🛋️ Refuge Decor & Designs: Love Your Home Again

Is your space feeling a little... uninspired? Refuge Decor & Designs brings fresh eyes, local charm, and creative energy to every corner of your home. Whether it’s a cozy revamp or a bold new look, Tessa McDonald offers affordable design help starting at just $50. From paint picks to full-room transformations, you’ll fall in love with your space all over again — no big city prices required.

🎨 Call Tessa at 254-630-8950 or visit facebook.com/RefugebyTessa to schedule a consult.

📬 Letter from the Editor

They don’t call it the Dog Days of Summer for nothing. The kind of heat that slows you down, makes you grateful for a shady porch and a good glass of tea. But even in this sun-drenched stretch of July, things in our corner of the world are anything but sleepy.

This week’s newsletter is packed with fresh opportunities — from a dream job on a ranch to new local businesses worth knowing. We’re also tipping our hat to National Cowboy Day this Saturday, a fitting tribute to the grit, grace, and stubborn hope that still defines so many of our neighbors.

If you’re feeling stuck in the heat, lean into the local. Go to the market. Try a library event. Say yes to something new. Even a small step can feel like forward motion.

Stay cool, stay kind — and keep loving where you live.

– Katie

🗞️🥚 Fresh Off The Porch 🪻🐄

Here's your roundup of good news and community highlights from across Mason County and nearby towns—perfect for planning your weekend or celebrating local wins!

• Storytime for Littles in Mason – The Mason County Library is hosting storytimes on July 24 and 31 for toddlers and preschoolers, complete with songs, crafts, and STEAM activities.

• Teen Art at the Library – Tweens and teens are invited to a creative craft workshop, “Alice’s Adventures in Craft,” on July 24 at the Mason Library with snacks included.

• Stretch & Breathe – Free adult yoga classes at the Mason Library continue on July 24 and 31, offering a peaceful midweek wellness break.

• Calling All Dog Man Fans – On July 30, the Mason Library will throw a Dog Man Party with themed games, crafts, snacks, and a movie screening.

• Celebrate Summer Reading – The Mason Library wraps up its summer program with an animal-themed party on July 31 featuring family activities and prizes.

• Tech Help & Doughnuts – Adults can get tech-savvy at the “Doughnuts & Devices” workshop on August 1 at the Mason Library.

• Read to Swim Continues – Through July 26, Mason students can earn free pool passes or Dairy Queen treats just by reading daily.

• Explore Military History – The Mason Military Museum remains open Saturdays through August, showcasing exhibits from the Civil War to modern day.

• Fresh from Fredericksburg – The Fredericksburg Farmers Market runs July 24 and 31 at Marktplatz, featuring local produce, specialty goods, and live music.

• Culinary Demo at Das Peach Haus – Join the fun on July 21 for a summer-themed cooking class led by Hill Country chefs in Fredericksburg.

• Sipping for a Cause – Fredericksburg’s Food & Wine Festival Preview Week (July 21–27) now benefits flood relief efforts, turning tastings into support for neighbors in need.

• Give Blood, Give Back – A community blood drive will be held on July 31 at Fredericksburg’s Marktplatz, supporting regional healthcare needs.

• Living History at the Pioneer Museum – Ongoing public programs offer locals and visitors a glimpse into Fredericksburg’s vibrant past.

• Disc Golf in Junction – The Sizzler Disc Golf Tournament returns to Junction’s scenic parks July 26–27, welcoming beginners and pros alike.

• Community Support in Junction – Kimble County Library continues to host Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, offering strength and connection every Monday and Thursday.

• Brady’s Summer Music Scene – Post-Jubilee celebrations continue in Brady with street dances and live local bands on select summer evenings.

• Scavenger Hunt Fun in Brady – Families can join the “Boot-Scootin’” scavenger adventure, a self-guided quest through downtown Brady with prizes.

• Fair Fun in Menard – Though the Menard County Fair wrapped July 20, its parade, pageants, and music left lasting smiles across the county.

Click here to 👉 Submit your good news or upcoming event to The Townie.

🌤️ Weekend Weather 🌤️

If you were hoping for a break in the heat, well… sort of. Thursday and Friday bring classic Texas scorchers, with sunshine and highs hovering around 98°F. It’s the kind of heat that makes the sidewalk shimmer and the tea sweat faster than you do. Now’s a good time to check the A/C filters, refill the ice trays, and maybe let the lawn go just one more day.

By Saturday, things slightly ease up with a bit of cloud cover and a “cooler” high of 93°F — just in time for National Cowboy Day. Whether you’re celebrating with a little two-stepping or just hiding under your biggest hat, it’s a good day to be out early, nap through the hottest stretch, and make the most of the evening breeze.

Sunday heats back up with another 98°F forecast and more sun than shade. Good news for pool-goers and brave grill masters, but be sure to hydrate, check on your pets and neighbors, and give that sunscreen a workout. It’s summer in full stride — and it’s not playing around.

🛎️ Townie Classifieds: Slightly Questionable, Fully Entertaining

Need a lawn chair that folds and pinches? Want to hire someone who can lift hay bales and your spirits? You’re in the right place.

FOR SALE / RENT

1970s Bar Cart – Chrome, glass, and questionable decisions. Wheels slightly wobbly but still rolls faster than your uncle after three margaritas. $75 OBO. Text Patty: (325) 555-6842

HELP WANTED

🟢 Real Job Alert 🟢 Full-Time Hunting Guide – North of Fredonia. MLD season guiding + ranch hand work in the off-season. Must love land, early mornings, and explaining the difference between mule deer and white-tailed to city folk. Call Justin Mondrik: 830-317-1977 (Yes, this one’s real.)

Professional Hammock Tester – Got 3 new hammocks to review before the in-laws visit. Must weigh under 200lbs and be able to nap on command. Payment in sweet tea. Text Roy: (325) 555-9090

NEED SOMETHING?

Need Someone to Remove a Possum from My Porch Fridge – He's taken over the crisper drawer. Compensation: fresh okra and moral support. DM: @fridgestandoff87

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Moving Sale (Emotionally and Literally) – Leaving town and leaving half our stuff behind. Deals on furniture, books, and a surprise mystery bin. Friday–Sunday, 303 Sagebrush Dr.

Note: Some listings are real. Most are ridiculous. The hunting guide gig? 100% legit.

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

🏡 Snoop That Listing! – Real Estate 🏘️

Curious about that fixer-upper off Post Oak? Wondering what that big ol’ ranch house is going for? This is where Mason County neighbors share homes for sale and rent.

🏡 Sponsored by Heart of Texas Taxidermy

Buying land? Building your dream home? Make sure your wall mounts match the view. Joel at Heart of Texas Taxidermy brings expert care and Hill Country honesty to every piece—from white-tail bucks to exotic game. A retired police officer and lifelong hunter, Joel’s the guy you want preserving your story.

🔸 Visit: heartoftexastaxidermy.com
🔸 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.

FOR RENT

• Charming Bunker with a View – $950/month Technically a basement, but the owner calls it a “garden-level haven.” One bed, one bath, and a kitchenette that includes a microwave, mini fridge, and a stove that works if you kick it just right. Comes partially furnished with a recliner, a taxidermied raccoon named Stanley, and three lava lamps. Views of the hillside if you crouch near the laundry window. Perfect for introverts, poets, or someone going through a quiet personal crisis. No pets (except Stanley). Text Darla at (325) 555-7620 — serious inquiries only, kind of.

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

The Business Backbone with Walt and Nadine

Sponsored by RV EMT: Mobile RV Repairs. Reliable Parts. Ready to Roll.

Is your RV air conditioner blowin’ hotter than a Texas July? Our certified techs come to you — fast fixes, fair prices, and no tow truck needed. rvemt.com

Dear Walt and Nadine,

This heat has us all moving slow, but I keep hearing from folks who are launching side hustles, home services, and seasonal gigs. Some are in it for the income, others just want to try something new while they have time.

What advice do you have for someone trying to start (or restart) a small business during the dog days of summer — especially in a rural area?

— Hopeful but Sweaty in Hext

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

Dear Hopeful but Sweaty in Hext,

WALT: Summer's hot. So is hustle. But don’t confuse “trying something” with running a business.

If you’re mowing lawns, baking pies, or painting barns for cash, good — that’s money in your pocket. But if you want this thing to last, don’t skip the boring parts: pricing, hours, tools, and where the customers are. You need to decide if it’s a lemonade stand or a business, and treat it like one either way.

And one more thing: don’t launch in July then disappear in September. Around here, folks notice who sticks with it.

NADINE: Walt’s right — summer’s a great time to test an idea, but don’t confuse buzz with a business model.

If you’re just starting, treat this season like a soft launch. Get real feedback. Track what you’re making (and spending). Keep it simple, but consistent. What works in July might not fly in January, so plan for that too.

In a small town, reputation grows faster than revenue. Show up when you say you will. Communicate clearly. And be kind — your early customers are your best marketing.

Set a goal for what success looks like by fall. Maybe it’s a certain number of sales, or learning if this idea even fits your life. Summer might start the spark — but the real work comes after the sunburn fades.

— Walt & Nadine

🕵️‍♀️ Business You Didn’t Know Existed* 🏪

🧘‍♀️ Alison Pounds Yoga: Healing is Possible

Chronic stress and trauma leave deep marks — but somatic yoga helps you soften, release, and truly heal. Alison offers gentle, body-aware sessions for anxiety, pain, and overwhelm. Your body knows the way home. 🔗 alisonpoundsyoga.com

🖋️ Cross Keys Designs: Let Us Tell Your Story

Your home should speak your language — cozy, bold, timeless, or all three. Cross Keys Designs creates interiors that reflect your journey, your style, and your soul. Let your space become your signature. 🔗 Cross Keys Designs on Facebook

💼 WIN: Women’s Innovation Network

Looking to grow your business and connect with powerhouse women across the Hill Country? Join WIN on Facebook for upcoming events, networking nights, and a community of vibrant, like-minded women. 🔗 facebook.com/WIN.FBG

🎨 House of Joy Art Studio: Where Creativity Meets Community

Whether you’re browsing artisan goods or getting your hands wet with watercolor, House of Joy in San Saba is more than a studio — it’s a local hub of joy, color, and connection. Catch the Wallace Street Trader’s Market every second Saturday. 🔗 houseofjoyartstudio.com

🧠 Olive Branch Counseling: Support for Every Season of Life

From toddlers to centenarians, Olive Branch Counseling offers thoughtful, professional care for grief, trauma, transitions, and mental wellness. Serving McCulloch and surrounding counties — because no one should do life alone. 🔗 olivebranchsa.com

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

🛠️ Job of the Week* 🛠️

Full-Time Hunting Guide – North of Fredonia. MLD season guiding + ranch hand work in the off-season. Must love land, early mornings, and explaining the difference between mule deer and white-tailed to city folk. Call Justin Mondrik: 830-317-1977

ERNA Sands LLC is hiring!
PT. Must lift 50 lbs and pass a drug test.
Send resume to [email protected].

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

Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Dear Laurel and Reese,

I’ve been out of work for a few months now, and I’m starting to lose confidence. I’ve applied to everything from local ranch jobs to part-time cashier gigs, but no one’s called back. It’s tough staying motivated when the job boards are quiet and the sun’s relentless.

How do I keep my spirits up — and my search active — when it feels like nothing’s landing?

— Discouraged in Doss

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

Okay, you know we have thoughts.

First: Doss, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. The job market right now is weird and patchy, and applying with no response can feel like yelling into the void with a résumé-shaped megaphone. Add the heat and a dwindling sense of momentum? It’s a rough combo.

Here’s how we’d help you press reset—not just on the search, but on your confidence too.

1. Stop the résumé spray-and-pray.

If you’re applying to “everything,” we get the hustle—but it can actually hurt your chances and your energy. Let’s flip it: quality over quantity. Pick 3 to 5 job types that actually interest you and tailor your applications closely. Even for part-time roles, a short but specific cover note can set you apart.

2. Do a weekly “wins” roundup.

Confidence doesn’t only come from callbacks. It comes from showing up. Keep a log of:

• Jobs you applied to

• New skills you touched (even informally)

• People you connected with

• Moments you kept going, even when it was hard

Then, each Friday, look at the list and acknowledge your work. This is momentum.

3. Work your network — even if it feels awkward.

We know small towns (like Doss!) can feel like everyone already knows your business. But that also means: people know you. Don’t just ask, “Know of any jobs?” Try:

• “I’m open to ranch work or local business gigs—if you hear of anything, would you keep me in mind?”

• “I’m great with people and animals. Let me know if anyone’s hiring part-time help—I’d love a foot in the door.”

People want to help, but they need specifics.

4. Give your brain a goal besides “get hired.”

If you can swing it, pick one skill or hobby to lean into during the search—whether it’s farm equipment repair, QuickBooks basics, or baking the best damn biscuits in the Hill Country. Not because you should be productive every minute, but because growing your sense of capability matters.

5. Rebuild in small bites.

Some days, your only job might be to shower and send one email. That counts. Other days, you’ll apply to three gigs and rewrite your résumé. That counts, too.

And when you feel discouraged? Feel it. Then remind yourself: You’ve made it through hard things before. This won’t be forever.

You’re not behind. You’re in the middle.

We’re rooting for you,

—Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

JOB BOARD

• Wildflower Traffic Coordinator – Lavender Fields | $16/hour + picnic privileges Keep tourists from parking in the sunflowers. Responsibilities include waving at Subarus, redirecting influencers, and gently shooing bees off picnic tables. Must be friendly, sun-hardened, and fluent in the phrase “Please don’t pick the flowers.” Apply: Text “WILDFLOWER” to (325) 555-6604

  Click here to 👉 Submit a job to The Townie.

🏠💐 Home & Garden with Hazel Mae + Fern 🌱💛

Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

After all this rain, our yard looks like Ireland — green, lush, and growing way too fast. The grass is out of control, the weeds are staging a coup, and I swear I saw a frog riding a tomato vine.

What should I be doing right now to keep our garden healthy and not totally overwhelmed? And how do I keep the post-rain jungle vibes from turning into a mosquito farm?

— Swamped in Streeter

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

Oh, Swamped in Streeter —

Hazel Mae here, and I just snorted my iced tea at that frog. If he starts charging rent, holler at me. First things first: you are not alone. This kind of Hill Country rain turns every yard into a botanical free-for-all. The grass thinks it's in the Kentucky Derby, the weeds think it's Mardi Gras, and the mosquitos — well, they’re throwing a rave in every puddle.

Here’s the short list before your garden becomes the next episode of Wild Kingdom:

1. Mow, But Don’t Scalp

Cut that grass, darlin’, but set your mower high — around 3 to 4 inches. It’ll keep roots shaded and crowd out weeds. Scalping it low in wet weather is just begging for a mudslide.

2. Weed Like You Mean It

The soil’s soft, so now’s the time to pull those suckers out roots and all. Don’t just decapitate ‘em — that’s how they win.

3. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

Fern always says mulch is a love letter to your soil, and Lord knows she’s right. Cover bare spots with 2–3 inches of bark, straw, or shredded leaves. Keeps moisture steady, blocks weeds, and makes everything look tidy as Sunday church shoes.

4. Drain the Swamp (Literally)

Check for standing water — under pots, near downspouts, in saucers. Dump it. Mosquitoes only need a bottlecap’s worth to breed, and I swear they’re faster than gossip in a beauty parlor.

—

Fern chiming in now:

Sweetheart, rain brings such abundance, but also asks for tending. Think of this moment as a seasonal reckoning — a time to cut back what’s overgrown, but also to give thanks for all this growth. Deadhead your flowers, harvest what’s ripe, and compost what’s gone too far.

And if you haven’t already, it’s a fine time to plant a cover crop in any resting beds — like crimson clover or cowpeas — something that’ll hold the soil and enrich it while you wait for fall planting.

Also? Invite in the dragonflies. They’re nature’s helicopters, and they eat mosquitoes for breakfast. A small pollinator garden or water feature (kept moving) helps attract them.

—

So don’t fret, Swamped — just start with one corner and work your way out. You’ve got this. And if that frog starts speaking Latin or requests a margarita, do write us back.

With garden gloves and gumption,
Hazel Mae & Fern 🐸🌿

🛠️ Contractor’s Corner – DIY Tricks + Tips

This week’s tip is brought to you by ERNA Sands LLC

Need a solid foundation—literally?
Head out to ERNA Sands at 224 Evans Lane for quality road base at just $12/ton. Whether you’re fixing a driveway, building up your pad site, or just want to feel like a big-time dirt boss, we’ve got you covered.

🛻 Got a truck? Swing by and we’ll load you up with a super sack.
🚛 Need a semi full? Call Max Mahan Trucking out of Brady at (800) 597-0026 for full-load delivery.

📍 Questions? Call ERNA Sands at 325-216-4189

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

Things we’re loving this week (with links that help keep The Townie running!)

✶Creative Market✶ – If you’re the artsy type or just pretending to be, this global design marketplace is packed with fonts, graphics, templates, and creative goodies from independent makers around the world. Support creatives, boost your next project.
👉 Check it out here

✶FlexJobs✶ – Hunting for legit remote work without sifting through scams? FlexJobs curates quality part-time and full-time gigs across industries and around the world. No nonsense—just jobs.
👉 Start your search

✶Green Chef✶ – Get wholesome, organic meals delivered straight to your door. They do the prepping, you do the impressing. Ideal for busy folks who still want to eat like a grownup.
👉 Get cooking

✶Thrive Market✶ – Healthy groceries delivered, no fuss. Think organic pantry staples, sustainable brands, and member perks—all from your laptop.
👉 Browse the pantry

✶ affiliate links

FOOD & DRINK

Local Favs (Click here to 👉Submit a fav!)

Seafood Pasta with White Sauce at Joe’s Italian
"Back for round two and Joe’s did not disappoint. We brought our own wine, toasted date night, and my husband ordered the seafood pasta — one bite in, and he promised me more nights like this. That white sauce? Heavenly. Joe’s is officially in our rotation."

— Date Night Winner, Twice in a Row
📍 212 Fort McKavitt St, Mason, TX (also in Brady!)

What’s on Your Stove? (Click here to 👉 Submit your recipe)

Leftover Stir Fry with a Kick
It started with a craving for rice — and a fridge full of odds and ends. I tossed in sugar snap peas, MTX beef steak, carrot sticks, onions, bell peppers, and the last of the sweet corn I hauled back from Minnesota last summer. A quick cup of rice in the Instant Pot, a fast sauté on the veggies, and the final flourish? One or two chile piquins from my neighbor’s plant. Simple, spicy, and just right for a week when the garden’s giving and the fridge needs clearing.

— Spicy and Resourceful in ERNA

🫑 Try This: Roasted Hatch Chiles

Hatch season is here, and it’s worth firing up the grill (or the broiler) for these smoky, slightly sweet green beauties. Dice them into eggs, layer them into quesadillas, stir them into corn pudding, or fold into butter for the world’s best cornbread spread. Bonus: roast a batch, freeze 'em flat, and you’ll have Hill Country heat all year long.

👉 Submit your own ingredient

🍷 Wine of the Week

2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Singing Water Vineyards
This small‑batch cab took top honors from the San Francisco Chronicle as Best Cabernet in the U.S. in 2025 — and it's not a tourist trap. Crafted by the family-operated Singing Water Vineyards just north of San Antonio, it’s a rich, oak-aged beauty with classic dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a Texas soul. It’s worthy of special occasions — or any evening with good company.

— Texas makes it better

COMMUNITY

IN OTHER NEWS*

🛻 Tire Trouble? Call Earl.
Earl’s Mobile Tire Patch is back in business after the flood and running a “Buy 3 patches, get 1 flat fixed free” special. He’ll meet you in a pasture, parking lot, or anywhere but I-10. Text “AIR ME UP” to (325) 555-2244.

🧼 Pop-Up Car Wash (sort of) Behind the Ag Barn
The kids are fundraising again — this time with buckets, hoses, and a whole lot of good intentions. Your truck might come out cleaner, or at least wetter. Saturday, 9–noon. Tips welcome, especially if you bring donuts.

🪓 Chainsaw Lessons Now Available at Bertha’s Place
After three flood-felled trees and one “incident” with a mesquite limb, Bertha’s teaching a crash course in safe cutting. BYO gloves, strong opinions, and signed waiver. Sundays at 4 p.m. First lesson: "What not to cut."

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

👨‍🌾 Neighbor of the Week: Travis “Tater” Bledsoe

Role: Volunteer firefighter, unofficial town mechanic, certified ribeye whisperer

Why he deserves a shoutout:
Tater’s the kind of neighbor who shows up before you even realize you need help. Flat tire? He’s already got the jack. Brush fire? He’s halfway into his bunker gear. He grills like a pitmaster, mows for widows on Sundays, and somehow always knows where the ice cream truck is parked.

Quote from nominators:
“Travis once fixed my water heater with a wrench, duct tape, and a sermon about self-reliance. The man’s a legend.”

👉 Click here to nominate a neighbor or colleague.

🧑‍🔬 Young Star of the Week: Lila Jo Cantu

Age: 9
School/Town: Brady Intermediate, Brady
Accomplishment:
Lila Jo built a working weather station out of a shoebox, old bike parts, and her dad’s broken fishing scale. It’s surprisingly accurate and now broadcasts “Lila’s Forecast” from her front porch via walkie-talkie every morning. She’s also been spotted explaining barometric pressure to passing dogs and neighbors alike.

Quote from nominators:
“She told me to water my tomatoes before the ‘humidity crash.’ She was right. Also, she uses words like ‘dew point.’ We stan.”

📝 Glossary for Grown-Ups: “We stan”
Stan (verb): To be a big fan of someone; to admire or support them enthusiastically.
Modern translation: “We love this kid. She’s the best.”
Note: Despite sounding weird, it’s not an insult. We triple-checked.

👉 Click here to nominate a child or student.

💬 The Best Advice You’ve Ever Gotten

“Always carry jumper cables and a casserole dish.”
Submitted by Prepared in Pontotoc
"You never know if someone’s battery or spirit is going to need a boost. One helps start the engine. The other helps start the healing."

This week, that combo feels like a perfect metaphor for showing up for your people — practically and kindly.

👉 Click here to submit your advice to The Townie.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPS

• Wildflower Watch Squad – Saturday, 8 a.m., FM 386 Overlook
  Help document what’s blooming post-rain — wild sunflowers, milkweed, or mystery vines. Volunteers will photograph, ID plants (or make educated guesses), and shoo off selfie-takers stepping on bluebonnets. Coffee provided. Hat strongly encouraged.

• Backstage Chicken Wranglers – Thursday, 4 p.m., Community Theater
  The summer kids’ play involves two live hens and a “barnyard ballet.” We’re seeking calm folks with poultry patience to escort the stars on and off stage. No clapping near the coop. Dress code: dark shirt, closed-toed shoes, and possibly a feather boa.

Click here to 👉 Submit your volunteer opp to The Townie.

TRAVEL & DREAMERS

For When You Want to Wander, But Not Too Far

Tour the Historic Seaquist House – Saturday, August 2
Step into Mason’s grandest home and take a walk through time. The Seaquist House opens its doors to the public Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. No RSVP needed — just show up ready to wander the halls, climb the turret, and maybe fall a little in love with Victorian Texas.

🎟️ Adults $15 | Kids 9–12 $5 | 8 & under free
📍 405 Broad St, Mason | seaquist.org

Click here to 👉 Submit your content to The Townie.

🧭 Newcomers

Welcome to the Hill Country, y’all. You made it. Now here’s what we wish someone had told us.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

You may have landed here for the stars, the silence, or the sweet price on that fixer-upper. Whatever brought you, this place has a way of growing on you — and not just because of the humidity. Start by learning folks’ names, remembering who waves from which truck, and never underestimating the power of a well-timed “howdy.” If you bring banana bread to your first community potluck, you're basically royalty.

Small-Town Survival Tips

• If someone says “you’ll want to be off that road by dark,” believe them.

• Don’t rely on GPS — it’ll lead you to a gate with three angry goats and no signal.

• Cell service drops like a possum in a pecan tree. Keep directions and snacks on hand.

• There’s a difference between a copperhead and a rat snake. Learn it.

• If your A/C dies in July, check on your neighbors — and beg for their guest room.

Words of Wisdom from the Locals

🗣️ “Every gas station has its own gossip ecosystem. Choose wisely.”
🗣️ “Don’t honk. Unless it’s a cow. Then honk.”
🗣️ “Trust the coffee at the volunteer firehouse. It’s strong enough to fix your attitude.”

📘 This Ain’t Austin: A Guide for Newcomers with Sense (and a Sense of Humor)
Still learning the difference between cedar and mesquite? Wondering why the post office closes for lunch? Our guide covers the quirks, customs, and quiet joys of rural Texas life.

🛒 Preorder now for just $7 (30% off!)
👉 payhip.com/b/v2GNy

ENTER TO WIN THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY BY SHARING THE TOWNIE

ADVERTISE IN THE TOWNIE (FREE for a limited time)

Submit your content to The Townie (FREE Forever)