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.
Moving away from the police station, we are stopping briefly at the Activities Center. There is a box for all the letters to Santa.
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.
Fiction Favorites 
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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What’s this about identity? Are you saying Santa is someone else? I hope you have a lovely day as well, Gwen. 😁
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My little brother was the one who told me there was no Santa Claus. I was very upset!
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I’ll bet it is tough when a brother lies to you. Don’t worry Santa is real.😊
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Ha ha, thanks!
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😊
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Lovely to see the community celebrating the spirit of Christmas.
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Thank you, Ally. 😁
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You’re very welcome 🙂
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Cheers to the givers and the collectors during the season. That’s the first Christmas Cactus I’ve ever season on a lawn. Love it. Thanks for bringing Toby along for entertainment. Hey Toby – I have a request – Beers for My Horses.
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Here you go. A little drama too https://youtu.be/o1JOFhfoAD4
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Thank you, John. Love the song and the video.
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😊
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Your neighbors are doing a great job so far.
But, psst, did you forget the mint jelly with the lamb? 🙄🥴
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You are right. How about some Crosse and Blackwells mint sauce.
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You selected the optimum!
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Hahahha.
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Fun tour as usual. Seeing blow ups appearing around here too. They’re actually more common than lights now.
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That seems to be true here as well. I think it is easier than climbing on the roof.
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Less dangerous too.
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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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I hope so too, Dan. These volunteers are special.
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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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You have to be tough to go to the bar these days. Perfect Rona catching spot. Thanks, Jill
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LOL!
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😊
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But… where’s the sleigh pulled by eight tiny armadillos? Maybe they haven’t corralled the critters, yet. A great tour, John. The cactus is my favorite, although the blue snowman’s nice, too. I wonder if he’s in front of a house of blue lights?
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Thank you, Linda. I loved this video. Those dancers were amazing.
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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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Yes it does get better. Thanks, Marcia.
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Thanks for the tour, John! I hope the Green Santa event was successful.
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I do too. The rain may have kept some away but it goeson until the 4th of December.
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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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Thanks for coming along Darlin’ 🤗
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You know I wouldn’t miss a tour with y’all, ever!
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😊
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Looks great, your neighbourhood, John.
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Thanks, Pit
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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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We have no idea. It does look like a line up for sure. It was something that had to be recorded. Thanks, Debbie.
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Thanks for the tour and the scrumptious fare, John! Wow! You outdid yourself. Love the Cakebread Chardonnay!
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Thank you for jumping on the bus, Jan 😊
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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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Thank you, John
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Your Police Association is rather creative, dear John! What a good idea: the police for feasts & peace. Great stroll! Thank you!
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Thank you, Maria.😊
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in your neighborhood! Glad the rain did not stop the toy drive or your tour. Good food and drinks today!
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Thank you, Jo. We sure needed the rain.
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What a difference a month makes. From creepy to Christmas just like that!
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Just like that. I have one pic which the transition isn’t allthat smooth. I’ll put it up before Christmas.
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I can’t wait to see it.
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Great tour, John, and the food was awesome! (Hope I didn’t drink too much wine. I have a thing for Chardonnay.) I love the mail box for letters to Santa. That’s so sweet!
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It was sweet. All in all the group drank 24bottles so whatever you had was a very small part. Thanks for coming.
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Thanks for the pics – great to see a toy drive – we have one at the library and it’s filling up!
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Good news.
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The Green Santa initiative sounds like a great one, John. Lots of nice decorations already. I have finished baking the gingerbread for my project. My word, it took 16 batches and I am completely gingerbreaded out now.
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I’ll bet. Looking forward to seeing the finished project. 😊
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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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Thank you, Deborah. I’ve started asembling the food for the next one which will be on Sunday. 😁
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😀
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Always enjoy your bus tours, John – and the food is awesome!
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Thank you, Terry. If you think about it after a year I will have published 52 dinner ideas. 😁
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I love this!
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Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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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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The do not enter is the drive to the police garage. Don’t want to go there.
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