Wimberley Valley News & Views - Vol. 28 Issue 9 - September 2025
POSTAL PATRON
Editor
Publisher
Cyle Elizabeth Johnson
Assistant Editor
Catarina Evangeline Johnson
Cover
Agsandrew
The Wimberley Valley News & Views, a subsidiary of Valentino Publications, is mailed monthly to all street addresses serviced by the Wimberley Post Office in 78676.
“ANGER IS EXTRAORDINARILY EASY. IT’S OUR DEFAULT SETTING. LOVE IS VERY DIFFICULT. LOVE IS A MIRACLE.”
― BRANT HANSEN
There are so many well-known sayings and quotes surrounding patience. And they’re almost all true. Why this strong emphasis on patience? I’ve noticed the kindest people are also the most patient. And not just a little patient; I’m talking patient beyond the average person’s expectation of patience. Patience that defies conventional standards of patience – because at some point aren’t we entitled to feel impatient and thus angry?
In his book, Unoffendable, author Brant Hansen writes, “In the moment, everyone’s anger always seems righteous. Anger is a feeling, after all, and it sweeps over us and tells us we’re being denied something we should have. It provides its own justification. But an emotion is just an emotion. It’s not critical thinking.”
So it begs the question, why aren’t we all practicing this unoffendable patience? I think it comes down to expectations. I once read in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig that we are disturbed by an interruption in our realities. Granted, the context differs from the one I’m presenting here but it still applies. When we set rigid expectations, we feel entitled to a certain outcome. Anything different feels like a threat. I think the zen, the love, the peace, the patience lies in acceptance.
“Is it hard?'
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.”
– Robert M. Pirsig,
Cyle Elizabeth Johnson, Editor
Painting by Jim Street
WIMBERLEY VALLEY COMMUNITY CALENDAR
• Every 1st Mon. Wimberley Apron Society meets at Emily Ann Annex Bldg. Set-up at 5:30, program 6-8pm. Exchange ideas on healthy sustainable lifestyles, gardening, cooking, homesteading. See Facebook page for more.
• Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley Valley Art League meets at the Wimberley Community Center at 6:30-8:30pm. Visit WimberleyArtLeague.org
• Every 2nd Mon. Wimberley 4H meets during the school year at VFW Hall, 401 Jacobs Well Road, 7pm, 6:30pm Clover Kids
• Every 3rd Mon. The Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association meets at the Chapel of The Hills Church, 14601 RR 12 in Wimberley from 10am-12pm. Caregivers, friends, and relatives are welcome. Guest speakers, general discussion. Parkinson’s exercise program. Paulwilj99@gmail.com.
• Every 2nd & 4th Monday, The Wimberley Chapter of Overeaters Anonymous meets at 7pm, Wimberley Presbyterian Church, 956 FM 2325 (3rd door from the right). For more info, call or text Aida, 512-787-8313.
• Every 2nd Monday, Jacob’s Well Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Emily Ann Theater in Wimberley at 9:40am, for chat time and 10am for our business meeting. JacobsWellNSDAR@gmail.com
• Mon. Toddler Time, Wimberley Village Library, 10:30-11:30am
• Every Mon. Stroller Strides workout, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, contact Summer 512 644 4198, SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com
• Every Tues. & Fri. 9am-noon, 42 Dominoes at Wimberley Senior Center (inside Community Center). Contact joan1950@gmail.com.
• Every Tues. Gentle Hatha Yoga, 6pm, Wimb. Community Center ($10)
• Every Tues. 6:30pm, Celebrate Recovery with an option for dinner served at 6pm. Calvary Baptist Church, San Marcos. Contact Celebrate Recovery Leadership Team, 512-426-3758.
• Every Tues. Bilingual Spanish Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Library
• Every Tues. 6:30-8pm. Community Bible Study, an interdenominational Bible study. Men, women, Co-Ed, Spanish, Youth & Children. Register at SanMarcosEve.CBSClass.org
• Every 3rd Tues. The Lions Club meets from 6pm-8pm at the Wimberley Community Center. Call 512-847-0207 for info.
• Every Tues. at noon, Rotary Club meets at Wimberley Library. Ermias K. Gebremeskel is president, 512 210 6966, Ketema_Ermias@yahoo.com
• Every 1st Tue. The Wimberley Community Center hosts free medical checks 9:3010:30am. Call 512-847-2510.
• Every Wed. Stroller Barre workout, 9am, Wimberley First Baptist Church, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or email SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com
• Every Wed. Spanish for Homeschool Teens, 12:30-1:30pm, Wimberley Library, multipurpose room, 7th grade and up
• Every 1st Wed. WV Quilt Guild, 9:30am social, 10am meeting. Presbyterian church 956 RR 2325. WimberleyValleyQuiltGuild.org.
• Every 1st Wed. Transforming Stress: Unique Approach to Calm Body, Mind, Emotions, Friends Meeting Room, 6-7:30pm, contact Dr. Marianne Calvanese, ND for more information, 512 663 1820.
• Every 1st Wed. 5:30-7pm, Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance mixer at Middleton Brewing. All are welcome. WimberleyArts.org.
• Every 1st Thurs. Wimberley Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Wimberley Cafe for networking opportunities, 8-9am. Bring business cards.
• Every 3rd Wed. Sept.-May, Herb Society of America, Emily Ann meeting room. Visitors welcome! Refreshments 9:30am, program at 10am. Sept. 17: Master Naturalist Alicia Dedman, “Creating a Fall Garden”. Contact Valentine_Lisa@msn.com. Visit HillCountryHerbSociety.org.
• Every 1st Thur. Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group, 12:30pm at the Presbyterian Church Library FM 2325. Contact Linda at 512-924-3661.
• Every Thurs. Gentle Hatha Yoga, 12pm, Community Center ($10)
• Every 2nd Thursday, Hill Country Bead Society meets at 1pm at the Wimberley Community Center. All levels and types of beading and metal work. Marilyn Pierce at 512-722-3549.
• Every 2nd and 4th Thur. 7pm Wimberley Toastmasters Club, First Baptist Church Wimberley, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. Toastmasters teaches public speaking and leadership. Contact Amy, amy@texiasllc.com.
• Every Thurs. Gentle Yoga 10-11am, Wimberley Village Library
• Every Thursday, Master Gardeners at the Library, 2-5pm
• Every Fri. Wimberley VFW Post 6441 bingo nights. Doors 6:30pm with food concession. Earlybird 7:00pm. Regular 8pm. VFW6441.com/bingo
• Fri. Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Wimberley Village Library
• Every Fri. Stroller Strides workout, 9am, Emily Ann Theatre, contact Summer, 512 644 4198 or smwimberleyds@fit4mom.com
• Every Fri. Stroller Strides Playdate with Kids Craft Fridays, 10am, Emily Ann Theatre, contact Summer, SMWimberleyDS@fit4mom.com
• Every Fri. Storytime, 10:30-11:30am, Wimb. Village Library
• Every 4th Friday, Art Crawl, 5-8pm, 5 Wimberley galleries open late, guest artists, refreshments. GalleryTrail.com/ArtCrawl
• 1st Sat. Wimberley Market Day, 7am-3pm, rain or shine
• Every 2nd Sat. Wimberley’s Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Visit ten galleries for art, food, fun, 4-7pm. Email BentTreeGallery@gmail.com. Have a glass of wine & enjoy art after hours.
• Every 3rd Sat. Art Bazaar, Wimberley Valley Winery noon-6pm
• 1st Sun. of every month, Coffee & Cars, 8am-11am, at Blanco Brew
• Every 2nd Sunday, 2pm Wimberley Valley Art League general meeting, Wimberley Community Center. Everyone is welcome.
• Saturday, September 20, 10:00am-2:30pm, Wimberley Glassworks Gourdgeous Glass Pumpkin Patch, all ages festivities, live glassblowing.
Blooming Where We Are Planted
I stopped at a Texas roadside recently to marvel at the spectacle of a field of sunflowers tilted toward the light and stretching to the horizon. Several hundred acres were dedicated to the farming of these beautiful and useful plants, likely destined for bird feeders or kitchens across Texas. Such a sight stirs us all—perhaps for good reasons.
When plants achieved the amazing capacity to produce flowers, our hominid ancestors were yet to come on the scene, but our advancement and that of flowering plants so closely parallel each other, it seems fitting that we have a special appreciation of them. Throughout human history, we have depended on plants for our main source of sustenance. Roots, berries, buds, seeds, shoots, leaves, nuts, and fruit fed Homo sapiens through the ages, and have been our primary foods during most of that time.
I think that our love for flowers is related to that longstanding relationship. Besides filling our gardens with flowering plants, we place floral displays in our homes, decorate clothing and other fabrics with their images, and incorporate them into our works of art and music. Sweethearts around the world know what it means to be given a bouquet of roses. Bereaved families recognize the loving remembrance behind a spray of gladiolas. Corsages and boutonnières are part and parcel of our most sacred celebrations, and no quinceañera could take place without mountains of flowers.
by Kern Deschner
The Landmines of the Backyard
I never played much attention to Pee-wee’s Playhouse, a kids show that I sometimes would hear running in the background when my kids were young. I only remember one episode. Pee-wee had a flower bed and the ```
flowers were complaining that there was a weed amongst them. Pee-wee gave his signature laugh and pulled the weed, but then carried it to the weed bed and planted it with the other weeds. I think he was trying to illustrate that there’s a place where everyone can belong. A cynical person could’ve also misunderstood this as an illustration that one should stay in one’s place. Probably I’m reading more into this than was intended and I am sure that Pee-wee was emphasizing the acceptance side rather than the rejection side.
Weeds at the ranch feel more of the rejection side. Rhonda always says that the quality of your fleece is a reflection of the quality of your pasture. She tries to have the best pastures and has won a stack of national fleece awards this year as proof of her efforts. Some of our local weeds, like the beautiful wild purple lantanas, are poisonous to alpacas. They are not allowed to grow in the pastures. Other wildflowers consume water and keep our feed grass from growing. They, too, get pulled up. Like with Pee-wee, there are acres out here where wildflowers are allowed to grow, but not in the pastures.
Grass burrs, or stickers inspire a special response. You have
Flower scents are also sensually evocative experiences, and since smells are among our most powerful memories, those scents trigger ancient responses in us, redolent of the long common history we have with flowers.
The scrubbed up versions of Nature in our gardens may be a faint sketch of the
by Tim Thompson
frenzied pandemonium that marks the wild habitat, but our participation in that creative chaos cannot be denied. As we take them with us around the world, plant species adapt to new environments. New plant varieties evolve, previously unused foods emerge, human diets are transformed, and then we and the entire world are forever changed.
Horticulturist Tim Thompson managed the garden center at King Feed for over 25 years. They offer everything you need to have the garden of your dreams without stressing your budget. Call King Feed at 512 847 2618.
all met these burrs. We used to call them “the landmine of the backyard” if we were walking around barefoot. Finding one of these is almost like finding nuclear waste. We excise them like they were a cancer. Then we clean up the area looking for any loose stickers. They get put in a plastic bag, placed in the dumpster, and hauled away. It seems a little obsessive, but we rarely find a sticker in our pasture, and stickers will ruin a fleece.
I believe the biggest enemy is hedge parsley. They look innocent enough, almost like baby’s breath, but they make burrs that get into everything, including your shirts, socks, dogs, and alpacas. My mother used to call them “devil weed,” a term her generation usually reserved for marijuana. She would attack them even when she was in her 90’s. Pulling them up angrily should have helped, but it just destroyed her socks.
Rhonda checks all incoming hay shipments for stickers and pays a premium price to have hay hauled from Ohio, Oregon, or Pennsylvania where they have been meticulous about keeping out the burrs. If an outside alpaca shows up for shearing with a fleece full of stickers, it’s all-hands-on-deck making sure no stray stickers get loose. Usually that fleece gets bagged up and hauled away. It’s kind of embarrassing for their owners but the fleece is largely ruined anyways, and they always show up the next year with clean fleeces. This is part of what it took to win the 2025 National High Point Fleece Award, demonstrating that we are producing the best alpaca fleeces in the country.
Rhonda and Kern Deschner are experienced alpaca ranchers raising alpacas through all kinds of Texas weather since 1997. Tierra Prometida Alpaca Ranch can be visited by calling Rhonda at 512 753 9962, or at tierra@alpacausa.com.
Setting Large Goals: Who Will You Become?
I teach some international students. Eleven years ago, an American mom living with her husband and five children in Albania asked me to help her teach her children violin online. The oldest daughter, Kori, is now 15. In March, Kori shared her desire to audition for the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra. With only four weeks to learn and prepare for her audition video, I knew Kori would have to work hard to prepare advanced music to pass the audition video standards.
I do not discourage students from reaching for large goals. I cannot predict what will happen. Instead, I encourage students to “go for it” because of the person they will become in the trying. That’s how Kori and I approached it. We would not measure our success by whether Kori passed the audition. Instead, we would measure our success by all the steps and missteps along the way and all that she would learn about the process and herself as she worked daily to climb the mountain before her.
Kori learned many things: how to prepare for her goal, how to manage her time, how to set milestones, how to practice, and how to navigate the inevitable emotional waves that would appear in her path from time to time.
by Casey Harrison, LDT, CSLDS, CALT-QIT
My goal was to help her stay the course with steady resolve. I anticipated emotional and psychological roadblocks and stayed in touch with her very closely on this condensed journey. I knew she had the tools to succeed. Kori was accepted into the summer program and embarked on another journey to prepare for
by Paula E. Bird
rehearsals and performances with the newly formed youth orchestra.
Her family has sent me videos and messages of her performances. Her Albanian community has supported her journey and attended her concerts. This is an unforgettable memory for Kori. What she has learned about herself will stay with her forever. Setting large goals to discover who you will become is one of the best reasons to study music and a valuable gift that parents can provide for their child.
Paula E. Bird has taught in the Wimberley area for over 20 years. Recently retired from Texas State University and the Austin Symphony, she has performed at Carnegie Hall as a founding member of the Artisan String Quartet. Joined by her business partner, musician Ian Lee, the pair serves over 100 students in the Central Texas area. Contact her at birdtull@prodigy.net or (512) 694-7687.
Understanding Dyslexia: What Everyone Should Know
Dyslexia is one of the most common, yet misunderstood, learning differences. Difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities characterize it. It affects the ability to read fluently and automatically or to retrieve spoken words easily. What it does not affect, however, is `````
creativity, ingenuity, or intelligence.
Research estimates that 15–20% of the population has dyslexia, making it the most common learning difference. This prevalence underscores the importance of understanding dyslexia and dispelling myths. Many still believe dyslexia means seeing letters backward, but this is not the case. Dyslexia arises from differences in how the brain processes the connection between speech sounds and printed words. These neurological differences make it more challenging to develop the reading circuitry necessary for fluent word recognition, decoding, and spelling. It’s important to remember that dyslexia is not a one-size-fits-all profile. It exists on a continuum, with the severity and characteristics varying from person to person. Some may primarily struggle with fluency, while others find decoding or spelling particularly difficult. Understanding this individuality is key to providing effective support.
The good news is that targeted, evidence-based intervention can make a significant difference. Structured literacy therapy helps students with dyslexia develop the neural pathways needed to support reading and writing. With the proper support, children
and adults with dyslexia not only learn to read more effectively but also build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and resilience.
Recognizing dyslexia for what it is—and what it is not— empowers families, educators, and communities to support students effectively. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically while also celebrating their strengths and creativity.
Did You Know?
Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people.
Dyslexia is not about seeing letters backward, but about how the brain processes language.
With structured intervention, students with dyslexia can become confident, successful readers.
If you believe your child may be struggling with dyslexia, early support is key. Join us for a parent information session at the Dripping Springs Library on September 24 at 5:45 p.m.
Casey is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (ALTA), Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (TX, ALTA), Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (IDA), and a Qualified Teacher with over 27 years of experience. She works with parents, teachers, and PK-12th grade students at her private practice, providing dyslexia therapy, literacy instruction, consultations, resources, and training. She sits on the National Board atlarge of the Academic Language Therapy Association. Her podcast, Together in Literacy, focuses on dyslexia, literacy instruction, and the whole child. Author of Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis - Empowering Students with Dyslexia Through the Science of Reading (release 2025). She resides in Wimberley, Texas, with her husband, their three daughters, and many animals in their little slice of the country.
Repetition
Repeat, repeat, repeat. And you can accomplish most anything. I think that saying – the definition of insanity is doing something over and over and expecting different results – has its place, but in many ways it is wrong.
So many things in our lives are already on repeat mode. The sun comes up, we have a day which is often times very similar to other days and the sun goes down. We eat and we eat the same food again. We brush our teeth, make our beds, and clean our houses over and over.
And even though there is a lot that is the same, something is always going to be a little different. And that is where the juice is. I like to think of a shell that is spiraling outward. Start at the center, go in a circle, then spiral out a bit. Eventually, you’ll come around to your same place in the circle, but you’re also in a bit of a different place. That is just how it is. You can’t ever be in exactly the same place you were.
The sameness gives you confidence in what you are doing. Familiarity. Relaxation. And the differentness is where you get to play a bit. I liked this last time, but this time I can also try this. This is how you get better in karate, yoga, or Tai chi – or anything you try. Just take little chunks a time, and go from there.
by Robert Donnelly, DDS
I once had a student who had been around for a while tell me that any of the problems of today just don't matter in his practice, anymore. The process of getting black belt is so long, that he doesn’t have to worry. Time will smooth it out and have him succeed. He was right. Repetition is the process, and you can trust it.
by Sarah Geenberg
Sarah is the owner of Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio near Blue Hole and OnlineSeniorsYoga.com. Their yoga, Tach Chi, and karate classes especially cater to Seniors. The first class is free. Go check them out.
Wimberley Karate and Yoga Studio
Sarah Geenberg 512 971 8528
501 Old Kyle Road WimberleyKarateYoga.com
Dental Health and Pregnancy
With a baby on the way or just born, the last thing you have time to think about is your teeth. However, if you do not practice good dental health during and after your pregnancy, there could be long-term consequences for you and your baby. With ```
just a few extra steps, you can make sure that dental health is the last of your worries during this important time of your life. There are several misconceptions out there related to pregnancy and oral care. One is that it’s not safe for pregnant women to go to the dentist because of x-rays and other procedures that could be harmful to the baby. That is absolutely not the case. In fact, the National Institutes of Health have done studies suggesting just the opposite.
At a minimum, you should continue with routine dentist appointments while pregnant. It’s also a good idea to visit your dentist if you are planning to become pregnant or shortly after you become pregnant. That visit can help set the course to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Another myth is that teeth lose massive amounts of calcium during your pregnancy because it’s being moved elsewhere in the body to support the growing baby. Again, that is not true. Rather, most dental changes that happen during pregnancy are
caused by hormone changes in the body. That said, it is important to increase your calcium intake during pregnancy to ensure that your body has enough calcium to support your baby’s development, especially in the third trimester.
Gingivitis is the most common dental issue for expecting mothers. High levels of the hormone progesterone creates more acid in the mouth during pregnancy, which causes gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. It is important you notice any of these symptoms to ensure nothing becomes more serious.
If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about maintaining oral hygiene, Dr. Donnelly is here to help you. You can contact San Marcos Gentle Dental by calling 512 396 5225 where we will be happy to get you scheduled. Come see why Dr. Donnelly was voted a Texas Super Dentist by Texas Monthly Magazine and Best Dentist in Hays County!
J. Robert Donnelly, D.D.S. Master of the Academy of
General Dentistry 1337 Thorpe Lane San Marcos, Texas 78666
512 396 5225
Fax: 512 396 7022
SanMarcosDental.com
Five Simple Ways to Cut Your Water Bill
by Alice Lebkuecher
We could all do a little more to curb our water usage, whether we’re motivated by concern for the environment or a desire to shrink our water bills. Here are five places around the house where you could save some water:
1) Washing machine
Many machines allow you to choose a load size and then the machine fills with a corresponding amount of water. Shopping for a new model? Select one that's Energy Star certified.
2) Dishwasher
Again, look for the Energy Star certification, but also make sure the appliance offers a light wash option, which uses less water. New dishwasher not in the cards? Only run yours when full to save on water.
3) Toilet
Commodes with the WaterSense label use 60 percent less water per flush than traditional toilets. On older models, check to make sure the flapper closes properly, a common source of water leaks.
4) Showerhead
For a fast fix, take shorter showers in lieu of baths. A low-flow showerhead can up the ante, reducing both your water bill and electric bill (because there's less water to heat).
5) Sprinklers
Automated sprinkler systems allow you to program a schedule based on local watering restrictions. Models with Wi-Fi connectivity can adjust that schedule based on weather forecasts.
Alice Gumbert Lebkuecher is a sales agent with Keller Williams Realty, Partners in Real Estate, in Wimberley. She works with both buyers and sellers in Wimberley and surrounding areas. To contact her, call her cell at 713 253 1311 or by email at AliceinWimberley@gmail.com.
make a rash decision. You’ll feel more in control of the process if you try to stay focused and calm.
Five Tips for Navigating the Real Estate Transaction
Thinking of buying or selling a home? Here are a few tips to help you get through the real estate process.
by AJ Harwood
1) Don’t obsess about timing. Many buyers and sellers attempt to anticipate the movement of the market, so they can time
their purchase or listing right. The right time to buy or sell is when you’re ready to buy or sell. Don’t obsess about a perfect time. Focus on making sure you’re ready.
2) Check your expectations. Television shows and the experiences of your friends and family may color your expectations of the buying or selling process. Everyone’s experience will be different. Learning more about the process and the state of the market will help you set realistic expectations.
3) Keep your emotions in check. Most people go through the real estate process a few times in their lives. Buying a home is a huge investment, and buyers may put extra pressure on themselves to find the perfect home that meets all their buying criteria. Similarly, selling a home is an emotional journey – you’ve put a lot of time and energy into fixing up a home and made a lot of good memories there. When emotions are involved, it’s easy to
4) Do your research. Check out the neighborhoods you want to live in, think of how long you’d like to live in the home and write down your must-haves and deal breakers. If you’re thinking of selling, I can help you position your home to sell in our market.
5) Rely on a pro. You’re not alone on your journey. I’m here to answer your questions, ease your concerns and guide you through the process. Call me anytime you have a question or concern. I’m never too busy for your questions.
Real estate is local. I’m here to walk you through with the best information so you can make the best choices and know how it applies to you in the Hill Country area. If you’re thinking of selling, call me today! Experience matters.
This information is designed to provide a brief overview of the subject matter covered and is offered for general educational and informational purposes only. Used with permission by the Buffini & Company.
Allison “AJ” Harwood, JD, MBA, GRI, is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX REAL PROPERTIES and a Top Producing Agent in the Texas Hill Country areas. When Experience matters…Call “AJ” Today! Your Hill Country Luxury Property Expert. Member: Institute for LUXURY HOME MARKETING. He is Wimberley’s “Peak Producer” offering Professional Representation for both Buyers and Sellers in Real Estate Transactions. AJ may be contacted at 512.848-6612 or at AJ@REMAX.net. Call AJ Today!
GOOD ART. GOOD PEOPLE.
By Tom Wiley
Artists often have fascinating stories. Some stories shape their art. Some stories shape their lives outside the art world. Watercolor artist Jim Street is such an artist.
First, Good Art. After high school, Jim served 22 years in the Navy. That experience allowed him to travel the world. Jim and his wife, Ginnie, moved to Central Florida where he earned a BFA Painting degree from the University of Florida. He laughingly states that that program almost destroyed his art. The department’s conceptual directions were often contrary to a student’s goals. Yet, Jim was able to be exposed to other mediums.
After an extended stay in Latin America, the couple settled in Wimberley. Jim joined a group of artists in establishing a co-op gallery. He learned a great deal about the operation of galleries and the task of promoting artwork. He realized that many visitors come to Wimberley especially for art.
Jim always loved architecture. His father was a draftsman, and his influence encouraged Jim to take drafting in school. Those classes steered his attention towards perspective drawing and technical drawing. He likes to concentrate on scenes that have a human presence without humans.
Although he enjoys studio painting, the pandemic forced Jim to move outdoors. Plein air painting changed his thinking. He was able to view landscapes differently. He had to capture the essence of a scene faster.
Next, Good People. After an extended trip to Latin America, Jim and Ginnie Street remained to assist in mission work. They helped build homes and structures for a population which sorely needed help.
That experience continues today as the couple helps to build homes in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and in neighboring Dripping Springs. Their goal is to help break the cycle of poverty, to give kids a boost up in life. This experience also allowed the couple to directly work with disaster relief projects, such as in Wimberley, after Hurricane Harvey, and most recently after the floods in San Saba.
Jim Street is an exceptional watercolor artist. His work can often be seen at the Wimberley Community Center. He will be featured on the Artist Studio Tour in September. What someone doesn’t see are the concerns, care, and skills Jim and Ginnie have for others. This outreach is often hidden on a personal “back shelf” until you take the time to hear their stories.
Drought and Trees: Here We Go Again
We’re all aware of the impact that the drought of the last several years has had on area water supplies and on Central Texas trees. It can take trees a number of years to recover from effects of prolonged drought, so recurring drought conditions continue to be a concern for tree health.
Plant pathologist Dr. Bruce Fraedrich states that, “moisture stress adversely affects virtually every physiological process in the plant.” For example, as a defense mechanism against moisture loss, the leaf stomata (small openings that permit gas exchange) will close, but then carbon dioxide is not absorbed and photosynthesis is inhibited. This limits growth and increases the tree’s susceptibility to insect and disease pests. This and other impacts of extended drought often result in yellowing leaves, premature defoliation, crown thinning, and poor shoot growth. And trees can die from the complications caused by drought. With more Texas communities imposing stricter water restrictions, it’s especially important to water wisely and according to community guidelines. I offer a few tips for conservative but effective watering.
Concentrate your efforts on your high-value trees. Spread a two-
to three-inch layer of wood-chip mulch out to the tree’s dripline, avoiding the trunk. This will help to moderate temperatures, retain moisture, and improve soil structure. Water in the morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems. These allow a slow, deep delivery of water and reduce runoff and evaporation. The area to water should be under the canopy over the mulched area. If you water in this manner, your ``````
trees will probably only need watering every two to three weeks. Remember that overwatering can also be harmful to landscape plants.
With proper moisture delivery, your trees will be more responsive to other treatments or procedures they might need to increase their odds of surviving extreme drought. A Bartlett Tree Experts ISA Certified Arborist can complete an inspection to help ensure your trees are reaching their full health potential.
Joe grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, as a second-generation arborist. He attended Texas State, joining Bartlett while he was there. Joe worked 5 years as an arborist climber and crew leader, transitioning to Arborist Representative. He and his family love spending time on the San Marcos river. Visit Bartlett.com or call 512 392 1089 to schedule an appointment. by Joe Harris
Low Flow Problems From Your Faucets
by Randy Lawrence
Thanks to technological advances, water softeners have certainly become more reliable than ever before. However, even with significant improvements, there are still issues that may arise which technology cannot alert us to. One problem that can happen over time is a ```
breakdown of the resin inside the softener unit. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of this issue in order to keep a small problem from turning into a big one.
All water softeners are designed around a quantity of small plastic-looking beads called ion exchange resin. When viewed under magnification, these resin beads resemble a ball of yarn. Along the yarn are exchange sites which allow the resin to complete the job of removing hardness minerals from the water. If you were to hold these resin beads between your thumb and forefinger, you would find that they resemble tiny ball bearings and are very firm to the touch. However, there is one variable which can significantly shorten the life of this critical component – chlorine.
On non-chlorinated water, this resin can last more than twenty years. On city water, resin life can be reduced to ten years or less. Once the chlorine takes its toll, the resin beads begin to expand and soften. As this process advances, the degraded beads will begin to take on a Vaseline-like consistency and will start to impede the flow of water through the softener. Since it is a slow
process, it can be difficult to notice the changes in water flow into your home. You may notice that you can no longer run multiple faucets without a significant pressure drop or that the flow rate slows while running only a single outlet.
If left unchecked, this problem can lead to physical damage inside the water softener and occasionally can lead to a release of resin beads into your home’s plumbing system. At this point, the best bet is to bypass your water softener. If this solves the pressure issue in the house then it is time to call your water treatment professional for replacement of the resin bed.
Randy Lawrence is the owner of ProQuality Water Systems, a full service water treatment company. He is one of only six Class III Certified Water Treatment Specialists in Hays County (LIC# WT0002693). With over 25 years of experience he has serviced Wimberley and surrounding areas for over two decades.
“When you want quality, call a pro.”
Investing at All-Time Market Highs
Why Caution Is Warranted When Markets Reach New Peaks
When financial markets surge to new records, it’s easy for investors to feel the pull of optimism. Headlines touting all-time highs can create a sense of urgency—fear of missing out (FOMO) inspires many to invest, hoping for continued gains. While markets can trend upward for extended periods, investing at historical peaks carries unique risks that every investor should carefully consider.
Valuations May Be Stretched All-time highs often coincide with elevated valuations. Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios and other metrics can signal that stocks are trading well above their historical averages. High valuations suggest future returns may be lower, as much of the growth may already be priced in. If company earnings fail to keep pace with these expectations, prices can correct sharply, eroding investor capital.
Increased Volatility and Correction Risk Markets rarely move in a straight line. After periods of strong performance, pullbacks and corrections are common. Buying at the top can expose investors to sudden sell-offs, resulting in steep short-term losses. For those who need liquidity or have short investment horizons, this volatility can be particularly damaging.
Behavioral Traps Investing at market highs can magnify psychological pitfalls. Investors may become overconfident, believing recent trends will continue indefinitely. This mindset, known as recency bias, can lead to underestimating risks.
Conversely, a sharp downturn after investing may provoke panic selling, locking in losses.
Lower Margin of Safety When markets are expensive, the margin of safety—the buffer protecting investors from adverse events— shrinks. Unexpected shocks, whether economic, political, or company-specific, can have outsized impacts when asset prices are lofty.
While timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible, understanding the risks of investing at all-time highs is crucial. Diversification, patience, and a disciplined, long-term approach can help mitigate these risks, ensuring investments are resilient— no matter where the market stands.
Scott G. Hackett, CFP® is the president of the Hackett Financial Group LLC (HFG), a fee-only registered investment advisor. Visit HackettFinancialGroup.com or reach out at 512 847 0630. Email Scott at Scott@HackettFinancialGroup.com.
Removing an Executor
by Carrie Campbell, J.D.
One of the methods by which the Texas probate procedures are kept to a minimum is by the nomination and appointment of an independent executor to administer a probate estate. A properly prepared will names an
individual to represent the estate, and after a hearing to confirm the validity of the will and eligibility of the person nominated, the court will most often appoint the person selected as the independent executor. Once appointed, the executor has fiduciary duties to manage the estate of the deceased, file an inventory with the court, pay debts, and distribute assets according to the will’s instructions and the provisions of the Texas Estates Code. Beneficiaries under the will must be notified that they are included in the will once the will has been admitted for probate. There is no requirement to notify family members, or anyone not specifically named in the will. An executor must file an inventory with the court within 90 days of his or her appointment. While the inventory is public record, there is no requirement that copies be provided to beneficiaries or family members. In fact, no accounting is owed to beneficiaries unless one is requested and more than 15 months have passed since the executor’s appointment.
There are limited grounds under the Texas Estates Code for the removal of a court appointed executor. An interested person who stands to benefit under a will, may only file a motion to remove an executor for (1) failure to provide an accounting after one has properly been requested; (2) flagrant misconduct or mismanagement beyond ordinary neglect; (3) mental incapacity, addiction, imprisonment, or illness that makes it impossible for the executor to perform their duties; and (4) a material conflict of interest that makes them incapable of acting on their fiduciary duties. An executor who defends themselves against any such allegations (whether successful or not) may have all their legal expenses covered by the estate. Accordingly, it is very important when doing your estate planning to select the right persons as independent executor and successors.
Carrie Campbell has lived and practiced law in Wimberley since 1997. She is the managing partner of Mounger & Campbell law firm. Carrie is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wimberley and president of the Wimberley Village Library Foundation. She proudly has three wonderful daughters and two lively grandsons. To contact Carrie, call 512 847 1308 or CarrieC1970@gmail.com.
Litigation: Too Many Lawsuits?
I am sitting at my desk pondering a recurrent frustration for lawyers, such as I, who regularly go to bat for folks suffering because someone else violated the rules that govern our conduct with one another. Today alone, I have encountered two bright, pleasant, and mature adults who apologized for having to make a claim for injuries suffered at the hands of others because, “I know there are too many frivolous lawsuits.”
Of course, their lawsuit wouldn’t be frivolous. When our ox gets gored, we expect the system to be there for us but we tend to assume that a vast number of other people’s lawsuits lack merit. Folks are often surprised when I point out that the number of damage lawsuits is actually down. I generally don’t try to get into the facts underlying the fallacy of there being a lot of frivolous lawsuits. Or the filters that exist to prevent frivolous lawsuits because it takes a fair amount of background information to gain an understanding of the difference between the perception of frivolous lawsuits and the reality.
Just as there are greedy lawyers, there are frivolous lawsuits but they are the exception rather than the norm and the system almost always weeds them out before they get very far along. Unfortunately, the perception of there being a vast number of these suits poisons the system that has served society well for centuries. From Biblical times we have held to the concept that we should each be responsible for our own actions. When my actions wrongfully bring harm to another, I should make it right.
Since we aren’t all saints and therefore don’t always do the right thing, our legal system exists to give effect to this concept when a wrongdoer won’t make things right.
Roland Brown
Neither you nor I nor my clients should feel guilty for asking the system to perform its intended function. Neither should we assume that when someone else asks the system to do so, they are seeking a free lunch. Don’t repeat what you read about a frivolous suit without checking the facts. Snopes.com is often a good resource for that. You’ll often be surprised by what you learn.
Article originally published in the September 2017 issue of the Wimberley Valley News & Views.
Attorney Roland Brown handles exclusively personal injury claims. Roland, who offices in Wimberley, has been voted HAYS COUNTY’S BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY for 2020, 2021, and 2023 in annual polls of Hays County attorneys. For more information call 512 847 2500. by
Southwestern-inspired Hill Country retreat on 8.5± ag-exempt acres with stunning sunset views. Gated entrance, this 3-bed, 2.5-bath home features stucco finishes, a kiva fireplace, and 2024 metal roof. Soaring ceilings, polished concrete floors, and walls of windows overlooking a sunroom, pool with spa and firepit. Private well, rainwater system, and access to a private Blanco River Park for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. $1,247,000 (SOLD!)
