Thursday, June 26, 2014

Ponies and Plays

Summer fun in Fort Worth can take many forms. This post tells about some of the summer concerts available. But what if you're in the mood for Shakespeare? You're in luck (barely) because the Trinity Shakespeare Festival ends this weekend. You have your choice of The Tempest or The Comedy of Errors. Or see them both while you can!

If Shakespeare doesn't interest you, check out the horse races at Lone Star Park (technically Grand Prairie but very close to FW!). Or you can play poker. Or you can go to a concert. Lone Star Park is a hopping spot through mid-July with lots of entertainment options.

There are always fun things to do on the BEST side of the Metroplex. For more information on the many local events available, check out this link or this one. Fort Worth is a great place to live!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Protecting Your Foundation in the Summer

Summer has arrived and you want to make sure to water your foundation, or at least take steps to protect it from cracks. We have clay soil here in Tarrant County, which swells when it rains and contracts in the dry periods. If this happens unevenly, your foundation could become cracked or damaged. Here are some steps to keep your house level and your foundation crack-free:

1. Install a good ground cover. This will prevent excessive moisture from seeping deep into the soil. This will also prevent erosion of the soil and excessive drying of the soil through evaporation.
2. Water the soil around the house just enough to keep the grass green. The south and west sides of the house may require more watering to offset rapid evaporation.
3. Don't water too close; stay at least 18" away from the foundation.
4. Never water directly into cracks around your foundation. They are usually deep and watering can undermine the foundation.
5. Don't place sand or sandy loam around the foundation. Water drains through it too quickly where the sun and wind can't dry it.
6. Never allow water to pond around the foundation. Be sure to create a positive slope away from the house.

*Source: Foundation Maintenance Procedures from Bedrock Foundation Repair (I'm just passing along information. I am receiving no remuneration, nor is this an endorsement of this company.)

Friday, June 13, 2014

Father's Day

Father's Day is this Sunday! How are you going to celebrate with the dad of your choice? Cabela's has lots of great gifts for dads this weekend for "Outdoor Dad". If your dad is more interested in culture than crappie, take him to see "Jersey Boys" at the Bass Performance Hall in downtown Fort Worth. If your dad is "Cowboy Dad" take him to see Aaron Lewis at Billy Bob's in the Stockyards. However you want to spend your time with him, enjoy!!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Summer Concerts

What do wonderful music, comfy blankets and sumptuous picnics have in common? All three can be found in the Botanic Gardens for the Fort Worth Symphony "Concerts in the Garden" series. Of course, you don't have to stretch out on a blanket (there are tables and chairs available), but it adds to the garden atmosphere. Let the Beatles, Rolling Stones or Eagles entertain you under the stars.  Concerts are performed from now until July 5. For more information, check this out: http://www.fwsymphony.org/concerts/concerts-in-the-garden.asp
 
You can find other (FREE!!!) concerts around town through the Masterworks Concert Series sponsored by Arts Council Northeast. Check out their website for artists, times and locations all over Northeast Tarrant County: http://www.artscouncilnortheast.org/masterworks_concert_series.aspx
 
Don't miss out on some great music this summer!