Carl Winters Blog, Real Estate Inspector, New Braunfels, Texas

Having a cascaron broke over your head is said to bring good luck or can indicate that you have an admirer or special friend...Viva Fiesta San Antonio, Texas during the month of April.

What does confetti filled eggs, colorful paper flowers, lots and lots of confetti mean to San Antonio Tradition?            Cascarones (kas-kah-ro'-nees):
dyed egg shells filled with confetti, used to crack over the head of a friend during Fiesta. (cascaron, singular.)

How To Make Cascarones:
Cut a small hole in one end of an eggshell with a small knife. Drain the contents. Rinse the shell, let it dry. Dye or paint the egg. You can also decorate them with, markers, and other craft items. Fill the decorated eggs with confetti by spooning it into the opening or using a small funnel. Seal the opening with a piece of glued-on tissue paper.

Members of the Conservation Society meet every Thursday to make Cascarones to raise money during the Fiesta celebration for scholarshps and special projects.

Paper Flowers are also another tradition and a big part of Fiesta. Bright colors of red, yellow, orange, purple are all great colors for the paper flowers.

For more interesting reading about traditon visit:
http://www.saconservation.org/ 

HERE IS A CASCARONE FOR ALL MY ACTIVE RAIN FRIENDS...Carl & Ceil Winters\N.I.O.S.A.\NIGHT IN OLD SAN ANTONIO

Moving to San Antonio, New Braunfels, Boerne, Seguin, Bulverde: Call Carl Winters,  Complete Inspection Service for your home inspection (since 1994) 210-494-2257, 830-660-0131)

 

More cars than ever require premium fuel   <<<  Cars <<<<<<Require<<<<<<Premium Fuel???

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Driving                        

Whether you call it "premium," "super unleaded," or even "high test," it all means the same thing -- the most expensive gasoline at the pump (except maybe diesel). In a somewhat counterproductive trend, the skyrocketing cost of fuel is forcing automobile manufacturers to use smaller and more powerful engines, often with forced-induction. Unfortunately, these engines require higher octane... the distinguishing feature of premium fuel. -SAY AGAIN?????????????

Kelley Blue Book has been following the trend and according to their analysis, there were 166 vehicle models that required premium fuel in 2002. This year, that number is up to 282. While some automakers only require premium for their highest performing models, companies like BMW call for premium fuel across their model range.

While there is no advantage to running premium fuel in an engine that doesn't call for it, you should run the higher octane fuel in a powerplant designed for it (if in doubt, check the owner's manual, or the inside of the fuel filler door). While nearly every late-model high-performance engine on the road can handle a slightly lower octane rating without damage, don't skimp when filling up as your fuel economy and horsepower will suffer (yes, it will likely negate any savings at the pump).

[Source: USA Today]

Nothing as tasty as a Texas Hill Country Peach.  Whether you call them Fredericksburg Peaches, Stonewall Peaches or Texas Hill Country Peaches they are all delicious! We are looking forward to some great tasty peaches in 2008!

            HILL  COUNTRY  PEACHES          They have many varieties to choose from and new varieties being introduced each year. It appears they are going to have a good crop this year. There are roadside stands set up to sell peaches and vegetables. Some growers will let you pick your own.Peach Tree with blossoms just beginning to open

Think Peach Smoothie:  1 large peach, sliced and remove seed
1/2 cup of peach yogurt
1/2 cup of whole milk
6 ice cubes

Directions:
Blend the peach slices with the ice cubes and milk first until slushy texture is formed. Then add the yogurt and blend for another minute on low setting. You may substitute fresh peaches with canned peaches with the syrup in this smoothie recipe. Delicious!

Report from The Hill Country Peach Council

The report from The Hill Country Peach Council says they have accumulated 926 hours of chill by the end of February and in the Fredericksburg area this is adequate chill,  The flower buds were swelling with pink color and were beginning to open the week  of March 10 with full color by weekend of March 15-16.  Rains have started to fall in time for the new spring growth

Did you know?

• Gillespie County is the largest peach-producing county in Texas. 
• There are over 1400 acres of peaches in commercial production.  This accounts for 40% of Texas' peach crop.
• Stonewall is home to the Peach Jamboree, the third weekend in June.
• The average peach tree can produce 3-4 bushels of peaches in a year. A bushel weighs fifty pounds.

Why do Stonewall - Fredericksburg Peaches Taste Great?

      "We grow them on soils with lots of minerals and micronutrients - it makes the flavor content more complex. The diurnal (day to night) temperature variation because of the altitude (about 1700') here in the Hill Country helps to make the sweet flavors more intense. These are the best peaches grown in Texas by fact and choice."

Right soil - Altitude - Chill Time = Great Peaches!

Now - This is where we go. If you have not been to Burg's Corner you need to plan a drive up to visit this place. It is Awesome!   www.burgscorner.com

Here's your invite from Burg's Corner: "Stop by Burg's Corner at 15194 US Hwy 290 East in Stonewall, Texas to get a taste of our fresh peaches. "Stonewall, TX is just 64 miles west of  Austin, TX on Hwy. 290

About Burg's Corner:

Second and third generation peach growers have been bringing their finest peaches to Burg's Corner since 1948. The growers harvest daily. You can also purchase some other wonderful fresh vegetables and peach scented candles.

Here is a recipe from my grandmother and it is almost the same recipe that is the  most requested recipe from Burg's. Simple and easy, Ceil uses this for peaches and also cherry cobbler.

Peach Cobbler
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder

Pinch of salt - I don't know why but my grandmother always said to put a pinch of salt for "good luck".

Melt butter in baking dish. Mix sugar,  flour,  baking powder, and milk in a mixing bowl. Pour into baking dish. Spread top with fresh or frozen peaches and some of their juice. Bake in moderate oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until done.

Peach Pie  (After all those Pies we had at the Active Rain Gathering I'm still thinking PIE)   Our Texas Groups just had our First Active Rain Gathering April 12th at Bandera Texas.

Since I happen to have "pie on my mind" here is another good recipe that is easy to make. Of course I don't make it.......I just eat it.

Peach Pie
3 cups chopped, fresh peaches
3 T. Tapioca
1 cup sugar
1 t. cinnamon
Mix above ingredients together (except cinnamon) and let stand while you are preparing pie crust. Put peach mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Cover with strips of left over pie dough sprinkle strips with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

If you want something really delicious try the HEB homemade peach ice cream. I believe I heard certain times of the year they make this with Hill Country Peaches. I think they call it "Creamy Creations". I don't know who at HEB came up with that name but it is a winner. Watch the commercials on TV, you'll see Tim Duncan from the San Antonio Spurs doing the commercial. They will tell you that it is made with Hill Country Peaches. Try that Peach Cobbler or Peach Pie with a scoop of ice cream on top.

When you are out driving  and taking pictures of those Wildflowers be sure to stop and pick up some of those wonderful Hill Country Peaches!

GOD BLESS TEXAS!

OUR MEMORY ALBUM - OUR ACTIVE RAIN FRIENDS - APRIL 12, 2008   A DAY WE WILL ALWAYS REMEBER!

JUDI MORGAN AND DON...First Active Rain Gathering in Bandera,TX

Marchel, Deb and Judi  Friends Forever!

                  Picture Taken at The Pomerosa Club House

Our Special Guest

                       Tom Plant From California and Our Wonderful Host Ricki (Ricki The Horseshoe Queen and Auction Assistant with a smile you will never forget)

Liz Carter...Ummm....You can catch Liz blogging the internet all night long and on Saturday Nights Live at Liz's Place..                                            Septimus Heslop...First Choice Lending...Joined AR from an invite he received from Ricki.

Liz & Tom

       Judi & her "surprise" guest...Tom Plant

Thank you Ms. Judi for all your hard work and planning and encouraging everyone to attend. You are a super bread pudding and pecan pie maker. Love that whiskey sauce you made to top off the non-fat bread pudding.

 We want Tom to move to our Great State of Texas

What a nice couple.  Trey & Kris Thurmond. If you ever wanted a true friend he's your man.

Edward Lui - What a nice young and hard working gentlemen. Keep your eye on Edward he's going places.

Now for his family, well Ceil fell in love immediately with the three month old and could hardly believe when his young son stood and introduced himself to the group. "Ceil said, precious family."

Edward

Alan

Jason

Three of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. That goes for their spouse as well.

Jason & Tom Plant are friends; this is why Tom made this "surprise" trip to attend the AR Gathering in Bandera. It was a true surprise for Jason. This was the first face to face meeting between Tom and Jason but I have a feeling it won't be the last.

Jason & Jem: Such friends, had to take pictures of each other.

 THE TEXAS RAINERS OF 2008 AT THE BANDERA TEXAS BASH       ---         GOD BLESS TEXAS!

Everyone loves the Texas Bluebonnet !

Cavern temperature is 70 degrees with a relative humidity of 99%. Please wear comfortable walking shoes which provide good traction on steep, wet surfaces.

Natural Bridge Caverns-South of New Braunfels, TX.      

CAVERN FORMATION                                                                            GO DOWN UNDER

The cavern formed by an underground "river" moving slowly through cracks and pores within the limestone. Rain Water seeping through cracks started dissolving the limestone. In time, the original narrow cracks or joints enlarged to form huge underground conduits or passages.

Perhaps due to changes in climate, vegetation, or other natural forces, the water drained to lower levels within the earth. As the water left the upper passages, it moved deeper and started forming a second level. The water eventually moved to another level even deeper within the earth. As the water left the lower level, stresses within the rock led to many of the layers collapsing to form break-out domes. This final stage of collapse led to the creation of the passages our visitors now see

www.naturalbridgecaverns.com  is so much more than one of the most treasured natural attractions Texas has to offer. This beautiful and historical cavern system offers an experience that is high energy, educational, fun for the whole family. Pan for precious stones, take the ultimate leap of faith from the Watchtower, go caving on one of the adventure or Discovery Tour.

Walk through different layers of limestone, a sedimentary rock. Geologists theorize that during the Cretaceous period, a warm, shallow sea covered much of Texas. Sediments and dead marine organisms collected on the ocean floor, compacted and formed the different limestone layers. Geologists give different names to the various layers, and visitors to Natural Bridge Caverns will find the Glen Rose and the Kainer (Edwards) layers. The Glen Rose, as the oldest rock layer, contains the lowermost chambers, while the Kainer forms the Natural Bridge.

Illuminations Tour

New this year: Many of the formations actually sparkle from the light

reflecting off calcite crystals that adorn them. First-time cavern visitors may be surprised by the colors of some of the formations. See some of the most rare and delicate formations found in Natural Bridge Caverns. This tour spans two huge underground chambers that are dramatically lit with a state-of-the-art light system using both light and darkness to enhance the experience. These passages are highly decorated with extremely rare formations, unusually long ‘soda straw' stalactites, waves of ‘cave ribbon' and a profusion of intriguing ‘welt and turnip shields.' Another unique experience only offered on this tour occurs when all the lights are turned off and guests experience total darkness. You haven't truly experienced Natural Bridge Caverns until you have taken the Illumination Tour.      

Visit the Wildlife Ranch - Great for kids - The experience they will never forget (Adults will enjoy as much as the kids).  Many schools visit this area for school trips. Educational and Fun. Let the kids Pan for Rocks or visit the Rock Shop.

IF YOU LOVE STRAWBERRIES YOU NEED TO COME TO POTEET

Poteet Strawberry Festival
April 11, 12 & 13, 2008

The Poteet Strawberry Festival^® is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state of Texas, and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas as well as one of the most exciting, dynamic festivals in the Greater Southwest.

The 100 acre site, which is located on Hwy. 16, 20 minutes south of San Antonio, offers free parking, clean public restrooms, handicapped accessibility, complete RV facilities, and tent covered activities during the fun filled Festival Weekend.   

The Poteet Strawberry Festival^® includes fourteen areas of continuous, family entertainment featuring concerts with nationally known Country  Western and Tejano stars, dancers, gunslingers, clowns, puppets, regional bands, various contests, and rodeo performances. These activities are included in the price of a $10.00 admission ticket. Children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge as well as active, reserve and retired military with proper ID.

This is the same weekend that we are having the First Active Rain Gathering & BBQ in Bandera. As we say in Texas it is just a few miles down the road so plan on visiting both. The AR BBQ on Saturday and the Poteet Strawberry Festival on Sunday. http://www.strawberryfestival.com

There are a number of activities but here is one special:George Strait Autograph Guitar

This is from Ceil - I don't think Carl realized he had reached the 50,000 point mark so let's surprise him when he gets in this evening with your Congratulations. He is so excited about the First Active Rain Gathering over in Bandera Texas; and working with you to plan a wedding he must have forgotten how close he was to reaching his goal of 50,000. Carl hit 50,000 Points yesterday April 10, 2008

WHY GET A PRE-LIST INSPECTION?

I'll make this short and to the point. The benefits of having a Pre-Inspection will enhance a smooth transaction. Items that are need of repair can be disclosed and repaired "prior" to putting the home on the market.

Selling your home requires being pepared to list your home. As an inspector I see many items that could have been fixed or repaired prior to the realtor listing and showing the home to potential buyers. Why wait until the last minute to have this done and take the chance that the buyer may see another home that is Ready For Sale.

ARE YOU READY ?

Simply Said...Get a Pre-listing Inspection

NEW COMING TO SCHLITTERBAHN THIS SUMMER...DRAGON'S REVENGE (SEE BELOW)

I wanted to post the 2008 Schedule for Schlitterbahn so that you could get it on your schedule for your summer activities. Visit New Braunfels to tube the Guadalupe or play at Schlitterbahn. Make your hotel  reservations early. It's time for Summer Fun.

Visit Canyon Lake for boating activities, fising, skiing,  & sailing. Shop the outlet stores outside San Marcos. Drive to San Antonio and  visit the Alamo and Riverwalk. Visit Cascade Caverns South of New Braunfels.

We have it all in New Braunfels. We Welcome Your Visit!

www.schlitterbahn.com

UNLEASHING A NEW RIDE THIS YEAR...DRAGON'S REVENGE

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas The creature attacked. The residents escaped. Now it's your turn. Visiting families will be thrilled this season with the unleashing of Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort's latest sensation, the Dragon's Revenge, scheduled to open this summer.

Park guests, eager to flee the wrath of the dragon's attack, weave in and around castle ruins in search of an escape route before the mystical creature returns. After crossing over a draw bridge and entering into the castle's guard tower, guests quickly discover the only way out is through a labyrinth of ominous caverns. Once aboard the escape vehicle, thrill-seekers are quickly propelled through a series of uphill blasts rocketing riders in and out, up and down around the perimeter of the castle before taking a final fog-filled freefall into the castle's mote below. Guests careen through six dark creepy caverns filled with magical special effects including spinning tunnels, theatrical lighting, fiber optics, riveting original music, aromatic atmosphere, fog, faux fire and an encounter with the angry dragon.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort will open weekends beginning Saturday, April 26. Visit www.schlitterbahn.com for more information

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/  Main Page

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/tickets/ Ticket Information & Group Rates

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/attractions/ Attractions

Here are the some important dates for April if you plan on visiting New Braunfels or Gruene Texas

The dates for Gruene Market Days are Saturday, April 19th and 20th.  If this is your first time to visit Gruene Market Days my wife said to tell you to wear some comfortable shoes and let your shoes do the walking. 

You will also want to visit the Gruene General Store.

April 19-20, 2008 - Old Gruene Market Days. 100 vendors feature uniquely crafted items, and packaged Texas foods. Enjoy entertainment, restaurants and over 25 permanent shops. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: Free. Location: Gruene Historic District. Held the  3rd Sat & Sun of the month starting in February.

Sit at the counter and have a coke and eat some homemade fudge. So good you will want to take some home.

Love the stools!After a big day of shopping at market days and stopping for a snack at  the General Store, plan for dinner at the Gristmill or Gruene River Grill. Be sure to visit The Gruene Antique Mall.......You'll find great treasures to take home.                    When you see the Gruene tower you will see it looks down on the old Greuen Dance Hall.Stay awhile in the cool of the evening and enjoy the music. Gruene Dance Hall is the Oldest Dance Hall in Texas

If you are looking for a unique place to stay...well you found it...The Gruene Mansion Inn.Now that you have spent the day visitng Gruene Market Days, had a snack at the General Store, visited the Antique Mall, had dinner at the Gristmill or Gruene River Grill, enjoyed music at the Gruene Dance Hall and spent the night at the Gruene Mansion Inn.....you will want to come back and do it again in May. Wait and see what I have planned for you in May.

For more information: www.gruenemarketdays.com

If you should need a home inspection in New Braunfels, Canyon Lake or Boerne call me. Carl Winters....Complete Inspection Service 830-660-0131                   GOD BLESS TEXAS