Very Unique – A Total Solar Eclipse in Our Back Yard!

On February 27, 2025

One of the unique events this year was, of course, the total solar eclipse. Soon after traveling to Columbia, Missouri to experience the eclipse with friends in 2017, we began thinking about what to do this year, when it was happening in our own backyard. It ended up being an amazing spectacle and a great […]

It Pays To Stay In Touch

On February 27, 2025

For years, we have tried to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Since both of us have moved and changed jobs many times, it has seemed important to maintain these contacts. We’ve believed that even though we don’t see these friends often, the connections matter and are a valued part of our network. […]

An Unusual Focus in Brazil

On February 27, 2025

Our second foreign trip of the year was to a favorite and familiar country – Brazil. This time, the birds took second priority as you can tell from the name of our tour: “Jaguar Spotting”. The group tour was again with Field Guides International, and was led by one of our friends and favorite guides, […]

Strategic Community Solutions

On February 27, 2025

Karen has continued to evaluate the issues, areas and planning projects that will continue to be her focus. She’s enjoyed connecting with planning colleagues and friends at conferences, this year in Minneapolis and Allen, Texas. Stay tuned for 2025 updates on her involvement with planning, communities and sustainability.

Saving Terra

On February 27, 2025

This year Terry continued to populate his substack SavingTerra with essays and photos highlighting our travels in South America – Bolivia and Brazil in particular. There is much more material to come from our travels in 2024 – for Brazil in July and Ecuador and Peru in September and October. The substack is also being […]

Family and Friends in Arizona and New Mexico

On February 27, 2025

We usually drive straight from Dallas to Portal when we go to the KT Ranch. But this August we took a detour to visit our friends Ann and Ruedi Hunziker at their place near Santa Fe. We explored El Rancho de Las Golondrinas and Leonora Curtin Wetland Reserve, adjoining properties that were new to us […]

Explorations of Ecuador and Peru

On February 27, 2025

Our final foreign trip, in September and October, covered six states (or provinces) in two countries. Our target destinations were southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Although we have journeyed to Ecuador many times and to central and Amazonian Peru, this trip was specially designed to target the biogeographical areas where we had not traveled previously. […]

And What’s Up in Texas?

On February 27, 2025

Some people may wonder … do we actually still live in Texas? Yes, y’all! We made progress this year on revitalizing our landscaping at home in Dallas, and actually had an exuberant garden here too. We stay in touch with friends and professional colleagues whenever we’re here, collaborating on projects and socializing. We continue to […]

Bookend Celebrations — 3480 Mauricia

On February 17, 2025

The Walz family purchased this house in Santa Clara CA in the summer of 1963. Karen was not quite 9, ready to begin 4th grade. Gary was just 7 and starting 2nd grade. Sallie was 3 and in preschool. Our dad Len was an architect and our mom Bev was staying home to take care […]

Family Celebrations, February 2025

On February 17, 2025

It was wonderful to see all of you and celebrate our home and our family this month! In the pictures below, I’ve captured some of the fun times we had together, as well as our final gathering and celebration at 3480 Mauricia. Photos were taken on Karen’s camera or phone unless otherwise noted. You can […]