New Braunfels, TX

Don't miss Lost Maples- The leaves are turning

11/18/09 Report: The front that went by on Monday took a lot of Maple leaves off the trees. After they turn any wind or rain is hard on the trees. We did get some near freezing temperatures the last two nights that will complete the turn on the twenty percent of the Maples that haven't turned yet.

This will also get the Red Oaks turning and the lacy Oaks should start looking better as well. The East Trl still has the best color and the one mile drive into the Park still looks good. The West Trail is just starting to show some color as the Red Oaks are starting to turn and a few Lacy Oaks looked to be starting. The west Trail should look very good about the first and/or second week of December.

The high temperatures are predicted to be in the high sixties and low seventies this week and low forties to high thirties for the low temperatures. Just a bit like fall should be.

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If you are new to Texas be sure to plan a trip to Lost Maples. If you have been here for awhile load up the family and plan a fun day over to Lost Maples.

Localism Blog for Texas by Ceil & Carl Winters - If you should need a home inspection please call us. We live in the Texas Hill Country

Try to visit on a week day if possible, as weekends have been very crowded,

37221 FM 187
Vanderpool TX 78885
830/966-3413

History: Lost Maples State Natural Area covers 2174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River

Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/

2009 Foliage Color Change Report.

How do you know ~~~ without a Home Inspection?

When a property is sold in "AS IS" condition , how do you know without a Home Inspection what you are really getting.

It is up to you the Buyer to take action to satisfy yourself that the property is worth the money. it may be well worth your while to consider a Home Inspection. You could possibly end up spending more then you had anticipated.

The Question: What is the true condition of the home? It may be worth to spend a couple hundred dollars (depending on the size of the home) to "know what your getting and if there may be some costly defects or repairs.

One Example:

The Attic

The attic will tell a history. The attic is an area not to be overlooked.

You could find broken trusses or rafters or that they had not been installed properly. You can find stress cracks that would hinder the integrity. (very important)

*Proper insulation is an important factor. Without going up into the attic you would never know if it were propertly insulated.

*Rodent damage would be found if squirrels, mice or rats had been in the attic.

Did you know? Rodents can cause severe damage and may even cause a fire. Rodents have been known to

eat the plastic from wiring.

We specifically look for leaks around the chimney.

Looking for evidence of water, stains on the wood is a good indication of leaks

and water damage.

Yes, the roof may look just fine from the outside, but if there are leaks it will be evident when you climp up into the attic and look for signs of damage.

This is just ONE EMAMPLE of a specific part of the home. If there are defects would YOU NOT WANT TO KNOW before you purchase?

With homes that have been in foreclosure, sitting for months unoccupied, it may be well worth your while to consider a Home Insnpection. You could end up spending more in repairs or replacement then you had anticipated.

Localism Blog for New Braunfels and Canyon Lake Texas November 15, 2009. Need a home inspection, call Carl Winters at 830-660-0131. Member of Activerain Real Estate Network, Certified by TREC, License #3630 (since 1994) Complete Inspection Service.

Thank You Carl and Ceil Winters

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My friend Luke hanging out with "Das Schnitzel" at Wurstfest 2009.

No, I didn't fly to Germany this weekend.

I've spent a lot of time in Germany in the course of my life. I was there before the Wall came down and have spent months at a time roaming from town to town while I was still a musician. I actually had designs on being a German teacher at one point in my life. I still speak and understand some of the language - enough to get me where I need to go.

I have a certain love for all things German. I guess it just rubbed off on me during my time over there. Some cities are so familiar to me I can point you in the right direction of my favorite restaurants, hotels, and venues. My love for all things German especially extends to two things: beer and sausage (or Wurst as they are called in German).

Wurstfest 2009 - New Braunfels, Texas

I didn't realize how much German influence there was in this part of the country until I moved here. New Braunfels, Texas is the home of Wurstfest, "A Salute To Sausage," billed as Oktoberfest - Texas Style. With tons of different vendors selling all sorts of different sausage, beers from Späten to Warsteiner (as well as local German-inspired favorite, Shiner), gifts (steins, lederhosen, hats, and more), and a typical round up of small town festival foods. Music continues throughout the day and night in several locations throughout the Landa Park grounds. No matter what, you'll have a good time.

This year seemed very packed compared to previous years I've gone and I wonder if the festival isn't growing too much for the size of it's location. Located along the banks of the Comal River in Landa Park, the Wustfest grounds may need expanding once again if attendance continues to climb. Started in 1961 (1967 was the first year it was held in Landa Park at the Wursthalle), the festival continues to attract people from around the world as well as locals and nearby residents. You can see the pride on people's faces as they walk through the festival grounds. It's a Texas thing that's deeply rooted in the beer halls of München (Munich).

Next year, come on down. Trink ein bisschen Bier and viel Spass machen. (Drink a little beer and have a lot of fun.) Wilkommen. We're glad you came.

Speechless Sunday...in tune...

Photography by: Jeani Thomas Richie, copyright 2008

Visit my photography website.

My friend Steve warming up for a set at Art on the Loop in New Braunfels, Texas. This was also my first photography exhibit which was held about a year ago. Steve is amazingly talented and is working on his degree in the ministry, his wife Renee was my son's fifth grade teacher at NB Christian Academy and they are also clients of mine...today we start their dream home search!

Willkommen zum WURSTFEST

A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun!
49th annual "Salute to Sausage" - Wurstfest
October 30th through November 8, 2009 in the German heritage center of Texas,
NEW BRAUNFELS

There is so much to do and so much to eat and drink at Wurstfest you just have to go or you would never believe that so many people could have so much fun in lederhosen. Over here in Boerne we have a lot of fun at Berges Fest, Father's Day Weekend, but the celebration in New Braunfels eclipses all festivals.

Some of the things you can do besides have some great sausage and beer, not to mention dancing The Chicken Dance are:

• Visit Sophienburg Museum and check out the handblown German glas ornaments.
• Tour the Conservation Plaza where they have 19 restored and furnishe dto period structures..
• Heritage Village that showcases furniture by German Cabinetmakers
• Circle Art Theatre featuring the melodram "Batwurst: Teh Adventures of Bratman & Robin"
• Kenderhalle with special entertainment for the 5-12 year old set.
• ARToberfest- area artist featured
• The Wurst Craft Show & Sale in Texas

Not to mention all the live entertainment.

• BOERNE VILLAGE BAND

  Alex Meixner Band
• Alpenfest
• Gator the Clown
• Joe Rogers Big Band
• Kerry Christensen - Master Yodeler
• and so many more!!

Your best bet is to go to this website for times and information, directions and an Admission Coupon. www.wurstfest.com

Oompa!!