Views of the Neighborhood – Emergency Services

November 5, 2023November 5, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Travis County Emergency Services display. The purpose of the collection is to educate residents of the county on the services available. We are catered by Lynny’s of Austin. Our entertainment is The Ohio Players. It is a cloudy day, but the rain has stopped. We are early to the event, so most visitors have yet to arrive.

Sausage Biscuit – ham or veggie sausage sub available on request

Dana’s Biscuit – dark chocolate, toasted pecan, brown sugar

Toaster Pancakes – seasonal flavors, served with butter and syrup

Melon salad -melon, lemon vinaigrette, toasted pecan, pickled golden raisin

Deli Breakfast- everything biscuit, swiss cheese, sliced tomato, fried egg, and a Pickle Envy pickle spear

Grilled Cheese – sourdough, Colby jack, swiss

Ham Slam- ham & swiss melt on griddled sourdough, with housemade chipotles and a fried egg

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get going

Pedernales district fire truck and a little boy.

Lake rescue unit.

Search and rescue team.

A fire safety simulator to learn what to do in case of fire.

A significant disaster EMS multi-patient vehicle.

Fire rescue.

Bucket crane for rescuing kitties and Dan Antion. (Just kidding. The buckets are used for emergency electrical repair.)

Good ole Lakeway police.

Car accident simulator for turnovers and water.

Special craft area for the kids. They will be building wooded boats.

Jump house.

Ice cream.

Bar B Que.

The bookmobile.

Music while we learn.

I hope you enjoyed the tour, and now it’s time for food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Witches Ride

October 29, 2023October 29, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 108 Comments

Today, we are attending the witch’s ride in Lakeway. This is an annual celebration of Halloween and includes events as well as an opportunity for the community to dress up and ride in a parade. There are a ton of things to see. There will be food at the event so we will eat there. Our entertainment is Frank Sinatra.

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

Here’s the banner.

Happy Halloween to everyone.

Gouls.

Witches and pumpkins.

Games for everyone, including first responders.

A juggler.

Face painting.

Balloon animals.

Dress up and take a photo.

Day of the Dead reminder.

Parks and Recreation.

Lady stilt walker.

Big screen.

Monster band.

Participants in the ride.

Dragon bike.

Spectators.

Decorated cart.

Another cart.

And another.

Participants.

On the menu – Tamales.

Ice Cream.

Kettle corn.

Sno cones.

Subs, Salad, pizza.

We all love the bookmobile.

That is about it. So relax, wander around, eat, and enjoy the music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Sculpture Garden Ribbon Cutting

October 22, 2023October 22, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Lakeway Sculpture Garden. The construction of the garden and the footbridge have been projects conceived and led by the Department of Parks and Recreation. We are catered by the Salty Sow of Austin. Our entertainment is Rick Nelson.

CRISP CHICKEN THIGHS

fried smashed potatoes, neck bone gravy

CANDIED PORK BELLY

collard greens, pot liquor, soy balsamic syrup

RANGER CATTLE WAGYU CHEESEBURGER

caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, pickles, Salty Sow special sauce, duck fat fries

SLOW COOKED BEEF SHOULDER

mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, fried egg

PETITE BONE-IN FILETS

mixed mushrooms, red wine sauce

SMOKED PORK CARNITAS

avocado, tomatillo salsa, corn tortillas, bbq hominy

GENUINE BLACKENED REDFISH

quinoa + lentils, smoked tomato, chipotle Tabasco lemon butter

So let’s go

Parks and Recreation have cookies for the event. In the background, you can see the giant scissors that will be used later.

One of the sculptures. The chess players.

The elk family.

The Crane.

The community orchestra is ready to play.

The spectators are in place. (looking much like an Edouard Manet painting)

A view of the new footbridge over Hurst Creek.

To the right is the old footbridge.

Looking back toward the garden. A paved path and rock retainers.

Thomas Killmore, the mayor, makes a few remarks.

The ribbon cutting

Now is the time to relax and enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Decorations

October 15, 2023October 15, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

I’m a little early with the Halloween tour, but I will be offline at a granddaughter’s wedding in New York next weekend. So, we are going to tour the neighborhood this week. We are catered by Asti Trattoria of Austin, and our entertainment is Ray Parker Jr.

ASTI Benedict – focaccia / prosciutto / poached egg / hollandaise / dressed greens

sub smoked salmon

Shakshukaarrabiatta – 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

So let’s get on the Halloween bus (if you dare)

A coven of witches.

A dangerous spider.

A cute turtle,

Purple witch.

Graveyard and witches.

A pterodactyl.

Don’t know what this is.

The famous Halloween house is all decked out.

Two orange skellies and a dog.

Tall mummy.

Cute ladies.

Ghosts on a wall.

Strange hitchhiker.

Pucci man.

The University of Texas fans and their kids.

It’s the largest spider ever.

Spiders and bats.

On our way.

That is the tour. Sit back and enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – National Night Out with the Lakeway Police

October 8, 2023October 7, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Last week was National Night Out, and here in Lakeway, the Police Department sponsored a visit to their headquarters. We can step back in time and visit this event. The Police Department has opened its facility to give the public an idea of its services. We are going just before everyone arrives to see what they have prepared. We are catered by Olmalie in Austin. Our entertainment is (who Else) The Police.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

Here we are at Lakeway Police Headquarters.

A cornhole game is set up.

Mounted Police Officer.

A large screen with rotating photos of the department.

It is an excellent area to have a bite to eat.

Speaking of a place to eat. How about some pizza?

Cookies for dessert and soft drinks.

A K9 officer and his happy pup.

Sometimes, a SWAT team is needed.

The court is represented.

The Department’s Victim Services.

Lakeway activities.

Crime Scene Investigators.

The Telecommunications Group has giveaways.

Goodie Bag.

Name the fish contest.

I liked this sign. If you see something online, there is a safe place to meet your buyer.

That is our tour. I thank the Lakeway Police Department for hosting this National Night Out event. Now it’s time for some food and music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament.

October 1, 2023September 30, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

The term cornhole for the game came to be in Germany in the 1800s. A man invented the game and then took dried kernels of corn to fill the little bags, hence the name. We are attending the second annual cornhole tournament sponsored by the Lakeway Parks and Recreation. We will just eat there since there is a pizza truck at the event. Today’s entertainment is John Denver.

Tell ’em to put your food on my bill.

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

The fire department is here to make sure nothing is going to flame up.

A miniature soccer shooting course for the kids.

Four in One Game and Facepainter.

Face painting materials.

Inflatable slide.

Jumbo TV screen.

The tournament grounds.

A couple of targets and a scorekeeper.

Target, bags, and drink holder.

The prizes will go to the winners.

Trophies for (from left) Third, Second, and First place.

A participant warming up. (Red bag at eleven o’clock)

Official measurement.

There’s the truck, so relax and have some food. Listen to the music. I hope you have a fabulous week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Wildlife

September 24, 2023September 23, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

Today, we will check on the critters in our neighborhood to see how they are doing. We are catered by Nixta Taqueria, and our entertainment is The Troggs

Menu (click to enlarge)

Picture of an old time school bus Time to go

A Buck looks like he needs to train a member of the herd.

A doe and fawn crossing the road. (Don’t ask why. The chicken covered it before.)

Fawn in our Driveway. The spots have faded.

Joined by its Mama.

And an aunt and cousin.

Whoops, a few more.

A shot of the clan who visit us each day. One has already wandered off.

Asking what we are doing there with a hoof stomp.

Three does. One drinking rainwater off the manhole cover during the drought

One who still has spots.

A Texas Armadillo looking for breakfast.

An Axis Deer chillin’ in the neighborhood. He always keeps his spots.

Well, that’s the tour. I hope you enjoyed it. TimIt’s time have some food and listen to the Trogs. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood Art by Mary Barnes

September 17, 2023September 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today we are going to the Lakeway City Hall, where there has been an installation of some works by artist Mary Barnes in the art gallery. We are catered by Texas French Bread of Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago.

TFB classic deli sandwiches half/whole

served with tortilla chips & TFB salsa
make it a lunch special (+ cookie and iced tea)
turkey
ham and swiss
chicken salad
vegetarian
pimento cheese
Nicoise sandwich

savory pastry lunches

warm, savory pastry, small market salad or cup of soup
make it a lunch special (+ cookie and iced tea)
butter croissant
everything croissant
green chili & cheese
ham & cheese croissant
spinach & cheese croissant

breakfast sandwich
breakfast tostadas
market salad
soup

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on, and let’s go

The first oil is titled Glacier Park St. Mary’s Lake. I have to apologize that some of the photos appear off-center or skewed. The lighting was not the best and did cast on the paintings to create a hot spot. I moved around until the hot spot disappeared.

The View from Chicos Mountain Lodge Big Bend.

King of the Ferry Landing.

If This Old House Could Tell Its Story.

Cyprus Mill Creek.

Blooming Cactus.

The Shoppers. The Red Umbrellas.

And All That Jazz 1.

All That Jazz 2.

Love That Country Music.

I hope you enjoyed the art. Time to relax and have some food while listening to the music. Wishing you a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Inspirational Rocks

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today, we will go to the Greenbelt to look at a newly installed feature, which is inspirational rocks. We are also going to the Activity Center to see some kids creating rocks. We are being catered by L’oca D’oro of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel.

Brunch menu

Fresh Mozzarella, blistered shishito, marinated & roasted okra, lemon-tomato curd

Beet Cashew Dip, seeded lavash, sumac

Confit Magic Molly Potatoes, chevre, arugula, blueberry

Panzanella, grilled peach, focaccia, pesto, stracciatella

Polpette, Waygu brisket & heritage pork meatballs,
tomato jam, pecorino, oregano

Bacon, house-smoked thick-cut Iberico pork

Egg Salad Toast, miso, sourdough brioche, chives

Porchetta Sandwich, focaccia, Boggy Creek arugula, olive pesto,
preserved lemon aioli

French Toast Stick, cherry sorghum, raspberries, whipped mascarpone

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, pink peppercorn, pecorino Romano

Radiatore, pistachio fonduta, cured & grilled lion’s mane, sunchoke tamari

Spaghetti Carbonara, pancetta, chili crisp, grana padano

Picture of an old time school bus

So get on the bus.

In April 2020, we visited some rocks that had been placed in the Greenbelt by some anonymous folks as a way to cheer up others during the pandemic.

April 2020.

April 2020

Now there is a place where you can leave a rock or take a rock.

The other side of the display.

A close-up of some rocks.

A distance shot of the feature.

Rocks are being made at the Activity Center

The rocks before conversion.

After a child’s hand.

I hope you enjoyed the brief trip. Sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a super week. Here is Simon and Garfunkel with I Am A Rock

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Art Show

September 3, 2023September 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today we are going to visit the activity center and the art show. We are catered by Clarks of Austin, and our entertainment is Rod Stewart.

New England Clam Chowder – Chive, Chervil, Bacon, Oyster Crackers

Roasted Golden Beet Salad – Watermelon, Sheep’s Milk Feta, Mint,
Toasted Pistachios

Wood Grilled Shrimp – Toast Pea Tendrils, Shaved Celery, Harissa Aoili

Mussels & Clams – in White Wine & Herbs Wood-Charred Sourdough

Lobster Roll – Drawn Butter, Bibb Lettuce with Clark’s Fries or Slaw

Tuna Salad Sandwich – Olive & Parsley Vinaigrette with Clark’s Fries or Slaw

Pan Roasted Black Angus Hamburger – Sauce Gribiche & Gruyere with Clark’s Fries or Slaw
Toasted Pullman BLT – Niman Ranch Bacon, Tomato, Butter Lettuce, Sunflower Sprouts, Avocado & d’Espelette Aioli
Grilled Kale & Goat Cheese Omelette – Crispy Marble Potatoes & Red Chimichurri, Hollandaise
Crab Cake -Watercress & Frisee Salad, Pickled Shallots, Hollandaise

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

Here is the poster for the event. We did not go on the studio tour.

This is birdbath heaven.

Also, a TV tray heaven.

A jazz trio for our listening pleasure.

Plants are art , too.

These paintings are made with alcohol inks. Alcohol inks are fast-drying, waterproof, highly pigmented, alcohol-based inks that are great to use on a variety of surfaces. These are dye-based colors (as opposed to pigment-based) that are flowy and transparent.

Some oils on canvas.

Mixed media.

A big selection

Of course, pottery is art.

Some are larger than life.

Computer-generated art and graphite.

To cool off with some shave ice.