Views of the Neighborhood – Texas Flora Walk – Part ll

May 31, 2026May 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today, we are going back to view the remaining Texas flora. If you missed last week, you can go HERE. We are catered by Roaring Fork of Austin, and our entertainment is The Proclaimers.

BIG ASS BURGER – poblano / cheddar / bacon / lettuce / tomato / onions / pickles / chipotle mayo
served with French fries
SHRIMP AND GRITS – cheddar grits, sweet corn butter, chorizo, fried egg
RAINBOW TROUT – green beans, fried capers, toasted almonds, brown butter, grilled lemon
CEDAR PLANK SALMON – teriyaki glaze, chilled green bean salad, soy butter
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN – cornbread sausage stuffing, green beans, lemon garlic jus
ROASTED DUCK – sugar chile cured, brussels sprouts, sweet onion jam, cherry mustard sauce
DUROC PORK CHOP – maple mustard glaze, sweet potato mash, apple chutney
BACON WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN – poblano grits, charred corn, cotija, chipotle balsamic reduction
AHI TUNA – seared rare, chimichurri, marinated tomatoes and avocado salad, citrus vinaigrette

Let’s get going.

Here is a photo of how the walk looks. These boards describe the flora found in Texas and not necessarily on the walk.

American Beautyberry.

Texas Lantana.

American Sycamore.

Texas Red Oak.

Chinese Privet.

Salt Cedar.

Heavenly Bamboo.

Ash Juniper is commonly called a cedar.

Bald Cypress.

It is time now to relax with the food and music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Texas Flora

May 24, 2026May 23, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today, we will view the Lakeway Walk of Texas Flora. There are 26 stops, so we won’t make all of them today. We’ll do half this week and the rest next. Also, the display cards are under glass, so the photographs are as good as I could make them. We are catered by Embers of Austin, and our entertainment is Johnnie Lee and Lane Brody.

Plantain Stack – Buttermilk Pancakes, Plantains, Whipped Cream, Plantain Pecan-Infused Syrup

Churros Toast – Dulce de Leche French Toast, Brioche Bread, Candied Pecan Multi-Grain Crunch, Piloncillo Strawberry Syrup, Fresh Strawberries, Mint

Ember Steak & Eggs – 8 oz Filet Mignon, Enchilada Sauce, Eggs “Your Way”, Black Beans

Chorizo Hash – Ground Chorizo, Diced Red Peppers, Poblano Peppers, Shallots, Beef Fat Potatoes, Egg, Salsa Dona, Hollandaise

Chilaquiles – Red Chile Sauce, Corn Tortilla Chips, Lime Crema, Eggs, Cilantro, Avocado

Wagyu Steak – 10 oz Market Cut, Ember Tortillas, Grilled Fennel & Onions, Salsa Dona

Josper Chicken – Orange and Guajillo Brine, Pollo ala Brasa, Achiote Chimichurri

Josper Burger – 8 oz Akaushi Wagyu, Oaxaca Cheese, Escabeche, Chipotle Aioli, Pork Belly, Brioche Bun

So, let’s get going.

Here is what the path looks like with the stations on either side. Let’s walk.

Texas Sage.

Agarita evergreen.

Mountain Laurel.

Yaupon Holly.

Lacy Oak.

Flame Acanthus.

Chinaberry.

Texas Persimmon

Texas Ash.

Pecan.

Cedar Elm.

Southern Live Oak.

Golden Bamboo.

Escarpment Live Oak.

Shin Oak.

Texad Redbud.

Turk’s Cap.

Time now to relax with food and entertainment.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Photographer Debbi Varela

May 17, 2026May 16, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art exhibit. There is an exhibition by photographer Debbi Varela of Lakeway. We are catered by Rough Creek Lodge Restaurant of Glen Rose, Texas. Our entertainment is Survivor.Menu

California White Bass – Santa Barbara Mussels, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Chef’s Salami, Garlic Toast & Shaved Burgundy Black Truffle Salad
Red Chile Glazed Swordfish – Shrimp Quesadilla, Wilted Beet Greens, Toasted Pepitas & Butternut Squash Sauce
Skillet Roasted Chicken Breast – Creamy Wild Rice, Pancetta, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash & Pan Mushroom Gravy
Locally Raised Red Wattle Pig -Sampler For Two, Grilled Chop, Seared Loin, Smoked Shoulder, Rutabaga Puree, Pomegranate Sauce & Garlic Sautéed Dandelions

Hanger Steak-8oz -Marbled & Full Flavor

Rib Eye-12oz -Marbled & Full Flavor
Filet -7oz – Lean & Lite Flavor
Green Bean – Potato-Cheddar Casserole & Green Tomato Chutney

Everyone on the bus.

Here is the gallery. Notice how much light. The photos are behind glass making taking photos of them difficult. I did get them all.

About the photographer and the exhibit.

About the exhibit.

Under the Same Sky.

Holding Space.

Seen.

Momentium.

Golden Silence.

Grounded.

The quiet Strength within.

Growing Through Conflict.

Balance.

Working Together.

The Wins We Share.

I hope you enjoyed the exhibit. It is now time for food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – The Enchanted Forest Walk of Lakeway

May 10, 2026May 9, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are visiting The Enchanted Forest in Lakeway. We are catered by Geraldines of Austin, and Our Entertainment is Katrina and the Waves.

Overnight Oats – vanilla | chai | seasonal fruit

Avocado Toast – sourdough | tomato medley |burrata | basil | arugula

Gem Caesar – Little gem | garlic dressing | parmesan cheese | crouton

Ricotta Blueberry Pancake – Seasonal fruit | maple syrup

Two eggs, any style | sausage or bacon | toast

Southern Bowl – Grits | fried eggs | cheddar cheese | homemade smoked sausage | green onion

Steak And Eggs – 8oz. Grilled wagyu skirt steak | 2 eggs | breakfast potatoes |chimichurri

Let’s go

Hedgehog family and fairy houses

A very naughty elf.

The proper way to blow bubbles.

A milkmaid lights the way.

Elf and frog on the loose.

Light of freedom.

Let me take your photo.

Stop for a nap.

Tiny stone wth a message.

Gnome village.

The old west. (Sorta)

A fairy village.

More fairies.

I think the frog has the right idea. Time to eat and relax to the music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Municipal Utility District Garden Planting and Plant Swap

May 3, 2026May 2, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Today we are going to go to the Lakeway Municipal Utility District to see the garden planting and plant

swap. We are catered by Lutie’s of Austin, and our entertainment is Alan Jackson.

Beef Tartare, Romaine, Dandelion

Chickpea and Green Corn Salad

Roasted Lettuces, Avocado, Pumpkin Seed, Radish

Grilled and Marinated Beets, Black Garlic, Dill

Yonderway Pork, Pickled Cabbage, Creamer Peas

Delta Blues Rice, Market Fish, Smoked Trout Roe

Green Dish, Carrot.

Royal Red Shrimp, Daikon, Celery

Charcoal Grilled Chicken, Leeks, Hominy

Whole Roasted Black Sea Bass, Choi Sum, Mustard

Texas Beef, Radish, Marrow, Sweet Potato

Let’s get rolling

There is the Lakeway Municipal Utility District

Lake Travis Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) students are signing up for community service hours.

The garden plants are laid out ready for holes.

The swap plants are ready, too.

Lots of mulch.

Plenty of tools.

My kind of participation place.

The work begins.

Watch those cactus paddles.

Students and adults work side by side

That mulch pile is going down.

And here is Stephanie Threinen, CPC, Public Information Liaison for the Lakeway Municipal Utility District and the driving force behind various LMUD activities. She reports that over 80 native plants were planted by students and volunteers.

Time now for some food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway’s Historic Liebelt Cabin

April 26, 2026April 25, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are visiting Lakeways historic Liebelt Cabin. We are catered by Crown and Anchor Pub of Austin. Our entertainment is The Foggy Mountain Boys.

Classic Hamburger & Fries – The tried-and-true original, 100% Fresh, Never Frozen Patty cooked to perfection. For those who don’t want to mess with a good thing!

Mushroom Swiss Burger & Fries – Topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.

Cheeseburger & Fries – Our Classic Hamburger with American cheese.

Double Cheeseburger & Fries – Our Classic Hamburger, double patty with American cheese.

Jalapeño Cheeseburger & Fries – Cheeseburger topped with sliced jalapeños.

Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries – Add two strips of bacon to the cheeseburger.

Veggie Burger & Fries – Award-winning! A crispy veggie patty on a wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo, and mustard.

Hop on the bus and let’s go.

There’s the historical marker explaining that the cabin was relocated to the city hall area in 2011. It is over 150 years old.

Vintage farm equipment around the cabin.

More farm equipment.

A replica of the marker for August Liebelt, who built and lived in the cabin.

One view of the cabin.

A closer look.

The stove was used for cooking and heating.

A view toward the fireplace and dining area.

Artifacts from the era.

Looking back toward the stove and at the ladder to the second story. Note that the cabin had three doors, which provided plenty of ventilation.

A close-up of more artifacts. Great needlepoint, but spelling not so much.

The old rocker and cane. The framed photos are of members of the Historical Society at various functions in the cabin.

Now it’s time for food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Camp Sign-up.

April 19, 2026April 19, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway Activity Center for the Summer Camp Sign-up. We are catered by Zanzibar of Austin, and our entertainment is Pete Seeger.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa – avocado, pickled red onion, pineapple, cilantro

Guacapoke – ahi tuna, guacamole, chile crisp, radish, wonton chips

Chicken Katsu Bao – bao buns, fried katsu chicken, bean sprouts, napa cabbage, ponzu pickles, gochujang sauce

Jerk Chicken Wings – grilled chicken, cilantro, lime

Duck Egg Rolls – rotisserie duck, cabbage, sweet chili sauce

Shrimp Skewers – cilantro marinade, teriyaki glaze

Salmon Crispy Rice – yuzu kosho aioli, pickled Fresno pepper, cilantro

Korean BBQ Wagyu Skewers – cucumber quickles, gochujang glaze

Kahuna Burger – BCR Wagyu, grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze, cheddar, sweet onion, napa cabbage, and kewpie mayo

Pu Pu Platter – jerk wings, shrimp skewers, duck egg rolls, guacamole, chips

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go

Here we are at the Lakeway Activity Center.

There’s the sign.

The Lakeway Swim Center.

Science Camp.

Steam works – Learning through hands on experence.

Steamworks Lego pile for fun.

Coding camp.

Art camp.

A petting zoo.

Skyhawks – Learning through sports.

The balloon man.

Fencing camp. (I think the kid is a natural)

Fire engine.

Mounted police.

A very fast Mustang for speeder catching

And as advertised, Kona Ice.

Time to relax with the music and food. I hope you have a great week.

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Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Wilderness Run

April 12, 2026April 11, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Today, we are going to see the Lakeway Wilderness Run, organized by Lakeway Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Park. The run takes place at the Greenbelt. We are catered by ABA of Austin. Our entertainment is Bon Jovi.

BLACKBERRY DROP BISCUIT – blackberry compote, balsamic whipped cream

AVOCADO TOAST – pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

AÇAÍ BOWL – blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut, mint

KHACHAPURI – baked egg, cremini mushroom, graviera, green onion

SHORT RIB SHAKSHUKA – local eggs, spicy harissa, graviera, roasted potato

KEFTA & EGGS – lamb & beef kefta, fried eggs, tzatziki, lemon dill rice

SHAWARMA-SPICED SKIRT STEAK & EGGs – fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

JERUSALEM BAGEL & SMOKED SALMON SPREAD – sumac, red onion, tomato, caper, labneh

Let’s go

The Wilderness Run Logo.

Looks like a great turnout.

Hope no one needs it.

Our grocery chain is very supportive.

Always need a T-shirt.

We know we are in the right place. My money is on 24.

The place to register. No, I’m not running today. Feel fortunate to make it from the car.

In case of an emergency, and to start the race with an airhorn.

Dan Moyer of Friends of the Park has a welcome message.

The starting line.

Tacos at the finish.

Mayor Tom Kilgore welcomes the runners and is the official starter.

The countdown to start is done.

And they are off.

The heron sculpture cheers the runners on.

The finish. Nineteen minutes.

While those guys are still running, it is time for us to have brunch and enjoy some music. I hope you all have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Eggstravaganza.

April 5, 2026April 4, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Today is Easter, a good time to visit the Lakeway Easter Eggstravaganza at the park, sponsored by the Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department. We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin, and our entertainment is Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.

Eggs Your Way – bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes, toast

Spinach & Mushroom Egg White Omelet – Havarti, breakfast potatoes, toast

Smoked Ham & Pimento Cheese Omelet – pimento cheese, breakfast potatoes, toast

Huevos Rancheros – sunny egg, crispy tortilla, black bean, avocado, jalapeño, queso fresco

Sausage & Egg Burrito – chicken sausage, queso chihuahua, pepperjack, salsa roja

Prime Rib Hash – Caramelized onion, sweet peppers, Swiss cheese, fried egg

Wagyu Flat Iron & Eggs – eggs your way, breakfast potatoes

Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich – English muffin, thick-cut bacon, fried egg, cheddar

Chilaquiles Verde – sunny egg, tortilla chips, black bean, queso fresco, lime crema

Let’s go.

There’s the sign

The bookmobile is here.

Andra Bennett (L), Director of the Parks and Recreation Department and Staff.

Pizza.

Big jump and slide.

A giant poster to color.

Big screen TV.

Cotton Candy

Bubble machine.

The poster is undergoing a transition.

Of course, the Easter Bunny.

A petting zoo with bunnies and a bearded dragon.

Horse rides.

A field of eggs.

And now the mad dash.

Time now for our food and entertainment. I hope you have a peaceful Easter and a wonderful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Wide Garage Sale

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway Activity Center to check out the city-wide garage sale. We are catered by Red Ash of Austin, and our entertainment is The Beatles.

WOOD GRILLED 10oz BEEF FILET – roasted shallot butter / 30-day wet age, Fred Linz, Chicago
10OZ BEEF FILET WITH FRESH BLUE CRAB FONDUTA – wood grilled and sliced, 30-day wet age, Fred Linz, Chicago /
WOOD ROASTED BEEF BONE MARROW & WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO – shallot butter / shaved grana / natural jus
OSSO BUCO MILANESE – extra thick cut, red wine braised veal shank/saffron risotto/lemon gremolata
POLLO ALLA DIAVOLO -half roasted chicken / crostoni / lemon / garlic / calabrian chile / natural jus
WILD RED SNAPPER A LA PLANCHA “LIVORNESE STYLE – Campari tomato/capers / Mediterranean olives
zucchini / fresh herbs/shellfish broth
SAUTEED NORTH PACIFIC HALIBUT – sweet corn risotto / fava beans / calabrian chile / chervil
COLD WATER LOBSTER TAILS “SCAMPI STYLE – emon butter/spaghettini a.o.p. / crostoni

Get on the bus.