Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 29, 2019May 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

“Think we ought to get up and bark or something?”
“It’s Wednesday, Little One. Ask me again on Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week an SUV was barreling down on Larry and Andrew who just slid down a hill to the freeway access road. We were there when Larry yelled at Andrew to take cover in a ditch. He then opened the door of the car and used it to steady his aim. We left when Larry fired six rounds from his 9mm Glock 17 at the SUV. We better get back to see how effective Larry’s Last Stand was in stopping the vehicle.

“Holy shit, Larry.”
“Not sure about the holy part. Looks like these guys won’t be coming after us for a while.”
“I didn’t see the whole thing. Did I hear right? Did that big ole SUV flip a couple of times before ending up on its side?”
“Yeah. Lucky for me too. Had it kept coming, I would be part of it now. Stay back, Andrew. Those two guys look like they have had it, but you never know.”
“How many shots did you take.”
“Not sure, Andrew. I don’t count. I know I hit both the driver and the passenger before the thing went over.”
“Did you shoot at the tires and give them a blowout?”
“Not enough time. Besides the way tires are built today, they have some blowout protection. They probably would have run me over before going flat.”
“You going to check them?”
“Yeah. Just trying to get my legs back and make sure there is no fire.”
“Looks pretty quiet except for the steam coming from the front.”
“I must have hit the radiator too. Well, here goes nothing. Stay here. You have your cell?”
“Yes.”
“Give 911 a call. Tell them it’s not an emergency, but we don’t have the local police number. Tell them we are from police from Boston and have a weapon. We believe there are two gun-shot fatalities.”
“Okay. Be careful.”
“Yeah. I’ll talk my way over there. Okay, Larry take an angle of approach that will keep the car between you and the perps. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. That’s right. Now you are at the back of the vehicle you need to go forward to the front. The driver’s side is up. The two of them should be in a heap in the passenger’s side. Wait I see an arm out the window. Okay, be still my heart. It looks like the driver has his seatbelt on. Makes sense he would still be in the seat. The question, is he alive? Okay, weapon up and ready. Approach the danger with caution. Shit, I didn’t check the magazine. There should be enough bullets left since I don’t believe I fired that many. Well, no time to check now. Keep going. No sign of movement. Look in the driver’s window. Yikes. What a mess. Must have hit both with the first shots. A couple of automatic weapons in there too. Not going to touch anything. Gotta sit down. No, go back to Andrew and wait for the first responders. The word fatalities will bring them out in droves. Better put my weapon on the hood of the car too. No way do I want to be shot holding my piece.”
“Those guys done for?”
“Yup they both are gone.”
“You sure?”
“Go look if you don’t believe me.”
“No that’s okay, I’ll take your word. What are you doing?”
“I’m putting my gun and ID on the hood of the car.”
“Why?”
“Those guys are going to be coming in hot, and I don’t want them to think I might be worth a couple of shots.”
“Oh. The dispatcher was very nice. She said she understood the situation and would send help.”
“You told her we were cops?”
“Yeah. Told her those guys were trying to kill us.”
“Good thing those guys has some automatic rifles with them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, normally one asks questions first and then start shooting. I started shooting first and was relieved to see those guns.”
“I never thought of that. They definitely were out to get us.”
“We know that, but let’s just say we are alive because we did not follow protocol. Since you were down in that ditch leave the description of the event to me.”
“Yeah of course. You seem worried.”
“The cop in me is asking the question, ‘What makes you think the occupants of that SUV were trying to kill you?’ That would be a logical question when trying to determine if lethal force was appropriate.”
“You saw their weapons on the road. You said so.”
“Did you see them?”
“The guys? Yes, I remember saying how ugly they were. I don’t remember weapons. No, I was too busy being scared. Besides, I was on the other side of the car.”
“So now you see why I’m glad there are weapons in that SUV. It would only have been my word. I could have imagined the whole thing and killed a couple of delivery men.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Yeah. I know. I made the right choice to save you and I. Protocol would have me wait until they fired first.”
“Sounds stupid to me.”
“in hindsight to me as well. Just let me do the talking.”
“I’ll say I saw the weapons.”
“No lies. Please. Listen, I hear sirens. You have any water? I sure could use some.”
“You better sit down, Larry. You aren’t looking so good.”
“Yeah, I feel a little dizzy.”
“Here lay down. Put your feet up on the running board. You are in shock again. The excitement is over, and your body is telling you to cool it.”
“Yes, this is better. Water?”
“Here you go, Duke.”
“Duke?”
“My hero.”
“Stop.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Memorial Day

May 27, 2019May 26, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

As I have written on past Memorial Days all ten things not to do on this day are the same. Do not fail to remember those who gave their lives to keep us free.

I hope you have a peaceful Memorial Day.

Views of the Neighborhood – Old Lakeway

May 26, 2019May 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Old Lakeway is geographically defined by the boundaries of the original 17 sections and first 1,000 acres of Lakeway, developed between October 1962 and April 1971, by Lakeway Land Co. In 2017, street signs, featuring the original Lakeway logo, were added at each intersection in the neighborhood delineating the area.

A neighborhood, tucked into a corner of the City of Lakeway, Texas, with a unique charm and history all its own. Characterized by narrow, winding streets, mature oaks, architecturally diverse homes, many with spectacular views, including Lake Travis, the Hill Country, and Live Oak, Lakeway’s first golf course.

Once the home of people like astronaut Alan Shepard Jr., news anchor Dan Rather, and other prominent business people and professionals of the time, early Lakeway became one of the premier resort communities in the U.S. All that is Lakeway today, grew out of Old Lakeway.

The Inn and Spa

Photo of the Pool and Lake Travis view from the spa.

Enterence to the spa

Enterence to the marina.

A quick shot of the marina through the trees.

The first home built in Lakeway in 1964.

The special signs attached to the street signs marking the Old Lakeway boundries.

The Live Oak Golf Club.

The so called Mushroom house built in 1979 and designed by the architect John Watson a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice

Another view of the mushroom house.

The astronaut Alan Shepard’s vacation home. He would fly in and land at the Lakeway airpark on weekends to visit his home.

An example of one kind of house in Old Lakeway

Lakeway Patio Home Condominimums built in 1971 and the first in Texas.

Another example of an Old Lakeway home.

Final example of the diverse archetecture of Old Lakeway.

If you care to read more here is more information about Old Lakeway. Thanks for the company.

LAKEWAY HISTORY*

A brief history of Lakeway……

1937: construction on the dam started, 1941, New Deal project created Lake Travis
1941: three men from Houston visited area looking for a hotel site
1962: rancher Jack Josey showed his 2700 ranch on Lake Travis to same three men
- They immediately took a 60-day option with plan to develop more than a hotel
1962: (October), construction began on The Inn / partnership expanded to 10 men
1962-1965: partnership bought 3,697 acres from Josey
1963: (July 12) Grand Opening of The Inn and Marina
1963: the airpark completed
1964: first custom home built at 104 Highlander, owners become first permanent residents of Lakeway
1965: (October 1) Live Oak golf coarse opened
1967: (August 5) A major brush fire along Challenger near Hurst Creek prompts development of Lakeway Village Fire Department (est Dec 1968)
1971: Lakeway Patio home condominiums section 1 is completed, becoming the first condominiums built in Texas (Kite St. at Lido)
1971: (April 26) Gulfmont / Lakeway Land Co (Houston) sold its interest in Lakeway to Alpert Corp (Dallas)
- 300 homes built and 1,000 acres developed at this time

*Source: A. Denys Cadman, and Byron D. Varner, “In the Beginning: A Brief History of Lakeway” Austin: Silverdale, 1981

For a more comprehensive history of Lakeway, visit the City of Lakeway website.

And a little about the Old Lakeway project.

EVOLUTION OF THE OLD LAKEWAY PROJECT

Started as an idea in 2015, the Old Lakeway Project was originally focused exclusively on the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, with the goal of recognizing those homes that still honored the original architect’s exterior design vision.
From that, was born the secondary project goal of building a neighborhood, and the current project goal was formed: “Preserving Lakeway’s history through its homes, and forming a neighborhood known as “Old Lakeway”.
The Old Lakeway neighborhood is defined as the first 17 Sections and 1,000 acres developed by Lakeway Land Company at the time they sold their interests in Lakeway on April 26, 1971.
The establishment of the Old Lakeway neighborhood includes more than the owners of the first 300 homes; we estimate 750 to 800 homes are a part of this defined neighborhood, however all of Lakeway will benefit from the preservation of this historically significant area.

The Old Lakeway Project currently has two goals:

Recognize the first 300 homes built in Lakeway with an emphasis on those that retain the original architects’ exterior vision
Build Lakeway’s first real neighborhood, known as “Old Lakeway”

….and have some fun connecting with neighbors in the process!

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “

May 25, 2019May 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is . . . Well, let’s have Linda explain.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “rhymes with rosy.” Find a word that rhymes with “rosy” or use the word “rosy” and base your post on it. Enjoy!”

Notice the word “enjoy”? So if you would like to enjoy this kind of writing experience, visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is to get lost in your own enjoyment. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 25/19

“What are you doing now?”

“Looking for a word that rhymes with rosy.”

“Whatever for? Oh, wait you are doing that Linda Hill thing right?”

“Every Saturday I do the Linda Hill thing. Every Saturday, you wander in and ask me what I’m doing. Then we get into some kind of discussion where I end up looking like a fool. You would think you would get it by now.”

“That you are a fool?”

“No. That I’m doing a prompt.”

“I just wondered since you have that big ole dictionary in your lap.”

“As I said, I’m trying to find a word that rhymes with rosy.”

“Why not just google it?”

“May violate the rules.”

“Too easy, huh?”

“Maybe.”

“How about posey. You know pocket full of posey as in ring around the rosy.”

“You know where that poem came from, don’t you?”

“Uh. No. Tell me.”

“At the time of the black death, it was a rhyme describing circumstances. Flowers in the pocket to offset the smell of the dead and the ashes from burning corpses.”

“Come on, I hear that was a myth. You read that in the dictionary?

“No. Saw it on YouTube. Ring around the rosy, pocket full of posey, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”

“Grim, I say. How about nosey. You could do something with that.”

“As in my nosey friend.”

“Very funny. Okay, try mosey. You know, let’s mosey down to the bar for a drink.”

“I like that one. You buying?”

“I didn’t mean it literally.”

“Of course not. Would be too cozy.”

“Gad. Let’s go. This is exhausting.”

“Yay. do you think Rosie is tending bar?”

“I certainly hope not. A nice Bob would be a break.”

“Killjoy.”

“Dork.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

May 24, 2019May 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Well, here we are on the cusp of a Memorial Day weekend. If we were at the coast, the store would have been visited, supplies laid in, and our loins girded for another onslaught. There would be drunks, illegal fireworks, bottles, and cans everywhere. A walk on the beach impossible without confronting, loose dogs, loud music, and city folks who believe littering is a God-given right.

But, we are not on the coast. We are in a quiet neighborhood where the cardinals and doves make up the bulk of the noise. Oh, sure there is a stray motorboat sound but nothing like a three-tier boombox putting out decibel levels to rival the Blue Angels at a five hundred foot flyover.

In short, we intend to honor those who made the mayhem at the coast possible. Those who felt a higher calling than the preservation of their own life. We will remember those who sacrificed all to maintain the freedom we enjoy today. We will do this honor in an elegant way far from those who only thought is where they left the bottle opener for that illegal glass bottle of ale.

Today’s JohnKu talks about Memorial Day. I hope yours is filled with joy and remembrance of those who gave all of us the highest gift possible.

They never doubted,

But knew it was the right thing . . .

Eternally blessed.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Enjoy Freedom

May 23, 2019May 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. There is a backyard out here.”

“It’s been here the whole time, Little One.”

“Lucy, look. There is a fence all around.”

“I know. That is for your and my safety.”

“Race you.”

“OMG, you don’t stand a chance.”

“Yeah? You are going down you big ole moose.”

“Names won’t help you win, Potato.”

“Look at this dirt.”

“I hear we are getting grass soon.”

“My goodness. A lot of outdoor furniture.”

“Better not jump up on that couch, Lucy. Those paws look like asphalt.”

“What are you doing down there, Twiggy?”

“I’m practicing my puma approach to unsuspecting prey.”

“Bett do something to lower your butt. Looks like a white flag in the wind.”

“Tha grass can’t come too soon, Lucy.”

“That’s what Mom says, too, Little one.”

“Ah, fresh water. Fresh air. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

“After grass, it will get better. How do I get these mud pies off my feet?”

Views of the Neighborhood – The New Lakeway Police Station

May 19, 2019May 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Last weekend the new Lakeway Police headquarters had it’s grand opening. Of course, the Producer and I could not miss the event. The station is a great example of Texas Hill Country architecture. I took tons of photos and culled them down to those presented here. There are still quite a few and I hope you won’t be bored.

Hard to capture the whole building. This will give you an idea.

Although it was threatening rain many folks showed up.

The view of the main entrance.

The tour line has formed. A few sprinkles have begun.

Hot dogs and donuts (of course)

This is the training room and situation room in an emergency. Yes it is big.

A shot of the front desk. (behind glass)

The Chief of Police office.

The daily briefing room.

Since the force operates on a 24/7 basis a food prep station is needed.

Before entering the interrogation area, Officers place their weapons in these lockers.

A conference room.

The 911 call center which serves Lakeway and Bee Cave communities.

The interior of a holding cell. All suspects are transfered to the county jail after processing so they don’t stay for long.

A cell door.

The drunk tank testing room.

A bench where a suspect is placed until transport can be arranged. The cuff pretty much guarantees the suspect will stay put.

The crime lab where evidence is prepared to be sent to the state for processing.

One of two brand new Harleys for the motorized team.

The walks are lined with dedication opportunities. Pictured are the officers of the Police union.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. As you can see the community is proud of it’s police department and have funded the best for them.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Adverb.”

May 18, 2019May 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Lately time seems to fly. It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again already. Linda Hill has declaired this week’s prompt to be “adverb.” Here is what she said, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “adverb.” Start your post with any adverb and just run with it. Have fun!” So you see what I did up front. Used the term lately to start off. I know you couldn’t care less but if you would like to join in and “have fun,” as Linda commands visit her blog and read how. It is very easy. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 18/19

“‘Certainly you’ll have fun’, they said.”

“Who said?”

“All those folks who passively sit and watch me suffer.”

“I’m sorry but I’m still not getting the gist of what you’re saying.”

“The writerly folks who do this prompt without even a thought.”

“Okay. You need to start over cause I’m lost.”

“You know I do a prompt weekly.”

“Yes to my detriment.”

“And I seemingly suffer doing it.”

“I have witnessed your angst, yes.”

“Others rarely have the same trouble as me.”

“How do you know?”

“Just look at how flawlessly they exicute the prompt.”

“I think you are too hard on yourself.”

“Hold on. I was the one who expressly gave instructions that I would use adverbs exclusively.”

“Yeah, I got the order.”

“You blatently used ‘too.”‘

“Huh?”

“In that sentence above, you particularily used the word ‘too”‘

“Okay.”

“Too is always an adverb. Certainly you knew that.”

“It slipped my mind. I have a few other things going on.”

“Well it really doesn’t matter. The bit is officially ruined.”

“Come on.”

“Remarkably It just proves my original premise.”

“Oh I think you have done enough to satisfy the prompt.”

“Shockingly you are still at it.”

“What?”

“Enough is an adverb. Surely you are trying to annoy me on purpose?”

“You know what would annoy you on purpose?”

“I’m pretty sure you’ll tell me.”

“A knuckle sandwhich that I conviently have right here for you.”

“Salt directly in the wound.”

Views of the Neighborhood. Lakeway Park 25th Anniversary

May 12, 2019October 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Lakeway Park is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. As is fitting there was cake, kite flying, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The day was beautiful with temperatures in the high seventies. Come walk with me.

The first aid tent which oversees the kayak and paddleboard lending.

A couple of grandparents enjoying the day.

Kites are in the air.

Getting ready to launch.

Gotta have ice cream.

Shave ice and water too.

A tent by the Colin’s Hope organization whose mission is to educate on the dangers of drowning. The organization was founded by the family of Colin Holst who tragically lost his life in a swimming pool at age four in 2007.

A beautiful American Eagle in flight

Lovely bird.

A grandmother providing coaching on aerodynamics. The tea tent is in the background.

I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Strain.”

May 11, 2019May 10, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “strain.” Here is what Linda Hill says about the prompt this week. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “strain.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!” Well you read her instructions. If you would like to participate visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.