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

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

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!

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!

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

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"

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!

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!