What else do you on a frigid day like this? Well, other than making chili, I decided to start a puzzle. Come to think of it, I guess it’s been two years since we dragged out the puzzle table. Probably because I haven’t bought a new puzzle in a long time. This year, a friend…

Ah, New Year’s resolutions—the promises we make to ourselves after the post-holiday haze of eggnog, sugar cookies, and Netflix binges. January 1st dawns like a crisp blank page, and we eagerly write down our intentions for a better, brighter version of ourselves. Fast forward a few weeks, and that once hopeful list has somehow migrated…

By J. Lee Austin, MD For those dear readers here in Galveston County/Bolivar, wondering who in the world I am and what the heck I am doing here, this note’s for you. For my Substack readers around the world, no worries, I love you too 😉 I’m not from The Peninsula, but I got here…

Are you a local homeowner interested in listing your property for sale or rent? CrystalBeach.com is your perfect platform! With our updated and modernized website, we make it easier than ever to showcase your vacation rental or home for sale to thousands of potential buyers and renters. For over two decades, CrystalBeach.com has been the…

How America’s National Bird Was Chosen The bald eagle, a symbol synonymous with American strength and resilience, wasn’t always the official national symbol of the United States—at least not in a formal legal sense. That changed when President Biden signed a law solidifying the bald eagle as America’s official national bird, finally putting to rest…

By Linda Elissalde Is there anything she cannot do? Dr. Melanie Wallace has more talents than one can ever articulate. She is sister, wife, mother, grandmother, cellist, teacher, principal, chef, artist, party giver, actress, church class teacher, and provider of a life changing experience at the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse near her home. I…

It’s the time of year when you can still get out on the water, but you have to take extra precautions so that you are not overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs due to breathing excessive amounts of carbon monoxide. There is no such thing as a normal…

The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season has officially begun, offering a variety of beloved flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is renowned for empowering young girls by teaching essential skills such as goal setting, money management, decision-making, people skills, and business ethics. Proceeds from cookie sales directly support local councils…

For the first time in a month of Sundays, I stayed home this past weekend. I didn’t think I could do it, but so happy I did. It’s been a rough week, workwise that is! More drama than necessary and lots of changes. Have you ever noticed the older you get; the harder changes are…

By Linda Elissalde Bay Vue Methodist Church presented its annual Christmas Eve Service for 2024. As Pastor Valerie Hudson read the Christmas Story, church members pantomimed the well know scripture of Jesus’ birth. Melody and Doug Romero as Mary and Joseph, Angel Gabriel Roy Kinkaid, Shepherds Pat Tinsley and Bunnie Meyer, Angels Fran Griffin, and…

Port Bolivar residents and visitors now have a smoother and safer commute, as the new bridge on Loop 108 is officially open. Construction began in February 2024 to replace the aging structure, which had served the community for decades but had reached the end of its serviceable life. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) invested…

The Texas Crab Festival Christmas Drive is thrilled to announce its successful partnership with Angel Tree, extending holiday joy to families from High Island to Port Bolivar. Thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from Entergy and the heartfelt contributions from residents of Bolivar Peninsula, we were able to fulfill the holiday wishes of local children.…

Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Texas, the Port of Galveston has long been a vital hub for international commerce, regional economic development, and maritime activity. With its deep historical roots and modern capabilities, the port plays a crucial role in connecting the United States to global markets while serving as an economic engine for…

By J. Lee Austin, MD Continuing on with our endearing theme of Near Death Adventures, the following close call featured the entertaining trilogy of sudden danger surprise, high speed chills and a thin line of control, flirting with a razor’s edge of disaster. There I was, minding my own, cruising down the Interstate in my…

In this column I write a lot about safely operating your boat as the boat operator, or captain as you will be addressed by the Coast Guard. But have you ever thought about safety as a guest on someone else’s boat? I have, and my friends and I take turns operating our boats when we…

In the world of grown-up responsibilities, there are few things as universally dreaded as paperwork. But buckle up, because the REAL ID deadline is coming faster than your next coffee break. If you’ve somehow missed the memo (or intentionally blocked it out), here’s what you need to know: after May 7, 2025, you won’t be…

Our Florida family left last Friday after spending Christmas with us and skiing in Colorado. No more opening and shutting of doors, no more wet bathing suits (hot tub, not swimming pool), no more volley ball & pickleball. No more laundry to speak of except for catching up on laundering sheets and stuff. Oh dear…

I have often heard the term “Gentleman Farmer”, I assumed it meant someone who had a farm but really did not farm it or get his hands dirty.  Well I am a “Lady Gardener” (new term, I just came up with). I come from a long line of gardeners, both of my grandmothers, my mother…

The past year on Bolivar Peninsula has been a remarkable testament to our vibrant community spirit, highlighted by a diverse array of events that united residents and visitors alike. From lively parades and captivating fashion shows to delicious cook-offs and competitive golf tournaments, our calendar was filled with activities that celebrated our local culture and…

The Bolivar Arena Association is a budding 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a bold vision: to construct a full-sized, all-purpose arena on the Bolivar Peninsula. This arena aims to host a variety of events, from rodeos to barrel racing, while serving as a hub for community gatherings and a resource to support local fire departments. In the…