Back Talk Lake Highlands

Kiss and ride in Lake Highlands?

As often happens with my blog posts, I sat down to write about one subject and have taken a hard turn in another direction. But I have a concern...

Thursday night, November 13, more than 100 people showed up for a standing-room-only meeting at the LH recreation center to discuss DART's design plans for the LH Town Center station. It got a little heated when DART disclosed that they plan to build a "kiss and ride" station (no parking) instead of a "park and ride." This upset former city councilman Bill Blaydes and others who recall that original discussions included DART and developer Prescott sharing the cost of a parking garage for the station. Some residents were further whipped up when DART indicated that they hope to provide walking and biking access to the station from the east (perhaps via a bridge). White Rock Trail can't handle additional traffic, angry neighbors stressed.

After speaking to several attendees and reading the circulating email avalanche, I can't shake a nagging worry. More and more, it seems the "respected and seasoned veterans" of our community and the "cute young families" moving here in droves don't see eye to eye. I hope someone will tell me I'm wrong (somebody always does when I post), because THAT problem would be a heckovalot more serious than inadequate parking.  The most valuable feature this neighborhood has, the very foundation on which our success is built, is our community spirit and unity.

In every organization in LH, from homeowners associations to PTAs to booster clubs to Women's League to Exchange Club and beyond, enthusiastic young members are bringing fresh new ideas and energy. Nothing could be better for our quality of life and our property values. But the vast array of accomplishments and experiences of the "been there, done that crowd" have value, too. It's time to brainstorm about ways to harness and merge the two for the benefit of the entire community. And it's time to recognize that someone else MIGHT just have a helpful perspective, different from our own.

Secret Santa's Shop: Support neighborhood businesses

Ladies in Lake Highlands who are craftswomen or product vendors have come together to create an event called Santa'a Secret Shop, a two-day event this Thursday and Friday. They are advertising it as a way to get Christmas shopping done early, and support neighborhood businesswomen in the process.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the 6-9 p.m. event will include wine and cheese, and on Friday, Nov. 14, the 9 a.m.-3 p.m. event will include coffee and light snacks. Both take place at the home of Rhonda Clifford, 9433 Faircrest Drive. Call 214.342.8101 for more information.

Vendors include:

Chi Omega Christmas Market

One of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is to attend Chi Omega Christmas Market, November 20-22. This charity fundraiser is held annually at the Dallas Convention Center, where more than 150 merchants from all over the country offer everything from handmade jewelry to specialty foods to decorations for the home to gifts for everyone in the family. Referred to by many as "Market in the Meadow on steroids," this is your chance to arrive at the gift exchange with presents they've never seen at the mall. Proceeds will go to several local charities, including Make-A-Wish, Genesis Women's Shelter, Austin Street Center, Equest, and several others. You can take the DART train right to the convention center stop, and there's a cafe inside to replenish your shopping strength. New this year, VIP shopping Thursday night from 6-9 pm, with refreshments and a party atmosphere. Check the website for details about hours of operation & special events, and discount tickets are available at all Tom Thumb stores (or from me if you see me around town).

Four Season Hotel slated to open at NorthPark?

The DMN reports that a Four Seasons hotel — this one a 250-room building at the northeast corner of NorthPark Center's property, presumably at Park Lane and Central Expressway — could be open as early as 2012. If built, it would join the Las Colinas Four Seasons as the second in the area. The hotel study group reporting the news said that if the hotel isn't already financed — and it probably isn't, according to the group — it might not open until 2013 or later, given the current credit situation nationwide.

Clawset sale just in time for playoffs

This Saturday, November 8 from 9am to noon, Wildcat Ram Stadium will be the site of the Wildcat Club's annual Clawset Sale (pronouned "closet," this is the store for Lake Highlands spirit gear, with proceeds benefitting LH athletic programs). All items, except stadium chairs, will be 10% off, with additional bargains on the closeout table. Come to find ideas for Christmas gifts, Secret Pal surprises, and gear to wear to all the playoff games ahead.

Speaking of playoffs, the volleyball team won easily over Garland last night, the football team is expected to play its first playoff on Friday November 14, and cross country regionals are coming up this weekend. Go CATS!

Holiday shopping? Never too early

Lake Highlands Presbyterian Women will host Corner Market 2008 this Saturday, November 8th from 9am to 4pm. Located at LH Presbyterian Church, 8525 Audelia Road at Northwest Highway, this annual event features more than 40 vendor booths filled with crafts, jewelry, homemade baked goods, and holiday gift items. Proceeds from the market and from a quilt raffle will support missions and outreach programs.

It's holiday time at Krispy Kreme

I was buying donuts at a Krispy Kreme store Saturday, and while waiting for the box to be filled, what did I hear but holiday music wafting from the overhead speakers. They must have cranked up the holiday theme the second the clock struck Nov. 1; at least the sign on the door hyping the "holiday" collection of donuts indicated they wouldn't unveiled until Nov. 28. On one hand, it was pretty disconcerting to be already listening to holiday music, but on the other hand, given all of the bad news we've been absorbing for the past few months, maybe it's time to start thinking of something happier?

A credit card solicitation every week — what's up with that?

Not surprising news from credit card firms is that they're tightening credit, raising interest rates and taking cards away from some people. But buried in the story about the credit crunch is this interesting tidbit: "Mail offers to new and existing customers are on pace to drop below 8.4 billion pieces, the lowest level since 2004." A little quick math shows that 8.4 billion credit card solicitations divided by 300 million U.S. residents means that each of us, on average, received 28 mail solicitations this year. And if you further parse the numbers, eliminating about half of the population that is (or at least should be) too young to receive a credit card and people who don't have any income, that means that the rest of us receive about one credit card solicitation per week. No wonder so many people have more credit than they need or can handle.

Wednesday open house: Eat the World

 Our local catering and food emporium, Eat the World, in the shopping center at the southeast corner of Walnut Hill Lane and Audelia, is about to celebrate their 4th annual open house. It's tomorrow, the 29th, and owner/chef Toby O'Brien is pulling out all the stops again. He'll be serving fried turkey, plus his various appetizers, dressings, dips and desserts. Hopefully he'll also have some of his luscious wasabi-smoked salmon on hand -- killer stuff! To quench your thirst there will be soft drinks, beer and sangria. 

Toby asks that you bring a toy to donate for Jesuit's Adopt-a-Family program. It all starts at 5:00 PM.

Looking for a perfect pedicure

When it comes to pedicures, I’m on the constant search for two things: the perfect color for my toes, and a great foot rub. I’ve been to a number of salons in the area, and I usually leave thinking, “I wish I’d gone to Polished.”  The salon, at Central Expressway and Royal, is really friendly, has good color selection, and even better foot massages!

They're offering two specials through the end of the month: 15% off any nail service, or free design or French tips with the purchase of a manicure and pedicure. I think my mani pedi ran about $36 before tip. As for the perfect fall color I chose? Cosmo-Not Tonight Honey