POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Hometown - November 2026 by Digital Publisher

Postcards Magazine

Hometown

November 2026

Normangee Quilt Project • Paul Unger • Vintage Finds

Contents November 2026 | Volume 1, Issue 4

Hometown | November 2026

Features

10 28

Community Builders

Normangee Quilt Project Texas Talent

Paul Unger

Calendar - Making Tracks.....................40 Dear Gabby............................................ 25 Giggles & Grins ....................................... 8 Glorious Grandchildren ........................15 Kidspeak................................................ 26 Library Picks........................................... 9 Milestones............................................. 39 Mustard Seed Moments ....................... 42 Pet Pals .................................................. 38 Puzzle Solutions ................................... 23 Sudoku Marketspace ............................ 32 Tasty Bites ..............................................18

4 Postcards

Favorites

Things My Granddaddy Said.......................17

BUSINESS FOCUS

Columns

Publisher’s Post ...................................... 6 The Garden Post ................................... 24

On The Cover 2025 Postcards Photo Contest Submission

Vintage Finds

Cover Photo by Teresa Smith

Postcards Magazine

Community. It's what we do!

POSTCARDSLIVE.COM

If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available. DIRECT-MAILED to all postal routes in Madisonville, Midway, Centerville, Buffalo, Leona, Bedias, Iola, North Zulch, and Normangee, Texas. Owned and Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. PUBLISHER

Karen Altom EDITOR

Wes Altom OPERATIONS MANAGER

Marshall Altom

ADVERTISING TEAM

Nancy Jolly Tammy Farkas Makayla Downard DESIGN TEAM

Mary Partida April Key Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any material without written preauthorization. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, scanned, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2026 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved. Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media

Publisher’s Post We Go WAY Back

Hometown | November 2026

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ave you ever come home from vacation and wondered if leaving was worth it? Before you go, you work twice as hard trying to get everything done. You answer emails, finish projects, make lists, leave instructions, and convince yourself (somehow) that you’ll return to a perfectly calm schedule. You won’t. Then you come home rested and relaxed…for approximately 14 minutes. The suitcases need unpacking. The laundry has multiplied. The emails have been breeding. Deadlines are waiting, people need answers, and suddenly you’re wondering, “Was that vacation even worth it?” Yes. Yes, it was. Earlier this year, Wes and I took a trip to the Northeast, and along the way, our vacation turned into a little family history adventure. We decided to do some genealogical research while we were traveling, which meant wandering through old cemeteries, searching for family names, studying weathered headstones, and visiting towns where our ancestors once lived… …and then we found something we never expected. At one point, we realized that Wes and I each had an eighth-great-grandfather buried in the SAME cemetery in Massachusetts. Not only the same cemetery, but their graves were less than 50 feet apart. Wes looked at me and said, “Honey, we go WAY back!” Apparently, we do. These two men weren’t related, but the fact that our family lines passed through the same little patch of Massachusetts soil hundreds of years before Wes and I ever met absolutely fascinated me. Two men lived their lives, raised their families, and were eventually laid to rest just a few steps from one another. They could never have known that generations later, two of their descendants would meet in Texas, fall in love, get married, and one day stand together in that very cemetery looking for them. That’s the kind of thing that makes me stop and think about just how big God’s plan really is. And maybe that’s one of the things I’m most thankful for this year. Not just the family sitting around our table today, but the

Karen Stevens Altom, Publisher

generations that came before us (the people whose names we know…and the many we don’t). The lives they lived, the families they raised, and the choices they made that somehow became part of our own story. We spend so much of life focused on what is right in front of us: the deadline, the appointment, the problem that needs solving, the mountain of work waiting after vacation. But every now and then, something reminds us to look a little farther back and be grateful for the road that brought us here. So yes, coming home was overwhelming. The emails were still there. The laundry was still there. The deadlines were definitely still there. But so were the memories. And this Thanksgiving, I’m especially thankful for family… for the generations who came before us…and for a God whose plan is so much bigger than anything we could ever see coming. As Wes so perfectly put it, “Honey, we go WAY back!”

Giggles & Grins "Listen to your body." My body: Eat the whole loaf of sourdough, with butter. •••••••••••••••••••• I woke up with stir fry all over my pillow. I must have been sleep wokking again. ••••••••••••••••••••

Hometown | November 2026

A pirate walks into a bar wearing a paper towel on his head.

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Want to share something with us?

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When you realize "I did four years of college without ChatGPT" is the new "I used to walk 5 miles to school" line your parents brag about. •••••••••••••••••••• Them: Stop it with all the corny jokes. Me: What are you gonna do - call the crops? ••••••••••••••••••••

The bartender says, "What's with the paper towel?"

Someone just emailed me a professional email that ended in "We could've snipped it in the butt earlier."

The pirate replies, "Arrr...there's a Bounty on me head."

SNIPPED

••••••••••••••••••••

A woman was found guilty in traffic court, and when asked about her occupation, she said she was a school teacher.

The judge rose from his bench.

BUTT

"Madam, I have waited years for a school teacher to appear before this court!" With a delighted smile, he said, "Now sit down at that table and write 'I will not run a red light' five hundred times."

THE Nipped it in the bud - correct Nipped it in the butt - incorrect Snipped it in the butt - incorrecter

Library Picks

Tell us what you’re reading!

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JUSTICE SERVED. RIGHTS PROTECTED.

PERSONAL INJURY AND CIVIL TRIAL LAW Donna Hoffman reading

Stop in the Name of God

KEVIN R. KNIGHT

Kevin R. Knight, PC Attorney at Law 714 S. Madison Madisonville, TX 77864

936-348-3543

November 2026 | Hometown

BY CHARLIE KIRK

BOARD CERTIFIED PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAW TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION SINCE 1995

9 reading

Poison in the Well BY GRANGER SMITH

Terry Miller reading

The Guardian BY JOHN GRISHAM

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Amy Balch

P COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Normangee Hometown | November 2026

Quilt Project

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The Extension Education Club is providing warmth to graduating seniors… in more ways than one. BY ALLIE PLUNK | SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Stitching together the fabric of an idea

The idea started when a woman from a local quilting group, “Busy Bee,” came up with the idea and pitched it to the Normangee Extension Club. Rhonda Exely, a prolific quilter who often repairs, finishes, and traces the history of quilts, was thrilled by this idea, especially since her grandmother had once carried out a similar project in Madisonville. With that inspiration, the women began turning the idea into reality. What they may not have anticipated was just how much the project would grow or how many graduates would eventually receive a quilt of their own. Over the years, the number of quilts needed has varied with each graduating class. The women have learned to plan ahead, start early, and work steadily to ensure no senior is left without a gift. Some years, the project has required the creation of more than 60 quilts. This year, the Normangee Extension Club is preparing 43 quilts for the graduating class. Since the project began, the women have gifted 522 quilts and counting to Normangee graduates. Each one represents hours of work, thoughtful decisions, and a commitment to celebrating young people as they prepare to leave the familiar surroundings of their hometown.

A long labor of love

The work begins long before graduation day. Throughout the year, Exely accepts fabric donations, giving community members an opportunity to contribute to the project in a tangible way. She and the other Extension Club members purchase any additional materials needed to keep production moving. Once the fabric has been gathered, the creative process begins. Each quilt top is designed with its own combination of patterns, colors and details, ensuring that the finished quilts are not simply identical gifts produced in bulk. Instead, every quilt has its own personality. Those who sew the quilt tops also must consider the graduating class as a whole. They work to make sure there are enough options for both boys and girls while still allowing plenty of room for creativity. The result is a collection of quilts that ranges widely in color, pattern, and style. After the tops are completed, Exely takes on the next stage of the process, quilting each piece and adding details that complement the fabric and design. Her experience allows her to bring the separate elements together, transforming the quilt tops into finished pieces that graduates can use and keep for years to come. Although the process requires organization and considerable time,

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ince 2016, a dedicated group of women has given graduating seniors at Normangee High School a special gift to mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives: a handmade quilt. More than something warm to take with them as they leave home, each quilt serves as a reminder of the community that helped shape them and the people who are cheering them on as they step into the future. Perhaps one of the most remarkable parts of the tradition is that the women behind it do not have children attending the school, and many do not even live in Normangee. Yet year after year, they invest their time, creativity, and resources into celebrating students they may not know personally. Their connection to the graduates is not through parenthood or school involvement, but through a shared belief that young people deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments and reminded that they have a place to call home. What began as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful annual tradition, bringing together local quilters, community members, school staff, and families. Nearly a decade later, the project continues to reflect the generosity of the women behind it and their desire to send every graduating senior into the world with something personal to remember home by.

November 2026 | Hometown

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12 Hometown | November 2026

with anyone in that year’s graduating class. However, the school counselor had a student in mind who would appreciate it. The counselor’s instinct proved correct, and the boy loved the quilt. Another memorable match involved a boy who loved to fish. When the women had a quilt covered in fish designs, it was a natural fit for the young fisherman. The design reflected something he genuinely enjoyed, making the gift more than a handmade blanket. It was a reminder that someone had taken the time to consider who he

school. Some will head to college, others will enter the workforce, and still others will pursue different paths. Wherever they go, the quilts offer a tangible reminder of the people who wanted to celebrate their accomplishments. The women do not need to be the students’ mothers, teachers, or even neighbors to play a part in that experience. Their willingness to give their time to young people outside their immediate families demonstrates a broader kind of community care, one that reaches beyond personal relationships.

November 2026 | Hometown

Matching day!

One of the most meaningful parts of the project comes after the quilts are finished. The women of the Extension Club bring in counselors, teachers, and parents to look at the quilts and decide which quilt pairs with each student. The process is not always straightforward. With so many different colors and patterns and designs, some quilts stand out more than others. A quilt that initially seems difficult to match with a student may turn out to be exactly the right choice. “Some quilts end up looking pretty wild,” Exely reflected, “But sometimes, it ends up working well.” She recalled one particularly vibrant quilt she was convinced would be difficult to match

Blessings given…and received was and what mattered to him. These moments capture the heart of the matching process. The women may spend hours selecting fabrics and stitching the quilts together, but the people who know the students personally can often recognize which design will resonate with a particular graduate. The goal is not simply to hand every student a quilt. It is to give each one something that feels like it belongs to them. A fishing-themed quilt for an avid angler or a bold, colorful design for a student who appreciates it can turn an already thoughtful gift into a lasting personal connection. That connection becomes especially important as graduates prepare to leave the familiar routines of high

Before they are gifted to the students, however, they are taken to First Methodist Church Normangee, and a pastor blesses the quilts and the boys and girls that receive them. Finally, they are spread out on the bleachers during graduation practice, with name tags pinned to each quilt for the students to find. “That’s the best part,” said Exely, “Seeing them draped on the bleachers, all done. We want to tell students that we’re proud of them, and that they’ve accomplished something.” She remembered one student who, after receiving his quilt, came up to her with tears in his eyes and thanked her for what she’d done. “It means something to them,” she said. “Seeing the kids get their quilts makes this worthwhile.”

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variety is part of what makes the project enjoyable. No two years are exactly alike, and no two quilts have to look the same. The women are creating something practical, but they are also making something personal.

Postcards Hometown | November 2026

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Glorious Grandchildren

Callan Tunks

Grandchild of

Donna & Rickey McKenzie

Robert & Stacie Wright

November 2026 | Hometown

Ryker McKenzie

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Hometown | November 2026

Gather Together. Stay Connected.

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From sharing holiday memories to video chatting with family far away, MidSouth Fiber delivers fast, reliable, safe internet for every moment this holiday season.

Things My Granddaddy Said Some people drink deeply from the well of knowledge. Others seem to rinse and spit.

Don’t throw away the old bucket ’til you know whether the new one holds water.

He'd fight a rattlesnake and give it two bites to start.

She was as mad as a calf with a barbwire tail. Love is like kudzu — it spreads.

Are you gonna fish or cut bait? I hear you clucking, but I can't find your nest.

He's all horns and rattles.

November 2026 | Hometown

He did it quicker than a minnow can swim a dipper.

Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!

American Beef. American Seafood

100% MADE IN AMERICA. TUES.-THURS. 11 AM - 9 PM FRI.-SAT. 11 AM - 10 PM CLOSED SUN.-MON.

SMALL TO HOSPITALITWN Y.

UNFORGETTA

PREMIUM CUTS

FRESH SEAFOOD

100% MADE IN AMERICA

American Beef. Perfectly Prepared,

Coastal Favorites. American Quality.

From Our Grill To Your Table.

115 South Madison St. Downtown On the Square Madisonville

BLE.

TRUE TEXAS HOSPITALITY Great Food. Great People. Great Times.

936-348-3927

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LEGENDAR FLAVOR. Y

Tasty Bites Stuffed Pepper Soup INGREDIENTS

Hometown | November 2026

1 lb ground sirloin 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 cup finely diced onion 1 (29 oz) can diced tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth ¼ tsp dried thyme ¼ tsp dried sage salt and pepper to taste 2 cups water 1 cup white rice

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DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Step 2: Add green pepper and onion; cook and stir until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Step 3: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, thyme, and sage; season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until peppers are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Step 5: Stir cooked rice into soup; heat through and serve.

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November 2026 | Hometown

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Hometown | November 2026

Tasty Bites

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Lemon-Pepper 20 Sweet Potato Crisp INGREDIENTS

Topping: 4 cups fresh breadcrumbs 4 Tbs butter, melted salt to taste 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste ½ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1 ¼ cups grated sharp white Cheddar cheese, divided 1 tsp chopped fresh chives, or to taste Base: 2 ¾ lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 ½” chunks 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste 4 Tbs butter, melted DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner. Step 2: Place breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl and pour melted butter over top. Add salt, cayenne, and

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and mix until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and arrange in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup Cheddar cheese over top. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Leave the oven on. Step 4: Place sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl. Add lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, cayenne, and melted butter; toss until evenly coated. Immediately transfer sweet potatoes into a buttered baking dish. Step 5: Bake in the center of the oven until potatoes are very tender, about 1 hour. Step 6: Break up the crispy, cheesy breadcrumbs into very small pieces and scatter evenly over the potatoes. Gently press them into the potatoes and sprinkle remaining ¼ cup Cheddar over top. Step 7: Return to the oven and bake until browned, 15 to 20 more minutes. Sprinkle with chives before serving.

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November 2026 | Hometown

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Sam A. Moak

PROFESSIONAL

LAW FIRM & LEGAL SERVICE Wills & Probate • Estate Planning • Guardianship Trusts • Elder Law • Business Planning • Real Estate

www.moakandmoak.com 1315 11th St. • Huntsville, TX

(936) 295-6394 Attorneys at Law

Serving East Texas Since 1972

Licensed by The Texas Supreme Court

Tasty Bites Worth the Wait Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Hometown | November 2026

INGREDIENTS

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Dough: 3/4 cup warm milk (110 degrees F) 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast 1 Tbs sugar 1/4 cup melted butter 1 egg 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 2 Tbs sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour Filling: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 Tbs cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin spice 1/2 tsp salt Icing: 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp milk

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Combine milk, yeast, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Whisk and let sit for 10 minutes until yeast is activated. Step 2: Mix in remaining dough ingredients. Cover and let rest for 1 hour, until dough has doubled in size. Step 3: Mix together filling ingredients. Step 4: Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Add filling and cut into 10 (or 12) equal strips. Roll, place into a greased 9 × 13 baking dish, cover and rest for 30 minutes. Step 5: Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Step 6: Mix icing ingredients. Spread icing on rolls and serve.

Puzzle Solutions Sudoku from page 32

Answers

Sudoku #3 Answers

6 3 8 4 Sudoku #7

8 9 2 6 5 9 8 5 2 1 2 5 6 9 4 4 6 7 8 3 7 1 8 4 6 3 2 9 1 7 6 4 3 5 2

1 8 3 2 55 13 67 4 4 7 3 8 4 9 5 1 9 8 2 1 5 6

79 22 8 3 5 4 6 9 76

7 3

3 6 1 8

4 1 94

5 9 3 6 4 4 6 3 5 7 1 82 3 4 34 8 5 12 75 79 96 87 82 69 1

1 8

7 5 4 4 26 33 51 9

92 65 6 8 3 9 9 2 13 7 8 97 1 5 24 78 64 6 8

8 4 5 1 56 92 38 34 16 9 8 5 7 7 3 54 68 9 2 1 2 6 3 24 7 1 7 9

7 1 2

79 43 29 6 1

8 6 83 45 5

9 1 4

5 1 4 5 7 2 6 7 3 8

9 8

6 3 9 7 2 8 3 1 5 9 4 6

Sudoku #4KrazyDad, Volume 25, Book 1 Novice MEDIUM Sudoku by 5 6 8#22 Sudoku 1 9 7 6 3 9 5 4 3 1 4 4 27 9 2 9 5 3 8 6 8 2 9 42 87 63 4 5

7 2 3 4 6 7 2 95 8 8 6 5 4 2 4 3 11 72 99 65 3 8 65 8 7 81 74 2 3 1 5 3 7 6 9 63 24 9 4 9

88 51 1 6 73 7 5 76 3 1 1 8 4 7 1 5 9 2 2 6 1 3 4 9 6 8 15 99 3 6 5 7 4 2 85 23 84 17 26 94 7 7 13 65 18 2 9 8 5 9 2 4 7 3 6 5 1 8 Sudoku #6 5 2 4 #43 7 1 6 8 9 Sudoku 3 7 84 18 29 6 3 59 75 41 62 91 69 7 5 42 68 4 7 33 25 81 24 3 27 13 68 unlocks 15 48 65the9 7fullness 9 Gratitude 2 5 3 1 9 7 8 6 4 1 It 7 turns 9 2what 3 we 8 have 6 4 5 life. of 44 into 9 6 8 2 3 5 1 7 2 3enough, 8 7 and 6 more. 9 5 1 6 1 7 ~2Melody 3 Beattie 8 4 9 5 8 6 9 5 1 4 2 7 3 66 37 5 4 43 19 29 12 78 8 5 8 4 9 7 5 2 1 3 6 9 5 1 7 4 8 6 3 2

”

3 8 2 6 5 1 Sudoku #8

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5 4 9 7 Sudoku #1 1 8 2 9 8 6 9 2 63 7 4 37 26 23 6 5 81 4 4 4 9 1 5 1 8 4 7 7 6 72 55 96 8 9 33 26 51 2 7 5 1 76 88 9 1 4 3 5 9 8 3 4 2 3 1 Sudoku #5 9 6 3 Sudoku #32 8 2 4 7 8 7 3 9 5 4 1 1 7 6 8 2 6 9 8 5 9 5 2 7 1 2 7 6 51 68 47 38 2 9 96 2 4 1 3 3 4 5 1 71 52 94 4 5 3 8 6 1 5 9 7 3

Sudoku #2 2 6 5 3 7 7 9 8 5 1 1 4 3 6 2 6 5 9 7 3 8 2 4 9 6 3 1 7 8 4 5 8 6 4 9 4 3 2 1 8 9 7 1 2 5

November 2026 | Hometown

Sudoku #1 5 8 6 2 2 4 9 6 7 3 1 4 4 6 3 7 8 1 7 3 9 2 5 1 3 9 2 5 6 5 4 8 1 7 8 9

Easy Sudoku EASY Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 25, Book 1

The Garden Post Autumn’s

Golden Vibes

Hometown | November 2026

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here’s nothing like walking out the door on an early November morning! The air has changed from sticky and humid to crisp and cool. But what gets me is the stillness. The earth exhales deeply, resting and preparing for winter. The leaves are starting to change color and drop, and we could get the season’s first frost. Don’t let the leaves go to waste; collect and save them to protect tender plants in the winter or compost them. Warm-season flowers and vegetables are on their way out; it’s time to replace them with cool-season choices. Plan and have protection ready for any plants that need to be covered from frost or freeze. Let’s add some color to your cool-season landscape! Check your local nursery for annuals such as showstopper pansies, violas, and snapdragons in a variety of vibrant colors. From pastel pinks to deeper purple and amber hues, there’s something for everyone. Ornamental kale and cabbage, dianthus, stock, sweet alyssum, and calendula are also great choices. Some of these are considered soft perennials and may reseed in spring but prefer cooler temperatures. Dusty Miller and even herbs like rosemary and thyme add elements of texture that can really draw attention. Feed with a soluble fertilizer and mulch. You can still plant edibles like kale, greens, lettuce, and Swiss chard if available at your nursery, but you need to get your transplants in ASAP. No time for seed planting; mulch and be prepared to protect them from expected freezes in our area. Same goes for cool season or perennial herbs. Now is your last chance to plant shrubs, trees, and ornamental grasses. They still have a great chance of getting their root systems established before Texas unleashes

Ginger Vybiral Bobo’s Nursery Buffalo, Texas

its scorching heat on us. (TIP 1) When you remove your plant from the pot, if its roots are severely circling in the pot, you need to cut them vertically in three places (they don’t magically unwind when planted). (TIP 2) Don’t leave your tags on shrubs or trees; they could strangle the plant over time. Instead, keep the tags and document the location they were planted. Always use root stimulator and always mulch. Mulch reduces evaporation, moderates soil temperature, and reduces erosion. Make mulch your best friend! Maybe move or get some bulbs in the ground for a pop surprise this spring. If you’re planting a group of bulbs, do your homework! Make sure your shorter ones are in front of your taller ones. It’s also a good idea to plant your bulbs according to when they bloom so you’ll have color from late winter through the spring and summer, and possibly through early fall. Don’t forget about your porch plants. You will need to bring them in to protect them from a freeze. Have a plan for what they need to get through the winter months. Water, fertilizer, and light needs differ for many plants when they take their winter naps. Oh yeah, don’t forget to check for critters before bringing your plants in. Speaking of critters, yes, they’re still around. Aphids and caterpillars are still out there and need to be treated. It’s too late to treat brown patches in lawns; they will recover in spring. If you come across a problem, give your local nursery a call or bring your critter in. November is a time for thanks. Step back, breathe, be thankful for the people and blessings in your life.

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.. -F. Scott Fitzgerald

”

Dear Gabby

Send me your questions at

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Welcome back to the November 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. We’re still in the “ber” months (months that end in ber). This one, and the next, are loaded with faith, family and food! Just FYI - Never try to serve an 18 pound turkey on a festive plastic Thanksgiving platter from Walmart. Our holidays this month are Veterans Day on November 11th, to honor all military veterans who served in the US Armed Forces, and Thanksgiving on the 26th. We should thank every veteran we see, no matter what day it is. Elmer Davis said it best. “This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Send your questions to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. My kids are getting worried about me because I am becoming so forgetful. I can usually recall what I was trying to remember a short, or long, time after they leave. I don’t think my memory is any worse than anyone else’s my age. How can I reassure them that I’m normal? ABSENT MINDED

GABBY

TRYING TO BE NICE

DEAR TTBN I came across this quote that said: “You don’t have to be nice to be a good person. Being good means being honest, setting boundaries, and taking care of yourself without compromising your values. Being nice may give you temporary approval, but it rarely leads to respect or helps you form real connections. Honor your truth.” That’s what you should do, but don’t forget to bring up politics at dinner. It will save you money on Christmas gifts. Follow me for more holiday tips. GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “WHO STARTED THIS”: “What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?” —Erma Bombeck

November 2026 | Hometown

DEAR AM Your mind is not absent; it’s just late for class. Just tell them what I told my kids. They were so impressed (or incredulous) that they never questioned my memory again. Maybe it was because their BS level was full, but I firmly believe this to be true; After 70, our brains are slower because we know so much. It takes a while to recall something from that vast storehouse of information. People our age tend to lose focus, daydream, or misplace thoughts easily because we are still busy making new memories. There could also be some subconscious intentional omissions involved. That’s enough pseudo science for today. Welcome to the club.

What should I do on Thanksgiving when my relatives ask me why I’m still single, what my next “career move” will be, or when I’m going to have kids? They’re beginning to verge on bullying the younger generation, particularly me. I used to attend to be respectful and see my elders, but now I’m coming to eat because the food is delicious, and that’s it. If they start the 3rd degree again, I’d rather go to McDonalds.

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Kidspeak Teacher: What is half of 8? Student: Horizontally or vertically? Teacher: What do you mean? Student: Horzontally it's 0; vertically it's 3. •••••••••••••••••••• Having been told it's rude to call dinner "gross," our 4-yo is finding increasingly creative ways to express himself.

Hometown | November 2026

"This tastes...unlucky to me"

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"This sends my mouth into outer space." (that's bad) "Cauliflower is [pinches fingers together] this much delicious." Dad: Would you like anything to eat for dinner? Son: What are my choices? Dad: "Yes" or "no."

5-yo: Dad, why do people congratulate you when Mom is the one making the baby? Me: I helped. 5: How? Me: ... 5: ... Me: I read her the instructions. ••••••••••••••••••••

My 7-yo informed me last night that he can hear me and his dad talking at night and that it's "mostly just useless information, but he's still going to gather it." What?! •••••••••••••••••••• Conversation with my 7-yo granddaughter Olivia:

Me: Please eat your kiwi.

O: Grandpa, wanna go to a dance with me?

Son: They're gross; it's like licking a tennis ball.

Me: YES. I would love to. Is it at your school?

Me: No, it's not.

O: No. Taco Bell.

Son: Have you ever licked a tennis ball? Because I have, and I'm telling you it's the same.

Me: There's a dance at Taco Bell? O: No. But if you take me to Taco Bell, I'll dance with you. Me: Well, let's go.

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November 2026 | Hometown

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TEXAS TALENT

Paul Unger BY CLAUDIA KIRKWOOD | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER

Meet a craftsman who specializes in building and repairing pieces from the past.

ith skilled hands, great patience, and a broad and comprehensive knowledge of past processes, Paul Unger fashions wood into pieces that rival beautiful furniture from centuries past. His work is accomplished with tools like those used in the period (some purchased, some replicas, and some made with his own hands). He is a master craftsman in several fields, but he especially loves working with wood.

November 2026 | Hometown

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Hometown | November 2026

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Paul attended the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris, Texas, and earned a bench jeweler’s certificate. This training familiarized him with metal work and setting stones. After graduating, he found most businesses were looking for someone with at least ten years of experience, so finding a job was difficult. At the time, he had friends who were returning from military duty, so was inspired to “do his part.” Paul said, “I enlisted in the army infantry in January 2009 and was on my way to Iraq on September 11, 2009. In 2012, I joined the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment (that is now in Huntsville) and went to jump school at Ft. Benning, graduating on September 11. After eleven jumps, I fractured my back, but being in such great physical shape, I was jumping again three or four months later. I volunteered to deploy to Africa with a different unit. While in Somalia, I was injured again, but this incident left me barely able to walk after surgery. I then started on the path to medical retirement.” To supplement his VA income, Paul decided to put his artistic skills to use and began fashioning leather belts and gun holsters. “I love to decorate my work, so I learned tooling techniques and turned my works into pieces of wearable art. With the income from these items, I started purchasing Tool storage cabinet hand made by Paul

woodworking tools. Working with wood is cheaper than working in precious metals and more fun than leather, and I found the larger motor skills were less stressful on my former injuries.” He began to concentrate solely on wood projects, and coupling this skill with his love for history, began focusing his efforts on pieces from antiquity. His resources include a collection of reprinted historical books covering the late Medieval period to the early 20th century, including one specializing in Texasmade furniture of the 19th century. “Sometimes, I must decipher the meanings of the terms they use. I research the methods, the materials, and the tools available at specific times so I can do reproductions.” Paul has assembled an impressive collection of tools for his work. From saws, planes, chisels, and lathes, his tools are a mixture of old and newly handmade replicas. “I made a turning saw out of a pecan tree trunk (which took me three hours to hand saw through). After letting it dry, I split it and fashioned a piece of it into the frame for the saw. The tree had been under stress from wind which made the grain quite unique and exquisite.” Paul also has a handmade T-square of cherry wood with a beautiful inlaid design of black walnut, combining his love of functionality and artistic decor.

Turning saw from pecan tree Watching him plane a board during a demonstration at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum grounds was fascinating. He glides the plane across the board in record time to create an almost glassy finish. Using a hand plane retains the integrity of the wood without crushing or tearing the fibers which a modern electrical planer can do. “When planing a board, you don’t want to leave drag marks or dig into the grain, so I use planes with chamfered corners and different blade angles for certain projects.” Paul also built a treadle lathe which he plans to use to make tops and other toys for The Christmas Village this year. (The Christmas Village is a theme park south of Huntsville which is open during the holiday season.) “I plan to make small wooden toys on site that will be sold in

apart without damage. Modern glues like yellow glue or Gorilla glue go into the wood and cannot be softened, therefore the furniture cannot be taken apart without damage occurring. Paul recently repaired a Late Victorian bed from the 1880s or 1890s. “Fortunately, the furniture maker had used hide glue, so I was able to repair the piece without causing damage.” Paul also loved the fact that when repairing the bed, he found a bird feather nestled among the pieces which would have been from a bird of that period. He kept the feather, a gift from history itself! If you’d like to meet Paul and learn more about the history and craftsmanship of period furniture, you’ll have several opportunities to see him at work. During the spring and summer months, he offers demonstrations at Washington-on-the-Brazos on the fourth Friday of each month. On the fourth Saturday of each month, he can be found demonstrating his craft on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Even his demonstration workbench is a reflection of his craftsmanship, built by Paul himself and adorned with beautifully carved scrollwork. Be sure to check museum calendars before you go.

Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library 1836 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX 77340 936-294-3931 samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com Washington-on-the-Brazos Historic Site 24300 Park Rd 12 Washington, TX 77880 936-878-2214 tpwd.texas.gov/state-parkswashington-on-the-brazos

Hand made by Paul

Mission Dolores State Historic Site 701 S Broadway San Augustine, TX 75972 936-275-3815 visitmissiondolores.com Reach Paul Unger via text at: 936-355-9125

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would be residing there. The furniture would be plain with very little decor.” Paul built four beds for the mission, chopping the wood joints by hand, gluing and clamping, and using the cabinet maker’s triangle so each bed can be put together again after moving it to its final location. Each bed took more than 30 hours to build. Paul cuts no corners, but patiently applies his skilled workmanship to each piece, creating work that will stand against the scrutiny of those knowledgeable of the period. Two other components that must be mastered for working with wood are the types of wood to be used and the gluing process. When asked about the characteristics of various woods, Paul shared, “I have a formula chart for how each type of wood reacts and moves. Wood is always moving, expanding and contracting, with the humidity changes, and I must understand this characteristic and allow for the movement. Glue is another component in furniture building, and there is a proper glue to use. This is hide glue, which is made from cattle and horse sinew, hooves, and hide.” According to Paul, this type of glue was the predominant glue used from ancient Egyptian times up to just after World War I. It is in granule form and requires reconstituting with water and heat. It will hold stronger in open grain woods than modern standard wood glue. The advantage of this type of glue is the glue can be rehydrated and heated, and the wood pieces taken

November 2026 | Hometown

the gift shop. Having this lathe will aid in making each of these toys a quick and simple task. They are part of the history I love when lives were slower paced and simple gifts were prized.” Restoration work is one of Paul’s specialties. He is frequently asked to either restore furniture pieces or create period replicas for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library in Huntsville, Texas, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Washington, Texas, and Mission Dolores State Historic Site in San Augustine, Texas. From bookshelves to beds (and many other projects in between), his knowledge of period furniture is crucial to retaining historical accuracy at these sites. “Cabinet shelves, drawers, and other furniture pieces, to be authentic, must display processes used during specific periods such as dovetail, dado, or mortise-and-tenon joints. Identifying joints is crucial in making proper repair decisions. Also, decor is factored into recreating period pieces such as the beds to be used at Mission Dolores. This mission was established by the Spaniards in 1721 for the monks, soldiers, and families who

Sudoku Marketspace Novice Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 25, Book 1

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Sudoku #2 Medium

5 8 4 7 9 8 5 4 2 1 4 2 8 6 7 3 1 8

3 9 5 7 8 9 7 3 6 3 5 9 5 3 8 4 7

8 4 2 9 4 9 1 2 2 1 6 9 7 5 9 7 8

1 6 3

3 1 2 9 9 5 1 4 4 6 3 5 1 8

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Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

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Reygan Farris Richardson & Clara Kelly - Agents 602 South Madison, Madisonville, TX 77864 | 936.348.2302 | reygan@farris-insurance.com

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Hometown | November 2026

Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 25, Book 1

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BUSINESS FOCUS

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Vintage Finds Hometown | November 2026

Meet these specialists in “helping things find a new home.”

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BY WES ALTOM | PHOTOS BY HALEIGH CORCORRAN

may mark the spot for treasures on a pirate map, but on the “square” in Madisonville is where you can find many treasured items and collectibles from the past. Vintage Finds is a conduit to connect you to “just what you’ve been looking for” or “that special something you didn’t even know you needed until you saw it.”

Treasures housed in a historic treasure

Jay and Dora Compis Said Jay, “We never planned to own an antique store. Then, all of a sudden, we had five different dealers in here. So, it kind of worked as a mini mall.” Dora added, “I’d come up on the weekends, do all the books, and pay everybody out… and we didn’t really run it. We let them run it. You know, each dealer worked a day.” This was in 2011.

While the business ran, Dora and Jay were busy with their career jobs. Dora (Bailey) grew up in Madisonville, while Jay was brought up in Spring Branch. The couple met while both attended Sam Houston State University. Jay had a career in woodworking and millwork, (which ended up really helping with this business venture). Dora’s degree

35 Postcards

Regrouping, remodeling… and round two

was in computer science. She was in programming for many years and retired just two years ago. The couple has been married 40 years. They live in Conroe, but (understandably), spend about half their time in Madisonville. In 2018, Maxine and Vernon retired, and the others left. The building needed some work. Jay began the tedious process of removing the drop ceiling, repairing walls, replacing the HVAC system and updating wiring. He discovered the original tin ceiling, albeit in poor condition, was still above the drop ceiling. When asked about his expertise in repairing and restoring tin ceilings, Jay said, “Well, there’s no one who does it. I had to figure it out. There’s hundreds of those tins, and they really add up. But it gives such an appreciation for the history of it. We’ve done brick work and all kinds of

November 2026 | Hometown

So…just what is a vintage find? Of course, the answer greatly depends upon who is asked the question. For store owners Jay and Dora Compis, it started with the building itself. Formerly a grocery store on the square in Madisonville, it became Crossley’s Printing in the 1940s (Winn and Ethel Crossley were long‑time Madisonville residents and community leaders, best known for their longtime role in publishing The Madisonville Meteor). In 1971, it was purchased by Norman and Thelma Risinger and run as The Madisonville Printing Company. The Risingers retired in 2010 and sold the building to the Compis couple, who owned the building next door as leasing property and had become friends with them over the years. Jay and Dora began cleaning up the building, unsure of what to do with it. Both had full-time jobs in Houston at the time. The couple was approached by Maxine Cannon with the idea of them leasing the space to several antique dealers. She wanted the space, but it was too much for her. Maxine got Vernon Batson from Normangee and several others to join.

Hometown | November 2026

Vintage Finds today

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stuff. It’s just had a new roof put on it. We rebuilt the bathroom. So, we had to shut down for a while. With covid delays in getting materials, the stuff was pretty intense. We reopened with it in 2023.” Dora said, “After we got the building close to being back online, so many people around here were so encouraging and excited about us opening. ‘When are y’all going to reopen?’ We didn’t have the heart to tell them, well, we don’t know. We weren’t necessarily decided on it being us and it being all this. But we got the ‘picker’s bug’ after we had opened before. Maxine and Vernon really taught us a lot. They showed us what to look for and how to clean things.”

Since re-opening in 2023, Vintage finds has grown into the space, continuing to add items, perform restoration work, and has even developed the back of the store into a free museum for two antique Linotype printing presses and their accessories, remnants of the buildings historic past. “We’re open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,” said Jay. Vernon Batson’s son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Jill Batson, are now the only other dealers who have a space in the store. “They are our only dealers that are in here. They absolutely love it. That’s their passion,” noted Dora. “They’re still employed full-time, each of them. They have not retired yet. They come in now one weekend a month. They’ll work a Saturday and a Sunday. It gives us a little time off. But we do all the Fridays.” Describing their business operation and model, Dora says, “A good percentage of our business are smalls. We don’t sell a lot of furniture, maybe one or two pieces a month. We’ll usually sell about 40-50 items in a weekend. So, you’ve got to replace 40-50 items a week. That’s a lot of stuff.” The visitors to the store are diverse. Dora notes, “You’d be surprised at how Madisonville is kind of a little meeting place for so many people. We talk to many people where part of the family lives in Dallas or Austin or Houston, and they’ll meet here. Every other Friday, you know, or once a month or whatever, and meet with the family on a Saturday and just hang out…and they’ll come in and go shopping.” The Christmas Company and Bucees, of course, bring a lot of customers. Other folks are looking for property to purchase in the area. Dora estimates visitors to the store are 50-50 between folks from out of town and people from the local area. “We have a lot of local regulars, from Hilltop and from surrounding communities.” When asked how they source their items, Dora says “Most of our stuff we get at auctions. A lot of them are online auctions, but like last Saturday, I was at an auction in Bryan for 10 hours. It was an antique store that was going out of business. Most of the in-person

auctions are usually estate sales. We’ve gone as far down as Sugar Land to Caldwell, Hearne, Huntsville, Bryan College Station. We do all this.” The couple very rarely purchases items from individuals, citing liability concerns about whether the property really belongs to the party trying to sell it. Many acquisitions need to be repaired, and almost all need to be cleaned. As to the largest category of sales, the couple is quick to credit vinyl records and books. Jay adds, “It’s funny, you know, not so many people smoke anymore, but they do buy ashtrays, old ashtrays. There’s a collector for everything, whether it’s frogs or ashtrays, Coke bottles, old bottles, insulators, old lighters. There are people who like that.” Looking for something specific? Trying to sell something specific? Vintage Finds keeps a card catalog file. “We have them write their name and phone number and then what they’re looking for. And then we’ve got another section in there that has people that have things they want to sell, and so we try and match people up.” Dora added, “I don’t really look for finder’s fees on things like that. I’m just helping find things a new home, because I hate to see people throw things away that have been around for 75 years when somebody else could really use it.” So, gentle reader, what is your vintage find? Visit the store to see what speaks to you. It’s a great time for holiday gifts, and the store is full of treasures for someone who is “impossible to buy for.” Concludes Dora, “We literally are buying stuff every single week. People should come in regularly. If they don’t, they’re missing out. Or let us know what you’re looking for, if it’s something special. We keep our Facebook page and website updated regularly as stuff flows in and out, so be sure to follow us there.”

112 S Elm Street Madisonville, TX 77864 936-348-2121 vintagefinds.net Friday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00pm

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November 2026 | Hometown

Giving Thanks! There is no better time of year than Thanksgiving to express our sincere appreciation to you, our loyal patients, for your continued business.

Happy Thanksgiving Stephen H. Means, O.D. • Grant P. Means, O.D. 936-291-8282 109 Medical Park Lane • Huntsville, TX 77340

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COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS AND

Hometown | November 2026

Pet Pals

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Blaze

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Dawson King

Doug & Jeanne

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Milestones

Riley Farris

their 5th anniversary!

her 20th birthday!

celebrated

November 2026 | Hometown

Joseph & Addison Gray

39 A Meaningful Way to Say, "I’m Grateful for You"

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November 2026 7

12 - 15

Austin Film Festival

Storybook 5k & Fun Run

Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars

austinfilmfestival.com

Thru 29

TODD MISSION

Texas Renaissance Festival

Hometown | November 2026

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Thru 5 AUSTIN

HUNTSVILLE

HOUSTON

atime2read.org

reliantpark.com

12 - 15

Seger System

Nutcracker Market

HUNTSVILLE

HOUSTON

texrenfest.com

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

reliantpark.com

13 - Jan 3

“Churchill and Roosevelt: The Christmas that Saved the World”

Cowboy Days Christmas Roundup

Santa’s Wonderland

COLLEGE STATION

opastickets.org

40 5 Postcards

See More Events Online!

HUNTSVILLE

Chairman’s Choice Awards Luncheon walkercountychamber.com

6 - 15

CONROE

“Lifespan of a Fact” owentheatre.com

CENTERVILLE

Annual Women’s Conference: Broken & Beautiful facebook.com/events/4448244852109744

MADISONVILLE

madisonvilletexas.gov

7-8

COLLEGE STATION

santas-wonderland.com

13 - Dec 23 GALVESTON

Texas Capital Air Show

“The Polar Express” Train Ride

texascapitalairshow.com

galvestonrrmuseum.org

Jonas Brothers

Max & Heather Stalling

SAN MARCOS

HOUSTON

HUNTSVILLE

toyotacenter.com

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

8 - 12

13 - 14

East Texas Pipe Organ Festival

SHSU College Rodeo

KILGORE

royperryfoundation.org

10 - 11

COLLEGE STATION

“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” opastickets.org

HUNTSVILLE

shsu.universitytickets.com

13 - Dec 27 PALESTINE

“The Polar Express” Train Ride texasstaterailroad.net

Making Tracks 13

19 - 21

Treaty Oak Revival

Christmas on Carter Creek

THE WOODLANDS woodlandscenter.org

AUSTIN

Texas Craft Brewers Festival texascraftbrewersfestival.org

AUSTIN

Texas Book Festival texasbookfestival.org

19 - 21

HUNTSVILLE

Flowers, Stars, & Miracles: A Christmas Evening shsu.universitytickets.com

19 - 22

HUNTSVILLE

“Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers”

HUNTSVILLE

shsu.universitytickets.com

huntsvilleantiqueshow.com

Lights On!

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14 - 15

womansclubbcs.com

November 2026 | Hometown

14 - 15

BRYAN

Holiday Market

BRYAN

HUNTSVILLE

destinationbryan.com

huntsvilletx.gov

Kickball Tournament

MADISONVILLE

Mustang Band Holiday Market madisonvillebandbooster@gmail.com

MADISONVILLE

Heart and Hands Night: Boots, Bottles, & Blessings heartandhandsfcc.com

MADISONVILLE

Weekend Wheels Madisonville braysmotor.com

21 - 22

THE WOODLANDS

Boni’s: The Nutcracker woodlandscenter.org

Mustard Seed Moments By JRA

Trading Problems for Peace

Hometown | November 2026

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ut Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish. -Jonah 1:3

I just watched a clip on YouTube called “funny things animals do.” A high school boy was about to run in a track meet. When the race started, his golden retriever began to chase after him. The dog was having fun, but the race had to stop until the dog could be secured. The dog just wanted to be close to his friend. Somehow, this reminded me of Jonah trying to get away from God. Doing what God had told him to do become a problem for Jonah, and Jonah tried to run from the problem. Problems are like that dog in a way; they like to be close to us. They have a way of developing legs that can follow us anywhere we try to go (sometimes they even put on tennis shoes so they can keep up). They have tenacity and can become sticky as glue. Some people try to drown their

problems by drinking; this just compounds the problem, because problems learn how to swim or grab onto a flotation device. The question becomes, “How do we get rid of our problems when we can’t run from them or drown them?” If you are tired of running and trying to drown your problem, there is an easy solution…give it away. In Jonah’s case, all he had to do was what God told him. Is that what you might need to do, just obey? Instead of running FROM God run TO God and give him your problem, for he is the Master problem solver. He knows the end from the beginning and already knows how things will turn out. Don’t let your life become a storm out of control. Invite the One who controls the storm to come into your life and say, “Peace, be still.” Then feel the wind become like a baby’s breath and watch the waves still in the calm. Give the problem away…just give it away. Remember the words of Jesus, “My peace I give you.”