Patti Vinson

Walk with a naturalist Nature-Deficit Disorder. It’s a thing. Though not an official medical diagnosis, the disorder is a phrase coined by nature advocate Richard Louv in his 2005 book, “Last Child in the Woods.” He and others believe our increasing time indoors can make us grumpy, anxious and inattentive.  The North Texas Chapter of

Code Compliance showed up at Gary Isett’s yard. But calm down, everyone. Big Boy, Tony the T-Rex and the others are not under attack.

Peter Schaar stands in his back yard garden at his home in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. Photography by Emil T. Lippe. Lakewood neighbor Peter Schaar was giving me the grand tour of his garden recently when he plucked a leaf and

A group of female athletes come together in costume to create a modern day Lady of the Lake that can be found at White Rock Lake.

Let's play Jeopardy. Answer in the form of a question, please.  This community resource has been in the city of Dallas since 1901. The number of locations guarantees there's one close to you. It provides opportunities for all ages to grow and learn. And

Melanie Vanlandingham and Barbara Koegl on their front steps. Photo by Lauren Allen. Melanie Vanlandingham and Barbara Koegl, known for their neighborhood advocacy, have made lovely memories on the porch of their craftsman bungalow in Lakewood Heights.  They enjoy coffee there most mornings,

Opossums get a bad rap, there's no doubt about it. They lurk in the dark, have sharp teeth and a menacing hiss and look like giant rodents.  But if you happen to spot one in your East Dallas backyard, have no fear - and consider yourself lucky. These little guys are

Blue recycle bags. Plastic water bottles. Spam cans and Cool Whip containers. Tiaras. It’s what all the royals are wearing.  The royalty of White Rock Lake anyway. Presenting: The Trash Queens, ambassadors of the For the Love of the Lake (FTLOTL) organization. It’s truly their

Big Tex Howdy, folks. Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year.  No, not Santa’s big scene. The spotlight belongs to Big Tex. It’s time for the great State Fair of Texas, and plenty of your East Dallas neighbors are super fans

Mrs. Marian Underwood, head of the branch from 1938-1961. May 1970: Richard Nixon is president, protests against the Vietnam War have erupted, the Beatles’ song “Let It Be” is a hit on the radio, and  a gallon of gas can be had for