Mary Jo Schaffer Bandera Texas Real Estate

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am sitting here thinking about all the things that I have to be thankful for this year. As a real estate broker, I am very thankful that I am still in business. Even in our small community, I know of other realtors that have had to seek employment elsewhere in order to make ends meet. Some brokers have sold their businesses, or gone to work for other brokers, I am thankful that I still want to and can keep my doors open. Sales are definitely down from last year, the traffic and the calls are half of what they were. All the sales classes and books say numbers equate to sales, the more people you talk to or see, the more likely you'll be able to sell something. I have confidence that things will improve, new opportunities will present themselves, I need to be ready and willing to change.

I am thankful for a loving considerate spouse, who continues to plug away at his job in the Health Care Industry, even though the future may hold turmoil ahead for that industry. My children continue to bless me with grandchildren (new bundles of joy Jack and Ruthie!). That joy is indescribable.

As Bandera County's Veterans Service Officer, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the veterans of this county and am extremely thankful for their service to this country. What I do for them pales in comparison to what they do for us.

As a citizen of the United States, I am thankful for the freedoms that I have to express myself and to have my own business, doing what I love, unencumbered.

Take time today and on Thanksgiving to tell those you love how important they are to you, and how grateful you are for knowing them.

As I grow older, it seems as though the years just fly by- it wasn't really a whole year ago that we were planning on attending the Chamber of Commerce's biggest fundraiser of the year, Hunters Bar b que. Where did all the time go? I was so involved in doing those things that produce business that I hardly noticed what day and month it was. Course, my busyness was helped by the fact that my daughter and new grandson had moved in with us temporarily. That would tend to distract anyone, including me.

Now I barely have two weeks to get it together for the 47th Annual Hunters Bar b que and Outdoor Expo, taking place at Mansfield Park on Friday, November 6th 2009. Originally started by the local businesses of Bandera in appreciation for the hundreds of hunters that desend on the county once hunting season starts, it became the mainstay of the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce ever since.

The festivites begin at 3PM and continue until 10PM, with exhibitors and crafters showing their wares, both related to hunting and hunters and those of us that stay at the campsite( meaning clothing, jewelry, edible concoctions, stuff to soften and beautify us while we wait for our heroes). There are also booths to occupy the very young, aspiring hunters as well.

A beef brisket meal with tea and dessert is $10 for age 12 and older, $8 for age 3-11 and under 3 is free. Live music while you eat so that you have energy to bid on the auction items that begins at 7PM. Each year there is a raffle, this year is no different, with most of the items for the hunter.

For more on this year's Bar b que, call 830-796-3280 or go to www.banderatex.com for a run down of all the events and a map to the park. Bring your appetites and your cash- all proceeds benefit the myriad of special events that Bandera County hosts, the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show, Memorial Day Parade, Riverfest, Celebrate Bandera, CCRA Rodeo, and the Veterans Day Parade, to name a few. I'll see ya there!

www.sweetheartrealty.com Mary Jo Schaffer 830-796-7448

My how time flies! Another year has come and gone, but wait, you still have time to make it to
Bandera, Texas for our annual "Celebrate Bandera" spectacular. Events have already kicked off at Mansfield Park with the Circle of Life Powwow and the Cowboy Mounted Shooters this evening at 7PM.

A don't miss starts at 11AM with the Longhorn Cattle Drive through downtown Bandera. All around the Courthouse are arts and crafts booths and food booths to satisfy the hunger in you. At City Park from 12noon to 6PM will be the Brazos Bottom Cowographers, the Buffalo Soldiers, Concho Cowboys, San Antonio Living History and Interactive Childrens Activities.

The Wild West Show starts at 5:30pm at Mansfield Park, with Bull Riding at 8pm. On Sunday, the fun continues with an Invitational Tie Down Roping, Barrel Racing shootout and NPBR Bull riding at 7pm.

For more info on this weekend's events, please see www.celebratebandera.com or call 830-796-4447, or 1-800-364-3833. It's not to late to head on over- we'll save a place for ya!

The Bandera Honors Veterans Committee is geared up to hold its 4th Annual Veterans Day celebration this Saturday, November 8th starting at 9:30AM with the flag raising ceremony at the Bandera County Courthouse.

The Committee will honor local veterans as well as local elected officials after the flag raising, to include County Judge Richard Evans, and County Commissioners and City Mayor. Guest speaker will be Bridadier General Victor M. Ortiz, Jr. US Army who resides in Castroville. After the ceremony, a parade will commence down Main Street starting at 11AM. Lunch will be served for all the veterans of the county and distinguished guests after the parade.

There will be several vendors in place at the courthouse, including non profit agencies and Texas Veterans Commission representatives to help veterans find employment and services in the area. I will be there as Bandera County Veteran Service Officer to speak to veterans about VA services that they are entitled to, and how to go about receiving those benefits.

I look forward to the celebration and getting the opportunity to meet the veterans and their families. Please join us for this important day of honor for those who sacrificed so much for our well being and freedoms. To contact me with your VA related questions, please call me at 830-460-1643.

Mary Jo Schaffer www.sweetheartrealty.com 830-796-7448

It's hard to believe another year has passed, and it's time again for Hunter's Bar B Que. This years big event is this Friday, October 31- Halloween to those of us trick or treaters.

This is the event that kicks off the deer hunting season in South Texas, and locals and visitors from far and wide celebrate the extravaganza.

The doors open at 3 PM for those of us who can't wait to partake in the delicious bar b que beef and sausage, and hopefully, dessert. Live entertainment is also in store for your listening pleasure, while you eat and visit with both old and new friends.

Vendors will line the hall with their wares, from trucks and hunting equipment, to salsa and jewelry. A silent auction and a live auction will keep you busy and attentive- don't miss out on these bargains.

There may be a chill in the air, but the Mansfield Park Showbarn will definitely heat up your surroundings. For info on vendors and times of events, check www.banderahuntersbba.com or call 830-796-3280.

Mary Jo Schaffer www.sweetheartrealty.com 830-796-7448