Views of the Neighborhood – A Holiday Peek

~ John W. Howell

Well, here we are gathering for another tour of the neighborhood. This week we are going to see how the holiday decorations are progressing as well as some community events. We are getting rain, and it is wonderful. So that y’all will be comfortable, I have arranged a tour that can be done without leaving the bus. Just keep your eyes on the 75-inch monitors and let the remote cameras do the work. While you are relaxing, we will be serving tomato and basil crostini, roast leg of lamb, red potatoes, grilled root vegetables, and cedar plank baked salmon with caper/lemon aioli. For dessert, there are assorted tarts and chocolate chunk cheesecake. The top shelf bar is open, and we are passing Duckhorn merlot and Cakebread chardonnay. For your entertainment, we have Toby Keith playing some of your favorites.

So, hop on the bus, and we’ll be off.

Our first stop is the Lakeway Police station. (All right. Everyone keep your seats) The Lakeway Police Department is hosting the Green Santa toy drop off. The Green Santa drive ensures that no child goes without a gift this Holiday Season.

The rain falls yet the drop off is set up and waiting.

A photo of the high school student volunteers. Thanks, guys for giving of your time.

 

A. big box that needs filling.

I don’t think the hydration station is going to get much use today. There is plenty of hydration falling from the sky.

Of course, the police car is there to let folks know the donation station is open.

A few welcome lawn characters.

Views of the Neighborhood

Moving away from the police station, we are stopping briefly at the Activities Center. There is a box for all the letters to Santa.

Views of the neighborhood

A big bunch of presents too.

Now into the neighborhood. Here is a very eclectic gathering of shepherds, farm animals, dogs, and Mary and Joesph.

The three wise men did make an appearance as well.

A quick view of the mailbox topper shows a festive decoration.

Lawn blow-ups working hard to make us smile.

A blue snowman with a big smile.

That about does it for our tour this week. We will be seeing some more holiday decorations and of course, the Trail of Lights in the coming weeks.I hope you all have a spectacular week. Have some more to eat and during and here is one of my favorite toby Keith songs. I Love this Bar.

 

 

67 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – A Holiday Peek”

  1. It’s always fun to hop on your bus, John. When we visited Santa’s mailbox, it brought back memories of discovering his real identity. What a pivotal moment for all children! Hope you have a lovely day. 😀

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  6. It was no bother staying on the bus, John. I hope the door is wide enough for us to get back out – that cheesecake wax delicious. I hope the various police toy-gathering stations around the country will remind people of the good that they do.

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  7. It’s nice to see the first responders helping the community, especially when they’ve been receiving such negative press. Thanks for sharing that. I must say John, your bus tour menu is getting more upscale with each outing. I feel like we should be paying for a ticket! Boy, your bars in Texas sure are different from the ones I ventured into during my college years, back in Virginia. 🙂 Great song! Enjoy your Sunday.

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  9. I loved this tour, John! Best EVER! So great to see your local police working so hard to be sure ALL children have a wonderful Christmas. That really made me smile. As always, am amazed at the mailbox toppers. I’ve never seen that in a community before, and think it’s a really fun idea. And all the neighborhood decorations going up! I suspect it’s going to get better and better! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

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  11. Excellent tour with wonderful food, beverages and musical accompaniment. It’s always great to see all the helpers come out at this time of the year. Thanks for taking me along, Boss!

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  13. I always enjoy these tours, John — you put such a lot of thought into the menu and music! I’m still giggling over that gathering of the Holy Family flanked by dogs and farm critters. Was there some reason why they look like a line-up??

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  15. I think your bus tour is starting to make the European river boat tours nervous. Who knew a rainy day could be such an event. I guess I must listen to She Who Must Be Obeyed and put up the seasonal illumination devices today. And get into the spirit of the season. Be well. And rest up before you start planning the next excursion. Don’t wait for the horses to pull up before you pour three fingers. Toby has got that situation in hand…

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  22. The menu is outstanding for this tour, and the sights were delightful. I enjoyed seeing so many other animals in the nativity scene, and the mailbox toppers did make me smile.

    Thanks for the tour. I am looking forward to the next one!

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  25. Please put me on the list for next year’s tour (hopefully COVID-free by that time- fingers crossed). Sorry but I could not help but notice the “conflicting” message of the photo showing the toy drop off and the ‘Do Not Enter’ sign behind the cruiser with the flashing lights. 🙂

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