" Mom since it is going to freeze, can we go swimming?"

You know you have raised your kid right when she asks, " Mom, since it is going to freeze tomorrow... can we go swimming?"  That's right, make momma proud.  If the water in the Comal River is 73 degrees year round, that makes it Texas largest natural hot tub.  My family has always swam either on New Year's Day or in January to "wash" last year away and usher in a "clean" slate.  My mom is the die hard. (So don't wimp out and let the Octogenarian show you up!)  You may see us in Robes, toboggan hats, snow boots, with the car running, dash down to the river and make our annual pilgrimage.  It is much easier than any resolution follow through and those are one of a kind family memories.   

A trip to the Caverns is a great winter activity - it is 70 plus degrees in there as well.  Make sure you branch out and take the Jeremy Room tour.  There are one of kind formations there.   The one I remember best are the cave turnips. 

Speaking of food, get it - turnips?  Did you know that Dry Comal Creek Winery does wine pairing with soup one Saturday in January, February, and March?  Make your reservations early. 

For those more adventurous souls there is the Texas Ski Ranch Freeze Ride in February. Will we see the daring and talented local wake boarder, Mr. Shepherd, take on the challenge?   Although you won't see us in the water, you can catch the action upstairs at the Coconut having great snacks and beverages from the deck that overlooks the brave. 

Another great adventure is a stroll through Landa Park with the "smoke on the water" spiraling around you.  I wonder what the Native Americans, explorers, and early founding fathers thought that first winter they encountered the steam coming off the river?  Would have been worth seeing the looks on their faces.

There are great fireplace dining options at Huisache, Gruene River Grill, and Gristmill.  Great old cast iron stove Gemütlichkeit can be found in Gruene Hall and the Bar at the Gristmill.  Don't forget the home of Gebhardt Chili Powder - the Phoenix Saloon , they serve up - what I am told - is killer Chili.  Maybe my New Year's resolution will be to try every chili and local soup nosh in New Braunfels!  Now, that is one I might actually keep.

Don't let the cold weather give you cabin fever - get out - soak up New Braunfels with a little steam!

    

New Year, Vintage Memories, Travel Calls

It is another "smoke on the water" morning in New Braunfels, Texas.  As I drove to work this morning I was greeted by a vintage Volkswagen "pop up" van.  I flashed back to my Dad's love of our own VW camper.  He proudly drove us all over the country in that "statement" vehicle. Coupled with my mom's amazing ability to feed everyone for pennies and her warm smile that enabled the ability for the thriftiest of trips to seem like a luxury cruise.  Her amazing knack for having everything needed in that van or in her purse.   You know she really is a combination of Mary Poppins, Hints from Heloise, and Florence Nightingale.   (She also taught me, don't be afraid to wear neon green after Labor Day and/or when you are approaching 80.) 

My Mom and Dad worked very hard all their lives.  They lived through the depression, several wars, served in the military,  and served our country, each in their own way.  They treasured every moment they could by taking us on the road as much as they could possibly afford.  Now, we didn't stay in hotels or eat out much.  There were no spas or fancy restaurants on our "trip tik".  There were picnics at roadside parks, swimming at the KOA campgrounds, and sweating/freezing in that old Volkswagen camper at night - sometimes while the wind threatened to overturn us.  My brothers fondly remember a huge station wagon and camping prior to the "pop up" advancement.

Here are few of my parents Travel Tips: 

Don't be afraid to wear matching outfits.

Be sure to always wear embarrassing hats. 

Always bring your own Toilet Paper.

Pantyhose can sub for a fan belt in a pinch.

CB radios still work.

Feed anyone that shows up at your campsite.
Always stop to help a lady stranded on the road.
Festival food is a special food group.

Duct Tape, Pepto, Zip Locks, WD 40. (nuff said)
Boy Scout/Girl Scout/Sporting events count as vacation.
Garage Sales can be considered an attraction.
                                                                        
As I watch the gas prices steadily increase, I want to remind everyone that Texas is a BIG state.  Remember we have been around a long time and can secede if we want.   We have our own natural wonders, State Parks, oldest, biggest, and weirdest attractions/festivals.  This year think about seeing Texas first!  We have warm water, cold water, fast rivers, slow rivers, great beaches, beautiful lakes, amazing geological formations, wildlife, wildflowers, and locally grown produce;  that all depend on Texas waterways to flourish.   If you really want to explore on a budget, start in your own backyard.  This summer we found arrowheads in Landa Park, looked up ancestors at the Sophienburg Museum, Caught the ledge at Warnecke's, shot pool at Gruene Hall, hung out on River Road, fed Zebras at the Wildlife Ranch,  viewed cave turnips at Natural Bridge Caverns, dared to fly on the Skycoaster at the Bahn, identified over 30 birds in the Park, and fished our Boston Terrier out of the river while she was perusing the ducks.  This summer - maybe we will learn how to wake board without a boat?  Right here in New Braunfels, Texas.

Vintage 1980's photo from our annual family reunion week at Potter's Creek at Canyon Lake and yes, we - the "Griswalds"  -- kept this old boat in our backyard! 

Get in your car and GO! Your kids don't care how or where - they will learn more than any classroom; especially if your Dad makes you stop at every historical marker to listen to him read it to you and asks questions about it the rest of the trip.

TRAVEL - the only education that connects people and builds family memories to last a lifetime!

I'll see you on the road in 2011 --- Look for the "Griswalds" and  remember the steering wheel wave!

Cailey and Judy

The "Griswalds" have arrived at Downtown Lighting in New Braunfels, Texas.
Don't miss all the other great holiday events - www.nbjumpin.com

50th festival of WURSTFEST!

October 29th through November 7th come and celebrate the 50th festival of Wurstfest!

Know anyone that was there  at the beginning or that celebrates and Anniversary of Wurstfest?  Submit your stories and photos at http://www.newbraunfelsstories.com/ to have a chance to win season passes for 4 to Schlitterbahn for the 2011 season!  Post Photos all festival!

For our family this is a generational outing.  My mom, Gene "Mom"  Watson and her sister Wanda "Aunt BB" Silkwood,  sell beer tickets inside the Wursthalle.  My daughter will be dancing at the festival and I will be working.  My husband will be in charge of drink tickets and hats!  For my mom I believe this will be her 39th or 40th year to do so.... they dress everyday in the "appropriate" attire (at their own expense) and usually match each other.  She keeps track of the number of chicken dances played inside the hall on the posts of her booth.  There are years of them up there. Stop by, say Hi!  If you are lucky enough to work the bar behind her booth, you usually enjoy some homemade "Mom Watson" treats several times during the festival. If she is not in "her booth" she can usually be found waiting in line for Smokehouse bread pudding or Republican Women fried pickles.  They work open to close everyday and have legions of fans!  Come the last Saturday, they are a little pooped, but will still be smiling and doing their version of the "chair chicken dance". 

This year with Halloween falling during the festival - our family trick or treating costumes will give a nod to the heritage of the festival with German dirndls and lederhosen.   Maybe your family might get on board as well.  we will be at the festival as well.  Don't miss the Kinderchor and the KinderTanzer groups.  Many of us growing up had Mrs. Frueh teach us all the Mexican and German folk dances and songs in elementary school - do they still do that?  If not - why not!          

Our neighborhood will be at the festival in force!  We walk over and back and occasionally manage to park our golf cart close.  Don't forget the Schlitterbahn Wurstfest Shuttle and the Rockin R Wurstfest shuttle. 

For me, I will be in the potato pancake booth working for my Rotary Club - we are getting better at the process and NO there is NO way to make them faster.  So get a pitcher, get in line, and relax!



On to the festivities:   http://www.wurstfest.com/2010schedule.htm

Above is the entertainment calendar for performances at the festival and here is a small list of the other events that will be going on during the fest -

  Other Events - first weekend. 


7:00 am - 7:00 pm The Wurst Craft Show & Sale in Texas/New Braunfels Utilities Parking Lot

8:00 am Wurst 5 Mile Run/Landa Park Dance Slab

8:00 am Wurstfest Walkfest/Schlitterbahn Employee Café

8:00 am Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic-Recreational Tour/Gruene Hall

9:30 am Wurstfest Skat Tournament – International Rules/Landa Haus

11:00 am - 10:00 pm Kunsthalle (Arts & Crafts)/Knights of Columbus Hall across from Wurstfest Gate #1

11:30 am - 4:00 pm Annual Wurstfest Regatta I – Board boats & Centerboards/Canyon Lake

2:00 pm Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic-Individual Time Trial/Gruene Hall

4:00 pm & 7:30 pm Old Time Melodrama – “Harry Potwurst and the Order of Opas”/Circle Arts Theatre

Crisp, Cool, Wonderful Fall

The Texas Hill Country got a great cool snap this week; which puts me in the mood for all of the coming  "fests" ! 

October brings us live music, wine tasting, pottery, and all things "on a stick" kind of festivals!  Beginning this weekend with Artoberfest.  I love this title - this month of great art will be the 45th Annual.  This show is juried, regional, fine art show and can be found at the New Braunfels Art League in Downtown New Braunfels.     The complete October calendar is available online and in brochure format at the New Braunfels Chamber office, the Highway Visitor Center, and many other locations throughout town.  

An interesting new twist for fall is set at the Brauntex Theatre -  The 2nd Annual Texandance International Film Festival sponsored by the New Braunfel's Film Commission at the historic Brauntex Theatre will take place October 1-3, 2010. The festival will begin for ticket holders at the Huisache Grill on October 1st at 5 pm. Film Happens...   By the way did you know that the New Braunfels Chamber CVB is also the New Braunfels Film Commission.  Typical of the German work ethic... we do more with less people and try to do it really well.  Check out this film festival.... in New Braunfels.

Gruene Music and Wine Fest follow the weekend of October 7-10.  Yes there is an extra day of festivities this year.  Get your tickets online and plan to soak up a great time for a great cause!  United Way of Comal County.   Live music, wine tasting, shopping, dining, and a beer tasting on Sunday with a great big screen and football!  This same weekend also beings 1000's of cyclists to New Braunfels as we host for the second year the MS Ride to the River.  This event raises funds to fight Multiple Sclerosis.  Now, if you are like me and can't find my courage to wear those little cycling shorts you can still support the event by volunteering.  Catch  all the action at  http://www.facebook.com/bikemsalamoridetotheriver.

Okay, this is a new one, even for me.... Dungeness Crab Pick!  Oct. 16 - Come enjoy Fresh Dungeness Crab flown in overnight from the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest, along with Sour Dough Bread, European Butter, and homemade Chocolate Truffles paired of course, with the Texas Style wines from Dry Comal Creek Vineyards. This meal is not for the faint hearted. You will be required to work at crushing and cracking the crustaceans. Your utensils will be mallets, crackers, picks and bibs, but your reward will be the delicately sweet meat of the Dungeness Crab. This is a casual feast full of whimsical fun. Go to: http://www.drycomalcreek.com/event-crab-pick.html for more details and to sign up.

Then one of my kiddo's favorites- Texas Clay Fest in Gruene!  I have been taking my family to this event for many years and have great photos and clay creations that my child has made over the years. Not many events have the opportunity for kids to dive in with both hands and experience the art of creativity while the folks enjoy artists with extreme talent displaying their beauties and demonstrating for those that are eager to understand the method.  Jump In!

I am worn out and we have just begun.  The grand fest is to follow....   

" Perseverance with Purpose"

The title of today's post is from Everett Fey and I found it in his books New Braunfels: The First Founders.

As we get ready to present the CVB Cultural Heritage project to City Council today, I am reminded of that description and how we apply this statement everyday.  Sometimes projects feel like walking in quicksand, sometimes that quicksand weighs us down for years.  But through "perseverance with purpose" we are finally there, 4 years later on the edge of a fantastic project.  A brochure, micro site, and text back/video activated walking tour for smart phones of all the great things that make New Braunfels special.

If you are from here and not a recent residence you are so use to living in our founder's footsteps that we rarely acknowledge their sensational contributions to our community.  Those hardy folks really rocked it in those first 20 years.  They had a plan - they worked really, really hard and they played hard.  They took care of each other and provided for those less fortunate.  Did you know that by 1910 there were over 176 non profits in our county?  Today there are over 470?  So it appears, we get it!  It is not about what you do, but how you do it, and what imprint you leave.

We found some great images in our lengthy research process.  One of my favorites is of a guy that built the first paddle boat in New Braunfels.  It is genius!  Now here is where I bet you would like to see these images.... well we are not giving anything away.  If you have some images or great stories load them at http://www.newbraunfelsstories.com/ and be a part of the project.  You will see it all come to life in the next few months.

As we weave the traditions of our founders into our daily life -- remember, live music of today is spawned from the musical and singing societies of the 1850's, live theater of today was spawned from those theatrical societies of our ancestors.  The farming and ranching societies of the 1850's launched great youth programs and the oldest County Fair in Texas. The athletic societies of then support outstanding school athletics today. 
You name it, they did it - festivals, celebrations, fundraising, farmer's markets, entertainment halls, live music, theatres, public school, craftsmanship competition, and the oldest running shooting society in Texas.

It goes on and on......

Our founders footsteps haven't faded, you just might not be able to see them, because we are still walking in them.
      

Holiday Weekend

Sitting on the front porch this beautiful morning, life is pretty darn good.  The golfers at Landa seem to be on their game this morning and the sound of solid contact off the tee box punctuates the air.  Landa Golf Course is situated in the heart of New Braunfels with the Comal River meandering around it.  It is one of the most popular "muni" courses in Texas.

Other sounds that permeate the air are joggers, walkers, cyclist as they go about their morning routines.  Our neighborhood is the primary area for these folks to extend their routes beyond the jog path in Landa Park.  The Schlitterbahn kids are all making their way to work to get ready for a great day at the "bahn".  Coming back from church there was a line out the door at Naegelin's Bakery downtown.

All is right with the world.  Settling into this post with my coffee, I watch out of the corner of my eye as a little boy and mom try to master the art of riding a bike without training wheels.

That's a Sunday morning from my little spot in New Braunfels, Texas.

Just had to add this - after I posted this .... the mosquito sound of a little scooter grabbed my attention.  Around the corner came a rather salty character in his shorts, flip flops, and fishing shirt tootling along with his prissy, shaggy, cute little dog  in the basket on the front of his scooter -  really - I can't make this stuff up.

Cheers.