Category: Views of the Neighborhood

Views of the Neighborhood – Looking for Blooms

~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood looking for anything blooming. It is still a little early for the crape myrtles to be fully out, but maybe we can catch a glimpse of some early bloomers. We are being catered by Salt Lick BBQ of Driftwood, TX. Our entertainment is The Turtles.

Menu

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

Let’s start with a rainbow that signaled some welcome rain.

A large magnolia in bloom.

A Mexican butterfly weed.

White crape myrtle just starting.

Pink crape myrtle also just beginning.

Red roses.

A lighter shade of red rose.

Pink roses.

Russian sage.

Purple salvia.

Vitex is in bloom.

Lantana.

Another white crape myrtle.

A fabulous Vitex.

A fountain with water surrounded by vincas.

That is the tour this week. So let’s have some food and listen to the music.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Water features

~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

Today is another slow one in Lakeway, so we will visit some features folks have placed in their yards. I had hoped to get photos of the water bubbling in fountains, but most are not turned on for our visit. Fountains of a certain size have been restricted due to the lack of rain. We will make the best of it with food catered by Bangers of Austin. Our entertainment isBrad Paisley

Menu

Bratwurst – Our take on the most classic of German sausages. Mild, perfectly balanced & delicious. Topped w/ sauerkraut & grain mustard. Served w/fries. 

Spicy Italian – A classic Italian sausage w/ plenty of fennel and a whole lotta red pepper. Topped w/ sautéed to order, peppers & garlic, & fresh basil. Served w/fries.

Drunk Chicken – Beer Serrano Peppers, Red Pepper Flakes, Cilantro & more beer. Topped w/ garlic aïoli & grilled onions. Served w/fries.

Jalapeño Cheddar Brat –Our world-famous bratwurst w/ some jalapeño & cheddar cheese mixed in. Topped w/ spicy peppers & grain mustard. Served w/fries.

Chicken & Apple – Brown sugar, nutmeg & cinnamon make this a classic. The applesauce & brandy we fold in at the end makes it a legend. Topped w/ garlic aïoli & grilled onions. Served w/fries.

Hot Andouille Sandwich & Fries – Sliced down the middle. Crisped on the griddle. Served on a toasted Martin’s potato bun, dressed NOLA style w/ mayo, lettuce, tomato & house-made pickles. Served w/fries.

Duck, Bacon, Fig – Dried figs, plumped in port wine w/ honey & bacon. Topped w/ fig chutney, grilled onions & garlic aïoli. Served w/fries.

Banger’s Classic Hotdog – An all-pork hotdog made by hand. Topped w/ grain mustard & house made relish.

For Resa

Vegetarian B.L.T. – Vine-ripened & sun-dried tomato sausage infused w/ cheese curds. Topped w/ shiitake mushroom “bacon,” sliced tomatoes, shredded iceberg & garlic aïoli. Served w/fries.

Portabella Mushroom Sausage – Topped w/ grilled asparagus, charred kale & fried shiitake mushroom “bacon” & dressed w/ house-preserved lemons & garlic aïoli. Served w/fries.

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

We start off with what appears to be a glorified birdbath.

A sleek modern feature. Yes, that is water bubbling.

A nice ceramic bubbler.

A grand fountain behind the gates. That little sign says Trespassers will be shot (Just kidding)

A nice-sized fountain but no water today.

Girl with sombraro and no water.

Another behind-the-gate fountain.

This is usually a pleasant water feature, much like a waterfall.

A large size fountain to complement the house

Little cherubs holding up the two-ton basin.

Our final stop is a nice lot overlooking Lake Travis. We will have our brunch here and enjoy the music. I hope you have a great week.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Yard Decorations

~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day

I have to admit it is a slow week in the neighborhood. The Producer did see some unusual yard decorations, so that is what the tour is all about today. We are being catered by Ten Ten of Austin. Our entertainment is The Yardbirds. (Of course)

Menu

Grilled squash, black garlic, baby spinach.

Charred hamachi kama black garlic, pickled vegetables

Sea bass miso butter, bok choy

Pork belly ssamjang, baby lettuce, pickles

Short rib Japanese bbq, shimeji

Wagyu new york strip summer squash, shiso

A5 wagyu tenderloin hatcho miso, 8oz

A5 wagyu strip shiso wasabi gremolata 14oz

A5 wagyu ribeye veal truffle demi-glace 24oz

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

We start with a dinosaur and a frog character. (Sorry for the fuzzy photo, but it had to be taken from a distance.

A slightly tilted wind sculpture.

A full-blown windmill.

Mushrooms and lights.

A very strange headless monk. (I think monk.)

One of the more weird yard decorations. When the wind blows, there is an illusion of motion.

Another wind sculpture and some steel flowers at its base.

A glass something sitting among rocks.

Totally weird. Our favorite purple house now has aliens. Two kid aliens are taking a nap on the ground.

Back to normal. Steel sunflowers. (Yeah, they are normal)

That is the tour. I hope you have a great week. now enjoy the food and music.

Views of the Neighborhood – May the Fourth be with You

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

The Lakeway Parks and Recreation had initially planned an event for May 4th featuring a movie showing Star Wars; The Rise of Skywalker. Unfortunately, there was the threat of thunderstorms, so the event was moved to the 5th. We can still go back and participate through the magic of time travel. Here is the poster for the event.

We are catered by

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go.

We are in the right place. The big screen is set up.

Folks are gathering

The Craigo’s truck is here with free pizza.

The popcorn is ready to go.

A storm Trooper looks like he’s ready for all comers.

Here is a brave warrior taking him on with a laser sword.

 

The kids are ready for laser tag, as is Din Djarin.

Fun for everyone.

“May the Force be with You.”

Let’s have some pizza and enjoy the movie. I hope you have a good week.

Here is a trailer.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Mailbox Toppers

~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Today we are going to visit some mailbox toppers. Most are new, but there are a couple of repeats. We are catered by Trulucks of Austin. Our entertainment is Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

Menu

Prime Seafood

  • AVAILABLE PAN-SEARED OR BROILED WITH EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, FRESH LEMON, SEA SALT AND BROCCOLI
  • CHILEAN SEABASS MSC certified, all-natural, mild flavors with a clean finish
  • NORWEGIAN SALMON* all natural, well marbled with clean flavors
  • SUSHI GRADE TUNA* AAA sushi grade, bright red with a steak-like texture
  • IDAHO RAINBOW TROUT Idaho raised, tender, flaky, and mild
  • TEXAS REDFISH smooth textured, sweet, and firm meat

Prime Steaks

  • USDA PRIME HAND-CUT, AGED A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS. ALL STEAKS ARE SEASONED AND BROILED AT 1200 DEGREES
  • NEW YORK STRIP* center-cut
  • FILET* barrel-cut 
  • RIBEYE* center-cut boneless
  • STEAK FRITES* flat iron, truffle fries, tartar béarnaise

Plant-Based

  • MEATBALLS smoked tomato sauce  |  Three
  • BOLOGNESE Field Roast sausage, Impossible meatballs, tomato, cashew ricotta, basil, pappardelle

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

The first is a peaceful pup without any holiday get-ups

Naked armadillo.

Mother and baby Armadillo.

Talavera pot.

Talavera frog.

Tin Gila Monster.

Butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth, cat.

Wise one.

Twiggy’s stone doppelganger.

A mockingbird interloper.

Temple guard (retired).

Just in case you promised to make something happen when pigs fly.

Big ole cement cactus.

Let’s finish with a cute bird and cat.

Now let’s have some food and listen to the music. I hope yu have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Member Craft Show

~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

I have been doing the Views of the Neighborhood in Lakeway for four years. The odds that each view will be spectacular become less the longer one temps the fickle finger of fate. This week the finger got me. I was excited to go and record the Member Craft Show at the local country club. It just seemed logical that wherever the elite met to play golf, there would be some outstanding results.

I have to say those who displayed their crafts and interests were gracious and lovely. The problem was only four tables were taken. Two were crafts, one a vet and one an author. We are being catered by Barlata of Austin. Our entertainment is Brad Paisley.

All Paellas are gluten-free, with the exception of the Fideuas

  • FIDEUA – (Pasta instead of rice) Roasted fideo paella, sepia, squid, shrimp & aioli

  • FIDEUA NEGRE  – Roasted Fideo paella, squid ink, sepia, squid & allioli

  • HORTELANA  – Saffron rice, mixed vegetables, currants, pine nuts & allioli vegetarian, vegan

  • ARROS NEGRE – Squid-inked rice, mussels, sepia, squid, and aioli

  • BARLATA –  Our best-selling paella! Saffron rice, chicken, chorizo, shellfish & vegetables

  • BARCELONETA –  Saffron rice, squid, shrimp, octopus & shellfish

  • ARROS AUSTIN –  Saffron Rice, pork belly, pork ribs & Shiitake Mushrooms.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

The first exhibitor specializes in self-motivational pieces.

Her table.

Examples of her work.

Self-affirming messages.

Coasters and Palo Santo incense sticks.

A dedicated animal oncologist encouraging early screening of pets.

Pamphlets explaining an early blood test for cancer and other diagnostic aids.

A handmade craft table.

Examples of the items.

Here is the author, Amanda Tice, and her son.

Photo of a lone patron.

A place that is an excellent handcraft exhibit in its own right. So relax and enjoy the music. I hope you have a super week.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Fairy Trail in Lakeway

~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

Today we will go to the Activity Center and walk on the Fairy Trail. This is a display by Parks and Recreation to celebrate spring. We are catered by Zaza Mediterranean of Austin, and our entertainment is Little Big Town

Menu

On the way to the trail is the work going on in the sculpture garden. Here is a shot of the bridge crossing Hurst Creek. The green bumpers are to keep any construction materials out of the water.

We had a shot at the pre-concrete installation a couple of weeks ago. This is newly poured.

The entrance to the fairy walk.

A friendly elk. (All the figures are lit at night)

A view of flowers and a very large dove.

Here is a bluebonnet among the rocks.

Some deer.

A different view of the flowers and dragonfly.

For Dan, pieces of equipment working on a water retention structure.

Mushrooms galore. I will admit nighttime would have been better, but I’m sure you have better things to do with your evening.

Sit back and enjoy the food and entertainment. I hope you have a wonderful week.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Air Park Celebration of Alan Babin’s 20 Years of Life

~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today we will visit Lakeway’s Air Park, where a celebration of Alan Babin’s 20 years of life takes place. It was 20 years ago the Army medic was severely wounded while saving others. If you want to read more about Alan, you can visit my post HERE.

We will have pancakes and sausage at the airpark, and our entertainment will be Lee Greenwood.

 

Picture of an old time school bus

So get on the bus and let’s go.

Here we are at the air park. The marker tells us we are in the right place.

The tables are ready for the pancake breakfast.

A tribute to Alan. Since he was a medic, he has the nickname “Doc.” Today, in addition to the open house and breakfast, Alan will be taken on a flight around Lake Travis escorted by a warbird.

Here is the plane that will take Alan on his ride. It is a 1973 BEECH C90

Incoming is the War bird that will escort Alan’s flight.

A taxi to position.

A 1949 NORTH AMERICAN T-6G was used as a trainer for naval aviators. Others have flown in for the occasion.

A 1943 Aircraft: Beechcraft D17A Staggerwing

A 1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser with flotation.

1946 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser without flotation.

A 1963 PIPER PA-18-135 with flotation.

A 2021 Vans RV-10

Folks looking at the plane that will take Alan on his flight.

The Producer caught a shot of the flight.

Well, that is the tour. So, let’s join the others and enjoy those pancakes while we listen to the music. I hope you have a great week.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – In Search of Easter Decorations

~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

Today we are going to search Lakeway for signs of Easter. We are being catered by Another Broken Egg of Austin. Our entertainment is Bing Crosby.

Menu

SHRIMP ‘N GRITS – Gulf shrimp and andouille sautéed with red peppers and onions in a spicy low country reduction over creamy cheese grits. Served with garlic bread and lemon.

HASH BROWN BENEDICT – Ham and cheese stuffed crispy hash brown croquettes, topped with poached eggs, mushroom herbed hollandaise, and red peppers. Served with grits or fresh country potatoes.

EGGS BLACKSTONE BENEDICT – Grilled red tomato slices on an English muffin, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise, chopped bacon, and green onions. Served with grits or fresh country potatoes.

MARDI GRAS OMELETTE – Filled with Louisiana crawfish, gulf shrimp, andouille, and red peppers, topped with tomato hollandaise, tomatoes, and green onions. Served with an English muffin and grits or fresh country potatoes.

CRAB CAKE BENEDICT – Jumbo lump crab cakes on an English muffin, topped with poached eggs, andouille-infused hollandaise, red peppers, and green onions. Served with grits or fresh country potatoes.

SMOKED SALMON BENEDICT – Toasted bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and poached eggs, topped with red onions, capers, and green onions. Served with grits or fresh country potatoes.

COUNTRY POWER BOWL – Scrambled eggs filled with country ham, onions, and tomatoes over Cheddar jack cheese grits. Topped with country sausage gravy. Served with baked bacon and an oversized biscuit.

CHICKEN & WAFFLES – Crispy fried chicken tenders on a Belgian waffle, drizzled with house-made chipotle honey.

CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST – Thick-sliced, house-baked French-toast style cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese icing, rum butter sauce drizzle, fresh seasonal berries, and fresh whipped cream. Served with two eggs any style and baked bacon or house-made sausage patties.

MONTEREY POWER OMELETTE – Egg white omelet filled with chicken, onions, green chilies, and tomatoes. Topped with guajillo sauce, Jack cheese, and avocado. Side of sour cream. Served with an English muffin and fresh seasonal fruit.

SKINNY OMELETTE – Goat-cheese-filled egg white omelet with asparagus, roasted red peppers, and roasted garlic cloves. Topped with fresh herbs and green onions. Served with an English muffin and fresh seasonal fruit.

SHRIMP BENNY – Poached eggs on grilled focaccia with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, onions, and arugula. Topped with Gulf shrimp in a creamy velouté sauce and green onions. Served with fresh seasonal fruit.

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

Our first stop is a fancy bunny mail topper.

Next is another bunny but one looking very content.

The purple house has gone all out with Easter Baskets (in the skeleton’s flanges) and eggs.

Now, this is an Easter display that you may remember from last year.

Bunny guards the door.

Here are some pretty sketchy carrots. The spring wreaths look good.

Bunny-eared tortoise. Yes, that is a bunny tail on the tortoise too.

An egg flag is always welcome.

A happy Easter message to all of us.

An easter egg hunt to finish the tour.

So let’s enjoy the food and Bing Crosby.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Since there is not too much going on in Lakeway, I thought we would just cruise and see what turns up. We are catered by Valentina’s of Austin, and our entertainment is Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow.

Menu

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go.

Our first stop is near city hall and the chess player sculpture. Looks like they are putting in a path.

It winds past the Elk sculptures.

A piece of equipment for Dan.

A new pedestrian bridge over the creek.

A final look at the site.

You don’t often see pinwheels in bags of recyclables.

A desk in pieces. Maybe work at home time is over.

A broken pot inside its identical partner. Now, this is a sad scene.

Here’s a pot on its own. Looks like plant culture didn’t go well.

The old recliner with a cup holder. This serious leisure item on the street means the tough times are back.

Box springs and door combo means someone didn’t clean their room on time. (Parent quote, “If you don’t clean up this room, I’m throwing your door and bed in the trash.”)

Well, that’s the tour. I hope you liked a little bit of nothing. Now relax have some food and enjoy the music.