Texas is big, diverse, and home to an extraordinary amount of various businesses, foods, and production of all types of goods and services, but most people don’t think of Texas as being a major wine-producing part of the world. Well, pretty soon people just may have to start mentioning Texas in the same breath as France, California, Spain, and Italy. In fact, if the recent San Francisco International Wine Competition is any indication, South Texas wines may become the toast of the industry.

At the most recent competition, numerous vineyards from as near as the Hill Country to as far as East Texas, Lubbock and Galveston won medals in the competition while drawing rave reviews. But it really shouldn’t come as any surprise that Texas is finally getting on the map in this industry. With the climate that the state enjoys, mixed with the fertile ground and the passion of Texans for quality food and drink, the spread of vineyards to the state was inevitable. In fact, the Texas Hill Country’s roughly 15,000 square miles of growing area is the second largest wine-producing region in the country. This region is now producing a number of Bordeaux blends, merlots, cabernets, sangioveses, syrahs, tempranillos, and viogniers.

Naturally, summer is the best time of the year to explore this region, and the wineries sponsor the Harvest Wine Trail each year, where guests can come visit the vineyards and bodegas along the Trail, and sample what’s fermenting after the latest harvest. For $25, guests gain entry to each of the 22 wineries participating in the event. This year’s tour takes place on two weekends: August 17-19, and 24-26. Guests participating in the tours will be able to tour the wineries, enjoy different wines in the tasting rooms, and relax on the patios, overlooking the gorgeous Texas Wine Country.

Each participating winery has its own special activities planned for guests. The following are some of the participating wineries, and a taste of what presentations they will offer their guests.

o Dry Comal Creek Vineyards: Texas’ summers can be sweltering, so the owner invites guests to relax with a glass of wine under the “Big Ass Fan” and take a tour of the vines weighted down with ripe grapes.
o Becker Vineyards: “Stomp Me, Crush Me, Make Me Wine” is the winery’s annual grape crushing event, where guests are encouraged to participate and help out in this stage of production. The vineyards also present a panel discussion of all things wine.
o Driftwood Vinyards: Tastings, contests, and a chance to meet the owner for an autograph session will take place at Driftwood, and guests can enjoy a glass of wine on the beautiful patio.
o Fall Creek Vineyards: If you’ve never seen the “I Love Lucy” episode where Lucy and friends crush grapes, then this is your chance to see it, and participate in Fall Creek’s own version. The vineyard also offers a four-course lunch and extensive tour.
o Texas Hills Vineyard: This bodega offers their own grape stomp accompanied by Italian music, with a wine and cheese tasting to follow.
o Woodrose Winery: Offering a gourmet food menu to go along with the season’s wines, Woodrose invites guests to enjoy cheeses, spinach dip, Stonewall Peach Salsa, and other goodies on the patio or in the tasting room.

Although all the wineries offer tours and tastings throughout the year, the late summer harvest is the perfect occasion to come and see why Texas’ wines are becoming so popular and gaining the world’s attention.

Lady Bird Johnson: 12.22.12 - 07.11.07

Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, died last week of natural causes after years of health issues. The former First Lady, born Claudia Alta Taylor, was known throughout Texas and the United States as being a major architect for numerous beautification and conservation programs.  Lady Bird was also one of the most decorated First Ladies in the history of the United States, having been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1984.

Lady Bird grew up in Marshall, Texas, was born to a successful businessman, and a mother who died when Lady Bird was just five.  The future First Lady graduated from the University of Texas with two degrees - one in Arts and the other in Journalism - in a time when few women were expected to even attend college, let alone work.

Lady Bird met her future husband while both were working in Washington.  They went on exactly one date before the future president proposed marriage.  The couple was then wed in San Antonio at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Lady Bird was known to be an extremely reluctant public speaker, even going so far as to purposefully lower her grades in high school so as not to be named valedictorian and have to give a speech.  By marrying a man with a budding career in politics, though, she was eventually able to overcome her fear, and join her husband on the campaign trail, giving speeches of her own.

As First Lady, Mrs. Johnson pushed many beautification projects through, and was responsible for publicizing the Highway Beautification Act to limit billboards and plant vegetation along America’s highways.  She used her position to raise money for beautification programs in Washington, and at the age of 70 (in 1982), Lady Bird founded the National Wildflower Research Center outside Austin, which was later renamed in her honor.  Lady Bird was a true environmentalist, and a pioneer for the cause of conservation.

The later years of her life were troubled by sickness and health problems, yet she persevered.  Although she suffered a stroke in 1993 which eventually left her legally blind, the former First Lady still made occasional public appearances, even as recent as an announcement for renovation of her late husband’s library in October, 2006.  The last couple of years saw her in and out of hospitals, and though bound to a wheelchair, also made an appearance at the White House in 2005.

Lady Bird loved driving through Texas and seeing the wildflowers in bloom, which was one of the driving forces behind so many of her projects . . . wanting to make all the nation’s highways, as beautiful as those in her beloved Texas.

Leon Springs, Texas

Since its days as a stagecoach stop, Leon Springs has been a place for travelers to rest, have a great meal, and some entertainment, but these days, people are coming here and staying for good!  The town may have grown a bit since the old days, but it still possesses the rugged frontier charm and laid back lifestyle that drew people here in the first place.

Like much of Texas Hill Country, Leon Springs possesses quite a colorful history.  The town was founded by a variety of characters, such as John W. Smith, the last messenger sent out from the Alamo; John Meusebach, a German baron who helped make a lasting peace with the local Indians; and Max Aue, a retired Texas Ranger, who helped develop the town as a stagecoach stop, bringing the first commerce to the town.  Many of the buildings that these men and their families built are still in use today, giving the town a timeless, historical feel.

For nature enthusiasts, Leon Springs provides miles of parks, reserves, and protected land, ensuring that although the town may grow, the beauty and majesty of Texas Hill Country will be preserved.  Residents of Leon Springs can enjoy the peace and serenity of Friedrich Wilderness Park and its five miles of hiking trails, and thousands of species of animals that call the area home.

Leon Springs is famous in Texas for being home to the original Rudy’s Country Store and Barbeque.  These days, Rudy’s is known throughout the southwest, but the store started in 1929.  Rudy's features an array of smoked meats and a special sause that they ship around the world.  The town is also home to the Leon Springs Dancehall, another of the Hill Country’s famous landmarks.  The dancehall is a great place to come with friends and family for a favorite Texas meal of barbeque and beer, and to listen to local country bands perform live.

Located in Leon Springs is Camp Stanley, a logistics facility used for ammunition storage and testing, and Camp Bullis, utilized for firing ranges, maneuver areas for army, air force, and marine combat units, and for field training of the various security and medical units from Lackland AFB, Ft Sam Houston and Brook Army Medical Center. The total area includes over 26,000 acres. In addition to providing the all important military training facilities, much attention is dedicated to wildlife reservations.

Leon Springs offers residents peaceful, laid-back country living in a historical small town, located just ten miles outside of San Antonio.  Residents are able to relax, surrounded by the Texas Hill Country beauty, but also have all the amenities of the city just a short drive away.  Residents are pleased to call Leon Springs home, and one visit will show you why!

Cibolo Canyons: A Troubled Project Finally Gets Underway

UPDATE: Marriott Resort/PGA Village to open in January 22, 2010

The Marriott Resort: www.tpcsanantonio.com/ resort plans to fill 500-600 jobs and is staging a job fair that continues from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday on site. (December 11 - 12, 2009; 8-5)

Visit KSAT12 website for more information

Regardless of the environmental impact the project will or will not have, the financial implications are easier to predict, and are projected to have a dramatic economic impact on the area. The golf course and resort project is estimated to produce over 2,000 permanent jobs, 5,000 construction jobs, and over $1 billion in tax revenues over the next quarter century.

The JW Marriott hotel will be one of the largest in the San Antonio area, and will feature 138,000 square feet of meeting space, along with the most modern technology available. The hotel will also offer one main restaurant, and three others spread around the property. The hotel and resort will be just a 20 minute drive from the airport, and hopes are that having such an inclusive and comprehensive location available will draw more businesses and raise interest in the city, long known for being one of the top tourist destinations in Texas.

The resort will also feature a relaxing 26,000 square foot spa with 30 treatment rooms, complete fitness center, a series of pools with cascading water, and a restaurant. The design of the spa will attempt to balance the modernity of the building with the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

In the building and designing of the two golf courses, TPC San Antonio PGA Village has enlisted the design skills of Pete Dye and Greg Norman. The two courses, when completed, will feature 36 championship quality holes, set among the beautiful Hill Country environment. The courses will be set away from the residential areas, insuring a peaceful and serene setting for play. The course is scheduled to be finished in 2010, and soon after opening, hopes are that the course will join the other TCP courses across the nation in hosting PGA Tour events and tournaments. San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country possess a wonderful year-round climate, and some of the most stunning landscape in the United States, hopes are that the newest addition to the area, will help make San Antonio a top golfing destination.

Also being built is a 1,800 lot planned Cibolo Canyons home community, featuring upscale houses ranging from $200,000 to around $1 million. The San Antonio Home community, located just minutes away from San Antonio, will be a family-oriented place that will include a private water park, swimming pools, a lazy river, soccer field, hiking and biking trails, and a large community garden. The community will measure a total of 2,593 acres, and will be located just north of San Antonio. In addition to the building of the actual community, construction is also underway for a Cibolo Canyon Parkway to serve the completed area.

The community will have its own NEISD elementary and Lady Bird Johnson High School, and the surrounding green spaces and rugged terrain will be reflected in the styles of the houses, and the entire development’s design made to blend with the beauty of the surrounding Hill Country.

Superior Quality of Life in Wilson County Texas

Floresville Texas is the county seat of Wilson County and named after rancher Don Francisco Flores de Abrego who established his ranch north of town in 1832. A land rich in history which got its start from ranching and to this day is one of the best rural places to live and a great place to call home.

From the gentle rolling hills to the huge oaks with a mild year round climate. The common sandy soils are well suited for a variety of farming and ranching operation including the production of peanuts. Wilson County produces over 30 million pounds of peanuts per year. One of the most popular festivals is the Peanut Festival held each year during the second week of October in Floresville. In the springtime you may enjoy fields of wildflowers, the Texas Bluebonnets to the Indian Paint Brush to the Siberian Wallflowers.

Located just south of the hustle and bustle of big city life in San Antonio. The county’s small-town size and laid back attitudes may fool you, but don’t let it… this rural county meets modern day with all the expected conveniences. There is plenty of the rural atmosphere to go around, plus less congestion and cleaner air. You may just enjoy sitting on your front porch where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Texas sunrise or just take in the serenity of the wild nature around.

New construction luxury homes with plenty of big old oak trees on large tree lots or acreage are available in rural northern Wilson County beginning at just over $230,000. Other real estate choices are existing acreage homes, horse ranches, country estates, cattle ranches or recreation ranches all include a breath of fresh air. Each town has its own personality. Floresville, Stockdale, La Vernia, Sutherland Springs and the rest of Wilson County are full of wonderful people with solid values.

If you like the outdoors, you are in luck. Just west of Floresville, the San Antonio River meanders through the countryside passing native thickets of mesquite, prickly pear cactus, huisache, cat claw and black brush. Conversely, fields cleared of brush have been transformed into lush planted pastures of grass on which cattle graze or farm crops grow.

Cutting through the heart of Wilson County is the Cibolo Creek. The Jackson Nature Park, on County Road 401 between Floresville and Stockdale, is a pedestrian only park. A looped walking trail offers opportunities in this 50 acre park for picnicking, bird-watching and nature study.

Bordering north Wilson County is the Calaveras Park Lake. The park is open 24 hours for park activities to include picnicking, primitive camping, hiking, nature study, birding, bank fishing and pier fishing. Lake activities include pleasure boating, fishing, water skiing, personal watercraft, sail boating, canoeing and kayaking.

Studies demonstrate that quality of life and property values increases with natural views and wildlife. Because Wilson County is somewhat more of a rural area you have the opportunity to observe more of nature and the abundant Texas wildlife that live and migrate in the area. Watch for white tailed deer, dove, quail, turkey and javalina.

Helotes, the Gateway to the Texas Hill Country

Written by Randy Watson

Situated just 16 miles from busy San Antonio is the historic and beautiful town of Helotes. Historic and beautiful, and meant to stay that way! For years, San Antonio has been trying to annex this uniquely peaceful community, but in 1981, the citizens of the town voted to incorporate into the City of Helotes, and the results have paid off. Rather than becoming just another district in the growing behemoth of San Antonio, Helotes is making its own decisions and calling its own shots these days, and is fierce in its determination to preserve the relaxed country atmosphere, neighborly way of life, and natural beauty that makes it such a special community. In fact, Helotes is so beautiful that the secret is getting out! The city was used to film the 2000 movie, All the Pretty Horses.

Like most parts of Texas, Helotes is home to a multi-cultural community, many of whom can trace their roots back to the Apaches, who first inhabited the area, or to European stock, including the Canary Islanders who were the first Europeans to settle the land. The friendliness of the people, and the family-oriented atmosphere means that wherever you are from, you’re feel at home in Helotes!

The town is home to the annual Cornyval Festival, held the first weekend in May to celebrate the Indian corn harvest. Indeed, the name Helote’ comes from the Indian word for green corn! The celebration is great fun for the whole family, featuring rodeos, music, and food, and games. Music and entertainment are happening each weekend.

The natural beauty found here is so stunning and gorgeous that the hustle and bustle of San Antonios city life will melt away into the clean Texas Hill Country breeze. Government Canyon Park is here; offering miles of trails, picnic areas, and streams and brooks to enjoy. The park is a great place for families to spend time together amid the mesquite, juniper, and wild oak trees, and come for exercise and the fresh air that is hard to find in San Antonio. Nature lovers will also love spending time along Scenic Loop Road and Helotes Creek.

Although, peace, tranquility, and a relaxing country atmosphere are what draw many residents to Helotes, the city features many modern services and new subdivisions being built with housing to rival anything San Antonio has to offer. Helotes Residents here feel that they have it made: able to enjoy the quiet life of a small town, while having all the conveniences of the big city, just sixteen miles down the road.

Fourth of July or Independence Day is the celebration of declaring independence from Great Britain. In the United States it is a Federal Holiday.

The celebration is often associated with picnics, barbecues, parades, fireworks and other family gatherings. It should be considered one of the most important days to observe American Patriotism.

The above banner is from the Blue Star Mothers and represents two American Servicement that live at this home are away serving our country in war.

One of the ways we show our patriotism is to fly the American Flag, Old Glory, the Red, White and Blue... Just driving around the neighborhood makes me feel proud to see the American Flag flying at so many different homes in San Antonio Texas.

The Fourth of July in San Antonio: Lots of Places to Celebrate

Written by Randy Watson

As usual, the biggest celebration is at the Jefferson Neighborhood in San Antonio will be the annual event at Woodlawn Lake Park. This is an all-day celebration that starts off at 10 AM with a costume contest and parade. Throughout the day, there will be tons of food booths, games, carnival rides, and contests, as well as musical performances by the 5 Star band, USAF Band, and plenty more local acts. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best patriotic outfit to really get into the spirit. The celebration is topped off with the best fireworks extravaganza in the city at 9 PM.

The Fourth of July is always loads of fun, but in San Antonio, it’s always a little bit different, also. Given San Antonio’s (as well as Texas’ in general) unique history and diversity, finding something particularly interesting to do in celebration of the birthday of the U.S.A. is no tough task at all. The following are a few of the many celebrations and parties taking place throughout the city.

Ø Traditional Celebration at the Institute of Texan Cultures: Celebrate the Fourth by stepping back into time and seeing how life was back on the frontier. The kids will love playing in forts, swinging at piñatas, and playing lots of games, and parents will enjoy watching the brass band, enjoying a picnic, and relaxing in the sun as the kids take part in the activities. WHERE: Institute of Texan Cultures, Back 40, Wednesday, 10 AM-2 PM.

Ø Salute to the Union: Featuring the Sons of the American Revolution in period costumes, a cannon salute, and music from the Army Medical Command Band, in honor of Army medics. WHERE: Fort Sam Houston, 11:30 AM

Ø Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus: What better way to spend the Fourth than with an American classic? The circus has been modernized, and features new acts, but still possesses the power to amaze the old as well as the young. WHERE: Alamodome, July 4-8, 4 PM on the 4th.

Ø Lights of Liberty: Another American classic—the amusement park! Kids and adults will have a blast on the rides during the day, and can enjoy the festivities at night. Starting at 8 PM is a country music show, followed by a huge fireworks display. WHERE: Six Flags Fiesta Texas

No matter where you go to celebrate, everyone should remember to be careful, don’t drink and drive, and have a great holiday!

Spurs Draft for Future, Get Size and Scoring

Written by Randy Watson

The last time the Spurs had the 28th pick in the first round, they selected a small, little-known point guard from a foreign country named Tony Parker.  That seemed to work out all right, and San Antonio hopes that this year with the exact same draft position, they can use the same blueprint to achieve similar success.

By drafting Tiago Splitter (round 1, 28 overall), a 6’11” 232 lb. power forward/center from Brazil, the team has added an athletic big, who is a defensive stopper with excellent fundamentals.  While no Tim Duncan, Splitter does seem to be cut from the same mold - tall, lanky, agile and athletic - and should be able to spell Duncan as he learns the NBA game.  Splitter is currently under contract in the Spanish League, and has a large buyout which should insure that he remains in Spain for another year.  Splitter has entered the draft each of the last four years, withdrawing each time.

Splitter's offensive skill set does not exactly fit into the Spurs offensive scheme, as he is typically more productive playing in a faster tempo style, and needs to add some muscle and a longer jump shot, but he should have another year in Spain to improve.  The young Brazilian has been playing professionally since he was 17, making the Brazilian national team at that age, and leading his team to the gold medal in the 2005 world championships by scoring 41 points, 24 rebounds, and 6 blocks in the final two games.  Splitter is known to be aggressive on the boards, and picks up many of his points from offensive rebounds and put backs.  Last year in Spain, Splitter averaged just under 11 points per game with 6 rebounds.

San Antonio also had two second round picks, and chose Marcus Williams, and small forward out of Arizona with the third pick in round two, and Giorgos Printezis, and small forward out of Greece with the 28th pick.  Williams can play the two guard or move over to the three position, and averaged just under 17 points a game with almost 7 rebounds in his last season at Arizona.  He was fourth in the Pac 10 in scoring.  Williams’ draft stock likely slipped a bit, due to a lackluster postseason performance, but he is certainly a gifted athlete.

The Spurs traded Printezis to Toronto for a second round pick next year.

Certainly, the Spurs hope that these picks (especially Splitter) work out as well as some of their previous selections of foreign players.  When San Antonio took Ginobili, he remained abroad for three years before joining the team.  They also still have the rights to five players, all currently playing abroad.  Of course, having just won the NBA championship roughly a month ago, San Antonio can surely afford to be patient while they wait for their investments to pay off.