About Bandera County, TX

Last night, the Silver Sage Community Center, and Bandera Honors Veterans, put on a program for Veterans, which I, as the Bandera County Veterans Service Officer, was a participant. Being that I have only been the Service Officer for Bandera for one year, this was the first seminar that I had a part in. There were several participants, the Texas Veterans Commission, the VA Hospital System, The Veterans Administration, the Texas Veterans Land Board, TVC Employment Counselors from San Antonio and Kerrville, the American Legion from Bandera and Lakehills Chapters, and a VA approved loan officer. All of these representatives were there for two hours to explain their jobs and to answer veterans questions, and to assit them in filing for benefits.

Besides myself, there were Service Officers from Gillespie County and Kerr County. I had a table setup with VA benefit books, important phone numbers for the veterans and their dependents, relevent website addresses, and info on real estate properties that would qualify for a Tx-Vet loan.

I was amazed at how crowded the room was, I'm not sure of the count, but somewhere around 100-150 had attended, and they all had questions. I even got up in front of the group to say a few words about Veteran Service Officers and what they do (will explain in a subsequent post). A big deal for me because I dislike public speaking. I better get used to it because I'm sure we'll be doing this again next year.

I also was pleasantly surprised when I was the last table to fold up to leave, because I had so many stop by my table to say hello, and to let me know how their request for evaluation for benefits was going. I also talked real estate with several people that wanted to use their low,low interest rate offered by the Veterans Land Board- 7.2% with 5% down, such a great deal!

Some of the veterans and their spouses drove 100+ miles to be there, just for the chance to speak with VA and TVC staff. Everyone got their questions answered, and felt good about the event and what it accomplished. I look forward to meeting again with those that need my help, and hopefully, I will find them land or a home they will want to use their VA benefits to buy!

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

Back on August 28, 2007 I wrote a blog about "Devastating Fire on Main St. Bandera" in which I told about the wipe out of two major businesses in Bandera Texas.

Shoe Biz, owned by Peggy Ashmore opened on April 17, 1987 and has been a constant in Bandera ever since. The store carries not just shoes, (Keds, Clarks, and many other distinguished brands), but a full line of womens clothing, accessories and jewelry. Hers was the place to find out what styles were new and what colors were in this year. It is where the menfolk could buy that oh so special blouse or dress, or necklace that the Mrs. wished was her own.

It seemed as though the rebuilding process was going oh so slow as well, there was the Fire Marshall's report, the Insurance Inspector's report, the wait for the insurance proceeds and the hiring of a company to rebuild the store. Never mind all the trips to market to decide what to buy to put into the store, everything was destroyed in the fire, everything had to be replaced. Gone were all the lay-away receipts, all the customer records and invoices.

Nearly 9 months to the day, on May 22, 2008 the store was finally ready. The party was on, Bricks did the catering, the "Almost Patsy Cline" Band was performing for all the guests. A good time was had by all, and everyone in Bandera was reveling at the Rebirth of Bandera's Shoe Biz.

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

The routine is the same for us each Sunday morning- call the OST (Old Spanish Trail) to see what the lunch buffet is today. That is important because that call determines where my husband an I will have lunch that day. If the OST is having something that I don't like (turkey and dressing for example) then we go somewhere else for lunch. I've called each Sunday morning so often, that Linda (the hostess with the mostess) already knows it's me (by my phone#) and just tells me what the buffet is that day.

Well, today was roast beef, broccoli with cheese, boiled potatoes, succotash, ribs, rolls, plus a salad bar with potato salad, jello and pudding. Who could ask for better? And only $7.95 per adult, such a deal!

The night before, we were greeted with a new menu with higher prices on all menu items at another of our local restaurants. Bandera has yet to see $2.00 for a glass of iced tea, tho, I guess we're pretty lucky at that.

When we got to OST, the place was jammed pack with people, with a waiting line crowding the entrance. Lucky for us, we were ushered to a select location near the entrance before anyone the wiser. I could tell it was a happy crowd of tourists because the din was way louder than usual. There has been times when I couldn't even have a decent conversation with my husband because of all the words floating around the room at once.

I relished every bite of my meal, unfortunately my hubby had to wait 30 minutes for his made-to-order omelet. He gobbled his down rather quickly tho, so I guess he forgave them.

All in all, it was a fantastic lunch, I always see someone I know, or one of my clients- so I get to catch up on news and also get a chance to talk with Linda and my favorite servers (you know who you are). Life in a small town is grand- I look forward to next weeks buffet!! Hope it's baked chicken!!

Main Street Bandera was unusually busy this morning, not sure if it was due to visitors staying overnite after the wrestling matches at the Longhorn Saloon, or visitors passing through on their way to Lost Maples State Park, or Hill Country Natural Area or cowboys coming to town to stay for the American Cowboy Celebration this Saturday.

There were cowboys on horseback strolling the main thoroughfare in search of something (drink, maybe) and wannabe cowboys watching them. We ran into Jeanne Parker, owner of Bandera Carriage, hanging out on Main Street with her buddy Boots. Jeanne operates a horse and carriage business in town, just the thing for special occasions -like a date with your sweetie. Today she was offering photo ops with her miniature pony Boots. For $10 your little cowboy or cowgirl can pose atop Boots- maybe she'll even stroll you a few feet or so for the thrill of your young life. I happened to snap my pic of Boots just as a wee one was examining her girth.

Unfortunately, he wanted no part of sitting on Boots- I missed the tearful shot as he ran off. I'm sure tho, that Jeanne had many takers today and didn't miss this little guy. Come this Saturday the town will be filled with real and pretend cowboys- bring your hat and best girl or guy for one fun day!

One of our favorite annual events at the Lake is the Medina Lake Cajun Festival. This event, in it's 28th year (!), is a fundraiser for the Medina Lake Betterment Association. It is a huge success each year thanks to the tireless efforts of it's organizers and volunteers.

Highlights of the festival include The Gumbo Cookoff (yuuummm!) and the wonderful live Cajun bands. If Gumbo isn't your thing, or if you are REALLY hungry, don't worry - you can also choose from:

• Boudin (imported fresh from Cajun country)
• Crawfish Pies and Cajun Meat Pies
• Sausage and Ham Jambalaya
• Crawfish Etouffée
• Crawfish Sausage
• Red Beans and Rice
• Cajun Popcorn Shrimp
• And for dessert: Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce, Pecan Pralines and Pecan Tarts all prepared on site.

Also offered are traditional Texas favorites such as: Buzzy's famous Barbecued Chicken Breast and Barbecued Shrimp on a Stick, Kiolbassa Sausage on a Stick, Catfish fried in Cajun spices, and corn on the cob. And finally, beer, wine margaritas, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water are available!

Parking is free and children are welcome (however they need to be supervised please!!!) You also won't be disappointed in the shopping: arts and crafts vendors abound, and there is a large collection of Cajun Festival souvenirs to choose from.

Check out the following website for complete details and location and mark your calendars now for Saturday, Septemeber 27th from 11:30 am - 10:00 pm. It doesn't get much better than this!

http://www.cajunfestival-medinalake.com/html/cajun.htm

(and if you fall in love with Medina Lake while you are there and want to own a piece of this charming area, give me a call!)

Ronda