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Mailbag
Mailbag - March 2026
DESPERADOS, DENIM, AND DEVOTION

DESPERADOS, DENIM, AND DEVOTION Family, grit, and legacy define The Desperados wagon group who have taken to the Salt Grass Trail for decades, making their way to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Some members, from left: Rene Bennett, Bridey Flood, Ryan Wasaff, Cindi Proler, McGuire Flood, Maren Flood, and Callan Flood. The Flood siblings are Bennett’s children. (Photograph taken at the property of Malcolm Morris, a friend of the Bennett family.) (Photo: hartphoto.com)

 

Far-reaching

The Buzz has done it again.

Your Feb. cover story [Hooves to Houston: The Desperados: traditions and tales on the Salt Grass Trail by Cathy Gordon] has created buzz – around town and, literally, across the globe.

This is not the first time I’ve been featured in The Buzz. I appeared on the cover in the early 2000s, for a holiday pie feature. I remember feeling hesitant, as I’m not someone who enjoys the spotlight. I naively thought, “No big deal – not many people will see it.”

I was astonished by how many reached out saying, “Hey! I saw you in The Buzz!”

So here we are again. This time, my family, friends, and I were featured in a beautifully written and thoughtfully presented story, enriched by current and historical photographs, capturing the family tradition that is the Salt Grass Trail Ride. Once again, the response has been a joy. Friends, neighbors – many reached out to say how much they enjoyed the article. Some didn’t know about the trail ride before reading the article, but you can be sure they’ll be paying attention this year.

In addition, The Buzz crossed an ocean. Rene Bennett’s niece, Jacqueline, who lives in Italy, received screenshots of the article from a friend in Tanglewood. Jacqueline exclaimed, “That’s my family!” Her friend responded, “It’s such an iconic family tradition.”

Michele DeGuerin Luke

 

Diane Keaton’s doppelgänger

Cindy, I enjoyed reading your latest article in The Buzz [Everybody Loves Diane Keaton: Especially 'women of a certain age' by Cindy Gabriel, Feb. 2026]. I always knew that Diane Keaton reminded me of someone, and I didn’t put two and two together until I read your article.

And you’re definitely not dumb. Keep up the good work and writing.

Bert Graham

 

A jolly holiday

Oh my. Readers, this is what happens when someone “turns you in” to The Buzz [featuring Leila Reynolds’ Christmas magic for the neighborhood in The House Where Santa Lives: A neighborhood’s beacon of Christmas cheer by Cathy Gordon, Dec. 2025].

After the initial visit from photographer Dylan Aguilar, you spend a delightful afternoon with writer Cathy Gordon walking down memory lane. At publication, Kleenex in hand, you read your beloved neighborhoods’ heartwarming comments. (There are no words to describe those moments!) Your children, in-state and out, receive many calls from friends, witness to The Buzz’s loyal readership. Months later, the glow does not fade.

Many thanks from an old lady in her Christmas apron to neighbor Carol Gilmore [who wrote in to The Buzz], to photographer Dylan Aguilar, to writer Cathy Gordon, and to The Buzz staff for a memorable Christmas 2025!

Leila Poppen Reynolds

 

A+ coverage of student achievement

Thank you, Angie Frederickson, for the article “Hard work pays off” [Buzz About Town, Jan. 2026] recognizing the T.H. Rogers Middle School Chamber Orchestra. Your thoughtful coverage made our entire school community feel proud and deeply appreciated.

We are grateful for your acknowledgment of the students’ dedication and the leadership of their director, Joyce Myoungji Jang, in achieving this national honor.

Neelima Pandey, Friends of T.H. Rogers Orchestra

 

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DESPERADOS, DENIM, AND DEVOTION

DESPERADOS, DENIM, AND DEVOTION Family, grit, and legacy define The Desperados wagon group who have taken to the Salt Grass Trail for decades, making their way to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Some members, from left: Rene Bennett, Bridey Flood, Ryan Wasaff, Cindi Proler, McGuire Flood, Maren Flood, and Callan Flood. The Flood siblings are Bennett’s children. (Photograph taken at the property of Malcolm Morris, a friend of the Bennett family.) (Photo: hartphoto.com)