Views of the Neighborhood – Mailbox Toppers

Yes, we are going to visit some new mailbox toppers in Lakeway. We are catered by Asti of Austin. Our entertainment is The Marvelettes. (Of course)

Menu

ASTI Benedict –  focaccia / prosciutto / poached egg / hollandaise / dressed greens  add sub smoked salmon

Shakshuka – arrabiatta / house ground sausage / baked eggs/parmesan/pecorino / grilled focaccia

Egg White Frittata – roasted romanesco / blistered tomato/butternut squash/fontina / arugula salad

Italian Toast – focaccia / sweet ricotta / lemon curd / merengue / candied rosemary

Shrimp & Polenta – red eye gravy / shaved parmesan

Chicken Cutlet Parmesan – capellini/lemon/capers/garlic/tomato fresca

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is loaded and ready.

Our first topper is a whimsical frog, giving us a lovely welcome.

Next is a perfect rose. (I’m guessing it is made out of recycled water bottles)

A modern interpretation of the planter.

Wise squared.

A unique feature of the purple house.

A happy turtle, although a little out of scale.

Marigolds, a charming pot, and a flag. Can’t miss on this one.

This is not a topper but I thought a red mailbox is worth the mention.

Here is mama hedgehog and her little one. She has a leaf umbrella for shade.

Well, that is the tour so now it is time to relax, enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

 

94 comments

  1. GP's avatar

    The hedgehog is cute, but my favorite is the marigolds w/ the flag.
    I’m having the Benedict, but no salmon!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I liked that one too. One Benedict coming up.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Jaye Marie & Anita Dawes's avatar

    That is an interesting neighbourhood you have there, John…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes there seems to be something going on all the time. Thanks, Jaye.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jaye Marie & Anita Dawes's avatar

        It felt really peaceful, John…

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Dan Antion's avatar

    I always get a kick out of the mailbox toppers. It was a toss-up between the happy turtle and the owl, until I saw the hedgehogs – that’s too cute.

    I’ll try the Shakshuka. The Chicken Cutlet Parmesan looks great, but I’m early for a change. Perhaps a little too heavy for breakfast. Great music choice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are early. I like those hedgehog too. Here’s your Shakshuka, 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    I didn’t know mailbox toppers were a thing, but these are cute! I love the Frankenstein’s monster the most. LOLOL

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You liking that monster comes as no surprise. Thanks, Kymber.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

        LOLOL IKR? I also liked the hedgehogs and owl. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  5. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Nice mailbox toppers, John, showing the inner creativity of neighbors.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes our neighbors are very creative at times. You have to love when one comes up with something totally unique.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. circadianreflections's avatar

    That was fun and whimsical! I thought the Hedgehogs were so cute!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like those too, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. shoreacres's avatar

    I’m loving those hedgehogs! I know someone in England who rescues injured or orphaned hedgehogs; I sent the post to her.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Aw. How nice. I hope she likes it.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    I like the frog. Strong start.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Charles.

      Like

  9. lois's avatar

    I am one of the old-timers in my neighborhood who still has the mailbox on the house. All newer homeowners, for several years now, have to have their mailbox on the street. I keep cute flags by my front door hoping to cheer up the mailperson as they deliver my junk mail in a drenching downpour. I am sure they would be happy with anyone of these decorations on a street mailbox. 📭

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have found most mail persons are really cheered up with a shot of tequila waiting in the mailbox.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lois's avatar

        haha! You must be the favorite stop on their route. Thanks for the tip, John. 🍹😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. Always welcome.

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

    First time seeing mailbox toppers. In my new neighborhood in Portland, OR, we don’t even have individual mailboxes. I miss the convenience.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Individual boxes are convenient. Thanks, Miriam

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

        Yes, they are, John. My daughter has an individual mailbox. It just depends on the locations.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    I particularly like the smiling animals. They’re very welcoming!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yea they do seem friendly don’t they?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Whimsical animal figures are always a day brightener.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          They are for sure. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Makes me want to run around leaving cards and notes to everyone! LOVE the hedgehogs…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do prompt the desire to connect with the owners. Thanks, Annette

      Liked by 1 person

  13. noelleg44's avatar

    Love that frog, John. Great toppers! And the ASTI benedict caught my eye.

    Here’s a song for you:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have always liked that song and enjoyed the video. Thanks, Noelle.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Love these mailbox toppers, especially the hedgehogs. Too cute. Is that an alien standing behind the mask?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes they have four aliens in their front yard. That is just the start too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        Ahhh, one of those neighbors. LOL

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Giant skellys too.

          Liked by 1 person

  15. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    The rose made from bottle tops is ingenious, John. Thanks for sharing that and the other toppers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you Robbie. Glad you liked it.

      Like

  16. Debbie's avatar

    My favorites today are the hedgehogs and the owl. Very interesting mailbox toppers. Folks in my neck of the woods aren’t nearly as clever, so your posts give me something to chuckle over — thanks for a Sunday brightener, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you got a chuckle, Debby. If we all gave each other just one chuckle think how happy we would be.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    I think the hedgehogs are my favourite John… Thank you. I hope you too have a great week xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sue. I hoe you have a great one too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

        We will… 🙂 thank you x x

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Resa's avatar

    Neat toppers!

    We don’t have those kind of mail boxes.

    I tried, but couldn’t pick a fave.

    Okay, the weekend draws nigh. Have a wonderfulmweek ahead, John!

    🐂🐖🐂🐖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Work week draws nigh. Have a wonderful one as well Dear Resa.
      🐂🐖🐂🐖🥬

      Like

  19. Resa's avatar

    OR is it the week draws nigh?

    Darn! Try to be Shakespearean, and look like Jerry Lewis.

    OX OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes week draws nigh. Could say the end of the weekend draws neigh. Ah who cares anyway. OX OX OX

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Why, the nigh high people care, of course!
        😂X 😂X 😂X

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I guess. 😂X 😂X 😂X 😂X

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          🏆🏆

          Liked by 1 person

  20. Michele Lee's avatar

    Can’t go wrong with a happy turtle! It’s fun to see people’s personality come through in their decoration choices.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. There are so many different toppers. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        Can’t top that! 😁

        Liked by 1 person

  21. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    The menu looks good. The photos are great.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Thomas.

      Like

  22. Sorryless's avatar

    The red mailbox is really cool. I just hope the dogs in the neighborhood don’t go confusing it with a fire hydrant.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is a real possibility. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Just so long as they don’t plant any flowers around it, no problem.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

    Wow, they really go all out. Very neat!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Becky.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Are mailboxes toppers a Lakeway or Texas thing? I can’t say I’ve ever encountered them anywhere out west that I can recall.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think it is more a Lakeway thing. Thanks, Pete

      Liked by 1 person

  25. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Wow, you are having a very creative neighborhood, John! xx Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you liked it, Michael.

      Like

  26. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Very nice. Gives the neighborhood a bit of charm.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is true. Thanks, Craig.😊

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Teri Polen's avatar

    You probably guessed my favorite is Frankenstein, lol.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  28. dgkaye's avatar

    Those were fun John. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you like them, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    A fun group, John. I love the frog and owl, and what a great song!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Jennie's avatar

    This was a delightful tour, John. I love the plants and planters on the mailboxes. You’re right, can’t miss with the flag.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      😁 So true, Jennie. I’m glad you liked the tour.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Jennie's avatar

    And the Marvelettes! Great song!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        I wonder if the Marvelettes and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas connected. As to the Chiffons, did you know they played as a back up band to the Beatles in a concert? Apologies for the long reply, John.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I did not know that, Jennie. Thanks for the info. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Jennie's avatar

          I did not know that, either. 20-some years ago I was in a music shop to get an instrument string replaced. While waiting, I admired the memorabilia collection on the wall. The owner was a Beatles fan. There was a poster of the Beatles performance (New York or New Jersey), and the Chiffons were #2. Yes, I nearly fainted, and I wish cell phones were around then so I could have taken a picture.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          There were a lot of times I wish I had a cell phone to capture what was going on. Thanks for sharing that story, Jennie.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Jennie's avatar

          Me, too! Best to you, John.

          Liked by 1 person

  32. kethuprofumo's avatar

    I like this custom, dear John. It gives joy! Thank you for the report! I’m glad that no blue chicken was there.🥳🍻🍤🍤🍤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I should look for a blue chicken topper. Who knows? Maybe one is here.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Oh, are there any Frenchmen in your area? It sounds curious…my friend…😊😊😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have not found any Frenchmen. I was thinking of a cold stone chicken on top of a mailbox that I would pass off as a blue chicken.

      Liked by 1 person