Yes Mimitabby, we do get good riding weather later in the year. but N. TX can have treacherous ice storms at times. Very little snow to have to worry about. Most of the fall, winter and spring brings good riding weather.

As far as the lawn, we really like the grass and it is very heat tolerant. I'm afraid cactus would not do well in the black clay they call soil here(Texas gumbo). We are on watering restrictions but have been able to keep everything alive, including the 40foot Bald Cypress next to the house. It takes more water than most trees but it gives great shade to the porch. I won't let DH chop it down. All the trees have either cypress mulch or ground cover around the roots that keeps the moisture in. I've seen some Xeriscape homes in the area and I just don't like them. I grew up in S. GA and really like having a grass lawn.

The weather people are saying we will "cool down" this weekend and get some rain. I'm not holding my breath.

Stay cool everyone!

Donna