Grass Fire Breaks Out in Vaquero Country Club

BREAKING - Fire crews from Keller, Southlake, Trophy Club, Westlake, and Roanoke are currently working a grass fire within the gates of Vaquero. The fire is reported to be on the golf course. Very gusty winds from the cold front are aiding in the spread of this fire. It is unknown at this time whether any structures are immiediately threatened. We'll post updates when we can.

A Little Slice of Holmby Hills in the Metroplex - Hall of Fame Baseball Star Kenny Rogers' Westlake Home

Just outside the gates of Vaquero in Westlake sits the Holmby Hills-like home of Hall of Famer Kenny Rogers at 1730 JT Ottinger Road.  Rogers, formerly nicknamed 'The Gambler' due to his outstanding pitching career, built this amazing estate in 2004.  The 10,690 sq. foot residence and estate features a porte cochere, 6 car garage, several balconies and verandas, 2 ponds in the front, gardens constructed around the main home, pool with adjacent pool house, outdoor barn, and several acres to enjoy the great outdoors.  The sprawling estate is situated across 15.43 acres directly south of Paigebrooke Estates.  Its 2011 appraisal was $3.2 million.  I was up that way yesterday and managed to snap a few pictures of this incredible place.  A Hall of Fame estate for a Hall of Fame player!

Screenshots:

Thanks for reading,

John

North Dallas Home, 6338 Woodland Drive off Northwest Highway, Burned in Sunday Morning Fire

A north Dallas home was burned in a Sunday morning fire on December 4, 2011.  The 6,643 sq. foot residence, owned by John and Amy Gilbert, suffered damage to the back of the house.  Upon arrival of the Dallas Fire-Rescue, units advised there was a heavy amount of smoke coming from the roof; a working fire was declared.  "No damage could be seen from the front of the house," said David Reimer, a friend of mine who was on scene shortly thereafter the fire occurred.  The home, located at 6338 Woodland Drive, is located just south of Park Lane and near the W. Northwest Highway/Edgemere Road intersection.  The home is valued at just over $1.2 million.  Here are a few images from my friend David Reimer with www.TexasStormChasers.com.

You can see more of David's images here.

Thanks for reading,

John

The Top 5 BEST Christmas Light Residential Areas of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

Ahh yes, it's that time again!  Family, friends, and church all come together at the end of each year to commemorate a very special baby's birth.  Away from the most important reason for the season, it's also a time where numerous traditions are practiced by a large number of people; Christmas light looking is one of those traditions, especially in my family.  This Christmas season, be sure you and your friends know where to find the best display of Christmas lights.  Here's the list!!

5 - Kulesz Light Display - Dalworthington Gardens, TX (Arlington)
Every year, Arlington lawyer David Kulesz and his fellow cul-de-sac neighbors bring hundreds upon hundreds of viewers each season.  With 2 streets full of pearly white lights lining the road, houses, trees, and yes, Kulesz's tennis court, you will NOT be disappointed by this incredible display.  It can be found at Rushing Meadow Court and Harder Lane in Dalworthington Gardens, TX (Arlington).

4 - Interlochen in Arlington, TX
We'll stick with a very famous area near Dalworthington Gardens for spot #4.  Yes, it's the Interlochen Light Display, a Christmas usual that has brought hundreds to the streets of the Interlochen every night.  This year, the Interlochen Lights begin December the 16th.  Wind your way through the wooded community and enjoy the variety of lights and displays at every single house!  As you drive through the neighborhood along with fellow north Texans, be sure your windows are rolled down and your Christmas music is blaring!  It's a great area, especially for the family.  Interlochen is located in north Arlington off Randol Mill.

3 - Westover Hills, TX (Fort Worth)
Westover Hills, TX is a hidden and heavily wooded prestigious small town just south of the Fort Worth Naval Air Station in west Fort Worth.  An "old money" Fort Worth town, Westover Hills' is home to some of Fort Worth's elites, including the Bass family and Van Cliburn.  Veer your way through the steep hills and wooded estates as you take a glimpse at some of the incredible decorations and lights of the beautiful little town.

2 - Deerfield in Plano, TX
I've never been to Deerfield in Plano, but from what I have heard and the picture I have seen, it's one for your list!  Deerfield is a very closely knit community full of nice, professionally decorated houses.  It's known throughout Plano as "THE place to go" when it comes to Christmas lights!  The few people I've talked to about Deerfield have nothing but good things to say about it.  Go stop by!  Deerfield is located near SH121 and the Dallas North Tollway.

1 - Highland Park/University Park (Park Cities) and Preston Hollow, TX
I think we all saw this one coming.  Of course, the Park Cities and Preston Hollow top the list for the #1 spot to visit for Christmas lights.  The most extensive luxury real estate market in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex would obviously be one of the top spots of Christmas lights.  Last year, I took a visit to this area and it was absolutely draw dropping!  Large homes and mansions elaborately dressed in lights always sets the Christmas spirit.  Some streets to hit: Swiss Ave, Strait Lane, Walnut Hill Lane, DeLoache Ave, and as many others as you can find!

Thanks for reading this year's list.  Have a fantastic Christmas season!
Jesus is the Reason for the Season,
John