OctoBEARfest, Magnolia, Texas

BearsEtc_(1)Bears Etc.’s second annual OctoBEARfest is ready to roar!

Join them on October 12 from 10am-4pm in Montgomery’s historic district located off of Texas 105 and Liberty Street to help raise funds for a bear sanctuary in Montgomery County. The children’s area, crafter’s market, and bake sale will be back again this year, along with several new attractions.

Last year’s inaugural event raised over $4,000. The goal is to raise $200,000 to support the vision for a new Bear and Exotic Animal Rescue Sanctuary  in Montgomery. Bears Etc. was founded as a nonprofit organization in 2017 to provide permanent, community-based, self-sustainable refuge as a home for displaced exotic and wild animals and to educate others about the natural world.

As with last year, there will be a BBQ cook-off. Buy your taster’s ticket early and enjoy some premier Texas BBQ – and get to vote on which is the best!

 

This year will also see a lawnmower race, and a wide assortment of information and crafts booths to browse and learn from. The cottage industry was well represented with tons of tasty items available for sampling and sale.

 

Last year’s information booths included Bear’s Etc., Safe Haven – a large animal rescue service, and a raptor rehabilitation team.

 

Hope to see you there!

— Ann Cathey

“My Magazine Sharing Network”

You may have seen some sharing posts on Facebook and Twitter concerning My Magazine Sharing Network. This is a program connected to Kroger and affiliated stores offering free goods and coupons supporting trying new things. This might be recipes, how individuals handle suggested items in creating a meal or dessert, and photos of what folks have done with the various challenges in the program.

So far, it’s been interesting and fun. I’ve been able to take Kroger products into my kitchen and see what I can do with them. Don’t worry – I won’t be keeping the ideas all to myself. As I finish projects, I’ll be writing about the experiences and sharing photos of my creations, and possibly some guest creations as well.

I hope you will enjoy this aspect of our blog as much as I will, and that some of you will check out the My Magazine Sharing Network program.

— Ann Cathey

Spring Book Sale! – Conroe, TX

The Library Friends of Conroe is hosting their annual Spring Book Sale at the Central Library in Conroe, Texas.

The Library Friends of Conroe is a volunteer organization benefiting the Montgomery County Library System. Among the many projects they organize and run, they host a twice yearly Book Sale at the Central Library in Conroe, Texas. All of the books, dvds, VHS tapes, puzzles, music cds and other goodies available at the Book Sale have been donated by members of the community in the hopes that they will recirculate and bring needed funds to the local library system.

If you have never been to one of these extravaganzas, it is an experience. There are three large rooms and an entire hallway filled with tables that are covered in books of all types. I have been able to find the most remarkable cookbooks dating back into the 40’s at these tables, as well as out of print books, hard-to-find items, and am always willing to go back and check for more.

Beginning on Thursday, March 1st, from 4:30pm to 8:00pm, is First Choice Night. There is no entry free and everyone is welcome. This is the first view of the items for sale and your chance not only to preview, but to make some awesome purchases for your own reading enjoyment and edification.

Please note that accepted payment methods are by cash or check only!

Continuing on Friday, March 2nd, from 9:00am to 4:30pm, and Saturday, March 3rd, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the sale continues in all sale areas.

The famous $2 Bag Sale is on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm in the large meeting room only. The Library Friends will provide you with a bag that you are allowed to pile as many books into as you wish – for only $2. All other areas remain at regular price.

Join us at 104 I-45 North, Conroe, Texas 77301, March 1st – 3rd, for a Texas-sized Book Sale!

If you happen to miss the Spring Book Sale this year, remember that here is another one in the Fall, and Vicki’s Book Nook at the Central Library which is open whenever the library is.

For more information, please call 936-788-3888 or email lov2read@consolidated.net. You may also visit the MCLS website.

Clean and gently used donations are accepted all year at the  Book Nook at the Central Library.

–Ann Cathey

Cruise Fun – Towel Animals

Every cruise line seems to have some version of folded-towel animals for housekeeping to leave on guests’ beds. It’s a charming bit of fun, and the creativity seems to be endless.

It’s also apparently a thing to photograph the fuzzy sculptures, then hide them from the staff so that a group photo may be taken just before the cruise ends. We managed to get photos of each critter, though housekeeping managed to take one away before the big group shot.

We came on board a little too late for a towel critter on our embarkation day, so this little hound was there to surprise us after supper on the second day.

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The next several days were met with enchanting little towel animals awaiting us each evening.

 

This one we never did figure out. We know it’s supposed to be an animal, but not what kind!

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This guy got away form us, sadly. our elephant was only with us for a day. We forgot to hide it with the rest and housekeeping took it away.

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This cheeky rabbit really caught us by surprise.  We came in to find him not only hogging the bed and the remote, but watching cartoons!

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Our last official evening we were greeted with this heart on the bed.

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Of course, we had to take the obligatory group shot of the survivors, in this case watching whatever the remote-hog rabbit wanted to watch while we were out.

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In the end, we left them all lined up along the top shelves of our stateroom to surprise our housekeeper. Sadly, I did not manage to capture that memory, but I will certainly do my best to do so next time.

— Ann Cathey
Additional photos by Christopher

Book Sale! – Conroe, Texas

The Library Friends of Conroe is a volunteer organization benefiting the Montgomery County Library System. Among the many projects they organize and run, they host a twice yearly Book Sale at the Central Library in Conroe, Texas. All of the books, dvds, VHS tapes, puzzles, music cds and other goodies available at the Book Sale have been donated by members of the community in the hopes that they will recirculate and bring needed funds to the local library system.

If you have never been to one of these extravaganzas, it is an experience. There are three large rooms and an entire hallway filled with tables that are covered in books of all types. I have been able to find the most remarkable cookbooks dating back into the 40’s at these tables, as well as out of print books, hard-to-find items, and am always willing to go back and check for more.

Beginning on Thursday, February 23rd, from 4:30pm to 8:00pm, is First Choice Night. There is no entry free and everyone is welcome. This is the first view of the items for sale and your chance not only to preview, but to make some awesome purchases for your own reading enjoyment and edification.

Please note that accepted payment methods are by cash or check only!

Continuing on Friday, February 24th, from 9:00am to 4:30pm, and Saturday, February 25th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the sale continues in all sale areas.

The famous $2 Bag Sale is on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm in the large meeting room only. The Library Friends will provide you with a bag that you are allowed to pile as many books into as you wish – for only $2. All other areas remain at regular price.

Join us at 104 I-45 North, Conroe, Texas 77301, February 23rd thru 25th, for a Texas-sized Book Sale!

If you happen to miss the Spring Book Sale this year, remember that here is another one in the Fall, and Vicki’s Book Nook at the Central Library which is open whenever the library is.

For more information, please call 936-788-3888 or email lov2read@consolidated.net. You may also visit the MCLS website.

Clean and gently used donations are accepted all year at the  Book Nook at the Central Library.

–Ann Cathey

Book Sale! – Conroe TX

The Library Friends of Conroe is a volunteer organization benefiting the Montgomery County Library System. Among the many projects they organize and run, they host a twice yearly Book Sale at the Central Library in Conroe, Texas. All of the books, dvds, VHS tapes, puzzles, music cds and other goodies available at the Book Sale have been donated by members of the community in the hopes that they will recirculate and bring needed funds to the Library.

If you have never been to one of the extravaganzas, it is an experience. There are three large rooms and an entire hallway filled with tables that are covered in books of all types. I have been able to find the most remarkable cookbooks dating back into the 40’s at these tables, and am always willing to go back and check for more.

Beginning on Thursday, October 6th, from 4:30pm to 8:00pm, is First Choice Night. There is no entry free and everyone is welcome. This is the first view of the items for sale and your chance not only to preview, but to make some awesome purchases for your own reading enjoyment and edification.

Continuing on Friday,October 7th, 9:00am to 4:30pm, and Saturday, April 25thOctober 8th, 9:00am to 3:00pm, the sale continues in all sale areas.

The famous $2 Bag Sale is on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm in the large meeting room only. The Library Friends will provide you with a bag that you are allowed to pile as many books into as you wish – for only $2. All other areas remain at regular price.

Join us at 104 I-45 North, Conroe, Texas 77301, October 6-8, for a Texas-sized Book Sale!

If you happen to miss the Fall Book Sale this year, remember that here is another one in the Spring, and Vicki’s Book Nook at the Central Library which is open whenevre the library is.

For more information, please call 936-788-3888 or email lov2read@consolidated.net. You may also visit the MCLS website.

Clean and gently used donations are accepted all year at the  Book Nook at the Central Library.

–Ann Cathey

Nautical Antiques – Galveston TX

Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor is the full name of the shop in question. Tucked away on a side street just off the Strand in Galveston, this antique emporium has a specialized theme – anything to do with ships and the sea. From hatch doors to glass floats to fine china taken from wrecked cruise ships, there seems to be a little bit (or a lot) of everything you might imagine available for collectors of things nautical, and theme decorators. I would imagine items in this store would make excellent movie props as well, if they have not already!

See for yourself. The owner was nice enough to allow me to take pictures inside the store to share with readers here on the blog.

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Helm wheels, compasses, sea chests, lanterns, signage, oars, throttles, spotlights, carved wooden sea life…

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Hatch doors and covers, rudder gears, glass fishing floats…

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Retired navigational charts, more lanterns and fishing floats, bobs, colors (flags)…

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Colors (flags), brassworks, sailboat art, life preservers, bilge pumps, net floats, carved marlins, tikis…

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Signal flags, portal windows, silly signage…

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Netting, galley stairs, deck boards, ventilation covers…

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Large block-n-tackle…

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Loose mount compasses with histories, diving helmets, pulleys, knot samples…

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Dinnerware salvaged from oceangoing vessels (pictured dishes from the Evergreen Line)

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Gauges, throttles, cleats…

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Did I mention glass floats?

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Brass bells, rope…

In short, this place seems to have a little bit of everything having to do with ships and the sea!

Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor
2202 Mechanic Street
Galveston, TX 77550

(409) 539-5469

— Ann Cathey

 

La King’s – Galveston, Texas

“Meet me at La King’s Confectionery.”

La King’s is an old fashioned ice cream parlour and candy factory on the historic Strand. Old time fountain delights, coffee, salt water taffy, lollipops, and so many chocolates! There’s even a case full of sugar-free (isomalt) chocolates for those of us who need an alternative to sugar.

The ambiance is definitely a bit of history, with huge wooden bars and barbacks serving as soda fountain, ice cream service, coffee shop, decorated with antique machines and containers of ingredients once used by La King’s. These fabulous antiques run down one side of the shop. The other side is covered in displays of candies, on tables and in refrigerated cabinets. Down the middle of the space are the nut roaster and popcorn machine, silly coin operated games, and white wireworks ice cream parlour tables and chairs. At the far end is the candy making demonstration area, only it’s not just a demonstration. La King’s prides itself in showing you how it’s done while they are actually making their products.DSC_0490According to their marketing material:

La King’s is your connection to a by-gone era. La King’s Confectionery goes back tot he 1920’s when James. H. King began his apprenticeship in candy making at the St. Regis Confectionery in Houston, Texas. He learned his craft well under the watchful eyes of “old-world masters”. Jimmy established his own business and eventually supplied stores throughout the south. He inspired his sons to learn the candy business with the sme pride and attention to detail.

In 1976, Jimmy’s oldest son, Jack, moved his family to the historic Strand in Galveston to recreate an old fashioned confectionery. With the help of his family, Jack created La King’s Confectionery. He has continued to use 19th century formulas and methods handed down to him, making confections using traditional equipment and procedures.

La King’s features a 1920’s soda fountain, serving malts, shakes, ice cream sodas, sundaes, splits, floats and your favorite fountain treats.

Our master candymaker will delight you with his old time specialties made right before your eyes on antique equipment. We make more than 50 candies from traditional recipes.

La King’s ice cream parlour makes and serves “Purity” ice cream. Purity was the first ice cream manufacturer in Texas, The company was founded in 1889 on Galveston Island.

In addition to all the wonderful sweets, La King’s also offers a full service coffee bar serving Duncan coffees. They also carry a full line of roasted Duncan beans in case you want to take some home. The Texas Pecan is a nice treat on a cold day!

The complete array of La King’s goodies may be ordered online and shipped to your home, or to others as a gift. Sweeten your day by visiting their website for more information on La King’s candies and other treats.

DSC_0118On the 1-5 scale, La King’s gets:
Cleanliness – 5
Service – 5
Quality of food – 5
Flavor – 5
Pricing – 4
Overall experience – 4.8

La King’s Confectionery
2323 The Strand
Galveston Island, Texas
409-762-6100

— Ann Cathey

Spring Book Sale! Conroe, TX

It’s that time again, folks! The Library Friends of Conroe changed things up a bit, so the Spring Book Sale is in February (this weekend!) instead of closer to Easter.

The Library Friends of Conroe is a volunteer organization benefiting the Montgomery County Library System. Among the many projects they organize and run, they host a twice yearly Book Sale at the Central Library in Conroe, Texas. All of the books, dvds, VHS tapes, puzzles, music cds and other goodies available at the Book Sale have been donated by members of the community in the hopes that they will recirculate and bring needed funds to the Library.

If you have never been to one of the extravaganzas, it is an experience. There are three large rooms and an entire hallway filled with tables that are covered in books of all types. I have been able to find the most remarkable cookbooks dating back into the 40’s at these tables, and am always willing to go back and check for more.

Beginning on Thursday, February 25th, from 4:00pm to 8:30pm, is First Choice Night. There is no entry free and everyone is welcome. This is the first view of the items for sale and your chance not only to preview, but to make some awesome purchases for your own reading enjoyment and edification.

Continuing on Friday, February 26th, 9:00am to 4:30pm, and Saturday, February 27th, 9:00am to 3:00pm, the sale continues in all sale areas.

The famous $2 Bag Sale is on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm in the large meeting room only. The Library Friends will provide you with a bag that you are allowed to pile as many books into as you wish – for only $2. All other areas remain at regular price.

Join us at 104 I-45 North, Conroe, Texas 77301, February 25-27, for a Texas-sized Book Sale!

If you happen to miss the Spring Book Sale this year, remember that here is another one next April, and the Book Nook at the Central Library is open all year round.

For more information, please call 936-788-3888 or email lov2read@consolidated.net. You may also visit the MCLS website.

Clean and gently used donations are taken all year at the Central Library Book Nook, another of the Library Friends of Conroe projects.

Central Library
104 Interstate 45 N
Conroe, TX 77301
(936) 539-7814

–Ann Cathey