New Neighborhood Family Area

The walk-through is completed and we're ready to close on our new home. I didn't get to take any pictures of the house today but I did get some shots of the family area that is available through the homeowner's association.

The pool area really looks nice. There is a large open pool with a smaller pool that is elevated and overflowing into the big pool. The pool is closed right now, of course, since it is December. December in Texas is not exactly like December in Minnesota. Today the temperature in Elk River was 9 degrees; here in Texas it was 62. And the people were acting like they were cold. We were wearing our wind-breakers and again someone said, "you're not from around here are you?!" This is going to be fun.

The children's playground is located just outside the pool area. All of this is located just a couple of blocks from our house. There is also a walking path all through the neighborhood that we'll be using often.

We'll be closing tomorrow and then will begin the task of unloading and returning the trailer. Wednesday morning Dale, our newest son-in-law, will be coming to help me unload the truck while Debbie starts unpacking in the house. Whether I post anything to the blog depends on how much energy I have left at the end of the day and how soon we get internet access from home.

Here's a traffic thought. I remembered what the Dallas freeways were like from years ago when I lived here during college days. This evening we had a good reminder that "Texas Friendly" is not exactly like "Minnesota Nice". We were near DFW Airport on Highway 114 and saw the exit to I-635 -- two lanes over. So in true Minnesota fashion, I turned on my signal light. Immediately the cars in the next lane accelerated and closed up the gaps. Two cars had to put the 'pedal to the metal' to move up enough to close the gaps. As this was happening we passed one of those signs that read, "Drive Friendly". So I smiled as I finally moved over to the correct lane.

A few miles further we were in another backed-up jam and a car needed to get over into our lane, so I backed off and let him in. The guy behind me honked at me.

Looks like we have a few good habits from the north country to share with our new neighbors.