mar 15 local covers custom 2/11/15 3:33 PM Page 4

BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE EDITION MARCH 2015 Prause Meat Market Recipes: Secret Ingredients Junction

ADVENTURES along the GOODNIGHT LOVINGTRAIL

SEE PAGE 20 BLUEBONNET NEWS 2015 TEXAS SILVER ROUND This year’s Texas Silver Round features the geographic outline of the State of Texas and the world-famous Texas Star. The reverse features a stunning whitetail buck hid- den in the Texas brush, a beautiful, hand sculpted design by acclaimed designer Heidi Wastweet. These one troy ounce silver rounds are 99.99% pure. This is the silver you’ve been hunting for! FREE 2015 TEXAS SILVER ROUND WITH ORDER!

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FAVORITES The town of Goodnight sprang up from this settlement after 20 Local Co-op News Charles Goodnight and wife Get the latest information plus energy Molly moved here in 1887. and safety tips from your cooperative.

33 Texas History The Old Indian Doctor By Gene Fowler

35 Recipes Your Secret Ingredient

39 Focus on Texas Furry Friends

40 Around Texas List of Local Events

42 Hit the Road A Jaunt to Junction By Melissa Gaskill

ONLINE TexasCoopPower.com Find these stories online if they don’t appear in your edition of the magazine. FEATURES Texas USA Goodnight Loving Trail The Return of La Belle Rancher Charles Goodnight By Martha Deeringer 8 set course for cattle drives and state’s buffalo herd Story and photos by Julia Robinson Observations Lens on the Texas Frontier Prause Meat Market La Grange butcher shop is By Lawrence T. Jones III 12 bypassed by barbecue scene it helped establish Story and photos by Wyatt McSpadden NEXT MONTH Wildflowers! It’s hard work being a native—invasives are everywhere. Plus best-bet wildflower drives and tips for how to make your own meadow. 33 39

35 42 HOME: JULIA ROBINSON. BLUEBONNET: © WARREN PRICE | DREAMSTIME.COM ON THE COVER This bison, a descendant of Charles Goodnight’s famous herd, roams Caprock Canyons State Park. Photo by Julia Robinson

TEXAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Jerry B. Boze, Chair, Kaufman; David Marricle, Vice Chair, Muleshoe; Mark Tamplin, Secretary-Treasurer, Kirbyville; Debra A. Cole, Itasca; Mike R. Hagy, Tipton, Oklahoma; Robert A. Loth III, Fredericksburg; Mark Rollans, Hondo • PRESIDENT/CEO: Mike Williams, Austin • COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE: Greg Henley, Tahoka; Bryan Lightfoot, Bartlett; Billy Marricle, Bellville; Mark McClain, Roby; Blaine Warzecha, Victoria; Jerry Williams, Paris; Kathy Wood, Marshall MAGAZINE STAFF: Martin Bevins, Vice President, Communications & Member Services; Charles J. Lohrmann, Editor; Tom Widlowski, Associate Editor; Karen Nejtek, Production Manager; Andy Doughty, Creative Manager; Grace Arsiaga, Print Production Specialist; Chris Carlson, Communications & Member Services Assistant; Anna Ginsberg, Food Editor; Suzanne Halko, Copy Editor; Elizabeth John, Communications & Member Services Assistant; Randall Maxwell, Videographer/Photographer; Jane Sharpe, Graphic Designer; Ellen Stader, Copy Editor; Shannon Oelrich, Proofreader

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www.muellerinc.com 877-2-MUELLER (877-268-3553) CURRENTS Letters, emails and posts from our readers

Long Live the Flatlanders Briscoe Center for I enjoyed the brilliant article about American History an extraordinary group [“The Flat- I was so delighted when I opened landers: Now It’s Now Again,” the December 2014 issue of Texas December 2014]. I saw them per- form several times, at the Galveston Co-op Power and there, on Page 3, Mardi Gras and at the Houston with the table of contents, was International Festival. Relatives in a picture of some of my grand- Germany first raved about them. father’s wood carvings. He was I am playing “One Endless Night” O.W.H. Giese (1872–1960), who right now. resided in Washington County. URSULA SLUIS | ROCKPORT Upon his death, his daughter, my NUECES EC Aunt Myra Giese Brandt, donated a number of his wood carvings to the Winedale Museum, which is now part The Story of Bad Santa of the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. Gets Worse Thank you for sharing this with all the members of the electric co-ops. Your story of the Santa Claus Bandit [“Bad Santa,” December DIANA GIESE RHODES | NURSERY | VICTORIA EC 2014] is one that I heard over and over again growing up. My late father, Jim Clements, who would have been 99 on December 4, Readers may like to know that I taught theater arts at Sam and have changed them twice in the witnessed the lynching of Marshall movement is still alive and well in Rayburn High School in Pasadena year and a half we’ve been in our Ratliff in Eastland when he was 14. several organizations, including the and am glad to report that Sam home. That does not seem to be a After riding with his older sister National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Rayburn’s desk from Washington is savings for the consumer (me!). from Cleburne to shop in Eastland and the Movimiento Estudiantil on display in the main office of that Sorry, but if given a choice, I’ll that day, they were caught up in Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A). school [at left], along with a photo- stick with the old incandescents and the crowd frenzy. He told the story D. MARTINEZ | BASTROP COUNTY graph of “Mr. Sam.” change them every six months or so. just like it happened. After the first BLUEBONNET EC No one seems to know exactly DON DIEU | LUBBOCK rope broke, he remem- how it came to be in the Pasadena SOUTH PLAINS EC bered them holding Ratliff school, only that the desk was do- while someone ran into the nated from his Washington office to hardware store for another the school when it opened in 1964. GET MORE TCP AT rope. JANICE LEVI | GROESBECK There are other NAVASOTA VALLEY EC TexasCoopPower.com aspects of the crowd that Find more letters online in the are definitely too graphic Incandescents vs. CFLs Table of Contents. Sign up for to print. I heard this story Everyone these days seems to be our E-Newsletter for monthly long, long before I ever talking of saving energy, which updates, prize drawings and more! heard anything about the I guess is a good thing. However, Santa Claus Bandit outside your “Six Easy Ways Kids Can Help WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! my own home. Save Energy” in the January 2015 ONLINE: TexasCoopPower.com/share | BAYTOWN Sam Rayburn’s Desk issue recommends changing light- MICHAEL DAVIS EMAIL: [email protected] MEDINA EC The article about Sam Rayburn bulbs to CFLs or LEDs. MAIL: Editor, Texas Co-op Power, and John Nance Garner was really How can kids afford these high- 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Plan of San Diego enjoyable [“Cooperative Legislative dollar bulbs? I can, but I generally Austin, TX 78701 Thank you for the excellent history Legends,” December 2014]. refuse to pay that much for a bulb Please include your town and electric co-op. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. article on the Plan of San Diego I especially liked seeing the that I find does not last any longer [“Plan of San Diego Uprising,” replica of Sam Rayburn’s office in than an old-fashioned one. January 2015]. Washington, D.C. I have CFLs in my home office Texas Co-op Power Magazine

TEXAS CO-OP POWER VOLUME 71, NUMBER 9 (USPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC). Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, TX, and at additional offices. TEC is the statewide association representing 76 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is TexasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE is $4.08 per year for individual members of subscribing cooperatives. If you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. Individual copies and back issues are available for $3 each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (USPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. Please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers. ADVERTISING: Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 30 sister publications in other states, contact Martin Bevins at (512) 486-6249. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. The publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. © Copyright 2015 Texas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission.

TOY WAGON: COURTESY THE DOLPH BRISCOE CENTER FOR AMERICAN HISTORY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN. DESK: JANICE LEVI DESK: JANICE AUSTIN. AT OF TEXAS THE UNIVERSITY AMERICAN HISTORY, CENTER FOR THE DOLPH BRISCOE COURTESY WAGON: TOY Willie Wiredhand © Copyright 2015 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 5 CURRENTS Energy, innovation, people, places and events in Texas The Alamo Rocks

Thanks to British rock legend Phil Collins, some 200 Alamo artifacts are back in San Anto- nio, where they will remain in storage until a plan to exhibit them can be realized. Collins donated much of his massive collection in October. Relics included a fringed leather pouch owned by Davy Crockett that was recovered after the 1836 Barrington Living battle at the Alamo and a knife History Farm that Jim Bowie had at the battle. While growing up in Lon- don, Collins fell in love with HAPPENINGS the Alamo when he watched the Walt Disney movie “Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Beasts of Burden Frontier.” Wealth acquired first as the frontman and drummer Visitors to Barrington Living History Farm can discover where the term “horsepower” for the rock band Genesis and later during a solo career originated with demonstrations March 28–29 featuring horses, mules and oxen enabled him to collect histori- trained to do farmwork. These livestock played a vital role in the operations of early cal items, starting in the 1980s. Texas farms by pulling plows, harrowing fields, hauling cotton or cultivating corn. “When I got older and be- Many of us come from families that, generations ago, relied on draft animals came successful, I decided to for their livelihoods, says Jonathan Failor, the park ranger at Washington-on-the- spend my money on original Brazos State Historical Park who started the Beasts of Burden weekend two years items from the Alamo rather than on Ferraris,” Collins said. He ago. “Farming is something that lives in all of us,” he says. told Rolling Stone magazine: “I’ve The Texas Draft Horse and Mule Association joins with the Texas Parks and bought pretty much every book Wildlife Department in putting animals to work in a small cotton patch at Barring- ever written about the Alamo.” ton farm, which is adjacent to the state park and was the home of Anson Jones, the He also wrote one himself. last president of the Republic of Texas. “The Alamo and Beyond: A Col- lector’s Journey” was published INFO: (936) 878-2214, ext. 246; tpwd.state.tx.us Find more in 2012 by State House Press happenings all (tfhcc.com). across the state at TexasCoopPower .com ENERGY NEWS Energy Spending Takes Less Out of Our Wallets

Consumer energy expenditures as a percent of disposable income were lower in 2013 than the average since 1960, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Energy expenditures have averaged between 4 and 8 percent of disposable income since 1960, for a 5.5 percent total average. Expenditures accounted for slightly more than 5 percent in 2013. Because electricity and transportation spending accounts for more than two-thirds of consumer energy expenditures, increasing vehicle fuel efficiencies and changing fuels used for home heating have

contributed to lower consumer energy expenditures relative to disposable income. Mexican Dolores Cavalry Helmet © L. HICKMAN. HELMET: BOBBY FARM: HOUSE PRESS ANDREW ALDEN MILLER | STATE

6 Texas Co-op Power March 2015 TexasCoopPower.com INNOVATION Hug a Peanut Farmer— Texas Tech Even if You’re Allergic

Tweaks Turbine March is National Peanut Month, when the spotlight shines on Texas peanut farmers and the 433 million pounds of nuts they grow. New radar technology could help provide Think Americans aren’t nuts about this product (which is technically measurements of complex airflow condi- a legume)? The amount of peanut butter eaten in a year could wrap the tions among wind turbines. The U.S. Department of Energy granted $1.4 million earth in a ribbon of 18-ounce peanut butter jars 1 1/3 times, according to to researchers at Texas Tech University to the National Peanut Board. develop the technology to increase wind But for people who are allergic to peanuts and peanut products— energy output. 0.6 percent of Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health— John Schroeder, a professor of atmos- peanut farmers in Texas and nationally have pheric sciences and principal investigator committed more than $10 million for the project, said existing wind farms are not performing as expected. to food allergy research. The “Wind farms are not putting out as Texas Peanut Producers Board much power as we would expect from also has announced the launch them,” Schroeder said. “With a better of PeanutAllergyFacts.org, a understanding of how turbines interact website for schools and parents with each other, we may be able to make that offers science-based infor- small adjustments that could be worth mil- lions of dollars.” mation about peanut and food The research is expected to last for 18 allergies, and links to resources months in Lubbock, home of South Plains about effective allergy treatments. Electric Cooperative. Texas is the fourth-largest Texas is the national leader in wind peanut-producing state in the energy with 12,755 megawatts of installed country, and the industry is capacity, 7,986 wind turbines—mostly in the Panhandle Plains—and as many as worth more than $1 billion to the 9,000 jobs in the industry, according to the state’s economy, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Texas Peanut Producers Board.

The State Steed

The American Quarter Horse Association (aqha.com) turns 75 this month. The breed traces its origins to the original sire named Steel Dust [“Where Quarter Horses Get Their Mettle,” October 2014], who came to Texas from Kentucky in 1844. “For it was in Texas that the western range cattle industry had its origins, and it was the quarter horse that took farm boys out of cotton patches, made them into cowboys and carried them up the longhorn trails into history,” the association describes on its website. A group of influential ranchers formed the AQHA in March 1940 when they gathered in Fort Worth for the annual Fat Stock Show. The association has registered more than 5 million horses since its inception. The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo

PEANUT BUTTER: TIM CARROLL. HORSES: COURTESY AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION AMERICAN QUARTER PEANUT BUTTER: TIM CARROLL. HORSES: COURTESY showcases the people and horses influential in the breed’s history.

TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 7 kTHE GOODNIGHT LOVING

TexasCoopPower.com STORY AND PHOTOS BY JULIA ROBINSON

TRAIL NE OF TEXAS’ LEGENDARY FIGURES grew up with the state. Charles Goodnight was born March 5, 1836, in Macoupin County, Illinois, just three days after Texas achieved independence. Goodnight came to Texas riding bareback into Milam County, 30 miles northwest of present-day College Station, in late 1845, the year Texas joined the Union. Goodnight was proud of those dates, and some biographers suggest it was this close chronological identity that inspired him to lead a life that followed such a sweeping arc across the Lone Star State. Goodnight made history for his gutsy cattle drive with partner Oliver Loving. The two blazed a new trail to lucrative markets in the west through hostile Indian territory. The tale is familiar to fans of Larry McMurtry’s epic novel “Lonesome Dove” and the star-studded miniseries borne from the book, but even without the embellishment of Hollywood, the real story describes an epic journey. Today’s history buffs can follow Goodnight’s trail through Texas, beginning where he did, in the tiny town of Oran. Goodnight was still a young man of 30 when the Civil War ended. After serving as a scout for the Texas Rangers and as part of the Confederate frontier defense, he returned to the rough country of north-central Texas to find that uncontrolled cattle rustling had left untamed herds roaming the landscape. Good- night was devastated and saw little cause for hope. But that hopelessness and desperation spawned a daring idea. Popular trail drive logic directed cattlemen to aim for northern markets at trailheads in Kansas and elsewhere by following proven routes such as the Chisholm Trail. Knowing that with risk comes the promise of greater reward, Goodnight turned his sights west, betting on the underserved markets of New Mexico and Colorado. For this unprecedented plan to succeed, he would have to navigate the edge of the Comanche-controlled regions of the Panhandle and drive the cattle first south and then west for three days across the dry and featureless Llano Estacado. As the upstart Goodnight prepared for the never-before- attempted drive in spring 1866, he traveled to nearby Weatherford and met up with Loving, an established cattleman almost a full generation older, who was then gathering his own herd for a drive. Goodnight recalled the chivalrous tone of that meeting at Black Springs, present-day Oran, years later. Two historical markers acknowledge that historic Goodnight- Loving partnership in Oran. A thriving trade center in cattle- drive days, Oran today seems an unlikely spot for the genesis of Charles Goodnight’s any historic undertaking: Only a clutch legacy includes the of battered buildings and down-at- official state bison herd. the-heels houses define the town now.

TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 9 In early June 1866, they moved southwest with a herd estimated at 2,000 head

On the eastern edge of the Keechi Valley, FM 52 traverses hilly Colorado, while Goodnight returned to Texas carrying a relative prairies interspersed with mottes of oak. fortune in gold with dreams of even greater rewards. As the legend goes, Goodnight and Loving combined herds a In 1867, in the course of the partners’ final drive, Loving made few miles southwest of Fort Belknap on the western banks of the plans to travel ahead of the herd. He was wounded in an attack Brazos River. In early June 1866, they moved southwest with a in New Mexico, just north of today’s state line, and succumbed herd estimated at 2,000 head managed by fewer than two dozen to his wounds not long after. men and followed by a surplus Army wagon that Goodnight Goodnight not only continued to pay Loving’s heirs his share designed to serve as the outfit’s chuck wagon. Today, the Texas of the business proceeds after Loving’s death but also promised to Historical Commission’s Texas Forts Trail follows the early sec- return Loving’s body to Texas. It wasn’t long before Loving returned tions of the original Goodnight-Loving Trail, marking a path home to Weatherford. An iron fence surrounds Loving’s grave on southwest toward San Angelo. a hill in the Greenwood Cemetery overlooking the picturesque Goodnight’s biggest gamble came west of San Angelo. The downtown neighborhood and the Parker County courthouse. hands led the cattle to the Middle Concho River, where man and Goodnight continued ranching, working his cattle in the arid beast consumed as much water as possible in preparation for a Llano Estacado country. He founded the JA Ranch with English- near-100-mile trek across a barren and arid plain that would last man John Adair and established his own herds in Palo Duro three days and nights. Canyon. A replica of the one-room dugout he burrowed into the After that grueling, waterless drive, the herd stampeded for the red clay earth of the canyon walls and roofed with cedar and cot- Pecos River. The ensuing crush to relieve their torrid thirst created tonwood logs is open to tourists in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. bedlam for cowboys, horses and cattle: A hundred head were lost. Visitors to the “The Grand Canyon of Texas” can hike among col- Despite these losses, Goodnight and Loving pushed on north orful sandstone formations that Goodnight considered “nature’s to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, where the U.S. Army bought much fencing,” as it kept his cattle from wandering in those early days of of the herd. Loving managed to guide the remaining cattle on to Texas ranching.

10 Texas Co-op Power March 2015 TexasCoopPower.com managed by fewer than two dozen men

As the American bison numbers dwindled in the late 1800s, Clockwise from left: Will Cradduck manages the official Texas long- Goodnight’s wife, Molly, encouraged him to save several orphan horn herd at Fort Griffin State Park. The Goodnight Cemetery contains calves. In doing this, Goodnight established one of the five buffalo Charles and Molly Goodnight’s graves. A replica of the original Good- night dugout is at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. herds remaining in North America today. Descendants of this herd became the official Texas State Bison Herd in 1996 and now roam freely on 10,000 acres in Caprock Canyon State Park. Driving that and ranch hands. To the south, the JA Ranch, one of the most park’s scenic loop, visitors can encounter buffalo bulls nibbling renowned ranching operations in the Texas Panhandle. grass at the road’s edge and witness new calves testing their legs. Late in life, Goodnight became known for his abrupt manner The Goodnights built their homestead north of Palo Duro and quick temper. Even so, he remained active in ranching and Canyon and founded the town of Goodnight. The home was civic life. He is credited with Armstrong County’s first wheat restored and opened to the public as the Charles Goodnight His- crop, among other agricultural experiments. He also developed torical Center in 2013. The two-story Victorian house, listed in a friendship with Quanah Parker, one of the last Comanche chiefs. the National Register of Historic Places, sits just south of U.S. Goodnight died early on a December morning in 1929. His 287, 40 miles east of Amarillo. remains now lie next to Molly’s in the cemetery in Goodnight. With the Goodnight house as the center of an imaginary com- The cemetery occupies a slight elevation, just a short, 2-mile ride pass, Goodnight’s legacy appears today to reach in every direction: from the Goodnight homestead and north of U.S. 287. Dozens of To the east, his humble beginnings in the Keechi Valley. To the handkerchiefs tied to the fence flutter in the breeze, paying silent west, traces of the Goodnight-Loving Trail. To the north, the homage to a man who grew up with Texas and was one of the last almost-deserted town of Goodnight that he founded in 1887. A cowmen to experience the open frontier. historical marker on Ranch Road 294, just past Juliet-John Road, Julia Robinson is an Austin photojournalist. marks the site where Charles and Molly established the Good- night College in 1898, a coed academy for the children of settlers WEB EXTRAS at TexasCoopPower.com View a slideshow with more photos.

TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 11 PRAUSE STORY AND PHOTOS BY WYATT McSPADDEN MEAT n the summer of 1995, when I was in the early stages of my long love affair with the Texas barbecue MARKET scene, I lucked into an assignment to photograph small-town barbecue joints throughout Central Texas. The locations on my shot list included Llano, Lockhart, Taylor, Smithville and La Grange. My destination in La Grange was Prause Meat Market, situated on the historic courthouse square. As I walked through the door, I was surprised to see a place unlike any of the other spots I’d visited. Prause was then and is now primarily a meat market. Prussian-born Arnold Prause (pronounced PROW-zee) established the Ifamily’s first butcher shop in 1904 on the north side of the square. The Prauses’ business eventually outgrew the original location, and they moved it south in 1953 to the current space. The market is owned and operated for now by fourth-generation members of the Prause family. What I saw in Prause on that first visit nearly 20 years ago took me back to my youth in Amarillo, working in the family grocery store, Central Grocery, the heart of which was our meat market. Prause’s beautiful glass-fronted, refrigerated display cases were filled with carefully prepared cuts of beef and pork. The massive meat block was worn down from years—and tons—of meat trimming. The battered cutlery, the sawdust on the floor and the friendly, helpful folks behind the cases all reminded me of familiar images from my past. As my education about and interaction with the Texas barbecue world grew, so did my appreciation of Prause Meat Market. It is a living reminder of the origins of our state’s barbecue traditions. In the early days, when refrigeration was scarce, markets would smoke and sell meats to avoid losses to spoilage. Several present-day barbecue joints still have “market” as part of their names—Kreuz Market in Lockhart, City Market in both Luling and Giddings—but they no longer butcher and sell fresh meats. Years ago, the income from barbecue surpassed the meat market revenue, and the emphasis turned to smoked meats. From those modest beginnings and that simple busi- ness model, what we know as Texas-style barbecue was born, and beef brisket is the star of the show. Pit-smoked brisket is the foundation of the Texas barbecue tradition and what separates our barbecue from the pork-centric styles in other parts of the U.S. On more recent photo excursions to Prause, I’ve paid particular attention to the names of the customers who’ve come to buy fresh meats or sit down to a barbecue lunch: Wanjura, Machicek, Dvorak and Prause Meat Market, around Schmidt. They are likely the descendants since 1904, seems unfazed of early settlers—German, Polish and by the barbecue explosion turning heads across the BARBECUE Czech immigrants who also grew up state. Opposite: The “eatin’ knowing and patronizing their small- room” is available for folks TRADITIONS town meat markets. who choose to dine in.

12 Texas Co-op Power March 2015 TexasCoopPower.com TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 13 Preparing sausage and cuts of beef and pork for the dis- play cases is as much a part of the mission at Prause as serving up barbecue.

The meat market is owned by fourth-generation mem- bers of the Prause family, though they are making plans to sell the business. The photos below show two generations of Prauses at the massive meat block.

ut the Texas barbeque scene has changed dra- matically over the past few years. The excitement is in the cities, where energetic, urbanized young pro- fessionals have taken on the challenge of producing true pit-smoked barbecue. In Austin, folks happily stand in line for three hours or more at Franklin Bar- becue for the pleasure of tasting the amazingly succulent brisket. BCitified barbecue isn’t happening just in Austin. Dallas has it own long lines for barbecue at Pecan Lodge, which recently moved from the farmers market near downtown to new digs in Deep Ellum, a business and entertainment district in East Dallas that is enjoying revitalization. Every major city in the state is experiencing the barbecue boom fueled both by great new joints and the Internet. Google “Texas barbecue,” and you’ll get hundreds of websites, blogs, critics and editorial content on the subject. Prause’s doesn’t have a website, although the young daughter of one of the owners has created a Facebook page for the shop. This urban ’cue explosion has produced shock waves, but they haven’t reached Prause. The barbecue here is prepped as it always has been, served on a paper plate with traditional sides at a reasonable price. Prause’s barbecue is affordable for a workingman’s lunch, and the line may have as many as three folks in front of you, or none. Grab lunch in the “eatin’ room,” and you’ll sit next to working people— cattlemen, merchants—and occasionally a few pilgrims from out of town or even out of state. It’s likely the team of Prauses running the shop today will be the last family members to do so. The newest generation of offspring is turning elsewhere to make a living, so the current owners are planning to sell. Take my advice: Head to Prause Meat Market now, while it’s still a virtual museum for a way of life that’s disappearing faster than wood smoke into the Texas sky. Versatile and accomplished photographer Wyatt McSpadden stands on im- pressive barbecue credentials. Check wyattmcspadden.com for more proof.

WEB EXTRAS at TexasCoopPower.com View a slideshow with more photos.

14 Texas Co-op Power March 2015 TexasCoopPower.com SAVESAVE WhenWhen You You Grow Grow AA Zoysia Zoysia Lawn Lawn From From Plugs! Plugs!

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The U.S. Money Reserve Vault Facility today announces what could be the fi nal release of U.S. government-issued gold coins previously held in The West Point Depository/U.S. Mint. For a limited time, U.S. citizens will have the opportunity to purchase these $5 government-issued gold coins for the incredible price of only $149.00 per coin. This may be your fi nal opportunity to buy U.S. government-issued gold coins at this price. Gold, which is currently around $1,250 per ounce, is predicted by experts to have the explosive upside potential of reaching up to $5,000 per ounce in the future. Please be advised: Our U.S. government gold inventory will be priced at $149.00 coin while supplies last or for up to 30 days. These coins may sell out. Call today! U.S. Money Reserve will release these U.S. government-issued gold coins on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Orders that are not immediately received or reserved with the order center could be subject to cancellation and your checks returned uncashed. Good luck. We hope that everyone will have a chance to purchase this special U.S. government-issued gold at this price because it could be going to $5,000 per ounce. Order immediately before our vault sells out completely! Special arrangements U.S. Government-Issued American Eagle Gold Coins Coins enlarged to show detail. can be made for gold purchases over $50,000. Authorized by Congress: Public Law 99-185

By Executive Order and Congress Public feel each time you hold your own gold. Though Law 99-185, Americans can now buy new no one, including U.S. Money Reserve, can government-issued gold. Congressionally guarantee a gold coin’s future value will go authorized United States gold coins provide up or down, numerous experts are predicting American citizens with a way to add physical gold to reach $5,000 per ounce. Now is the gold to their portfolios. Gold American Eagles time to consider converting part of your are made from solid gold mined here in paper assets into gold. U.S. Money Reserve America, struck at the U.S. Mint at West Point, has a limited supply and urges you to make and produced with a U.S. dollar denomination, your vault reservations immediately. Call a making them legal tender United States Senior Gold Specialist at 1-855-426-7168 to gold coins. They are highly liquid, easily start your gold portfolio and begin protecting transportable, and, unlike paper assets, Gold your wealth today. If you’ve been waiting to American Eagles have a tangible value you can move your money into gold, the time is now.

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THE MARKETS FOR COINS ARE UNREGULATED. PRICES CAN RISE OR FALL $ 00 AND CARRY SOME RISKS. THE COMPANY IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE U.S. MINT. PAST PERFORMANCE OF THE COIN OR 149 THE MARKET CANNOT PREDICT FUTURE PERFORMANCE. PRICES MAY BE EACH MORE OR LESS BASED ON CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS. PRICE NOT VALID FOR PRECIOUS METALS DEALERS. ALL CALLS RECORDED FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE. OFFER VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. COIN DATES OUR CHOICE. PLUS SHIPPING & INSURANCE

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*Offer valid for new customers only. Billing options selected during checkout. Shoes must be returned within 30 days and in like new condition for refund or exchange. Free shipping on orders anywhere in the U.S. Credit card authorization required. See website for complete details. By Lisa Ogle The greatest gadget show on Earth o very much stuff, so little time. Most electronics unveils the next generation fanatics and gadget geeks of smart products and power savers would give their Xbox Ones What it does: This clothes dryer regenerates energy during operation using a refrigeration system to dry to wander the cavernous and recycle the same air. It saves up to 73 percent of the energy used by a regular dryer, while providing dryer speed performance and fl exibility. space that houses the annual International Consumer Other features: The 7.3-cubic-foot, Energy Star-certifi ed dryer features moisture sensing technology that Electronics Show in Las monitors heat and moisture levels to automatically end the cycle when clothes are dry, saving energy by preventing over-drying and reducing damage to fabrics. The Eco option also saves energy, though there’s Vegas. For four days in January, a Speed option for quick drying and a Balanced option that delivers the best of both. companies of all sizes debuted their most innovative consumer tech Where to buy: Most home appliance stores Cost: $1,799-$1,899 products at the 2015 show. Think self-driving cars and remotely controlled homes. This is the trade show that brings sci-fi to reality. This year, it even served up pizza and cookies made using 3-D printers. There were 170,000 attendees checking out 3,600 exhibitors in the blindingly bright — even by Vegas standards — 2.2 million square feet of exhibit space (enough space for 35 football fi elds). Bluebonnet was there, seeking out the best energy-saving (or energy- generating) products on the cutting edge and looking for the trends that may end up in your home or offi ce. The Internet of Things was the buzz-worthy label that popped up throughout CES, with particular attention paid to the automated home of the just- around-the-corner future, where most every electronic device — from the air conditioner/heater to the alarm system, to lights and appliances — can be wirelessly connected to the homeowner via smart devices. Some allow for remote voice control. Other major trends from the 2015 showroom fl oors were the next generation of wearable electronic devic- es that are more stylish and inconspicuous (such as a fi tness tracking bracelet with a large Swarovski crystal to hide the tech behind the bling), health monitoring systems (everything from a biofeedback headband that uses brain waves to train a person to stay calm to of- fi ce desks and chairs that alert a worker when to stand up to prevent too much sedentary time), intelligent car electronics (yes, self-driving car prototypes), drones and, of course, bigger, better, ultra-high defi nition TVs. EnerPlex Packr Commuter The electronics show is the launching pad for most every gadget or gizmo we’ll be wearing, using, listening to or watching in the next few years. It’s the What it does: Besides place that fi rst lifted the curtain on digital technology protecting and carrying and introduced smartphones, touch-screen tablets and electric cars. belongings, this backpack Continued from previous page The mega-spectacle began in 1967 in New York is integrated with fl exible City, where the pocket radio was introduced. Over the dust on your shelves. years, many familiar consumer electronics debuted at solar panels that can Despite the risk of becoming relics, some fl ashy CES. In 2001, Microsoft’s then-chairman Bill Gates charge personal electronics 2015 CES showstoppers that could just be the next showed off the Xbox video-game console, one of the big things included: in just a few hours. ● most successful unveilings in CES history. HDTVs Samsung’s dual-door oven, which allows you and DVRs were fi rst showcased at CES. to cook two meals at once at different temperatures Other features: The Packr in customizeable space; Time in the electronics industry is fl eeting and ● fi ckle, though. Best-of-show items from years past are has a padded interior LG’s twin washing machine, which lets you obsolete: The videocassette recorder (VCR) intro- laptop sleeve, USB port and pockets for water bottles, pens and business cards. Available with wash a large load of clothes and a smaller load duced at the 1970 show and the compact disc player at the same time, at different agitation and water and camcorder unveiled in 1981 may still be gathering orange, lime green or gray trim. temperature settings; ● Netatmo’s sleek, home-security camera with Continued on next page Where to buy: goenerplex.com Cost: $99.99 facial recognition;

20 Texas Co-op Power BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE March 2015 bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 16 2/6/15 10:04 AM Whirlpool HybridCare Duet Dryer with Heat Pump Technology What it does: This clothes dryer regenerates energy during operation using a refrigeration system to dry and recycle the same air. It saves up to 73 percent of the energy used by a regular dryer, while providing dryer speed performance and fl exibility. Other features: The 7.3-cubic-foot, Energy Star-certifi ed dryer features moisture sensing technology that monitors heat and moisture levels to automatically end the cycle when clothes are dry, saving energy by preventing over-drying and reducing damage to fabrics. The Eco option also saves energy, though there’s a Speed option for quick drying and a Balanced option that delivers the best of both. Where to buy: Most home appliance stores Cost: $1,799-$1,899

Inside FEATURES TESTING A BRIGHT IDEA FURo-i SWITCHING TO LEDS PAYS OFF 22D Home SUBSTATION DEDICATION FORMER DIRECTOR WOLZ HONORED 25 Robot PERFECT VINTAGE POINT Why it’s cool: Besides looking like JUNK GYPSY SISTERS ARE STARS 27 something out of “The Jetsons,” this nifty little gizmo aims to keep families ONLINE connected by letting you remotely Like us on Facebook! monitor your home (it’s mobile, so you can even have it move from room Follow us on Twitter! to room), video chat with loved ones, See our videos on YouTube! plan daily activities and control home devices. MONTHLY MEETING Date to market: May 2015 Bluebonnet’s Board of Directors will meet at 9 a.m. March 17 at Bluebonnet’s Headquarters, 155 Electric Ave., Cost: $899 (pre-order at myfuro.com) (formerly 650 Texas Hwy. 21 East), Bastrop. Find the agenda and last-minute updates March 13 at EnerPlex Packr Commuter bluebonnet.coop. Hover your cursor over ‘next board meeting’ on our home page. What it does: Besides OUTAGES protecting and carrying Call 800-949-4414 if you have a power outage. Keep up belongings, this backpack Continued from previous page ● Blue Spark Technologies’ bandage-like with outages 24/7 at bluebonnet.coop. Hover your cursor is integrated with fl exible thermometer that goes under your baby’s arm and over ‘outage report’ on our home page. dust on your shelves. continuously tracks his or her temperature, sending solar panels that can Despite the risk of becoming relics, some fl ashy alerts to your smartphone. CONTACT US charge personal electronics 2015 CES showstoppers that could just be the next Some of the products featured at the show are big things included: already available, some are hitting the shelves later Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative produced the blue- in just a few hours. ● Samsung’s dual-door oven, which allows you this year or next, while some are only concepts bordered pages 20-27 in this issue of the magazine to cook two meals at once at different temperatures giving us a glimpse of the future. with content that is of specifi c interest or relevance Other features: The Packr in customizeable space; Electronics need electricity — and sometimes a has a padded interior ● LG’s twin washing machine, which lets you lot of it. So we kept our focus on products that help to Bluebonnet members. The rest of the magazine’s content is distributed statewide to any member of an laptop sleeve, USB port and pockets for water bottles, pens and business cards. Available with wash a large load of clothes and a smaller load consumers such as Bluebonnet members reduce at the same time, at different agitation and water their electric use, save money and live more safely. electric cooperative in Texas. For information about the orange, lime green or gray trim. temperature settings; (Except, we just couldn’t resist telling you magazine, contact Janet Wilson at 512-750-5483 or email ● Netatmo’s sleek, home-security camera with about the bright, shiny things that were too cool to [email protected]. Where to buy: goenerplex.com Cost: $99.99 facial recognition; ignore, Page 22B). bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop March 2015 BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Texas Co-op Power 21

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 17 2/6/15 10:05 AM Savant Lutron Caséta What it does: This home Wireless dimmers automation company’s app has What it does: This system o‹ ers two types of dimmers — an a sleek, intuitive design that makes it easy to in-wall unit to replace an existing light switch and a lamp unit view and adjust home lighting, temperature for a standard wall receptacle. Both can be controlled remotely and more in any room. You can also program and work with energy-saving bulbs, including dimmable LEDs specifi c settings such as date night, which dims and CFLs. the lights, queues up romantic music and lowers the shades. Other features: The app allows you to set specifi c settings, such as movie night or bedtime. Where to buy: savant.com Where to buy: Multiple retail and online stores Cost: $59.95 Cost: App is free but requires installation of Savant Smart Home system, which starts at about $1,000 Sengled Snap What it does: This LED bulb doubles as a security device with a built-in 1080p camera, speaker, microphone and infrared night vision. The smart bulb is intended to be installed on the exterior of your home, can be Brio smart controlled with a mobile app and uses outlet facial recognition and motion detection to allow you to monitor your home via What it does: To protect young children live or recorded video on a smartphone who may try to stick something into an or tablet. electrical socket, this outlet can detect whether an object is a proper plug. It Date to market: Summer 2015 Cost: $199 releases a full 120-volt current only to an appliance that needs power. Unlike the company’s safe outlet, the smart outlet also communicates with Brio’s sensors, Sensibo WakaWaka Power+ in-sensor alarms and mobile app to help What it does: This system turns a remote-controlled air protect a home against smoke, water What it does: This solar device can charge most smartphones or small electronics via a USB conditioner, such as a window unit, into a smart device similar to connector, or can serve as a fl ashlight. After 12 hours of sunlight, it can fully charge an iPhone damage and carbon monoxide. a smart thermostat for central AC systems. Sensibo allows remote temperature 5 in two hours. Other features: New faceplate colors adjustments, turns the coming in the future. unit o‹ automatically Other features: It is high-impact resistant, made of 100 percent recycled material and available in yellow, black when you leave, learns or white. For every one purchased, WakaWaka donates one to a family in need in a developing country. Date to market: August 2015 and adapts to your Where to buy: us.waka-waka.com Cost: $79 Cost: $99 (pre-order at brio.com) lifestyle, and fi nds optimal temperature and humidity levels, helping reduce electric Aspect Solar Duo-Flex2 bills. What it does: This portable solar charger for the outdoor lover Other features: Keeps can be strapped to a parked car or backpack or set out on a track of weather and suggests proper settings. For example, when it’s pleasant patio. The power can then be used to operate a laptop or tablet at a campsite outside, it suggests turning o‹ the AC to enjoy the breeze. It even reminds you or charge your phone while hiking. to change the fi lter. Where to buy: aspectsolar.com Cost: $119.99 Date to market: April 2015 Cost: $159 for single kit (pre-order at sensibo.com)

22 Texas Co-op Power BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE March 2015 bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 18 2/6/15 10:05 AM Lutron Caséta Wireless dimmers What it does: This system o ers two types of dimmers — an QSolar in-wall unit to replace an existing light switch and a lamp unit for a standard wall receptacle. Both can be controlled remotely panels and work with energy-saving bulbs, including dimmable LEDs What they do: QSolar has and CFLs. created a line of solar panels Other features: The app allows you to set specifi c settings, that are more durable in hail and such as movie night or bedtime. other harsh conditions. Some are also lighter and even fl exible, Multiple retail and online stores $59.95 Where to buy: Cost: allowing new applications. For example, the show featured the QDrive Golf Cart Kit, which extends the life of a single charge Sengled Snap for electric golf carts. What it does: This LED bulb Date to market: Possibly bylate doubles as a security device 2015 with a built-in 1080p camera, speaker, microphone and infrared night vision. The Cost: Undetermined but slightly smart bulb is intended to be installed higher than traditional panels on the exterior of your home, can be Brio smart controlled with a mobile app and uses outlet facial recognition and motion detection to allow you to monitor your home via What it does: To protect young children live or recorded video on a smartphone who may try to stick something into an or tablet. electrical socket, this outlet can detect whether an object is a proper plug. It Date to market: Summer 2015 Cost: $199 releases a full 120-volt current only to an appliance that needs power. Unlike the company’s safe outlet, the smart outlet also communicates with Brio’s sensors, Sensibo FIBARO Wall Plug in-sensor alarms and mobile app to help What it does: This system turns a remote-controlled air What it does: This plug-and-play outlet adapter protect a home against smoke, water conditioner, such as a window unit, into a smart device similar to allows you to control any electrical device remotely damage and carbon monoxide. a smart thermostat for central AC systems. Sensibo allows remote temperature as well as monitor power consumption, which is displayed on Other features: New faceplate colors adjustments, turns the the device both coming in the future. unit o automatically numerically when you leave, learns and by color. Date to market: August 2015 and adapts to your It features two Cost: $99 (pre-order at brio.com) lifestyle, and fi nds plug outlets and optimal temperature two USB power and humidity levels, outlets. helping reduce electric Date to market: Aspect Solar Duo-Flex2 bills. Fall 2015 Keeps What it does: This portable solar charger for the outdoor lover Other features: Cost: can be strapped to a parked car or backpack or set out on a track of weather and suggests proper settings. For example, when it’s pleasant Undetermined, patio. The power can then be used to operate a laptop or tablet at a campsite outside, it suggests turning o the AC to enjoy the breeze. It even reminds you though European or charge your phone while hiking. to change the fi lter. version can be found for $76 Where to buy: aspectsolar.com Cost: $119.99 Date to market: April 2015 Cost: $159 for single kit (pre-order at sensibo.com) bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop March 2015 BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Texas Co-op Power 22A

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 19 2/6/15 10:05 AM Sungale’s Kitchen Screen Why it’s cool: This device not only displays your digital photos, recipes, notes to family, time and weather, but you can use it to compile a grocery list and even buy those items online via the screen and have them delivered to your home. Date to market: April 2015 (The company is looking for grocery store partners and expects to have one by then.)

Estimated cost: $139.99 for 8-inch screen n the future, we will be wirelessly, remotely connected to just about every- thing — our houses, our pets and, yes, evenI our babies. Whether it’s a collar that tracks how much Sproutling baby monitor exercise your dog gets each day or a digital Why it’s cool: This device senses, learns and predicts a baby’s sleep printer that fi ts in your pocket, you’ll never patterns and optimal sleep conditions and keeps parents informed be far from a handy Wi-Fi gadget. Whirlpool via a mobile app. It also has a wearable band for the baby and a smart charger that even envisions your kitchen stovetop as the monitors baby’s room temperature, most convenient computer in your house, humidity, and sound and light levels. displaying websites, social networks and You can monitor up to four babies at a a video screen so you can connect with a time with the app if each is outfi tted friend or family member who knows more than a cookbook. with a Sproutling. We couldn’t resist telling you about some Where to buy: sproutling.com of the more fascinating electronic goodies. (waitlist) Here’s a peek at some of the products that may — or may not — make it to a retailer Cost: $299 near you.

Whirlpool’s interactive kitchen concept Why it’s cool: Having a projector screen with an induction cooktop would make getting dinner on the table a delight. It would take inventory of the things in your fridge that need to be used soon and oˆ er suggestions for your meal. You go with spaghetti, and the screen takes you through the recipe step by step, telling you when to set a pot or pan on the cooktop and automatically heating it to the correct temperature. It would be connected to your smartphone, allowing video chats with a friend or relative if a key secret ingredient is missing from the written recipe. You could reply to your child’s text request to have a friend over for dinner, and the system would adjust the recipe accordingly and tell you what to add to each pot or pan. It would be connected to your oven and automatically preheat it, tell you when to heat the French bread and turn oˆ by itself when it’s the perfect golden brown. Date to market: Who knows? It’s just an idea, folks … but a great one! Cost: Probably a pretty penny

22B Texas Co-op Power BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE March 2015 bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 20 2/6/15 10:05 AM ZUta Pocket Printer n the future, we will be wirelessly, Why it’s cool: This gadget, about 4 inches in diameter, allows you to print remotely connected to just about every- documents anywhere there’s a fl at surface to lay a piece of paper. thing — our houses, our pets and, yes, evenI our babies. Date to market: September 2015 Cost: $199 (pre-order at zutalabs.com) Whether it’s a collar that tracks how much Iris PetSafe exercise your dog gets each day or a digital printer that fi ts in your pocket, you’ll never Jins Meme SmartDoor be far from a handy Wi-Fi gadget. Whirlpool activity tracking glasses Why it’s cool: When connected to the Iris even envisions your kitchen stovetop as the smart home system, this pet door enables you most convenient computer in your house, Why it’s cool: Unlike many wearables, the Jins Meme to remotely control when your pet goes outside displaying websites, social networks and glasses look like Ray-Bans and look good on men or and will record when he or she comes and goes. a video screen so you can connect with a women. They gather data on your mind and body through friend or family member who knows more sensors that monitor subtle body changes and sync with Where to buy: Lowes.com, some retail stores than a cookbook. a smartphone to provide information such as when you’re We couldn’t resist telling you about some Cost: $220 of the more fascinating electronic goodies. sleepy and how many calories you’ve burned. Here’s a peek at some of the products that Date to market: Fall 2015 Cost: Expected to be competitive for smart eyewear may — or may not — make it to a retailer near you. Mercedes-Benz F 015 Whirlpool’s interactive autonomous driving vehicle kitchen concept Why it’s cool: Having a projector screen with an induction cooktop would make Delta Breez getting dinner on the table a delight. It would take inventory of the things in your Ventilation Fan fridge that need to be used soon and o’ er suggestions for your meal. You go with Why it’s cool: This series of ventilation fans, spaghetti, and the screen takes you through the recipe step by step, telling you typically used in bathrooms and laundry rooms when to set a pot or pan on the cooktop and automatically heating it to the correct Why it’s cool: Mercedes-Benz is more energy e cient and much quieter than temperature. It would be connected to your smartphone, allowing video chats with premiered this concept car at CES to traditional ones. Available for new construction a friend or relative if a key secret ingredient is missing from the written recipe. You showcase what it envisions for the or retrofi tting into existing structures. The could reply to your child’s text request to have a friend over for dinner, and the future. Cars will not be just a mode of transportation but a place to retreat. The F 015 features models have features including varying speeds, system would adjust the recipe accordingly and tell you what to add to each pot or four rotating lounge chairs and interior screens that allow users to plan their route, play humidity sensing, motion sensing, delay timer pan. It would be connected to your oven and automatically preheat it, tell you when games, video conference and more. Passengers can interact intuitively with the connected and lights (including a night light option). to heat the French bread and turn o’ by itself when it’s the perfect golden brown. vehicle through gestures, eye-tracking or by touching the high-resolution screens. The vehicle Where to buy: Major home retailer websites Date to market: Who knows? It’s just an idea, folks … but a great one! can be driven manually or autonomously, and is intricately in tune with its surroundings. Cost: $86 and up, depending on the model and Cost: Probably a pretty penny Date to market: Sooner than you think Cost: More than you can a’ ord features bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop March 2015 BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Texas Co-op Power 22C

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 21 2/6/15 10:05 AM Bluebonnet challenged two local businesses to replace existing CFL and incandescent bulbs Battle with more energy-ecient LEDs. The results were enlightening. of the By Lisa Ogle Bulbs lovely mix of American and European country antique furniture, plushA new bedding and one- of-a-kind accessories fill the open space inside Leftovers Antiques on U.S. 290 just west of Brenham. The room-like displays are illuminated by an equally graceful mix of compact fluorescent, light-emitting diode and other bulbs in track lighting, lamps and even chandeliers.

With hundreds of bulbs throughout the store, it can be time consuming to change them when they burn out. And in the case of this and other Bluebonnet-area businesses, some of which have thousands of light bulbs, it’s also a matter of cost. It takes up workers’ time, and the ex- pense of frequently changing that many bulbs adds up. Sarah Beal photos Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative wanted to know whether LEDs could make a difference to Leftovers Antiques uses a variety of lighting, LEDs come in an array of colors, with options the bottom line. So in August 2013, the co-op including track lights, lamps and chandeliers. such as being dimmable and even “connected,” launched a yearlong study in which Leftovers Inset: Michael Breddin, left, and Ed Fulkerson, meaning they can be controlled through an app on a Antiques and the San Marcos Premium Outlet co-owners of the Brenham-area store, were smartphone or tablet. (Read more about that technol- Restoration Hardware each agreed to replace pleased with the LEDs used in the study. ogy in the Consumer Electronics Show article that 120 incandescent or CFL bulbs with LED bulbs. starts on Page 20 of this issue.) Consider this a battle of the bulbs: traditional the antiques store. “It’s a real eye-opener for us.” tonio. The San Marcos location has been a Blue- Restoration Hardware, like the antiques store, is incandescent lights versus energy-efficient bulbs The study results motivated the store owners bonnet member for nine years. particular about lighting to ensure that products are that are becoming widely available and more af- to replace remaining incandescents and CFLs, as “With the hours of operation that the two busi- displayed in the best light. Both businesses were fordable because of long-term energy savings. they burn out, with new LEDs. nesses keep, the payback period on the bulbs was pleased with the color and brightness of the new “I was hoping to show that LED lights can “We’d rather spend a little more and save over quite astounding,” Brinkmeyer said. “Both busi- LED bulbs. both provide the color and brightness that a busi- the years,” he said. “The benefits far outweigh nesses found a payback period under two years, “The outcome definitely dispels the rumors about ness needs as well as be a value proposition that the cost.” and based on the businesses’ usage patterns, the LED bulbs,” Brinkmeyer said. “They can provide pays for itself in two years,” said Wesley Brink- In San Marcos, the light bulb study produced bulbs have seven years of projected life. That is the color needed — in fact, you can almost pick your meyer, manager of energy programs at Bluebon- similar results. Eight months into the experi- five years of reduced energy costs and - mainte color from the spectrum. They can pay for them- net. “The results were better than expected.” ment, only one of Restoration Hardware’s LED nance costs that will be saved by each business.” selves and provide valuable savings for a long time. Leftovers Antiques wanted long-lasting bulbs bulbs had gone out, which impressed the com- It took a little convincing to get the businesses LEDs project less heat, too.” that would reduce maintenance, heat output pany enough that it replaced the other half of its to participate in the study. For homeowners and renters today, CFLs could and electric use costs in its 10,000-square-foot bulbs in the outlet store with LEDs. As a result, “We were concerned because we’re all about provide lower-cost alternatives to LEDs, Brinkmey- store. The business, which has been a Bluebon- the 10,000-square-foot store’s savings — nearly light out here and we weren’t sure how the LEDs er said. Those bulbs use less electricity than incan- net member for eight years, saved nearly $210 a $373 a month on average during the study — would reflect on the furniture, but we did a test,” descents and can be found for less than $2. A recent month on average during the study. were greater than those of Leftovers Antiques. Leftovers Antiques’ Fulkerson said. After the Internet check of prices found many household LED “I think (the study) was amazing, just our Restoration Hardware is a national retailer that test, they agreed to participate. “We picked the bulbs for less than $10. But for businesses with larg- overall cost savings for the year and the next sells luxury home furnishings and has several clear white ones, and we quickly realized that it er lighting requirements, even the cost of a $20 to coming year,” said Ed Fulkerson, co-owner of locations in Texas, including Austin and San An- was a benefit.” $40 LED bulb will pay off over time. n

22D Texas Co-op Power BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE March 2015 bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 22 2/6/15 10:05 AM Want an LED security light? id you know that Bluebonnet uses LED fi xtures in all of its new security Dlights, as well as Battle old ones that need to be replaced? Now, 1,732 of the co-op’s 28,797 of the security lights are Bulbs LEDs. The aver- age savings per 7 fun facts about LEDs LED light on a ● In 2012, about 49 million LEDs were system-wide basis is 2.12 kWh per month installed in the United States, saving and growing. The total energy savings for about $675 million in annual energy costs. Bluebonnet is equivalent to the annual consumption of 50 homes. ● Today’s LED bulbs can be six to seven times more energy e‚ cient than Members who request a security conventional incandescent lights and light, or whose existing lights can can reduce energy use by more no longer be repaired, will receive than 80 percent. one of three LED fi xture sizes offered at no charge. Members can ● Good-quality LED bulbs can last also request that a working security more than 25 times longer than light be replaced with an LED for traditional light bulbs. If the bulb is $125. To learn more, call a member burned 24 hours a day, seven days a service representative at 800-842- week, it would last three years. 7708 during business hours or email ● From vehicle brake lights to TVs, [email protected]. LEDs are used for their compact size, ease of maintenance, resistance to breakage and ability to focus light in a single direction. ● LEDs contain no mercury, and a recent U.S. Department of Energy study determined that LEDs have a much smaller environmental impact than incandescent bulbs. ● By 2030, LEDs are expected to account for 75 percent of all lighting sales globally. ● Switching entirely to LED lights over the next 20 years could save $250 billion in U.S. energy costs. Source: energy.gov

Sarah Beal photos Leftovers Antiques uses a variety of lighting, LEDs come in an array of colors, with options Inside the study including track lights, lamps and chandeliers. such as being dimmable and even “connected,” Inset: Michael Breddin, left, and Ed Fulkerson, meaning they can be controlled through an app on a The businesses featured in our study, Leftovers co-owners of the Brenham-area store, were smartphone or tablet. (Read more about that technol- Antiques and Restoration Hardware, were allowed to pleased with the LEDs used in the study. ogy in the Consumer Electronics Show article that select the LED bulbs they wanted to replace 120 old starts on Page 20 of this issue.) incandescents or CFLs. Here’s what they picked: tonio. The San Marcos location has been a Blue- Restoration Hardware, like the antiques store, is bonnet member for nine years. particular about lighting to ensure that products are Tested by: Leftovers Antiques “With the hours of operation that the two busi- displayed in the best light. Both businesses were Type of bulb: Philips PAR38 nesses keep, the payback period on the bulbs was pleased with the color and brightness of the new Series 1200 dimmable LED LED bulbs. quite astounding,” Brinkmeyer said. “Both busi- Use: Track and recessed lighting nesses found a payback period under two years, “The outcome defi nitely dispels the rumors about 45,000 hours and based on the businesses’ usage patterns, the LED bulbs,” Brinkmeyer said. “They can provide Rated average life: bulbs have seven years of projected life. That is the color needed — in fact, you can almost pick your Wattage equivalent: 90 W fi ve years of reduced energy costs and mainte- color from the spectrum. They can pay for them- Rated wattage: 18 W Cost: $40 nance costs that will be saved by each business.” selves and provide valuable savings for a long time. LEDs project less heat, too.” It took a little convincing to get the businesses Tested by: Restoration Hardware to participate in the study. For homeowners and renters today, CFLs could Philips PAR20 dimmable LED “We were concerned because we’re all about provide lower-cost alternatives to LEDs, Brinkmey- Type of bulb: light out here and we weren’t sure how the LEDs er said. Those bulbs use less electricity than incan- Use: Safe in damp locations would refl ect on the furniture, but we did a test,” descents and can be found for less than $2. A recent Rated average life: 45,000 hours Leftovers Antiques’ Fulkerson said. After the Internet check of prices found many household LED Wattage equivalent: 50 W bulbs for less than $10. But for businesses with larg- test, they agreed to participate. “We picked the Rated wattage: 8 W Cost: $22.50 clear white ones, and we quickly realized that it er lighting requirements, even the cost of a $20 to was a benefi t.” $40 LED bulb will pay off over time. n bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop March 2015 BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Texas Co-op Power 23

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 23 2/6/15 10:05 AM MEMBER SERVICES Substation dedication honors former Bluebonnet director & By Will Holford Former Bluebonnet Board Director Lyle QA Wolz had a gift for making people feel special. And those who knew Lyle remember something special about him, whether it was his beaming smile, quick wit or good cheer. Now there is one more way to remember Wolz – Bluebonnet’s newly renamed Lyle Wolz Substation on Texas Highway 21 near Deanville. Lyle’s family, friends, fellow Bluebonnet directors and co-op employees dedicated the substation Feb. 5 to honor and recognize his 30 years of service, from 1983 to 2013, on the What is a smart thermostat? I’ve co-op’s board of directors, including 10 years LCRA photo Q:heard about them and hope to win as board chairman. Lyle died April 4, 2014. From left are Kate Holman (LCRA), Amie Jo Pratt, Daryl Ray, Jason Carmean (VFD/Bluebonnet), one in your Energy Tracking Tool contest “Lyle loved Bluebonnet and serving its Scott Pratt, J.C. Pohl, Chris Coufal, Mark Johnson (Bluebonnet), Russell Jurk (Bluebonnet board (see Page 26 for more information). Why are members on the Board of Directors,” said member), Lori Berger (LCRA board member) and Floyd Etzel. they better than my old thermostat? Ben Flencher, Bluebonnet’s board chairman. A smart thermostat is a wireless “This is a perfect way to honor his memory Bluebonnet, LCRA grant to improve fi refi ghting A:device that can be programmed and service to Bluebonnet. Lyle and I came remotely to schedule temperature settings. on the board about the same time and he was armine’s Volunteer Fire Department is 1,200 people in Fayette and Washington counties. You can change settings from a smartphone, a tremendous infl uence on me and all the outfi tting a new 3,000-gallon tanker truck “It also will be equipped to serve as a fi refi ghting tablet or desktop computer. Some smart directors. He never met a stranger and truly thanks to a $22,500 grant from Bluebon- truck if needed,” Ray said, and enable Carmine thermostats provide weather forecasts and believed in the cooperative principles.” Cnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado fi refi ghters to provide additional support to neigh- let manufacturers make software upgrades The Lyle Wolz substation is one of River Authority. The money will be used to boring volunteer fi re departments when needed. seemlessly. Others adjust automatically to 45 substations on Bluebonnet’s electric purchase and install a new tank, pump and other The grant is part of the LCRA’s Community humidity and other weather conditions. Some distribution system. It began operating in 1957, necessary equipment. Development Partnership Program, providing even learn and adapt to your habits. and was expanded in 1975. It is the only one to “This new tanker will allow us to more than economic development and community assistance The challenge with traditional or even be dedicated to a Bluebonnet board member. double the amount of water we can bring to a grants to cities, counties, volunteer fi re depart- programmable thermostats is that few people The substation provides electricity to 5,259 fi re in one trip,” said Daryl Ray, secretary of the ments, regional development councils and other have the same schedule every day or week. meters through 1,010 miles of power lines from Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, which serves nonprofi t organizations in LCRA’s service areas. Some smart thermostats adjust during the day Deanville to Caldwell, Cedar Point, Lexington, to be more effi cient as your lifestyle changes. Birch Creek, Dime Box and Giddings. For example, some learn the temperature you prefer on rainy days and adjust accordingly Members warned of fraud attempts whenever it rains. Sensors also adjust to a SAVE THE DATE Central Texans should beware of thieves trying calls to try to collect a payment, do not pay. Do more effi cient temperature when there is no to trick consumers into making payments for not give out personal or fi nancial information to movement in the house. accounts alleged to be delinquent. Similar scams anyone claiming to be a Bluebonnet employee or There are several smart thermostats on Bluebonnet to elect board members May 12 have targeted electric utility customers for more contractor who asks you for account information the market, each with pros and cons. Some than a year and have been detected again recently or for a payment on your account. require professional installation; prices and luebonnet Electric Coopera- in Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s service area. If someone contacts you and you suspect features vary, and displays range from simple tive’s Annual Meeting this year “Like all utilities across the country, we have he or she is unlawfully posing as a Bluebonnet to complex and colorful. is May 12, at the Sons of seen an increase in attempts to scam our members employee, try to get as much information about Smart thermostats help reduce energy bills, HermannB Hall in Giddings. Three of into making cash or credit card payments and the caller as possible. Ask the caller to provide his especially when used with Bluebonnet’s free 11 seats on the Board of Directors are to provide personal information,” said Mark or her name, including the proper spelling. Ask for tools for members. We send text and email up for election that day, and co-op of- Rose, Bluebonnet’s general manager. “The most a phone number so you can return the call. Most alerts when you reach a certain budget limit fi cials will present important thing we and our members can do to important, use your telephone’s caller ID to note and when power use spikes. Our Energy members with the prevent these scams is be aware of them, inform the phone number used by the caller. As soon as Tracking Tool provides detailed information annual state-of-the- our friends and neighbors about them and report possible, share the information with Bluebonnet about your power use and costs, down to the co-op message. them to Bluebonnet and local law enforcement by calling 800-842-7708 between 7 a.m. and 5:30 hour. Learn more about that — and our contest Board members when they occur.” p.m. Monday through Friday or call local law — by going to bluebonnet.coop’s home page. serve staggered To protect members from fraud, Bluebonnet enforcement. Hover your cursor on the Energy Tracking three-year terms. follows these offi cial procedures: Within two Scammers are not just targeting electric utility Tool icon and click on “Find out more.” Enter Seats up for weeks following a payment’s due date, the co-op bills. Consumers should be on the watch for any our drawing for a free smart thermostat! election this year makes at least two attempts to contact members attempts to gain their confi dential information, If you have questions about smart represent District whose bill payments are delinquent: By mail and including driver’s license, Social Security, credit thermostats , these manufacturers’ websites 1, Caldwell, through a recorded message in a courtesy phone card and bank account numbers and date of birth. may help: nest.com and wifi thermostat. Guadalupe, Gonzales and Hays call. The co-op offers multiple payment options As the media and the public become aware of com. For questions about the contest, email counties; District 2, Travis County; and through Bluebonnet’s online payment system. ongoing scams, thieves often change tactics and [email protected] or call District 3, Bastrop County. If you have not received a reminder in the try different ways to commit fraud. 800-842-7708. The deadline to declare candidacy mail or a courtesy call about a delinquent account Remember, if a request for personal information — Rebecca Brotherton, and fi le required documentation and someone claiming to be from Bluebonnet doesn’t sound right to you, it probably isn’t. member service representative and fees in order to seek a seat on

24 Texas Co-op Power BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE March 2015 bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 24 2/6/15 10:05 AM Substation dedication honors former Bluebonnet director By Will Holford Former Bluebonnet Board Director Lyle Wolz had a gift for making people feel special. And those who knew Lyle remember something special about him, whether it was his beaming smile, quick wit or good cheer. Now there is one more way to remember Wolz – Bluebonnet’s newly renamed Lyle Wolz Substation on Texas Highway 21 near Deanville. Lyle’s family, friends, fellow Bluebonnet directors and co-op employees dedicated the substation Feb. 5 to honor and recognize his 30 years of service, from 1983 to 2013, on the What is a smart thermostat? I’ve co-op’s board of directors, including 10 years Q:heard about them and hope to win as board chairman. Lyle died April 4, 2014. one in your Energy Tracking Tool contest “Lyle loved Bluebonnet and serving its (see Page 26 for more information). Why are members on the Board of Directors,” said they better than my old thermostat? Ben Flencher, Bluebonnet’s board chairman. A smart thermostat is a wireless “This is a perfect way to honor his memory A:device that can be programmed and service to Bluebonnet. Lyle and I came remotely to schedule temperature settings. on the board about the same time and he was You can change settings from a smartphone, a tremendous influence on me and all the tablet or desktop computer. Some smart directors. He never met a stranger and truly thermostats provide weather forecasts and believed in the cooperative principles.” let manufacturers make software upgrades The Lyle Wolz substation is one of seemlessly. Others adjust automatically to 45 substations on Bluebonnet’s electric humidity and other weather conditions. Some distribution system. It began operating in 1957, even learn and adapt to your habits. and was expanded in 1975. It is the only one to Sarah Beal photos The challenge with traditional or even be dedicated to a Bluebonnet board member. programmable thermostats is that few people The substation provides electricity to 5,259 At the Lyle Wolz substation dedication in February, Ben Flencher, left, chair- have the same schedule every day or week. meters through 1,010 miles of power lines from man of Bluebonnet’s Board of Directors, joined Esther Wolz, wife of the Some smart thermostats adjust during the day Deanville to Caldwell, Cedar Point, Lexington, late Lyle Wolz (inset), a longtime member of the Bluebonnet board, and to be more efficient as your lifestyle changes. Birch Creek, Dime Box and Giddings. Bluebonnet General Manager Mark Rose. For example, some learn the temperature you prefer on rainy days and adjust accordingly whenever it rains. Sensors also adjust to a more efficient temperature when there is no SAVE THE DATE movement in the house. Hurry! There are several smart thermostats on Bluebonnet the market, each with pros and cons. Some Bluebonnet to elect board members May 12 Applications is awarding 48 scholarships require professional installation; prices and luebonnet Electric Coopera- the Board was Feb. 11. Look for features vary, and displays range from simple tive’s Annual Meeting this year information about candidates and due this month! — $2,500 each — to complex and colorful. is May 12, at the Sons of more details about the Annual Meeting to students in the Smart thermostats help reduce energy bills, HermannB Hall in Giddings. Three of in Bluebonnet’s pages inside April’s co-op’s service especially when used with Bluebonnet’s free 11 seats on the Board of Directors are Texas Co-op Power magazine or on our area who are tools for members. We send text and email up for election that day, and co-op of- website, bluebonnet.coop. graduating from alerts when you reach a certain budget limit ficials will present Sons of Hermann and when power use spikes. Our Energy members with the Hall is at 1031 County The power high school or Tracking Tool provides detailed information annual state-of-the- Road 223, Giddings. accredited home about your power use and costs, down to the co-op message. Registration begins at of education study programs. hour. Learn more about that — and our contest Board members 1:30 p.m. May 12 and — by going to bluebonnet.coop’s home page. serve staggered the meeting begins Get applications and details from Hover your cursor on the Energy Tracking three-year terms. at 2:30 p.m. If you area high school counselors, Tool icon and click on “Find out more.” Enter Seats up for cannot attend, you can Bluebonnet’s member service centers or at our drawing for a free smart thermostat! election this year vote by proxy. Proxy bluebonnet.coop If you have questions about smart represent District forms will be mailed to — just click on the Scholarships link thermostats , these manufacturers’ websites 1, Caldwell, Bluebonnet members under the Community tab. may help: nest.com and wifithermostat. Guadalupe, Gonzales and Hays this month. Application deadline is 5 p.m. March 27, 2015. com. For questions about the contest, email counties; District 2, Travis County; and If you have questions about the [email protected] or call District 3, Bastrop County. meeting, call 800-842-7708 from 24 scholarships for trade and technical programs 800-842-7708. The deadline to declare candidacy 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through 24 scholarships for colleges and universities — Rebecca Brotherton, and file required documentation Friday or email memberservices@ Questions? Call 800-842-7708. member service representative and fees in order to seek a seat on bluebonnetelectric.coop. bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop March 2015 BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Texas Co-op Power 25

BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 25 2/6/15 10:05 AM If winter has put a chill in your bill, Bluebonnet has a tool to help. Our online Energy Tracking Tool shows how much power you’ve used, its cost and the temperature outdoors — down to the hour.

Open road leads sisters to flea markets and adventures amid vintage treasures

By Denise Gamino mie and Jolie Sikes made a future for themselves by having a blast with the past. AThe creative and savvy sisters — educated at Texas A&M University but not a perfect fit in the 9-to-5 universe — salvaged their hearts and tons of flea market goods to become reigning queens of the junk pile. Their Junk Gypsy business is headquartered in a nearly 8,000-square-foot scrap-metal mansion in Round Top in the Fayette County area that attracts 100,000 visitors each spring and autumn for huge roadside antique shows. The Junk Gypsy store is more carnival midway than mall. Much of the merchandise is upcycled from flea markets: red glittered bowling pins, “chippy peely” refurbished furniture, vintage signs, oil paintings of unknown origin, beaded chandeliers, plumed band hats — the load goes on forever. Use Bluebonnet’s online Energy Tracking Tool, The Junk Gypsies can turn any piece of junk Enter then tell us what you learn about your power use into an unexpected fixer-upper coveted by Nashville stars, free spirits and road-tripping and habits and you’ll be entered in a drawing shoppers. Country singers Miranda Lambert and Blake to win a to win a wireless, remotely controllable, smart Shelton hired Amie and Jolie to decorate their 2011 wedding reception. Amie and Jolie also thermostat (up to $250 value). You’ve got three remodeled Lambert’s tour bus and Airstream travel trailer. Airstream makeovers are a regular smart ways to enter the drawing: Email us at magazine@ gig: one for country star Dierks Bentley, another for Lambert’s mother, and one for new Rock and bluebonnet.coop, or go to our Facebook or Roll Hall of Fame band Green Day. thermostat! You can catch the DIY sisters in action on their Twitter pages and tell us what you’ve discovered. cable show, with a third season debuting this summer. Expect the unexpected. Viewers have Don’t delay — the contest ends March 31. To get details about the Energy Tracking Tool and the drawing, seen miniature antique sailing ships become chandeliers for Amie’s house and windmill go to bluebonnet.coop’s home page, hover your cursor over the ‘Try Our Energy Tracking Tool’ icon and blades become a ceiling fan for Jolie’s house. Junk Gypsy is a national brand. The sisters click ‘Find out more.’ You must be a Bluebonnet member with an active online account to participate. design for Pottery Barn Teen, and their natural furniture paint arrives in stores this spring. Questions? Call 800-842-7708 or email [email protected]. “So many things have happened since we’ve been here (in Round Top). It’s unreal,” Amie said. “We’re so much more content and so much happier and more at peace, and I think all that just kind of conveys through the business.” The Junk Gypsies moved to Round Top from College Station in 2010 so their children could grow up in a small town. Their 40-acre Gypsyville property includes the Wander Inn,

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BLUEBONNET MAG MAR 2015.indd 26 2/6/15 10:05 AM BLUEBONNET MEMBER PROFILE JUNK GYPSIES Open road leads sisters to fl ea markets and adventures amid vintage treasures

By Denise Gamino mie and Jolie Sikes made a future for themselves by having a blast with the past. AThe creative and savvy sisters — educated at Texas A&M University but not a perfect fi t in the 9-to-5 universe — salvaged their hearts and tons of fl ea market goods to become reigning queens of the junk pile. Their Junk Gypsy business is headquartered in a nearly 8,000-square-foot scrap-metal mansion in Round Top in the Fayette County area that attracts 100,000 visitors each spring and autumn for huge roadside antique shows. The Junk Gypsy store is more carnival midway than mall. Much of the merchandise is upcycled from fl ea markets: red glittered bowling pins, “chippy peely” refurbished furniture, vintage signs, oil paintings of unknown origin, beaded chandeliers, plumed band hats — the load goes on forever. Jay Godwin photo The Junk Gypsies can turn any piece of junk Amie Sikes, left, and sister Jolie park their into an unexpected fi xer-upper coveted by Junk Gypsy World Headquarters 1980 embellished Suburban mascot, Large Nashville stars, free spirits and road-tripping Marge the Party Barge, at their store in Round shoppers. 1215 S. Texas 237 Top. The Sikes family bought the vehicle from Country singers Miranda Lambert and Blake Round Top, TX 78954 the Overton, Texas school district for $300 at Shelton hired Amie and Jolie to decorate their 979-249-JUNK (5865) auction after the sisters had graduated. Amie 2011 wedding reception. Amie and Jolie also gypsyville.com and Jolie and their hometown classmates remodeled Lambert’s tour bus and Airstream Junk Gypsies on HGTV rode in it to school events. travel trailer. Airstream makeovers are a regular and Great American Country East Texas, mopping fl oors and tossing pizzas in gig: one for country star Dierks Bentley, another Summer 2015, 13 new half-hour episodes for Lambert’s mother, and one for new Rock and the family restaurant. Amie used her journalism Roll Hall of Fame band Green Day. Spring 2015 Texas Antiques Week degree to work as a legislative aide at the Texas You can catch the DIY sisters in action on their Junk Gypsy tent at Zapp Hall in Warrenton Capitol and was headed to law school. Jolie’s cable show, with a third season debuting this March 26-April 4 degree in biomedical science and master’s in summer. Expect the unexpected. Viewers have health and nutrition were leading to medical Junk Gypsy’s semi-annual seen miniature antique sailing ships become school. But cubicles didn’t compare with the Junk-o-Rama Prom creative joy of fl ea market crawls they’d done chandeliers for Amie’s house and windmill April 2, 2015 at twilight with their mother since childhood. blades become a ceiling fan for Jolie’s house. Junk Gypsy tent, Warrenton They quit their jobs and began full-time Junk Gypsy is a national brand. The sisters Free admission design for Pottery Barn Teen, and their natural junking in 1998 with $2,000 and no business furniture paint arrives in stores this spring. plan. Their fi rst booth at the sprawling First “So many things have happened since we’ve a rustic lodge scheduled to open to the public Monday Trade Days in Canton was a fl op — not been here (in Round Top). It’s unreal,” Amie later this year, and a 20,000-square-foot barn one sale. said. “We’re so much more content and so much that houses a workshop and the junk inventory. “Thank goodness we didn’t give up,” Jolie happier and more at peace, and I think all that The sisters’ parents — Phillip (a lifelong said. “Thank goodness we take rejection well.” just kind of conveys through the business.” woodworker) and Janie Sikes, whose second- They treated rejection like junk. They brushed The Junk Gypsies moved to Round Top hand shopping inspired the business — work it off, created a different look and gave it a new from College Station in 2010 so their children alongside their daughters. destiny. n could grow up in a small town. Their 40-acre Junking was more a calling than a career is is one in a series of pro les of Bluebonnet Gypsyville property includes the Wander Inn, choice. Amie and Jolie grew up in Overton in commercial accounts. bluebonnet.coop bluebonnet.coop March 2015 BLUEBONNET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Texas Co-op Power 27

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BY GENE FOWLER

When Dr. Benjamin Thomas Crumley died in Lampasas County in 1901, family members could not believe that “the Old Indian Doctor” was truly gone. They held a mirror under his nose to check for breath. After all, Crumley had treated Central Tex- ans with plant-based remedies for nearly half a century. In 1879, the Williamson County Sun reported that Crumley “was considered, to some extent, an oddity because he wore his hair very long.” The Sun noted that at his third wedding, “the Doctor had his hair platted up and roses stuck about it.” Crumley’s descendants have traced his story through an intriguing tangle of fact and folklore. Great-grandson Larion Crumley of San Antonio says the doctor was born in Cherokee Nation, South Car- the family’s oral tradition. “He used hore- Pitcher’s Castoria rounded out the Old olina, in 1822. Some believed that he did hound for coughs, colds, sore throats and Indian Doctor’s pharmacopeia. attend medical school. One legend says lung troubles,” says Sims. “It was admin- The doctor’s saddlebag held a trusty that he was expelled from a university istered as a syrup made by boiling the madstone for treating rabid animal bites. after a night of heavy drinking. plants in water. Sassafras was adminis- Said to be found in the stomachs of deer, Crumley maintained that he was part tered as a relaxant and to settle the stom- madstones could reportedly draw the poi- Cherokee, and another family story has him ach. It was prepared from thin shavings son out of a fresh wound or bite. Larion studying medicine with the Cherokee for off the roots that were steeped to make a Crumley recalls seeing the heirloom stone seven years. After serving in the Civil War tea. He treated chest colds with mustard as a boy: “It was an oval, quartz-like stone (and possibly in the Mexican War before seeds that were crushed and placed in a about an inch and a half in diameter and that), he was living and doctoring near Mar- small amount of hot water to make a paste three-quarters of an inch thick.” tindale in Hays County during the 1870s. that was used in a poultice. Willow bark Crumley relocated to northern Lam- When a flood destroyed his home, he relo- was used as a pain reliever, and Johnson pasas County near the community of Evant cated to Buttercup near present-day Cedar grass or broomcorn tea was prescribed for in 1890, where folks long remembered see- Park, where he also served as postmaster. kidney and urinary problems. Chicory root ing him wearing a white linen suit, riding a Descendants report that physicians in was roasted, ground and brewed in hot white horse to visit patients. Austin often called on the Old Indian Doc- water to be consumed as a sedative and One evening in 1901, as granddaughter tor for consultation. Another story holds also for its laxative effect.” Beulah Thomas Crumley combed his hair, that mysterious horsemen once came to Crumley also relieved pain with opium the doctor said with tears in his eyes, “Sweet, Buttercup, blindfolded Doc Crumley and and morphine. Great-great-grandson Scott this is the last time I’ll see you.” Called out led him to a remote hideout, where he Crumley, an Austin pharmacist, says family to deliver a set of twins, Crumley suffered patched up the wounds of outlaw Sam Bass. history indicates that the doctor himself a heart attack on the trip home. By morning, Jim Sims, another great-grandson, was became dependent on morphine, which he the Old Indian Doctor was gone. treated with the Old Indian Doctor’s reme- took to treat a chronic war wound. Whiskey, Gene Fowler is an Austin writer who special-

ORIGINAL PHOTO COURTESY JANE MCMILLIN. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: RANDALL MAXWELL RANDALL ILLUSTRATION: MCMILLIN. PHOTO JANE COURTESY ORIGINAL PHOTO dies, as they were passed down through coal oil, castor oil and the patent medicine izes in history.

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From banana pudding made with Ritz crackers to a pork loin slow-cooked in cinnamon applesauce, submissions to the Your Secret Ingredient contest earned high scores across the board. My contribution is my daughter’s favorite black bean soup. There are two secret ingredients: a dash of honey and smoked Spanish paprika. You’ll want to adjust the salt level to taste, as veg- etable broth tends to vary in flavor and sodium levels. ANNA GINSBERG, FOOD EDITOR

Emma’s Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil ⅔ cup finely chopped onion ⅔ cup finely chopped celery ½ cup finely chopped carrots 1 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika 1 teaspoon honey 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14 ounces), drained 1 ½ cups vegetable broth, salted 2 cans black beans (15 ounces each), drained Salt to taste ½ cup frozen or canned corn, drained (optional)

1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add onion, celery, carrots and cumin and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until onion is tender and fragrant. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. 2. Stir in smoked paprika, honey, tomatoes, vegetable broth and black beans. Stir well and season to taste with salt, if needed. 3. If desired, purée the soup in a blender, return to stove and heat until warm. Al- ternatively, skip the puréeing step, add frozen or canned corn, rewarm, and serve the soup chunky-style.

Servings: 6. Serving size: 10 ounces. Per serving: 228 calories, 10.50 g protein, 3.90 g fat, 45.64 g carbohydrates, 9.57 g dietary fiber, 1,666 mg sodium,

RICK PATRICK 28.25 g sugars, 0 mg cholesterol

TexasCoopPower.com Recipes

Your Secret Ingredient Pork Shoulder Roast 3. Spoon batter into muffin pans to STEPHANIE BALDOCK | WOOD COUNTY EC about ¾ full and top with chocolate THIS MONTH’S RECIPE “The cinnamon in the applesauce is the chips. Bake 20 minutes. CONTEST WINNER secret ingredient.” | CENTRAL TEXAS EC Servings: 12. Serving size: 1 muffin. Per serving: PEGGY DECKER 253 calories, 2.66 g protein, 9.77 g fat, 39.84 g Peanut butter on your pork 2–3 pound pork shoulder roast carbohydrates, 1.55 g dietary fiber, 352 mg sodium, chops? Cloves in your chili? ½ cup cinnamon applesauce 24.18 g sugars, 15 mg cholesterol Many cooks have un- 1 sweet onion, sliced expected tricks up their 2 generous splashes teriyaki sauce Chicken Chili sleeves. This month’s MILLIE KIRCHOFF | NUECES EC winner also came 1. Apply nonstick cooking spray inside “Ground cloves add that secret something.” up with a witty a slow cooker, or use a liner. name for her 2. Place pork shoulder in slow cooker 1 cup diced onion recipe, based on and top with cinnamon applesauce, 3 cloves garlic, minced and sprinkled its surprising— onion slices and teriyaki sauce. lightly with salt and delicious— 3. Cook 1 hour on high heat, then re- 1 tablespoon butter substitution. duce heat to low and continue cooking 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, another 4–5 hours or until pork is tender precooked and diced into bite-size SPONSORED BY THE TEXAS and fully cooked. pieces PEANUT PRODUCERS BOARD 1 teaspoon salt Servings: 4. Serving size: 8 ounces. Per serving: 118 calories, 5.43 g protein, 5.06 g fat, 12.05 g 1 teaspoon cumin Pudding on the Ritz carbohydrates, 1.03 g dietary fiber, 866 mg sodium, 1 teaspoon chili powder “I stumbled upon this recipe one day 3.59 g sugars, 13 mg cholesterol ¼ teaspoon ground cloves when I had all the ingredients on hand 4 cans cannellini beans (15.5 ounces [ for banana pudding] but the vanilla Banana Muffins each), drained and rinsed wafers. I looked around and [ found] Ritz KAREN WOOD | WHARTON COUNTY EC 3 cups chicken broth crackers instead. I like sweet and salty, so “Mayonnaise is the secret ingredient in these 2 cans diced green chiles (4 ounces I gave it a try. Tested it with my family, muffins. They are so moist and tasty.” each) and it became an immediate success!” 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn 1 ½ cups flour 1 lime 2 boxes instant banana cream 1 cup sugar ¾ cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded pudding (3.4 ounces each) 1 teaspoon baking soda Milk, as indicated in pudding box recipe 1 teaspoon salt 1. In a Dutch oven over high heat, sauté 2 sleeves round butter crackers 1 egg the onion and garlic in butter about 2 4 large bananas, sliced ½ cup mayonnaise minutes. 1 container whipped topping 3 bananas, mashed 2. Reduce heat to medium-high and add (8 ounces) ½ cup chocolate chips precooked chicken and seasonings. 3. Add beans, chicken broth, chiles and 1. Prepare the pudding as directed 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease corn. Cook 45–60 minutes. on the box, using the amount of milk or line 2 muffin pans. 4. Serve in individual bowls with a indicated. 2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, bak- squeeze of lime juice and 1 tablespoon 2. Cover the bottom of a 9-by-13- ing soda and salt. In a small bowl, beat shredded cheese over each. inch dish with crackers. Cover the together the egg and mayonnaise. Add to Servings: 12. Serving size: 9 ounces. Per serving: cracker layer with sliced bananas, dry ingredients, stirring until moistened, 204 calories, 12.66 g protein, 4.73 g fat, 29.05 g then cover the banana layer with then stir in mashed bananas. carbohydrates, 7.33 g dietary fiber, 510 mg sodium, prepared pudding. 2.44 g sugars, 14 mg cholesterol 3. Repeat layers with remaining crackers, bananas and pudding. 4. Spread whipped topping over the $100 Recipe Contest top and chill dessert at least 2 hours August’s recipe contest topic is Breakfast Foods. Mom was right: Breakfast is the or until ready to serve. most important meal of the day. Do you start the morning with bacon and eggs, Servings: 14. Serving size: 7 ounces. Per serving: pastries and fruit, tacos and salsa—or something else entirely? Let us know. The 329 calories, 5.02 g protein, 12.91 g fat, 48.35 g deadline is March 10. carbohydrates, 1.71 g dietary fiber, 514 mg sodium, 25.31 g sugars, 6 mg cholesterol There are three ways to enter: ONLINE at TexasCoopPower.com/contests; MAIL to 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701; FAX to (512) 763-3401. Include your name, address and phone number, plus your co-op and the name of the con- test you are entering. CRACKER: © DANNY SMYTHE | DREAMSTIME.COM. LINEN: © | DREAMSTIME.COM. SMYTHE © DANNY CRACKER: | DREAMSTIME.COM YURYZ

36 Texas Co-op Power March 2015 TexasCoopPower.com Salsa With a Secret 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 teaspoons light brown sugar VALARIE WALKER | SOUTH PLAINS EC tomatoes, cilantro, roasted red pepper, 3 teaspoons chili powder “Who would have thought to put sauer- sauerkraut and chipotle peppers. 1 teaspoon salt kraut in salsa?” 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the ½ teaspoon garlic powder reserved red pepper liquid and the toma- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 4 pounds fresh beefsteak tomatoes, tillos. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a blanched, peeled and chopped small vent hole, and microwave on high 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line ¼ cup cilantro leaves 1 minute or until tomatillos are tender. a large pan with foil and apply nonstick ½ cup roasted red bell pepper, Let cool, then stir into tomato mixture. cooking spray. chopped 3. Add all remaining ingredients except 2. Rub pork chops with olive oil and 1 cup rinsed, drained sauerkraut scallions and stir. Mix in scallions 1 hour place in pan. Bake 30 minutes. 1 can chipotle peppers (7.5 ounces), before serving. Makes about 1 gallon. 3. Whisk together any leftover olive oil chopped, undrained with remaining ingredients and set aside. Servings: 32. Serving size: 4 ounces. Per serving: Juice reserved from red pepper while 153 calories, 8.13 g protein, 1.28 g fat, 33.17 g carbo- 4. After chops have baked 30 minutes, roasting hydrates, 7.50 g dietary fiber, 1,424 mg sodium, remove from oven and brush them evenly 4 tomatillos, sliced 21.81 g sugars, 0 mg cholesterol with peanut butter mixture. Return to ½ cup lime juice oven and bake an additional 10–15 min- 1 can mild green chiles (4 ounces), Texas-Style Peanut Butter utes until chops are fully cooked and undrained Baked Pork Chops sauce is thickened and caramelized. 4 cloves garlic, pressed ELVIS AND GINGER MCQUINN | BARTLETT EC Servings: 4. Serving size: 1 chop. Per serving: 4 cloves pickled garlic, pressed “Peanut butter adds a twist to these chops.” 332 calories, 5.44 g protein, 23.19 g fat, 29.09 g 2 teaspoons white sugar carbohydrates, 1.99 g dietary fiber, 707 mg sodium, Dash black pepper 4 thick-cut pork chops 25.78 g sugars, 0 mg cholesterol 2 teaspoons salt 4 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon ground cumin 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter WEB EXTRAS at TexasCoopPower.com 1 bunch chopped scallions 5 tablespoons honey Chocolate chip cookies with something extra.

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TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 37 Chicago Doctor Invents Affordable Hearing Aid Outperforms Many Higher Priced Hearing Aids

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'U&KHUXNXULNQHZWKDWPDQ\RIKLVSDWLHQWVZRXOG EHQHILWEXWFRXOGQ¶WDIIRUGWKHH[SHQVHRIWKHVHQHZ For the Lowest Price plus not GLJLWDOKHDULQJDLGV*HQHUDOO\WKH\DUH FRYHUHGE\ FREE Shipping Call Today 0HGLFDUHDQGPRVWSULYDWHKHDOWKLQVXUDQFH The doctor evaluated all the high priced digital hearing aids on the market, broke them down to 800-873-0541 their base components, and then created his own Phones open 24 Hours affordable version — called the MDHearingAid®AIR for its virtually invisible, lightweight appearance. EVERY DAY Aff ordable Digital Technology Use Offer Code AY53 to get FREE Batteries for a Full Year! 8VLQJDGYDQFHGGLJLWDOWHFKQRORJ\WKH MD+HDULQJ$LG®AIR DXWRPDWLFDOO\DGMXVWVWR\RXU www.MDHearingAid.com OLVWHQLQJHQYLURQPHQW²SULRULWL]LQJVSHHFKDQG GHHPSKDVL]LQJEDFNJURXQGQRLVH([SHULHQFHDOORIWKH VRXQGV\RX¶YHEHHQPLVVLQJDWDSULFH\RXFDQDIIRUG ©2015 Focus on Texas Furry Friends Life can be r-r-ruff at times. It’s a good thing we have our furry friends to snuggle up to every meow and then. We love to see the animals you caught horsing around. Take a look at the creatures that came in ahead of the pack. GRACE ARSIAGA

WEB EXTRAS at TexasCoopPower.com Don’t paws, even for a second. See more furry friends online.

o SUSAN MATT, Pedernales EC: KiKi, the pit bull, plays with a fawn on a walk.

d HEATHER EILERS, Pedernales EC: Molly Ann sure misses Lance Eilers while he’s gone all day at work.

o BRETT GORDON, Navasota Valley EC: Every night, daughter Reagan would read Charlie a bedtime story. Charlie now runs wild in the NVEC area. UPCOMING CONTESTS

JUNE SLOW DOWN DUE MAR 10

JULY MY FIRST CAR DUE APR 10

AUGUST AROUND THE FARM DUE APR 10 All entries must include name, address, daytime phone and co-op affiliation, plus the contest topic and a brief description of your photo.

ONLINE: Submit highest-resolution digital images at Texas CoopPower.com/contests. MAIL: Focus on Texas, 1122 Colorado St., 24th Floor, Austin, TX 78701. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must be included if you want your entry returned (approximately six weeks). Please do not submit irreplaceable photographs—send a copy or duplicate. We do not accept entries via email. We regret that Texas Co-op Power cannot be responsible for photos that are lost in the mail or not received by the deadline.

o REBEKAH BONGATO, Sam Houston EC: g ASHLEY MCFADIN, Guadalupe Valley What big teeth you have! EC: Horses enjoy a lovely spring day.

TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 39 Around Texas Get Going > This is just a sampling of the events and festivals around

Pick of the Month Goliad Massacre March Re-enactment 6 Goliad [March 28–29] Uvalde [6–7] Piecemakers Quilt Show, (830) 278-4317, [email protected] (361) 645-3752; presidiolabahia.org [6–8] River Oaks Garden Club’s This two-day event brings the last days of Col. Houston 80th Azalea Trail, (713) 523-2483, James W. Fannin’s command to life through riveroaksgardenclub.org battle re-enactments, re-created camps and touching candlelit scenes at Presidio La Bahia. March 7–8 Robstown The Goliad Massacre, March 27, 1836, claimed 7 GCGMS Gem and Mineral Show the lives of 342 men at the hands of Mexican Crockett Marty Stuart and His Fabulous soldiers during the Texas Revolution. Superlatives, (936) 544-4276, pwfaa.org Johnson City Annual Spaghetti Dinner 14 and Bingo, (830) 868-4469, jclibrarysite.org Luling Rajun Cajun Gumbo Throwdown Robstown [7–8] GCGMS Gem and Mineral Cookoff, (830) 875-3214, lulingmainstreet.com Show, (361) 877-5820, gcgms.org 20 12 Round Top [20–21] Herbal Forum, Denton [12–15] Texas Storytelling Festival, (979) 249-3129, festivalhill.org (940) 380-9320, tejasstorytelling.com Palestine [20–22, 27–29, April 3–5] Dogwood Trails Celebration, (903) 723-3014, 13 visitpalestine.com Lufkin [13–14] Needles in the Pines Quilt [20–22] Lexington Spring Show, (936) 422-9892 Lexington Antique Show and Sale, (979) 540-7026, facebook.com/angelkissesantiques

GOLIAD: J. GRIFFIS SMITH | TXDOT. AGATE: © HALILIN | DREAMSTIME.COM Tour an Historic School 35 thAnnual in Fredericksburg Sign Up for Our Monthly E-Newsletter Get links to our best content delivered to your inbox each month! Feature stories, recipe and photo contest winners, monthly giveaways—get it all in the TCP e-newsletter!

Upcoming Open Houses:     Jousting, Birds of Prey,  21 Stages of Renaissance Entertainment, 200 Shoppes, Artisan Demonstrations, Sign up today at Mermaid Lagoon & so much more! FOR MORE INFORMATION - Get Your Tickets On-Line – TODAY! Q Friends of the Gillespie County www.SRFestival.com Country Schools historicschools.org | 830.997.5116

40 Texas Co-op Power March 2015 TexasCoopPower.com Texas. For a complete listing, please visit TexasCoopPower.com/events.

West [21–22] Central Texas Ceramic Expo, Victoria [27–28] Quilt Guild of Greater 21 (254) 716-5227, westceramicshow.com Victoria Quilt Show, (281) 794-0068, Lakehills LUMC Annual Fish Fry and [21–22] Festival of the Arts, QuiltGuildVictoria.org Auction, (830) 751-2404, lakehillsumc.org Woodville (409) 283-2272, heritage-village.org Woodville [27–28, April 4] Western Gonzales Master Gardeners’ Spring [21–22, 28–29] Bunkhouse Weekend, (409) 283-2632, Plant Sale, (830) 672-2953, Cypress Mill Gallery Fine Art Show and Sale, tylercountydogwoodfestival.org gonzalesmastergardeners.org (512) 517-3453, wenmohsranch.com Jasper [21–22] Jasper Airshow, 28 (409) 384-2626, jasperairshow.net Quitman Texas Master Gardeners Wood 22 County Spring Conference, (817) 455-4599 San Patricio [21–22] World Championship Groesbeck [22, 25–28] Limestone Rattlesnake Races, (361) 547-5561, County Fair and Youth Livestock Show, Waxahachie Fort Worth Symphony wcrattlesnakeraces.com (254) 729-3712, limestone-co-fair-grounds.com Orchestra, (972) 938-1181, waxahachiesymphony.org

March 21–22 26 Jasper Priddy [26–28] Melody Oaks Ranch Spring Jasper Airshow Cookoff and Tractor Pull, (325) 330-0336, April melodyoaksranch.com Beaumont [26–April 5] South Texas State 4 Fair, (409) 832-9991, ymbl.org Comanche Comanche-Wide Garage Sale, Warrenton [26–April 5] Warrenton (325) 356-3233, comanchechamber.org Antique Show and Sale, (979) 249-3141, warrentonantiques-renckhall.com Submit Your Event! We pick events for the magazine directly from 27 TexasCoopPower.com. Submit your event for [27–28] Quilt and Stitchery Georgetown May by March 10, and it just might be featured Show, (512) 658-6973, handcraftsunlimited.com in this calendar!

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TexasCoopPower.com March 2015 Texas Co-op Power 41 Hit the Road A Jaunt to Junction Experience the allure of this Hill Country town, either as a destination or a cross-state stopover

BY MELISSA GASKILL

Named for the nearby intersection of the north and south forks of the Llano River, Junction is a laid-back town that entertains travelers as a worthy destina- tion itself or as a welcome stopover on a trip across Texas. One of the area’s jewels is South Llano River State Park, which offers RV camping and a walk-in tent campground that helps create a car-free experience of camping as it was meant to be. Swim, fish or tube on the river for an afternoon, but much of the river bottom is closed from October through March to protect roosting turkeys. Devil’s Sinkhole is home to millions That limits river access for swimming to a of bats from spring to fall. bridge area near the park entrance, but canoes and kayaks are permitted on the water during the turkey roosting season. traveled road between San Antonio and El way to gobble a collective 30 tons of insects. If you decide on canoeing or kayaking, Paso. The military withdrew from Fort Tours begin at the Rocksprings Visitors local outfitter South Llano River Canoes & McKavett in 1883, but many structures Center and make the 16-mile drive to the Kayaks rents boats and will transport you survived. Peruse the visitors center’s site by car convoy. Make reservations. 6.2 miles upriver to start the three- to account of the fort’s history and then amble Back in Junction, consider Cooper’s BBQ four-hour adventure that ends at the com- through a self-guided walking tour of the just north of Interstate 10 on North Main pany headquarters about a mile south of restored buildings and ruins surrounding Street for lunch or dinner. Cooper’s serves the park. Along the way, cast for perch and the spacious parade ground. A well-marked smoked pork chops, ribs, turkey, chicken bass, navigate the occasional mild rapid, trail leads you the short distance into a and brisket, all prepared daily in outdoor or just drift along beneath the overhead wooded valley where springs feed the pits. Picnic tables under the sprawling oak canopy of oaks and pecans. headwaters of the San Saba River (also a tree out back invite you to feast on the Fall and winter offer ideal weather for a great kayaking destination). meat, sides, homemade sauces and cobbler short stroll or a longer hike, and more than Plan a 50-minute trip south from outside. Another proven dining option is 20 miles of trails meander through the park Junction to Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, Isaack’s Restaurant on Main Street, open and the adjacent 2,630-acre wildlife man- the site of what is believed to be Texas’ since 1950 and serving breakfast all day agement area. Most of the trails also are largest single-chamber cave. Best known along with seafood, chicken-fried steak, open to mountain biking. For a more sedate for morning and evening bat tours May to catfish and steaks. experience of the park’s natural beauty, sit October, Devil’s Sinkhole is worth a day Noncampers can consider Schuster Ranch, in one of the comfy bird blinds overlooking tour anytime. Tours take place Wednesday which has two cabins overlooking a wooded wildlife watering and feeding stations. through Sunday and include panoramic creek, perfect for birding, stargazing or Birds frequent these sites most of the day, views of the surrounding Hill Country, relaxing around the fire pit. Or chill out at although morning and evening consistently guided hikes, two bird blinds for spot- spacious Cool River Cabin on the peaceful offer the best viewing. Expect to see fly- ting golden-cheeked warblers and black- grounds of Native American Seed Company just catchers, swallows, wrens, warblers, hawks capped vireos, and the overlook above a short walk from the river. and hummingbirds. Laminated photos the 360-foot sinkhole. Melissa Gaskill is an Austin writer who spe- and guidebooks in the blinds will help you Upwards of 3 million Mexican free- cializes in nature topics. identify the birds you see. tailed bats arrive here in spring from their At nearby Fort McKavett, you’ll find winter home in Mexico. It takes nearly an WEB EXTRAS at TexasCoopPower.com evidence of the chain of military posts hour for all of these flying mammals to . You’ll find details about lodging, dining,

built in the mid-1800s to protect the much- spiral up out of the cave each night on their historic sites and maps. PARENT LAURENCE

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