Stonewall Ranch Reporter
S tonewall R anch News for the Residents of Stonewall Ranch
Reporter
May 2009
Volume 1, Issue 3
Recent Rains a Boom for Wildflowers, Especially Hardier, Late Bloomers Cooler-than-average temperatures and rain in recent weeks should help bluebonnet blooms last longer while boosting the flowering of late spring bloomers, according to a University of Texas at Austin expert at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “The rain has an immediate effect on wildflowers blooming early in the season,” said Damon Waitt, the center’s senior botanist. “It also helps with the growth of plants such as Indian blanket that are preparing for a late spring and summer showcase.” The rains in Austin and elsewhere have not yet been enough to dispel the drought that has plagued Central Texas. But pockets of early bloomers such as bluebonnets received enough moisture to put on good shows in some traditional strongholds, such as west of La Grange along Highway 71 in Fayette County, and northeast of there on Highway 105 between Navasota and Montgomery. Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush are also plentiful off Interstate 45 east of Bristol in Ellis County. Meanwhile, east of San Antonio, good sightings have been made by center staff of Engelmann’s daisy, Texas ragwort, Drummond’s phlox and other early spring bloomers along Highway 123 south of Seguin and Highway 80 north of Nixon. Rain lilies have been sparse near San Antonio due to the infrequent rains, and pink evening primrose hasn’t had the banner year in some places that it did last year. But late spring bloomers look to be luckier. As a result of temperatures and other conditions that benefit their growing season, the upcoming winners will likely include black-eyed Susan, Mexican hat, Indian blanket and plains coreopsis. Like all other native plants, though, seasonal wildflowers have more to overcome than just the drought. “They’re also being challenged by invasive plant species like turnip weed, or bastard cabbage,” Waitt said, noting that he’s spotted large infestations of the Mediterranean invader with highlighter-yellow flowers along most major roadways in Austin. “Certain exotic plants are a concern because they displace plants that naturally occur in Texas without providing ideal wildlife habitat and other benefits of native vegetation.” Waitt is acting board president for the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council. His hobbies include knocking the flower heads off bastard cabbage whenever he encounters them on quiet stretches of roadway. He also oversees the Invaders of Texas Citizen Science program
Photos by Bruce Leander. View in the color pdf online at www.peelinc.com.
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Stonewall Ranch Reporter - May 2009
Stonewall Ranch Reporter Recent Rains a Boom for Wildflowers - (Continued from Cover)
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mission statement The Stonewall Ranch Reporter, For Stonewall Ranch The mission of The Stonewall Ranch Reporter is to provide the Stonewall Ranch Community with one source of local news content that is written by Stonewall Ranch residents. Our goal is to help build the community by connecting local businesses with residents and residents with relevant neighborhood information.
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and a new program at the Wildflower Center called the Eradicators. Managed by staff members Travis Gallo and Carrie McDonald, the program teaches volunteers to identify and remove invasive plant species in Austin parks in collaboration with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about Eradicators and volunteer opportunities to remove invasive plant species, contact Gallo at tgallo@wildflower. org or 512-232-0116.
Dishin’ with…
Molly Fowler
Easy-to-grow herb ~ Mexican Mint Marigold ! Think you don’t have a green thumb? Mexican Mint Marigold (or Texas tarragon) is an easy-to-grow, beautiful, and tasty, perennial that is perfect for Texas gardens! The gentle anise flavor of the leaves and edible yellow flowers delight the eye and the palate. Use it as you would tarragon in any of your existing recipes, or try it in my Chicken Waldorf Salad. This makes the perfect summer salad – enjoy!
Chicken Waldorf Salad with Mexican Mint Marigold Dressing Serves 6 Chicken Salad: 4 (4-oz) Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced 2 Medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced 4 Green onions, sliced, including tops ½ Cup Dried cranberries or cherries ½ Cup Chopped celery ½ Cup Chopped pecans Dressing: ½ Cup Mayonnaise ½ Cup Sour cream 3 Tbsp Chopped Mexican mint marigold (or 3 Tbsp fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dried) 1 Tbsp Tarragon wine vinegar 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp Beau Monde seasoning (by Spice Island) Dash Tabasco Salt and pepper to taste Mix chicken salad ingredients in a bowl; toss gently to combine. In a separate bowl, stir dressing ingredients together. Combine dressing with salad, adding enough dressing to bind salad. Chill and serve on leaf lettuce.
Happy May! ~Molly, www.thediningdiva.com Stonewall Ranch Reporter - May 2009
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Stonewall Ranch Reporter Exceptional Service with Results! My creativity, persistence and integrity will give you peace of mind that I am the best person for your real estate needs.You can rest assured that I will work diligently to help you in any of your real estate transactions.
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Stonewall Ranch Reporter - May 2009
Stonewall Ranch Reporter
Texas Events - May 3—SAN ANTONIO: SAWS Garden Jazz Party & Plant Sale Get water-saving tips and facts on creating easy water-saver landscapes. Includes food and live jazz. San Antonio Botanical Garden. www. sabot.org 210/829-5100 9—BOERNE: Historic Homes Tour Enjoy a self-guided tour of six beautifully restored historic homes in and around Boerne. www. visitboerne.org 830/249-7277 9—KERRVILLE: Original Team Roping Youth Exhibit Center. www.otrc.net 806/499-3584 9—SAN ANTONIO: Kumamoto En Day Join the San Antonio Botanical Garden and the Japan America Society of San Antonio to celebrate Japanese culture with a variety of activities. San Antonio Botanical Garden. www.sabot.org 210/829-5100 9-10—BOERNE: Market Days Includes dozens of vendors from all over Texas, arts & crafts, antiques, collectibles, unusual items and great food. Main Plaza. www.mainstreetinboerne.com 830/2495530 or 210/844-8193 14—SAN ANTONIO: Splendor in the Garden Gala San Antonio Botanical Garden. www.sabot.org 210/829-5100 15—KERRVILLE: Bowfire This talented group of string players takes the audience on a musical journey that moves through jazz, classical, bluegrass, Celtic, rock, Gypsy, world, Texas swing, and Ottawa Valley/Cape Breton styles. Cailloux Theater. www.kpas. org 830/896-9393 15-Jun. 14—KERRVILLE: American Watercolor Society 142nd International Exhibition Traveling Show Features a collection of works from the 2009 International Exhibition. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 16—BOERNE: Art in the Park Focuses on immersion in art and nature. www.ciboloarts.org 16—SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival Relax on the banks of the San Marcos River and enjoy the sounds of Texas western swing legends under the starlit sky. San Marcos Plaza. www.toursanmarcos.com 888/200-5620 16—SEGUIN: MayFest Offers music, a maypole dance, demonstrations, climbing wall, games, free kids’ prizes and more. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sebastopol House State Historic Site. 830/379-4833 21—KERRVILLE: Heroes All Celebration commences with an F16 fly-by followed by an all-American meal. Includes an outdoor
Stonewall Ranch Reporter - May 2009
concert and fireworks. Bank of the Hills. www.bankofthehills. com 830/895-2265 21-Jun. 7—KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival International songwriter’s festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands. Includes concerts, arts & crafts, kid’s concerts and more. Quiet Valley Ranch. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com 830/257-3600 or 800/435-8429 21-Jun. 28—KERRVILLE: Annual Kerr County Camp Exhibit Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/8952911 21-Jul. 5—KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show Juried show features the works of artists from all over the United States. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/8952911 22—KERRVILLE: Wine & Beer Tasting Includes tastings, food, music and dancing. Begins at 6 p.m. River Star Arts & Events Center. www.tacef.com 830/896-5711 22-24—KERRVILLE: Quilt Guild’s Show “A Pigment of My Imagination” Includes quilts, wearable and fiber arts, boutique and vendors. Edington Gymnasium, Schreiner University. www. hillcountryquiltguild.com 830/257-2752 or 830/896-6522 22-24—KERRVILLE: Texas Masters of Fine Art & Craft Exhibits works by 20 professional artists and craftspeople from across Texas. Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel. 214/328-6382 23—KERRVILLE: Kerr Market Days Kerr County Courthouse. www.kerrmarketdays.org 830/895-7962 23-25—KERRVILLE: Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair Features the work of 200 Texas artists, Texas culinary arts exhibitors, art demonstrations and exhibitions, art activities for youth, entertainment and food. River Star Arts & Events Park. www.theartoftexas.com 830/896-5711 28-31—SAN ANTONIO: Shakespeare in the Park See Shakespeare’s characters and stories come to life with the beautiful botanical garden as a background. San Antonio Botanical Garden. www. sabot.org 210/829-5100 Texas Events has been published with the permission of the Texas Department of Transportation. All events are taken in part from the Texas Events Calendar. All dates for events were correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Stonewall Ranch Reporter Nominate Your Favorite Yard for The Manor Messenger Yard Of The Month
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[email protected]. Please include a photo if possible.
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Stonewall Ranch Reporter Women and Finance Submitted by Rich Keith
If you’ve not stopped to consider what your life could be like in retirement, consider these facts: Women live longer. The average life expectancy for baby girls in the U.S. is now 80 years old, compared to 75 for boys. Some estimates show more than one-third of America women will live to at least age 90, meaning today’s women will spend more time in retirement and need more resources. Women earn less. It’s a sad reality that women still earn 76 cents for every dollar a man makes. The average Social Security check for men and women reflects the disparity in income and working years: Women received $867 in December 2006, while men received $1,148. 30% of unmarried women 65 and older currently live on Social Security alone. Women take time off to care for others. Not only are women more likely to take time off to have and raise children, they are also more likely to interrupt their working years to care for ailing parents or other relatives. Seven out of ten unpaid caregivers are women, and more than 50% of caregivers modify their work status because of it. This includes working fewer hours or taking unpaid leaves of absence – all of which affect their career paths, contributions to retirement accounts and accumulated Social Security benefits. Women aren’t saving enough – if at all. Even though women will spend more years in retirement than men, women still lag behind in their retirement savings. According to new studies from the Employee benefit Research Institute, just 53% of women are currently saving for retirement, compared to 62% of men. And 37 of women are currently participating in a company 401(k) or other workplace plan, compared to 41% of men; and just 37% of women are likely to hold an IRA or other non-workplace retirement account, compared to 46% of men. Women are more likely to retire in poverty. For all of the reasons listed above, is it really a surprise that women are 71% more likely than men to live below the poverty line in retirement? It’s critical for women to have a plan. Women need to save more money than men because they cycle in and out of the workplace more often. Over 75% of women are widowed at an average age of 56, and 1 in 4 of these women are broke within two months of being widowed. What do you want your retirement years to look like? Do start now. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to reach your retirement goals. Time is a powerful key to achieving financial security. For more information or to reserve seats contact RKeith@ Primerica.com Rich Keith, (512) 266-8498. Source: Primerica Financial Services Inc. 2008
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