Features

Conundrum on Coleus creates a pollinator pinching perplexity

Here the ColorBlaze Wicked Hot coleus makes a perfect backdrop for a Monarch butterfly feeding on Luscious Royale Cosmo lantana. Photos by Norman Winter

The blooms of the ColorBlaze Wicked Hot coleus, if left on the plant will attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

This Ruby-throated Hummingbird found the ColorBlaze Wicked Hot coleus to be just perfect. Photos by Norman Winter

Conundrum on Coleus creates a pollinator pinching perplexity

Sun, 11/08/2020 - 5:00am

As if 2020 couldn’t get more challenging, I have now run head on into a conundrum on Coleus or to put it more succinctly, a perplexity on pinching. First a little jaunt into my history with coleus.

Read more about Conundrum on Coleus creates a pollinator pinching perplexity

Allenwood site staff stand with their new delivery van, donated by St. David’s Foundation. Pictured from left to right:Annlise Hernandez, office assisnant; Jerry the driver and office assistant; Liz Denson, site manager; and Karen Walpole, Combined Community Action communications director. Photo by Celeste Hollister

Grant helps Meals on Wheels purchase new van to serve area seniors

Sun, 11/08/2020 - 5:00am

This October, Meals on Wheels Rural Capital Area (MOWRCA) received a brand new reason to be grateful. The program, which provides meals to local senior citizens and veterans, received a new delivery van through a grant from the St. David’s Foundation.

Read more about Grant helps Meals on Wheels purchase new van to serve area seniors

Pianist Gav Sears to play at San Mercado. Photo courtesy of the Price Center.

San Mercado coming to Price Center twice in November

Sun, 11/08/2020 - 5:00am

San Marcos’ only downtown, monthly, community market — the Price Center’s San Mercado — will happen twice in November to help vendors and shoppers with extra local shopping opportunities prior to the holiday season. The monthly markets will run from 9 a.m. 2 p.m., Saturday Nov. 14 and again on Saturday, Nov. 28 (aka Shop Small Saturday) in conjunction with the San Marcos Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the San Marcos Art League’s Art Squared from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both events take place on the Historic Courthouse Square, a short walk from the Price Center. Each event will feature live musical entertainment and COVID-safe precautions, including required mask wearing by all vendors and shoppers, outdoor and indoor vendors spaced safely apart with plenty of fresh air flowing through the facility. The Downtown Association of San Marcos (DASM) will also provide pedicabs to help shuttle shoppers from place to place on Nov. 14.

Read more about San Mercado coming to Price Center twice in November

Submitted by San Marcos Cinema Club

Lost River Film Fest underway, continues throughout weekend

Thu, 11/05/2020 - 7:07pm

Lost River Film Fest, the region's popular yearly gathering to uplift new independent cinema, began Thursday evening in San Marcos.

Read more about Lost River Film Fest underway, continues throughout weekend

Above, a Cafe on the Square hamburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and cheese served on a soft, warm bun with fries. Middle, Cafe on the Square's Classic Breakfast, which comes with your choice of two eggs, potatoes, refried beans, your choice of sausage or bacon and flour tortillas. Bottom, Cafe on the Square's Chef's Salad. Daily Record photos by Nick Castillo and Lance Winter

Foodie Friday: Cafe on the Square

Thu, 11/05/2020 - 7:02pm

There’s something to be said about familiarity and the warm, cozy feelings it conjures, when you experience it time-and-again. Such is the case when you walk in the door at Café on the Square.

Read more about Foodie Friday: Cafe on the Square

The Economist: Economic Forecast Update

Wed, 11/04/2020 - 7:12pm

Our latest forecast update indicates significant declines in economic activity through 2020, despite a notable comeback from the dark days of spring, but a return to growth next year.

Read more about The Economist: Economic Forecast Update

Trophies for the winners of the 2019 Dia de los Muertos 5K. Photo courtesy of Photography by Ric, Rick Martinez

Día de los Muertos 5K to honor those lost to COVID-19

Sun, 11/01/2020 - 5:00am

Most countries around the world set aside a day for commemorating the lives of those who are no longer with us. One such holiday, Día de los Muertos, occurs every November to acknowledge the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Though it is called Day of the Dead, it does not celebrate death.

Read more about Día de los Muertos 5K to honor those lost to COVID-19

Growing Gratitude

Sun, 11/01/2020 - 5:00am

In the old days before the internet, kids roved the outside world. They camped, they climbed trees, they engaged in playground-wide games of tag.

Read more about Growing Gratitude

Exploring Nature: Armadillo

Sun, 11/01/2020 - 5:00am

Pity the poor armadillo, an animal that is often seen dead along Texas highways, resting on its back with its tiny feet up in the air, a victim of vehicular traffic.

Read more about Exploring Nature: Armadillo

November Yard of the Month: Garden art and native plants

Terra cotta pots mark entry of McCurdy home on Lamar Avenue in Spring Lake Hills.

(Left) An antique garden plow, painted red, was used in garden of Shirley’s maternal grandfather. (Right) Sago palms flank front walk entrance, with blue bird bath, metal spinner, and red plow in background. Photos submitted by Sharon Lockett

November Yard of the Month: Garden art and native plants

Sun, 11/01/2020 - 5:00am

Mixing native plants and garden art in a traditional neighborhood yard is a challenge which Shirley McCurdy met and won at her home on Lamar Avenue in Spring Lake Hills, November’s yard of the month for Spring Lake Garden Club. Shirley’s collection of yard ornaments include family treasures (her maternal grandfather’s garden planting plow) as well as colorful decor that caught her eye at stores and sales over the years. Two large terra cotta pots from Mexico mark either side of the front walk at curbside, filled with thriving sago palms, subtly accented with colorful ceramic petals on stems. Near the entry pots, other garden ornaments are tucked in among hardy native plants including cenizo (Texas sage), mountain laurel, spiny green sotol, salvia, and rosemary.