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2013 - I'm Back!

I realize it has been quite a while since I posted.  The end of 2011 and the entire year of 2012 was a combination of overwhelming events, a herculean work load, and no travel. Which resulted in  no time for writing and sharing my passion for travel.  Anyway, that is what I thought.   As I reflect on that thought, I realize there was much travel, just closer to home, and mostly for research into my New Braunfels heritage.  Knowing that sounds dry as toast - don't stop reading.  It gets better....

Our huge project completion brings New Braunfels Cultural Heritage to life through video with the New Braunfels Footprints in Time project (1st phase).  If you are from around town you will recognize many characters as "locals"  and of course, the locations are in down town.  Now, the interesting tidbits are nestled in the videos themselves; ghosts, bootleg tunnels, dicey doctorin', and more. I won't give the juiciest morsels away, you need to watch the videos.  Or better yet, head off downtown to do the tour - remember your headphones so that the road noise doesn't interrupt your viewing pleasure.        

Cheers to 2013!  Hey, how about sending me your "Travel Call" stories?!  

Never too old to show your Texas high school spirit!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Yes we still have youth showing livestock at the comal county fair.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Shoebox floats prudly displayed by New Braunfels kindergarteners at the oldest county fair in Texas.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

NB Farm to Market voted Number 1 in Texas!

We are at HIT!  New Braunfels Farm to Market voted Number 1 in Texas by American Farmland Trust Contest. 

We frequent the market for the fresh produce and Chloe's Peanut Butter Dog Treats.   


See you at the Market!  Cheers!     

Football, Loyalty, and Royalty

As I read my September Southern Living, a big grin takes over my day.  In the "Pride of Place" article,  the Tuohy's (who inspired Sandra Bullock's character in the Blind Side) remind me it is the start football season and for Texas that has a lot to do with High School Football as well as College.

I never considered high school football as part of my tourism adventure but come to think of it - there was much to be absorbed. Traveling to cities across Texas during football season is one way the change of seasons is heralded. For many the change of seasons means fall colors,  for me it means sportin' a different set of hues. It is always wonderful to look up into the stands and have a sea of royal blue greet me. Over the course of many years and many different kids and grandkids,  I estimate my folks put over 7200 miles on that old pop up Volkswagen Van.

Most of the time my family suited up in Royal Blue but I do remember when two grandsons were at two different schools. This led to my Mom's "Griswald" construction of taking two sweatshirts - one red - one blue - and splitting them down the middle, and sewing the opposing colors together for one sweatshirt.  Equitable support was given for the red and blue because you must always find a way to being your support!    

Now, Most of the mascots in Texas have to do with the wildlife native to the area; so how did we get to be the fighting Unicorns? Here is my theory:  The Great  (Royal) Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hanover and the House of Hanover in 1837.  Here is where I find the proud and noble beast, the Unicorn.  

You see New Braunfels was founded by Prince Karl Solms- Braunfels and his mother was, Her Majesty Queen Frederica of Hanover from 1837-1841.

We really are the City of a Prince, and our high school mascot embodies that royal lineage.

With that I will leave all high school football fans with one thought. Sportin' your colors not only shows loyalty but is sometimes a nod to royalty.

On New Braunfels, On New Braunfels....

"I will always love New Braunfels, it has a big place in my heart."

I ran across a unique posting online and loved it.  http://www.txgenweb2.org/txcomal/scan/Pictures.html

What struck me was that so many, including myself are passionate about this area of Texas.  My mom once told me it just sort of seeps into your soul. 

I hope that you enjoy the link and there are some great photographs. 

 I have and will always love New Braunfels, its rivers, all have a huge place in my heart.

New Braunfels Singer selected off You Tube for America's Got Talent ! Watch tonight to see if he goes on and then we got to support him in the next round.

Alert!  New Braunfels Musician on National TV tonight to see if he goes through to the next round! 

 

NBGal Judy Young

Check this video out -- Kevin Colis from New Braunfels, Texas - America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE, YouTube http://t.co/W3plsFF via @youtube

 

He owns Harmony Sweet music venue in New Braunfels for youth under 18. 

 

Rock on!

 

Judy

 

 

 

 

Pork Chop on a Stick Anyone?

Get ready for everything on a stick... sausage, turkey legs, pork chops, shrimp, sausage balls, etc....

The most recent edition of the Texas Highways Magazine  has an article called "fests Up" and while they chose some wonderful Texas festivals; they seemed to have left out the best - in my totally biased opinion.
So get those smart phones out, open those outlook and icalendars, add the dates of your "favs" and relish he approach of fall. 

First, lets establish that there is live music in New Braunfels 7 days a week and this fall is no exception. 

Next lets talk about some of our bigger festivals:

September more than football kicks off - It's Comal County Fair time!  The oldest continually operating County Fair in Texas.   September 21-25

Gruene Market Days is every Third weekend of the month with a special date for the Christmas Market Days.   Get your Cowboy Kringle on y'all!    

Every Saturday you can find fresh produce and treats while you're visiting at the Farm to Market in downtown New Braunfels.

October 7, 8, & 9 are the 25th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest.  Get your groove on for a good cause and some tastings!  

October 22nd and 23rd is the 19th Annual Texas Clayfest in Historic Gruene.  

November 4 through the 13th is the grandaddy of all festivals - Wurstfest - a 10 day salute to sausage.  http://www.wurstfest.com/

November 5 is the 28th Annual  Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic in Gruene Historic District.

Weihnachtsmarkt - German Christmas Market get the holiday season started November 17 - 20.   http://www.sophienburg.com/weihnachtsmarkt

That should give you enough to chew on for a while ... see you in New Braunfels, Texas this fall.

To see the full calendar of events go to www.nbjumpin.com.

The Herr Schmidt and the Mexican Hat Dance

The Herr Schmidt  and the Mexican Hat Dance marry two cultures with very similar styles of celebrations.


I acknowledge this having never realized that Melitta Freuh, my stern elementary school music teacher, embraced and taught multi-cultural curriculum far ahead of her time at our little school by Landa Park. She seemed a little scary to a 6 year old; but wow, 40 years later, I still remember every dance, every song she ever taught us. By the time the Fair or Wurstfest rolled around we were well tuned ambassadors of multi cultural folk dance and song. Visitors marveled at how engaged our youth were at our events. Now there are volunteers that enable our youth to “get it” and have fun. You can find one of those, Mrs. Schwab, teaching Kinder Tanzen every year. Find your step and embrace your own community – sign up, show up, and participate!

There is Water in the Guadalupe River!

This video was shot on July 22nd, see you can certainly float the Guad! 

Have Fun, Float Safe, Don't Make Waves.  River Rules Below...

    

Tubenbach Will Open Any Day Now at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

Yes, we have all waited for the new, fantastic ride at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels to open.  Well, you can only find out by following the Schlitterblog or Schlittertweet or this blog, of course . Here is the final update on the Falls prior to opening. 

    See you at the New Braunfels Schlitterbahn - the original - the best Schlitterbahn!

I Love New Braunfels!

Here I am in New Orleans at classes for destination marketing executives and two of my classmates, one from Oklahoma and one from North Carolina, introduced themselves with a testimonial about how they or their families love New Braunfels.

My colleague from Oklahoma enjoyed stories about New Braunfels from her grandmother. Her grandmother loved coming to NB and enjoying the river, food, and especially the people.

Even though it had been 15 years since my North Carolina colleague had visited NB she could recall floating the Guadalupe River, Schlitterbahn, dining at the Gristmill, Gruene Historic District, and Gruene Hall. WOW! That is great recall, we must have made quite an impression.

Lindheimer, Phoenix, Costumes - Action!

Lindheimer (actor) at the Lindheimer Home

We began shooting last week for the much anticipated Cultural Heritage video tour.  This follows the meeting last week to finish up the new Cultural Heritage brochure.

We shot at the Lindheimer mural, then at the Lindheimer home, and at Conservation Plaza.

We also shot at the Phoenix.  

These will be our two pilot videos and we will see how it goes and how the content is received.  You will be able to access online and on any smart phone or pad device.  They will be short, interesting, and informative. 
Lots of folks want to know more about the guy on the mural at Naegelin's Bakery and this project should do it. 

Challenges have included noises from traffic, diesel engines, and motorcycles.

(Actually one charming motorcyclist purposely gunned his engine when he saw us shooting.)

Getting ready to shoot at the Phoenix

Anyway, back to the task at hand.  Our friends at Smiling Eyes in Gruene loaned us period costumes and we are eternally grateful.  The New Braunfels Conservation Society has been more than gracious by providing access to their facilities that make the perfect setting.  The Sophienburg Museum has been gracious with their information and photo archives.  Heritage Plaza ultimately was the best location for the horseback Lindheimer shot.  Thanks so much to the family that came and helped us with their fabulous horses. 

So, if you see us shooting - wave - don't honk.

Respect and Honor

Living in New Braunfels has many great things about it... the best is the people. Today our community lifts up and holds in their hearts the family of Lance Cpl. John Farias. He served us proudly. As my neighbors and friends lined the path for our fallen son, I think of the price of freedom. Freedom rings because of those who willingly provide service above self. Those families that support that path and honor that choice deserve our prayers and respect.

Thank you New Braunfels for still being a patriotic, compassionate, respectful small town.

“From the virgin prairie, they built a town but their spirit filled it with life. Their traditions, costumes, mores and beliefs imbued it with faith, pride, industry, and laughter. We are what we are, today, because of them.
Let us carry on their spirit!” Everett Anthony Fey

I love this quote from Mr. Fey.  He has written many books but I have really enjoyed the New Braunfels: The First Founders, Volumes I and II that can be purchased at Sophie's shop at the Sophienburg Museum. 
You can also immerse yourself in the settlers journey to Texas at the http://www.sophienburg.com/.


Take the journey to Texas at the Sophienburg Museum with Prince Carl and his group of German colonists in 1845. Follow them as they endure a two-month ocean voyage in the cargo hold of an immigrant ship and make their way into Central Texas. Admire their courage and determination to establish a new colony at the edge of Indian Territory. Live their dream of freedom, adventure and prosperity.

Never to Old for Cut Outs - Lighten Up!

 Let me reintroduce my dad - Thomas.  He passed away a few years ago but he left me with so much great material; you will see him frequently. 

There wasn't anything he wasn't game to try at home or on vacation.  He was never too embarrassed to wear the funny hats with me, touch rather icky animals, ride the teacups, or peel out in our Volkswagen pop up camper to avoid the rhino spearing us at Lion Country Safari.

As father's day approaches, I will think of him and the greatest gift he ever gave me - the experience of  "peanut butter" style travel.  Nothing fancy - always fun! 

Find a way to travel . You and yours will cherish all of it!

Thanks Pop!

Hunters, Gatherers, Keepers

Recently as I was trying to track down my Octogenarian mom; she was obviously out and about. I discovered her with her sister and my cousins making a day of it at Round Top. She was "treasure" hunting in "paradise". Now, part of those quests always include "the mouse". Having grown up thinking that all telephones were Mickey Mouse and that all toast had Mickey's head burnt into it as the toaster played "Who's the Leader of the Band" - I think this is normal. The entire brood; adopted, inherited,  or otherwise are naturally on the look out for additional "finds" to add to her collection.

The two sisters crack me up!  One day I go by her house and WHAM there are two giant curio cabinets they had found at a garage sale in the living room.  Thought: how did they get them home and in the house?  Well, of course, the nice young man at the garage sale they bought them from delivered them.   

She is a woman of serious patience.  My dad had to practically drag her out of the Diamond Mine in Arkansas and she was not a happy camper.  She can walk the beaches for hours in search of the perfect shell.  We have gathered  rocks and fossils from all over the country.  Some of us are hunters, some of us are gatherers, and some of us are keepers.  She is all three.  



http://www.chickendancesisters.com/

Long and short of it -  if there is a market days, flea market, antique show, festival ,etc... in Texas keep your eyes open for her, she will have a list, be ready to haggle, she might have on face paint and/or a funky hat, and if you make eye contact - you just might be delivering to New Braunfels, Texas.