Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Fairyland Walk

May 18, 2025May 17, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Let’s go

A pink flower and butterfly let’s us know we are here.

Chess players surrounded by little people’s stuff.

A sunflower gnome.

A gnome on a frog on a pole.

A flower, butterfly, and mushroom.

A bubble-blowing gnome and the elk sculptures.

A few little dragons.

Watchful Viking on a cow.

Tree, flowers, and mushrooms.

Smile. This is for our archives.

Little people and the dragon disagree.

Tortoise and annoying little folk.

Here is the cue card, man with nothing to say.

Another bubble-blowing gnome.

Time out for teachers.

Hedgehog family, ladybugs, and butterflies.

Okay, time to stop.

Obviously, there is no time to see everything, but I hope you got the idea. There is time to relax with food and music. I hope you have a lovely week.

Views of the Neighborhood – VE Day Observance

May 11, 2025May 10, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The City of Lakeway observed the May 8th Victory in Europe Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe eighty years ago. The ceremony was held in Heritage Park, and it has been captured in our time machine. We are catered by Space Cowboy of Austin. Our music is by Irving Berlin.

INKED SEAFOOD RISOTTO –shrimp, scallops, mussels, baby clams, speck, squid ink, fennel

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH – feta, gremolata, toasted pumpkin seeds, pepitas

TEXAS RIBEYE (14 OZ) –prime ribeye, bourbon demi-glace, smoked maldon salt, crispy potato pave

HICKORY SMOKED CHICKEN – smoked half heritage chicken, peri peri sauce, house slaw

AGED BEEF FILLET (7 OZ) – goat cheese mushroom sauce, red winedemi-glace, mashed potatoes

DUCK RAVIOLI – confit duck, white wine & mustard sauce,pecorino cream, wild mushrooms

BRAISED SHORT RIB –port demi-glace, fresh herbs, vanilla, truffle oil, mashed potatoes

MUSHROOM MEDLEY RISOTTO – porcini mushrooms, white wine,parmesan, truffle oil

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

Here is the program

Heritage Park

Spirit of Freedom entrance.

Spirit of Freedom Monument with the names of all who served from 1941 to 1945.

The wreaths are to be laid on the monument.

The Lake Travis Fire Department Honor Guard

The National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance

Introduction of the Mayor by former councilman Keith Trecker

Mayor Tom Kilgore has an inspirational message.

Laying the wreaths.

Playing God Bless America.

The sound of Taps to end the ceremony

Now that we are inspired, it is time for eating and celebrating our freedom.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Municipal Utility District Open House

May 4, 2025May 3, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD) for an open house and to check out the seed library. LMUD had an open house on Earth Day, and through the miracle of the time clock, we can go back and take a look. We are catered by Stella San Jac of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel

All American – Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Crispy Hash Brown, Sourdough Toast

Chorizo & Potato Tacos – Eggs, White Cheddar, Crème Fresca, Roasted Salsa

Grapefruit Curd Parfait – House Made Granola, Greek Yogurt, Texas Berries

Vegetarian – Pecan Praline French Toast Bourbon Maple Syrup, Vanilla Whipped Cream

Steel Cut Oats – Sorghum, Texas Pecans, Dried Fruit

Chicken & Waffle – Bourbon Maple Syrup, Country Gravy, Fried Herbs

Steak & Eggs -Flat Iron, Pickled Onion, Chimichurri, Crispy Hash, Over Easy Egg

Short Rib Grilled Cheese – Hawaiian Roll, Smoked Cheddar, Caramelized Onion, Jus, Fries

Shrimp & Grits – Blackened Shrimp, Cheddar Corn Grits, Creole Sausage Gravy

Fried Avocado Salad – Charred Corn, Candied Jalapeño, Queso Fresco, Cholula Ranch

Let’s get on the bus

A look at the exterior of the LMUD building

A marker explaining the history of the establishment of LMUD

An outdoor garden with indigenous plants

A lot of material to read and research.

The seed library. When taking seeds record what was taken. When returning seeds record what was returned.

Seeds that are in the process of return.

More examples of returned seeds.

Educational videos. Pictured is the gayfeather.

Scenes of LMUD’s growth and project work.

Every open house has a refreshment location.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and now it is time for food and music. Here’s wishing you a peaceful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Treasures in Trash.

April 27, 2025April 26, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 101 Comments

Yes, today is one I’m sure you have been looking forward to seeing. We are going to look around the neighborhood on trash day. The idea is to find any interesting trash. We are catered by 1886 of Austin. Our entertainment is Spanky and Our Gang.

Austin American Breakfast – Two Eggs Any Style, Choice of Bacon, Sausage or Ham, Country Potatoes, Multigrain Toast

Hippie Hollow Omelet – Spinach, Cherry Tomato, Goat Cheese, Jalapeño Chimichurri, Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Multigrain Toast

Hangover Omelet – Hudson’s Chorizo, Pepper Jack, Green Chilies, Country Potatoes, Multigrain Toast

Lady Bird Omelet – Egg White, Spinach, Mushroom, Tomato, Goat Cheese, Onion, Country Potatoes, Multigrain Toast

Bagel & Lox – Smoked Salmon, Red Onion, Capers, Fresh Tomato, Cream Cheese, Choice of Plain or Everything Bagel, Soft-Boiled Egg, Lemon Wedge, Arugula

Steak & Eggs – 6oz Flat Iron Steak, Two Sunny-Side Eggs, Fingerling Potatoes, Lemon Chive Butter, Jalapeño Chimichurri, Arugula, Radish

Avocado Toast – Two Sunny-Side Eggs, Goat Cheese, Pepitas, Arugula, Tomato, Chipotle Mayonnaise, Multigrain Toast

Traditional Eggs Benedict – Two Poached Eggs, Canadian Bacon, Hollandaise Sauce, English Muffin, Country Potatoes

Paris Texas Benedict – Two Poached Eggs, Brie, Ham, Croissant, Hollandaise Sauce, Country Potatoes

Texas Migas – Two Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Tortilla Strip, Tomato, Caramelized Onion, Jalapeño, Radish,

Cheddar Cheese, Served with Sliced Avocado, Salsa Roja, Flour Tortilla

Croque Madame – Shaved Ham, Gruyère Cheese, Sourdough Bread, Sunny-Side Egg, Pepper Jack Mornay, Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Jalapeño Chimichurri

Steel-Cut Oatmeal – Steel-Cut Oats, Brown Sugar, Raisins, Topped with Banana, Kiwi and Strawberries

Fruit Plate – Seasonal Sliced Fresh Fruit and Berries, Greek Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing

Driskill Granola – House-Made Granola, Mixed Nuts, Toasted Pepitas, Shredded Coconut, Greek Yogurt, Topped with Fresh Berries and Round Rock Honey

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on the bus.

Here you go. A bookcase and a couch. Notice the UT stickers on the bookcase.

A patio dining set.

The run-away-from-home ensemble.

Kitty needed a new set.

A sectional couch. No charge for the rain cleaning.

Two-piece comfy couch.

Leaf pick-up special. Bin not included.

Two high-quality Hermes leather-like chairs.

A Dyson vac that lost it’s will to suck.

Hey trampoline man.

Last but not least is an over-the-hill table and a one-wheeled bike. (No, not a unicycle.)

Time for food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Easter in Lakeway

April 20, 2025April 19, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Today is Easter Sunday, so we are visiting the community Activity Center for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Since rain is threatened, the event has been pulled indoors. We are catered by Austin Taco Project, and our entertainment is Judy Garland and Fred Astaire

Tajita – Grilled chicken thigh, peppers & onion, cotija cheese, pico de gallo, poblano crema, flour tortilla

Kickin’ Chicken – Crispy buffalo chicken, shaved celery & carrots, cabbage, blue cheese crumble, ranch, flour tortilla

Confit Pig – Braised pork shoulder, cabbage, pineapple pico de gallo, Walter’s secret sauce, corn tortilla

Carne Asada – Beef tenderloin, onions & jalapenos, poblano crema, lime, corn tortilla

Crispy Fish – Corn crusted cod, cabbage, mango salsa, lime sauce, corn tortilla

Nopales – Cactus, mushrooms, cotija cheese, cabbage, pepita vinaigrette, corn tortilla

Let’s get on the bus.

The Activity Center

Announcing the Eggstravaganza.

Ice cream truck.

Fun entrance.

Inner courtyard of the center.

Big turnout.

HEB Buddy is here.

We also need this.

Go ahead. Sit down and get painted.

A large carrot for the Easter Bunny helpers.

Coloring books and crafts.

A petting zoo,

Need a photo.

Happy family.

Andra Bennett is the Director of Parks and Recreation and makes all this happen.

One last shot before we have some Tacos and listen to the music.

An Easter decoration at a private home.

I hope you all have a lovely Easter and a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Summer Camp Sign-up.

April 13, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today we are visiting the Activity Center where sign-ups are taking place for summer camps. The idea is to give the children an idea of the camp activity and the opportunity to sign up. We are catered by Nervous Charlie’s Bagels of Austin. Our entertainment is Allan Sherman.

THE BIG APPLE – Turkey, sliced apple, brie cheese, and honey mustard

THE EMPIRE – Fried chicken cutlet, bacon, coleslaw, mozzarella cheese, and Russian dressing

WILLIE’S HOT PASTRAMI – Pastrami and spicy mustard

THE TREE HUGGER (vegetarian) – Cucumber, spinach, tomato, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, and your choice of cream cheese

THE ULTIMATE ITALIAN – Black forest ham, Genoa salami, hot capocollo, shredded lettuce, tomato, sliced white onion, roasted red pepper blend, provolone cheese, oil & vinegar, and oregano

Time to go.

There’s the signpost.

We have seen the camp sign-up so now lets enjoy the food and music.

Views of the Neighborhood – The Lakeway 5K Wilderness Run

April 6, 2025April 5, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Today we have to put on our running shoes since we are going to attend the Lakeway 5K Wilderness run. This is an annual event put on by The Friends of the Park. This year over 200 folks signed up to run. The event is free and open to all ages and running abilities.

We are catered by III Forks in Austin. Our entertainment is Jackson Browne.

Snake River Farms – American Wagyu, Gold NY Strip*

Served with flamed Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Infused Maldon Salt

16 oz

Snake River Farms – American Wagyu, Gold Bone-In Ribeye*

Served with flamed Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon Infused Maldon Salt

24 oz

Classics, Filet Mignon*

6 oz or 8 oz

Atlantic Salmon – tarragon chimichurri

Chilean Seabass

Roasted Chicken

Charred Cauliflower Steak

Let’s get rolling

There’s the sign.

The stage.

The Parks and Recreation table.

Registration.

Juice for later.

Race food – fruit and carbs.

Gift bags.

A quiet chess game before the race.

Warm up exercises.

Getting ready to start.

The firetruck will signal the start.

The mayor, Tom Gilgore (Left) has a few words.

The firetruck horn signals the start.

The race is on.

No, I did not run in the race. At my age even using a wheel chair would be risky. It is time to relax and wait for the runners to return. Let’s have some food and listen to the entertainment.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Heritage Center

March 30, 2025March 29, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Heritage Center in Lakeway. They are having an open house. This is where all the historical artifacts of Lakeway are kept. Caroline’s of Austin is catering, and Ray Charles is entertaining us.

Biscuits & Gravy – buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, fried eggs

Spinach & Feta Egg White Omelet – grilled red onion, cherry tomato, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Ham & Cheddar Omelet – smoked ham, aged cheddar, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Eggs Your Way – choice of chicken sausage or peppered bacon, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Whipped Ricotta Pancakes – syrup, whipped butter, powdered sugar

Crispy Chicken & Waffles – maple syrup, honey butter

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

Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas – fried egg, yogurt crema, cilantro, avocado, lime

Sweet Corn Cake Benedict – poached eggs, jalapeno cheddar corn cake, avocado, tomato & corn salsa

Let’s go

The Heritage Center was dedicated on November 11th, 2005. The new construction included restoring a portion of the original ranch house erected in the 1930s. The Center includes an archive storage room, the archivist’s office, public restrooms, a small kitchen, and a meeting room.

The Center is named in honor of Byron D. Varner, who wrote the first historical record of Lakeway. It is titled Lakeway: The First 25 Years.

The Rock Room is the only surviving piece of the original ranch house built in the 30s.

Watch your head going into the Rock House.

A fireplace to warm up after working the ranch all day.

A place to play cards and have meals.

Old church bench in the corner.

Now inside the Center itself, volunteers are honored

The walls are lined with historical documents.

The archive is packed full of artifacts.

A display case where more items can be seen.

Another display.

What is an open house without cookies.

A painting of the Fourth of July parade in 2009. (There is a parade every year)

The proud eagle telling us the tour is over

Time to enjoy brunch and the music. I hope you all have a terrific week.

Views of the Neighborhood – The First Signs of Spring

March 23, 2025March 22, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

Today we are going out and about to see if we can find signs of spring. We are catered by Eddie V’s of Austin. Our entertainment is Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole.

Chilean Sea Bass – Steamed Hong Kong Style with Light Soy Broth

Georges Bank Scallops – Seared with Citrus Fruit, Roasted Almonds, and Brown Butter

Norwegian Salmon – Mustard and Rye Whiskey Glazed with Baby Carrots and Spinach

Parmesan Sole – Parmesan Crusted with Heirloom Tomato Salad and Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

Jumbo Gulf Shrimp – Crab-Stuffed with herbs and garlic, Lemon Beurre Blanc

South African Lobster – Two Tails Broiled, Drawn Butter

Filet Medallions Oscar Style- Jumbo Lump Crab, Asparagus, Béarnaise

10 oz Center Cut Filet Mignon and 5oz Roasted South African Lobster Beurre Blanc

Served with your choice

Butter Poached Lobster Mashed Potatoes, Petrossian Royal Caviar Double Baked Potato

Harissa Roasted Carrots with Citrus Yogurt, Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cashews, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Truffled Macaroni and Cheese, Au Gratin Cheddar Potatoes, Crab Fried Rice, Mushrooms, Scallions, Grilled Asparagus Sea Salt, Lemon.

Let’s go.

We start off with a redbud.

Some cross vine in bloom.

Calibrachoa are colorful

Another redbud

A lonely bluebonnet

More bluebonnets.

Carolina jasmine

Flowering cherry.

The final redbud.

Some wild verbina

Lovely periwinkle

The mountain laurel

That is the tour. It is time to relax, have some food, and enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Hall Art Show

March 9, 2025March 8, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

After last week’s disaster, I’m happy to report that this week’s trip to the Lakeway City Hall Art show will be a success. The lights and art cooperated. We are catered by Stella San Jac of Austin. Our entertainment is Don McLean.

Before we go, I want you to know that I will be traveling and on a break from Wednesday March 12th until Wednesday March 19th. I will be off-line for the whole week. Tempeste and Twiggy will be back on the 20th.

All American – Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Crispy Hash Brown, Sourdough Toast

Chorizo & Potato Tacos – Eggs, White Cheddar, Crème Fresca, Roasted Salsa

Grapefruit Curd Parfait t- House Made Granola, Greek Yogurt, Texas Berries

Vegetarian – Pecan Praline French Toast Bourbon Maple Syrup, Vanilla Whipped Cream

Steel Cut Oats – Sorghum, Texas Pecans, Dried Fruit

Chicken & Waffle – Bourbon Maple Syrup, Country Gravy, Fried Herbs

Steak & Eggs – Flat Iron, Pickled Onion, Chimichurri, Crispy Hash, Over Easy Eggs

Short Rib Grilled Cheese – Hawaiian Roll, Smoked Cheddar, Caramelized Onion, Jus, Fries

Shrimp & Grits – Blackened Shrimp, Cheddar Corn Grits, Creole Sausage Gravy

Fried Avocado Salad – Charred Corn, Candied Jalapeño, Queso Fresco, Cholula Ranch

Everyone get on the bus