Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is the first Views of the Neighborhood from our new home. Today we are going a couple of blocks away to visit a park that celebrates service. This is not a place of loss but of recognition. It is here that the men and women from Lakeway who served in the military are honored.
The central arch lets visitors know what to expect inside.
The story of the Spirit of Freedom Monument
The spirit of Freedom Monument was originally erected to honor World War II veterans.
The Koran War was added.
The Vietnam War
Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and El Salvador
Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Panama
Another view of the whole setting.
On the other side of the arch is a statement of truth.
The well from the original ranch house established on this spot. Lakeway was once a ranch.
One view of the original ranch house. The house is made out of stone.
The entrance to the ranch house
The Heritage Center filled with information about Lakeway
The Heritage Park sign. The monument is in the background
A reminder that no matter how cute, deer are better off not being fed. Lucy and Twiggy better obey the little sign as well. I hope you enjoyed the first outing in Lakeway.
Fiction Favorites 
Great pictures, John. You now have a whole new territory to photograph. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Like a blank canvas. Thans, Suzanne. 😀
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It must be fun to explore the surroundings of your new home. Today’s reflective walk is quite powerful. The sign, “Freedom is not free,” really hit home. Happy St. Pat’s day, John. 🙂
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A very uplifting rather than somber place for sure. Happy St. Paddy’s Day, Gwen.
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Some wonderful new spots for you and the dogs to explore! Enjoy.
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Thank you, Darlene.
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It’s a lovely park, John, and built for a good purpose. Do you drive to it, or can you walk there? I look forward to seeing the inside of the ranch house st some point.
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I do drive but it is walkable for those less mobility challenged. 😁
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How nice of them to honor the veterans!
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I know right?
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I love to see our veterans being honored, John. We have a similar Korean War memorial park near our home. Thanks for sharing!
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Happy St. Paddy’s Day, Jill. 😀
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An interesting outing, John.
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Thank you, Robbie. Unusual twist that this park honors those who served.
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That was wonderful John. A good place to reflect.
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Thank you, Pamela. I think I’ll be visiting quite often.
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Great opening set. How big is Lakeway? Just wondering because of all the names.
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About 11,000. To give you a comparison, Port A was 3,000.
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That’s a pretty big jump.
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Of course Port A awelled to 50,000 in the summer.
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Neat visit to a local park. My corned beef is bubbling in the crock pot as I type this.
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I can smell it form here. Going to be delicious I’m sure. A little stout to go with it?
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May have to settle for some Irish whiskey.
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I have a full bottle of Jamesons here.
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Fax me a glass.
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Sent.
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You have an entire new area to explore. Well done by the park!
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Thank you, Frank.
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This is an especially interesting entry. Most of what I’ve imagined of Lakeway has been shaped by publications touting its resorts and really high-end development, and I never would have expected to see a spot like this. It makes sense, too, that the area would have been a ranch at one time, but I’d never thought of it as an area with history. It will be fun to see what else you turn up.
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I know right? We had the same idea when we scouted out the area. We will have to see what’s available here as far as history is concerned. Maybe it is more than a pretty face.
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What a wonderfully somber place to reflect on life and honoring the Fallen.
Thanks for sharing , John.
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😊
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I lived in Texas. I love Texas and the spirit of Texans…particularly love the Austin/Lakeway ares. Happy for you and family, John. ♥
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Thank you, Billy Ray. I think we are going to be happy here.
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These were moving and beautiful shots of your new neighborhood. Thanks for sharing.
And Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Thank you, Staci.
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Looks like you’ve found a wonderful spot!
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I think so. Thanks, Becky.
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Good morning, John,
So we should not feed our deer? Hm! Well, we don’t actually feed them. For that, we don’t spread enough corn. But we certainly attract them to our property, because we like them.
Have a great Sunday,
Pit
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I think the municipality wants the deer to live under normal circumstances. Feeding causes increased births which puts a strain on the availabe food sources. Unfed, the birth rates stay within the confines of the available resources.
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Understandable. But like I said, we don’t really feed them.
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What a beautiful monument. Looks like it’s going to be a fun place to explore.
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Yes I think so. Thank you, Denise.
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So funny…. I was thinking to myself yesterday that John is gonna have to change his header and lo and behold…perfect timing with the first View of the Neighbourhood!
I enjoyed our first exploration!
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Thank you, Dale. I finally got around to it.
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I love this! My dad was instrumental in setting one of these perks up in Kalamazoo Michigan.
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Aw that is swell, Luanne. Thanks for sharing.
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Love your new header as well as the tour! Selfishly, I’m glad y’all moved so I can vicariously explore another new location (not that I was tired of Port A. — all that water would never tire me!). It seems especially fitting to have reminders such as this.
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Thanks, Debbie. I’m glad we moved too. Not sure I could handle one more spring break.
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Good point!
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😊
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Your new place is FULL of history! Thanks for sharing, John!
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Thank you for reading, Jan
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Boss,
I’m really enjoying the next chapter in your lives. Thank you for sharing.:)
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Thank you, Marc.
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It’s beautiful and I imagine a monument to walk around in and reflect.
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Very peaceful too. 😊
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A beautiful park, John – excited to see your new area!
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Thank you, Teri.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this, John. Always good to see war monuments as there are never enough thank yous to our veterans. And it’s only a few blocks from your new home, so you and the girls can visit often.
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I’ll bet The Spirit of Freedom Park hasn’t had this kind of attention in a long time. I’m looking forward to What Lakeway has to offer. Have fun!
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Thank you, Linda.
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Your new place looks wonderful, John. Hope you are enjoying it (seems like it).
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We are, Phillip. Thanks.
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Beautiful.
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Thank you, Rhonda
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Thanks for the tour! I like the simplicity of the memorials. They send a powerful message.
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They do. Thank you, Marie.
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