Greater Mason Co. Region Venture Fest is bringing together local entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders to celebrate rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us at Fly Gap Winery on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM for networking, speakers, and community pride.

📍 Fly Gap Winery | Mason, TX
🗓 Thursday, Oct 2 | 5:30*–8:30 PM *doors open at 5pm
💻 Register today: https://forms.gle/757oWm7EgbYPd4hcA

✍️ Letter from the Editor

Dear Neighbors,

Around here, good ideas don’t wait on permission—they hitch a ride, roll up their sleeves, and ask, “Who’s in?” That’s the spirit behind the Greater Mason Co. Region Venture Fest on Thursday, October 2 at Fly Gap Winery (5:30–8:30 PM). It’s a one-night gathering of neighbors, makers, students, and small-town doers—because rural innovation isn’t a slogan, it’s our everyday.

This year, we’re celebrating Rural Innovation & Entrepreneurship—the skills, grit, and generosity that our communities already excel at. Come raise a glass with the folks who keep our towns running strong, share a few ideas, and cheer on the next generation.

We’re also recruiting 10 high school students for one-minute innovation pitches—no fancy slides, just heart, hustle, and a simple idea that could help your school, town, or business community. Teachers, we’d love your help nudging the brave ones to the mic.

And because none of this happens without community champions: Mason Bank, Menard Industrial Development Corp, Texas Regional Bank, Yonker Bros Meat Market, and Fly Gap Winery—y’all stepped up first and fast. Thank you for investing in our people and our place.

It’s hot, it’s busy, and our to-do lists are long. But I hope you’ll circle the date, grab a friend, and join us. Let’s celebrate what rural does best.

With gratitude and grit,
— Katie

RSVP here.
Student/Teacher info (1-minute pitches)
Interested in sponsoring? Reply to this email and we’ll send the deck.

🪴 Fresh Off the Porch 09/04/25

EVENTS

1. Frontera Healthcare Clinic Ribbon Cutting – Mason (Sep 3): Celebrate the opening of Mason’s new clinic with guided tours and refreshments at 5:30 p.m. Call the Mason Chamber of Commerce at (325) 347-5758 for details.

2. Seaquist House Guided Tour – Mason (Sep 6): Monthly public tours run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For group or private tours, call Jan Appleby at (325) 347-4058.

3. Mason Military Museum Open Day – Mason (Sep 6): Explore military history from the Civil War through present day. Call (325) 347-6291 for open hours.

4. County Historical Museum Open Day – Mason (Sep 6): Free tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (325) 347-0507 for information.

5. 4-H “The Pastures” Preview – Mason (Sep 6): A look ahead at youth livestock programs. Call Mason County AgriLife Extension at (325) 347-6459.

6. The Bad Guys 2 at Odeon Theater – Mason (Sep 11–15): Family film showing multiple nights. Call Odeon Theater at (325) 347-9010.

7. London Trade Day – London (Sep 13): Antiques and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center. Call Kimble County Chamber at (325) 446-3190.

8. Mason Bank Raffle & Scramble – Mason (Sep 13–14): Fundraiser weekend with raffles and community golf. Call Mason Bank at (325) 347-6324.

9. Mason Chamber Mixer – Mason (Sep 18): Business networking event at Fly Gap. RSVP to the Chamber at (325) 347-5758.

10. Freakier Friday at Odeon Theater – Mason (Sep 19–20): Halloween-themed movie night. Call (325) 347-9010.

11. Old Yeller Day – Mason (Sep 20): Music, games, crafts, and dog parade celebrating local history. Call Mason Library at (325) 347-5446.

12. Pontotoc VFD BBQ Fundraiser – Pontotoc (Sep 20): Plates served until sold out. Call (325) 258-4333 for serving times.

13. Dance Hall Night at Marktplatz – Fredericksburg (Sep 6): Live band and dancing under the stars. Contact Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance at (830) 997-4930.

14. Texas Exes "Thirsty Thursday" Social – Fredericksburg (Sep 4): Monthly mixer for alumni and locals. Call the Chamber at (830) 997-6523.

15. Paint & Sip-tember – Fredericksburg (Thursdays in Sep): Weekly guided art nights at Ridge Marketplace. Call Ridge Marketplace or the Chamber to sign up.

16. Llano Music Fest – Llano (Sep 25–27): Three-day outdoor concert series. Call Llano Visitor Center at (325) 247-5354.

17. Everybody’s Somebody Fest – Luckenbach (Oct 11): Music and local food highlight this hometown pride fest. Call (830) 997-3224.

18. Harper Frontier Days – Harper (Sep 26–27): Roping, parade, kids' events, and live music. Call Harper Community Park at (830) 864-5873.

COMMUNITY FEATURES, SCHOOL & CIVIC NEWS

20. Community Scholarships Awarded – Harper: Jack Helfrich and Rhody Holmes honored by Harper Community Park.

21. Harper Student Newspaper Launches Online – Harper: Read student news through Harper ISD. Call (830) 864-4044.

22. Lazy Ladle Under Renovation – Menard: Popular eatery being restored under new ownership.

23. Findlay Field Gets Facelift – Menard: Historic stadium resurfaced with community support.

24. Paper Travels to Pearl Harbor – Menard: Local couple featured in reader travel photo series.

25. Football Season Opens with Spirit – Menard: Yellowjackets kicked off varsity play last week. For schedules, call the athletic office at (325) 396-2404.

26. Cross Country Leaders Recognized – Menard: Danni Ruiz and Taytum Chambless earn top times in Eldorado.

27. Theater Company Returns to Stage – Fredericksburg: Community productions underway. Call Fredericksburg Theater Company at (830) 997-3588.

28. Historic Schoolhouse Spotlighted – Morris Ranch: Preservation efforts gain attention.

29. K-9 Patrol Receives Donation – Fredericksburg: Rotary gift supports sheriff's canine unit.

30. Background Checks Offered at Chamber – Fredericksburg: Public fingerprinting services continue at local Chamber office. Call (830) 997-6523 to schedule.

31. Distillery Gifts $65K to Fire Departments – Stonewall: Garrison Brothers support volunteer firefighters.

32. Church Donates $5,500 to Needs Council – Fredericksburg: United Methodist quarterly giving supports local aid.

33. Lab Mix Dilly Awaits Adoption – Fredericksburg: Friendly 2-year-old available at the city animal shelter. Call (830) 997-1907.

34. Columnist Celebrates 20 Years – Fredericksburg: Local writer reaches milestone at the Standard.

35. Fall Arts Exhibit Coming Soon – Kerrville: Hill Country Arts Foundation preps new season. Call (830) 367-5120.

🌤️ Weather at a Glance — Week of September 4–9, 2025

Ain’t no doubt about it—summer’s diggin’ in its heels and throwin’ one last sweaty tantrum. Highs’ll flirt with the high 90s through Friday, with a dry heat that’ll have you feelin’ like a pork chop in a skillet. Nights ain’t much better, barely coolin’ off into the low 70s. So if you’re fixin’ to mow, haul, or holler, best do it ‘fore the rooster’s done crowin’.

Now come Saturday, skies start gettin’ moody. Thunderheads’ll start buildin’ up, and by Sunday, we’ve got a real frog-strangler brewin’. Heavy rain, thunderboomers, and flash floodin’ ain’t outta the question through Monday—so keep your boots dry and don’t go crossin’ no low-water crossings unless you fancy floatin’. By Tuesday, things’ll ease off, but you’ll still wanna keep an eye on the sky.

Community Content & Classifieds

The Screwworm Returns: What Every Hill Country Neighbor Should Know

Editor’s Note: The screwworm isn’t just a science problem—it’s a Hill Country problem. Our neighbor Dr. G.T. Bohmfalk has been studying this pest for decades, and he was kind enough to share both his research and his perspective with us. Below you’ll find a plain-spoken summary of what’s at stake, plus a link to his original article for those who want the full scientific detail. And because we believe in highlighting neighbors, not just issues, we asked Dr. Bohmfalk to sit for a Townie Spotlight Q&A so you can meet the man behind the science.

A Crack in the Roof: The Screwworm Story in Plain Language

Think of the New World screwworm like a leaky roof in a farmhouse. When the roof is strong, life goes on, dry and steady. But once there’s a crack, water seeps in. Left alone, it spreads, rots the beams, and before long the whole house is at risk. That’s exactly what this pest is: a crack in the roof of our Hill Country economy and ecology.

The First Leak

The screwworm didn’t start here—it blew in from South America and spread north, settling into the southern U.S. by the mid-1900s. Like water finding the easiest path, these flies found wounds on livestock and wildlife and turned them into breeding grounds. Ranchers spent every season patching the “roof” with constant doctoring, losing animals and money until many gave up ranching altogether.

Patching the Roof

The breakthrough was ingenious: scientists figured out how to “trick” the pest. They released sterile males who could mate but not produce young—like sending out roofers who quietly sealed the cracks so no new leaks could form. This approach, the Sterile Insect Technique, dried up the problem across the U.S. and Mexico, saving ranches and opening the door to new industries like deer leases and hunting economies. For decades, the “roof” held strong.

Neglecting Maintenance

But a roof only lasts if someone keeps up with it. In recent years, Mexico’s government stopped maintaining its part of the screwworm barrier program. That’s like letting shingles fall off and ignoring the storm clouds building on the horizon. Now, the flies are creeping back, threatening both livestock and wildlife in Texas.

The Whole House

The numbers are staggering: cattle and calves are a $10 billion industry in Texas, and white-tailed deer hunting brings in another $15.8 billion. If the screwworm returns in force, it’s not just ranchers who feel the drip—it’s every town that depends on hunting season, feed stores, processing plants, even Main Street shops that rely on those dollars flowing in.

Grab Your Tools

Just as neighbors patch a roof together after a storm, agencies like Texas A&M Extension, the USDA, and the Department of Agriculture are forming strike teams to get ahead of this. Locals can help by watching for the “leaks”: wounds on livestock or fawns that won’t heal, foul odors, irritated behavior, or visible maggots. Reporting early could mean the difference between a quick patch and a collapsed ceiling.

Read the Original

Dr. Bohmfalk’s full article explains the history and eradication efforts in detail. You can read it here: Download PDF.

Townie Neighbor Spotlight: Dr. G.T. Bohmfalk

Q: Tell us who you are.
A: I’m Dr. G.T. Bohmfalk, Ph.D. My wife Cynthia and I live on the Open Cross Ranch on Long Mountain. We’ve been here full-time for about eight years, though we spent plenty of time here before that. We run a cow/calf operation at a retirement scale.

Q: What’s your business, project, or passion—and how did it get started?
A: I’m a research scientist working on the screwworm program. I’ve been raising cattle and studying insect behavior for the last 50 years.

Q: Why is this work important to you personally?
A: My efforts lean toward non-chemical pest management. I developed a lure and trap to monitor the New World screwworm because if it gets established, our lives will change in a very negative and economically devastating way.

Q: What’s something unique about what you offer or how you do it?
A: Unique! When’s the last time you met an entomologist?!

Q: Who in our community most benefits from what you’re doing?
A: Every single soul in the Hill Country—and the entire U.S.—will be impacted if this parasite re-establishes. The borders are already closed to cattle imports from Mexico, which is costing their economy $8 million a day.

Q: What do you love most about living and working in the Hill Country?
A: The quality of life, the people, and the beauty. It sure isn’t the weather!

Q: What’s one small-town quirk, tradition, or spot that makes you smile?
A: Folks here always accept us and are quick to befriend us, even though we’re not originally from here and my job is something few understand.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s next for you and your work?
A: This screwworm project is my last professional project. I intend to retire once it’s underway.

Q: If neighbors want to support you, where should they go or how can they connect?
A: I’m not hard to find if someone needs me. I’m working on this project for them!

Final Word

This is science at the service of the Hill Country. If you spot something suspicious in your herd or wildlife, reach out. Dr. Bohmfalk is one of us—a neighbor, a rancher, and a scientist—and his work today could save livelihoods tomorrow.

And because this is part of The Townie Listening Tour: if you’d like your business or story featured, hit reply with your contact info and a story angle. We’ll set up a time to visit.

💼 Job Board / Help Wanted

🦌 Hunting Guide Needed – Fredonia, TX
Full-time hunting guide needed for MLD season + ranch hand work in the off-season.
📞 Call Justin Mondrik at 830-317-1977 for more info.

🛠️ Local Services & Contractors

Powers Aquatics Construction & Landscaping
📞 Call Lloyd Powers at 325-446-6085

Nailed It Clearing and Dirt Work – Josh Nail
Land clearing + dirt work
📞 325-347-7665

Twisted K Construction – Ashton Kettinger
Rural construction work
📞 830-333-4589

🫙 For Sale / Local Products

Sheri Ivy’s Homemade Salsa
$12/pint. Made locally. Limited batch.
🛒 Stop by London Grocery & Grill (17451 US-377, London, TX 76854)
📞 Or call (325) 475-2296 to place your order!

2020 Grand Design SOLITUDE 377MBS Fifth Wheel
$42,500. Sleeps 10. 40 ft with 4 slide outs, king bed, bunks, Cummins Onan generator. Well maintained. Mason County.
📞 Call Joel at (830) 777-7550 for more info.

🎟️ Community Events & Fundraisers

London Community Assoc. Raffle – Drawing Sept 13
Win firearms or a Lyssy & Eckel gift card.
🎟️ Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20
📞 Call Philip at 325-446-5344

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

🏡 Snoop That Listing!

📍 325 East Rainey Street, Mason, TX
Built in 1954, this charming red-brick home is tucked just minutes from the local schools. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a cozy 1,866 sq ft footprint, it sits on a quarter-acre lot—plenty of yard without the upkeep. Inside, you'll find warm wood finishes, spacious rooms, and updates throughout. The sellers are even offering a roofing allowance to help you get started fresh. This one’s got great bones, and even better potential. 💬 Want to see it in person? Call Shayne Smith at 325-347-4012 or email [email protected].

FOR SALE :: 3BR / 2BA home on small acreage in Erna, TX. 1985 double-wide mobile home needs full remodel. Well, septic, and electric in place. Nice front-yard shade tree and direct highway access. $75,000. Call Randy at (325) 347-2520.

🏨 226 Fort McKavitt, Mason, TX
Own a slice of history: an 8-room boutique hotel with added commercial space and a spacious 2,100 sq ft apartment. Investment opportunity meets small-town charm.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

🔑 Charming Single-Story Home
Step into this beautifully maintained Hill Country home featuring an open layout, custom white cabinetry, a cozy fireplace, and expansive views. With a spacious primary suite and guest-ready accommodations, it’s perfect for both quiet mornings and lively dinners.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

📍 800 Steap, Mason, TX
A masterclass in craftsmanship, this single-story beauty includes warm wood trim, custom finishes, and a luxurious primary suite. Set on half an acre with postcard-worthy views.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

Click here to 👉 Submit your real estate or rental to The Townie.

Business Backbone with Walt & Nadine

📍 Now serving children and adults in McCulloch and surrounding counties
From ages 3 to 103, Olive Branch is here for the hard stuff—grief, trauma, transitions, and everything in between. You don’t have to do life alone. Their compassionate, licensed team offers counseling for individuals and families navigating real-life challenges, right here in rural Texas.

📞 Call: 210-564-4310
🌐 olivebranchsa.com

Dear Walt & Nadine,

We’re organizing a community fundraiser next month — raffle, golf scramble, maybe a bake sale if we can wrangle the church ladies. It’s for a good cause, but we’re having trouble moving tickets and getting traction. Folks say they’ll “come out and support,” but then nothing happens unless we call them three times and hand them cash for change.

We’ve made flyers, posted on Facebook, and got it listed in the paper. Still feels like we’re shouting into the wind. What actually gets people to show up — and better yet, spend money — at these kinds of events? We can’t keep planning these if they barely break even.

Signed,
Drawing a Blank

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Walt & Nadine.

🧔🏽 WALT SAYS: First off — if your raffle tickets are cash-only and only available from “someone’s cousin,” that’s half the problem.

Second — guilt don't sell. You want folks to come spend? Give 'em a reason that isn’t just “support us.” Sell the fun. Sell the food. Sell the prize. If you're raffling off a gift card to a gas station, nobody’s getting excited. Get a local business to kick in something desirable — brisket, brisket for a year, a weekend getaway, anything worth talking about.

And if you want money, stop burying the ask under four paragraphs about the mission. Lead with: “Tickets are $10. Here's how to get 'em.” Make it easy. Online, Venmo, square at the bake table — whatever. Nobody carries exact change anymore, and they sure don’t come back later.

— Walt

💼 NADINE SAYS: Walt’s right — you’re not just running a fundraiser; you’re running an event, and every event needs a hook.

Here’s a short checklist:

• Clear call to action: “Buy a ticket today” needs to be front and center — not just “hope to see you there.”

• One-click ticketing: If you don’t have a way to buy online (even just a shared Venmo or Eventbrite link), that’s friction you can’t afford.

• Real-world buzz: Don’t underestimate a well-placed poster in the feed store or pharmacy. Pair it with face-to-face invites: “We’re raising funds, and I’d love your support — can I put you down for two tickets?”

• Raffle urgency: Create deadlines or bonuses — “First 50 tickets go into an extra drawing” or “Must buy by Friday to win the grill.”

• Follow-up posts: A single flyer doesn’t do the work. Post photos of the raffle prizes, a teaser of the golf scramble, shoutouts to donors. Make it feel like a can’t-miss community moment.

And finally, make sure your cause and your call to action walk hand in hand. People give more freely when they see exactly how their dollars help and what they get in return. That’s not manipulative — that’s clarity.

— Nadine

🕵️‍♀️ The Biz You Didn’t Know Existed

• Once in a Blue Moon, Something Good Happens

  Brandy Speakman never expected to find her soulmate after losing her husband of 35 years — but life had other plans. With laughter back in her life and a renewed spirit, she’s returned to her roots: country living, faith, and creativity. Together with her new partner, Brandy handcrafts all things western through Blue Moon Rising Customs — a business built on love, resilience, and rustic charm.

  📍 Based right here in London, Texas
  🔗 Follow Blue Moon Rising Customs on Facebook »

• Bogusia’s Farmstand – “Sourdough from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  From the rolling hills of Poland to a cozy microbakery in the Texas countryside, Bogusia Speakman offers long-fermented, organic sourdough baked goods that bring comfort and tradition to your table.
  🌐 Bogusia’s Farmstand on Facebook

• Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story!”
  Interior design rooted in personal storytelling—spaces that reflect your journey, style, and soul.
  🔗 FB: CrossKeysDesigns

• WIN: Women’s Innovation Network – “Women in Business: Networking + Learning Together”
  A regional women’s business network with regular events, mentorship, and community support.
  🔗 FB: WIN

• RV EMT – “Mobile RV Repairs. Reliable Parts. Ready to Roll.”
  On-the-go RV service and parts for Texans with wanderlust.
  🌐 rvemt.com

• Heart of Texas Taxidermy – “Preserving Your Trophies for a Lifetime”
  Local taxidermist with deep Texas roots and a law enforcement background.
  🌐 heartoftexastaxidermy.com

• House of Joy Art Studio – “Art from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  Local artist Joy Milliorn brings creativity and community to San Saba through watercolor workshops, artisan events, and an inspiring studio space. Explore, create, and connect.
  🌐 houseofjoyartstudio.com

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

💼 Job of the Week

ERNA Sands is Hiring!

Join a growing team at Mason’s own sand plant. Entry-level role with warehouse + office tasks. Must be 18+, able to lift 50 lbs, and eager to learn. We’ll train the right fit.
📧 Apply: [email protected]

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

Career & Money with Laurel and Reese

Because even small-town superheroes need a reset.

Gentle, body-based yoga to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and come back to yourself — no flexibility required.

📍 With Alison Pounds, trauma-informed yoga for real-life rest.
🌐 alisonpoundsyoga.com | IG: @alisonpoundsyoga

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

Hi Laurel & Reese,

I’ve lived in Mason my whole life, and I’ve never seriously thought about leaving—until now. I’m a medical assistant and just got offered a job at a private practice in Austin. It pays almost $10/hour more than what I make here, plus better benefits. But the commute would be rough (over 2 hours each way if I stay in Mason), and I don’t know if I’m ready to leave my family, my community, and the slower pace I love.

At the same time, our grocery bill has doubled, rent is creeping up, and I’m not saving much—if anything. The new Frontera clinic opening here feels like a sign to stay, but I haven’t seen any listings from them yet. Am I being loyal or just scared? Is it unrealistic to want both roots and a raise?

Would love your take.

Thanks,
Mason-Minded but Money-Curious

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Laurel & Reese.

Okay, you know we have thoughts.

When the job offer lands and it sounds like more money but feels like it might cost you your whole life… yep, we’ve been there. This question isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about identity, ambition, community, and trade-offs. And we love how you named your crossroads with honesty and guts.

Let’s break it down.

🚦 Let’s start with a decision tree:

Before you say yes (or no) to Austin, ask:

• Are you comparing full packages—or just hourly wages?
  Add up benefits (health insurance, retirement, PTO, even lunch breaks). Sometimes a “higher” salary gets eaten up by commute costs, parking, and taxes.

• What does your daily life look like in each version?
  Imagine a Tuesday. Are you in scrubs at 6 a.m. with a thermos on I-35? Or walking into Frontera ten minutes from home? The money matters—but so does the life around it.

• Do you know your actual number?
  Use a budget calculator to figure out what it would take to feel less squeezed. You may not need $10 more an hour to get there.

• Is Frontera hiring, and if not now—when?
  You’ve got an advantage: you're local, experienced, and motivated. Even if they’re not advertising roles yet, a friendly inquiry (email or walk-in) could put you on their radar.

🧭 Let’s get real about fear—and hunger.

You're not just scared. You’re wise. You know that proximity to your people, your pace, your place is a form of wealth. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to eat well, save money, and breathe easier financially.

So here’s the play:

• Don’t ghost Austin—but don’t pack yet.
  Talk to the clinic. Ask about flexible schedules, relocation support, or remote work days (yes, even in healthcare, admin or hybrid roles might exist). If it’s a “hell yes,” it’ll hold up to scrutiny.

• Make your interest in Frontera known.
  Go full “small-town LinkedIn”: show up to the ribbon cutting, introduce yourself, bring a resume. You don’t have to hard pitch—but make the connection.

• Start building your personal raise.
  Can you negotiate a bump in your current role? Add weekend shifts temporarily? Offer at-home elder care or vaccine services privately on the side? Even a short-term hustle might bridge the gap while you wait for the right local fit.

We’ll leave you with this:

You are not foolish to value home. You are not greedy to want more. And you’re not alone in trying to stitch together a life that makes room for both.

You’re already doing the hardest part: asking better questions.

Rooted and rising,
Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Home and Garden with Hazel Mae & Fern

🛋️ Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story”

Your home isn’t just a place—it’s a reflection of your life, your memories, your style. Cross Keys Designs helps you bring that story to life through curated interiors that feel personal, soulful, and deeply yours.
🛠️ Let your home speak. www.crosskeysdesigns.com

Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

I don’t know if y’all take letters like this, but with Old Yeller Day comin’ up, I feel compelled to confess: I lost control of my yard... and my dog.

It started innocently enough. I planted a single trumpet vine to “jazz up the mailbox,” as my sister-in-law put it. Well, fast forward two summers and that vine has now swallowed the mailbox, the fence, the gutter, and — last month — my husband’s favorite lawn chair. We haven't seen the cat since June.

As for the dog, Rufus (half heeler, half escape artist), he thinks the vine is his jungle gym. He drags in possums, squirrels, the occasional neighbor’s slipper — all presented proudly on the porch like offerings to a very confused god. He once brought me a grackle. Alive. We now have a “no feathered gifts” policy.

Anyway, I’ve tried pruning, pleading, and even playing classical music to “soothe the yard,” per some garden blog. Nothing worked. My yard is winning. Rufus is thriving. And I’m one overgrown morning away from declaring it a wildlife refuge and letting the HOA sort it out.

Please advise, or at least tell me I’m not the only one being outwitted by my landscaping.

With love and mosquito bites,
Lynette

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Hazel Mae and Fern.

Hazel Mae here, and sugar, bless your vine-choked heart. Trumpet vine is nature’s version of that one cousin who says they’ll “just stay a night” and ends up living in your garage. Pretty at first, then before you know it — bam! Mailbox hostage situation.

You are absolutely not the only one being outwitted by your landscaping. I once lost a whole birdbath to wisteria and had a Boston terrier who could scale the peach tree like a raccoon. You’re in good company.

First order of business: gloves on, clippers out. Trumpet vine laughs in the face of “gentle pruning.” You’ve got to cut it back hard, especially now that we’re heading into fall. Dig around the roots if you can and show it who pays the water bill. And don’t be afraid to say goodbye entirely if it’s taken on a mind of its own — the plant, not the dog (though Rufus might need a firm chat, too).

Fern chiming in now — and I say let the chaos tell you something. Your yard’s gone wild because something in it is thriving. That’s not all bad. Maybe Rufus and the vine are reminding you to loosen the reins a bit (not literally — that dog sounds like he needs a leash with GPS). But truly, there’s beauty in letting your space tell its own story, as long as you guide it with care.

Consider cutting back just enough to reclaim your porch peace, then leaving a corner wild for the critters. Add a bench and call it your “unruly nook.” Sometimes the best gardens aren’t the tidy ones — they’re the ones that hold life, laughter, and maybe a few slipper thefts.

With pruning shears and patience,
Hazel Mae & Fern

🔨 Contractor’s Corner

Sponsored by Refuge Decor & Designs
From paint color consultations (thinking Clary Sage for a soft refresh? Or Alabaster for that clean, calm glow?) to full space makeovers, Tessa brings local charm, expert eyes, and just the right amount of “let’s do this” energy to every project—starting at just $50.
📞 Call 254-630-8950 | 💻 FB: @RefugebyTessa

💸 Treat Yo’self: Editor-Approved Picks

Ladies, the September sun's still sittin’ high, and we say that’s all the more reason to sprinkle a little joy on your week. Below are our handpicked deals, treats, and everyday upgrades to help you feel good, look good, and support The Townie while you’re at it.

Go on, darlin’ — treat yo’self.

🛍️ Billie – Razor’d & Ready
Editor’s personal fav razor — ships straight to your front porch. Prefer the in-store hustle? Grab refill blades at H-E-B.
👉 Shave smarter »

🛒 Calphalon – Kitchen Confidence
Love me some Calphalon! Great if you're stocking a new kitchen — but I won't lie, thrift stores and Costco sometimes have better deals.
👉 Shop now »

👩‍🎨 Creative Market – Design It Yourself
Fonts, graphics, templates, oh my! Perfect for teachers, makers, and side-hustlin’ dreamers.
👉 Get creative »

👟 ECCO® – Town-to-Trail Comfort
Y’all, I literally wore the soles off my last pair. These are Sunday-to-Saturday shoes, no break-in required.
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🥿 FitFlop – Compliment Magnet
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Travel and Dreamers: for when you want to wander but not too far…

🏛 If These Walls Could Speak...

Right on Broad Street in Mason stands a jewel of Hill Country history: the Seaquist House. Built in 1887 with soaring ceilings, stained glass, and a third-floor ballroom, this Victorian Italianate beauty has been lovingly restored by the Seaquist House Foundation.

✨ Tour it. Host an event. Step into history.

Whether you’re craving a Saturday day trip, planning a photo session, or dreaming of a wedding backdrop with timeless character, the Seaquist House invites you in.

📍 405 Broad Street, Mason, TX
🌐 www.seaquist.org | ☎️ 325-347-4058
🗓 Public tours: First Saturday of each month

Port O’Connor + Goliad

Sometimes the wander itch sneaks up on you. You want saltwater, sunshine, and a little adventure, but you don’t want the traffic snarl of Galveston or the price tag of Port Aransas. That’s when Port O’Connor whispers your name—Texas’ “Best Kept Secret on the Gulf Coast.”

And if you’re already pointing your wheels that direction, why not add a bonus stop in Goliad for stone walls, cowboy roots, and a slice of Texas history you can walk right into?

This weekend loop—Goliad + Port O’Connor—is the kind of trip that gives you both shrimp and stories, both salt air and Spanish missions.

🏛 First Stop (or Last): Goliad

You’ll know you’re close when the flatlands open wide and that limestone mission rises up like a fortress from the brush country. Mission Espíritu Santo (Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga if you’re feeling fancy) is the star here, and it’s not just pretty stonework—it’s where Texas ranching got its start.

• Architecture to notice: thick limestone walls, an arched Baroque-style doorway, and a central courtyard that once held the rhythms of daily mission life—Indigenous families, friars, workshops, and livestock all inside the same square. If you look closely, you might still catch faint traces of frescoes painted nearly 300 years ago.

• Defensive bones: high walls, heavy gates, acequias (irrigation ditches) that made crops and cattle possible. It’s part chapel, part fortress, part cattle HQ.

• Cowboy roots: By the late 1700s, the mission ran herds topping 40,000 head. Indigenous converts became the first vaqueros—roping, branding, riding, and passing down the techniques that would become cowboy culture.

And the best part? You can wander it for the price of a taco.

• Admission: $4 per adult, free for kids 12 and under.

• Hours: Park gates open 8 a.m.–10 p.m., historic buildings 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (yes, even on holidays like Labor Day).

Make it a fuller stop by swinging by Presidio La Bahía (the Spanish fort down the road) or the Zaragoza Birthplace (a reconstructed home marking the birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza, hero of the Battle of Puebla). Pack a picnic and enjoy the live oaks before hitting the highway again.

🌊 Weekend Hub: Port O’Connor

Now let’s talk about Port O’Connor, because this little fishing village has been quietly outshining the big beach towns for years.

• On the water: Boating, fishing, paddling trails, dolphin spotting—if it swims, flaps, or floats, you’ll find it here. Matagorda Island (accessible only by boat) offers wild beaches, birdwatching, and a lighthouse story that rivals any Texas ghost tale.

• Fishing cred: Redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder—anglers swear this is one of the richest spots on the Gulf. Even if you’re not into rods and reels, watching the boats roll in at the docks is a show in itself.

• Local vibe: Forget tourist traps. This is a town where houses are built on stilts, coolers double as furniture, and everyone waves whether they know you or not.

Where to Eat

Fuel is key, and Port O’Connor does not disappoint:

• La Loncheria Morenita – Katie’s pick. Start your day here with queso guisado that’s to die for, paired with homemade corn tortillas the size of a dinner plate—hot, fresh, and begging to be dunked in spicy salsa. It’s the kind of breakfast that fuels both fishing trips and road trips.

• Cathy’s Restaurant – Shrimp platters that taste like the Gulf jumped straight onto your plate.

• Josie’s Mexican Food – Tex-Mex + seafood fusion, where salsa meets shrimp and tortillas are king.

• 5D Steakhouse – For when you want your surf with a side of turf.

🛻 Why This Loop Works for Neighbors

This isn’t a cross-country haul—it’s a there-and-back weekend that delivers more than its miles:

• Families get history lessons and sandcastles in one trip.

• Ranching folks get to tip their hats at the birthplace of Texas cattle culture.

• Anglers get their pick of some of the best fishing grounds on the Gulf.

• History buffs can stack missions, forts, and battlegrounds like a road-trip scavenger hunt.

• And for the rest of us? Sunshine, shrimp, and a new story to tell by Monday.

🌟 Wrap-Up

So here’s your recipe: swing by Goliad for a mission stroll, roll on to Port O’Connor for sun and seafood, then drive home salty, sandy, and a little smarter about where cowboy culture began.

Not bad for a weekend wander.

Got a close-to-home loop you love? Send it our way—we’ll wander there next.

🎶 Rural Hometown Vibes 🎶

We’ve been cooking up something special for your speakers. Meet Rural Hometown Vibes — The Townie’s very own playlist, packed with 41 songs to carry you from Friday night lights to a lazy Sunday porch swing.

It’s a mix of small-town swagger, Texas grit, and toe-tapping joy — perfect for road trips, backyard BBQs, or just sweeping the kitchen with a little more attitude.

So turn it up, darlin’, and let the weekend start early.

👉 Listen to Rural Hometown Vibes on Spotify

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