Views of the Neighborhood – In Search of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is not the kind of holiday where you see a lot of decorations. I found evidence of a spirit of Thanksgiving and want to share it with you. We are catered by  Franklin Barbeque of Austin. Our entertainment is Dee Dee Sharp.

Sandwiches

  • Brisket
  • Pulled Pork
  • Turkey
  • Chopped Beef
  • Tipsy Texan

Sides

  • Potato Salad
  • Slaw
  • Pinto Bean

Pies

  • Bourbon Banana
  • Pecan
  • Ruby’s Dang Pie
  • Key Lime Pie

Picture of an old time school bus

We are ready

A happy turkey welcome.

Texas style of leaves turning.

Hints of yellow in the green.

Crape Myrtles are ready for the winter.

 

There you go. A little flag.

A bee is thankful for The Producer’s Roses. (photo by The Producer)

A banner that screams harvest.

A longhorn and unique Thanksgiving display.

A tired turkey. (It could have been overserved.) The Christmas wreath is a nice touch.

A nod to the season in the flowerboxes.

Our favorite Armadillo is all decked out to greet the Great Turkey.

Ride ’em, Turkey.

Now let’s relax and have some food and enjoy the entertainment. I hope you have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving.

66 comments

  1. karenringalls's avatar

    Another wonderful Thanksgiving disply in preparation for the special day. Thanks for sharing, John. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Karen. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving as well. 😊

      Like

  2. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    The Longhorn display is amazing, though it doesn’t come close to the Producer’s rose. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The roses are gorgeous right now. That was a terrific photo. Thanks, Gwen.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Darlene's avatar

    I like the Longhorn with the Thanksgiving decorations. “Mashed Potatoes” sure takes me back!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That family puts out fabulous displays each holiday. Loved doing the mashed potatoes.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Thank you for the reminder that joy is how we make it! Happy Thanksgiving, John!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Annette. Joy needs to be worked on for sure. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Starting to see more Thanksgiving decorations this year. A few people in the area simply dressed their 20 foot skeletons up as pilgrims, turkeys, or just fall colors. I can get behind those things being used for every holiday.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think that is a clever idea. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    The Producer’s roses are gorgeous. Great capture of the bee. I think the longhorn is happy about turkey being served for this holiday.

    Normally, I’m a sucker for pulled pork, but being that we’re in Texas, brisket, potato salad and bourbon banana pie.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The high heat this summer almost did the roses in. They are beautiful now. Great selection on the food. Wishing you a great week, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    It looks like the neighborhood is ready for Thanksgiving. The Producer’s photo is gorgeous. Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. I’m wishing you and your family the same peace, Jill.

      Like

  8. shoreacres's avatar

    Love that Longhorn display! I laughed at your photo of the Texas style of leaves turning. That’s exactly right — good for you for capturing it!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There just isn’t a bunch of color around. Thanks, Linda.

      Like

  9. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Thanks for showing us your neighborhood’s displays, John. The beautiful roses still in bloom are fantastic.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They almost conked during the heat wave but here they are. Thanks, Tim

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Marcia Meara's avatar

    As always, your neighborhood never fails to disappoint me, John. I especially love the longhorn steer and pumpkins! Wish we had more decorators in our neighborhood, but since we don’t, I’ll enjoy yours vicariously. Thanks for sharing, and here’s wishing you and all your neighbors a Happy Thanksgiving!
    🦃:D ❤ 🦃

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marcia. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jennie's avatar

    Thanks for the tour, John. Love the turkey riding the dog. You picked a perfect song (I can still do the ‘mashed potatoes’ dance.) Happy Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good for you on the dance. I can do it on crutches. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Hahaha!! 😅

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    The Mashed Potato sure is a blast from the past! I love the color of crape myrtles in the fall.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you Liz. Normally the Bradford pears are reddish but the heat got to them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    I absolutely love the décor! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Thanks for the tour, John! The photo of the rose is gorgeous. Kudos to the Producer for getting a two-fer (insect + flower). Y’all have about as much color as we do here in north Florida 😉 I love the Longhorn display, and while I enjoyed listening to Dee Dee Sharp, just watching the dancers made me feel very tired (and old).

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I know how you feel about those dancers.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Woody Edmiston's avatar

    Nice pictures, definately the season. The two metal straps on the dog just say “Austin” don’t they (I was a deputy there for a dozen years or so) When I was there a great lunch was Sam’s BBQ on 12th. Miss it. Celebrate the season. WDE

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hey Woody. I’m glad you logged in. Your comments are excellent. I was very surprised at the straps. Not being near downtown we don’t get the usual crime and mischef.

      Like

      1. Woody Edmiston's avatar

        It would be correct to say that I saw more crime than most Austinites, some saw a lot more than I. Actually lived in Lago Vista. Ran for Sheriff there is 2000, spent a lot of money, would have tried again, but aging family pulled me away to Tyler.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Sounds like it was a pretty interesting experience.

          Like

  16. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Happy toilet day, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Craig. Happy Toilet Day to you as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. noelleg44's avatar

    Love the turkey riding the dog – and that longhorn display is impressive. My daughter laughed when I told her I danced “The Mashed Potato.’

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll bet you could show her a thing or two about that.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        And I’d look darned silly doing it!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Get some old combat boots. then you would look silly.

          Liked by 1 person

  18. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    The Producer’s rose is gorgeous – good shot! Love the longhorns.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving.

      Like

  19. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    Giggling at the Christmas wreath and tired turkey. SlThe season has just begun and I’m with ol’ Turkey Tom. Sigh. I’ll take the Tipsy Texan and some banana pie!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good choice on the food. I thought the combo of wreath and sleepy Tom was classic.

      Like

      1. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

        Maybe he hurried up to just wait…. 😅

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          good reason to be tired.

          Like

  20. Debbie's avatar

    John, I got a kick out of that longhorn wearing a flower crown! And the turkey riding what looks to be a long-suffering, well tied down, dachshund! We’ve seen plenty of those blow-up turkeys and little harvest flags here, too. Thanks for another restful Sunday stroll!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you enjoyed it Debbie. I’m sure there are plenty of blow-up turkeys out there.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Happy Thanksgiving, John and family! I love the photo of the longhorn! That screams Texas. And as others commented, the turkey riding the dog was hilarious! Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

      Like

  22. John Holton's avatar

    What’s a “tipsy Texan”? Looks like some great eats here!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      This sandwich tastes like everything that is good. The moist, smoky brisket is some of the best, if not the very best, you’ll ever have. The slow cooked sausage is marbled with fat. Briny pickles and tangy, creamy coleslaw cut the fat. Even the bun was somehow above average: mildly sweet and soft, unobtrusive but good enough that you’ll eat it even when there’s no filling left.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, I love the colours. The longhorn display is my favourite

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is terrific for sure, Robbie. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. circadianreflections's avatar

    The Longhorn fall/Thanksgiving display wins the day for me, and I’ll have a sliver or each pie to try please. 😂🦃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is a fun display. Pie coming up. Thanks, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    I love the Thanksgiving decorations, John. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Teri Polen's avatar

    Of course my favorite is the last one with the dog and turkey. Happy Thanksgiving, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is a funny one for sure. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. srbottch's avatar

    Pulled pork, slaw and pecan pie, please. (Do you say, ‘PEE-can’ or ‘pe-CAN’? We alw add us did. the former when growing up but, then, I came from a a family of New England yankees. I like the Texas long horn.
    Have a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving, John & family.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We say Pe-CAN but a lot of folks around us say PEE-can. Happy Thanksgiving to you and family, Steve. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Dale's avatar

    I’m late to the party but hey, it was yesterday so… not too bad, right? I love the armadillo and cactus, decorated in fall colours the best!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you liked it, Dale.😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        You know it 🙂

        Like