So you missed me – oh, I mean you missed the column. Thank you, but no one had any news worthy to report, or so they thought, so nothing to write.

Well, we did have a few exciting incidents. While cleaning their yard, some tenants discovered a hive of bees in an old unused camper trailer. Sorry to report five folks were sitting by the bees. All are reported ok. They were not the killer bees and a word of caution, keep your yard clean and be cautious of unused barrels, “trailers” etc.

Speaking of being cautious, slow down when you drive through Uhland on Highway 21. There are no caution signs, but there is crossroad traffic, people turning to go to the café and church. We need a traffic light, but so far no avail.

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There was another auto and motorcycle accident on Highway 21 in Uhland last week. The cyclist was severely injured.

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How about some good news? Barbara Hanna reports she delivered some 50 lap robes and bed covers to Hays Nursing Home in San Marcos and Deer Creek Nursing Home in Wimberley. She also visited with Linda Loep and Caroline Fuchs in Hays Nursing Home. Members of the Women’s Guild of St. John Lutheran Church made or gathered these items. Thanks ladies and thanks also to Barbara.

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The Harvest Festival, sponsored by St. John Women’s Guild, will still be held in October, but the date had to be changed to October 23. The time of the event remains the same; only the date was changed because of conflicting events. So mark your calendar on Oct. 23. There will be a raffle, silent auction, country store with bake sale, a general store, jewelry store, cakewalk and children’s games. Donations are needed. A sign-up list will be put in the back of the church the first part of August.

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Did you know that the kitchen in the community center is now air-conditioned? That will make the serving of the turkey and dressing dinner at the Harvest Festival, as one of my grandsons used to say, “more gooder.”

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Happy birthday to George Lyons on August 4 and happy anniversary to William and Barbara Ilse on August 11.

The Women’s Guild of St. John Lutheran Church will meet Sat., August 6 at noon at the church rec center. Bring a dish of your favorite food and join the ladies for good food, fun and a business meeting. The Men’s Fellowship will meet at the St John Rec Center for breakfast and a few chores, but always some fun thrown in. Come join the group of ladies on Sat., Aug. 6 at noon or the fellers on Sat., the 13th of Aug. at 9 a.m.

Well, we missed the brunt of the storm. Several showers of rain are keeping the lawn mowers busy. The farmers welcomed the slow showers. Well, all but the hay raisers, kinda discouraging when the hay is on the ground, waiting to be baled.

Lots of reports of “great” plum, peach and fig crops this year, could this be the first of the seven bountiful years?

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You may want to check your dogs. Dorothy Schneider reported several cases of parvo. Apparently it is wide-spread around Lockhart and of course Uhland. Gloria, veterinarian of the Lockhart Animal Clinic, suggests that all dogs be vaccinated, especially puppies, to prevent this deadly disease.

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Get well prayers and wishes go to Judy Jakubik who will have surgery on a shoulder.

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“Oma” Janice Sassman called to announce that she and Gordon are going to be grandparents. Daughter Randa and her husband, Mike Bishop, of Kyle are expecting their first child. Congratulations! There will be a lot of “haikling and staickling” – knitting, etc. by Oma Janice and “Tanta” Nancy, going on.

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Coming for a visit and to wish Raymond Heideman an early but welcome birthday greeting last Thursday were Pauline and Herbert Schwertfeger. Don, Tracie and Logan Crowell came by on Saturday to wish Opa a Happy Birthday. Then Monday (his actually birthday) Clarence Heideman and Adelene Wisian brought a delicious pizza, which was enjoyed by all, including Danny Heideman, Terry Kleen and grandson Logan Crowell, who joined them Monday afternoon. Ray wishes to thank all for the cards, visits and telephone calls.

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News came of the death of Betty Lou Kramer of Waco. Betty was the wife of the late Lesley Kramer who was born and raised in the Uhland community, as a matter of fact on the farm where Raymond and I are living. Betty leaves to mourn her passing two daughters, their husbands and several grandchildren. Sympathy to the family.

The fireworks were beautiful all around us. We stayed home to watch. As the name Hillvue indicates, we live in a valley (at least a low place) and we could enjoy the fireworks in Lockhart, San Marcos, Kyle and Buda, as well as those in the housing development near by. The weather cooperated in most places and the rain prevented grass fires. Hope all had a safe holiday.

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During the morning church services in St. John Lutheran Church on Sunday, a memorial service was held for Alice Keike Burns, wife of Curtiss Burns of Georgetown. Alice passed away in her home on June 23 after suffering from cancer. She was laid to rest in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery at Pilot Knob. Sympathy is extended to her husband and members of the family.

Steve and Sandra Jones celebrated the 4th with a barbeque lunch in their home. Coming to visit and enjoy the meal were Dolores Jones, Erwin and Bobby Jean Hagedorn, Curtiss Burns and Matt and Kelly.

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Happy belated birthday to Jake Doherty on July 3 and to Karen Gallaher on July 4. Happy birthday also to Becca Schultz on July 8, Raymond Heideman on the 12th, Adelene Wisian on the 19th and Mike Moore on the 24th.

Marshall and Dianna Fuchs of Houston spent the weekend on the “farm.” While here they visited with mother, Caroline Fuchs, and accompanied her to church services at St. John Sunday morning. Gladys Sorrells went with them to San Marcos for lunch and to take Caroline to Hays Nursing Home.

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While gathering news for the column, Gladys Sorrells recalled that a great outing in the good old days was a trip to Landa Park in New Braunfels. Packing fried chicken, German potato salad, fresh canned peaches, homemade bread (there were no ice chests, at least we had none), but all was good. Dad enjoyed the German bands; he was a musician and played the slide trombone in the Koehler Band. The highlight of the outing was the fireworks after dark that always ended with a display of the American flag done with fireworks.

Our household had chores to do in the morning while the dew was heavy. We had to tie the cut corn tops into bundles and stack them before the leaves dried and would crumble. Believe me the chores were done in a hurry, with the anticipation of the outing and the promise of a Big Red soda!

Dorothy Schneider, Gordon and Janice Sassman enjoyed supper and fireworks with Bruce and Natasha Schneider and daughter, Yanna and son Michael.

Well, another half a year is gone, and before we know it Christmas will be here. Why didn’t the time go by as fast when we were kids? Have an enjoyable summer!

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Congratulations to Alton Petrosky on becoming a “grandpa” again. The fifth grandchild, Jillianna Rose Petrosky, daughter of Daryle and Jamie Petrosky of Austin, was born June 24. Grandpa Alton packed up some lunch and visited with the family in their home Sunday. Great aunt and uncle, Ruth Ann and Chuck Wilson, also of Uhland, are proud to be part of the family.

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A note to members of St. John Women’s Guild, there will be NO meeting in July. The next meeting will be Saturday, Aug. 7.

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Sympathy is extended to the family of Lucille Osgood McCauley of Austin, who passed away last week and was buried in the family lot in the Uhland Live Oak Cemetery. Lucille was born and raised in the Uhland community and attended the Carl Wiegand School in Uhland.

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While writing this I remember a 4th of July camp out, sixty-five years ago. Our son, Daniel was almost a month old and we loaded his cradle, army cots, pots and pans, food, etc. into the rumble seat of our Model A and headed to what was than the Halifax Ranch and found a beautiful camping place next to the Blanco River. Also going on the outing were Robert and Lena Franke and their daughters Bobby Jean and Lois, and Louis and Wilma Schnautz and son Kenneth. While the adults set up camp, the kids went perch fishing for bait to put out the “trot lines.” All had a wonderful time until night fell when a horrible screeching sound echoed from the hill across the river. Uncle Robert kept the campfire going all night to protect Daniel from what we believed to be a mountain lion. Despite the fright, all had a good time and the fish were delicious. As Archie said, “Those were the days!”

Summer is here, according to the thermometer and wilting plants that seem to need water every day and the constant running of the air conditioner. Sure glad I don’t have to chop weeds out in the cotton patch or cut corn tops for the milk cows. Guess old age isn’t so bad after all!

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It was very nice under the huge oak tree in the front yard of Lorene Greaf of Lockhart last Saturday morning for those attending the gathering honoring Herbert and Pauline Schwertfeger, who are moving to Temple. After almost sixty years of being residents in Lockhart, you would know a large crowd of friends, relatives and family were in attendance. All were greeted by the honored couple and invited to help themselves to tables holding various delicious snacks, fruit, etc. A lot of reminiscent of days gone by and best wishes were exchanged.

Among those attending were son, Mike Schwertfeger of Temple, grand daughter and family, David and Wendy Killburn, Caitlyn, Ethan and Kaden of Belton (Marlene and Kim had to work), also son Dwight and Anna Schwertfeger, Allie, Lindsay and Travis of Las Vegas. Lorene was assisted by members of her family and all who attended, as well as the honored couple, truly enjoyed the gathering and renewed a lot of (I know you!) of years ago. Thanks for the memories. We hope our friendship never ends, even though they will be miles away, let us stay the best of friends.

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Speaking of moving, St. John Lutheran Church is looking for a choir director and song leader. We say good-bye to Joann Tannzer, Troy and Gabe, with a sad heart and hope and pray that their move to New York will be good. Joann did the beautiful “put together” of the quilts that the Women’s Guild raffled (the ladies made the squares) the last two years. In the meantime, George Lyons, Liturgist, is doing a fine job as song leader. Thanks, George.

The topic of the Sunday morning sermon at St. John Lutheran Church was entitled “The Still Small Voice.” Though it was a Father’s Day service, mothers could well be included to take heed of the message. Fathers were honored with a Fellowship and donuts and coffee. Good to see Jeffery Jakubik of Snook. He is doing well after surgery and looked good in his EMT uniform. He came to church from work. He spent the day with his parents, Pastor Carlson and Judy Jakubik.

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Mike and Debbie Moore and sons honored their father and grandfather with a steak supper on Sunday. Coming to enjoy the supper and visit were Debbie’s parents, Daniel and Sharon Heideman, grandparents, Raymond and Myrtle Heideman, Mike’s uncle, Guy and Pat Young. Other guests included Virginia Moore, Lisa Moore, David and Becca Schultz, Margaret Holt, Clarence Heideman and Brian Heideman, the chef at the barbeque pit. The steaks and all the side dishes and dessert were delicious. Thanks.

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Sympathy is extended to the family of Julia Garcia. Julia was the wife of Ambrosia Garcia and mother of Juan, Rosie and George and grandmother to several grandchildren. She was a resident of Uhland for many years.

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Happy 40th wedding anniversary to Charlie and Donna Orn on June 26. Happy birthday to Samantha Avalos on June 24.
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By the way, if you have a gathering or celebration and have drinks in cans, please remember that St. John Lutheran Church is collecting the pull-tabs to add to the collection for the Shriners. They put the funds received from recycling them to good use.

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Also keep Alice Burns in your prayers. She is seriously ill. She and her husband Curtis have been generous donors to St. John as good friends of the congregation.

If you have driven along some country roads, you will have noticed the beautiful crops of corn, maize and cotton. Of course you would probably have to be a retired or working farmer or rancher to appreciate the beauty of the plants. If the hail and wind storms don’t come by, a “bumper crop” is in the hopes of all involved. Speaking of “bumper crops,” several gardeners have reported that the tomatoes and bean crops fit that category. The three inches of rain that fell last week was a welcome sight for all of us in the country.

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Russell Schultz, a resident of Uhland since 1998 and employed by Time Warner Cable, has retired from the company after 21 years of service. During those years, he convinced them that Uhland was in need of the cable system.
Russ is a member of the Uhland City Council, a part-time worker at Club 21 and an enthusiastic motorcycle rider. Good luck in your retirement and don’t spoil your year-old granddaughter too much.

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Happy birthday to Ruth Holt on June 14 and Ed Daugherty on June 19. Also happy anniversary to Pastor Carlson and Judy Jakubik on June 16.

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It looks as though the K&J Woodworks is nearing completion. For more information and a grand opening date and time, read this column in weeks to come.

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Did you fly your flag this past Monday? Several Flag Day services were held to honor our Flag.

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Speaking of honoring, June 20 is Father’s Day. That’s at least one day we could and should honor our Dads, Fathers, Paw-Paws and Grandfathers. Wishing all fathers and fathers-to-be a happy day.

Some 15 members of the St. John Lutheran Women’s Guild and Pastor Carlson Jakubik met for the regular monthly meeting in the home of Raymond and Myrtle Heideman on June 5. After enjoying a carry-in lunch, the meeting opened with a program by Pastor Jakubik with scripture reading, various superstitions and traditions of wedding ceremonies in various countries, as well as celebrations. Gloria Maier presented some ideas on how to enhance the Harvest Festival booths, games and the work force. Jean Collier brought the festive Christmas tree skirt she made for the raffle, which will be held along with other items at the Harvest Festival on October 2 at the Uhland Community Center.
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Coming to wish Myrtle Heideman a happy 84th birthday was: Herbert and Pauline Schwertfeger, Daniel and Sharon Heideman, Dennis, Kim and Maddy Heideman and Becca Schultz. Also stopping by were Don, Tracie and Logan Crowell. Thanks, Pauline, for the good angel food cake and to all who came with the nice cards and gifts including the ladies of the Guild for their birthday wishes and cards – you too, Marie and Ernie.

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As I settled down in my rocking chair (well, I am 84 years old) Monday morning to enjoy my second cup of coffee and watch the humming birds fight for “feeding rights,” I noticed one of the feeders looked as if something was wrapped around it, even though a few of the birds were feeding from it. Yea! Something was wrapped around it, a three-to-four foot reptile that we call a chicken/rat snake! I did not practice catch and release as I have parakeets on my flower porch. Believe me, for a while I thought “old age” had really caught up with me.

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Sympathy is extended to Betty Jean Wisian and other members of the family in the death of Calvin Homan of Lockhart, brother of Betty Jean. Calvin was born and raised in the Niederwald community and leaves behind many relatives and friends who mourn his passing.

As I sit here trying to figure out how to start this column, I was thinking who from our many service men and women lost fighting for our country in the wars were from the Uhland community? I can think of only one, Clarence Schwartzberg. Harry Scheel was born and raised in the community but lived in Houston at that time. They both served in WWII and were laid to rest in the Uhland Live Oak Cemetery. Harry was later moved to Houston where the family still lives. I hope as we were celebrating Memorial Day, we all prayed for their eternal rest to be peaceful and their families know we care and are thankful for their service.

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St. John Lutheran Church observed Holy Trinity Sunday and Memorial Day with scripture, prayers, hymns and a service of dedication and thanks. Yvonne Schiebe, who was home for the weekend, sang, “My Country Tis of Thee” and dedicated it to all our service men and women, who served, are still serving and their loved ones. Thanks, Yvonne.

During church service the many lap robes the ladies of the Women’s Guild made and/or gathered were displayed and Pastor Jakubik thanked them for their hard work and thoughtfulness. They will be folded, tagged and packed at the next Guild meeting that will be held Saturday, June 5 at noon at the home of Myrtle and Raymond Heideman at 170 Gristmill Road in Uhland. Please bring a covered dish. Call 512-398-3800 for directions. The lap robes will be distributed to local nursing homes.

Remember the food basket can always use non-perishable foods or cash. This is donated to the Food Bank of Lockhart and San Marcos. Thanks.

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Flags were put on the graves of all veterans who are buried in the Uhland Live Oak Cemetery for Memorial Day by Mayor Daniel Heideman and sidekick grandson Cooper Moore. On Memorial Day the American flag was raised on the newly erected flagpole. Thanks, guys.
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Several visitors attended St. John Lutheran Church service Sunday morning. Among them was Mr. & Mrs. Norman Damerau of Wiley, Texas. Yvonne Schiebe of Tennessee and a young man whose name escapes me. He is – or was – from California and attends the service in St. John when he comes to Texas. Welcome and ya’ll come back soon, hear!
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Visitors are always nice to have and when they bring their lunch to share, its even nicer! Last Friday Clarence Heideman and sister, Adelene Wisian of San Marcos came with a couple of pizzas, Herbert and Pauline Schwertfeger of Lockhart with a bowl of salad, Daniel and Sharon Heideman with a watermelon and Raymond and Myrtle Heideman with an appetite, enjoyed lunch and visiting (Daniel had to go back to work).

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Congratulations to Logan Crowell for winning or rather earning several awards in the second grade in Clear Fork in Lockhart. Among them are a perfect attendance certificate and a place on the all A’s Honor Roll. Good work, Logan, proud of you.
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Happy birthday to Linda Loep who had her 90th birthday the 30th of May. Also to Louis Petrosky, a former resident of Uhland and a friend to many who celebrated his 90th on Sunday, May 30 with a gathering at the VFW in Lockhart. Myrtle Heideman will have another birthday on June 5 and son Daniel on June 7. Happy birthday to all.

Members of St. John Lutheran Church celebrated Pentecost, the Christian church birthday, with a fellowship after church service. Cake, punch and coffee were enjoyed.

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Congratulation to Kelly Jones, who graduated from the University of Texas Friday, May 21 at the Gregory Gymnasium. Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Certificate in Business Foundation. She plans to attend Texas State University for her Masters degree in Public Administration.

Kelly is the daughter of Steve and Sandra Jones, granddaughter of Dolores and the late Chuck Jones, and Erwin and Bobby Jean Hagedorn.

A Luau party followed at the Jones’ home with the yard decorated in a tropical theme with outdoor torches and Hawaiian music. About 40 relatives and friends who attended the festivities enjoyed roasted pig and hamburgers topped with grilled pineapple. Best wishes for your future, Kelly.

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Clarence Heideman, a Pearl Harbor survivor and a member of the 3rd and 4th Marine Battalion, attended a reunion for the Defense Battalion in Branson, Missouri. The reunion was held at the Ramada Inn. Eleven survivors attended, two of whom were Pearl Harbor survivors. All had a good time and also enjoyed a show or two.

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Ella Stephens, daughter of Jessie Stephens, performed in a dance recital on Saturday, May 22 at the Evans Auditorium in San Marcos. She is a member of the Dance Unlimited team. Among those attending were: Sue and Tony King, Amos Baker and Kristin and Jessie Stephens. Ella performed in tap and ballet.

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The “Fifth” Sunday luncheon has been cancelled for the St. John Lutheran Church, as it is Memorial Day weekend and lots of folks have plans for other activities for Memorial Day. Watch for future announcements.

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It was reported that Jeffery Jakubik and his brother George, of Snook, visited with their parents, Pastor Carlson and Judy Jakubik. Jeffery is still recovering from surgery but is doing great.

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A graduation party honoring three Lockhart High School graduates was held at the Maxwell Social Club on Sunday, May 23. Honored were Cass Schnautz, son of Doug and Sara Schnautz; Ryan Hitter, son of Robert and Julie Hitter and Kindall Till son of Randy and Rhonda Till.

Many friends and relatives enjoyed hot dogs and all the trimmings, along with slides that showed the three young men’s lives. A note of interest, the three are cousins. Congratulations and best wishes in your future, guys.

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Congratulations also to Raney Moore and his team, The Manchaca Maniacs. The Maniacs were in a baseball tournament in Georgetown this past weekend. The teams were 12 and under select teams from the Austin area. The Maniacs pulled their team together coming home with the champion trophy. Raney is the grandson of Danny and Sharon Heideman, which makes him the great-grandson of Raymond and mine. My dad, Alfred Stuenkel, would have really enjoyed watching Raney play. Playing baseball was one his favorite pastimes.

You gotta have faith! Despite the weather report of heavy rains with flooding, the Men’s Fellowship set up their tents, found a neighboring shed to put their barbeque pit under, the ladies made the potato salad, set up the silent auction room and waited for Saturday morning. After three to four inches of rain, the guys were ready for the Open Antique and Classic Car Show on the church grounds. Some 24 vehicles entered the show. First place, chosen by members of the Gear Heads, went to Chris Canales and was deemed as “Best of Show.” Erwin Hagedorn’s 1925 Model “T” Ford Roadster was the “People’s Choice.”

Both entries received trophies designed and made by members of the Gear Heads, they also indicated they would be back as a club next year. Thanks for their help and all the entries that participated in the show.

The meal was as delicious as ever and despite a threatening sky, a large crowd came to enjoy the car show, good food and the beautiful music by the “Legends N Time” from Luling. The old-time country and western music and singing was a hit.

The silent auction was also a success. Thanks to all who donated, those that accumulated the items and of course to all who bid. Erwin Hagedorn won the raffle of a homemade barbeque pit.

Members of St. John who worked together and enjoyed accomplishing what they did are looking forward to next year when the proposed recreation and educational building will be closer to reality. The committees are hard at work tying all the details together. See you next year.

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Glad to report that Jeffery Jakubik of Snook is recovering from gastric bariatric surgery using the sleeve method. His parents, Pastor Carlson and Judy Jakubik spent a week with him while he recovered.

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Sympathy is extended to Ron Salewsky and family in the death of his daughter Rease Freeman of Seguin. Services were held at Grace Lutheran Church on Monday, May 17. Rease had been ill for some time.

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Jim Alexander who was injured in a motorcycle and automobile accident several months ago is looking forward to coming home soon. Bet he would enjoy a card or a word of cheer.

Twelve of Sue King’s engineering and architecture students from Hays High School entered the Technology Student Association State competition in Waco on May 7 & 8 and all won awards. Alex Bellany earned a first place and a best in state award for his design and production of a set of chessmen. Emily Crowell also earned a first place for her engineering drawing. Jessica Williams and Cassie Martinez both earned second place awards for their architecture drawings. Ian Mogab also earned a second place for his engineering drawings. The rest of the students earned third place awards for their engineering drawings. Mrs. King is very proud of all of them. Congratulations to all the students. Mrs. King was also given a beautiful watch for 15 years of service to Hays CISD at a banquet held by the district on May 6.
Congratulations, we are all proud of you Sue!

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Shirley Groves and grandson of Midland spent the weekend with mother and great-grandmother, Hulda Wisian. They also enjoyed the car show and barbeque.
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On Friday, May 14, 2010 Becca (Heideman) Schultz was honored with a brunch at the Kyle home of Debbie and Mike Moore for the completion of her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree from Texas State University in San Marcos. Many family and friends came by to wish Becca congratulations and best wishes for the future. After the brunch those who could headed to Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos to see Becca and all the other education graduates receive their diploma. We were all so proud when Becca stood to be honored and recognized as Magna Cum Laude. Way to go Becca! Hard work does pay off!

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Every year Barton Middle School sponsors the Kyle/Buda Relay for Life. This program raises funds to be given to the American Cancer Society for research to find a cure for cancer.

Debbie, Ranson and Cooper Moore participated in the Kyle/Buda Relay for Life on Friday evening. They were just a few members that were part of the Kyle Elementary team T.L.C. (Teachers Looking for a Cure). Ranson and Cooper helped the team out by participating in the Miss Relay contest. After being introduced as Cooperella Moore and Ransita Moore and answering one “pageant” question, they had 45 minutes to collect money from attendants at the event. Although they did not collect the most money, they gave all the participants a run for their money by collecting $141.30. They were skeptical about dressing as girls, but when they saw the high school boys and Dr. Taylor doing it, they thought it was pretty cool to be the only elementary and middle school boys brave enough to join this cause. Way to go Ranson and Cooper! Thank you Barton Middle School.

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On Friday, May 14, James and Joann Holt attended the graduation of their grandson Matthew Posey from Texas A&M. Matthew received his degree in Educational Ag Science. He did his student teaching during the past spring semester at Elgin High School. Matthew is looking forward to continuing working with children. Congratulations Matt!