Views of the neighborhood – Seasonal Story Boards

December 21, 2025 · by · in Views of the Neighborhood · 68 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway Activity Center to view some of the seasonal storyboards.  There is a series of boards along the outdoor path of the activity center. Each board tells a story. Since there are 28 boards, there is not enough room for them all here. I’ve picked a representative sample. We are catered by Ezov Middle Eastern restaurant. Our entertainment is Human Nature,

Menu

Falafel Scotch Eggs – tahini, amba, green schug

Hummus & Pita – tahini, warm chickpeas, za’atar

Crispy Sweet Potatoes –  tahini, date molasses, mint

Pan-fried Halloumi – Texas figs, spiced saffron honey, arugula

Traditional Latke -spiced apple compote, embered labne

Jerusalem Bagel – za’atar cream cheese, smoked snapper

Khachapuri – ackawi cheese, egg, lots of herbs

Loaded Latke – fried eggs, ackawi cheese, beef bacon, chives

Sabich Benedict –  crispy eggplant, poached eggs, amba hollandaise

Green Shakshuka  – frecini, leeks, fennel, poached eggs

Toasted Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich – Challah, Pickled Lemon Aioli, cabbage salad

Steak Shish & Eggs –  wagyu beef skewer, two eggs over easy, fried potatoes

Santabus from Waterford Unified School District, photographed by Suzanne Bauer, director of transportation.

The bus is ready. Let’s go

 

The first board.

History of the tree

 

Hanukkah.

Holiday lights

Christmas cards

Spirit of giving

Small gift history

The food (of course)

Santa around the world.

The holiday plants.

And the baking.

The beginning of the trail at night.

It is time for food and entertainment now. I hope you have a very Happy Holiday.

&nb

sp;

 

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68 comments

  1. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar
    Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · · Reply→

    A lovely festive post John…. and a delicious menu… Thanks for taking us along. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year. hugsxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Sally. Wishing you the same. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  2. robertawrites235681907's avatar
    robertawrites235681907 · · Reply→

    Very nice post, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Glad you liked it, Robbie.

      Like

      1. robertawrites235681907's avatar
        robertawrites235681907 · · Reply→

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Like

  3. equipsblog's avatar
    equipsblog · · Reply→

    Lovely story boards, John. Santa Bus is a unique work of art. Thanks for the seasonal treat.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      So glad you liked it, Pat. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. equipsblog's avatar
        equipsblog · · Reply→

        Quite welcome, John 🧑‍🎄

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar
    Annette Rochelle Aben · · Reply→

    Festive smiles from across the miles… most appreciated and returned! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thanks, Annette. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Sorryless's avatar
    Sorryless · · Reply→

    I will dine on Falafel Scotch Eggs as I read up on the histories of all these holiday mysteries. Provided to us by the Boss.

    Hope your weekend is going well my man.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      It may take you all week. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar
        Sorryless · · Reply→

        Ya think?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          Ha ha ha

          Liked by 1 person

  6. circadianreflections's avatar
    circadianreflections · · Reply→

    I love the bus! It looks like you hit all the best story boards.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      I trued my best. Thanks, Deborah. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Charles Yallowitz's avatar
    Charles Yallowitz · · Reply→

    Love the bus.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thanks.

      Like

  8. noelleg44's avatar
    noelleg44 · · Reply→

    Loved reading all the histories! and that bus made me laugh. The menu is very tempting – I need a diet, so I will take the hummus and pita!

    Happy Christmas to everyone and every dog in your household!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Noelle. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  9. T. W. Dittmer's avatar
    T. W. Dittmer · · Reply→

    That is a great setup of the storyboards at Lakeway Activity Center, John. The bus sure is pretty. The path looks nice.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thanks Tim. It is very festive 😄

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar
        T. W. Dittmer · · Reply→

        🎁🌟😊

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Dan Antion's avatar
    Dan Antion · · Reply→

    I enjoyed the history lessons, John. I’m going to start the holiday period of ignoring the diet and go with the Steak Shish & Eggs. I mean, how can you pass that up?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Hard to pass but since it is mostly protean you should be okay. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  11. petespringer's avatar
    petespringer · · Reply→

    Happy holidays to you, the professor, and of course, the dogs.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Pete. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Liz Gauffreau's avatar
    Liz Gauffreau · · Reply→

    Nice doo-wop throwback!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thanks Liz. I thought it would be fun.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar
        Liz Gauffreau · · Reply→

        You’re welcome, John! Fun is always welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😊

          Liked by 1 person

  13. GP's avatar
    GP · · Reply→

    Whoa! Talk about holiday spirit, John. Your neighborhood sure has it!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Yes. It is here,GP. 😊

      Like

  14. Cindy Georgakas's avatar
    Cindy Georgakas · · Reply→

    Thanks for the merriment!!!! Hope you have fun!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Cindy. I hope you do as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar
        Cindy Georgakas · · Reply→

        Thanks John.. I’m heading out tonight to see the lights which will be fun!!!! xxx

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          That is fun. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Cindy Georgakas's avatar
          Cindy Georgakas · ·

          It sure was!!
          💕

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          Glad they were on for you.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Cindy Georgakas's avatar
          Cindy Georgakas · ·

          Thanks and we sat in the trolly.. I felt like you! Lol

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😀

          Like

  15. Darlene's avatar
    Darlene · · Reply→

    The storyboards are very informative. I love that version of White Christmas! Have a fabulous holiday at your house.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Darlene. I hope you have a fabulous holiday as well 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Michele Lee's avatar
    Michele Lee · · Reply→

    Thank you for sharing holiday cheer, John. That is definitely the fun bus!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      It is. Thanks, Michele.😊

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Debbie's avatar
    Debbie · · Reply→

    That Santa Bus is just too cute!! And I love the start of the trail with all those Christmas lights. The storyboards are interesting, too — especially the baking one!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Debbie. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  18. lois's avatar
    lois · · Reply→

    I am so late to the party, but I must confess, I cannot stop taking photos of that bus!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Lois.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. thomasstigwikman's avatar
    thomasstigwikman · · Reply→

    That looks like a great day. I wish you Happy Holidays as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      😀

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Resa's avatar
    Resa · · Reply→

    I hope you have a Happy Holiday, too, John!

    I adore the lights, and the holiday story boards are a very cool happening.

    Then again, your hood is full of cool happenings.

     The very best to you and yours!

    🌟𝓧 🎄𝓧 🧁𝓧 O🕊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you so much, Resa. 🌲X 🎅x 🍩X 🌟X☃️X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar
        Resa · · Reply→

        YAH OX OX

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😀X

          Liked by 1 person

  21. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar
    Tails Around the Ranch · · Reply→

    What a(nother) great neighborhood exhibit, John! Totally love the bus-so much fun.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Monika. I enjoy that bus, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. bruce@ssa's avatar
    bruce@ssa · · Reply→

    I loved the festive storyboard tour, John. Great exhibit. The bus certainly has a personality all its own. That video was a perfect tune to have my crispy sweet potatoes with!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Glad you enjoyed it, Bruce. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  23. dgkaye's avatar
    dgkaye · · Reply→

    Wow, that Lakewood surely does a great job with celebratory events. Looks beautiful, and delish food. Happy holidays to you John. 😋🌲

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      Thank you, Debby. I hope your holiday was special 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye's avatar
        dgkaye · · Reply→

        Thank you John. 😁

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar
          John W. Howell · ·

          😀

          Liked by 1 person

  24. Jennie's avatar
    Jennie · · Reply→

    That bus is the best! The storyboards are very interesting. Thank you, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar
      John W. Howell · · Reply→

      😊

      Liked by 1 person

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