Views of the Neighborhood – Dog Days of Summer.

July 31, 2022July 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

The Producer and I had a great idea to depict the dog days of summer with mailbox toppers. Well, guess what? In all of Lakeway, there are only a few. We did soldier on and found those available. Today on our outing we are going to be catered by Via 313 of Austin Inside Out. Our entertainment is The Band Perry.

Menu Detroit-style pizza

The Original Pepperoni – Smoked Pepperoni under the cheese

The Detroiter – Smoked Pepperoni under the cheese, Natural Casing Pepperoni on top

The Omnivore – Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Pepperoni, Sausage

The Bobo Brazil – Hot Calabrese, Sausage, Red Pepper Flakes, finished w/ Mike’s Hot Honey

The Four Cheese (v) – Our special four-cheese blend

The Carnivore – Our special four-cheese blend – Smoked Pepperoni, Natural Casing Pepperoni, Ham, Sausage, Bacon

The Herbivore (v) – Mushroom, Onion, Green Pepper, Black Olives

The Rocket – Calabrese, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan

The Hawaiian – Ham, Bacon, Pineapple Rings

The Cadillac (Inspired by Tony Gemignani) – Gorgonzola, Fig Preserves, Prosciutto, Parmesan, Balsamic Glaze

The Marinara (v) + vegan – No Cheese, Red Sauce, Garlic, Oregano

The 500 -Natural Casing Pepperoni, Jalapeño, Pineapple Rings

The Ambassador Bridge (Inspired by Jeff Smokevitch) – Sausage, Natural Casing Pepperoni, Fresh Garlic, Italian Oregano, House-Made Ricotta. Sub Plant-Based Pepperoni to make it veggie

A special drink courtesy of Dan Conti – Mezcal Sour Cherry Margarita served in smoked salt-rimmed glass. Also, anything else you wish to drink

Let’s go

Our first is made out of metal.

Cute little dachshund with a University of Texas bandana

Pug anyone?

Happy dog

Another pug

A bulldog from Craig Boyack’s ( Author of the Hat series.) house.

A Shar Pei

Couldn’t help but taking a shot of the hippo and bird since we ran out of dogs.

Cute hedgehog.

And last a baby deer.

So have some pizza and enjoy The Band Perry.

Views of the Neighborhood – Bee Cave Sculpture Park Part II

July 24, 2022July 23, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Well, it is back to the sculpture park to complete our tour. If you missed last week you can go HERE and catch up. We are catered by Luke’s Inside Out of Austin, a food truck. Our entertainment will be Maroon 5.

Trailer made Corned Beef Hash and Eggs with Toasted Buttery English Muffin
Cheese It Migas with Tater Tot Hash
Szechuan Chicken and Waffles with Brie, Bacon, and Honey
Omelet of the Day with Toasted Buttery English Muffin
Brick Fist Taco Jimmy Dean Breakfast-Sausage, Bacon, Tater Tots, Eggs, and Queso in a Very Large Tortilla
Chicken Fried Beef Tenderloin and Cream Gravy with Eggs, Tater Tot Hash
Belgian Waffles with Honey Whiskey and Coffee Whip Cream, Toasted Cinnamon Sugar Pecans, and Crispy Bacon

*All brunch items served with sweet chile mint fruit*

The Burger 8 oz Sirloin Bacon & Cheddar with Love
The Vegetable Falafel, toasted mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, pickled red onion & love sauce
The Shrimp Chipotle Rosemary Glaze with Blue Cheese, Apple & Honey
The Chicken Szechuan Fried with Sesame Slaw
Any kind of beverage your heart desires.

Jump on, and let’s go.

The first is titled Tree Hugger by Brent Baggett. I think Brent had a sense of humor.

Speaking of humor. Wanna Race by Marla Ripperda

Undivided by Matt Devine shows standing together is the stongest way.

Color Keep by Zeke Raney and Elizabeth Farrell adds a bit of fantasy to the abode.

This is not a piece of art but something to do at the park.

A group of bats representative of Auston bat population. Fly By Night by John Mark Luke

A lovey piece titled Ram by Cheryl Latimer

Full Bloom by Jennifer Chenoweth as seen from underneith the work.

Earth Mother by Yuliya Lanina is a haunting piece.

Source by Jonathan Sanders can leave you with questions.

Shining Apollo by Jennifer Chenoweth is made of metal but has a wood like appearence.

A Peaceful Place A Community Project

Last but not least we have a symbor of Texas. Legation Longhorn by Marla Ripperda.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and now it is time to eat and listen to Maroon 5. Have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Bee Cave Sculpture Park – Part I

July 17, 2022July 23, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The Producer was out scouting for some new views and discovered the Bee Cave sculpture park. I think you will find it as interesting as we did. We are being catered to today by Veracruz All Natural. Our entertainment is Sara Evans.

Grilled Steak Taco: Cilantro, onion, queso fresco, avocado

So jump on.

Here is the entrance stone.

This plaque honors the donors. The park was established by a call to artists by the Bee Cave Arts Foundation.

This is Bee Hive mentioned in the plaque by Susan Gulla O’Leary.

Hard Headed Man by Anthony St. James.

The Flame Man by Terry Condrasky.

This one is titled, What? It could even be without a question mark, What. by John Huke.

The Prelude by Itsik Benshalom is the largest sculpture in the park.

Birdview by Terry Condrasky is suspended from the trees.

Selena Open Casting by Travis Boyer

Foreground – Desert Blossom Damian Priour. Background – Leap of Faith GiGi Miller

Inspired World by Mel Meyer is certainly brightly colored.

You have to look close to see the wings of Great Bird by Peter Mangan.

Views of the Neighborhood – Deer check

July 10, 2022July 9, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

Since it is fawn time again, it seems we should check to see how the deer are getting along. Today we are catered by Paperboys in Austin. Our entertainment is Big and Rich.

BRUNCH

classic breakfast -two eggs, maple sausage, potato wedges, buttered toast, strawberry preserves

quiche -smoked eggplant, summer squash, onion, feta, red pepper, dressed arugula salad

paperboy pancake – warm maple syrup, brown butter, sea salt add blueberries or chocolate chips

texas hash-braised pork, sweet potato, onion, kale, poached egg, pecan mole

migas – goat carnitas, pico de gallo, cotija, serrano hot sauce, grilled tortillas add avocado

steak & eggs -44 farms steak, chimichurri, sunny eggs, potato wedges, secret sauce, arugula

chicken & biscuit – crispy-fried chicken, country gravy, sunny egg, spicy honey

pastrami cured lox.

So let’s go.

Looks like dad had babysitting duties.

A newborn in our Agave bed.

Another in the rocks. (Why stones, you have to wonder?)

Bigger and doing our own thing.

Mama with her twins.

Mama with her only baby on the driveway.

Boys’ night out. (Notice the velvet on the antlers.)

“Hey, you. Contact my agent if you want photos.”

Twins on a sunny morning.

Well looks like the deer are doing fine. I hope you have a good week. Now listen to Big and Rich and enjoy the brunch.

Views of the Neighborhood – Fourth of July Decorations

July 3, 2022July 2, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

This is the day before the Fourth of July. So I thought it would be interesting to see some decorations around town. We are being catered by Better Half in Austin. Today’s entertainment is who else but Lee Greenwood.

BETTER HALF BREAKFAST SANDWICH English muffin, crispy hash brown, smoked paprika aïoli, arugula, fried farm egg CHOOSE BACON, BREAKFAST SAUSAGE, BEYOND SAUSAGE, OR AVOCADO

CHICKEN BISCUIT southern fried chicken breast, jalapeño-honey butter, curry bread & butter pickles
PASTRAMI BISCUIT house cured & smoked brisket pastrami,
creamy Swiss & horseradish pimento cheese spread, fried egg

GRANOLA BOWL oats, nuts & seeds, pomegranate molasses,
local Greek yogurt, seasonal fruit & berries, Thai basil & mint

WAFFLE IRON HASHBROWNS coffee & cream gravy, cotija, farm egg, pickled onions, scallions

NEW SOURDOUGH PANCAKES strawberries, coconut lime streusel, vanilla whip

NEW BIG SUMMER SALAD sweet corn purée, power greens & romaine hearts, heirloom cherry tomato, avocado & yellow squash, summer shoots, creamy cotija chimichurri & spicy pepitas
BETTER HALF CHICKEN BURGER house ground chicken, Duke’s Mayo, Swiss, LTO

BETTER HALF CHEESEBURGER 44 Farms ground beef, Dijonnaise, American cheese, LTO

BEYOND MEAT VEGGIE PATTY AVAILABLE

So, hop on, and let’s go.

This is a repeat of a prior year. I thought it was funny and a good use for a poor departed palm tree.

Several mail toppers in town.

From Sea to Sea decoration.

A stylish bunting on stylish home.

The ultimate topper. Armadillo, cactus, and flags.

The Lakeway Heritage Center celebrating the Fourth of July.

The Freedom Memorial is all decked out too.

Lakeway city lines all the thoroughfares with flags. This is the sculpture garden.

A close look at the plaque.

Guardian angel.

Girls with arbor rope.

Girl with Teddy bear.

Boys balancing.

Tennis boy.

I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July celebration. Now enjoy the food and Lee Greenwood.

Views of the Neighborhood – Crape Myrtles in Bloom

June 19, 2022June 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Happy Father’s Day and Happy Juneteenth.

The crape myrtles have been late blooming this year. They have finally made an appearance, and we need to go and check them out. I have to say, some of the shots are a little subdued due to the hazy conditions this week. So that we don’t go hungry on our tour, we are catered by Grizzeldas of Austin. Our entertainment is Neil Diamond.

Menu
migas – scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla chips, queso fresco, crema, ranchero sauce
Appetizers – house chips & salsa tomato, Quemado & Verde
barbacoa taco – dry-aged Jacoby beet, serrano, radish pickled red onion, House crema.
House hot sauce, rice. retried beans choice of tortillas
chilaquiles – crispy tortilla chips, salsa Roja, frita, sunny side egg, queso fresco, crema,
cilantro, pico de gallo
picadillo taco – dry-aged Jacoby ground beef, potatoes, charred raias, rice, refried beans, choice of tortillas +bacon+egg, queso, or avocado
guacamole – cilantro, lime, pico, jalapeños, chips queso Blanco
Monterrey jack cheese, Grizz spice rub, pico de gallo, cilantro, house chips
avocado tostada – black beans, scrambled egg, pico de gallo, serrano crema, cilantro
horchata french toast – horchata batter, sourdough, strawberry puree. mixed berries. whidded cream
vegetarian omelet – spinach, bell pepper, pico de Gallo, fundido cheese, American cheddar
steak fajita scramble – Jacoby brand skirt steak, scrambled egg, pickled jalapenos, tomato. white onion American cheddar
churro chicken & waffles – house churro waffles dusted in cinnamon and sugar, beer-battered chicken strips, candied pecans, spicy syrup, powdered sugar
chorizo brunch burger –6oz dry-aged Jacoby beet and chorizo patty, rajas
fundido cheese, guacamole, spicy mayo served with crispy Kennebec potatoes
churros – dulce de leche & cinnamon sugar
enchiladas verde –roasted chicken, rajas, queso fundido, house crema,
cilantro, sunny side egg

Jump on, and let’s go.

An example of a large red.

These are Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) I threw these in cause I like them

A lovely pink

One of the lavender shades.

Another pink.

Large soft pink.

White.

Light red.

Deep red.

Another white.

The final is light red with a moon background.

I hope you enjoyed the blooms. Now relax and have some authentic Mexican food and listen to Neil Diamond in one of his later concerts.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Skypark Open House

June 12, 2022June 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today we are going to attend the Lakeway Autopark open house. This event doesn’t take place often, but this was the weekend for it. We are boing catered by Matties of Austin and music by the (who else) B52’s

Biscuits + Chorizo Cream Gravy˚ with scrambled eggs

Milk Punch French Toast macerated strawberries, candied pecans, whipped cream, bourbon maple syrup.

Green Chile Pork Chilaquiles tomatillo sauce, chunky pico de gallo, over-easy eggs, cotija cheese, tortilla chips

Breakfast Plate˚ scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon or house-made wild boar sausage . . . . .
Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict˚ buttermilk biscuits, hollandaise, green salad

Basmati Rice Bowl (V) chickpeas, coconut curry, roasted vegetables, cilantro, tomato, and green onions.

So Jump on, and let’s go

Welcome to the Airpark

A T-28 trainer doing a flyover with smoke

Looks like the turnout is great.

A small custom-built racing plane.

A piper cub

Military version of a 1953 Piper Cub

The trainer has just touched down on the runway. (you can see the smoke from the tires just behind it.)

A Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser float plane.

A modern Cirrus plane. (The one that can deploy a parachute in case of trouble)

The US Navy North American Aviation T-28 VT-5 trainer parks. This one is marked with service on the USS Lexington, the same ship my father served on in World War II. Although my Dad was a Naval Aviator, this trainer was not in service until 1948, which was after my Dad left the service

A well-coordinated take-off.

A beautiful Socata TBM-900 (single-turboprop)

Another view of the participation.

A permanent Mooney aircraft letting you know you are at the airpark. I hope you enjoyed the visit today. Have some food and enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Close to Home

June 5, 2022June 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

There is not much going on today in Lakeway, so I thought we would have you all over to tour the garden. We are being catered by Pecan Square Cafe of Clarksville. Our entertainment is Shania Twain.

Smoked Tarama Dip trout roe, vegetables, flatbread

Summer Melon Pecorino Romano, Hungarian wax chili, mint

Zucchini Fritto anchovy green goddess

Local Lettuces Moscatel vinaigrette, soft herbs

Roasted New Potatoes schmaltz, herbs

Pecan Sticky Bun

Pancetta & Pecorino Romano Scone

Handcut Tagliatelle summer pesto, chili crunch

Kale & Sausage Pizza Fontina, Bianco tomato, salt-cured olive, confit garlic, fennel flowers

New Potato & Taleggio Pizza parmesan cream, 1015 onion, thyme

Fruitful Hill Golden Squash Pizza ricotta, squash blossoms, Texas Rose garlic

Grilled Kale Sausage, soft scrambled eggs, Pecorino Romano

Chickpea Crepe Suzette goat’s milk ricotta, Grand Marnier

Provençal Salad tuna conserva, blanched vegetables, chicories, olive vinaigrette

Pork Schnitzel root vegetable slaw, caper aoïli, spicy mustard

44-Farms Steak and Eggs anchovy butter, new potatoes, salsa verde

All drinks.

So let’s get on the bus.

A shot of red pentas, white vinca, and creeping Jenny.

Calibrachoa million bells, and English ivy.

Red begonia, green potato vine, miss muffet caladium, green ivy.

White vinca.

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia)

Sun impatiens.

Purple supertunia, purple potato vine, white verbena (not blooming)

Pink hibiscus and moss rose

Red angel wing begonia

Double knock-out red roses.

I’m sorry, there is no such thing as a scratch and sniff on the internet. This magnolia blossom smells divine.

Heirloom Homestead tomato.

Basil, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and parsley.

Well, that’s the tour. I hope you all have a great week. Now relax with some food and enjoy Shania Twain.

Views of the Neighborhood – Uvalde Tragedy

May 29, 2022May 27, 2022 ~ John W. Howell

Here is the flag at half staff at the Lakeway city hall in memory of those who were senselessly murdered in Uvalde this week. Rather than a bus trip, we should all think about those who lost their lives. Comments are closed.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Enchanted Forest

May 22, 2022May 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today we are taking a trip to the Lakeway Enchanted Forest. This is an installation sponsored by the Parks and Recreation department. It features many things to see on a leisurely stroll along a path. We are catered by Honey Moon Spirit Lounge. Our entertainment is Bruce Springsteen.

FRENCH OMELETTE

Truffled Boursin Cheese, Vegetable Hash, Mixed Greens

BÁHN MÍ KOLACHE

Pâte dé Champagne, Carrot, Pickled Jalapeño, Pickled Daikon, Herbs, Sambal Aioli

STUFFED SHOKUPAN FRENCH TOAST

Cheesecake Filling, Mixed Berry Compote, Maple Powdered Sugar

BISCUITS & FOIE GRAS GRAVY

Duck Carnitas, Sunny Side Up Eggs

SEOUL HOT CHICKEN/MUSHROOM BISCUIT

Duck Fat Fried Chicken or Fried Lion’s Mane Mushrooms (V), Chili Oil, Kimchi Powder, Honey Butter

LATKE BENEDICT

Pastrami, Poached Egg, Hollandaise