhood:
· Know your community’s warning system.
· Pick a safe room in your home where family members
can gather if a tornado is headed your way. This should
be a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the
lowest floor with no windows.
· Prepare for strong winds by removing diseased and
damaged limbs from trees.
· Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging
plants or anything else that can be picked up by the
wind and become a projectile.
· Know the tornado danger signs – dark, often greenish
clouds, a wall cloud, cloud of debris, large hail, a funnel
cloud or a roaring noise.
18 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible in and near
the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans,
and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act
quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is
approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!
Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or
indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate
imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately
under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior
room (closet, hallway or bathroom).
THUNDERSTORMS
Download the free Red Cross tornado app for mobile
devices. The tornado app puts everything you need to
know to stay safe in a tornado at your fingertips. The
app can be downloaded from the iTunes or Google Play
stores by searching for American Red Cross.
Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring
and summer, during the afternoon and evening. However,
like tornadoes, they can happen anywhere, at any hour of
the day. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which
kills more people every year that tornadoes or hurricanes.
· If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder,
you are close enough to be in danger from lightning.
· Watch for storm signs like darkening skies, flashes of
lightning or increasing winds.
· Postpone any outdoor activities. Many people who are
struck by lightning are not where it is raining.
· Take shelter in a substantial building or a vehicle with
the windows closed. Shutter windows and close outside
doors securely. Stay away from windows.
· Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.
by Kendall Hemphill
Smart Gun
The Chinese, I’m told, invented gunpowder sometime
during the ninth century, but did very little with it, besides
making bombs (to blow one another up) and fireworks
(to blow themselves up). They may have used crude
‘guns’ made from bamboo and stuffed with powder and
projectiles, but I’d classify those under one of the above
uses. Or both, probably.
Gunpowder, made from charcoal, saltpeter and sulfer,
was transported to Europe during the 13th century, but it
got wet on the way, so it had to be transported again, later,
after the umbrella was invented. Europeans, namely the
French, finally invented guns during the 15th century. The
first was the “arquebus,” which was used mostly to invent
French curse words when it didn’t go off, or went off when
it wasn’t supposed to, or went off when it was supposed to
but did more harm to the shooter than the target, or was
dropped on someone’s foot.
A major drawback with the arquebus, and subsequent
firearms, was that it was inaccurate. Someone finally
invented sights during the 16th century, but those were
pretty much useless, as projectile flight was unpredictable.
The situation came to a head in 1791 when King George
of England shot himself in the foot while trying to off
Marie Antionette. Or maybe it was Marie Curie. I’m
pretty sure it was a Marie.
Anyway, the King hobbled around shouting something
like “Lands sakes!” which led to the invention of “lands,”
which are grooves spiraling up the inside of a gun barrel,
creating the rifle. The lands make the bullet spin, and
cause it to be more accurate, thus sparing kings’ feet and
fellow soldiers the world over.
Sights were actually somewhat useful once rifles
were invented, but the biggest advancement in firearms
technology came during the early 1800s, with the
invention of the gun rack.
No, wait, that was later, after the invention of the
pickup. Sometime between 1835 and 1840 Morgan James,
of Utica, NY, invented the telescopic sight. That changed
things, let me tell you. Suddenly distant targets seemed
close, and total accuracy was achieved. Sort of.
The first scopes were great, as long as the weather was dry,
the sun was out, and the ambient temperature was between
72 and 73 degrees. Well, they weren’t quite that sensitive,
but close. Scopes have improved over the years, but the basic
design hasn’t. For example, you still have to make sure your
head isn’t too close to the eyepiece when you shoot a rifle
that’s .30 caliber or bigger, or you’re likely to get “scope eye,”
a condition that causes red stuff to run down your nose.
I figured we’d pretty much seen all the advances in
scope technology we ever would, but as usual, I was wrong.
A company called Tracking Point has recently come out
with a sighting system that makes it so hard to miss a
target it can only be described as “cheating.”
This is not, however, just a scope, that you can take
out of the box, mount on top of your rifle, and start
banging away. It’s an entire sighting system that has to
be incorporated into your gun, with a special trigger and
other parts I won’t reveal here, since I have no idea what
they are. Tracking Point is less a scope than a lifestyle.
The concept has been around a long time, and it
resembles the aiming devices used in the weapons systems
installed in fighter jets more than anything else. When
a fighter pilot gets close enough to a “bogey” to allow his
onboard “computer” to obtain a “lock” on the enemy
“plane,” he pulls the “trigger” to shoot, but his missile
doesn’t fire until it’s lined up correctly. At least that’s what
I’ve been “told.”
The Tracking Point system works kind of like that. The
scope itself, the part that mounts on top of the rifle, looks
like three scopes in a pyramid pattern. There is also the
special trigger, and a red button mounted at the front of
the triggerguard. The system does not, contrary to rumor,
dispense cold beverages and calculate simple interest.
The shooter sees a black dot through the scope, which
is adjustable up to 35 power. When he gets the black dot
lined up on the target, he pushes the red button to ‘tag’
the target. The tag is a red dot that stays on target, even
when the scope is moved, or the target moves, or both. If
it’s not in exactly the right spot, the shooter deletes that
tag and tries again.
Once he’s tagged the target, he sees reticle lines in an
X shape, with a small circle in the center, through the
scope. The system calculates the range, and adjusts for
distance internally. The shooter than pulls and holds the
trigger, whereupon the reticle turns red. It stays that way
until he manages to get the scope lined up with the tag
spot again, and then, even if he’s only on target for an
instant, the rifle fires, and the bullet goes exactly where
the tag spot is.
Actually I started to invent this system myself, a few
years ago, but I figured it would only cause me trouble,
having to come up with a reason for misses, since I would no
longer be able to blame them on my equipment. But even I
could make long, one-shot hits with the Tracking Point.
Well, that’s what Darren Jones, a Tracking Point rep,
tells me. He’s agreed to let me try it out soon, so I’ll let you
know how it goes. Darren says it’s idiot proof. Well, we’ll
see about that . . .
KENDAL HEMPHILL IS AN OUTDOOR HUMOR COLUMNIST AND
PUBLIC SPEAKER WHO CLOSES HIS EYES WHEN HE SHOOTS.
W R I T E T O H I M AT P O B O X 1 6 0 0 , M A S O N , T X 7 6 8 5 6 O R J E E P @
VERIZON.NET
McBride’s Guns, Inc.
Guns
Optics
Fishing
Clothing
Knives
Gunsmith
2915 San Gabriel (30th at North Lamar)
Austin, TX 78705 | 512.472.3532
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 19
FFA Founder/President Honored
In May of this year, the National
FFA Organization and National FFA
Foundation, recognized and honored
RFD-TV founder and president Patrick
Gottsch at the National FFA Center
in Indianapolis. Gottsch’s support over
the last 25 years has made it possible for
FFA to broadcast its annual National
FFA Convention & Expo to those who
could not attend beginning in 1988. The
exposure of the event continues to grow.
With his support, RFD-TV helped produce
and air“FFA Today,” a national television
program highlighting FFA news and
activities at the local, state and national
levels.
In 2010, RFD-TV helped FFA reach
an international audience by devoting its
float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Five separate facilities available to
handle small or large groups.
Multiple facilities and rates available. Cable and
phone service for specific lodges. Catering or on
site cooks available or cook for yourself!
Come share the wonders of God’s creation with:
Individuals | Companies | Families | Church Retreats
7111 East OSR | Bryan, TX 77808
(979) 777-2266 | [email protected]
20 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
Gottsch made it possible for the 2009-10
National FFA officers, the national FFA
advisor and 52 state FFA presidents to
participate in parade festivities.
“Patrick has made quite a difference in
the lives of our students with the support
he has provided FFA,” said National FFA
Organization CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong.
“Because of his passion, dedication to
agriculture and personal generosity, we are
able to continue to spread the word about
FFA and agricultural education.”
The National FFA Organization
provides leadership, personal growth and
career success training through agricultural
education to 557,318 student members in
grades seven through 12 who belong to one
of 7,498 local FFA chapters throughout the
U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Lake Belton Trails to Join Texas
Paddling Trails Network
Three paddling trails on Lake Belton
will be joining 52 other inland and coastal
trails as official Texas Paddling Trails
through an initiative launched in 1998 by
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Officials from TPWD and the City of
Morgan’s Point Resort, who partnered on
the new paddling trails, will gather at 10
a.m., Wednesday, May 22 at the Morgan’s
Point Marina to dedicate the trails. The
marina and nearby Roger’s Park are the
two official put-in sites to access the new
Morgan’s Point Resort paddling trails.
Canoers, kayakers and paddle boat
enthusiasts can choose from one-hour to
three-hour trips by accessing all or portions
of the three lake trails. All three trails offer
inspiring lake vistas, as well as views of
rocky shoreline and majestic tall bluffs.
The 3.6-mile Tanyard Springs and
3.9-mile Mother Neff loop paddling
trails offer quiet, secluded trips, while the
4.7-mile Camp Kachina Paddling Trail
provides expansive lake views.
Fishing for largemouth, smallmouth,
white and striped bass, white crappie and
channel and blue catfish is a popular Lake
Belton pursuit. Birders can search the skies
and shoreline vegetation for a variety of
songbirds, water fowl and the occasional
osprey or bald eagle.
“The more than 12 miles of Lake
Belton paddling trails are a great addition
to our network of paddling trails,”
says Shelly Plante, TPWD’s nature
tourism manager. “The Texas Paddling
Trails program positively impacts rural
communities and provides new and
improved boating access to more than one
million canoers and kayakers in Texas.”
To learn more about the state’s
designated paddling trails, visit the Texas
Paddling Trails pages at www.tpwd.state.
tx.us/paddlingtrails.
I am pretty sure that most outdoorsmen
own at least one pair of binoculars and
some use them often and some seldom use
them. I have always been in the seldom use
category.
I have to say that the ones I own will
bring things closer, but the subjects I have
tried to study with them were not a sharp
as I thought they should be, the colors
were not at all representative of the real
thing observed, they are hard to adjust for
me to get both eyes in focus at the same
place and time and they didn’t bounce very
well.
As a point of fact I had three pairs at
one time that were all 7x35 and I have run
through them by dropping one pair in the
saltwater at the beach, one pair I dropped
from a tree stand about eight feet off of
the ground and something came undone
inside of the barrels. I took them apart, and
sure enough some glass was floating around
loose, so I cleaned them off real good and
threw them in the garbage.
I also went on a birding trip and a
friend of mine let me use some Nikon
binoculars and I could not believe they
were so much brighter than what I had.
But I have an eye problem that made even
the more expensive Nikon’s hard for me to
use.
The time rolled around again to go
on an annual birding trip and in my
by Larry LeBlanc
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY J. LEBLANC
the outdoor classroom
This is the Alpen binoculars I used for my recent birding
trip along with the cases they came with.
preparations I was getting my cameras
ready and debating on whether I was going
to take my old binoculars, at the same time
moaning and complaining about the ones
I had and my wife suggested that I leave
them at home if she was going to have to
listen to me complain all weekend.
Well, one of my problems is I
am cheap, and considering my past
experiences with binoculars I could not see
how throwing money at the problem could
improve the situation. After all of the
agonizing and complaining the bottom line
is I ended up with a pair of Alpen Optics,
Wings ED Model 592, 8x42, waterproof
binoculars and let me tell you that was one
of the best decisions I have made lately.
When we got on the boat and out to
where we were going birding I found them
to be so sharp and clear it was hard to
believe. One of the features that helped
me was the twist-up eye cups so I could get
them at exactly where I needed them for
each eye.
They are light and perfectly fit my
hand, so I did not get the fatigue I usually
get in my hands and arms after a day of
birding. The colors of the birds seemed
to jump right out at me and they were so
sharp I could even count the feathers and
see detail I had never seen before.
So, friends, if you are participating
in any activity that can be enhanced by
binoculars I suggest you start looking at
what is available in the latest technology
and demand that you get what you want,
need, and pay for; I don’t regret for a
minute that I settled on the Alpen optics
I have.
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 21
Texas outdoor zone
Stinging Worms
For years, Uncle Mike and I fished the little lake near
home every chance we got. As we grew older, though,
our families and work became more and more important
while the fishing trips got fewer and farther between. One
unforgettable weekend, Uncle Mike and I did manage to
find time for a fishing tournament, by default, our wives
were on a church retreat, and we men were home alone.
The first day of the event was a Saturday. Fishing
conditions couldn’t have been better – cool water, a light
breeze and just a touch of cloud cover. We spent the whole
time catching and releasing fish too small to keep – a
typical day of fishing for both of us. When we decided to
pack it in, the final tally was just three fish – seven pounds
total. On the second day, the weather wasn’t quite as
friendly. The wind blew so bad we allowed ourselves to
drift into a large cove for shelter. There we began the start
of a relaxing day of drowning plastic worms.
by T.J. Greaney
we got closer, Uncle Mike and I watched as the
boy baited a hook and dropped his
line straight down by the big tree.
Just like before, only four or five
minutes later, he caught what appeared to
be another bass in the several-pounds range.
Unable to resist our curiosity, we trolled over
to talk to the young angler.
“Whatcha usin’ for bait?” I inquired.
“Stinging worms, sir.”
“What was that?” I asked, not sure I’d heard him right.
“Stinging worms,” he repeated.
Uncle Mike and I looked at each other. Neither of us
had any idea what a “stinging worm” was. As we watched
the boy bait his hook again, we noticed him jump and
yank his hand away from the bait can, then he reached
in again and pulled out a large brown worm. We eased up
alongside the johnboat.
“Can we see those worms? We might need to go buy us
“Can we see those worms? We might need to go buy us some,” I said with a grin.
“Sure, here. But you can’t buy ‘em. I got these under a log behind my house.”
It wasn’t long before we noticed a young boy in an
aluminum johnboat at the very back of the cove, almost
to the lone dock. He had paddled out a little way and
was tied up to a big tree at the edge of the water. As we
drifted in his direction – without a bite for what seemed
like forever – we noticed the boy catching a fish every few
minutes. You know how it is; when you’re frustrated, you
want to know what bait a “lucky” fisherman is using. As
some,” I said with a grin.
“Sure, here. But you can’t buy ‘em. I got these under a
log behind my house.”
Uncle Mike reached over and took the can. We both
looked inside at the same time. In a fraction of a second
we knew – snakes. These were small rattlesnakes! Uncle
Mike asked if he could see the boy’s hands. We soon saw
that they were covered with small welts – snake bites.
Uncle Mike said, “Son, these aren’t stinging worms.
These are baby rattlesnakes, and you need to go to the
hospital – now!” The poor little angler’s face went pale.
My mom is at home, I gotta go see her,” the frightened
boy blurted. We immediately untied his boat and towed
him over to the dock. As we helped him out, we noticed
he had turned white as a sheet. He said his right arm and
stomach were starting to hurt. I picked the boy up and
carried him to his parents’ house. His mom was in the
kitchen preparing lunch. We immediately called 911 and
kept the boy quiet until the ambulance came. I rode to
the hospital with him and his mom, carrying the can of
“stinging worms” to show the emergency room doctor. The
little guy was very lucky. Although he got quite sick and
the pain was bad early on, he recovered completely.
No surprise – Uncle Mike and I didn’t place in that
tournament. Usually when I skip church to go fishing, I
reckon God isn’t going to let me catch anything anyway.
However, on that particular Sunday, he had other plans
for us.
T. J . G R E A N E Y I S A N AWA R D W I N N I N G O U T D O O R
C O M M U N I C AT O R . L I S T E N T O H I M L I V E E V E R Y S AT U R D AY
MORNING FROM 6 – 8AM ON 104.9 FM, THE HORN IN AUSTIN,
T E X A S O R O N L I N E AT W W W. T E X A S O U T D O O R Z O N E . C O M
Fish Texas, Texas
Outdoor Zone
and Cody Ryan Greaney
provide full day and
half day guided fishing
trips to some of
Texas' hottest areas.
Call and book today.
Now accepting Credit Cards
on-line at
TexasOudoorZone.com.
(512) 576-2200
[email protected]
22 • Country Line Magazine The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine
The Only Texas Lifestyle Magazine Country Line Magazine • 23