Texas
Orchards and Vineyards
If you have ever dreamed of having an orchard or vineyard on your property, now is the time to act on it in Southeast Texas. Not only are farmers planting early spring crops or getting ready to do so, but this is also the time to plant trees and vines. The nurseries and feed stores in my area have many... »
Free Days
With a family of seven, my husband and I always look for the most economical ways to entertain our family. We especially like to find ways to mix our pleasure with education if possible. Outings that are considered less expensive by most turn out to be expensive when... »
Legalize Raw Milk
Thanks to one of my readers I was informed of a petition to legalize raw milk on the federal level. It is asking for the right to sell and distribute raw milk across state lines. They need a total of 5,000 signatures to allow the petition to move forward. Currently, well over 3,000 citizens have signed it. My... »
Television Interview
Among the many hats that I wear throughout the day, one of my responsibilities is as the Business Manager of Cross Creek Cattle Company. It is a ranch owned by my father, Kenton Holliday. My husband is the Ranch Manager. A few years ago we made the transition from running a traditional ranching operation to a grass fed beef business. ... »
The Dyer Mill Fire: One Family’s Story
I want to share an amazing story with you today. When the Dyer Mill Wildfire was raging in Grimes County, my family was concerned for our safety as the fire came as close as four miles from our land. However, one of our biggest concerns was for the safety of the firefighters and... »
Raging Wildfire
Thank you for all the emails checking on my family since Sunday when parts of Grimes County caught fire. We are fine. Since you can read or watch news reports about the fire, I wanted share our story. Sunday afternoon about 3:45 p.m. my family left my dad's cabin where we... »
2011 Grimes County Fair
Having the Grimes County Fair in June ends the school year officially. Now it is time for summer even though summer does not technically begin for another week or so. Last week was exhausting with ups and downs. This is how it went. Friday, June 3rd- Jake and Kyla were baking their entries for the fair. We were busy gathering all their other Creative... »
Exceptional Drought
Last weekend was not only Easter weekend, but Texas governor, Rick Perry, sent out a proclamation asking Texans to pray for rain. All of Texas is in a drought ranging from moderate to exceptional. The US Drought Monitor published a color-coded map showing the areas in drought. Unfortunately for my family, we live in the exceptional drought area. We have not... »
Restore My Hope in Humanity
Texas took its name from the Tejas Indians, and it is a word that means "friendly." Texans are known worldwide for their Texas pride and for being hospitable and friendly. We wave at people driving in opposite directions on the road whether we know them or not. Texas A&M University is known especially for saying "Howdy" to friends and strangers alike. When Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi and... »
Downtown Houston Parade
Members of the Grimes County Sherriff's Jr. Mounted Posse were invited to ride in the 73rd annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade Saturday, February 26th. They led in the Sam Houston Trail Ride. It was an honor to be a part of such a great family-oriented event... »
Gardening in February
We have thawed out. Yesterday was such a beautiful day. My husband, Andrew, and I went on a long cross country walk. We are trying to enjoy the pleasant, mild days now before any more cold fronts approach. Our average freeze dates extend to March 5th; therefore, we could definitely see more winter weather. However, if you believe that Punxsutawney Phil... »
Snow Day!!
My kids were so excited as they went to bed last night because snow was falling. When we woke up this morning, they were even more excited that it was still snowing. Even though it is early, they have already been out, then in, then out, then in again. I am... »
How Much to Plant?
Have you been to the grocery store lately? Food prices are on the rise, and who knows how high they will climb? When I read history, especially about times of war and occupation, one thing always jumps out at me. The people in rural areas get along much better than people in urban areas. Why? It is simple. In a rural... »
Firefighters
When I traveled to New York City, I was slightly surprised how excited people got when they saw a fire truck, a group of firemen, and/or a fire house. Firefighters are true heroes. They run into burning buildings to save people. Firefighting is an honorable profession. My husband's father was a firefighter. He first entered... »
Ready or not, 2011 is here!
Has anyone gotten used to writing this year's date? I have not, but I am working on it. I hope that everyone had a safe holiday. My family was invited to visit my brother-in-law's family's ranch in Llano, Texas. It is known as the deer capital of Texas and for good reason. Thousands of deer call the area home. We saw... »
