Honeysuckle Estates

Honeysuckle Estates is now just a memory. We loved our home there but it's amazing at the doors that open and the beautiful home we now have. Loving the space! Didn't realize how much we missed surround sound and whole house intercom systems! Loving turning on music and enjoying it from anywhere in the house or yard. All ready putting to use the outdoor kitchen and outdoor tv - this home defines the word outdoor living! The yard is lush, green and private. Love that! They started on the outdoor fireplace today and it's coming along beautifully - it was the only thing missing to make this yard complete. Truly a house was made for entertaining and it's something we enjoy. Sometimes you have to let go to embrace new and better things for your life. Truly enjoying a grocery store and terrific shopping only 2 1/2 miles from the front door. Missed that.

A big shout out and thank you for our first guests! Received the best surprise visits from friends who flew out to help unpack and get us settled. Now that is friendship! Have the best BFF's ever. Looking forward to the crew that is coming for the 4th...love that we will be able to enjoy fireworks again in our own backyard! They sell them on the street corners here. :) Very cool.

Also, thank you again & again! What a wonderful send off from our friends in Texas - we celebrated Memorial Day weekend with 73 people at our home. Want to thank everyone again for the sweet gifts for our new home that was so unexpected! We are blessed with the greatest friends. Put the gift cards to use all ready. :) And the wine gift basket that was at the front door was a great way to celebrate our first night here. What a great last hurrah!

Not sure what this Blog will become. Our yahoo, FB & Google sites have new caregivers so they will become their vision...I will enjoy seeing how my blog evolves into something new with a new vision.

If you live in Honeysuckle stop by and see the new neighbors. Great family. They will need love and support getting settled!

"Keep Texas Beautiful" is hard to do with all that rock in Midlo.

Good luck Honeysuckle....

2012! Wow. We are off to a beautiful start.  The weather has been great, new neighbors have moved in. The kids are back in school. Our bus driver Mr. Lackey is back after his knee surgery. Good, good, good! That is what 2012 is shaping up to be.


If you are looking for a few fun family events don't look further than your own little town!

• Sardis Point Cafe just around the corner from our neighborhood has a revamped menu and is a quaint fun place for date night or a family night out. 
• Midlothian High School Basketball is in full swin at the high school. The teams are competitive, fun to watch and a great way to support your local schools and community! Equal opportunity is available with games by the Ladies and the Men's teams.
• Want to take advantage of this beautiful weather? Think soccer. Check out the high school website for locations and times.
• Wanting to experience an exotic meal? Keep a look out for the opening of the new China Buffet off of Main St. next door to Caroline's Cafe.

Make plans for 2012 to make your home town a place to enjoy!

Whew!

After a very long process we finally had our day in court!  The judge awarded in our favor. We only paid the amount we had offered on the fence our deductible costs. It was deemed a shared fence. We were also awarded reimbursement from the McMahon's for the cost of the temporary fencing. Resulting in pennies on the dollar costs out of pocket.

They did not receive the $5K they asked for. They did not get our charges ignored and they did not get the fence deemed as a sole owned fence. Nor were they able to get the judge to ignore our request for reimbursement. 

The fence is a property line fence and was agreed to stay that way. The Harvey's paid their half to have it built and the insurance covered the re-build.  It remains a shared fence still today.

Oh, happy days!

The only thing that could have been better is if we could have gotten a 12' fence built. Then there might have actually been some privacy!

Spring is a time for new beginnings!

I just planted a veggie garden for spring! Can't wait to see those little signs of growth pushing through the ground.  It's a reminder that God provides and starts a new.

Our family is so excited about our new adventure.  Our home is under contract, another neighbors has sold & closes in days, and interest is picking up everywhere.  This is a huge blessing for our little neighborhood. Our neighborhood is filled with corporate families and corporations are in the habit of transferring their valued employees to new areas.

Leaving Texas will be bitter sweet because it has been home my entire life and I will enjoy coming to visit & spend time with families and friends.  Now we have a new door opened and God has cleared every obstacle and we will soon be embracing a fun new place to live!!

Remember to enjoy this time of year. Look for those chances to fill your life with good and to enrich your yard, home and relationships around you. If you've been holding on to anger and hate now is a great time to let it go. Your life can not grow and move forward until you are willing to remove the negativity in your world.  What you plant now will grow and prosper in the future. :)

~Teresa 

Fall?!

The last few summer days are fading fast! With school starting and everyone getting back into a more structured routine comes the thought of fall.  Well maybe not on our lingering 95+ days but little signs of it like our enjoyable 75degree nights.


Things to help around your home now....

Change your Central Air/Heat air filters - Keeping those filters clean will really make a difference in your units efficiency.

Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Move the Furniture - Allergies for most people are seasonal and many of us take the time to move things around for deep cleaning in the spring but don't think about it in the fall.  Fall allergies can be reduced by cleaning under those beds, couches, tables, etc...get the dust & spiders cleared out and make your home easier to breathe in!

Caulk around doors & windows - Most homes windows and doors are caulked when they are installed to help improved energy efficiency.  However, over time weather and age shrink and crack caulking.  So checking and refreshing it in the fall is a good way to keep your home as energy efficient as possible. 

Clean your outdoor/indoor windows - Spring cleaning is a natural time to do this but doing it at the beginning of fall will make the windows easier to clean in the spring and clear out any spider eggs or bug nest that might be hiding in the corners!

Compost & Mulch - Adding a fresh layer of compost will help feed you perennials and shrubs during the winter months and adding a fresh layer of mulch will protect the roots as the colder months approach. Prepare a spot in your garage or shed for any potted plants that you will need to overwinter.  Having a spot ready will make it easier to move them when the lower temps dip to near freezing temperatures.

Reset those Sprinklers - The cooler temps mean you don't need to water as often.  Reset your timers and consider turning off unneeded zones.  It's a good time to go ahead and wrap any exposed or free standing water pipes, you might also consider a thermal wrap on your hot water heater. Disconnect the water hose and get it ready to store.  You may still need it but disconnecting it from the faucet will let you know how much you are still using it.

Clean, Clear Out & Cover -  Now is the time to dry brush all your outdoor furniture, clean the furniture with a mild soapy solution and check for any paint or rust repair that may be needed.  After everything is looking clean and ready cover the furniture with an outdoor cover with sturdy tabs to ensure a snug fit.  Spot clean cushions and take a shop vac to vacuum them well.  You can either store the cushions on the furniture under the cover or put them in their own box in your garage, attic or shed.  An indoor space will keep the fabric more conditioned and help the life of the cushion last longer. When covering a table that is not under a covered space put a bucket upside down on the table so that water or snow will easily slide off.  Clean and check all outdoor toys.  Wash all toys with a detergent and bleach solution and dry well.  Any broken or damaged toys can be tossed.  Any outgrown toys can be donated. Summer balls can be cleaned and deflated for storage.  Pack away the remaining summer toys in a plastic storage container with secure lid.  Now everything is in good shape and you will know where it is when the warmer outdoor days return!

Energy Rates - http://www.powertochoose.com/ Make sure you have the best rate for your family to ensure the biggest savings for your fall/winter power usage!


Veggie Garden - Consider planting lettuce, greens, squash, and beans for veggies that will thrive in the cooler temps.

Things to do in Waxahachie...

Living in our community provides a lot of opportunities for things to do right here in Midlothian.  However, we also benefit from opportunities from our neighbor, Waxahachie! Below are a few links I hope you find useful.

http://www.downtownwaxahachie.com/events/

Also, Waxahachie has a Country Club that has an open membership for other residents.  Membership can be as simple as a golf membership or a membership that offers other benefits and services.

http://www.waxahachiecountryclub.com/membership.html

Texas Theater

http://www.texasmusictheater.com/

Ellis County Master Garden Program

http://www.ecmga.com/

Ellis County Children's Theater

http://www.ecctheater.org/calendar.html

Waxahachie Festivals

Ellis County Trails & Festivals


Get involved & enjoy your community this summer!

Things to do in June!

PAWS FOR REFLECTION RANCH - Registration is now open for all summer events.  The ranch is located at 5431 Montgomery Ranch Road, Midlothian 76065. Contact Melode Seremet, RVT, (972) 775-8966 or visit http://www.pawsforrefectionranch.org/

JUNE 5 - Mid-Way Regional Airport Annual Pancake Breakfast. 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., Event parking FREE, Ages 8 & older $6, 3-7yrs $3, and 2 & under FREE, Classic Airplanes/fighters, The Classic Swing Band, helicopter rides, Midlothian Classic Wheels & Other attractions. Call Tammy for more information (972) 923-0080.

JUNE 11-13 - DFW Summer Balloon Classic will be held at Mid-Way Regional Airport. The event offers something for all ages & is free to the public. Visit http://www.summerballoonclassic.com/ or cal Debby Standefer (469) 644-4576

JUNE 12 - Movie in the Park, "Planet 51"
              Where: Hawkins Spring Park
              When: Saturday, June 12 from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm


JUNE 17 - Navarro College Small Business Development Center will sponsor a workshop from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Citizens National Bank Community Room 310 N. 9th St., Midlothian, TX. 76065. Cost $25 aand pre-registration is required. Limited to seating available. To register call Navarro College SBDC (972) 923-6425 or email sbdc@narrocollege.edu

JUNE 26 & 27 - Midlothian Mirror Midlothian Conference Center, Arts Council 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. PHOTO EXPO, Twelve Categories of entries in three divisions - professional, amateur, youth. Bring entries to the center June 24, 25. Contact Mary Rustin (972) 723-7919, midconfcntr@aol.com or go to http://www.milothiancenter.com/

OTHER HELPFUL INFO...

The Midlothian High School Graduation will be held at the Multi-purpose Stadium on 14th Street on June 4, 2010. Shuttle buses will run starting at 6:30pm from remote parking areas at Frank Seale Middle School, Midlothian High School, First Baptist Church and Midlothian Conference Center. The stadium gates will open at 6pm with the ceremony to begin at 8pm. Anyone not attending the ceremony is advised to avoid travel on 14th street, 9th street, George Hopper (between 9th and 14 streets), and the service roads of Highway 287 Bypass between Midlothian Parkway and 9th Street from 5pm - 8pm and from 10pm - 11pm due to expected traffic congestion. MISD Graduation Information

CURFEW OPINION POLL RESPONSES NEEDEDDo you think the city needs a curfew for minors? Answer the opinion poll on the homepage and email comments to contactMPD@midlothian.tx.us. Click here to view the proposed ordinance.

http://www.midlothianseniors.com/

For information on Summer Courses and Camps available in near by Cedar Hill visit:
http://www.cedarhilltx.com/ or call (972) 293-5288

http://tx-cedarhill.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=985

http://tx-cedarhill.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=230

For information on Summer activities in near by Waxahachie:

http://www.waxahachie.com/general.html

http://www.flyinggranchtexas.com/

http://www.waxahachieymca.org/Index.cfm?FuseAction=Page&PageID=1002575

http://www.waxahachieymca.org/images/upload/10%20swim%20lesson%20form-rev%2005.20.10.pdf

Happenings Around Town...

Looking for things to do this spring here are a few ideas:

Spring Cleaning?!
Getting that yard ready for Summer....mulch is a must so how about FREE mulch!

FREE MULCH The storm damaged limbs at Water Tower No. 2 have been chipped into mulch. May 2010 has been declared FREE MULCH MONTH in Midlothian. All month long, or until the mulch is gone, the gates at Water Tower No. 2 will be open for loading. No staff will be on hand to help - it will be totally self serve. The facility is monitored by security cameras 24 hours a day - no illegal dumping will be tolerated.

Help CLEAN up Ellis County!
Starting Saturday, May 1st and running thru Saturday May 8th, Ellis County residents will be able to dispose of trash, furniture, mattresses, yard debris, and other similar items. We will also be accepting tires and e-waste (see specifics below).

This event will run simultaneously at two different landfill sites: EDC Landfill on I-45 between Palmer and Ennis – and – CSC Landfill on Republic Way in Avalon. Hours will be: Monday-Friday ..7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays ..7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Since items can be disposed as long as the landfill gates are open, this change will eliminate any concern that dumpsters will fill up prematurely as they have in the past! In order to participate in this event, you will need to obtain a voucher from your county commissioner …

• Pct. 1 – North East portion of the county – Palmer/Ferris area – 972-449-3260
• Pct. 2 – South East portion of the county – Ennis area – 972-875-3241
• Pct. 3 – South West portion of the county – Italy area – 972-483-7477

•Pct. 4 – North West portion of the county – Midlothian – 972-723-8017

Please note the following that may answer any specific questions you may have:

• Passenger tires without rims – maximum of 10 ..No Tractor Tires

• E-Waste items accepted include Personal Computers, Laptops & Notebooks, Keyboards & Mice, Cell Phones, Video Game Equipment and more.
• LATEX paint OK ..as long as you fill up the un-used portion of the can with kitty litter to soak up the liquid. Put lid back on can securely.
• No freon, chemicals, or other liquids.
For more information…or any other disposal or re-cycling questions you may have, please call the Ellis County Fire Marshal’s office 972-825-5555.

Looking for something different to do?

Spring Fling - tomorrow, April 24 10 a.m. to 3p.m....enjoy Arts & Crafts, Great Food & Various Forms of Entertainment. Heritage Park / Downtown Midlothian Area

Movie in the Park on Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 8pm-10pm.

Animated Feature "UP"
Voices by: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger
Walt Disney Studios/Pixar Animation;
Directed by Peter Docter and Bob Peterson
Rated PG; 96 minutes; 2009


Fly-In Breakfast at Mid-Way Regional Airport
The Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at Mid-Way Regional Airport is an annual event held the 1st Saturday  June 5, 210 from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Breakfast tickets are $6.00, though one child under 8 eats free with each paying adult. The event includes classic airplanes & cars, remote control model flyers, live music and other activities.

Midway Regional Airport/Summer Balloon Classic - June 11-13 2010.

IF you know of any other events please feel free to share! 

Arbor Day

Arbor Day is April 30th, it's a lovely time to plant a tree or a bush or even a plant to celebrate!

Driving through town and around our lovely country roads there are many lovely plants, trees & bushes in bloom!  What a beautiful Spring we are having.

Neighborhood Garage Sale

April 16th & 17th

7:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Clean out those closets, rummage through that attic & clear out those garages! It's time for the big SALE!!  It's spring and Honeysuckle Estates is doing it's part to Spring clean so come on out and see what bargains & treasures you can find!

Honeysuckle Estates is located in Midlothian off of Skinner Rd. & Honeysuckle Rd.  Streets participating are Evening Ln., Morning Light Dr., Sunrise Ln.

Spread the word & tell your friends.

Spring Planning Meeting

Mark your calendar & plan to attend:

Sunday, March 7 @ 2:00 p.m. / 4640 Sunrise Lane


the planning meeting for our neighborhood


Easter Egg hunt & Spring Garage sale.

Honeysuckle Estates is looking to stir up some fun & function for Spring! Neighbors get out and join us and help us make some memories!

Midlothian Calendar Events you may want to make note of are:

http://www.midlothian.tx.us/support/calendars.xml

Also, Midlothian is looking for help perserving a part of history!

http://www.midlothian.tx.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=240

Neighborhood Watch Updates...

Great neighborhoods start with great neighbors and we have them!

Today the Baker's opened their home to host our first Neighborhood Watch meeting.  Wes Pittman graciously led the meeting and gave us an over view of what a Neighborhood watch entailed and how it could help the residents in our neighborhood.

It was decided that a Neighborhood Watch would benefit our neighborhood.  Wes will be updating us with an over view of the meeting and we will work on getting more residents involved. 

Keep an eye on the Yahoo Group calendar for the up coming information and the dates for the first annual Easter Egg Hunt meeting.

It is great to see our neighborhood continue to grow and come together! Hope everyone had a chance to enjoy some of the beautiful weather today...looks like we are headed for a change.

Looking for a new home?!

Homes for sale!


A couple of great opportunities in the neighborhood of Honeysuckle Estates!

There are two homes for sale by owner. Save the realator fees and negotiate directly with the seller. The homes are:

4670 Sunrise Lane $335,000.00, 4/3/3 car garage, 4073 sq. ft on 1 1/3 acre of land. Custom home with several must have ammenities!


5410 Morning Light $268,000.00, 3/2.5/3 car garage, 2586 sq. ft. 1 acre of land built by Peachtree Homes. Energy Effecient Rated, wood burning fireplace. Custom home with a lot of unique custom features.


Honeysuckle Estates is a great neighborhood with every lot being an acre to an acre and a half, with custom homes built for todays lifestyles. The neighborhood was recently featured in the Midlothian and Waxahachie Daily Light newspaper. The neighborhood is made up of families and empty nesters and is surrounded by scenic views! Drive on out to this serene country setting and see if this neighborhood is a good fit for you!

Love is in the air....

Valentines. Love is in the air! A chance to declare your undying love, become the most romantic person on the planet, blah, blah, blah!

Wow, it brings up so many memories and emotions in people.  You hear people gripping and complaining about the disappointments, let downs and hassles of this little holiday that has morphed from a few sweet cards, flowers and candy. To a multi-million dollar insanity filled dash for all things red, pink, hearts and flowers! 

On the flip side you witness a lot of endless romantics gushing and cooing about their ideas and plans to make the day remarkable for that special someone with lavish gifts and special get-a-ways, etc... The reality for most probably falls into the happy medium and the struggle to indure for the few.

I am not an endless romantic nor have I become the valentine cynic.  I find that I love to do little things and that if I get a little moment of Valentine love for each of my lovey's then I feel accomplished.  I do keep the  candy to a minimum but I enjoy giving each of my kiddo's a small chocolate treat in their preffered type of chocolate.  I also like to get a cute and fun card that I picked for ech child to make them smile.  My hubby takes me for a nice dinner and usually he spoils me with truffles (a secret delight!) and roses he spent way too much for. Although one year he suprised me with 3 dozen roses on our 3rd Valentine's together and much to his dismay when I got home I had a single rose sitting on our table to enjoy.  He asked what happened to the roses he sent me?  I gushed and cooed about how much fun I had walking up and down the streets of Downtown Dallas for an hour after work picking out random people who looked like they needed a lift and handing out my roses to each of them!  He was totally shocked and I think he wanted to protest but he saw how happy I was so he just kept a rather dismal attempt at a smile on his face and said well I'm glad you enjoyed them. It is one of my favorite Valentine memories. :) Now he keeps the roses to a simple dozen buying terrific hard to find colors that I always love.  I still give roses away but I try to keep at least half of them each year so I don't totally dash his efforts.  I buy him a card and usually some small silly gift that makes him laugh.  It's a fun excuse to think of others and a great time to just be a little silly, loving and fun. 

This year the holiday is on Sunday.  Weekends are all about the breakfast my hubby creates at our house, so before we head out to church this Sunday morning we will make heart shaped (yes, I have a silly pancake mold) chocolate chip pancakes, with sliced strawberries, with a side of scrambled eggs.  I will assist by making a large pot of mexican hot cocoa, a delightful decadent treat, to round out all the morning Valentine splurge. My hubby & I will also put together a special box this Wednesday to send to our college cutie.  It is so HARD having your kiddo leave the nest and miss out on all those silly intimate family moments.  My hope is that she is filled with great memories of those moments to help her build her own special ideas of sharing special days and creating special memories; hopefully our little Valentine fun box will make her smile, laugh and reflect on home. 

The thing I've learned to enjoy most about Valentines is that it is a few minutes in time to be silly, stop and focus on showing your love to those special someone's in your life. 

So whether you make your cards, cook a special meal, stop by the drug store in a mad dash a few minutes before you see that special someone or slightly break the bank with your declaration of LOVE, I hope this Valentine is a day that gives your a smile and bit of warm glow in your own life!

Tell me about your bits and moments of love.

New Year....look for the savings!

Wow, it's 2010!  Time for reflection and evaluation.  It's a great time to look towards your home and see where you can save!  The economy continues to be tight and every little bit makes a difference.

If you have not taken the time to visit your local county tax office to homestead your house this is the time to do it!  A few minutes of your time can give you a return savings that is offered to Texas residents for claiming their primary residence as their homestead.  Continuing with that thought while you are there ask where the county appraisal office is and check your home appraised value.  This is what the county uses to assess your taxes.  These rates are often inflated values and if left uncontested they will stay at a high rate.  If your home value is higher than area homes in your neighborhood are selling for ask for a form to contest the rate.  This may take a little follow up but it is worth the savings!

Other home savings can be found in further efforts to stop those heating & cooling leaks!!  Energy bills are at all time highs.  Check the door seals, install insulation in the outlet covers for all outside walls, check your insulation levels in the attic, replace ordinary roof vents with turbine vents, make sure the roofline air flow soffits are not blocked.  Consider installing storm doors.  Keep those receipts for all energy updates, the government is allowing many tax breaks for improvements that create better energy effiecency and greener living.  That is a double savings and worth it in my book!

What cost savings have you found worth it? 

Part II

And the moment of fame for our little neighborhood continues.  The Midlothian paper has the article and pictures of a few of our lovely neighbors on the front page! 

If your out and about pick up your own copy of the local Midlothian paper.

Honeysuckle Estates is getting more positive press!

A neighborhood that was taken from ghost town to a vibrant oasis!  That is part of what staff writer Rebecca Hertz wrote in yesterday's edition of the Waxahachie Daily Light, Sunday, Jan. 17th copy of the paper.  The article features three of our neighbors and highlights the beginning, middle and latest homes purchased during the course of all the fraud, squatters and scams that originally plauged this upscale neighborhood.  The article goes on to highlight the changes and work that has gone into our great neighborhood to turn it into a really great neighborhood and the vision of what it should have been from the beginning!

Take time to get a copy of the paper and read up on the good things happening here!
http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/01/18/news/doc4b529a355b8d1523291772.txt



***Other news around town:

Baseball signups & registration begins for the Waxahachie Youth Baseball leagues.

ECMG Scholarship (Ellis County Master Gardeners) is offering a scholarship fund available in 2010 for
students pursuing studies in horticulture.

Chili Cook-Off - Ellis County Expo Center Feb 5th-7th, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (972) 937-1870 for info

COMMUNITY MEETING SCHEDULED The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), at the request of Midlothian area residents, will conduct an informational meeting about ATSDR's approach to looking at environmental health concerns related to air quality in the Midlothian area. The community meeting will be held Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the Midlothian Conference Center, Bluebonnet Room 1 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Welcome 2010!

Welcome 2010, I hope it is a wonderful year for each of you!  As each of you make resolutions or just skip the process and pray for change remember to look for the good that exist in your life each day and ways that you can find value and happiness with where you are. 

A few things going on in Midlothian in January are:

Siren Test


Date: January 6, 2010
Description: Test of the outdoor emergency warning sirens by the Fire Department.
Address: Midlothian, TX 76065

Midlothian Area Historical Society Meeting

Date: January 7, 2010
Address: Midlothian, TX 76065
Location: A. H. Meadows Library
923 South 9th Street
Midlothian, TX
Hours: 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 972-775-3469
Email: MAHS E-Mail

Midlothian Band Booster Golf Tournament

Date: January 7, 2010
Description: 18 hole scramble - Golf tournament benefiting the Midlothian Band Booster organization.
Address: 3502 Country Club Drive
Grand Prairie, TX
Location: Grand Oaks Golf Club
Hours: Registration at 10:30 am / Start at 12:00 pm
Contact: 214-334-5352
Email: Justin Wood
Cost: $100 per player or $350 per 4 member team

Also, if you look on the Midlothian City website you will see several volunteer opportunities for various board positions that need filling in 2010.  If you have the time or are interested in becoming more active in your city this might be a great place to start.

Merry Christmas!

The countdown is here and the elves are busy checking list, checking them twice & making everything beautiful & nice!

It is looking like a Christmas wonderland in our own little corner of the world. Driving through the neighborhood all the pretty wreaths & lights make everything warm and cheery during these cold gray days. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the season.

Please continue to uplift the Kendall family, 5610 Evening Ln., in your thoughts and prayers. When your doing your Christmas cards a quick note letting them know they are thought about would be a great way to embrace these neighbors during their time of loss. The first holiday without a loved one can be a very difficult time.

Remember we are our first step of defense out here! Keep an eye for any strange cars or trucks that are making random drive through without purpose, if possible jot down license plates. We have had a few thefts in the neighborhood and being so far out I'm sure makes us a bit of a target. Would still like to have a meeting to discuss a neighborhood watch. We have a Dallas police officer that owns a home in the neighborhood and I'm sure he could give us some great tips and advice on how to make our homes and neighborhoods more secure.

Things that can be done in the mean time are....network with the neighbors closest to you. Seek a neighbors help if your going out of town to help with mail & to take the trash cans out on trash day & put them away. Consider timers for lamps to light up various rooms in your home when your away. You want to make it look like members of the home are coming and going so that the house doesn't appear empty.

It also seems we are a prime location for pet drop off! There have been several pets, so far dogs, found in the neighborhood that are obviously house pets that have been abandoned. The Midlothian animal control is great at working to find the owners and/or find new homes for these pets. If you call them they will come and pick them up. We have had two show up in our yard and just a small bowl of water was enough to keep them here long enough to be picked up.

The cold weather has hit so wrapping exposed pipes will save a few headaches come warmer weather and running sprinklers on warmer days will help prevent unneeded repairs. Watering your plants before any hard freezes will help protect the root systems and salvage the loss of any new perennial plants.

On a personal note the Harvey household would like to say that we are truly enjoying our new neighbors and our first Christmas here. May each and every one of you enjoy time with your family and loved ones and enjoy the wonders of Christmas and the blessings to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving is around the corner! Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, etc...a day for good food, family & fun. I hope each of you has a wonderful time enjoying a little down time & fun with your families.

A few things going on around the Metroplex are:

The Ft. Worth Turkey Trot!
http://www.fwtrot.org/

Fun Holiday Plays:

At the Nasher Sculpture Center, check out a "Masterpiece Holiday" through Dec. 31st at 2001 Flora Street in Dallas. For the prim and proper go to afternoon teas and savor classic coffee and tea service, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. Festive Family

Masterpiece Holiday
Neighborhood: Nasher Sculpture CenterDallas, TX 75218
Saturdays include children's art activities, carriage rides, ice-sculpture demonstrations, and music on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late sleepers can take in holiday brunches with a traditional fare and gourmet coffee on Sundays from 11-3. For the young dancer in the family take her to Breakfast With A Ballerina which includes a brunch menu, opportunities for children to meet "Nutcracker" characters, and a reading Dec. 9th and 23rd from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call 214-242-5152 or go to nashersculpturecenter.org

This site also has a list of holiday parades all around Texas!
http://gotexas.about.com/od/festivals/tp/05HolidayParade.htm

Train rides & light shows!

GRAPEVINE: North Pole Express – The Grapevine Vintage Railroad hourlong holiday trip includes carols, stories and an encounter with Santa Claus. Before or after the trip, enjoy the Christmas lights, bounce house and photos with Santa. At the ornament factory, make a decoration for free. Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. Departure times vary. Tickets: $16. Children under 2 are free. Remote parking and free shuttles.
817-410-3123 ; http://www.gvrr.com/ (click on "Special Events").


PALESTINE: The Polar Express Train Ride – Journey to the North Pole on the Texas State Railroad's hourlong holiday runs on which riders meet Santa while enjoying caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-15, 17-22, 24 and 26-27. Friday, Saturday and weekday departures are at 5:10, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Sunday trips at 5:10 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets: adults, from $28; ages 2 to 11, $18 or $19. First Class Car service includes cookies served on silver trays and hot chocolate in a collectible mug. Adults, $49.95; ages 2 through 11, $24.95. 1-888-987-2461

Light displays:

FORT WORTH: Chesapeak Energy Parade of Lights – Fort Worth's holiday season starts with a parade of more than 100 illuminated, decorated floats, horses, carriages and marching bands topped off with the lighting of the 56-foot-tall official Fort Worth Christmas tree on Main Street between 3rd and 4th streets. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or two to be collected for needy children. Sundance Square, Nov. 28. Kids' activities begin at 2 p.m.; parade from 6 to 8 p.m. 817-336-2787 ; http://www.fortworthparadeoflights.org/.

Holiday Home Tour:

FORT WORTH: Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place Holiday Home Tour – Includes five Ryan Place homes built in the early 1900s and listed on the National Register, decorated for the holidays, plus historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Light snacks and refreshments at the church. $20 per person. Dec. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2 to 10 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 to 6 p.m. http://www.historicryanplace.org/.

Through Dec. 21st experience Victorian Christmas at the Heard-Craig House that are set to reflect what the mansion, built in 1900, might have looked like when the family was getting ready for the holidays at 205 W. Hunt Street in McKinney. Tours of the home started Nov. 24th and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. For more details, call 972-569-6909
Holiday Shopping:

CANTON: First Monday Trade Days – This is your last chance before the holidays to shop Texas' foremost flea market for antiques, home decor, arts and crafts, tools, plants and more. Nov. 27-30. 903-567-6556

The Holiday Urban Bazaar at the Market will showcase Dallas Farmers Market Friends and Make Crafting Studio and sale items such as home accessories, furniture, jewelry, clothing, handbags, art, and photography Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 10th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S. Pearl Street in Dallas. For information, call 214-256-3061

The McKinney Avenue Contemporary presents "The Blue Yule," its annual fundraiser featuring unique handmade holiday ornaments designed by various artists Dec. 9th from 5-7:30 p.m. at 3120 McKinney Avenue in Dallas. For details, call 214-953-1212



And for a lot of free & fun holiday activities you might want to check out

North Park Mall
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!!