Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

Today represents one of those in-between kind of weeks. I have called it potpourri. We went to Bee Cave to witness Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo, seeing his shadow indicating early spring. It is too early for many Valentine’s decorations. So, we will now wander the neighborhood to see what else is going on. We are catered by Diner Bar in Austin. Our entertainment is Fleetwood Mac.

Menu

To start

  • SHRIMP TOASTbenne seeds, fino sherry, sourdough
  • DEVILED EGGS – smoked fish, Dijon, trout roe
  • SPICY BLUE CRAB SALAD0ld bay, cayenne, toasted saltines
  • DINER BAR LETTUCES – feta, pickled peppers, oregano
  • CHICORY SALADradicchio, escarole, anchovy dressing
  • RABBIT DIRTY RICEbraised rabbit, chicken livers, Holy Trinity
    Dinner
    • COUNTRY PASTA – bucatini, pork belly, black pepper, parmesan
    • CHICKEN COUNTRY CAPTAIN – curry, sourdough trencher, almond, currants
    • GRILLED KOBOCHA – pumpkin middlins, coconut, pepitas
    • 16OZ NY STRIP – maître d’ butter, garlic confit, lemon
    • PORK SCHNITZELDijon, chicories, anchovy vinaigrette
    • DAYBOAT CATCH – salsa verde, clams, potatoes, white beans

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

Austin Statesman photo

 

Bee Cave Bob coming out of his den.

Taylor Kamnetz photo

An early spring  prediction by Bee Cave Bob

Deer in the neighborhood

Wondering if I have a handout

Oops. Looks like someone forgot the holiday decorations.

The first Valentine’s decoration.

A new sculpture on the mailbox.

A shutter that needs fixing and a wreath that needs storing. (I am not going to mention the holiday lights)

Some more deer in the yard.

Looks like this mailbox had a rough night.

Ding, ding, ding. Another winner for Valentine’s decoration.

A bunch of does getting carrots.

All (but one) scatter when the buck arrives.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour. Now, it is time for food and music. I hope you have a great week.

 

106 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar

    Time to take the Christmas decorations down. Love the deer. Can’t go wrong with Fleetwood Mac!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Go your own way had a wandering feeling. Much like the post.

      Like

  2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    I’d never heard of Bee Cave Bob!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He is there. I’ll be honest I never heard of him either.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. circadianreflections's avatar

    I love the deer, and yes, they’re way overdue getting down those Christmas decorations.
    A Bee Cave Bob Day…only in Texas! 🤣❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, only in Texas for sure. Thanks, Deborah

      Liked by 1 person

  4. GP's avatar

    Your neighbors never fail to give you fodder for Sundays. And you amuse us with your captions!
    I got up just a few minutes ago, so I’m not very hungry, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can identify with that. Well brunch is at 10:00.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Jennie's avatar

    I still can’t believe all the deer you have. Bee Cave Bob seems like a cool dude. I like his prediction. I finally got the Christmas wreath down last week and put up a eucalyptus wreath for the rest of the winter.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Sounds like a great idea.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Interesting that Texas uses and armadillo, not a groundhog, to predict spring’s coming. They’re fascinating to me. Your neighborhood sure looks nice, John. That collapsed mailbox looks like a drunk knocked it over. All those deer!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can’t tell you what knocked the mailbox over. Usually its a car or truck, but who knows.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

        Probably somebody drunk. 🤨

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I agree. I’m sure it’s not a deer cause they don’t drink.

          Liked by 1 person

  7. shoreacres's avatar

    Love Bee Cave Bob. There’s a Waxahachie Walt, too. You know the old saying: if the armadillo sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of every kind of weather there is.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Texas weather is like that.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    I love the tours around your neighborhood. The deer are magnificent!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Kymber.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Guess armadillos work in a pinch when you can’t find a groundhog.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thinbk most anything would do. 😁

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        Except a hippo. They don’t strike me as the type to be happy about waking up to a crowd.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. You are so right.

          Like

  10. John Hric's avatar

    You sure set a mean breakfast table John. It is great that both Punxsutawney Phil and Bee Cave Bob agree on an early spring. They both can survive to prognosticate another year.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. There are the “Off with their heads” types hanging around.

      Like

  11. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I love the name Beecave Bob. Sounds like a good character name. Somehow, when I think of deer with carrots I didn’t picture it the same way.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hard for them to hold them.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. lois's avatar

    What does Twiggy think of these ‘wild animals’ wandering around? We have nothing like that in my neighborhood–we are so boring.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She pretty much accepts them. Only when one decides to stalker her does she start barking.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Debbie's avatar

    Poor Monk would likely have a heart attack if he looked out the window and saw that many deer in his yard! The Valentine’s wreaths are pretty, but yes, the Christmas decorations need to come down. Surely y’all have had sufficient nice weather for people to complete that task?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You would think? The shutters on that one house should give you a hint on maintenance.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. noelleg44's avatar

    What a perfect day – lots of things to see and Fleetwood Mack. Their Rumors album will always be their best of all time. Some folks are just lazy – probably put the Christmas decorations up late and just don’t want to take them down?
    As for me the schnitzle and deviled eggs – going for broke with cholesterol.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think your analysis of the folks with decorations is spot on. Cholesterol in moderation is not such a bad thing.

      Like

      1. noelleg44's avatar

        Deviled eggs are my downfall!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Done right they are so good. I’m with you.

          Like

  15. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Oh, deer… I have some Toledo friends who would be freaked out by all the deer. They HATE the deer wandering through their neighborhood. to each their own…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We all love the deer.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    Wonderful tour, John, The menu looks great and loved your fun pictures. Fleetwood Mac ia one of our favorites!!! My husband is a Stevie Nicks fan! 💕💃🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like Stevie as well but I really like their work. I think Tusk is one of the best.

      Like

  17. Sorryless's avatar

    The menu looks divine and the wildlife looks happy. As far as that mailbox goes, I always wondered what a mailbox with a hangover looked like.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is one for sure. I wonder if a little bicarb would help. Naw, forget that. Three fingers of Grey Goose will fix it.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, I didn’t know armadillos predicted the seasons. I thought that was groundhogs. The Christmas decorations are a little tired now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      This is Texas. Armadillos do everything. I agree they are tired.

      Like

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar

        😀 Texas is in the news 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We are thankful that other states recognize the bullying behavior of the Biden administration. Unlawful immigration is being encouraged by Biden and efforts by Texas to stop it have been challenged in the courts. So far the courts have sided with the feds which is logical because it is federal responsibility to keep our borders secure. The unfortunate part is the feds are not fulfilling their responsibility, so we have rampant incursions into Texas. The 26 states that support Texas are sending police to help stop the illegal immigration and to protect the rights of legal citizens. Biden blames Congress for not passing stricter laws but the point is the laws on the books now are strong enough to stop the problem. All that is necessary is to order the border patrol to enforce the law. That has to come from Biden and the head of Homeland Security. So far they refuse.

          Like

        2. robertawrites235681907's avatar

          A most unfortunate situation.

          Like

  19. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    Loved the tour John.. and oh to have deer in the front garden, but no good for the flower beds :-)… And the trimming up for Valentines… A new concept for me here in the UK… 🙂 but I guess it will eventually catch on, like Halloween did.. 🙂
    Enjoy your Week ahead.. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes if you like chocolate then there might be a reason to trim up the house. Maybe the cupid fairy will drop some off.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        🙂🧚‍♂️🧚‍♀️🧚

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Watch out for that arrow.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

          It struck 53 yrs ago John, we just our 49th wedding anniversary. 💗🍾

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Wonderful. Congratulations.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

          Thank you John 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  20. Dale's avatar

    I went to my sister’s on Friday and there is this one house that not only still has the lights up (I can understand waiting till it’s warmer to remove them) they were turned on. Good grief. The deer are having a day, unlike that mailbox – let’s call it vintage!!
    Thanks for the tune!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The mail box is a little past vintage. I think the term is junk.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        I was trying to be nice… 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Mae Clair's avatar

    Wow, you really do have a lot of deer in your neighborhood. We get a few every now and then, but that’s the extent of the visits.

    I had no idea about Bee Cave, Bob. He’s in agreement with Punxsutawney Phil, who also predicated an early spring. YAY!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think they may have colluded, Mae. No proof of that but it could be.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    John, what a terrific tour! Ending it with The Mac was the perfect touch.
    Just the idea of Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo had me smiling. I’m so glad you took (and shared) photos. The menu is mouthwatering too.
    Holy Hannah! That’s a lot of deer in one place considering it’s a neighborhood. Big hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Last count we have 600+ deer and 11,000 residents.

      Like

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

    Great tour, John. I love the old rustic mailbox, but bending might be an issue. It looks like it’s almost on the ground.😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. It used to be on top of an organized set of stones which are now a pile of rubble.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    A very interesting potpourri tour. I had forgotten about Bee Cave Bob – glad he agrees with Phil.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes i can’t imagine a conflict. Who would we believe.

      Like

  25. Resa's avatar

    Listening to and loving the song!
    What the heck are pumpkin middlins?
    I’ll just have the chicory salad, hold the dressing!

    The new sculpture is quite cool.
    The “dear” steal the show.

    Random, like the tour!
    🟠✖️ 🐂 🦊-F 🐸 – fr&g+x

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Rice middlins are broken rice grains. I don’t know what pumpkin middlins are. The deer do take the show always. Thanks, Resa
      🟠✖️ 🐂 🦊-F 🐸 – fr&g+x

      Like

      1. Resa's avatar

        I guess they’re broken pumpkins, then.
        Maybe the band Smashing Pumpkins know something about this!
        🎃X 🎃X

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We should call them. 📞X 🎃X 🎃X

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          Good Idea! You got their number?
          📞X 🎃X 🎃X 🟠X (symbolic pumpkin)

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I do not 📞X 🎃X 🎃X 🟠X🖋X Maybe a letter

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          I don’t have an address. An album signing perhaps?
          💿𝖃 💿𝖃 💿𝖃 💿𝖃

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Good idea. 💡X 💡X💡X💡X

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Resa's avatar

          My eyes!!!! It’s so bright in here.
          😵‍💫𝞌

          Liked by 1 person

  26. Dan Antion's avatar

    Go Your Own Way is a god tune for this collection, John (I love Fleetwood Mac). Somewhere between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. And the deer don’t seem to care one way or the other.

    I’ll try the Spicy Blue Crab salad and the Pork Schnitzel. I won’t mention the rabbit appetizer to anyone around here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes keep that dish under wraps. Thanks, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  27. jilldennison's avatar

    I think I’ll bring my own lunch this time 😉 Awwww … Bob is cute! Never saw an armadillo up close and personal before! Wow … all the deer … I love seeing how unafraid they are coming right up to the houses like that. I will hold my tongue about the Christmas decorations, since we still have our Christmas lights in the window — it’s just been so grey and dreary that we hate the thought of taking them down! Thanks for the trip, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes the weather is a good reason for lights still up. Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Our development’s holiday decorations just went down this week! Love seeing the deer, even when they’re looking for handouts 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Barbara.

      Like

  29. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Your neighborhood would be a deer hunter’s paradise. 🙂 Thanks for the tour. Maybe the Christmas decorations will eventually come down. Gotta love Bee Cave Bob!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The deer are like pets. I’m sure the decorations will fade as time goes on. Thanks, Jan.

      Like

  30. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    I don’t think Bee Cave Bob is as famous as Punxsutawney Phil, but perhaps his predicting skills are better. I read that Phil’s prediction skills are terrible.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m not sure of the stats on Bob. I can imagine he has a similar profile to Phil. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Go Your Own Way is a great tune while sampling the local food fare. Bee Cave Bob is quite a celebrity to be sure…perhaps one day he and our PA Phil will make a dual appearance together? (Those deer ARE like pets…!)🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The deer are so used to humans that it is scary. We have our share of those hit by cars each year (usually fawns) and the community mourns each one. They are part of what the vommunity is. Thanks, Bruce.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Teri Polen's avatar

    Even though our weather is unseasonably warm this week, I’m still not convinced about the early spring.

    Like

  33. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Whoa…that’s quite the spread. Poor Bee Cave Bob looks unimpressed with the attention. Excellent entertainment.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Monika. I think Bob would rather sleep.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. dgkaye's avatar

    Love the deer – and the menu, lol. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Both brings smiles.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. srbottch's avatar

    Wow, lots of deer. Are they a problem in the hood? Yes, fix those shutters. Have a great week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are not a problem because we all know not to plant stuff they like. They have plenty of food in the lawns and meadows.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Annika Perry's avatar

    John, I enjoyed learning about Bee Cave Bob – what a tradition! Love Fleetwood Mac and listening to the link as tapping away here! I’m beginning to wonder if some people are leaving up the Xmas decs until next year as there are a couple of houses with theirs still out. odd! Oh, I’ve never seen Valentines Decorations before but they are lovely and much needed colour in the darkness of February!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true, Annika. We have very few Valentine’s decorations but it is nice to see the happy colors. I have no good reason for people leaving decorations up. Maybe they just don’t want to let go of the feeling of the holiday. Thank you for the lovely comment. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  37. kethuprofumo's avatar

    I would call this set: betweeen deerie holidays.😂😂😂 Thank you for the inspiration, dear John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Maria. 🥂🍰

      Like