Reading Recommendations:

Gillespie County, A View of the Past, Monty and Michelle Mohon -

This fine coffee table sized book features an unique collection of photographs which chronicle the people who settled and developed this Texas Hill Country soil. From the first settlers dining on bear and panther meat to Meusebach's confrontation with the Comanches to the accolades of native son Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, the settling of Gillespie County is fascinating and colorful.

This personal history begins with the conception of immigration in the drawing rooms of Germany and tracks the settlers from their homeland to the Texas shores on the Gulf of Mexico, and finally to the Hill Country of Texas, where peace with the Indians was established. Beyond the early days of settlement lies the 150 year growth of Gillespie County which can be viewed on each page of this book.

- From the Texas Bookshelves

And, Cook and Tell, No-Fuss Recipes and Gourmet Surprises, Karyl Bannister -

If you are a food lover with a secret file of best loved recipes and you like real food from real kitchens, it's time to meet Karyl Bannister, the creator of America's favorite home cooking newsletter, Cook and Tell.

With a no-nonsense approach, Bannister has chosen her personal favorites and those of her far-flung subscribers. From the elegant to the just plain delicious, Cook and Tell contains recipes for dinners for two, fast family suppers, old-fashioned Sunday dinners, holiday celebrations, and more. Filled with folksy anecdotes form Bannister and her Cook and Tell contingent, the book is like an agreeable chat and recipe swap with an old friend.

And, Sister Wendy on Prayer, Sister Wendy Beckett -

Sister Wendy Beckett, adored and renowned art historian, has spent years in silence and contemplation in her calling as a nun. Her celebrated television specials and books about art have led her many admirers to ask about her own faith and practices. For the first time, in this thoughtful examination of the nature of prayer, she reveals her deeply held beliefs about her religion and her intimate understanding of God.

"All you need for prayer is to want to pray. That is your part, the desire: all the rest is God's Business."

See you at Rylander!