• Pansies
• Violas
• Ornamental Cabbage
• Swiss Chard
• Dianthus
• Geraniums
• Cyclamen
• Primrose

A Little Help from Your Friends: If you like using the computer, try out Better Homes and Garden’s Plan-a-Garden tool. This free software has some negative reviews, so test it out before investing a lot of time in it.

Don’t Forget the Bulbs

You’ve missed the cut-off for bulb planting. The best time to plant narcissus, tulips, daffodils, and other beautiful spring-blooming bulbs is actually December.  This video, taken at the Dallas Arboretum, explains the best practice for planting bulbs in the North Texas area. Planting and storing bulbs is a science!

If you don’t want to plant your own bulbs, but you want to soak in their amazing beauty, plan to visit the Dallas Arboretum in March and April. Southern Living Magazine touted the gorgeous display that draws over 150K visitors, so you know the show has to be magnificent.

Evergreen Shrubbery
A backdrop of evergreen foliage can keep a landscape lively, even in the dead of winter. Try these popular shrubs in the back of your beds:

• Berries
• Hollys
• Nandinas
• Pyracantha
• Purple Heart
• Dusty Miller
• Rosemary
• LaMarne
• Katy Road
• Belinda’s Dream
• Dame de Coeur
• Thrift
• Scabiosa
• Linten Rose
• Nana Coreopsis
• Hymenoxis

• 6 cans Campbell’s Cream of Potato Soup
• 6 cans of water
• 2 small bags of frozen yellow kernel corn
• 1 lb. bacon, chopped and fried, drained
• 2 blocks of Monterrey jack cheese, cubed
• 1 small jar of pimentos, strained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

This serves about 8 and is best with a side of potato rolls and a tall glass of ice-cold milk.

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (now through Feb. 4) s always a blast for families, as is the Dallas Winter Boat Show (Feb. 4-5, 9-11). However, if you’re looking for local fun, consider these upcoming events in your neck of the woods:

Bass Pro Shop Boat Show

Where: Grapevine, Tx
What: Boat Show and Kids’ Activities
When: Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22

Home Depot Kids Club

Where: All Home Depot Locations (Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, etc.)
What: Valentine’s Keepsake Box
When: Feb. 4, 9am-12pm

Fishing for Fun

Where: Bear Creek Park Pond
What: Fishing for kids 16 and under (with an adult) prizes awarded! Adult anglers must have a fishing license. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout and freshwater catfish.
When: Jan. 21, Feb, 25, June 9, 9am-1130am

Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra

Where: Keller High School Fine Arts Center
What: FWSO Concert
Cost: $5 per person or $15 for four (817-743-4000)
When: Feb. 25, 730pm

Family Valentine’s Dance

Where: Roanoke Recreation Center
What: Family Dance, free photos, finger foods, door prizes
Cost: $10 per family, $5 per individual (817-837-9930)
When: Feb. 10, 7-9pm

1. Solana Walking Trail in Westlake, Tx: walk, jog, run, no pets or vehicles
   Located just west of the Mariott Solana and Solana Club, this 2-mile trail flows uphill, then downhill, with some straightaways. The trail is gravel and dirt, and about half is shaded by trees. Park at the Solana Club; the trail begins near the tennis courts. No bikes, pets, or strollers are allowed. To increase the length from 2 miles, look for a sidewalk that veers off into the woods. This part of the trail is paved with sidewalk and gravel, and it leads into an unfinished subdivision.
2. Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor, Tx State Park: hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, kayak
   This awesome wilderness area features 10 miles of mixed-use trails for all outdoor enthusiasts. Trails run along Lake Ray Roberts and the Trinity River’s Elm Fork to join with Lake Lewisville. Park fees are $3 per person for those over 12 years of age. Visit the NHNCT website for more information (hyperlink above).
3. Horseshoe Trail in Grapevine, Tx: walk, jog, run, bike, dog walk, strollers okay
   Oak Grove Park at Grapevine Lake is home to softball and baseball complexes, soccer fields, Scott’s Marina, picnic tables, and parks. On the west side of Dove Loop, Oak Grove Park spawns Horseshoe Trail, a 1.5-mile, paved road that’s closed to motor vehicle traffic. Public restrooms are located at the start of the trail, in the main park area. Horseshoe trail weaves along Grapevine Lake’s shoreline and features a beautiful landscape of trees and brush. At dawn and dusk, you can spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
4. Big Bear Creek Trail in Keller, Tx: walk, jog, run, bike, strollers okay – also volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, fire pit, wildscape garden with waterfall
   Bear Creek Park features 44 acres on Bear Creek Parkway in Keller. A t.6-mile trail follow a pretty pond and creek around the park. Restrooms, water fountains, and a large pavilion, as well as picnic tables, are available.
5. Bob Jones Nature Center  Trails in Southlake, Tx: hiking, no pets or vehicles on some, horses and dogs okay on one
   The preserve trails, Bluebird and White-tail Deer, extend up to .8-mile and are mowed grass. The Walnut Grove National Recreation Trail is open to hikers and equestrians, as well as pets on leashes. This trail follows Grapevine Lake. Bob Jones Nature Center is a great place for residents of all ages to learn about and experience our wonderful natural surroundings in North Texas. Information about classes, attractions, activities, membership, and volunteer projects is online at www.bjnc.org.

Want to add to our list? Have an opinion about these trails? Share your comments here or on our Facebook page! Be sure to subscribe to the iLIVEcommunity.com blog for daily articles about our great community.

Bulbs
As for bulbs, if you haven’t planted them, you may be too late. In our zone, bulbs should go in the ground in December. However, if you hurry, your tulips may bloom in April. Click here to read planting instructions for tulip bulbs.

The Texas Cooperative Extension at A&M offers this advice regarding bulbs.

Cold Weather Tasks

What can you do outside on those weird 60-degree winter days? The NGA website suggests retrenching your garden, planning winter color, and building termite-proof raised beds, if you have an issue with the little pests. If you’re planning a vegetable garden this year, review this calendar that will help keep you on track while you’re waiting around for spring to show up. It’s about time to start veggie seeds indoors, as well. Get those seedlings going so they’ll thrive outdoors in a few months.

Local Garden Clubs

Grapevine Garden Club – http://www.grapevinegardenclub.com/

Southlake Garden Club – http://southlakegardenclub.com/

Grapevine Residents – Cost-Sharing Program for Tree Planting

If you’re fortunate enough to live in Tree City USA, the City of Grapevine will split the cost of a tree, planted on your property. Not that winter is the best time to plant a tree… spring is better. But you can start planning now! Click here for more info…

Cold symptoms include: runny nose, mild cough, low or no fever – and last for about three days. Cold symptoms are nagging but usually not as bad as flu symptoms.

Flu symptoms include: runny nose, cough, high fever, aches and pains in muscles, joints, and face, weakness, flushed cheeks, watery eyes, headache, and sore throat. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms, and they will make you feel absolutely miserable.

Texas Department of State Health Services and other professional health resources recommend these tips for staying well this season. Most of these seem like common sense to modern adults, but be sure that your children and parents understand them. Kids and seniors are the most likely people to have weakened immune systems.

The golden rule – Wash Your Hands (Warm water + soap + scrubbing!)

• Before eating
• After touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• After using the restroom
• After outings in public areas

For once, deny your mother. Do not share:

• Towels, washcloths, toothbrushes (ew, anyway)
• Makeup, lipstick, lip balm, breath spray
• Cigarettes, cigars, pipes
• Foods, drinks, eating utensils, straws, cups, cans, etc.
• Young children should not share toys that go in the mouth

Don’t hang out with sick people. You are not immortal, neither are you immune.

Don’t go to public places with a high concentration of people, particularly indoors.

*Bonus Tip: After the cold or flu, moisten your toothbrush and microwave it for one minute to kill bacteria.

You’ve probably also noticed television commercials urging sick folks to stay home for 24 hours after their fever breaks. These commercials are an attempt by the government to deter mass outbreaks of viruses, like H1N1 (Swine Flu). While not everything that comes out of the government is wise, it would do you, your family, and our community well if we all followed the advice.

Now here’s a commercial that isn’t on TV.

Contrary to this video, which, if you’re a woman, you’re gonna love, men do not feel worse than women when they contract a cold. The YouTube video certainly isn’t from our side of the pond, yet it holds universal truth…or at least humor. If you have a cold or flu, this may cheer you up.

Click here to View “Man Cold“

For more info, visit:

Texas Department of State Health Services
www.webmd.com
www.flu.gov

Does your child need glasses?

Kids who avoid reading, complain of headaches, or squint to see far away or close up may need to see the eye doctor. Poor eyesight can be hereditary, too, so if both parents wear corrective lenses, their child may also need glasses.

Most people know about these symptoms and situations. But here’s something you may not know. Dr. Mark Zebrowski of Eye Masters in Grapevine, Tx says that children with learning disabilities should visit the optometrist, especially if they exhibit an aversion to reading. In some cases, children go through a battery of diagnostic testing for learning disabilities before they ever have an eye exam – and poor eyesight can contribute to significant learning problems.

“One of my young patients had been through testing for learning disabilities for about a year before the parents thought to bring him in for an eye exam,” says Dr. Zebrowski. “An eye exam is so simple, I wish parents thought to do it first, rather than last. It could save a lot of time, frustration, and expense.”

If kids get eye exams at school, why go to the optometrist?
According to Dr. Zebrowski, school screenings are not as thorough as an optometrist’s exam. Also, eye doctors who work with children know when a child is “cheating” on an eye test. For instance, the child may peek through her fingers or misread the letters on purpose. Dr. Zebrowski recognizes this behavior and gently helps children perform the test correctly for more accurate results.

Can your child wear contacts?
Yes. Babies born with significantly impaired eyesight can wear contacts, if they are under strict supervision of a caregiver who understands how to use and clean the lenses. In most situations, though, eyesight problems are diagnosed when a child begins reading.

“Most girls are ready for contacts around age eight, but boys can be quite a bit older before they’re ready,” explains the doctor. “It really depends on the maturity level of the child and how responsible he or she is.”

Do kids need to wear sunglasses?

“Absolutely,” says Dr. Z. “Sun damage is slow over the years, so exposure now can cause cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.” He suggests that children begin wearing sunglasses as early as possible.

Here’s a money-saving tip… If your child wears contacts, you won’t have to purchase prescription sunglasses!

The doctor also recommends that young athletes wear protective, polycarbonate lenses during outdoor sports. These lenses come in clear or tinted shades and resist impact to protect eyes.

Here’s the million-dollar question: Does sitting close to the TV really harm a child’s eyesight?

Dr. Z smiled at this one. “No. Some children see well up close, while others see better from a distance. Sitting close to the TV isn’t bad as long as the child’s eyes are not under strain.” The doctor gave the example of computer screens, which children sit close to nearly every day.

Need an optometrist?

Dr. Mark Zebrowski is a young, enthusiastic optometrist with offices in Grapevine (near Target) and Northeast Mall (near JC Penney’s). He accepts many optical insurance plans and cares for patients of all ages. As a parent, I personally recommend Dr. Z. He’s very likable, not stuffy, and relates well with children and adults.

Call to reserve your appointment with Dr. Z today!

Dr. Mark Zebrowski
1319 W State Highway 114 # 320
Grapevine, TX 76051-8617 – Map
(817) 421-9705 – Website

Delaney Vineyards, for instance, offers tours and tastings, so you can drop by, learn about the wine-making process, explore the vineyards with a tour guide, and sample wines before you go. The Delaney Vineyards tour makes for a great couples’ or girls’ night out. Besides Delaney, which is located on Hwy 121, Grapevine’s downtown district features a few tasting rooms and cafes you may enjoy. D’Vine Wines, for instance, offers live entertainment on Thursday and Saturday nights. Farina’s Winery & Cafe offers a full menu for lunch and dinner. At Homestead Winery & Tasting Room, visitors leave behind their signatures on the wall or ceiling.

Looking for an all-day adventure? Eight Grapevine, Texas vineyards and/or tasting rooms participate in three annual Wine Trail events: the Valentine Wine Trail in February, the New Vintage Wine Trail in April, and the July 4^th Wine Trail. Tickets cost around $50 each, and they normally include three tastings at each location, a souvenir wine glass, hors d’oeuvres, and one bottle of wine. Limousine service is available for the tour, as are special hotel packages for out-of-town guests.

Participating Vineyards & Tasting Rooms for the Grapevine, Texas Wine Trail

Cross Timbers Winery
805 N Main St
Featured Wines: Evi Mi Amore Cabernet, Grapevine White

Delaney Vineyards & Winery
2000 Champagne Blvd
Featured Wines: Chardonnay Reserve 2006, Sweet Texas Red

D’Vine Wine of Grapevine
409 S Main St
Featured Wines: Grande Rosso, Decadence (Chocolate/Raspberry Port)

Farina’s Winery & Café
420 S Main St
Live entertainment Thrusday & Saturday nights. Full lunch and dinner menus.

Homestead Winery & Tasting Room
211 E Worth St
Featured Wines: Rose of Ivanhoe, Sherry

La Bodega Winery
416 E College St &
DFW International Airport,Gate A15 & Gate D14
Featured Wines: 2005 La Buena Vida Merlot L’Elegance, 2005 La Bodega Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

La Buena Vida Vineyards
416 E College St
Featured Wines: 2005 La Buena Vida Merlot L’Elegance, 2005 La Bodega Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Su Vino Winery
120 S Main St #40
Featured Wines: Gewurztraminer, Bella Rosa

But the most disturbing thought is…with a driver’s license, she can go anywhere, anytime, with or without my approval, and she could get herself into trouble – a car accident, a wrong turn that lands her in a bad part of Dallas, a breakdown after dark – the list goes on and on.

Sure, I trust my daughter, but is this really good parenting? Seems like the risks outweigh the benefits. Alas, I drove at 15, and she will, too. It’s time for me to grow up, I guess.

If you’re facing the same dilemma, here’s what you need to know to make your teenager’s driving dreams come true:

• Anyone under 18 must attend a state-approved driver’s education course and have a certificate of completion to apply for a driver’s license.
• At 14, a child can take a state-approved driver’s education course.
• At 15, a child can apply for a Texas Driver’s Permit with the aforementioned certificate.
• At 16, a child can test for a Texas Driver’s License.

Driver’s Ed Certification

Parents can teach their children to drive with a state-approved instructional driver’s education course. If you choose this avenue, be sure to register with the state by submitting the online form and $20. You and your teen will endure:

• 32 hours of classroom instruction
• 14 hours of behind-the-wheel training with permit (after age 15)
• The test for a certificate

Online & Home Study for Driver’s Ed
In an online search, you’ll find a truckload of certified, courses for parents to teach their Texas teens how to drive. Here are a few to get you started.

• Virtual Drive
  $149 – Parent taught, online course
• Texas Driver’s Education
  $169 – Parent taught, online course
• Texas Education Agency Driver’s Education Site
  $100 – Parent taught, book or CD

Instructor-Taught Driver’s Ed

Many parents turn to private instruction, whether to remain sane or due to lack of time. In the Grapevine, Southlake, Trophy Club, and Roanoke area, we have a few driver’s ed schools.

• Green Light
  $365 – Instructor taught before or after school
  At Byron Nelson High School in the NWISD (Trophy Club and Roanoke)
• Green Light also has a Grapevine location.
• Carroll High School by the SCISD (Southlake)
  $295 – Instructor taught before and after school
• Carroll Watkins Driver Education School
  303 N Main St
  Keller, TX 76248
  (817) 431-6116

What You’ll Spend on Driver’s Ed

To Apply for a Texas Driver’s Permit, You’ll Need:
(This is from the Tx DPS website.)

• Guts
• Application for Texas Driver License, DL-14A
• Parental Driver Education Affidavit, DL-90A
• Classroom Instruction Record, DL-91A
• Pay the required fee for Instruction Permit Issuance
• Proof of Liability Insurance (If you own the vehicle)
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form in school

To Apply for a Texas Driver’s License, You’ll Need:

• Prayer
• Valid Instruction Permit (minimum age 16 and held a VALID Instruction Permit for a 6 month period)
• Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form in school
• Parental Driver Education Affidavit, DL-90B
• Classroom Instruction and Behind the Wheel Record Log, DL-91A and DL-91B
• Pay the required fee for Provisional Driver License

Best of luck to you, my neighbor and fellow parent. And remember, what does not kill us makes us stronger .

Before you kick them out in the cold North Texas weather, consider that you could use some decompression time. So for the sake of your mental health and skimpy budget, and to teach the kids that out of adversity, resourcefulness is born, check out these ideas. They are the top five winter equivalents to traditional summer activities .

(You do NOT have to get supplies at Wal-Mart, so there’s another perk. And no electricity is required. Everything you need should be in your house. If not, improvise. That’s half the fun. Oh, and be sure to have your camera close at hand.)

1. Frisbee – Tortilla Toss
   Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Just grab a tortilla and toss. And if it falls, the dog will get in on some Keep Away action.
   TIP: Small tortillas work best.
2. Paintball or Air Soft – Junk Mail Tag
   Wad up that junk mail and wrap it in Duck Tape or Saran Wrap to secure the wads and make balls. Each player gets the same number of wads to begin, then go for it. Pick up the used ammo and keep the game going for hours.
   TIP: Little ones may need to keep their wads in a bucket or bag. Those little hands make holding more than one wad quite difficult.
3. Hide and Seek – Same Concept, Indoors
   Anywhere under the roof is fair game for becoming a hiding spot. Other than that, it’s all good. Pair up one big kid or adult with one little kid. The teams can get wildly creative. Very cool.
   TIP: No hiding in the fridge or dryer. Very dangerous.
4. Riding Bikes – Staircase Slide
   Pull out your sleeping bags from the camping gear you put away last fall. Tuck a kid inside and pull ’em around the house. For sliding on the stairs, be sure to put sofa cushions at the bottom!
   TIP: Nylon sleeping bags or satin sheets work best. They’ll slide on carpet and tile. You might also put a helmet on the kids.
5. Nature Collections – Best Dust Bunny Art Gallery
   If your family is a bit less athletic, no sweat. Literally. Have a nature hunt for the best dust bunnies or sofa treasure. Place your collections on the dining room table with index cards that proclaim what the finds look like. You will be surprised, and possibly disgusted, by what you’ll find under the dryer.
   TIP: Take Claritin before this game.