Well what a year it has been in and around the lakes in North Texas.
In May 2015 Lake Grapevine rose to a point it forced the city to close The Vineyards on Lake Grapevine due to rising water. The water rose from under 535 to over 560 taking over the entire park. We returned in time for the November/Thanksgiving opening to help with preparing the park for the reopening. We made it thru Thanksgiving, then the water began to rapidly take over the park again. Opening the 24th of Nov and we closed again on the 29th. So sad to be in this situation again. the water is presently at 551 and it looks like the Corp of Engineers are releasing 500cfs, and now it appears that the lake may begin receding. Its amazing what 16 feet of water can look like. Our RV site at the Vineyards is definitely Water front today.
Our return to the DFW area was to be near family and friends for a while and this sure stretches our interest to be in the area. We have chose to camp out basically in a parking lot at the Elks club. Fortunately we had water and electric. To have sewer is important and we have contracted with a company for an external holding tank that will be pumped out weekly. We are thankful for this as it has allowed us to stay close by for our work schedule.
With that said, I was able to accomplish one of several goals and that was to convince my 89 year old dad to move to assisted living. Nine months without my mom and his over all decline in health made this necessary. So over the next few weeks we will be working to get him settled and hopefully finding that some of the stress of living alone can be helped by the staff at Preston Wood Court. I definitely have to say that my hat is off to Jeanette who stopped by while taking a tour of the facility. She stepped in introducing herself , sitting down on the floor next to my dad who stated that "today is the worst day of his life". She took his hand and said "WOW then you must have had a wonderful life then if this is the worst day". My dad then began thinking and talking about his life and you could see he was proud to reflect on his many years. I believe she single handedly turned this situation around. From there going forward he was more responsive and accepting of the idea of moving to an apartment.
My dad is making a big change from living in the house he and my mom bought over 38 years ago to moving across town to be closer to my sisters that live in Carrolton and Plano.
In addition, I'm here to support my son who is in the process of a divorce and taking on the responsibility of their six year old son. Over time I feel this will be good for my grandson and of course my son. Jeffrey thinks the world of that kid as most dads do of their sons.
Other than that, have not gotten to see any of our Dallas friends yet and hope we will get that opportunity soon.
North Texas weather has been so pleasant over the week and we could only wish for it to hold out like this for a few months.
