Views of the Neighborhood – I Got Nothin’

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

There are times in life when you have to admit that what you have planned just didn’t work out. This is one of those times. An exhibit at the library titled Women in Photography curated by the organization Women in Visual Art (WIVA) opened on March 1. (Yesterday) I had planned to use this event for the Views of the Neighborhood today. The photographs are quite nice but are displayed in a room with many windows. The photos are behind glass and taking clear shots is nearly impossible. I tried using editing techniques to filter out the interference but was unsuccessful. After taking the photos and attempting to edit them, I have run out of time. So what we are going to do is get on the bus and eat and drink like sloths.

We are catered by Moonshine of Austin and our entertainment is Whitney Houston.

Food Menu

CHICKEN & WAFFLES – lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN ALMONDINE – artichokes, lemon cream, yukon mashers

GREEN CHILE MACARONI – roasted chicken, corn bisque, bacon gratin

SALISBURY CHOP STEAK – mushroom gravy, yukon mashers

SEARED RAINBOW TROUT – bacon cornbread stuﬃng, soft grits, chile sage butter

ST LOUIS PORK RIBS – dr. pepper bbq, tobacco onions, yukon mashers

CENTER CUT PORK CHOP – peach chutney, herb salad, demi-glace, yukon mashers

BLACKENED CATFISH – crawfish tails, hot sauce, pecan meunière, soft grits

CREOLE SHRIMP & GRITS

Drink menu in addition to any cocktail, beer or wine you want

FROZEN HARD LEMONADE wheatley vodka, mint,paula’s texas lemon, lemonade

LADYBIRD mezcal union, aperol lemon, lavender

SAZERAC rye, peychaud’s, sugar, absinthe rinse

GOOD HEARTED OLD FASHIONED featured whiskey, angostura,amarena cherry, orange

SILVERMOON MARGARITA silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour

BLIND MULE moonshine, lime juice, ginger beer

KINFOLK’S CLEAR FAVORITE michter’s, modern clarified milk punch

BOURBON SLUSH benchmark bourbon, sweet tea, lemonade, orange juice

THE WATERLOO gin, cucumbers,grapefruit juice

THE FIDDLER buffalo trace, lemon, jalapeños

Picture of an old time school bus

Enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Storybook Walk – Conclusion

February 23, 2025February 22, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Today, we are returning to the Lakeway Storybook walk’s Black History Month exhibit. If you missed the first you can go HERE and catch up. I have to let you know the photos were a challenge. It was overcast but the glass fronts on the enclosures reflected all the trees. I did my best but some are marginal. We are catered by Garrison of Austin and our entertainment is Louis Armstrong.

Views of the Neighborhood – A Concert at the Lakeway Activity Center

February 16, 2025February 15, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway Activity Center to attend a concert by the singing group A Capella Texas. This concert is in a series of brown bag lunch concerts sponsored by The Lakeway Arts Committee.

Here’s a little about A Cappella Texas.

A Cappella Texas entertains audiences with world-class a cappella harmony featuring new and challenging contemporary a cappella, doo-wop, gospel music, and traditional barbershop arrangements. Since 1961, Austin has been home to a Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) chapter. In the past six decades, the Austin Chapter and its quartets have brought people together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing. Hundreds of local singers and schools have joined in the fun as they have encouraged and preserved the uniquely American a cappella art form known as barbershop music.

We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin, and our entertainment is Home Free.

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

Tres Leches French Toast – strawberries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

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

Salmon Poke Bowl – maitake, edamame, cucumber, avocado, ponzu, sushi rice

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

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

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

Buttermilk Pancakes – blackberry preserve, maple syrup

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

Thick Bacon Benedict – hollandaise, English muffin, asparagus, poached eggs

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go

The Activity Center.

The Center courtyard. Places to relax.

Tortoise ceramics in the courtyard

There is a sign for the performance.

Tables decked out for Valentine’s Day.

The Chairperson of the Arts Committee welcomes everyone.

A nice turnout.

Some know how to do it.

Getting ready for the performance.

The Chairperson of the A Capella Texas group makes an introduction.

There they are. A note on the

Up a lazy river.

A wonderful concert. Now, it is time to enjoy some acapella music and enjoy brunch.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

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

Today, we visit the neighborhood to check on things we might not have seen before. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, we will have a traditional Super Bowl offering.

We are catered by Doc’s Backyard Grill, with their Superbowl menu. Our entertainment is The 1985 Chicago Bears.

WINGS

BONELESS HOT WINGS

TRADITIONAL HOT WINGS

WHITE WINGS – Chicken & fresh jalapenos wrapped in smoked applewood bacon and tossed in buffalo wing sauce

APPETIZERS

BEAN & CHEESE NACHOS, PULLED PORK NACHOS -Pulled pork, goat cheese, black beans, red onions, and cilantro.

SHRIMP NACHOS – Blackened shrimp. Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and avocado.

QUESO – Topped with pico de gallo.

FAJITA NACHOS – Fajita chicken or marinated steak.

GUACAMOLE

SLIDERS

FISH SLIDERS – Three blackened or hand-battered fish sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

BAT SLIDERS – Three smoked applewood bacon, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tomato sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

DOC’S MINI CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS – Three sliders topped with American cheese and grilled onions.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS -Three buffalo chicken sliders with bleu cheese crumbles.

PULLED PORK SLIDERS – Three pulled pork sliders topped with BBQ sauce & Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw

BURGERS/SANDWICHES

CHEESE BURGER – Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BRUNCH BURGER: A half-pound patty, fried egg, applewood bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, and queso.

TORT BURGER: Guacamole, cheddar cheese, and pico de gallo are served in flour tortillas, quesadilla style, with a side of queso and tortilla chips.

BBQ APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER – Smoked applewood bacon, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and grilled onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BLACKENED JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR BURGER – Grilled jalapeños, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

VEGGIE BURGER – Black bean chipotle burger, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

LONE STAR CHICKEN SANDWICH – Grilled chicken breast, smoked applewood bacon, guacamole, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH- Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and onions.

Served with a pickle spear.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH: Fried chicken breast tossed in Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomatoes with crinkle fries.

BLACKENED FISH SANDWICH – Blackened fish filet, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Picture of an old time school bus

Hop on the bus, and let’s get rolling.

Here is a cute puppy angel.

A happy turtle.

I have no idea what all this is.

A cute rosemary bush.

Now we’re talking.

A wire hen with stone eggs.

A doubtful frog.

An intense Cardinal.

Need help with this one.

A Valentine’s Day decoration.

You must look carefully, but here is another Valentine’s Day nod.

I hope you liked the tour. Time to sit back, enjoy the food and music, and get ready for the game. Here’s wishing you a lovely week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Story Walk Ribbon Cutting

February 2, 2025February 22, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today, we are heading to the new Lakeway Story Walk ribbon cutting. According to the Lakeway Parks and Recreation site, here is some background.

“This year, we are thrilled to unveil our new Story Walk Display along the City Hall Trail! These Storywalk boards will feature seasonal displays year-round, offering a mix of holiday celebrations, cultural and historical education, and family-friendly stories. We hope this new addition will enhance your trail experience while providing an engaging and educational opportunity for all.

February Display: Black History Month
From January 31st through February 28th, explore our Black History Month celebration. This display highlights 28 influential Black figures who have profoundly shaped society.”

We are catered by Moonshine of Austin, and our entertainment is Aerosmith.

CHICKEN & WAFFLES – lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK – chipotle cream gravy, Yukon mashers

CHICKEN ALMONDINE – artichokes, lemon cream, Yukon mashers

GREEN CHILE MACARONI – roasted chicken, corn bisque, bacon gratin

SALISBURY CHOP STEAK – mushroom gravy, Yukon mashers

SEARED RAINBOW TROUT – bacon cornbread stuffing, soft grits, chile butter

ST LOUIS PORK RIBS – dr. Pepper BBQ, tobacco onions, Yukon mashers

CENTER CUT PORK CHOP – peach chutney, herb salad, demi-glace, mashers

BLACKENED CATFISH – crawfish tails, hot sauce, pecan meunière, soft grits

JALAPEÑO HANGER STEAK – salsa verde, demi-glace, yukon mashers

HORSERADISHCRUSTEDSALMON- lemon dill butter sauce, brussels sprouts

CREOLE SHRIMP & GRITS – creole sauce, tasso ham, toasted baguette

Picture of an old time school bus

So, let’s get going

The Parks and Recreation table is ready with scissors and ribbon.

The Mayor, Tom Kilgore (R), and the City Manager, Joseph Molis, give some brief remarks.

With City Council members in attendance, the ribbon is cut to officially open the Lakeway Story Walk.

An explanation of Black History Month.

The first to take the walk.

The displays are a permanent fixture, and the content will change monthly.

The first stop is Thurgood Marshall.

Dr. Martin Luther King

Jesse Owens

Jane Bolin and self-portrait.

Henrietta Lacks.

The trail continues for more but we are out of time and need to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a great week. We will come back to the Story Walk.

Views of the Neighborhood – Artist Guy Burchak

January 26, 2025January 25, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are visiting Lakeway City Hall to view some art pieces by artist Guy Burchak. We are catered by Aba of Austin. Our entertainment is Bruce Springsteen.

BLACKBERRY DROP BISCUIT – blackberry compote, whipped cream

AVOCADO TOAST – pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

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

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

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 & EGG – fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

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

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

About the artist in Guy’s words.

“My corporate art experience began due to my love of travel which led me to aviation art, creating art for the US and the Saudi military while living in Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Storm and the Iraq War. My Aviation art is in the US Air Force and Saudi Air Force Art Collections as well as held by the Saudi Royal Family and private collectors.

Living in Dubai, 2003-07, I created and installed trade show displays, traveling out of Dubai, throughout the middle east and parts of Europe until retiring from corporate work in 2012.

Throughout my life I have created and sold my art internationally thru government, corporate and public sales both privately and thru public exhibitions.

I have been living comfortably within multinational cultures throughout my life which brings to me a natural faith in humanity. After a lifetime of traveling this world, I have landed in Austin, Texas, where I am focused on creating art that illuminates the world that we are experiencing, a world that I believe is evolving through necessary chaos, guiding us towards order, compassion, brighter times.”

You can learn more by visiting Guy’s website: https://guy-burchak.pixels.com/

Art on display at Lakeway City Hall

The gallery with Guy’s work

The pieces are not titled, and there are five of them. They are scenes around Lake Travis where the drought has lowered the lake level.

Now it is time to listen to the music and enjoy the food. Since we do these features in my hometown, I think Bruce Springsteen’s version of My Home Town is perfect. I hope you have a terrific week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Ready for the Cold

January 19, 2025January 19, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

We expect the Arctic cold to hit this week, so I thought it would be a good idea to cruise the neighborhood to see if folks are prepared. Our temps will drop at night to below freezing, so plants will need covers. We are catered by 24 Diner of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel.

CHEDDAR BURGER Brioche bun, cheddar, pickles, red onion, roasted tomatoes, smoked aioli

BACON AVOCADO BURGER Brioche bun, bacon, avocado, charred poblanos, smoked aioli

24 BURGER
Brioche bun, swiss, house pickles, sauce gribiche, bibb lettuce, tomato

THE 24 VEGGIE BURGER Brioche bun, Havarti, vegan mayo, spicy pepper relish, avocado. Housemade veggie patty: beets, mushrooms, lentils, bread crumbs, rice, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds

WAGYU SLIDERS Blackening spice, bacon, caramelized onions, blue cheese dressing

PATTY MELT Rye toast, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, smoked aioli

M’S GRILLED CHEESE Sourdough, cheddar, havarti, roasted tomato

BLACKENED TUNA SANDWICH Brioche bun, cabbage cucumber slaw, jalapeno remoulade

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go

Color-matched covers.

A massive cover for a large plant.

Now we’re talking. Blue tarps everywhere.

Petty sky and subtle coverings.

The University of Texas flag looks windblown. The plants look embarrassed.

The oleander will be comfy, but the bed does not have a quilt.

Half is better than nothing.

Three fugitives from Halloween.

Grandma spent months making that cover.

No fooling around here. The straight stuff.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Stay warm this week and enjoy the music and food.

Views of the Neighborhood – Polar Plunge

January 12, 2025January 11, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway pool to witness the annual polar plunge, a January tradition. We are catered by Eberly of Austin, and our entertainment is Foreigner.

HALIBUT – pomme purée, pepper relish, watercress salad

SALMON- crispy rice cake, romanesco, citrus, chive beurre blanc, trout roe

SWEET POTATO PAVÉ- red curry, baby bok choy, pickled pears, mint & fennel salad

HALF CHICKEN – parisian gnocchi, caper-brown butter jus, arugula

SHORT RIB – roasted butternut squash, candied pepitas, guajillo jus

PORK CHOP – brussels sprouts, chestnut purée, mustard seed-bacon glaze

TEXAS WAGYU STRIP – creamed kale, crispy leeks, bordelaise

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go

There’s the swim center plaque.

Ah good. Some warm drinks.

The polar bear in person.

The slide is used to drop those souls into 50-degree water.

Lifeguards all bundled up, hoping no one needs help.

The center director gives a last minute briefing.

Waiting in anticipation.

The swimmers walk their last mile. (so to speak)

Oh yeah. Refreshing.

Under is not so bad.

Gotta hold that nose.

Praying it gets warmer.

Involuntary rigor mortis.

A testimony to the cold.

With that ending, we need to get back on the warm bus and enjoy our meal and the music. I hope you have a pleasant week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Christmas Past

December 29, 2024December 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

Today, we are cruising the neighborhood to check out the remains of the Christmas decorations. This is a trigger warning that some of these images may be disturbing to those who don’t want to let go of the Christmas spirit. We are catered by Juniper of East Austin. Our entertainment is Home Free.

NEW YEARS EVE TASTING MENU

PAO DE QUEIJO – Brazilian cheese bread
CURED HAMACHI TARTARE – Maine uni, finger lime, colatura vinaigrette, serrano
CRISPY POTATO & OSSETRA CAVIAR – crab gribiche, chervil
SPINACH & CATUPIRY CHEESE AGNOLOTTI – pecorino fonduta, confit peppercorns, chives odd white truffle
SEARED SCALLOP – toasted fregola, oyster cream, seaweed oil
SEA BASS “MOQUECA” – crispy rice, coconut broth, dende oil
ROSEWOOD WAGYU NY STRIP – hen of the woods mushrooms,
black garlic vinaigrette, watercress, odd black truffle
BRIGADERIO – dark chocolate cremeux, hazelnut praline,
chocolate crunchies

Picture of an old time school bus

Back to our old bus – Let’s go.

Poor little fella.

Goodness. Looks like a mass deflation.

I have no idea what this is supposed to be.

Another view gives no new ideas on what this is supposed to say.

Whoops, an overserved Reindeer.

That Reindeer should have partnered with the overserved Santa.

Or maybe we should all go to a meeting together.

We know pops. You’re just tired.

Speaking to tired. Wake this one in the morning.

I hope you had at least one laugh on the tour. Now, it is time to enjoy the food and entertainment.

Views of the Neighborhood – Holiday Decorations

December 22, 2024December 21, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

We are going to tour the neighborhood and check out some of the holiday decorations. We are catered by Caroline of Austin. Our entertainment is Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.