January 12th, 2010
The Caldwell Zoo first opened in 1953. Admission was free in those days and attractions included a lion and a chimpanzee. Over the years more animals like elephants and giraffes were added, along with the necessary facilities. In 1983 a section devoted to native species was developed, and in successive years many new animals and habitats followed. Today the zoo encompasses eighty five acres and over two thousand animals.
The zoo is currently divided into four sections, namely: the African, North American, South American, and the Fish and Reptile sections. The African section features lions, elephants, giraffes and many others. The Chakula Café overlooks much of the African section. Visitors can enjoy lunch beneath the thatched roof while watching the zebras and the antelopes graze in the field below. This is a wonderful spot to relax and cool off.
The North American section features native species like the cougar, the bald eagle, the bison and everyone’s favorite the otter. Guests can stroll the boardwalk over the small river and spend a few moments feeding the water foul.
The South American section contains some stunningly beautiful birds as well as the ever popular monkeys. The aquarium containing fish and reptiles is wonderful. The color and variety are striking. Not to be taken for granted on a hot summer day is the fact that the aquarium is cool and dark. The fact is, every section in the zoo has its highlights, and I’m probably leaving out some wonderful exhibits.
The Caldwell Zoo in Tyler offers a number of excellent educational programs, including: day camps, scavenger hunts, and classes for scouts and homeschoolers. There is also a petting zoo where youngsters can play with the goats.
Unfortunately the zoo is no longer free. That policy changed years ago when it underwent an expansion. However, considering the improvements over the years the cost is more than worth the return. Today, the Caldwell Zoo remains one of Tyler’s jewels, worthy of a much larger city. As time goes by it will certainly remain a source of pride for East Texans. For more information see their website at www.caldwellzoo.org.
Tags: Antelopes, Aquarium Fish, Bald Eagle, Beautiful Birds, Caldwell Zoo, Chimpanzee, Day Camps, East Texas, Elephants, Five Acres, Giraffes, Hot Summer Day, Native Species, Necessary Facilities, Petting Zoo, Scavenger Hunts, Section Features, Thatched Roof, Tyler Texas Zoo, Tyler TX Zoo, Wonderful Spot, Zebras
Posted in Attractions, Fun, Zoo and Wildlife Refuges | No Comments »
January 10th, 2010
A voice of encouragement
As the world around you is so frustrating and chaotic, there is a radio station that is nothing but calming and uplifting.
Back in 1981 a group of Christians from East Texas decided to start a commercial free Christian radio station. The station, 89.5, began broadcasting on October 29 1983. This radio station plays only music that is encouraging and glorifying to God. They feature programs such as Adventures in Odyssey, Focus on the Family, and The Alternatives with Dr. Tony Evans.
Adventures in Odyssey is a thirty minute drama. It teaches children and adults life lessons. This program is created for ages 8-12, but it is listened to by the whole family. Your children will be taken on a imaginary adventure with great friends and creative fun characters. Enjoy the lessons taught through the adventures of John Avery Whittaker, or Whit, and his employees Connie Kendall, and Eugene Meltsner. The characters each have their own fun personalities that makes the journeys come to life and connect with your family.
Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson comes on most nights at nine. Dobson talks about marriage and true and current issues in every day relationships. Dr. Dobson has written 36 six books and many of them best sellers. “Dare To Discipline” washis first book that he wrote for parents and teachers. This book has sold over 4.5 million copies and it was even placed in the library at the White House. Besides his many awards and best sellers, he is also the founder of Focus on the Family. Focus on the Family is a non-profit organization that reaches out to families and to spread the Word of God. They have many programs that reach out students, parents, teachers, and children. Focus on the Family’s theme of their ministry is “Helping Families Thrive”. “Let’s get Acquainted” was the first radio broadcast by Focus on the Family. This was aired by Dr. Dobson on March 26, 1977. Since then, the ministry of Focus on the Family has changed many lives and the mission has spread through many countries around the world.
Start your day every morning with the voices of “Mike & Carrie in the morning”. Mike Harper has been the morning host for a long time and now is joined by Carrie Parsons, who brings the view of a mom. Enjoy a laugh with Mike and many times a cry with Carrie.
As your day continues encouragement is still available with Jeff Johnson. He understands that life can get chaotic and frustrating. Jeff keeps you day rolling with great music to keep your mind focused on the Lord. He keeps your day light with humor, to keep you smiling.
As you are getting off of work and are heading home, Jennifer Winborn is there to encourage you and help you switch moods from your job to your family. Jennifer is a wife and mother that works away fro home and she will encourage you through music and words of advice. She was a warm and polite personality that makes you feel like you know her.
Through all the frustrating challenges of your life listen to 89.5 to keep you day going and your mood great!
Tags: Adventures In Odyssey, Christian Radio, Christian Radio Station, Dr Dobson, Dr James Dobson, Dr Tony Evans, East Texas, Family Focus, First Radio Broadcast, Focus On The Family, Great Friends, Imaginary Adventure, James Dobson, John Avery, Journeys, KVNE Tyler, KVNE Tyler TX, Minute Drama, Parents And Teachers, Six Books, Tony Evans, Tyler Texas Christian Radio, Tyler TX Christian Radio, Whittaker, Word Of God
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January 8th, 2010
If you want to have a good time in East Texas during the summer especially if you have a family then I strongly urge you to take the fam over to Splash Kingdom water park in Canton Texas. There are some unique differences between Splash Kingdom and Six Flags water Park known as Wet n’ Wild. Six Flags most recently has filed for bankruptcy and I am not sure what the future of Wet n’ Wild will be after the restructuring of their business.
Splash Kingdom is a local Christian water park and has Christian music on their loud speakers throughout the park. Isn’t it great how a private business in Texas can do things how they want? If we were in San Fransisco with a water park that had Christian music on the loud speakers there would likely be some type of law forbidding you from being able to do that. Once on their website you will notice the lifeguards wear Christian crosss T-shirts and there are pictures of baptisms taking place at the water park. Anyone in the Tyler or East Texas area should visit and support one of the few Christian family friendly businesses in our state. Splash Kingdom is truly a remarkable company and we feel lucky to live so close to the park.
We still have quite a bit of freedoms in this wonderful state and being in this water park where the owners run their park in their own unique way in a family friendly way is something I feel proud about. There just aren’t many companies in Texas any more that show their spiritual side because lets face it many people are scared that they just wouldn’t be being politically correct. Splash Kingdom offers many different park snacks and foods or you can eat outside the park at one of their picnic tables if you want to bring your own food. For safety reasons the park will not allow you to bring coolers, glass and food items into the park. This keeps beer and alcohol out and coolers from falling over and spilling food out into the lazy river. No swet, just eat your picnic outside on a picnic table or the bed of your truck.
Splash Kingdom has several large slides and rides and one of those funnel slides where you empty out into a funnel that causes you to spin around and plop out into a pool of water. The water park also has volleyball courts and a wave pool. The water park offers a music venue where Christian bands can perform similar to Six Flags but the good thing about Splash Kingdom water park is they keep things family friendly. You can check out their website for the latest event schedules and who they have booked to play at their park.
Tags: Canton Texas Water Park, Christian Music, Coolers, Crosss, East Texas, East Texas Area, East Texas Water Park, Food Items, Freedoms, Lazy River, Lifeguards, Loud Speakers, Picnic Tables, Pictures Of Baptisms, Private Business, Safety Reasons, San Fransisco, Six Flags, Spiritual Side, Splash Kingdom Water Park, Splash Kingdom Water Park In Canton Texas, Tyler Texas Water Park, Tyler TX Water Park, Water Park, Water Park In Canton Texas, Water Parks in East Texas
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January 8th, 2010
The Roseland Plantation is one of the oldest historic places to visit in Tyler Texas but because it is outside the sity a little bit off of 64 many people that live in Tyler Texas have never heard of it before. Among some of the more unique aspects to the Roseland Plantation is the large steel building specifically erected to hold a life size painting of the last supper. The painting was commissioned by the rich lady who bought the plantation as a hobby to restore. The painting took many years to finish and is held in this air conditioned building where it remains in excellent condition. The Tyler Texas Plantation also has a few slave houses where the slaves that used to work on the plantation lived. You get to hear the details about the slave homes and more as a part of the tour of the Roseland. 
The Roseland Plantation also has a nicely restored log home on the property as a part of one of the houses available for occupancy at their bed and breakfast. We toured the log home and found it to be very authentic with some added modern touches that you would come to expect from a bed and breakfast of this quality. The plantation also has a church constructed on the property with some very unique stained glass windows and pictures. There are several pews and you immediately feel transplanted to small country church. This church building is not used for church services but is simply another unique facility on this location.
The Roseland Plantation has some additional houses on the property with several ornately decorated rooms that are used for the bed and breakfast. You will find things to admire about each room as you take the tour and will likely settle on a favorite that you may wish to stay in the next time you visit Tyler Texas or the Roseland Plantation. The bed and breakfast owners really enjoy the whole business they have here in East Texas and give a great tour. The owners are a pleasure to have serve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner or your choice as you stay here.
While staying at the Roseland you may be surprised to know that there is a delicious homemade hamburger restaurant just up 64 called Maggies in Ben Wheeler Texas. They have very good hamburgers and milk shakes made with Blue Bell ice cream. The hamburger grill is right inside an authentic looking log home which will add to your overall historic stay at the Roseland and your visit to East Texas. After eating at Maggies you might want to keep heading up the road to I-20. Take a right on I-20 and on your left across the highway is Splash Kingdom Water Park. Splash Kingdom is a Christian outdoor water park that has all the rides and attractions of any water park you may find in Dallas. The park is family oriented and Christian owned. The park is about a 10 star upgrade from the toddler spray park at Faulkner Park in Tyler.
One last note I can’t leave out. The Roseland plantation owner left all of the land from the plantation on to the Neches River to the slaves that used to work on the plantation. This land has been past down from generation to generation in East Texas and some of the people living on this land have ancestors that at one time were slaves of the Roseland Plantation.
When considering relocating to Tyler Texas, visiting friends or family, or just coming to Tyler for vacation we encourage you to try staying at the Roseland Plantation at least once and experience a truly unique and different sleeping arrangement. The bed and breakfast owners at the Roseland will greet you and show you around and make you feel comfortable. They run a very professional operation and the plantation makes a few hundred thousand dollars each year just from the demand of their facility for weddings and wedding receptions. In fact, the Roseland was voted the number one place for weddings and wedding receptions. I would have to agree that the Roseland would be a remarkable place to have a wedding or wedding reception and now that I think about it they even have a dance hall facility as well that would be a great place for a first dance.
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January 8th, 2010
When searching for a Tyler Texas roofing company your main concern like mine might be which company offers the most quality construction service. Some roofing companies are just one guy that just popped off a roofing job and picked up a basic knowledge of what to do but do not have things like their own dumpster and roller for picking up debree left over. A new fly by night roofing company also may be buying low quality shingles they are getting a deal on without any consideration about a quality roofing job for your Tyler home. These are legitimate concerns I had when shopping for an affordable Tyler roofing company that also did a good job with installing the latest technology in roofing shingles. The last thing I want for my new roof is old outdated shingles that would cause the cost of my energy bill to stay the same or potentially go up in cost.
Call Advantage Roofing for a Quote – 1-903-939-3168
Advantage Roofing ended up being the roofing company in Tyler that had the cheapest quote for my roof and they used 30 pound felt, had different shingle technology to choose and a roofing consultant to take you through the whole shopping process to find the right shingle for my house. It was important that I had someone to help educate me further in the roofing process as there was a limit to what I could learn on the internet. Advantage Roofing answered my questions from what I learned on my own by doing my research to pass my interview process. The have rubber water guards for the valleys in your roof and they assist in replacing all decking or just your damaged decking on your roof at a competitive price. When you receive a quote for your Tyler Texas roofing company job you will get a turn key quote that includes all fees and charges. There are no hidden fees or charges when receiving a Tyler roofing quote from Advantage Roofing. This East Texas roofing company gives you everything in clear easy to understand language in a professional quote sheet. Their letter head contains their company logo and information for passing on to a bank if you are getting a bank loan for the roofing job.
Another one of my concerns was that some roofing companies assume that an insurance company will be taking care of paying for the roof so the roofing company charges way more than what the roofing job is worth. Advantage Roofing was not among the Tyler Texas roofing companies that over quoted me on my roof. Without even knowing about my situation I received the most competitive bid from Advantage Roofing. I have nothing but posisitive experiences with this roofing company and recommend them to my friends family and business associates. You can be confident when receiving a bid from Advantage that you will receive a fair price for your roof job, the latest shingle technology will be used, and careful craftmenship will be used with the promise of 4 – 6 nails on each shingle and no staples.
Call Advantage Roofing for a Quote – 1-903-939-3168
When picking shingles for your roof you will save on the cost of yoru energy bill by picking a lighter color shingle. The downside to going with a lighter shingle color is that darker shingles are what happens to be in style right now among newly built houses. I went with a darker shingle as we liked the look it would give our house as a whole. Before getting a roofer like Advantage Roofing to work on your Tyler Texas house you will want to be sure and let them know if you have had things like old water heaters removed and replaced with outside water on demand heaters because you will have an empty pipe that will need to be removed. If you have any empty pipes coming through your roof just let them know and they will take them up, deck over and apply shingles. As a matter of practice Advantage Roofing will also replace led pipes, vents, and wind turbines with the same color fixtures as your roof. This replacement of your old roofing materials will give your roof a color matched appearance that will complete your quality roofing job in Tyler.
If you would like to contact Advantage Roofing to receive a quote for your Tyler or East Texas roofing job then feel free to call Jay at 1-903-939-3168. He will set up a time to meet you at your house and assess what needs to be done. Advantage Roofing will also check hail damage that may have occurred on your Tyler home. If Jay can find that hail damage was what caused your roof damage he will meet your home insurance company on site to complete the investigation and make sure you are approved for a complete roof replacement which you are entitled to if your roof was damaged beyond reasonable repair. Most often a large amount of hail will completely destroy a roof and over time will cause enough leaks to cause costly damage even more than if you were to avoid roofing repair. Tyler home insurance companies want to replace a truly hail damaged roof as they will save money in the long run by stopping further damage to your home via water damage. Give Jay a call and let him check for hail damage or if you just have an old roof that needs replaced give him a call as well and he will see what roofing options will work best for you.
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