Features

A versatile favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches can feature a variety of breads and cheese. Photo by Metro Creative

Toasty Goodness

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple pleasure enjoyed by children and adults alike. Knowing how to create a delicious grilled cheese sandwich is a handy skill. Even though the sandwich may seem simple, there are some tricks to the trade to achieve a golden, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside finished product.

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Hornsby Bend is an excellent bird watching spot. Photo from Metro Creative

EXPLORING NATURE: HORNSBY BEND

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

Don’t turn up your nose at sewage pond birding.

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HCMGA members will bring plantings and transplants from their home gardens to sell at the annual Fall Plant and Tree Sale, which will be held this year online and in person. Submitted photo

Hays County Master Gardeners hosts annual plant and tree sale

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

Hays County Master Gardeners will hold its annual Fall Plant and Tree Sale online and in-person this year. The HCMGA members are putting their expertise to work to bring their finest plantings and transplants from their own home gardens. Texas Superstar, Texas native and adapted perennials, grasses, shrubs, trees and succulents will be for sale.

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Belgian Mums thrill with fall performance

Pumpkins, gourds and mums give a festive look to this raised flower bed.

Orange Atlantico Belgian Mum and Croton. Photos by Norman Winter

Belgian Mums thrill with fall performance

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

After a long, brutally hot summer, two tropical storms and a hurricane, one could use a little perk up and no plant brings cheer like the chrysanthemum. Cooler temperatures partnered with a few mum containers with flowers numbering in the thousands will boost your spirits like few other plants.

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M. Ray Perryman

The Economist: Resilience

Wed, 09/15/2021 - 6:10pm

Like almost any American over the age of 25, I vividly remember September 11, 2001.

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Answers to Go

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

San Marcos Public Library 625 E. Hopkins St. 512-393-8200

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Research finds analytic thinkers more receptive to cosmetic surgery

Katherine Warnell, Assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Texas State, studies the real cost of cosmetic surgery. Photo submitted by Texas State University

Katherine Warnell, Associate Professor. Photo submitted by Texas State University

Research finds analytic thinkers more receptive to cosmetic surgery

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

The normalization of cosmetic surgery and the real cost of surgery, both monetary and emotional, prompted Katherine Warnell, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Texas State University, to partner with a research study at St. Edward’s University to better understand what makes someone more or less likely to undergo cosmetic procedures.

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Birds often become intoxicated after eating fermented fruit or berries. In Germany, a brown owl became drunk on schnapps and stood in traffic until a wildlife rescuer put him in rehab. Photo from Metro Creative

EXPLORING NATURE: DRUNK BIRDS

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

Birds sometimes become intoxicated and exhibit drunken behavior.

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The Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band. Photo by Mary Thielin

‘Reflections of the Springs’ Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band to present concert Sept. 19

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

Kicking off the 2021-22 season, the Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band will present a concert on Sept. 19. Hosted by The Price Center and Gardens, the program will begin at 5 p.m. The concert is open to the public, but suggested reservations can be made via The Price Center, at 512-392-2900.

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Luscious Citron Lantana soft-pedaling yellow into your heart

This Giant Swallowtail, North America’s largest butterfly is seen feeding on Luscious Citron lantana.

This combination featuring Luscious Citron lantana, Truffula Pink gomphrena and Augusta Lavender heliotrope was a hit at the Young’s Plant Farm 2021 Garden Tour in Auburn, Ala.

The soft yellow blooms of Luscious Citron lantana also bring in the Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies for frequent visits. Photos by Norman Winter

Luscious Citron Lantana soft-pedaling yellow into your heart

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

When I was asked to trial the new Luscious Citron lantana, my first thought was, “Why in the world do we need another yellow lantana?” But now, six months later, I know the answer. You’re thinking you know the answer, and it has to do with butterflies. I’ll get to that in a minute.