School is out for the summer. That means kids get to enjoy the breathtaking feeling of freedom unlike any other. There is nothing in adulthood that can compare with the feeling of freedom that kids have when walking (or running) out of school on the last day.
In recognition of the popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities in the United States and the resulting need for ongoing public education on safe water practices, May has been designated as National Water Safety Month.
Berlandier’s sundrops (Calylophus berlandieri) is native to Texas and surrounding states. It is a deciduous perennial that usually grows 4 to 20 inches tall, 1 to 2 feet wide, and may develop a woody base.
What will the weather be for the next few months? Pete Delkus, chief meteorologist at ABC affiliate WFAA-TV in Dallas, showed a weather pattern map on March 28 that provides some insight on what to expect. The map indicated that the Dallas-Fort Worth area forecast for the months of April, May and June would be normal rainfall and above-average temperatures.
Most pool builders are asked one simple question more than any other that they hear, and it is: “What is the best time of year to build a swimming pool?”
Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is valuable in landscapes because of its airy, delicate foliage that sways gently in the breeze.
What a year 2012 was! Between the West Nile virus, the presidential election, the fiscal cliff and other events and tragedies, many of us are just ready to escape from it all.
Having trouble deciding on a gift for that person who is difficult to buy for? You know, the person who has everything.
If you have ever viewed a satellite image of Denton or have flown over the city in a small aircraft, two things are very noticeable: There are quite a few swimming pools in Denton, and there are many trees in most areas of the city.
Lindheimer’s muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri), also called big muhly, is native to the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas and is valuable as an accent grass in full sun. It is the Operation NICE! (Natives Instead of Common Exotics!) Plant of the Season.
As a periodontist, I am constantly being bombarded daily with the new best thing — the thing that will cure gum disease, the machine that will make my life easier and more productive, the device that will make all of my dreams come true.
Although Dallas and Tarrant counties have been all over the news recently with more than 200 West Nile virus cases each, those of us in Denton County have not escaped, with 118 people infected with the virus as of Thursday afternoon.
Although this summer is shaping up to be relatively mild, the hot weather can create problems for swimming pools even when a routine pool maintenance program is followed.
With the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday this year, you may see a wide range of dates for Independence Day pool parties. Some people are selecting this weekend to celebrate, some prefer the actual holiday in the middle of the week, while others are opting for the weekend after.
Zexmenia (Wedelia texana, formerly Zexmenia hispida) is dependable for summer color and is easy to maintain. Also called orange zexmenia, it has 1- to 1.5-inch yellow-orange composite flowers from late April though November. The seeds are similar to sunflower seeds, but much smaller. It is a perennial native to Central and West Texas south to Mexico.
Summer is here and so are summer vacations. The normal preparations include where to go, how long to stay, what to pack and what activities will be appropriate for you, your kids, parents, etc.
Although summer officially begins June 20, for most of us it has already begun. I have always considered summer beginning when the kids get out of school, which happened this week for most area schools. There are so many things to look forward to as summer begins — spending time with family and friends, summer camps, Six Flags, Rangers baseball, not having to wake up early … the list goes on and on.
Although swim season started early this year because of the warm weather that we have recently experienced, Memorial Day weekend is traditionally considered the beginning of swim season.
My family moved around a lot when I was a kid. I’ve never gotten a clear answer as to why; for all I know, my parents were on the lam.
Golden groundsel is one of the earliest flowering native plants in our region, flowering from early March and into April.
During a recent conversation with someone who wasn’t aware I’m a periodontist, I learned the person’s child had been injured in a fall. When I asked if the child’s teeth had been checked for damage, the response was jarring.
Golden groundsel is one of the earliest flowering native plants in our region, blooming from early March and into April.
Many of you have contacted me about how tickled you were with the “nice boots” column. Al’s boot business at the Antique Gallery has stepped up and there are more of us out there strutting our stuff (or should I say scooting our boots?). Consequently, Al just brought in 100 more pairs of boots to stock his shelves. Pam and I had such success with our first purchases that we were among the first to buy a few more of his vintage beauties.
So how ’bout that weather? Do you remember last winter? What I remember most vividly about last winter is Super Bowl week in early February when we received more than our fair share of winter weather all in one week — virtually immobilizing the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the world watched. But this winter was completely different — very mild and enjoyable, perfect for spending time outdoors.
My dear readers, I wanted you to be the first to know, I have fallen in love — again. Last month I wrote about my “Georgia” sheet music collection (some of you may have considered this to be the ultimate in egocentric behavior). This month, I am writing about my newest passion.
As the years pass, pools can become outdated and in need of renovation. Some pool owners want minor changes; some prefer dramatic overhauls. The availability of new products and materials that weren’t available when the pool was constructed can mean the renovated pool looks better than it did when it was new.
Dentistry seems to be everywhere we look — and it’s not always portrayed in the best light.
