Jim Ned Valley... LIFE in small town West Texas

Texas Blue Bonnets and Rustling Green Wheat Waves

2010-04-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Take a lovely drive from Buffalo Gap, the first seat of Taylor County,
down Hwy 89 and you'll find....
Buffalo Gap Cemetery.....
Tom Perini's family built the lovely prayer chapel that sits amid masses of our
beloved Texas Blue Bonnets
An angel watches serenely as the fragrance of the blue ocean caress your senses and bring you
and exquisite peace..... and the assurance that this life is NOT the end.
This year... the green waves rustle softly in our late April breezes...
They offer hope of a great harvest of the soon to be golden wheat fields along Lemons Gap Road.
Come see us this Spring and get ready...
there's a feast for your senses in our little Jim Ned Valley!

Jim Ned Chamber of Commerce Spring Banquet

2010-04-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Homeplace of Tuscola again hosts the annual Spring JNChamber of Commerce Banquet.

Beautiful surroundings welcome a large group to enjoy the evening and celebrate the
recipients of this year's awards.
Impromptu musical entertainment and friendly mingling begin the night.
Fred Glover, president to the Chamber, along with Genny Abercrombie and Grace Broyles
do a wonderful job in presenting the plaques to the great 2010 award winners.
Col. Ehrie from the Abilene Industrial Foundation is the keynote speaker for the evening.
Then all the awards are presented.
Each school has a representative...
The Business of the year...
and our two yearly scholarship recipients....
It was a perfect night for great friends and fellowship in our
wonderful Jim Ned valley community.

..... as we say good night, we all know,
a good time was had by all!

T-ball and Little League 2010 begins!

2010-04-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Summer sports begin..... Dad's helping the little Jim Ned Indians T-ball
Moms, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends all gather for the seasonal ritual
of the beginning of summer baseball....
As the evenings warm, the grass turns green and
the familiar crack of the bats can be heard right behind the high school gym.
How many years has this been done?
Learning the rules of the game,
Dads and boys.... and a few little ladies in pink batting helmets.
LOVE THIS SEASON!
LOVE OUR little INDIANS!

Hawks and wildflowers

2010-04-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Blue bonnet time again!!! After our winter rains (so abundant this year) we have these
beauties everywhere! Can't wait for the ones across from the BarBQue barn to bloom!
Take a bicycle trip down Lemons Gap Road... you'll have to stop to smell the flowers...
GRAPE JELLY FLOWERS that is!
These are just between Buffalo Gap and Lemons Gap.

.... and if you drive to the West... What a treat we will have in store all season long!
This lovely lady is allowing us a clear view of her nursery!
perhaps she doesn't appreciate being spied upon:)
but it will be fun to watching this magnificent Redtail Hawk bring up her babies...
I'm betting on a pair.
How bout you?
Nothing like the beautiful raptors in flight!

I'm thankful for a country life where this is what we are allowed to see EVERY DAY!
God's country... that's with what I'm thinking we've been blessed!

Easter Parades, baseball, and softball the JIM NED INDIAN WAY!... SPRING 2010 is here!

2010-04-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Spring is all about signing up for summer leagues...
talking it over coach to coach!
Hamburgers from Lucy's or Vickie's
... and the traditional RABIES CLINIC!!!! better get it done folks!
after our very very wet Winter, Rabies will certainly be an issue this year!
Whether you get your burgers at one of the local "joints", or at the game...
GO OUT AND SUPPORT OUR INDIANS!
Only in a place like our little JN Valley can you watch the game in the saddle!
Buffalo Gap 8th annual Easter Parade...
the girls made their Easter Bonnets and the boys made woven Easter baskets.
They entered to the memorable strains of "In Your Easter Bonnet"...
arm in arm, they were truly lovely ladies and gentlemen:)
Jim Ned entered 8 softball teams this year in the Abilene South League.
Way to go girls!
It doesn't matter what color shirt you may wear in the summer leagues...
You will always be JIM NED RED and BLUE... through and through!
Our girl's softball is doing quite well with a very young group of girls! Go INDIANS!

Colt McCoy is a winner in our Jim Ned Valley hearts!

2010-01-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

*The above picture was taken by the Abilene Reporter News when Colt played for Jim Ned High School*
**The following is from an e-mail about our local man and reveals the inspirational person that will no doubt encourage HEROES of all ages in the fact that God's plans are always bigger than man's... and even if it appears that things are not going your way, GOD IS THE ONE WHO makes the plans and designs our lives for HIS purposes....
COLT.... you make us proud!!! (even if some of us "bleed" maroon and white...:)**

Colt McCoy: a national champion
with or without the crystal trophy

By Dr. Scott Elliott / guest columnist

January 10, 2010 12:19 am

- "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
--JER. 29-11

With apologies to our understandably proud and jubilant Crimson Tide faithful, the University of Alabama, to me, wasn't the biggest winner in Thursday night's BCS national championship football game.
That distinction went to a young man from Tuscola, Texas, named Colt McCoy.
Colt McCoy! Are you crazy, you say?
Yes, Colt McCoy, the Longhorns' All-American quarterback who suffered an injury on the game's opening drive, knocking him out of the remainder of the contest. The same Colt McCoy who won more games as a starting quarterback than anyone in the history of NCAA Division I football.
Yet, you may ask, how in the world can you argue that Colt McCoy was the game's biggest winner? After all, he hardly even played.
In reply, I would reference the young man's post-game interview before millions upon millions of people who watched the nationally-televised matchup. The reporter asked McCoy, "How did you feel, watching the game from the sidelines?"
Smarting from a shoulder injury that numbed his cannon-like throwing arm after being hit by Alabama's Marcell Dareus, McCoy kind of gazed up in the night sky, cleared his throat a couple of times trying to fight back emotion, and couldn't really respond for five or six seconds. Finally, the recipient of the prestigious Maxwell Award acknowledged that "it was unfortunate that I didn't get to play" and that he "would have given everything I had to be out there with my teammates." He then congratulated Alabama and later called the Tide "a tremendous football team."
But what he said next was the real clincher. Still makes me a little misty-eyed. He told the interviewer, "I always give God the glory. I never question why things happen the way they do. I know God is in control of my life, and I also know, if nothing else, that I'm standing on the rock."
Now, folks, let's think about the profound nature of that response. Here's a kid who always seemed destined to play in that national championship game. My goodness, with a name like Colt McCoy, he was born to be the gunslinging quarterback of the fabled Burnt Orange. His entire experience playing junior high, high school, and college football had been vested toward Thursday night, Jan. 7, 2010, in Pasadena, California's Rose Bowl.
And he got to play one ill-fated series. One.
Now, the 6-2, 210-pound Heisman finalist completed over 70 percent of his passes and threw for 112 touchdowns and 13,253 yards in his storied college career. Just phenomenal. Those accomplishments aside, in his post-game interview, the Longhorn quarterback hurled the most important scoring pass of his life - a real "Hail, Mary," if there ever was one. Despite his obvious and deep disappointment, Colt McCoy came through like a true champion for his God, giving praise and thanks even in bitter defeat. Notwithstanding religion, he taught the nation a lesson in class and humility.
You know, as all of us progress through this life, we experience what some call "defining moments." It's those crossroads episodes that establish, for good or bad, whatever legacy we leave on this Earth. Most of us will never have a national television audience, like Colt McCoy, when our defining moments come, but I have a feeling, in God's eyes, that a street corner ministering to just one other human being might do.
Colt McCoy may never become a star in the National Football League, although I suspect he will. Nonetheless, in this age of professional athletes having well-publicized extra-marital affairs, brandishing guns in locker rooms, lying to grand juries, and using performance-enhancing drugs, Colt McCoy is a star on a stage far transcending any football field. No, he never got to hold that coveted crystal trophy, but Thursday night he made a resounding statement to the youth of America about what it really means to be a winner.
And I know God will continue to bless him for that.

Copyright © 1999-2010 cnhi, inc.
--
Steve Crouse

Christmas Eve Blizzard 2009 .... a WHITE CHRISTMAS in the JIM NED VALLEY!

2009-12-26T05:51:00.000-08:00

We might have been disappointed that our man, Colt McCoy, didn't get the Heisman :(,
but Christmas held no such disappointment!
It came wrapped in WHITE this year!
The hills around our Jim Ned Valley were blanketed with the purest covering we've seen in years!
Holiday traffic was slowed to a snail's pace, but our local residents got to see
what many had been "dreaming of" for a long time!
As I stopped along the roads, there were others precariously perched with me... just hoping that the demanded slower speeds would prevent our indulging in the pictures from fender bender possibilities!
May the end of 2009 bring in a stunningly brilliant 2010....
and may the joy of the season be blanketed in
PEACE that passes any of our understanding!

Erinshire in the Gap 4.25.09

2009-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Erinshire in the Gap

April 25, 2009

I got there just as the "gates" were open...

THIS YEAR WAS A TREAT!!!! for all the senses!

Amy and the crew at the Buffalo Gap Historical Village had every corner

readied for the 100s of visitors to this annual event!
Stages and sound crews, along with videographers and photographers, all were preparing the stages for their performers.

.... and once again... the "village gardener" answered all my questions

amidst his Eden of heirloom vegetables and flowers.

(YEAH... I even got a little bunch of his hard-to-find replicating onions...

I'd looked everywhere!)

I only saw a couple of the performers for this year... But
Slim Chance and the Bagpipe group were amazing as usual....
all that I missed was my partner and a dance floor!
In a "Willie Nelson" picnic atmosphere,

all the people began to gather in the sun and wind of a West Texas April afternoon.

I got to see the people who anticipated the entire day... places secured,

they camped on the grounds in readiness for an

absolutely excellent exploitation of their senses.
Click below to hear 30 seconds of an entire afternoon into evening.

If you missed it this year... I'm sad...

BUT

Make sure, to be there early next year!

We'll be looking for ya!

Jim Ned Valley Chamber Banquet April 09 : Colt McCoy guest speaker!

2009-04-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Colt McCoy

"back home again"

to talk about supporting our home town advantage!

What Happened at the Spring Banquet

The Jim Ned Valley Chamber of Commerce had a great spring banquet, Saturday, April 11, at the Jim Ned High School, with our hometown hero and Jim Ned High School grad, Colt McCoy, present as guest speaker.

Colt spoke on "What Makes a Great Community?"

and expounded on the three areas that made Jim Ned a great community --

the people, education, and faith.

The chamber honored community members for their contributions to the Jim Ned community, which includes the smaller communities of Buffalo Gap, Lawn, Tuscola, Cedar Gap, Moro, Lemon's Gap, Rogers, Bradshaw, Guion, Elm Valley, the Canyons, Ovalo and even Possum Trot!

Honorees given special awards were:

Outgoing Jim Ned CISD Superintendent: Kent LeFevre, 30 years at Jim Ned, 14 years as Superintendent

Jim Ned CISD School Employee of the Year for each of the four campuses:

Buffalo Gap Elementary - secretary Marcie Tutt Lawn Elementary -

teacher Jennifer Willis Middle School -

secretary Carolyn Golson High School -

teacher Bobbidee Thompson

Community Volunteer of the Year: Genny Abercombie

Business Leader of the Year: Super S Foods Store

Also appreciated were the nominees in the above categories, who were asked to stand as his/her name was announced:

School employees: at Buffalo Gap Elementary -

Sue Harris and Nan Egger at Lawn Elementary -

Kathy LeFevre and Rosie Ortega at the Middle School -

Steve Bryant and Mike McClure

at the High School - Debbie Cook and Jan Pearce

Community volunteers: Tim Brannon Bob Eisenberg Maxine Poindexter

Business leaders: The Jim Ned Journal Carpenter's Interiors

Colt McCoy spent six years of his youth in Jim Ned schools,

played sports, especially football,

and brought Jim Ned into the limelight as a gifted quarterback under the coaching of his father, Brad McCoy, now at Graham, Texas.

Colt is now finishing up his junior year at the University of Texas

and is known across football America and beyond for being the star quarterback for the UT Longhorns. He was a runner-up for the 2008 Heisman Trophy, much to the chagrin of local fans, who view him as the best of the best.

Colt McCoy did a wonderful job at the banquet greeting old friends and old and new fans

as they moved through the food line for a delicious dinner of rib-eye steaks and chicken cooked by Big G's Steak and Barbecue of Tuscola.

Colt also made many fans happy when

he signed their Longhorn souvenirs for them

- helmets, stuffed animals, pictures, magazines, and Longhorn shirts.

More than 300 fans came from as far away as Roswell, New Mexico, and the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the event.

The Jim Ned Valley Chamber of Commerce promotes the economic, civic, and cultural well being of the Jim Ned communities.

(Thanks Grace for this contribution to the blog... courtesy of the Jim Ned Journal Newspaper)

JNVCC Christmas Luncheon at Cedar Gap Farms

2008-12-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

We surely do thank our outgoing officers of 2008!

Amidst the twittering of hundreds of finches, redbirds and jays, Earlene Hutto welcomed us to her National Audubon Bird sanctuary in Cedar Gap.

(oh yes... there were a couple of rascally squirrels causing a bit of a raucous outside the windows as we enjoyed our luncheon)
We attended to the end of the year business which included accepting our new board and officers for 2009. Thank you Dale for remaining another year in our presidential position.
You've done an exceptional job!
We will miss Amy as our treasurer, but hopefully we can get her to return after a sabbatical from at least this one of her many responsibilities in our community. GREAT JOB!!!

The surroundings were perfect and we got to see what one of our members offers this community daily in her haven for birds just East of 83/84 after the Cedar Gap Cemetery.
If you've not visited the Cedar Gap Farms, be sure to take your family out for an afternoon of bird watching. Chairs are set around the completely windowed cottage so that you can see birds of every color from any angle. I also noticed that there were binoculars available for those who forgot that important accoutrement in the birding world.

Fall/Winter is a wonderful time for our fine feathered friends. The leaves from the trees have fallen and their food supplies are not so readily available. This lends itself perfectly for the feeders and bird baths to be loaded with these thankful creatures.

Yes Earlene.... I do think today was a success, thank you for offering and hosting the JNVCC.

...your little tin sign says just what my heart repeats often this special time of year...

Peace On Earth...

and might I add....

GOOD WILL TO MEN!

Cookies and Santa... a perfect Match!

2008-12-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Santa arrived at the Buffalo Gap Gym last night!

and yes,

you'll see in the following video the proof positive that Santa advocates and supports

the Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Department!

Before his arrival, contestants dropped off their entries for the

cookie contest.

"decorate a cookie with the meaning of Christmas"

Many were more than willing to test the edibility of the entrants
All the cookies won... but one took the grand prize offered by
the Buffalo Gap Community and Business Association
(soon to be the newest members of the JNVCC... WELCOME)
Little brothers can be the chef's most avid supporters as is testimony below!
Thank you judges for doing the hard job of deciding!

Santa may need a bigger lap for such sweet little ladies!

This is the winning entry... the 2nd grade baker says this about her cookie

"Christmas is about Jesus, and I put a cross on one side and a star of David on the other,

That is CHRISTMAS to me"

and now for a look at the unique and

personally Jim Ned Valley Santa

Entrance....

May your HOLYdays be blessed with the PEACE of the SEASON,

brought only by the REASON for the SEASON..

JOY to all!

You might be from the Jim Ned Valley if Santa arrives in the Volunteer Fire Department Vehicle!

2008-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

Only in our little Jim Ned Valley???

or maybe not???

You might know you are from the wonderful little towns of the Jim Ned Valley

Santa arrives for the holidays riding on the NEW Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Dept vehicle!

THANKS Y'ALL!!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

May we all know that this is a season of HOPE, JOY and PEACE!

"SCALPED"....for the PRIDE OF THE TRIBE!

2008-11-22T04:45:00.000-08:00

Just had to include some rather memorable moments from the Pep Rally of the Playoff game. These are truly dedicated people who will allow themselves such sacrifice and humility for the PRIDE OF THE TRIBE!

what a principal???

allowing a new meaning to "taking scalps" of the ones who are your biggest fans????

(these are VIDEO... be sure to click for a 30 sec. glimpse of the shenanigans)

It was a fun run for the "golden football"... and it ended too soon

BUT

There's always next year!

GO INDIANS!

Playoffs at JNHS... the Cinderella team of the Jim Ned Indians vs. the Clyde Bulldogs! "WE READY FOR YOU!"

2008-11-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Jim Ned Indians certainly are the Cinderella team of the 2008 class 2A playoffs~

After last week's 21-20 victory they come to this game pumped for success!

Dads, Brand Jones and Glen Gibbs deliver an inspiring message to the warriors of the

mighty Jim Ned TRIBE!

You each have a warrior's heart!

Moms wearing feathered or glittering crowns had their own brand of entertaining encouragement with a lively skit of good overcoming evil!

... and although they pretended to the the "wicked" ones, I was assured that they were merely pretending the role of "L" for losers...

the defeated Clyde bulldogs of tonight's foray.

And last but not least...
ONLY a CONFIDENT DAD could be the "fairy God mother" who grants these young men's
greatest wish of the moment!
May all your dreams come true as you, dressed for COLD football weather, set out on this unexpected and highly anticipated
evening of fun in San Angelo Texas
under the West Texas stars.

"We are ready for you!"
Let's prove it!!!!!

Veterans Day at BG elementary ... stunning tribute.........(no camera!!)

2008-11-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

How is it that when I REALLY need a camera, my battery is drained?

(maybe it's because the moment could NOT be captured)

Today I sat silenced by the innocent tribute of children for military veterans who laid their lives on the line for the freedom that these children and the rest of us enjoy every day.

"Mrs. Ansley.. what are all those things on your chest for?"

"These are medals for things I did in the service."

"Did you really protect the President of the United States Ms. Ansley?"

"well, yes... I did that for 2 of our Presidents.
"how about this one? and this one... and this one???"

Little fingers touched the bronze and silver with sincere appreciation for the service they each one represented and the one wearing them explained in humble yet heart felt confidence in a job well done.

... and we thought she was just good at making our kids finish their lunch and play fairly on the playground.... Little did we know.....

I don't think our young ones are in danger on her watch, do you?

You might have thought the chairs were red leather or purple velvet the way all the people in the room held these men and women in such respected eyes filled with thankful tears.

On the screen between the American and Texas flags was a screen filled with the word "AMERICA"... and the children sang......God bless America... land of the free, home of the brave.
Sometimes we get a chance to see those words with our eyes as we hear them with our ears. This was one of those times.
weathered faces, white hair and those eyes... those eyes...those eyes...
These honored ones felt the TRUTH in the tribute of these looking for nothing more than the
gift of giving!

... then,
at the end...
a silver trumpet held in the hands of one competent enough to attend this moment..
TAPS rang out above the silence
yet, another tribute to the ones who would not be attending this day... the ones who paid the ultimate price for what we have available simply by being born in this wonderful country.
PRICELESS! our freedom

And the children said it over and over....
LIBERTY
and
JUSTICE
for ALL!!!!

and lest we forget..... notice the sign that casually hung in the gymnasium this day.... quite fitting I'd say as it hung over those who truly do...."go the extra mile"...
and the sign reads:
"TODAY I WENT THE EXTRA MILE"

yes you did Veterans.......thank you!!!
sincerely, thank you!!

Jim Ned Indians are 4-0 in district play!!! way to go!

2008-11-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

The night began in full costume with the Buffalo Gap Elementary kids singing and signing the National Anthem!

Happy faces began the evening that anticipated the 4th win of a surprising Jim Ned team.
Cowboys were welcome at this Indian campground! As long as they were cheering for the
Tepee Team's win!

Clearly Red was the color for this October 31st event!

Let the games begin... GrapeCreek... beware!!!

The Indians are on the warpath looking for another scalp on their victory list!

Done....
31 to 30... JIM NED IS 4 wins... 0 losses............ WAY TO GO INDIANS!

Homecoming approaches at Jim Ned High School!

2008-09-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Homecoming will be next week! The tribe has PRIDE!

The fans listen as coaches talk about "the calm before the storm", and whether this group will "lead, follow, or get outtatheway"....

The plan is.... the Anson Tigers will be the ones getting out of our JN Indians' way as they storm the gates of the football field.

Lawn Elementary second graders brought their own brand of enthusiasm to the chaos as they readily "shook their booties"... in appropriately dignified Indian response!
Smiling faces and lots of cameras were posed to hear this group sing acappella, our national anthem.... applause met their efforts as the last note rang in the gym!
This is NOT sacred ground, but you better take your shoes off before entering this gym... some rules just go without saying!

Don't you love the variety of foot apparel? ONLY IN TEXAS!! ya gotta love it!

Some sounds are the same no matter from what part of our great United States you may hail... Football fans love their contenders... especially when they are the friends, boyfriends, grandsons,

or simply and foremost THE SONS of the ones watching!

Go Indians and God bless the evening of

Texas Football Fun!

New Season...New lunch boxes, Fall is coming soon!

2008-09-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Signs of the new seasons here in the Jim Ned Valley are all around us... From the golden sunrises over our entire community... A new schedule for our little kindergartners... and new lunchboxes are a must for the upper grades.
Classrooms welcome the children back with the walls predicting all sorts of new learning experiences.
... Here in our Jim Ned Valley community, after meet the teacher night...

after... adopt an Indian night...

after the first day of school....

then,

it's grandparents day.... and we get to accompany our little ones into the cafeteria to enjoy meeting friends and eating bar-b-que on a bun....lots of pickles of course!

and.......one of the best things about this time of year

(besides the West Texas Fair and Rodeo... with funnel cakes and smoked turkey legs!!)

is the landscape.

We have the live oaks who, along with our native and pervasive cedars retain their dark green garments though the Fall and into Winter...

But then there are the signs of Fall's approach......the "grandfather's beard"

(at least that's what we've always called it)

makes it's presence known in wonderful waves of billowy white seeds. The native morning glories are all over our roadsides, and the fields are being plowed and planted as this time of year will always bring us rain.

Today, however, we are expecting more than rain.... we are praying for the folks on our coast. Hurricane Ike is in the gulf and about to make landfall. Thanks for the rain, but protect our Texas neighbors!

Olympics 2008..................... Our Little Jim Ned Valley is internationally noticed!

2008-08-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed our being NOTICED?

(click or look at the map on the right side of our blog)

Welcome friends!

As the 2008 Olympics cast a cooling shadow over the world,

Peace to all who enter...

in ANY language.

He Ping- Chinese

Paz-Spain and Portugal and some of our Bermuda friends

Salam-Saudi Arabia

Amani- Swahili

Pace- Italian

Vrede- S. African

Mir- Czech

Paix- French

Fred- Swedish

Mire- Russian

Sanaya- Sri Lanka

Anahoro- Burundi

Frieden- German

Soichain- Irish

Booto- Zaire

Wetaskiwin- Cree (native American Indian)

Su Thai Binh- Vietnamese

Irini- Greek

SHALOM- Hebrew

so many languages,

but, disregarding all that is visible to our physical eyes,

we look pretty much the same.

May we find common ground on which to stand.

Enjoy the 2008 Olympics FRIENDS of the world!!!

Tour de Gap...Annual BICYCLE RACE at Buffalo Gap.... faster than a speeding bullet!

2008-07-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a yearly event that sets motorists to the side of the road and my little dogs into tail spins! It was the Buffalo Gap Tour de Gap.

Yes, little puppy dog... there will be more coming in just a moment!
And here they come!
What a fun annual event for cycle enthusiasts from all over the country. This year there was a quite interesting one of which I took exceptional note. Who was the guy in the red capsule thing over his bicycle? He caused quit a stir around here on Lemons Gap road I can tell you for sure!

..... and a good time was had by all!!!

;)

until next year my two wheeled friends... until next year!

Cedar Gap Farm's "secret" recipe to attract birds!! even the elusive PAINTED BUNTING!!!!

2008-06-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

We have a VERY successful birding facility here in our Jim Ned Valley!!!

Cedar Gap Farm is on the birding trails of Texas and recognized by the Audubon Society for it's location and it's ability to meet the needs of our local finely feathered friends!

Earlene has evidence of it's success in the picture below.

Yes, they have frequent sightings of the elusive Painted Bunting and his more modestly adorned green feathered female.

Take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy a moment with the Huttos at this blessed place right here in our special part of the world....

They are a bit off the beaten trail (or off Hwy 83/84 to be more exact), but highly worth the effort made to get there.

(After some not too difficult coaxing, my friend and fellow Chamber member gave me her special "secret" recipe to attract these pretty visitors to my neck of the woods..... I thought you might be interested as well......as Earlene suggests.... ENJOY)

Suet Recipe:

Melt together 1 cup crunchy peanut butter and 1 cup lard.

Stir in 2 cups one minute oatmeal,

2 cup yellow corn meal, (corrected from 1c.. too thin!!)

1 cup flour,

1/2 cup sugar.

You can put it in a plastic contain or in whatever you want to store it. I sometimes put it in cup cake papers in cupcake pan and place in freezer, then lift out one and serve to the birds.

You can serve it in small containers, on the limb of a tree, at the edge of a feeder, etc.

The birds will get used to how you serve it and be looking for it.

Have fun!!

Thanks,Earlene

Cedar Gap Farm

Scholarship Recipients: Payden & Jacob

2008-05-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Jacob Lovelady and Payden Johnson, graduating seniors of JNHS 2008.

Both These young men were almost indistinguishable in their criteria for the Chamber's selection of the scholarship recipients for 2008.
Using the same criteria employed by the Taylor Telephone Co. in it's selection process, the Chamber deliberated four hours over 7 applications, before coming to the choice of these two outstanding young men.
Both graduates are hard workers who have high goals already set for

their lives after High School.

Jacob plans to be an optometrist with Texas Tech as the college of choice.

Payden will attend St. Edwards and focus on a degree in law.

Congratulations on a job well done.

You will both represent well the area which fostered your first 18 years.

We are proud of our choice in you.

Super S Food Store Grand Opening!

2008-05-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE A GROCERY STORE!!! Super S Foods has put a store right in the middle of our Jim Ned Valley Community. It is directly across from the High School and central to our entire area!

To show the service that we will be experiencing with this TEXAS bred organization, we saw the top administrative folks of the business being the servants to our people. WOW... I think I've heard of this sort of thing before.... something like "the one who wants to be most will be least"... or something similar. Anyway... I was impressed that the Super S folks were quick to say... "can I take those out for you mam?".......No where but Texas......and this is the place for that kind of thing to be!
My personal favorite.......the fresh produce.......right at the front of the store... with the manager asking me... "now if you don't see something you want, you just tell me, we will get it here!"

Everything today was set to make the folks who entered feel that this was their store... the store that will meet the specific needs of this special community!
Again.....such colors......so fresh......MY FAVORITE!!!
And JIM........moved into our area to be right here with us as he is in the head position of store manager.....today, he looked a bit more like Santa Claus with his arms full of animals for the kids, roses for the Moms and a SMILE for everyone!
Blue Bell and Bordens had representatives along with more Super S folks... WOW... one just couldn't help but feel special!
I'm thinking there were more than one time sign ups for this opening day grand prize of the 2008 utility vehicle!
Even newspaper guys donned the logo of the business of the day... letting our new hometown grocery know.....
We're glad you are here!
"and a good time was had by all!"

Jim Ned Track elementary style!

2008-05-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Typical May day in our little Jim Ned Valley... Typical 1st grade boys when a camera is in view!

The stands were filled to capacity on this gorgeous spring day!
All the colors of the rainbow were represented, not so much for artistic style as to keep track of which child was in which of the 6 grades present on the High School football field.
Athletes whose records still stand stood watching their own children run the routes they'd run not so long ago. One of these was even a State Champion in the longest run of all!
This day, there was not a child who was not a champion and the ribbons told the tale!
First, Second, Third and Fourth......... probably every participant got awarded! Winners one and all!
I don't think there was ever more enthusiasm than I saw today... parents, grandparent, aunts, uncles and even the family dogs were in attendance! It only reminds me that this little place we call home is truly touched by God........family and friends are huge priorities!

..... and at the end of the day.................. we all left ready for a nap!!!! some started early

..."and a good time was had by all!"

JN Chamber Spring Banquet 2008

2008-04-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Homeplace of Tuscola, Texas welcomed a packed house for the Chamber Spring Banquet. Bill and Lynn had it looking so pretty with pink geraniums on the porch and the traditional Texas Bluebonnets out in mass. (One of the FEW places they are really pretty this year... guess we missed the bluebonnet rains of October!)

Chamber President Dale Rankin, Genny Abercrombie, and Grace Broyles outdid themselves in preparation for the annual event.
Wonderful door prizes were given to winning tickets. Hummmm the Carpenter family took home autographed pictures of Landry and Staubach with 2 winning tickets.
With his powerful and familiar radio voice, Ray Stone delivered an impressive message with much research backing his mandate to "shop your home town".
Then the awards to our outstanding businessman, teacher and volunteer. Congratulations!!! Once again, it makes one proud to be a member of the Jim Ned Valley community!
"And a good time was had by all"

the "work of our hands"

2008-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

This way to some of the most interesting places, people and pundits of the Big Country area!

Here at, Carpenter Interiors, these two are often in the company of the "real" ones who contentedly frequent the area under the Buffalo Gap Oaks.
Stroll across the way and you will happen upon one of the most wonderful assets of our area, George Holland, the Buffalo Gap Potter.
Step into his workshop/gallery/showroom and you will not leave without the perfect gift for someone back home. (or, if you are like myself.... ANOTHER just right coffee cup!)
The delicacy of the butterfly belies the high fire art of George's horse hair pieces.
Even the mundane tasks of our everyday banking needs can be handled in a not so ordinary environment.
The streets of Tuscola are taking on a charm of their own in this growing Jim Ned Valley.
Should you choose to worship with us in the JN Valley, there are several local congregations just waiting to welcome you to their family.
Whether the hands of the preacher,
or the hands of the artist,
The work of the hands of our Jim Ned people will make you say....
"there is just something about this place!!!"
You WILL experience unique opportunities, one of a kind gifts, sincere smiles, and the most welcome of all........honest hearts.... as you travel, live, or do business in our community.

When was the last time you saw a local homegrown vegetable/honey/fruit stand with only a money CAN in attendance? This is what our little valley is all about... good people!
Come on out and get acquainted, we'd love to meet you!

Snow in early March 2008, JN BB goes to STATE!

2008-03-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

The weather in our central Texas location is always creative! Snow in March after a day in the 80's. Planting vegetables one day and shoveling snow the next. We love the diversity!

We take great pride in our local volunteer fire department.... and the whole community is backing our boys on their way to state after the girls WIN STATE!!! 2008... GO INDIANS!
You just can't beat a Perini's steak... and the Wine Festival is just around the corner in mid April.
The Abilene State Park is well maintained and has wonderful camping facilities for the entire family.
Whether you choose one of the shelters or one of the campsites, you will not be disappointed with the cleanliness of our park. Come out this summer and enjoy our country! We welcome you with our good ole West Texas charm!

Wine, Folk Festival, Flea Market! (April 18th weekend, 2008)

2008-01-31T18:59:00.000-08:00

Mid April in the Jim Ned Valley, get ready to enjoy a "taste" of Texas. Perini's will be hosting it's annual Wine Tasting Weekend. Better make your reservations NOW!

(see their site in our member's listing)

This original Courthouse can be seen in the Buffalo Gap Historical Village. Walk among beautifully restored buildings and enjoy a bit of our local history with a tour of the village.

(see members listings for web site information)

The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast is part of the BG village and available weekdays

or an entire laid back weekend in the Gap.

Along with the wine festival during the April 18th weekend, we are looking forward to another event the same fun filled weekend. Buffalo Gap Historical Village will be hosting a Folk Festival on it's grounds. Be sure not to miss this during your visit. Check with local Bed and Breakfasts early to reserve a spot close to the entertainment.
As you drive through Buffalo Gap, Tuscola, Lawn, Ovalo, Winters and the other charminga little towns, don't miss local artists. We have painters, a world renowned potter, photographers, sculptors, and others. Below is a portion of a piece by Jennifer Jones painted as a HUGE mural on a local metal barn. The Lion of Judah celebrating the Harvest.
Not only will you see the artists of the area, but you will see THE ARTIST in residence EVERY DAY in our wonderful Jim Ned Valley community. His "signature" will be unmistakeable to you no matter where you look! We welcome you! Be sure to look at our local member's sites to find more information on upcoming events.

Jim Ned Valley the place to be!!!

2008-01-30T05:35:00.000-08:00

There is NO better place to be than Texas in the Springtime!

The blue of the Texas skies is reflected on our hills and roadsides!

Butterflies and birds fill the air with color of their own.
Some say their display could be surpassed by the brilliance of the sun's rising over the wide open spaces characterising the beautiful central location of our Jim Ned Valley!
Come Fall, around the end of September or early October, the monarchs make their yearly trek through our hillsides. In our majestic old red oaks, they find resting places for their migration.Supplying the nation and even the world, tractors in tandem designate the seasonal changes supporting our diverse Texas crop rotation.
The Jim Ned Valley area of Texas is the place to be! God's hands touch this area with peace, prosperity and wonderful Texas PEOPLE!