Mountain City Montage
by PAULINE TOM
Warm greetings to you, wherever in your life’s journey this column reaches you this day.
Now’s the time of year you can catch the gorgeous fragrance of agarita (ahhhh-ga-rita) blossoms. One of ours is in full bloom. You’re welcome to take a whiff. Or, as you journey, stop alongside a road when you see evergreen bushes peppered with yellow blossoms.
Their berries provide great food for our avian friends. That’s why you look for agarita along fencelines.
Watch for the prickly leaves.
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Always watch for rattlesnakes under bushes – along roadsides and in your lawn.
P. Ssssssssss. Phone number for Rick Thomas, the Mountain Cityian who will rescue and relocate snakes: 512-393-1986. Hold the snake for him under a weighted bucket.
Found out about another fantastic lodging option at Inn Above Onion Creek. Maurice’s Cottage. Not as romantic as the Kuykendall Suite, but Nature Lover’s Haven. I got sold on the cottage when Ron and I spotted an Eastern Bluebird just out the window.
At this time of year, smell the agarita by the dozens just out from the cottage while birds serenade. Any time of year, enjoy panoramic views from the immense back porch, the bedroom, the spacious living area, the dining room, or the full kitchen.
The local legend for whom this option is named? John Orr’s father. Maurice Orr lived on the ranch the last 13 years of his life.
The October 12, 2000 Free Press carried an article about Maurice Orr headlined, “Big Foot sighted in Hays County.” He was also an SMU legend. Class of 1935.
Maurice’s Cottage has no jacuzzi tub for two. But, it’s planned within the next two months.
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Connie Brewer saw about 30 American Robins bouncing on her lawn the morning last week when it was so cold.
“Happy Birthday” (March 4) goes to Ryan Phillips, along with “Congratulations!”
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Pack 218 Webelos II received their Arrow of Light award at the February 20th Blue and Gold dinner held at Elm Grove Elementary School. This award is the highest one a Cub Scout can earn as he moves into Boy Scouts. Among those to receive his Arrow of Light was Ryan. Ryan also recently finished all the requirements for the Parvuli Dei religious emblem designed for Webelo Scouts of the Catholic faith.
“Happy Birthday” (March 3) goes to his mom, Beth Phillips – along with congratulations on Ryan’s achievement.
When Tami turned 5, I was in Holland on a mission trip. There, the parents of the birthday child receive greetings.
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I love warm greetings. But, I need tidbits. Please send them to [email protected] or 512-268-5678.
Thanks! Love, Pauline
