Return to Panama

On December 24, 2022

It’s wonderful to be able to travel again! Our first foreign trip this year was in April, when we returned for another visit to one of our favorite places – Panama. After the past few years of WhatsApp video chats, it was great to again see our friends Raul and Denise in person! We flew […]

Brazil’s Rio Roosevelt

On December 24, 2022

Our second foreign trip was in June. It followed in the footsteps of an historic and nearly disastrous journey. Former President Teddy Roosevelt and Brazilian Colonel Cândido Rondon led an expedition in 1914 to explore what was then called the River of Doubt. No one knew whether it was a tributary of the Amazon, or […]

Enjoying People and Places in the U.S.

On December 24, 2022

We are really lucky that we’ve been able to spend time this year with many family members and friends in places around the U.S. It’s been really enjoyable and we value our time with you all. Here are a few highlights of the places we’ve been and the friends (human and otherwise) we’ve shared them […]

A Major Overhaul for the KT Ranch

On December 24, 2022

When we bought this place in 2000, we liked most of its character, though you always think of things you’d like to change or update when you buy a place. We made some improvements right away and then we left it alone. Through all those years, it’s been a great place for hanging out and […]

Spectacular Southeast Brazil

On December 24, 2022

We returned to Brazil in October, but to a very different part of the country. This tour, also with Field Guides, Inc., covered areas along the southeastern coast. Before European settlement, just about all this area was covered by the lowland Atlantic Forest. Today, this is the location of many population centers and less than […]

A big 75th celebration!

On July 26, 2021

Thursday, July 22nd, the Greater Dallas Planning Council celebrated 75 years of involvement in the Dallas region! It was a great crowd with lots of stories to share about the past and even more enthusiasm for the future. Karen was one of the former Presidents who spoke on a panel about the GDPC’s impact. She […]

Wow! 75 years!

On July 21, 2021

This year, the Greater Dallas Planning Council is celebrating 75 years of impact on the character and quality of life in this region! A retrospective event on Thursday, July 22nd will be both in person and virtual. Karen is honored to be part of the panel reflecting on the accomplishments of the organizations. Here’s her […]

Improving quality of life in a Richardson neighborhood

On July 21, 2021

The City of Richardson, Texas included the improvements to West Prairie Creek Drive in its 2015 bond program. Earlier this year, an online survey revealed that many nearby residents were concerned about the preliminary plans for these improvements, which address water, sewer, traffic, parking and pedestrian safety. After the City revised these plans in response […]

Bi-annual Workshop explores new ideas

On July 21, 2021

Again this year, Strategic Community Solutions LLC has been asked to work with the Board of Directors of the American Planning Association, Texas Chapter to develop the priorities and action plan for the next two years. These Action Plans are structured to set the priorities for the organization as a new President takes office. This […]

APA Texas takes a new approach to advocacy

On July 21, 2021

In the past, the American Planning Association’s Texas Chapter has often found itself playing catch-up when it comes to advocacy for planning and planners. For some in the Texas Legislature, planners have often been stereotyped as bureaucrats standing in the way of progress. In preparation for this year’s legislative session, the Chapter chose to take […]