Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Amenities for all ages: Abilene will soon celebrate grand openings for the new Sears and G.V. Daniels recreation centers with branch libraries, replacing outdated facilities and offering free memberships for residents plus visitor passes -- read the full story.

New shopping hub takes shape: Construction began earlier this month on Abilene’s Bass Pro Shops Outpost, anchor for the Rainy Creek development off I-20 and Ambler Avenue. Groundbreaking is done, but renderings aren’t out yet -- get the latest construction update.

Next phase in nuclear innovation: Abilene Christian University will host a 1 megawatt thermal molten salt reactor after the NRC issued a construction permit, as Natura’s CEO outlines a crowded field and what comes next -- get all the details.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you're probably paying way more than you need to. It's an easy bill to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,000 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium to ~$60 a month - see how much you could save.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Local style glow-up: Need a quick wardrobe mood-lift this week? K. Ellis Boutique keeps Abilene looking sharp with easy-to-wear dresses, polished tops, and giftable accessories, including BuDhaGirl stacks and Susan Shaw pieces. Pop in when errands take you nearby, try on something joyful, then let the compliments find you.

Upgrade your weekend kit: When your gear drawer looks suspiciously like a junk drawer, Lone Star Dry Goods has the fix with legit packs, camp tools, and fishing essentials. Their curated shelves cut the big-box chaos and make spontaneous park runs and lake hangs actually happen.

Flaky, buttery bliss: Whether you’re craving a croissant that actually flakes, a loaf with real crust, or a pretty dessert that upgrades weekday coffee, Salty Roan Bakehouse delivers. Expect lattes inside, a quick drive‑thru, and handcrafted pastries and artisan breads, all baked fresh in Abilene.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🎨 Moasic Moments @ The Grace Museum | Wednesday (4/29) at 10:00 AM – Ready for a museum stroll that actually exercises the noggin? Senior adults can gather in the galleries, swap memories sparked by Ann Stautberg’s photographs, and try a simple hands-on activity. Free with museum admission, and blessedly easy on the knees, patience, and wallet.

🔭 Rising Star — A South African Astronomy Journey @ Morgan Jones Planetarium | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Whether you still call Pluto a planet or just enjoy pretty skies, this planetarium trip tours South Africa's SALT and MeerKAT, all wonder, no jet lag. Kid friendly without being kiddie, it is a smart use of five bucks, 24 minutes, and quality time.

⛵ Sailabration: AEF 25th Anniversary @ Potosi Live | Friday (5/1) at 6:00 PM – Quarter-century milestones call for Big Country bragging, so AEF is hosting a SAILabration, the best kind of class reunion. Expect hometown pride, familiar faces, and zero homework, all while backing Abilene ISD students and teachers. Dust off the letter jacket, or just your checkbook.

🎸 Bob Dylan @ Abilene Auditorium | Friday (5/1) at 8:00 PM – Yes, that Bob Dylan comes to Abilene for the final stop of his celebrated Rough and Rowdy Ways tour at Abilene Auditorium. Dust off the vinyl, tell your cool uncle to calm down, and snag seats before they vanish at AbileneConventionCenter.com.

💐 Mother's Day Brunch @ Swenson House | Saturday (5/2) at 10:30 AM – Skip the chaotic brunch scene and treat Mom to tea, light bites, and a Poppies and Pearls style show inside the historic Swenson House, complete with fine china, vintagey centerpieces, and stroll-worthy gardens. Bring your favorite ladies, claim a table, earn lifetime brownie points.

🏥 Wellness Fair @ Mall of Abilene | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Consider this your Health 101 cheat sheet, no tuition required. A free Hendrick wellness fair with 40 booths, bite-size sessions on heart, diabetes, nutrition, cancer, and behavioral health, plus friendly staff, how to check your vitals, the bloodmobile outside, and prizes. Googling symptoms not included.

🏇 Derby Day 2026 @ Hilton Garden Inn-Abilene | Saturday (5/2) at 3:30 PM – Pull out the big hat and pretend your mint julep is tax deductible, we’re dressing up for Derby Day to raise money for Camp Able. Expect games, a little wagering, good food, and live race stream. Prizes for best hat, most dapper, and standout couple.

This 3,900 sq ft West Texas showpiece sits on 30 ag-exempt acres with a heated gunite pool, spa and elevated sun deck. A gated drive leads to 9-foot steel double doors, 21-foot ceilings and hickory floors. Thermador kitchen, masonry fireplace and primary suite stand out. Extras include a 1,500 sq ft shop, Class 4 roof, ADA compliance and Wylie ISD.