Happy New Year!!

The Resort Staff wishes you a year filled with an abundance of blessings, good health, and prosperity in this new year 2013. We thank you for being a part of our lives and for letting us be a part of yours.
Cheers to an exciting year!

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Make It This Weekend!

Bouillabaisse with Rouille and Garlic Toasts
This pot of Provençal mussels is bathed in a bouillabaisse-style broth with saffron, tomato, and herbs. Make the broth hours ahead. Steam the mussels just before guests sit down, and serve with buttery toasted French bread rubbed with garlic.
8 Servings

Ingredients

Bouillabaisse Broth
2 TBS olive oil
2 med onions, finely chopped
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more
Freshly ground black pepper
2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, finely sliced (about 2 cups)
1 large red tomato, peeled, seeded & diced
12 spings thyme, tied in a bundle
6 garlic cloves, sliced
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp crumbled saffron threads
1 cup dry white wine
8 cups fish stock or low-sodium chicken broth

Rouille
1 large jarred roasted red bell pepper, peeled & coarsely chopped
1 cup (packed) crustless 1/2 inch cubed soft white bread
1 large egg yolk
1 large clove garlic, sliced
1/8 tsp cayenne (more if heat desired)
1/2 TBS olive oil
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Assembly
2 TBS oilve oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
6 lbs mussels, scrubbed & debearded
1 TBS Pernod or anise-flavored liqueur
3 TBS coarsley chopped flat leaf parsley
Garlic toast

Directions for Bouillabaisse Broth
Heat oil in a large heavy pot over med-high heat. Add onions & season with salt & pepper; cook until soft and light golden brown, about 10 min. Add leeks and next 5 ingredients and 1 tsp of salt, cook for 5 min. Add wine and cook until reduced by half, about 2 min. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 min. Season broth to taste with salt & pepper. Remove from heat and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.
Directions for Rouille
Puree first 4 ingredients and 1/8 tsp canyenne in a food processor until a thick paste forms. With motor running, slowly drizzle in oil until a thick mayonnaise-like emulsion forms. Transfer to medium bowl. Whick in 1 TBS lemon juice; season with salt & pepper and more cayenne and lemon juice if desired. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Can be made up to 3 hours ahead.
Assembly
If chilled, rewarm broth, cover and set aside. Place oil in a pot large enough to hold all mussels; heat over med-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper, stirring constantly, until sizzling but not brown, 10-15 seconds. Add mussels and turn heat to high, stir till evenly coated. Add Pernod; cover pot. Steam mussels, stirring a few times till they open, 7-10 min. Discard any mussels that do not open. Stir in parsley and broth. Ladle mussels and broth into bowls and serve with rouille and garlic toast.

Now Accepting 2013 & 2014 Resort Reservations

Resort Staff is standing by to take your reservations for 2013 and 2014, so call today to reserve your favorite site..don’t let it get away!

Important dates to keep in mind:
Spring Break March 8-17, 2013 & March 7-16, 2014
Easter March 29-31, 2013 & April 20, 2014
Memorial Day Weekend May 24-27, 2013 & May 23-26, 2014
July 4th Weekend July 4-7, 2013 & July 3-6, 2014
Labor Day Weekend August 30-Sept 2, 2013 & August 29-Sept 1, 2014

Reservation deposit requirements:
RV/tent site non-holiday, one night deposit
RV/tent site holiday weekend, 3-night deposit
Cabin rental, deposit equal to amount of night staying with 3-night
minimum on holiday weekends

Deposit does not guarantee a specific site, we will do our best to honor requests. Cancellations received 7 days or more from arrival will have the deposit refunded minus a cancellation fee or transferred to another date. Cancellations received under 7 days from arrival will have the deposit transferred to another reservation within the same year and will be forfeit if not used, no refunds.

New Year’s Resolutions – What Do They Really Mean?

“Resolution”: a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit.

This year, instead of the typical obscure goals we normally set for ourselves like, “I’m going to exercise more” and “I’m going to get out of debt” which seem so large, discouraging and almost out-of-reach, why not set small obtainable goals that will help you step successfully to the large yearly goal?

Goal:
Weight Loss
Focused Goal: At (insert time) everyday, I’m going to exercise for 20 minutes (after a month, increase the time by 10 minutes)
Obscure Goal: I’m going to exercise more

Quit Smoking
Focused Goal: Each week, I’m going to reduce the number of cigarettes I have in half
Obscure Goal: I’m not going to smoke anymore

Finances
Focused Goal: 1. determine exactly what you owe (be honest!)
2. from your monthly income, subtract the necessary expenses to find out your discretionary income in which to pay debts from
3. determine which debts get paying priority, like the high interest ones
4. get rid of temptation – toss out catalogs & stop internet shopping, instead, look for money-saving & coupon sites
Obscure Goal: I’m going to get out of debt

Family Time
Focused Goal: *Designate a day of the week for family game night
*Find local attractions that offer free family events & activities and try one once a month
*Family cooked meal: break out that dusty cookbook or grab a recipe off the net and designate each person a task to complete the meal
Obscure Goal: We’re going to have more family time

Remember, resolutions are more sustainable when shared – peer-support makes a difference in success rate with New Year’s resolution, so mark it on your calendar, stick it on your Facebook page, and put it on your family bulletin board!

Happenings Around Town

JANUARY 1
BANDERA: Cowgirl Roundup & Show-Deo. Bandera County Cowgirls celebrate their cowgirl history as they gather for a panoramic photo in the arena at HCSNA at noon. Demos of showmanship, dressage, and speed events will follow. Storytellers and singer/songwriters will also perform. Open till 6pm, 830-796-4413.
FREDERICKSBURG: Midnight Volkssport Walk. Meet at St. Joseph’s Halle between midnight and 12:30am to enjoy a 5K or 10K walk, Walkers must finish by 3:30am. 210-496-1402.
FREDERICKSBURG: 7th Annual Black Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff. 10am-6pm at the Torre di Pietra Vineyards. Great Texas food, live music entertainment, dancing, and judging of the black eyed peas & cornbread. 830-644-2829.
GRUENE: Hair of the Dog Day. Free live shows all day at Gruene Hall. 830-629-5077.
JANUARY 1-9
AUSTIN: Red River Free Week. Annual event will allow you to check out a number of local bands not usually seen during this 9-day live music event.
JANUARY 3-6
SAN ANTONIO: South Texas RV Supersale 2013. Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall.
JANUARY 3-31
AUSTIN: Wildflower Center Free Admission Month! Visitors have free access to the Lady Bird Johnson Center. Tree celebration and sale of January 22 from 9am-5pm.
JANUARY 4
FREDERICKSBURG: Real Ale Tasting Room & Tours. Tasting room open between 2pm – 5pm with tours starting at 3pm & 4pm. No reservations necessary but do call ahead if it’s a large group. 830-833-2534.
FREDERICKSBURG: 1st Friday Art Walk. 13 galleries open their doors at 10am with a full day of events and extended hours until 8pm. Each gallery will also serve local wine for tatsting.
JANUARY 5
AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.
AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976
BANDERA: Farmer’s Market. In front of Sid’s BBQ on Main St. 8am-11am.
NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. An evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. For information, call 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.
WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear the stories about famous floods and scuba divers, learn value of native grasses, experience stunning beauty of spring that started this town. 10 am.
JANUARY 6
SAN ANTONIO: Bridal Extravaganza at the Henry B Gonzales Convention Center. Special Guest David Tutera. 12pm – 5pm.
JANUARY 7-9
AUSTIN: Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival. 9th annual celebration of body art, open to all ages. Palmer event Cneter.
JANUARY 10-12
BANDERA: 76th Annual Bandera County Junior Livestock Show. Livestock shown on Thursday and Friday, auction held on Saturday. All events held at the Show Barn at Mansfield Park. 830-796-7755
JANUARY 10-13
SAN MARCOS: 6th Annual Texas Clay Continuum. Rotate through four exciting hands-on workshops in four days. Explore juxtaposition and scale in figurative sculpture with Billy Ray Mangham; Color with fire and alternative glaze and surface techniques with Randy Brodnax; Spirit Jugs and folk art with Carl Block; Teapots both fun and functional with Bridget Hauser. There is something to excite everyone and something new to learn! Eye of the Dog Art Center, 512-754-8171
JANUARY 12
AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.
AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976
AUSTIN: Sculpture Tales. Children’s event at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Ages 3-5 welcome for storytelling in the garden and an art session. 10:30am.
BANDERA: Farmer’s Market. On Main Street, 8am – 11am
NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuck Wagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. An evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. For information, call 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.
SAN ANTONIO: Bud Light Riverfest Battle of the Bands. Competition showcasing local talent in a national venue to determine the 2013 Official Band of the San Antonio River Walk. Arneson River Theatre.
SAN MARCOS: Hays County Horse Show. Hays County Civic Center, 512-353-0498.
WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear the stories about famous floods and scuba divers, learn value of native grasses, experience stunning beauty of spring that started this town. 10 am.
JANUARY 12-13
SAN ANTONIO: Mid-Winter Antiques Show. Antique and vintage collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. Knights of Columbus Hall.
JANUARY 14-16
AUSTIN: Austin Home and Garden Show. If home improvement is among your New Year’s resolutions, visit the 13th annual show for ideas! Austin Convention Center.
JANUARY 16
BOERNE: Wild West Chuck Wagon Dinner Show. Held at Enchanted Springs Ranch, 830-249-8222
JANUARY 18
SAN ANTONIO: 50th Annual Western & Heritage Art Show. Held at the Pearl Brewery. Tickets required, http://www.kiwanisartshow.com. An evening of food, music, and exhibits and sale of original artwork from dozens of top artists. 210-226-4651.
SAN ANTONIO: Zombies Overnighter. Laser Quest is hosting an overnighter with a Zombie theme! Specialty games will be featured along with prizes, snacks, and refreshments. Costumes welcome! 210-499-4400.
JANUARY 18-20
FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. 9am – 6pm, held at Sunday Farms. 830-990-4900
JANUARY 19
AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.
AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976
BANDERA: Texas Street Customs Car Show. 2pm – 5pm, bring in your car, truck or bike, or come to enjoy the show.
NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuck Wagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. An evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. For information, call 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.
SAN MARCOS: Campfire USA: Ignite Change. Toddlers and preschoolers with their adult companions will enjoy nature activities at the San Marcos Nature Center. 10am-11am.
SAN MARCOS: Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum Cruise-In. Americans fell in love in and with the car industry, and Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum salutes that love affair! Bring in your classic, unique or custom car or bike or just come for the show. Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum, 512-878-2406.
WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear the stories about famous floods and scuba divers, learn value of native grasses, experience stunning beauty of spring that started this town. 10 am.
JANUARY 20
SAN MARCOS: UCA Cheer Competition. Strahan Coliseum.
JANUARY 22
AUSTIN: Austin Gorilla Run. Break out your gorilla costume for the 5K run benefiting the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund. Race begins at 9am at Fado Irish Pub.
JANUARY 23-26
SAN MARCOS: Hays County Livestock Show. Animal judging, agricultural mechanics exhibits and judging, food exhibits, and auction. Hays County Civic Center, 512-353-0498.
JANUARY 25-26
LOCKHART: The Red Velvet Cake War at the Gaslight-Baker Theatre. A southern fried Texas hootenanny ensues in Sweetgum, TX when the Verdeen family comes together in this hilarious comedy. 8pm-10pm. 512-376-5653.
JANUARY 26
AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.
AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976
BANDERA: Farmer’s Market. On Main Street, 8am – 11am
NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuck Wagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. An evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. For information, call 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.
WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear the stories about famous floods and scuba divers, learn value of native grasses, and experience stunning beauty of spring that started this town. 10 am.
JANUARY 30
BOERNE: Wild West Chuck Wagon Dinner Show. Held at Enchanted Springs Ranch, 830-249-8222

Make It This Weekend!

Butterscotch Blondie Bars with Peanut-Pretzel Caramel

Ingredients Blondie
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour                                   1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder                                    2 large eggs
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter                     1 tsp Kosher salt
2 cups (packed) light brown sugar
Peanut-Pretzel caramel
4 cups roasted unsalted peanuts                             2 cups sugar
1/4 cup honey                                                       1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2″-wide thin twisted pretzels, coarsely crushed
Preparation Blondie
Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking pane with parchment paper, leaving a 1″ overhang on long sides of pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Stir butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until browned bits form at bottom of pan 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until well combined and mixture resembles wet sand, 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy and well combined, about 2 minutes. Add dry ingredients; beat until smooth (batter will be thick). Using an offset or regular spatula, evenly spread batter in 13x9x2 metal baking pan.
Bake blondie until golden brown, edges pull away from sides of pan, and a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
Peanut-Pretzel Caramel
Prehead oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread peanuts over sheet in an even layer. Bake, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Stir sugar and 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; boil without stirring, occassionaly swirling pan and brushing down sides with a wet pastry brush, until caramel is deep amber, 12-15 minutes. Add honey; return to a boil, stirring often, about 1 minute longer. Add butter; stir until blended. Add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously); whisk until smooth. Stir in peanuts and pretzels. Pour over cooled blondie. Chill until cool, about 30 minutes.
Run a knife around short sides of pan to release blondie. Using parchment-paper overhang, lift from pan. Cut lengthwise into 4 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 10 bars.

December Happenings Around Town

DECEMBER 1

BANDERA: Market Day. On the courthouse lawn, 500 Main Street. Sponsored by Bandera Business Association. Open to individual artists and craftsmen presenting original works and to farmers selling produce.

BLANCO: Knife Thrower & More at the Buggy Barn Museum. Noon-3pm. Visit Buggy Barn Museum, for noted knife thrower Mike “Alamo” Bainton, plus see the bowie knife collection, have a chuck wagon meal, enjoy Western music and entertainment, and have carriage rides. 830-833-5708.

BOERNE: Weihnachts Parade. 6pm-9pm. Enjoy the sights and sounds and twinkling lights of the annual Weihnachts (Christmas) Parade as it meanders down Main Street in Boerne.

KYLE: 150 Market. 1pm-4pm. Farmer’s Market. Michaelis Ranch, 3600 W FM 150. Come savor Local, Hill Country, and all-Texas foods! 512-268-2241

LOCKHART: A Dicken’s Christmas. The Friends of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library host this festival located on S. Main in front of the Library and Market Street.  Featuring authentic Victorian decorations, choirs, jugglers, bagpipers, carriage rides, festival vendors and the culmination on Saturday evening… the lighting of the Yule Log. Once lit, the Lord High Mayor announces the proclamation that Christmas has come to light. Then the library and the historic downtown are lit with thousands of lights. A variety of animals and other forms of entertainment provide the way for the arrival of Father Christmas into Lockhart. Father Christmas appears annual to hear requests for those special wishes of children.

SAN MARCOS: Seton Sights & Sounds of Christmas 5K & Reindeer Dash 1K. 9am at the San Marcos Plaza Park. Register online at http://www.sights-n-sounds.org.

SAN MARCOS: SMTXmas. Local artists selling hand crafted items with special holiday pricing.  215 W San Antonio St. 9am – 5pm.

SAN MARCOS: Art & Alternative Gift Bazaar. Over a dozen artists featuring jewelry, glass arts, cards, paintings and more at the San Marcos Activity Center, 1pm – 7pm.

SAN MARCOS: Bird Walk. This time of year gives you the perfect opportunity to observe raptors and songbirds passing through the area.  Leader is Stephen Ramirez. RSVP required, stephen@birdsiview.org.

SAN MARCOS: Sights and Sounds of Christmas. Visit the main stage and enjoy live holiday performances by local schools, professional musicians and dancers. Journey through the popular Town of Bethlehem and make traditional foods and crafts. Visit the arts and crafts booths, carnival rides and food booths.

WIMBERLEY: Lion’s Market Day. 7am-4pm. The oldest outdoor market in the Texas Hill Country and the second-largest in the state. We feature over 475 booths of everything you can’t live without. Come stroll our tree-shaded paths, listen to live music and shop to your heart’s content.

WIMBERLEY: Annual Rudolph Run. Registration 8am. 5K run and 2K walk on the Blue Hole Regional Park Hike and Bike Trail. Start at Deer Creek of Wimberley, 555 RM 3237. Proceeds go to Wimberley Crisis Breadbasket. 512-847-5540.

DECEMBER 1-2

BOERNE: Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair. 10am-5pm. Kendall County Fairgrounds. Three buildings of vendors featuring 100% handmade, handcrafted, homemade merchandise. Bake sale, food and drink concessions, scheduled visits from Santa and photos, children’s activities, carolers, shopping & Gift ideas for all ages, door prizes, a holiday festive atmosphere and complementary holiday spiced tea. $3 admission for 13 and older.

BUDA: 33^rd AnnualBudafest. 10am-dusk both days. Holiday kick-off celebration at City Park, including parade, carnival, live music, food, crafts, antiques and collectibles for sell.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: 2^nd AnnualHill Country Holiday Gift Tour. Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-4pm. Hosted by Dripping Springs Lion’s Club.  Area merchants welcome visitors with an open house and gift tour during the peak of the holiday gift shopping season. Enjoy refreshments at each stop on the tour, which begins downtown during “Christmas on Mercer Street.”

GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. 10am-5pm. All products sold are made by the vendors themselves.

DECEMBER 2

CANYON LAKE: Trade Days. 9am-4pm, Canyon Lake Event Center, 1272 FM 2673.  Behind Kathi’s Resale by Mountain Valley Middle School. 830-964-6400.

SAN MARCOS: Unicycle Football. Come watch the Bezerkerz vs the Gnarwhals and the Unicychos vs the Hot Dogs at the San Marcos Activity Center parking lot, 2pm.

SEGUIN: Yulefest. 10am-4pm. Seguin Coliseum.  Annual sale of handmade arts and crafts. Vendors from all around Central Texas will offer holiday shoppers gifts and goods in a variety that defies the imagination. All goods for sale are handmade or enhanced by hand by the vendor. Door prizes from vendors are awarded every 15 minutes.  

DECEMBER 4

BLANCO: Ladies Night Craft/Art Project. 6pm-8pm. 1st Tuesday every month. Uptown Blanco Art Center, 317 Main St. Special art project each month to make and take. $5 admission fee. 830-833-1579.

DECEMBER 5

BLANCO: Christmas Ornaments. 10:30am-1pm. Uptown Blanco Art Center, 317 Main St. Make and take a special keepsake ornament for your Christmas tree. $4 admission fee. 830-833-1579.

DECEMBER 6

BUDA: First Thursday. 5pm-9pm, downtown Buda. Stroll through the unique antique and specialty shops in downtown while enjoying food from downtown restaurants.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Wassailfest. 6pm. Sample free wassail and local merchants compete to win prizes! Live music, beautiful holiday lights and yummy festival foods, too! 830-221-4350.

DECEMBER 6-9

BASTROP: Shop, Rock, and Stroll. Downtown Bastrop shops open to 8pm.

BASTROP: Lost Pines Christmas. It’s all distinctly Christmas, distinctly Bastrop: the scent of pine, the sights and sounds of the holidays, reminders of past joys and new memories to warm your heart all year. More than 30 family friendly activities will mark the four-day weekend, all set in one of Texas’ most charming and historic cities. 1000 Main St.

DECEMBER 7

BANDERA: Annual Shoppers Jubilee. 4:30pm-9pm. Begin the evening in front of the Courthouse with Children’s choirs and a Living Nativity followed by an evening of strolling luminary lit streets filled with carolers, musicians, cowboys and shoppers.

BOERNE: Cascade Flashlight Tour. 7pm, Cascade Caverns. Every month Cascade Caverns hosts an extended nighttime tour using only flashlights in the Cave. The one-and-a-half-hour tour includes a Cascade Caverns LED flashlight and hot dogs (meat and veggie) beforehand. 830-755-8080.

FREDERICKSBURG: St. Nikolausmarkt. 3pm-11pm. Marktplatz. Entertainment. Holiday foods with a German flare will tempt festival attendees throughout the weekend. Holiday arts and crafts will be available for children attending the festival.  Lighted Christmas Parade with laser light show at 6:30pm.

LOCKHART: Star Gazing at Lockhart State Park. The Austin Astronomical Society will be teaching participants about the night sky.  Telescopes will be on hand or you may bring your own.  Entry fee of $3.00, 6pm – 8pm.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Volksfoto. 5pm-7pm. People’s Walking Photography Tour of New Braunfels. Participants will take photographs, learn about photography, and can even enter their pictures in a “bragging rights” competition for best photo from the group. 830-221-4370

DECEMBER 7-8

JOHNSON CITY: Living Story of Christmas. 6pm. Johnson City First United Methodist Church will put on its annual Christmas program. 5 free 10-minute shows per night; last show at 8:30pm. It is a show for all ages and a great part of anyone’s Christmas. Bleacher seating. Children are welcome to pet the animals after each show. Nativity scene display in Church Activity Center. Free refreshments (cookies, hot chocolate and coffee).

DECEMBER 8

BANDERA: Camp Fire Christmas. 5pm. Gather on the banks of the Medina River at City Park to enjoy amazing displays of Christmas lights, Cowboy story tellers and local cowboy singers. At dark the Bandera Riverside Players present a Living Nativity. Then gather around the chuck wagon for hot chocolate and cookies. Bring your lawn chair.

BASTROP: Lost in the Pines Lighted Christmas Parade. 9am-8pm. Downtown. Music, vendors, entertainment. Parade at 6:15pm. Holiday shopping.

BLANCO: Market Day. 9am-4pm. Old Blanco County Courthouse Square.  3rd Saturday of the month March through November with a special Christmas Market Day in Dec.

BLANCO: Christmas Parade and Evening on the Square. 6:30pm. After the Annual Christmas Market Day on the courthouse lawn, enjoy a parade and evening on the square. Visit Santa and enjoy music in Bindseil Park. Buggy rides will be available.

BOERNE: 2^nd Saturday Art & Wine. 5pm-8pm. On Second Saturdays the galleries and “Other Walls” of Boerne host joint openings. Come out and enjoy a glass of wine and the latest offerings on the Boerne Art Scene. Park your car and take the free trolley to see the “Best Art East of Santa Fe.”

BOERNE: Christmas at the Cave Without a Name. 6:30pm. 325 Kreutzberg Rd. Experience the sounds of Magical Music, song in Capella by the Boerne Champion High School Show Choir, “A Voce.” Seasonal lights are twinkling at the Cave plus Santa’s Workshop. Tickets $20. 830-537-4212

BUDA: Wild Flour’s Holiday Market. 10am-4pm. Wild Flour Cakery & Boutique, 316 N Main St. Holiday refreshments and door prize drawings. Gifts and stocking stuffers too. 512-295-0015

CANYON LAKE: Christmas Parade. 11am. Sponsored by Canyon Lake Noon Lions Club. Fun day for all, floats, bands, Shriner entries, organizations and churches, individuals.

CEDAR PARK: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop. 6:30pm-9pm at the Heritage Oak Park. 512-401-5500.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Christmas Jewelry Show. 10am-5pm. Wesley Gallery. Showcasing Anne Dee Thierry’s “Pieces of Bali” and Lee Carrell’s Fine Art Jewelry. Anne Dee’s ever popular and unique collection (from the island of Bali) has always been a favorite at the gallery. Lee, a renowned silver artist, will be displaying his one of a kind pieces of jewelry. Other holiday art and gifts will be on display. Refreshments and wine served.

KYLE: 150 Market. 1pm-4pm. Farmer’s Market. Michaelis Ranch, 3600 W FM 150. Come savor Local, Hill Country, and all-Texas foods! 512-268-2241

SAN MARCOS: Art Unhitched. Outdoor art market featuring live music. Corner of Hopkins St & CM Allen Pkwy 11am – 5pm.

SAN MARCOS: Classic Car Cruise In Night. 5pm-9pm. Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum. Got a classic car? Bring it. Don’t have one? Bring yourself! Dick’s Cruise In Night is open to everyone so join us as we take a step back in time. 512-878-2406.

WIMBERLEY: Winter’s Eve on the Square. Stroll through a winter wonderland and embrace the season! Don your festive winter attire. Enjoy the enchanting lights and music of the season as you make your way around the Wimberley Square for holiday shopping. Shops open late, live entertainment, Santa arrives at 6:30pm, food and spirits. Food and food booths open at 5pm on the Square.

DECEMBER 8-9

BOERNE: Market Days. 10am-5pm. Main Plaza. Market Days has become synonymous with great shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen and vendors showing their creative talents and wares to the background music of some of Texas’ best homegrown musicians. Jewelry, plants, collectibles, antiques, and more. Great food with a local flavor.

BUDA: Santa’s Village. 2pm-4pm. Cabela’s. Santa pictures, elves workshop, holiday samplings, festive fun.

DECEMBER 9

SEGUIN: Sleigh Bells Ring with Mid-Texas Symphony. 4pm. Jackson Auditorium. Celebrate the season with the Mid-Texas Symphony along with the Mid-Texas Symphony Chorus and the Community Music Academy Youth Choir. We’ll spread some cheer as we play perennial favorites Sleigh Ride and selections from The Nutcracker. We’ll also premier Carol Medley, an arrangement of beloved Christmas carols by our wonderful conductor, David Mairs. Tickets required, 830-372-8089.

DECEMBER 10

LOCKHART: Wrapping Party for Toy Drive. 6pm – 8pm at the Lockhart Chamber, the community is invited to wrap gifts from the toy drive for the HeadStart of Lockhart.

DECEMBER 12-20

BUDA: Trail of Lights. 6pm-10pm nightly. Christmas cheer radiates throughout the season! Food, fun, and holiday splendor await visitors to enjoy a spectacular display of twinkling lights illuminating Historic Stagecoach Park with various Winter Wonderland themes.  

DECEMBER 14

LULING: Cocoa & Carols. Local shops stay open late for hot cocoa and holiday shopping, caroling and a visit from Santa. Main Street.

DECEMBER 15

BANDERA: Singing in the Saddle. 3pm. Christmas Caroling Bandera Style. Gather at the Longhorn Saloon for a Christmas Caroling Trail Ride around Bandera. Wagons available for non-riders. Chuck wagon waiting at the end of the ride for hot chocolate and cookies.

BUDA: BBQ and Holiday Bazaar. 2pm-9pm. Hays High School.  Holiday vendors will be set up throughout the main hall way. Silent auction items in the cafeteria. Dinner served at 5:30pm. Supports Rebel Baseball. 512-268-2911.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days. Kerr County Courthouse Square. Join growers, artists, craftspeople, and food producers who operate a pet-friendly, child-friendly open air market on the grounds of the beautiful Kerr County Courthouse Square.

KYLE: 150 Market. 1pm-4pm. Farmer’s Market. Michaelis Ranch, 3600 W FM 150. Come savor Local, Hill Country, and all-Texas foods! 512-268-2241

LOCKHART: Hometown Homemade Christmas. Come learn how easily Christmas can become a homemade affair with fun, hands-on present making! All are invited to put recycled materials to good use in making Christmas ornaments, bird houses, and bird feeders. Old-fashioned taffy pull demonstration where visitors can learn the process of making this holiday treat. Regular park entrance fees apply. Lockhart State Park, 11am – 2pm.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Flick with Saint Nick. 6:30pm. Enjoy caroling at the dance slab, hot chocolate and a movie under the stars in Landa Park. Park by the train depot and ride the train to the dance slab. We will be showing Polar Express. Dress warmly and bring your own chairs and blankets. Free admission.

SAN MARCOS: Last Minute Market. Find gifts from local artists.  San Marcos Nature Center, 10am – 5pm.

DECEMBER 15-16

BOERNE: Christmas Market Days. Main Plaza. Find unique and special gifts and a chance to visit with Santa. Market Days has become synonymous with great shopping in an outdoor setting with artists, craftsmen and vendors showing their creative talents and wares to the background music of some of Texas’ best homegrown musicians.

BUDA: Santa’s Village. 2pm-4pm. Cabela’s. Santa pictures, elves workshop, holiday samplings, festive fun.

DECEMBER 16

SAN MARCOS: “Hecho a Mano” Made by Hand Artisan Market. Cultural inspired art and a children’s market featuring gifts of $5 and less.  Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 11am – 6pm.

DECEMBER 18

NEW BRAUNFELS: Santa’s Ornament Workshop. 6pm, ages 3-15. 164 Landa Park Dr. Get into the holiday spirit and bring your family to make your own Christmas tree ornaments and create memories that will last year after year. $10 admission. 830-221-4370

DECEMBER 19

BANDERA: Christmas Charity Ball. 8pm-midnight. Presented by Dusty Britches and the Rhythm Ranch Hands and Arkey Blue. Enjoy good food, good friends and good music at the Silver Dollar. 8:00 PM. Admission is a new toy and/or 4 canned goods or nonperishable food items. Door Prizes & raffle.

WIMBERLEY: Live Nativity. Wimberley Chapel in the Hills. Annual outdoor reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ.

DECEMBER 22-23

BOERNE: Cowboy Christmas. 10am-5pm. Enchanted Springs Ranch. Celebrate the holidays “Old West” style at its annual Cowboy Christmas. Interactive Nativity Scene, Carolers, Woodrow the Longhorn, a Pistol Packin Paula Wild West Show, a “Texas Night Before Christmas” Puppet Show, Tractor Rides through the Wild Animal Park, Happy Trails – Animal Interactment and Education, Kid’s Playground, Arrest-A-Guest, Craft Tables (free ornament craft), Cowboy Skits, Kid’s Races, Cowboy Santa, Christmas Music and a Decorated Old West Town. 830-249-8222

DECEMBER 29

FENTRESS: Leisure Resort 2^nd Annual Chili Cook-Off.  Bring out the secret family recipe and join the amateur cook-off.  Items to be judged include chili, beans and cornbread.  Stay for the weekend and take 50% off all camping sites!

DECEMBER 31

BANDERA: New Year’s Eve Texas Two-Steppin to 2013. 9pm-1am. Farm Country Club, 475 Pue Road. Featuring the Almost Patsy Cline Band. Includes breakfast buffet. Benefits the Bandera Sports Complex. $40/person, $75/couple. 830-460-3211.

KERRVILLE: Turn Back the Clock New Year’s Eve. Fabulous Sentimental Journey Orchestra at Kerrville’s Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center. Ring in the New Year with the greatest music this side of Heaven. Rumba, fox trot, swing, waltz, tango, and cha-cha to the classic arrangements of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, the Dorseys and more. Reservations include reserved seating, complimentary champagne toast, party favors, and our delicious midnight breakfast buffet. Cash bars. Coat & tie are requested for gentlemen, and black tie is optional. $65/person. 830-895-1535.

SEGUIN: Brothers Medina Band New Years Eve Concert and Dance. Join The Brothers Medina Band for a New Year’s Celebration at the Texas Theatre. Enjoy friends and family with a live concert and dancing. Included in the celebration are hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a cash bar on location. $25 per ticket.

Does Your RV Oven Work?

I don’t know about you about I have been less than impressed with the quality of the oven in my RV.  I just ran across this video on YouTube.

http://bit.ly/qKhQti

Think I will give it a try.  Do you have an answer to the problem of baking in your RV?

I have even resorted to using our grill as an oven.  Takes a little adjusting since I haven’t figured out how to just put it on and let it go, but it is getting closer.  I try to think of it as being similar to a gas oven.  I have even gone as far as baking a pie in it by turning off one side.  The key here was to turn the pie regularly so that one side didn’t burn and the other stay raw.

Let us know what tricks you have used.

Best Friends Need to Cool Off Too

It has been miserably hot everywhere this year.  I even hate to get in the car because it takes so long for it to cool down and by the time it does cool down, it’s time to get out of the car and let it get hot again.  And trying to keep the RV cool is tough.

If it is miserable for us, what is it like for our pets?  They don’t yell at us, “It’s hot!!!  Cool me off!!”, they just keep trying to make it.
I recently came across this video that looks like it has some great tips in it for helping your pet stay cool while you are RVing.  Thought you might like to see it.

http://bit.ly/qGj0pq

Let’s make sure to keep our buddies comfortable through this heat.