Views of the Neighborhood – Bluebonnets and Sculptures

March 17, 2024 · by John W. Howell · in Views of the Neighborhood · 115 Comments

Lakeway has three new sculptures, so we want to go see them. Also, there are bluebonnets in bloom, and we want to check them out too. We are catered by Second Bar and Kitchen in Austin, and our entertainment is Gene Autry.

Brunch menu

Picture of an old time school bus

So come on and let’s go.

Our first stop is the activity center courtyard to see the Frog and Lilly Pad bronze sculpture and fountain.

Bluebonnets and wild purple verbena in the Greenbelt.

Dragon Park bronze sculpture.

A close-up of the Dragon Park sculpture.

Greenbelt bluebonnets.

A close-up of a bluebonnet.

Neighborhood bluebonnets with a Tempeste touch.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Now, sit back and enjoy the food and music.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, The Last Drive, Views of the Neighborhood

115 comments

joylennick · March 17, 2024 - 4:08 am ·

My husband’s ideal snack, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:41 am ·
  
  Thanks Joy.
  
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satyam rastogi · March 17, 2024 - 4:11 am ·

Nice post

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:42 am ·
  
  Thank you.
  
  LikeLike
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · March 17, 2024 - 4:36 am ·

Thanks for the beautiful Sunday greeting, John! Lakeway can’t be beaten in it’s creativity. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy your day! xx Michael

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:43 am ·
  
  Thank you, Michael. I hope you have a peaceful Sunday.
  
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House of Heart · March 17, 2024 - 5:04 am ·

A lovely tour of the city. Bluebonnets are beautiful and a sure sign of spring. ☘️

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:46 am ·
  
  Thank you, Holly. 🐂
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. House of Heart · March 17, 2024 - 12:17 pm ·
    
    Thank you! 🐂
    
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    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:05 pm ·
      
      🌹
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. House of Heart · March 17, 2024 - 7:21 pm ·
      
      🌹
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:48 pm ·
      
      😊
      
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Gwen M. Plano · March 17, 2024 - 5:54 am ·

Beautiful, John. I also remember Joan Hall’s photos of Blue Bonnets last year. Texas has a lovely Spring terrain. And I especially like the concluding Tempeste photo! 😊

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:47 am ·
  
  Thank you, Gwen. We always like the bluebonnets and it is a sure sign of spring. 😁
  
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quiall · March 17, 2024 - 6:10 am ·

The last picture is my favourite.

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:48 am ·
  
  It is mine too, Pam.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan Antion · March 17, 2024 - 6:12 am ·

Great to see the bluebonnets and Tempeste. I love the Dragon Park sculpture. All the breakfast entrees with fancy names and ingredients look good, but how can I pass up two eggs, smoked bacon and hashbrown potato cakes?

Happy Sunday, John.

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:48 am ·
  
  Sour dough toast too. Thanks, Dan.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dan Antion · March 17, 2024 - 5:20 pm ·
    
    Oh, yum.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 5:37 pm ·
      
      Yes indeed.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · March 17, 2024 - 6:19 am ·

Nice tour. Are those the early spring bloomers of your area?

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:49 am ·
  
  Yes. The bluebonnets are a little early this year. Normally in April.
  
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  1. Charles Yallowitz · March 17, 2024 - 8:12 am ·
    
    Nice. Hope they stick around. Crocuses came out early here and they’re paying for it.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 9:33 am ·
      
      Unfortunately the bluebonnets last only a month. (if that) So when they come early they are gone early too.
      
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    2. Charles Yallowitz · March 17, 2024 - 10:15 am ·
      
      That’s definitely unfortunate.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:40 am ·
      
      I agree
      
      LikeLike
shoreacres · March 17, 2024 - 6:21 am ·

The photo of Tempeste and the flowers is the clear winner — and a great song choice!

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:50 am ·
  
  Thank you, Linda. I wanted something that said Texas like the bluebonnets do.
  
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Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · March 17, 2024 - 6:25 am ·

Spring has sprung and Tempeste is enjoying checking out the new neighborhood!

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:50 am ·
  
  She is enjoying checking out everything.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
GP · March 17, 2024 - 6:45 am ·

I thought everything online today would be green, but to honor the Texas bluebonnets, I’ll have the blueberry cheesecake french toast – thanks!

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:52 am ·
  
  Great choice. Not much St Paddy’s Day stuff around. I was thinking of a feature but couldn’t find anything. Thanks, GP.
  
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  1. GP · March 17, 2024 - 12:53 pm ·
    
    LikeLike
    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:07 pm ·
      
      Love the link. Thanks.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Darlene · March 17, 2024 - 7:32 am ·

The dragon sculpture is fabulous! I love how you snuck in the picture of Tempeste amongst the bluebonnets. Adorable. My dad was a huge Gene Autry fan and sang this song often. A nice memory for me. Thanks.

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 7:54 am ·
  
  I’m so glad you got a good memory, Darlene. It always surprises me how songs can immediately take us to a place in the past. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Darlene · March 17, 2024 - 8:30 am ·
    
    Songs are the biggest trigger for me. You seem to know how to pick them too.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 9:35 am ·
      
      Sometimes I luck out, Darlene
      
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John Hric · March 17, 2024 - 8:23 am ·

Nice to see Tempeste soaking up the local culture. Enjoy the bluebells !

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 9:34 am ·
  
  The bluebonnets are enjoyable for sure.
  
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Liz Gauffreau · March 17, 2024 - 8:38 am ·

I always enjoy seeing your bluebells in bloom. Tempeste is the perfect complement to them. It was fun listening to the Gene Autry song, too. Have a good week, John!

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1. Liz Gauffreau · March 17, 2024 - 8:39 am ·
  
  *bluebonnets
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:31 am ·
    
    I knew what you meant.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:30 am ·
  
  Have a good week too, Liz. I’m glad you enjoyed the post today
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Liz Gauffreau · March 17, 2024 - 7:07 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 9:17 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
noelleg44 · March 17, 2024 - 8:54 am ·

Love the bluebonnets! Especially with the sweet face of Tempeste in the middle of them!

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:31 am ·
  
  Thank you, Noelle. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
robertawrites235681907 · March 17, 2024 - 8:59 am ·

Hi John, the blue bonnets are lovely. A bit like Britain’s bluebells in the spring. The statues are picturesque.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:35 am ·
  
  Thank you. Roberta. So glad you liked them.
  
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  1. robertawrites235681907 · March 18, 2024 - 10:32 am ·
    
    😀
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 2:18 pm ·
      
      I’m glad you got a laugh, Robbie. After I sent it I thought maybe you wouldn’t get the joke, but of course you being you, did.
      
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    2. robertawrites235681907 · March 19, 2024 - 7:10 am ·
      
      🙏😉
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · March 19, 2024 - 7:25 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLike
Kymber Hawke · March 17, 2024 - 9:06 am ·

I would love a dragon sculpture at my house. 😀 I really love bluebonnets. My grandma had them and I always thought they were so pretty.

Tempeste is such a cutie-patootie! 🧡🌷

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:36 am ·
  
  I think that sculpture would be perfect for you. Thanks for the lovely comment.
  
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lois · March 17, 2024 - 9:28 am ·

I was reading Southern Living where there are several pages of the bluebonnets and Lady Bird Johnson’s dedication to wildflowers. This must look beautiful in person.
What to get: Texas waffles or the French Toast?!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:38 am ·
  
  Texas waffles of course. Lady Bird was instrumental in getting wildflowers planed along the highways. They are beautiful too.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · March 17, 2024 - 9:36 am ·

Aww, Tempeste looks so sweet amid those bluebonnets! It’s wonderful when a pup comes home already knowing how to pose for pictures. And at first, I thought the diver on the right was doing toe-touches! Love the frog sculpture, too.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 11:40 am ·
  
  The diver on the right did look like toe- touches. I had to laugh at your description. Thanks, Debbie.
  
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Tails Around the Ranch · March 17, 2024 - 10:26 am ·

Awww, little Tempeste sure enhances the Blue Bonnets. They make for quite the photo op.

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:00 pm ·
  
  The Producer could not help herself. Thanks, Monika.
  
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Cindy Georgakas · March 17, 2024 - 10:42 am ·

So lovely, John. Thanks for sharing. Next time please pick me up❣️😉

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:01 pm ·
  
  All you have to do is jump on the bus. That can be done from anywhere. (This is fiction)
  
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T. W. Dittmer · March 17, 2024 - 12:06 pm ·

Beautiful flowers, John, and impressive sculptures. I really like the dragon, of course.

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:02 pm ·
  
  Of course, you would like the dragon. Thanks Tim
  
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  1. T. W. Dittmer · March 17, 2024 - 3:08 pm ·
    
    And, like Marie says, the picture of Tempeste with the bluebonnets is great!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:16 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Marie A Bailey · March 17, 2024 - 12:13 pm ·

Love those bluebonnets! And that photo of Tempeste with the bluebonnets is frame-worthy 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:05 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Marie. It is a good shot. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Becky Ross Michael · March 17, 2024 - 12:56 pm ·

Wonderful tour of the bluebonnets! So pretty.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:08 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Becky
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Becky Ross Michael · March 18, 2024 - 10:13 am ·
    
    Always enjoy your tours, John!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 2:16 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Mae Clair · March 17, 2024 - 1:04 pm ·

I’m jealous of all those blue bonnets. Tempeste looks like she’s enjoying them. 🙂

Love the dragon sculpture, too!

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:09 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Mae. She enjoys everything.
  
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The Coastal Crone · March 17, 2024 - 1:13 pm ·

Thanks for sharing your bluebonnets, John. I need to get out for a drive and find some. The frog and dragon were impressive, but Tempeste stole the show. And thanks for brunch and Gene Autry song.

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:10 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jo. Yes a drive is a good thing to do. A country road is best. I hope you have a good week.
  
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Bruce@WOTC · March 17, 2024 - 1:29 pm ·

The bluebonnets are always beautiful, and it seems like Tempeste agrees, John.😀

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:11 pm ·
  
  She does, Bruce. Thank you.
  
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Annette Rochelle Aben · March 17, 2024 - 1:35 pm ·

Kept thinking I had found my favorite photo as I scrolled along, and then along came Tempeste! ❤

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:12 pm ·
  
  Ha ha ha. A surprise at the end.
  
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thomasstigwikman · March 17, 2024 - 2:20 pm ·

Great photos. It is a beautiful neighborhood. Bluebonnets are beautiful. I had not realized until now that you live west of Austin, a 20 minute drive from Jester King Brewery, my favorite Texas brewery (I live in Dallas).

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:14 pm ·
  
  I’ll have to look that one up. I have not tried it. Thanks for the heads up.
  
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Jennie · March 17, 2024 - 2:34 pm ·

Tempeste and Bluebonnets – what could be better? 😀

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1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 3:15 pm ·
  
  From my point of view, not much.
  
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  1. Jennie · March 18, 2024 - 6:33 am ·
    
    Exactly!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 6:54 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · March 17, 2024 - 5:13 pm ·

I saw the word bluebonnet and had to take a look. Love the photo of Tempeste in the flowers.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 5:35 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Joan. Glad you liked it.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
John Holton · March 17, 2024 - 5:18 pm ·

Twiggy looks adorable among the bluebonnets.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 5:36 pm ·
  
  Thank you, John.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Author Jan Sikes · March 17, 2024 - 5:37 pm ·

I love seeing the bluebonnets popping up! A true sign of spring. I think my favorite sculpture would be the dragon. Love it! Thanks for the tour.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 5:40 pm ·
  
  Thank you for coming along, Jan.
  
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Resa · March 17, 2024 - 7:17 pm ·

The bluebonnets are blootiful, the sculptures sublime
but Tempeste steals the scene every time!
OX OX OX OX

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 17, 2024 - 9:18 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Resa. OX OX Ox OX
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · March 18, 2024 - 3:34 pm ·
    
    W OX OX F!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 3:39 pm ·
      
      🐕X 🐕X 🐕X 🐕X
      
      LikeLike
coldhandboyack · March 18, 2024 - 5:56 am ·

Great idea for a tour. I love the art and early signs of Spring.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 6:53 am ·
  
  Thanks, Craig. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcia Meara · March 18, 2024 - 9:17 am ·

Smiley Burnette! Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a very long time! 😀

As usual, your Friday post is filled with interesting and beautiful photos. LOVE the bluebonnets, and wish we had them growing wild here. Looks like I’ll have to visit Texas if I ever want to see them in the wild.

As always, a great post, John! 😀 ❤

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 2:15 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Marcia. Yes I don’t know where else they grow either. So, Texas it is.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcia Meara · March 18, 2024 - 2:24 pm ·

When I googled them, it indicated Texas was IT, which makes you guys the lucky ones. They sure are pretty!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 2:32 pm ·
  
  They are. Welp then you have to get that covered wagon oiled up and hit the trail West.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
dgkaye · March 18, 2024 - 3:15 pm ·

Wow, I loved that Blue Bonnets were sprouting everywhere. And, of course, the dragon. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 18, 2024 - 3:36 pm ·
  
  Yes the dragon. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · March 19, 2024 - 8:51 am ·

With my taco in hand, I am loving the call of the bluebonnets, and then I come upon that dragon and I think to myself, this is as good as it gets!

And then there’s Tempeste, and I realize I just hadn’t walked far enough yet.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 19, 2024 - 10:55 am ·
  
  Ha ha ha. I love the comment, pilgrim.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · March 20, 2024 - 9:17 am ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale · March 19, 2024 - 8:53 am ·

Tempeste amongst the bluebonnets – what more can we ask for? Lovely images, John.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 19, 2024 - 10:56 am ·
  
  Thank you, Dale. The Producer did that and I was glad she did. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · March 19, 2024 - 3:17 pm ·
    
    Us, too!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · March 19, 2024 - 4:57 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Book Club Mom · March 20, 2024 - 8:46 am ·

I always enjoy these neighborhood views, John! Great signs of spring, too 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · March 20, 2024 - 3:57 pm ·
  
  For sure, Barbara. Thank you.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person

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