Author: admin

Houston Farmers’ Market – A Food Adventure

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   When I’m traveling, I often seek out local farmer’s markets – not only for affordable,  fresh food, but also to get a taste of local culture.  Especially when visiting other countries, travelers can find adventures-for-the-tastebuds they won’t find at home.

   But when you live in the fourth largest city in the U.S., there are a lot of markets to explore even when you aren’t on vacation! So this morning I set out on a local food adventure.

    I guarantee you that I didn’t come home from my visit to the Houston Farmer’s Market this morning empty-handed! It had its beginnings in 1942 and is the city’s oldest and largest farmers market.

   There’s no shortage of herbs and spices…and more types of mole than you can shake an enchildada at!

   Tropical fruit lovers are going to be in heaven the minute they step foot in the market…and that group includes me! One sample bite of the sweet pineapples and I was “sold!”

   Be a bit adventurous when you visit local markets, and try something new! If you come across a fruit (or anything else) that you can’t identify, ask questions. Vendors are happy to explain what things are, how to prepare them, and sometimes even offer a free taste.

   Every trip should send you home with at least one “never had this before” item.

Removing needles from prickly pear cactus
Removing needles from prickly pear cactus.

   A handful of permanent shops are in the complex as well, including Shop Local, The Egg House, RC Ranch Craft Meats and Crawfish and Noodles restaurant. Shop Local is a group of vendors that sell a variety of items from vintage clothes to stickers. The Egg House sells everything breakfast-related, including country sausage, bacon jams, local honey, and …of course…fresh eggs. RC Ranch Craft Meats butcher shop deals in Texas-raised Wagya beef and Heritage pork as well as other meats from partner ranchers.

   There are definitely more vendors on the weekends than during the week, but there’s always something fresh and delicious to find.

   You can even purchase cookware, pottery, plants, candy, piñatas and toys from south of the border.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   And if you just don’t think you can wait to get home to enjoy something yummy, there are cute tables and chairs in shaded spots where you can enjoy freshly prepared offerings. It’s a fun place to go with friends, your spouse, or a great outing for the kids.

LOCATION: 2520 Airline Drive, Houston, Texas

HOURS:  Open every day year-round except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

GOOD TO KNOW: Bring cash, as it is the only form of payment many vendors accept.

PARKING: Free parking. Enter the lot enter off of Airline Drive or two entrances off Service Street. Lots are interconnected for ease of access.

WHAT TO BRING: Lightweight shopping totes or small cart, and a cooler in your car for items that will need to stay cool on the way home.

WHAT TO WEAR: The shopping area is covered and has, which are big advantages in the Texas summer, but the market is still technically outdoors. Dress comfortably for whatever the outside temperature is during summer or winter. Walking shoes.

RESTROOMS: Clean and family-friendly.

Information is correct as of date of publishing.

Jay Gould’s Luxury Railcar

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   Train developer Jay Gould was riding the rails in style in this special train car he named “Atlanta.” It has four state rooms, a lounge, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry and even a ballroom. (Yes, really!)

   Today the luxurious car sits across from the Excelsior Hotel on Austin Street in Jefferson, the town that rejected Gould’s bid to allow his railroad to pass through its town. Gould was so incensed by the refusal that when he checked out of the hotel, he wrote “The end of Jefferson” in the register, wishing the demise of the town.

   It didn’t work, as Jefferson is still a charming town often visited for its beautiful architecture and nature spots. And ironically…even Gould’s own rail car.

   The car is owned by the Excelsior Foundation. Call the hotel at 903-665-2513 for tour tickets and times.

LOCATION: 211 Austin Street, Jefferson, TX

Free Gravestone Cleaning & Repair Demonstration

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FREE GRAVESTONE CLEANING & REPAIR DEMONSTRATION

Exciting news!

   Kathleen Maca’s application for Galveston’s Broadway Cemetery District to participate in Atlas Preservation’s 48 State Tour has been accepted!

   This tour will include a free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration by Atlas Preservation, which is open to the public.

   This is knowledge you can take for use in your own family cemeteries, wherever they may be!

   You may choose whether to observe or participate, as supplies allow.

Broadway Cemetery District
Broadway between 42nd and 40th Streets, Galveston
Tuesday, June 18th, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ATLAS PRESERVATION
What to bring:
   Yourself and a willingness to learn! Please wear closed toe fotweaar and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
   IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SUPPLIES, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING THEM, AS SUPPLIES ARE QUITE LIMITED: WATER BUCKETS, SOFT BRISTLE BRUSHES, D2
**This is also a great opportunity to bring a trash bag and help pick up litter in the district – something younger attendees can do as well!
   We recommend bringing some essentials to make the day comfortable: chair, cooler, water, snacks, etc.
   There will be a brief pause during the day for lunch! Lunch is not provided.
Cleaning Demonstrations will include:
-Safe and effective removal of biological activity with approved stone cleaners is discussed, demonstrated, and performed. Gravestones can be fragile and easily damaged when cleaned with the wrong chemicals, aggressively brushed, and/or pressure washed. Safe cleaning techniques are explained with options outlined for product selection.
-Graffiti removal and graffiti prevention discussion (if time allows)
-Overview for rust and lime / calcium removal from irrigation staining (if time allows)
Repair Work:
   Some of the most common repairs will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants are encouraged to join in & help!
-Join a fractured tablet
-Raise and/or level a badly leaning, sunken or fallen tablet stone
-Reset and join elements of a multiple piece monument
-Problems associated with Portland cement
-Historic pointing mortars, formulations, applications, curing
   The city of Galveston/ Parks Department is generously supplying a water truck for supply to clean the markers, and a port-o-let for attendees (it will be the only available restroom).
Cost: Free
Note: No registration is required.

   Looking forward to seeing you there!

Additional information:

   The Broadway Cemetery District is a historic cemetery in Galveston, Texas, located in the heart of the East End Historic District. It’s a significant cultural and historical site, with gravestones dating back to the 19th century.

   Atlas Preservation, a monument building and restoration supply company from Connecticut, will be leading the free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration. They will be using their expertise to teach participants how to properly clean and repair gravestones, taking into consideration the different types of stone and the historical significance of the markers.

UPDATES & INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ON KATHLEEN’S FACEBOOK PAGE AT: LINK HERE

May the 4th Be With You – Chewbacca’s Resting Place

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   If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know that the actor who portrayed the popular character of Chewbacca in the films was Peter Mayhew. But did you know that he was a Texan?

   The seven-foot-three-inch tall actor was British by birth, but after he married his Texan wife he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 2005. He took that oath in Arlington Texas.

Boyd, Texas

   The couple lived in the small town of Boyd, Texas.

   Unfortunately, Mayhew passed away shortly before his 75th birthday. He is buried in Azleland Memorial Park in Reno, Texas.

   Now there are actually two towns called Reno in the state, both one in Parker County and the other in Lamar County, and both are home to about 3,000 people. So there’s often some confusion between the two.

   Azleland Memorial Park is in Parker County.

   Mayhew’s beautiful granite marker pays tribute to the man who was often referred to as a “gentle giant,” portraying both his own portrait and that of the character he made famous.

   A variety of small Chewbacca figurines have lovingly been placed at his gravesite by visitors as a tribute to his film legacy.

Mementoes left by visitors.

   It’s an unexpected find for a small town, but one that has become a bucket list stop for his many fans.

   The marker also includes the Isaac Newton quote, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

My visit with Mr. Mayhew.

  Happy “May the 4th Be With You” Day.



Drumroll please…My Latest Book is about to hit the shelves!

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Galveston’s Tremont House Hotel – A History

My latest book, about the history of the Tremont Houses in Galveston, will arrive in stores on May 13th!

I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of this amazing series of hotels with everyone. You may have heard that there have been three Tremonts on the island. Actually, there have been a couple more if you count the smaller ones who adopted the name in between – but yes, three majors.

The current beauty is housed in the historic 1879 Blum Building, which George and Cynthia Mitchell transformed into a world-class hotel.

Presidents, actors, ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, military officials and luminaries such as Sam Houston, Clara Barton, Buffalo Bill Cody, Harry Houdini, Ana Pavlova and more stayed at a Tremont House while visiting Galveston. The list is impressive – the stories are fascinating.

After three years of research in archives locally and across the nation I’ve pulled together a history of the Tremont, illustrated with over 60 photos.

I hope that you enjoy it!

You can pre-order now from your local bookstore or via amazon.com, by clicking HERE, or pick it up when it releases on May 13.

See you at the Tremont!

Great Food Truck Race: Galveston Edition

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   Do you watch Food Network’s show The Great Food Truck Race with Tyler Florence?

   Teams from around the country operate food trucks in a winding string of cities, advancing to the next round of competition each week by how much the trucks earn. It’s fun to watch, and today…it was fun to watch them film in Galveston, too!

   The trucks parked in Saengerfest Park on The Strand downtown, and began serving at 11 a.m. Each truck had a film crew assigned to them to capture the action – good and bad.

   When I saw that the array of food included Mexican and Cajun food and seafood, all I could think was “They better have really brought their “A” game.” Galvestonians are a food-loving bunch, and these dishes are regular “food groups” there.

   The crowd wasn’t disappointed. The cooks running the trucks were spirited and enjoyable, despite the pressure of the competition, and the dishes got a round of thumbs-up from everyone I talked to –  which is high praise.

   As the lunch hour approached, the lines got longer and some of the trucks simply couldn’t keep up the pace.

   Others sold out of product and had to make a mad dash to the nearest grocery. If you watch the show, you’ll know that this is one of the biggest “oh no’s” of a day of competition because it causes a truck to miss precious hours they are allowed to serve.

 Pups even came with their owners, hoping that something would drop within their reach.

 

 

   By 2:30 p.m. (I think they were only allowed to serve until 3:00), half of the trucks were sold out.

   We’ll have to wait until the new season airs to see who makes it to the next round…and eventually wins. If you have a favorite television show that films on the road, be sure to check their website. Travel schedules are often posted, letting you join in the fun.

   Thanks to Chef Tyler and the Food Network for bringing the trucks to Texas and Galveston – hope to see you again soon!


Fields of Honor

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   Last night we ventured to the San Jacinto Battleground to witness the grounds being softly illuminated by over 21,500 luminarias.

 

   Each candle represented a Texan lost in battle from the Texas Revolution through the war in Afghanistan.

   In the Texas Revolution alone, 1,700 Texans perished.

   Over 100 volunteers laid the luminarias out along a three-mile-long trail and grounds. Photos simply can’t capture how beautiful, moving and humbling the experience was.

   Simply stunning.

Moody Gardens Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday

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Get set for the “coolest” way to add holiday fun to your calendar in Galveston! 

   A team of skilled ice carvers from Harbin, China (home of the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival) has spent 45 days and over 1,100 hours in an enormous tent kept at a brisk 9 ° Fahrenheit, carving over two million pounds of ice into a tropical themed wonderland.  It’s the only rainforest you’ll ever visit that will have you thankful to pull on a complimentary parka!


   From the minute you walk through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a magical icy forest filled with plants, trees, creatures and a few Christmas-y surprises.

  Even the adults will get in line to go down the ice slide…you better believe I did!    

   Shivers Ice Bar is a great – and adventurous – way for grown-ups to wrap up their visit, sipping adult beverages while sitting on benches and at tables made of blocks of ice.

   What to expect:

Detailed carvings of tropical plants and adorable animals

A festive Santa scene, complete with ice tree

A winding ice tunnel

Shivers Ice Bar for adults

Photo opps galore

A uniquely Galveston experience

 

   Bring your gloves, caps, warm sock and shoes – Moody Gardens will provide the parkas. Open November 18, 2023 through January 6, 2024.

   While you’re planning your visit, be sure to check out Moody Gardens other holiday offerings, including the Festival of Lights, train rides along the trail, breakfast with Santa, holiday buffets, holiday theme 3D and 4D films, fireside s’mores and a brand new family-friendly variety show, – “Christmas Wish: A Holiday Spectacular.”

   For details and tickets, visit www.moodygardens.org

Babyhead Cemetery Legend

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Happy October!

Especially around Halloween, folklore seems to become more popular and tales that hint of gruesome details are told and retold.

Such is the fate of the origin of Babyhead Cemetery in the Texas Hill Country. Now admittedly when you put those two words together a gruesome backstory seems to be guaranteed. I’ll let you decide.

The cemetery is about ten miles north of Llano, in an area where the town of Babyhead once stood, by a mountain of the same name. In the mid-1800s it was a respectable size settlement, with a school, post office, courthouse and a few businesses. It eventually faded away and became a ghost town, with the remaining few citizens being absorbed into the city of Llano.

All that’s left of the community is a cemetery. Babyhead Cemetery. A place visited by more ghost enthusiasts than historians.

The Story

Local tradition shared that the town got its name in the 1850s, when a small child was kidnapped and killed by Indians trying to discourage settlers. Most versions include the grisly detail that the child’s head was left on a stake at the base of the mountain as a warning. Legend has it that the town was named in her memory.

The cemetery today has a few dozen well-kept but weathered graves that date from the early 2000s back to the oldest – that of a child named Jodie May McNeely who died on New Year’s Day in 1884.

Now we all know the old game of “telephone” or “post office” where one person says something, the next repeats it but a few facts change and so on. That’s how most local legends take shape.

Young Jodie’s grave is the one many visitors associate with the grim story, and that’s where they leave remembrances…dolls, toys, cards, candy…all for the child who they associate with the tale of another child who lost her life much too soon.

But at least Jodie is being visited.

A Texas State Historical marker was placed at edge of the cemetery in 1991 that shares a brief version on the story.

Another Option

Unless it was a community of ghouls, it would be very strange indeed to name your town, post office and even your children’s school Babyhead if the event truly occurred.

There is a large creek that runs past the former townsite. Remember that a moving body of water is referred to as a “head.” Unusually, this site also has a smaller creek that runs toward it nearby, right where Babyhead Road is today.o m

Hmmmm…..so if the major water was referred to as the Head, perhaps the settlers referred to the smaller creek as the Baby Head. Seems to make sense to me.

But legends and offerings persist, and really…who knows? You’ll have to decide for yourself.

Would you visit a cemetery named Babyhead?

Galveston’s Tremont House & the 1900 Storm

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Coincidence? Perhaps.

This morning my first thought was that I need to tackle the final draft of the chapter about the 1900 Storm for my upcoming book, History of Galveston’s Tremont House. And no, it actually didn’t occur to me until a couple of hours into work that today is the anniversary of that terrible hurricane.

 

 

About 1,000 people crowded into the Tremont to find shelter during the storm, and luckily all survived. Thousands of other people were not so lucky.

The Thomas Edison film (isn’t it amazing that there is footage?!) entitled ‘Panoramic View of Tremont Hotel Galveston’ was taken in the aftermath, and shows the large structure still standing amid surrounding devastation. It’s the tall white building with narrow windows at the end of this clip. (Click below to view)

I’m looking forward to sharing this and other amazing tales in the History of Galveston’s Tremont House when the book releases in the first part of 2024.