This years two day “Swingin’ Tex-Fest” to benefit the Ben Richey Boys Ranch will feature some new talent and some familiar names like Mark Powell and Lariat. The big news is, the change of venue, last year “Swingin’ Tex-Fest” was held at the Taylor County Fairgrounds. This year Swingin’ Tex-Fest organizers have moved the event to the newly opened “Back Porch of Texas” located near the I-20 and Highway 83/84 intersection. Check out who all is coming.

This years special guests Friday June 14th include Jake Hooker, Jolie Holiday and Sonny Burgess. On Saturday, June 15th it’s Mark Powell, Morgan Reatherford and Rough Country. There ill also be an “Ice Cream Crank Off” and an ice cream eating contest. This two day shindig is being billed as a fun family event, so bring the whole family and bring your lawn chairs.

According to Mark Powell organizers liked the set up and how self contained the venue is. Tickets for the event are on sale now and available at the Outhouse Tickets website or from the Boys Ranch. Tickets will range in price depending if you attend one day or stay and camp out for two days, for more read below.

Information

Event

The ‘Swingin’ Tex-Fest’ to Benefit the Ben Richey Boys Ranch

Date and Time

Friday, June 14th, 2013 festivities begin at 10:00am
Saturday June 15th, 2013. festivities begin at 10:00am.

Location

Back Porch of Texas, 3350 North Clack. Abilene, Texas 79602

Cost

One day event pass $15.00
Two day event pass $20.00
RV two day Pass $60.00
Two day VIP (with tent space) $100.00

Contact

Ben Richey Boys Ranch (325)-692-2500

More Info.

The ice-cream eating contest is only $5.00 and is sponsored by Blue Bell and the winner will receive a years supply of Blue Bell ice cream. Tailgate passes are also available, as are vendor booths if you’d like to participate. Vendor booths start at $150.00 for a 20 by 20 foot booth. Artist merchandise will be on sale and attendees are encouraged to bring you favorite lawn chair.

[button href="http://keanradio.com/friends-of-nra-banquet-set-for-june-29th-at-abilene-civic-center/" title="‘Friends of NRA’ Benefit Banquet is Set for June 29th at Abilene Civic Center" align="center"]

This past weekend I made the trip north of Abilene to Strawn TX. to Mary’s Cafe’. Mary’s boasts they have the largest chicken-fried steak (CFS) in the Lone Star State. Mary’s also has one of the most extensive menus I’ve seen, five full pages to be exact. If you want a steak, Mexican food, fish or a big ole hamburger, you’re going to find it here. The chicken-fried steak is what I was after and I’m about to get me some.

They may very well have the market cornered on the claim “largest chicken-fried steak.” When mine was delivered to the table it was hanging off all sides of my plate. There was barely any room for my little ole salad and my Texas toast on the plate. As for the cream gravy it’s delivered in a 16-ounce cereal bowl. Needless to say, I asked for a to-go container when the server asked if I wanted a slice of homemade pie. Yep, Mary’s will make sure you don’t leave hungry.

Here’s the deal if you start craving a big ole chicken-fried steak and you venture into Strawn, there are three ways to order the Mary’s Cafe’ CFS, there’s the small, medium or large. What you see in the photos is the large chicken-fried steak. It’s enough to feed three to four people and if you decide to share they will charged two dollars per person as a set up charge.

I visited Mary’s Sunday afternoon at around five o’clock and I will say they were packed wall to wall, door to door. As for parking there’s plenty of it across the street, they even an area for motorcycles. They also serve ice cold beer which I observed being served with a lot of chicken-fried steak dinners and Mexican food plates.

[button href="http://keanradio.com/rudys-weekend-road-trip-to-the-lowake-steakhouse-in-lowake/" title="Rudy’s Weekend Road Trip to the Lowake Steakhouse in Lowake" align="center"]

Friday Saturday and Sunday was awesome, especially for the homeless animals from Abilene and 19 surrounding counties. Just as one pet was being adopted,  someone else would step up to the table and say “I want that little guy there, how much is he, and who do I pay?” Aaron Vannoy with the City’s Animal Shelter says “the final numbers are still being counted, but one thing is for certain, we beat last years numbers.” Rescue the Animals worker Mindy said “I know how many forms be brought and we ran out.”

320 pets were adopted, breaking last years record of 230 pets adopted. Over 500 were micro-chipped an hundreds upon hundreds were vaccinated. Rescue the Animals Founder and local SPCA director Paul Washburn says “all of last years records were shattered. Lots of beautiful pets found homes this weekend, thanks to KEAN and the North Shore Animal League.”  That said, I would love to share some of my pictures from this weekends “Emergency Pet Adoption.” Lot’s of beautiful, innocent little guys finally found someone to love them back. Here they are enjoy!

Pictures of the April 12, 13 and 14, 2013 Emergency Pet Adoption

[button href="http://keanradio.com/abilenes-first-ever-high-heel-dash-to-benefit-childrens-miracle-network-in-pictures/" title="Abilene’s First Ever High Heel Dash in Pictures" align="center"]

The first ever ‘High Heel Dash’ to benefit Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) in Abilene this past Saturday (April 13th, 2013) was a lot of fun. All of the guys that ran in high heels were good sports about it, some even dressing the part. As for the ladies, many that raced brought their game faces and some even camped out by the starting line. Nonetheless, when the Mayor started the race, all eyes were fixed on every runner.

The big winners were:
1st place winner, Austin Fields took home $1000
2nd place winner, David Garst took home $500
3rd Place winner, Corey Voges took home $250

First place winner Austin Fields was so gracious that he donated half of his prize money back to the Children’s Miracle Network. This was truly a fun event and if you missed it here’s a way to relive the fun and laughter through pictures, enjoy.

Abilene’s 1st Annual High Heel Dash at Shotwell Stadium Saturday April 13th, 2013

[button href="http://keanradio.com/glow-it-up-5k-run-and-walk-coming-to-abilene-july-27th/" title="‘Glow It Up’ 5K Run and Walk Coming to Abilene July 27th" align="center"]

I was back on the road again this weekend, taking my road trip to places I can make in a day. Since spring turkey season started last weekend, I found myself in Albany for the Wild Turkey Foundations (WTF) annual banquet. I thought of stopping at the infamous ‘Beehive,’ but time didn’t allow it on that trip. As I drove home that night, I continued thinking about past hunting trips and the places me and my hunting buddies would frequent. Well known places like the Beehive Restaurant and Saloon in Albany, El Cazadores, Rancho Loma, Casa Cabana and the Lowake Steak House in Lowake Texas. The later was this trips destination.

I headed south of Abilene, to Lowake Texas, there’s really not much there to see other than Lake O.H Ivy and a lot of awesome ranches to hunt on. Today though, I was in search of the infamous Lowake steaks and onion rings. They offer a KC for one or for up to twenty or more (the skies the limit). Either way it’s those famous steaks that captured my thoughts and had my stomach growling the entire trip. The Lowake Steakhouse has changed hands, and I was told that some things had changed. Upon arrival I couldn’t tell that much had changed, except that a few more neon signs were hanging inside the restaurant.

The smell in the air was definitely that of their famous garlic grilled steak. The salad bar is simple and everything on it was fresh. What brought everything full circle was that huge plate of their signature hand cut, hand breaded onion rings. By the time the KC for two showed up I was so ready.

The steaks and food were great and the atmosphere was the same as it was 10 to 15 years ago. I did ask the server “why no grill marks on the steaks?” The owner Kerry Goetz came over and said “the steaks are cooked on a griddle.” Nonetheless, it was better than I remembered it to be.

Lowake Steakhouse has been in business since 1951, and is now owned and operated by the son of a waitress that worked there for decades. Goetz said his mother had always dreamed of owning the Lowake Steakhouse. A few years ago the original owner sold it to Goets and his mother. Unfortunately Goetz’s mom passed away after owning it a short while.

If you’ve got the time (it’s an hour and fifteen minute drive,) you’ll see some beautiful West Texas country-side and you’ll get to enjoy some great food and hospitality.

Who knows where the road will take us next weekend, maybe to a place you recommended. No matter where I go, check back for updates. If you have any suggestions let me know and I’ll try to plan a ‘Rudy Road Trip’ to your neck of the woods.

Rudy’s Road Trip Photo Gallery

[button href="http://keanradio.com/rudys-weekend-road-trip-to-underwoods-cafeteria-in-brownwood/" title="Rudy’s Weekend Road Trip to Underwood’s Cafeteria in Brownwood" align="center"]

Over the Easter holiday weekend I spent some time with family. In fact, my wife Donna, our little girl Angie and I all went to Donna’s grandma and grandpa Allison’s house for Easter Sunday dinner. Over the course of the meal grandpa tells me that he has been working on his tractor and asked if I could help him locate a tire for his big Ford tractor. I told him I would take care of it and that he need not mess with it (after all he is 97 years old.) He then tells me “I’ve almost got it all the way off already.”

When we get to the tractor, grandpa shows me how he cut the tire off the rim with his pocket knife and that he new needs a new rim too because the old one is “rusted something awful.” I told him I would get the old rim off of the tractor, that is when grandpa told me “move out of the way before you get hurt, let me do this ’cause I’ve been doing it all my life.” What transpired next was me watching a 97-year-old man change a tractor tire, and he never even broke so much as a sweat.

A few things come to mind here, at first I wished I would have videotaped grandpa changing the tire (but then again maybe not, because of his colorful language.) I hope that when I turn 97-years-old, I can still change a tractor tire.

This is something you need to see to believe.

[button href="http://keanradio.com/turkey-and-dressing-its-not-just-for-thanksgiving/" title="Turkey and Dressing isn’t Just for Thanksgiving According to Rudy’s Father" align="center"]

I was pulling change and some dollar bills out of my purse getting ready to stuff the little eggs when Jace’s grandmother decided to join in the fun. We stuffed about 40 little eggs then my mom and I hid them all over the backyard.

Jace came outside wearing a special ‘egg hunting’ outfit. He had fun and we did too. We laughed at him completely overlooking some of the eggs we hid; you’ll notice the camo egg hidden in the umbrella in one of the pictures below. They were in plain site but his powers of observation were completely down.

I think our egg hunt was a big hit for everyone. I know I had fun. I’ve got to keep my skills up in case I ever have nieces or nephews!

[button href="http://keanradio.com/blake-shelton-jimmy-fallon-chickeneers-video/" target="_blank" title="Blake Shelton Performs With Jimmy Fallon as the 'Chickeneers'" align="center"]

The AR-15 is one of my top three favorite guns to shoot, but lately it seems that the gun and it’s ammunition have gone through the roof. A friend called me from Dallas last Friday, he asked me if I still wanted an AR-15. I told him “yes but I’m not about to pay these absurd prices everyone is asking for AR’s now, besides I’m in radio I can’t afford it.” AR-15′s are selling for as low as 1,100 to 3,500 dollars, it’s simple low supply and high demand. According to my friend Craig Stephens, there are several stores that are getting in some good shipments and the prices are down. A couple of stores in the DFW area are putting AR’s out by the dozens.

He noticed the bigger stores like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, Dick’s and Academy Sporting Goods stores are putting out 10 to 50 rifles out at a time (when they get them) and limiting the purchase of one per person per day. I thought he was pulling my leg, but he said “look man, I’ll send you some pictures from the store I’m in right now and I think ammo is coming down in price too.” Once I saw the pictures and the price tags on them I went to a couple of our local stores here in Abilene, and still nothing was on the shelves. I guess the trickle down effect may take a month or so to reach Abilene.

I’ll be glad when everybody settles down and quits hoarding guns and ammo. It’s like it was back in 1999 when the Y-2-K scare had everyone running out to buy ammo, bottled water and MRE’s (meals ready to eat). We’re still eating Beefy Beef Stew and Chunky Chicken Barbeque MRE’s at my house, as for the food containers that you can bury, they come in handy as rain barrels.

I just hope that all those folks that purchased firearms of all kinds will take the necessary steps to store the in a good secure gun vault and more importantly take the time and take some gun safety courses.  Now, if you’d like to trade some leftover MRE’s for some of your new .22 caliber ammo, we need to talk. See you at the range.

[button href="http://keanradio.com/the-2013-nra-annual-meetings-and-exhibits-is-coming-to-houston-may-2-5/" title="The 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits is Coming to Houston May 2-5" align="center"]

I’ve decided to start taking some weekend road trips to places I can make in a day. My first one was to Underwood’s Cafeteria in Brownwood. While we were in Brownwood, we discovered that their Antique Shops were open on Sundays, that is a big “road trip” plus. Then it was off to Underwood’s where the big sign boasts “The Best Eatin’ in Town Since 1946.” Underwood’s Cafeteria is still serving up some of the best Bar-B-Q meats in West Texas. But is their Bar-B-Q what folks remember most?

Surprisingly enough no, it’s the famous all you can eat yeast rolls, the different fruit cobblers and the real hand whipped sweet cream to put on the cobbler that gets everyone’s votes. The one thing I crave the most from Underwood’s is the “steak” which I believe is really a thick slice of brisket, oven smoked with their secret Bar-B-Q sauce. Nonetheless, it was better than I remembered it to be.

My wife Donna said “I haven’t had my favorite Underwood’s chicken in over 37 years.” She’s been eating at Underwood’s since she learned how to drive 40 years ago. She says “as soon as I learned how to drive I would call momma before I left school and ask her if she wanted anything from Underwood’s.” Sunday while we were eating, Donna didn’t say much, which in Donna speak means “leave me alone I’m eatin’!”

What got me thinking about some of the areas landmark restaurants, was the day I had turkey and dressing at the Cracker Barrel with my dad. That day was full of memories and emotions. Sitting At Underwood’s this past Sunday brought back a lot of memories too. Donna and I reminisced about the days when we were both in junior high and high school, going out to eat with the family after church or for a special occasion.

Who knows where the road will take us this weekend, maybe to the Beehive Restaurant and Saloon in Albany or the Lowake Steak House in Lowake Texas. No matter where I go, check back for updates. If you have any suggestions let me know and I’ll try to plan a ‘Rudy Road Trip’ to your neck of the woods.

Rudy’s Road Trip Photo Gallery

[button href="http://keanradio.com/turkey-and-dressing-its-not-just-for-thanksgiving/" title="Turkey and Dressing isn’t Just for Thanksgiving According to Rudy’s Father" align="center"]

I told you last week that I visited the Texas A&M for the first time in 17 years. I was with my boyfriend and his 13 year old son, neither of whom had ever been to College Station. It was fun to show them around; once I found my bearings. One particular place I wanted to show off was the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

I wasn’t sure if this would be something a 13 year would be interested in or not but to my surprise, he actually wanted to do the tour. It’s actually a really neat place and we had fun taking pictures of each other in the interactive parts of the library.

The beginning of the tour starts with Bush’s life as a boy and progresses through his time in the military, getting married, serving in the CIA, as Vice-President and then as President. There is personal as well as political memorabilia.

You can see family photos, the Presidential limo, the first car Bush bought, a mock up of the White House entrance, the Presidential podium, the Oval Office and his Kennebunkport office, an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, a Desert Storm room, the ‘situation room’ and more.

As I mentioned we took some fun pictures while taking the tour and I encourage you, if you are in the area, to stop by the library and check it out. Jace asked me, before we went in, if it was just for students or could anybody go in? The answer is anyone is welcome. It’s an inexpensive tour and well worth the time.

Here are a few photos we took while visiting the library!

[button href="http://keanradio.com/nominate-a-soldier-of-the-week/" target="_blank" title="Nominate a Soldier For Our 'Soldier of the Week' Contest" align="center"]

The Strip

This was a no-brainer. I mean, who doesn’t see the strip while in Vegas.  The first night I was there, we cruised the strip playing poker at every casino we could until the early morning hours.  Keep in mind, when you gamble, you get free cocktails.  Yeah buddy! I stayed at Planet Hollywood which gave us a great view of the strip, particularly The Bellagio hotel, where they had this fountain light show that was pretty cool. The strip is definitely a cool place to party and gamble, but there was another place even better which I’ll talk about below.

Stratosphere

As I mentioned several times in another blog, heights kind of freak me out. So, going up to ride some rides on top of the Stratosphere was a big step for me. The view was awesome, but the rides are pretty gnarly. One of them, called X-Stream, is sort of a giant teeter totter that slides off the roof of the Stratosphere. You can also do a controlled free fall from the 108th floor or do the Bigshot, which is kind of like Superman at Six Flags. Whichever ride you do, if not all of them, I guarantee that your heart will jump up in your throat. Judging by the sky roof windows, several people have lost their lunch there.

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay gives you one of the coolest views of the strip. On the top floor, there is a club where you can go out on the balcony and hang out and throw down a few beverages, smoke a cigar or whatever. I will say, the drinks are pretty pricey, but most things in Vegas are anyways. It’s a pretty cool vibe, and again, the view is amazing.

Fremont Street

If you want the real Vegas experience, you have to check out Fremont Street.  Sure, the strip is cool and all, but Fremont Street is just one huge party!  Live music, wall to wall casinos, drinks, and just pure craziness is what you can expect when you check out Fremont Street.  If you have ever been to Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, it’s a lot like that, but there is this huge screen that covers the party, and gives off a light show every 30 minutes or so.  You can check out some of the pictures from the light show in the gallery below.

Exotic Racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

This was one of the highlights of my trip. We were actually on our way out of Vegas to Utah, when we saw something going on at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  We pulled over and saw that they have Exotic Racing at the track, and you can drive 5 laps in a Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, or any number of exotic cars for a price.  Or, you can ride along in a Corvette with a professional driver for a much smaller price.  I chose the cheaper of the two, since I had already lost most of my money at gambling.  Anyway, so the professional driver took us around for a couple of laps at over 140 mph, drifting most of the way.  Talk about an adrenaline rush!

So, that’s a look at some cool things to do in Vegas. Again, some things are just meant to stay there.

Pictures of Vegas Trip

[button href="http://keyj.com/chaz-hikes-zion-national-park-in-utah-and-lives-to-tell-about-it/" title="Chaz's Hike at Zion National Park" align="center"]

I recently went on a trip that included a stop in Las Vegas, as well as Arizona and Utah.  While I was in Utah, I went to Zion National Park to do a little hiking.  That was probably one of the coolest things I have ever done – as well as one of the scariest.

Now, first of all, I’m not the most in-shape person in the world, so I didn’t think a little hiking would hurt.  Man, was I wrong – in more ways than one.

There are a ton of things to do at Zion National Park.  From horseback riding, river trips and bicycle riding, to camping, hiking and backpacking, this place has it all.  We chose to hike ‘Angels Landing’, which is a pretty difficult uphill hike that takes about 5 hours to do.  The first part of the hike, there is a  paved trail that is pretty steep, but gradually takes you up higher and higher.  Let me just say, it was pretty hard for this fat boy to go up just the first couple of miles, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.

After hiking on the paved trail for what seemed like days, we reached a part that is called ‘Walters Wiggles‘, which is basically 21 very steep switchbacks that will test every muscle in your legs.

After going through the switchbacks,  you reach a place called Scout’s Landing.  At this point, you’re about 1200 feet up with an amazing view.  This is also the point where you can choose to go back down, or continue up to ‘Angel’s Landing’, which is another half mile up to a peak that is over 5000 feet up.

We chose to keep going up, and my heart chose to come up to my throat because at this point, there is no more trail.  Just anchored chains to hold onto as you try to work your way up the side of a cliff.  There are only small footholds and at any moment, I could have slipped off of a narrow ridge to my death.  In fact, there have been several fatalities on ‘Angels Landing‘.  So, needless to say, I had a death grip on the chains that were supporting me.

Once  you make it up, the view is amazing, and I did feel a sense of accomplishment, although stupidity still lingers in my mind.  What in the heck was I thinking?

One of my biggest fears, has always been heights, but it wasn’t until I climbed ‘Angels Landing’ that I realized how scared I was.  Even now as I type this, my hands are sweating as I remember how incredibly scared (but cool) this hike was.

Chaz’s Pictures of Angels Landing Hike

[button href="http://keyj.com/spiders-snakes-and-wives-oh-my-our-biggest-fears/" title="Some Of Our Biggest Fears" align="center"]

Super Bowl Sunday is not an American holiday. Well, not an official one, anyway. But if it was, it’d be the best one, by far.

Even if you don’t like sports, the Super Bowl is something you know about and make plans for in advance. It’s a great day for humanity.

This year, we’ll be treated to Super Bowl 47. In honor of this most American of festivities, we give you 47 reasons why this most American of events is so darned amazing:

Source: 47 Reasons Why the Super Bowl Is Awesome

UPDATED: Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 5:00 PM.

While Chiquita the Chihuahua did not get adopted, she is in the best place possible to give this aging canine a chance at growing old gracefully. Chiquita is at the Rescue The Animals (RTA) shelter where she will remain until adopted. Rescue The Animals is a non-profit no-kill animal rescue facility, this organization operates solely on your donations. If you are interested in an older very calm female chihuahua, please contact RTA at (325)698-7722 (698-SPCA), they’re open Monday thru Saturday 1:00 PM till 6:00 PM.

Can you help us save a Chihuahua named Chiquita?

Chiquita is an older Chihuahua that was dumped in the back bed of my pickup truck on a Saturday afternoon. It’s taken a week to get her medically checked out and cleared. Now that she is, I need your help in finding her a home. While she is an older dog she appears to be pretty resilient after a ride in the back bed of my truck. Since she was “dumped” I’m calling her an owner turn in, which means that the previous owners did not want her anymore. Since she was left without any notification, that’s against the law and now the SPCA wants your help in finding this Critters “lowly dumpers” so that charges can be brought against them.

Here’s how the story begins, last Saturday (Dec. 1st around 9 AM) I had to run to the radio station to check on a computer. Once I was done, I was on my way to the Abilene Animal Shelter to go check on some ‘KEAN Critters’, then off to the ‘Gun and Knife’ show for ‘me time and of course get some blog pictures. All that changed when my wife Donna called, she wanted to eat breakfast at the Dixie Pig which is on my way to the Animal shelter. After a quick breakfast at the Pig, I asked my wife if she could help me hold some of the KEAN Critters while I took Pictures, She agreed. I finished with the Critter pictures just after noon and decided we would go in her car to the gun show and I left my truck parked at the Abilene Animal Shelter.

Some two hours later, I return to my truck, hop in and drive home. Upon arriving I immediately start cleaning off my front porch and separating a lot of stuff I’m getting rid of, putting some in the dumpster and setting some aside to put in the truck to give to friends, two and a half hours into the cleaning spree, I asked my daughter to put my old shop vac and other things in the bed of my truck. This is where Chiquita the teacup Chihuahua comes in. My daughter says “dad! did you get mom a dog for Christmas?” I told her ‘no just put the vacuum in the truck!’ That’s when she said “well you’ve got a teeny tiny Chihuahua dog in a Pet Taxi back here dad.” My wife and I both ran to the back of the truck to find a shivering tiny tan colored teacup Chihuahua. It’s now about a quarter til five so I called Animal Control and got the answering machine. I then called Rescue the Animals and told them what happened, they told me to bring her into their shelter immediately and they contacted the Animal shelter. And now we have Chiquita the Chihuahua that is a KEAN Critter and needs a home.

Chiquita was someones loved pet because she had a nice pink collar, is very lovable and seems to be a lap dog. Please remember in December dogs are 50% off and cats are at least 55% off, so you’ll save some major cash. Chiquita weighs only 3 pounds, she eats soft dog food because the loss of her teeth. Did I mention that she’s also on sale for 50% off and cats are 55% off during the month of December.

Please go to Rescue today, look at Chiquita, please help if you can, here’s all the information on Chiquita the KEAN Critter.

Rescue The Animals Info:

Location:

Rescue the Animal Shelter is located at 5933 South First.

Hours:

Mon.-Sat. 1:00 p.m. till 6 p.m.

Phone Number:

(325)-698-7722 (698-SPCA)

Website:

You can check out the rest of the dogs and cats that are up for adoption at Rescue.

More Info:

About Chiquita, she only weighs 3lbs. Don’t know if she is fixed, vaccinated or micro-chipped. Hurry please go save her today!

Please visit Rescue the Animals and Abilene Animal Shelter and save a pet today!

[button href="http://keanradio.com/?submit_button=&s=%22kean+critters%22" title="Check out other KEAN Critters we've featured" align="center"]

UPDATED: Saturday, December 8th, 2012 6:00 PM.

Queen the sweet little Border Collie was adopted by what Aaron Vannoy Executive Director for the Abilene Animal Control Shelter says is a “Border Collie rescue group.” “The dog ‘Queenie’ that you came and did as the KEAN Critter has found a rescue group to take him. This is great news and another success. I will share photos of when they come get Queenie” Vannoy said.  A big thank you goes to everyone that helped with this awesome little critter. The smartest and best pets come from animal shelters like the one right here in Abilene.

Can you help us save a Border Collie named Queen?

Queen is an owner turn in, which means that the previous owners did not want her because they moved to a place that does not allow pets. That said, we must save her-majesty the Queen, not only because she is of royalty she’s also very sweet and trusting, but this KEAN Critter is already house broken and follows basic commands. I asked myself “what nut job, lets an awesome pet like Queen go?” Here is your prime opportunity to strike at rich with the worlds smartest dog. Please come and get her! before she’s put down.

Queen requires no special treatment, she just wants love and a good home. Now remember Queen is a Border Collie mix, which means she is a highly intelligent dog. She ain’t no ordinary run of the mill mutt, she’s royalty with a brain. She can sit, stay, fetch, shake and go outside to do her duties. I mean this little girl is trained. Remember in December dogs are 50% off and cats are at least 55% off plus Queen has her shots and is micro-chipped already, so that will save you some major cash. Queen weighs only 47 pounds is great with kids and other pets (she came from a house full of them), she eats dry dog food and loves playing fetch. Did I mention that she’s also on sale for 50% off and cats are 55% off during the month of December.

Please go to the Shelter today, look at Queen and all the other beautiful critters that need you and me to save them. This Border Collie has been at the shelter for a while now and has only days left to live. Now if you can help, here’s all the information on Queen the KEAN Critter.

The Abilene Animal Control Shelter (a.k.a. the pound) Info:

Location:

The Animal Control Shelter is located at 925 South 25th in Abilene

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10:30 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. til 2p.m.

Phone Number:

(325)-698-0085

Website:

You can check out the rest of the dogs and cats that are up for adoption at the shelters website.

More Info:

About Queen, she only weighs 47lbs. she is not fixed but is vaccinated. Queen is currently on sale at half price for only a $30 adoption fee that includes getting her fixed. After Queen is fixed you will receive an additional $20 rebate from the shelter. Queen’s Animal Control Reference I.D.# is: 17976335 and she is in Cell E-8. Hurry please go save her today!

Please visit the Abilene Animal Shelter and help us save the Queen.

[button href="http://keanradio.com/?submit_button=&s=%22kean+critters%22" title="Check out other KEAN Critters we've featured" align="center"]

While I was out looking for “The Best Place To Buy A Christmas Tree,” I ran across a lot of beautiful Christmas decorations. I got a little carried away as my camera just kept on clicking picture after picture, before I knew it I had a lot of photos of some incredible Holiday decorations. I came to a conclusion, “West Texas has so many different avenues for Christmas decorating” Check these out.

Here’s what I experienced while looking for The Best Place To Buy A Christmas Tree. I ran across some decorations that sent me down memory lane. You know when grandpa helped me and dad put up the lights and grandpa talked to dad like dad talks to me. When I saw that silver aluminum Christmas Tree with the old color wheel on display I became so overwhelmed with emotion because it reminds me so much of my mom (she so dearly loved that old tree and dad hated it). I knew I had to share these Christmas finds with you. Check out some of the beautiful and festive decorations I found at several locations right here in Abilene. The places where you’ll find a lot of these are as follows:

Baacks at S.19th and Matador
Garden World on S. Clack Street
Lowes Warehouse on Ridgemont Drive
Mankin and Sons Gardens at S.1st and Leggett
The Home Depot on SW Drive
Wal-Mart on Catclaw Drive

When it comes to whats hot this year, I found that LED lights is the most sought after item. LED lights are brighter and cost about 80% less to operate. Next in popularity is the “Snowing Christmas Tree” but get ready to lay down some cash for that holiday jewel, they run about $400. Finally it’s all about the little Christmas trees in small decorative pots, most are wired with lights and about half the “Deco-Potted” artificial trees already came fully decorated.

Trees with lights, trees already decorated, trees that are “open and show” right out of the box. Have we forgotten what it’s like to go pick out the tree and dig out all those old family hand-me-down Christmas ornaments or the family heirloom decorations? Are we too lazy to do what our parents and grandparents did when it came to the “family Christmas Tree”? What do you think? Is Christmas too commercialized and over rated? Should we do away with Christmas?

We like to thank everyone involved, including photographer Khris Poage of Khris’s Extreme Photography.

The Little Masterpieces Art Show is back this year as the Artist members of The Center for Contemporary Arts (TCCA) have created their ‘Little Masterpieces’ to fill your Christmas stockings. These little works of art make great gifts and all the art is affordable with some pieces starting at only $35. This fundraiser for The Center is scheduled for December 7th, with the reception starting at 5:30 PM.

Every masterpiece will be priced to sell, some large pieces will sell for only $50.00 while the small ones are only $35. If you intend on attending come prepared to pay because you will be taking these masterpieces home with you. Preview the Little Masterpieces at the Center for Contemporary Art starting December 4th thru the 7th from 11:00 AM till 5:00 PM daily. Friday, December 7th the reception starts at 5:30 PM, Sale starts at 6:00 PM. This event is first come first serve.

Many of the member artists that will be featured include Russell Ellison, Linda Murray, Bird Thomas, TM Gand, Ruth Jackson, Pamela Watkins and many more. During the ‘Little Masterpieces Art Show’ you will have to wait until 6 pm, because that’s when you can take the pieces off the wall that you would like to purchase. It is a lot of fun, because it becomes a competition to see who will get what pieces of art.

Information

Event

The Little Masterpieces Art Show

Dates and Times

Preview December 4th thru the 7th from 11:00 AM till 5:00 PM
December 7th reception begins at 5:30 PM, Sale starts at 6:00 PM.

Location

220 Cypress Abilene Texas

More Info.

For center or art show information, please contact the Centers Curator Jennifer Parks at (325)677-8389 or drop by the center at 220 Cypress Downtown Abilene. There’s no charge for the Little Masterpieces Art show.

[button href="http://keanradio.com/geek-art-contest-winners-from-abilenes-art-walk-are-announced-gallery/" title="Winners of the Geek Art Contest at the Center for Contemporary Arts" align="center"]

 The are pictures of prior art displays at the Center

Just in time for Christmas the Silver Spur Gun and Blade Show is coming back to the Taylor County Expo Center Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd. What I really like about this show is all the gun and knife stuff you normally find at a typical show of this kind. However, the silver Spur folks also invite some other vendors to set up as well, like handmade arts, crafts and jewelry. This way I can take my wife to the show as well.

The best part of this show is, it’s right before Christmas and if I take my wife I can give her all kinds of ideas as to what I want for Christmas for a change. The last couple of shows were at the Civic Center, they were the ‘Christmas in November’ and the ‘Arts and Crafts Fair’ and I kept getting the old “I sure would like some of those” and “those would be nice to have around the house. ” Yes I took the hint and went back to pick up a couple of items for her, but now it’s time for me to get into the game. It would really be nice to have an AR-10, Barrett 50, old lever action Winchester rifle or a western revolver around the house.

Kim Sansom the shows promoter says “the Abilene show is one of my favorites we do, because all the people there are so friendly and the best part of this show is, we will be full with nearly 200 tables of vendors from all over Texas.”

Information

Event

The Silver Spur Gun and Blade Show

Location

Taylor County Expo Center 1700 HWY 36 Abilene Texas

Dates and Times

Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd., 2012

Cost

Adults $5, kids ages 12 and under get in free.see below for military pricing

More Info.

Admission will be two get in for the price of one during the first hour of the show both days. $1 off for active military or NRA members (both must have ID) and only one discount and/or special can be used at a time.

It’s fifth year for the Abilene Preservation League‘s ‘Haunted Abilene’. This year Preservation League member Janet Payne said “there’s even more to do this year. Every year we like to add to the Haunted Abilene event, and this year is no different.” On October 26th and 27th tour the old Swenson House where you’ll be greeted by a ghost. Stay if you dare at the old ‘Dead and Breakfast’ or visit the Death Chamber.

When you attend Haunted Abilene you will be guided through the house and you will witness the horrific sights that occur within the walls of the Dead and Breakfast. Then there’s the Living Graveyard, the Death Chamber apartment and a walk through The Garden on Good & Evil. If you’d like, watch a classic Horror movie on the outdoor theatre. Janet says “we will also have a non-threatening children’s area, with games, face painting, a magician and an air castle.” The fun begins at 6:00pm under our new Arbor at the Swenson House.

Information

Event

Haunted Abilene

Location

Under the Arbor at the Swenson House at 1726 Swenson St Abilene, TX

Cost

Swenson House only $10 per person
Trolley ride only $12 a seat
A combination House & Trolley ticket $20

More Info.

Make your reservations now for the Abilene Preservation League’s Haunted Abilene Trolley and Swenson House tours. The Haunted Trolley will also be doing Haunted Abilene tours, with the first Trolley leaving at 7 pm and then every 45 minutes until 10:00. Payne said “if you get hungry the Short Bus will be selling hot dogs and sodas”. This is an annual fundraising event for the Abilene Preservation League. For  further information or reservations call (325)-676-3775 to purchase your tickets now visit The Haunted Abilene website.