Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Witches Ride

October 27, 2024October 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are celebrating Halloween with the Witches Ride in Lakeway. This is an annual event, and we don’t want to miss it. Kids dress up and take a one-mile ride on anything that doesn’t have a motor. After the ride, there is a carnival for more fun. We will be eating carnival food, and our entertainment is Michael Jackson.

BBQ, Kettle corn, Ice cream, Cotton candy, Pizza, donuts, lemonade,

Let’s go. Yes, you all will fit. It is a magic bus.

There’s the sign

The fire crew is here.

A welcome from the Activity Center.

Some of the decorations

Parks and Recreation table.

Carnaval games.

He rang the bell.

Let’s hear it for the bookmobile.

Scary movie on the big screen

The first course is pizza.

Then BBQ.

Donuts and lemonade.

Cotton candy.

Ice cream

Kettle corn.

Even our HEB Grocery store is here.

The band getting ready to play.

A flying goul.

Another

A third with pretty shoes.

Bike riders.

More bikes.

Mom gives directions.

A witch.

Mom doing the run.

A witch on a bike and one on skates.

A wizard.

An angel and devil

Another Angel

I hope you enjoyed the Witches Ride. Now let’s go to the carnival and enjoy the evening.

Views of the Neighborhood – The Community Band concert

October 20, 2024October 19, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Community Band concert in the sculpture garden. Aba of Austin caters to us, and in addition to the concert, Sly and the Family Stone provide entertainment.

BRUNCH

MEYER LEMON DROP BISCUITpeach compote, whipped cream

AVOCADO TOASTpomegranate, 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

Let’s go.

There is the signpost up ahead.

From the chess players point of view, it looks like a friendly crowd

A beautiful day for a concert

The heron sculpture still looking for a big fish.

The elk family enjoying the day.

The band is getting ready to play

The concertmaster gets everyone on the same page.

The mayor has to say a few words.

The announcements are finished, and the concert is underway.

I hope you enjoyed it. Now it is time to eat and listen to our other band.

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Decorations

October 13, 2024October 12, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Today, we will cruise the Neighborhood and look for Halloween decorations. Acre 41 of Austin will cater our event, and Mitch Ryder will entertain us.

Faroe Islands Salmon – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Wild rice, manchego roasted asparagus, heirloom tomato salsa

Gulf Shrimp and Grits – charred corn, bacon, white cheddar, grits, blistered tomato, jalapeño

Diver Scallops – miso-ginger cream, roasted trumpet mushroom, wilted spinach

Truffled Bucatini – beurre fondue, pecorino romano, black pepper

Belly-On Pork Chop – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Heirloom carrot, roasted brussels, cider-maple jus

Chile-Glazed Organic Chicken – broiled sweet potato, blistered sweet peppers, red chile glaze

14oz Prime Rib- natural beef jus, horseradish cream, whipped potato

Come on, get on the Halloween bus.

A spider with a smile.

Scary ghosts and not so scary pumpkin.

Taking a nap before Halloween.

A very strange decoration for sure.

A flower child past her prime.

Whole house decorations.

A big threat.

Tall ghoul. Frightened skelly.

A fun wish for Halloween.

A very happy display.

Witche’s cauldron.

Orkin man needed here.

Don’t go here for trick or treat. It’s a trap.

The yard needs something for Halloween.

Time to get the mail.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. It is now time for food and to enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Mail Box Toppers

October 6, 2024October 5, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are going to check out new mailbox toppers. Swifts Attic of Austin is catering our event, and Stevie Wonder is our entertainment.

That is the tour. It is time to relax, eat, and enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Trash and Treasure

September 29, 2024September 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today, we are going to explore the neighborhood and check out what some consider trash. Is there treasure? You can decide. We are catered by Arlo Grey of Austin. Or entertainment is Mary Heather Hickman.

OLIVE OIL POACHED HALIBUT
cioppino broth, clam escabeche, kennebec potato, tarragon, baby carrot

BRICK HALF CHICKEN
sweet pepper puree, butterscotch squash, romesco, celery & pickled pepper salad

16 OZ GRILLED BERKSHIRE PORK CHOP
field pea, scallion & apple salad, sunflower seed, ginger pork jus,
TX summer squash

17 OZ PEELER RANCH WAGYU RIBEYE
crispy crepe, turnip, little gem, pickled mushroom, yukon potato, beef fat aioli

AG BURGER & SALAD
caramelized onion, pickles, mayo, whipped potato, greens
sub fries, add bacon

BUCATINI
toasted corn sauce, black truffle, corn nut, chanterelle

MAFALDINI
champignon sauce, pearl onion, parmesan

CRISPY RICE
saffron aioli, crab, bacon, cucumber, cilantro, haricot vert

So Let’s go.

Good looking pool float chairs.

Aw, come on. A perfectly good chair,

Baby seat looks new.

A lounge chair. You do have to wonder what’s under the cover.

This looks like it will still work.

Okay a mattress might not be good used.

Kitchen sink.

An attic pull-down stairway. This might be trash.

Okay, more trash.

Nothing wrong with that dolly that a bit of paint and fresh rope couldn’t cure.

Just needs to stand up and a game of horse is instant.

Plastic wrap headboard. Just waiting for a bed.

Time now to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Cornhole Tournament

September 22, 2024September 29, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Today we are off to the annual Lakeway Cornhole Tournament. We are catered by Nanje of Austin. Our entertainment is Bon Jovi.

Sweet Potato Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans

Escovitch Fish Escovitch, Okra, Jimmy Nardello
West Indian CurryWagyu Beef, Patty Pan, Cherry Tomatoes, Potatoes

Wild Boar Pepperpot Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger

Haitian Griot Pork Shoulder, Pikliz, Epis, Crispy Pig Ears, Citrus Jus

Jerk Chicken ½ Heritage Chicken, Wild Garlic Chutney

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

There is the sign that we are here.

The trophy table.

Registration and power bar table.

The tournament board. Click to read some of the team names.

Spectators and overview of the tournament field.

Superb form with a toss.

In the air.

Hot an heavy competition.

A giant screen to keep track of the football Saturday.

Relaxing under the tent.

The face painter is here for the kids.

City Council Member Kent O’Brian represents the city.

It is time to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Spikeball Day

September 15, 2024September 14, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Today, we are going to Lakeway Park for Spikeball Day. What is Spikeball? (Or Roundball as it is known too) It is a game with four players, a ball, and a trampoline. The idea is to bounce the ball off the trampoline toward the opposite two-person team. They have to return it back by bouncing it off the trampoline. If you want to know more, here is a link. https://spikeball.com/pages/official-rules

We are catered by Odd Duck of Austin. Our entertainment is (who else) Spike Jones.

Appetizers

Ceviche*, cucumber aguachile, apple, cilantro, mint, potato chip

Chicken fried chicken giblets, sweet chili mustard, shiitake honey

Cast iron cheddar cornbread, charred eggplant muhammara butter

Summer squash salad, fermented shiitake ranch, toasted pecans, spiced seeds

Thai melon salad, cucumber, peanut, basil, crispy pork belly

Main dishes

Braised goat pizza, pecan mole, Oaxaca, chevre, jalapeno, cilantro

Grilled jerk shrimp, banana pepper butter, chimichurri

Tagliatelle, chorizo, tomato, Fresno pepper, basil, parmesan

Stuffed quail, dirty rice, pickled onion, sweet peppers, hot sauce jus

Blackened redfish, creamed eggplant, okra, peppers, tomato, pecan

Aged wagyu burger, tomato pork jam, fried beer cheese, pickled squash

Wagyu strip, steak sauce, tater tots, brown butter queso, green chili

Tomahawk pork chop, congee, eggplant, shishitos, peach kimchi

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s hit it.

Lakeway Spikeball Day

DATE: Saturday, September 14, 2024

TIME: 10 AM- 12 PM

LOCATION: Lakeway City Park

COST: FREE

There’s the information.

The registration and refreshment tent.

Prizes are to be given to the teams.

A team warming up.

The first toss.

Another team getting ready.

Looks like a trick shot coming.

Going up for the return.

The mascot of the play.

Tempest wants to sign up, too.

We need to relax and enjoy our food and music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – City Hall Art Gallery

September 8, 2024September 7, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery. The artist whose work is on display is Gloria Hagan. We are catered by Juniper of Austin, and our entertainment is Kermit the Frog

Picture of an old time school bus

So Let’s go

About the artist

“Georgia’s love for painting blossomed during two weeks of lessons at a local Tulsa art museum in her teens. Years later, she had the opportunity to learn Chinese Brush Painting while living in Indonesia. The teacher was an artist who had escaped to Indonesia from China during Mao’s Cultural Revolution. Lessons were unusual, as the teacher spoke no English, while Georgia spoke no Chinese and only limited Indonesian.

Georgia picked up her paintbrush again in earnest as a post-retirement hobby when she moved to Lakeway. Friends from the Lakeway Church encouraged her to join the Lakeway Painters organization in 2015. The paintings displayed here result from her continued association with that group.

Here we are at the installation. As you can see, all the art is framed and matted. Because of light challenges, I was forced to crop out the frames so you could see the art close-up. Any smudges are from removing glare since all the art was under glass.

Untitled – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Look Out Below” –

Colored pencil on sanded paper

“How May I Serve You” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Pair of Oranges” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Harvest Spectacular” – Acrylic on canvas board

“Christmas Nutcracker” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“We’re Getting a Dog??” -Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Watching TV” – Penci on sanded paper

“Rocket” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Crested Crane” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Great Crested Grebes – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Where’s My Coffee?” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Buddy” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“You Call Uber?” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Goldie” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“I’ll Have What He’s Having” – Print of a colored pencil original

“Bambi’s Buddy – Colored pencil on sanded paper

“Got Carrots?” – Colored pencil on sanded paper

Well, that’s the tour. Now it’s time to relax, listen to music, and enjoy some food. I hope you have a peaceful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Art Show

September 1, 2024September 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Today, we are headed to the Lakeway Activity Center for the art show sponsored by the Lakeway Arts Committee. We are catered by Corinne Austin, and our entertainment is Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick

Kale & Apple Salad – Honey crisp apple, arugula, white Cheddar, honey pecans, market vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Poke Salad – Romaine, Iceberg, snap peas, Fresno, ginger vinaigrette.

Spinach & Avocado Caesar Salad– Shaved Parmesan, Greek yogurt dressing, whole lemon vinaigrette

Chopped Romaine Hearts Salad: Rotisserie chicken, avocado, tomato, bacon, scallion, black beans, Bleu cheese, and Cobb dressing.

Brush Creek Wagyu Burger – Lettuce, white cheddar, tomato, onion, special sauce & shoestring fries

Chicken Club – Peppered bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, peppercorn aioli, brioche bun & shoestring fries

Toasted Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Aged white Cheddar, Havarti, Parmesan, arugula apple salad.

Our bus is back and is now equipped with a sauna. Let’s go.

The Activity Center.

Announcement poster.

A long view of one wall.

Popular succulent assortment.

Handmade ceramics.

Beautiful blues.

Our old friend Carol van Ginkel from the string art exhibition

Ceramic baked goods

A wide variety of art and a tasty cup of coffee.

Paintings on different media.

His work.

Unusual shapes and lovely pastel colors.

Modernism theme.

More.

I like the tablecloth color tie-in with the art.

It is now time for food, music, and relaxation. I hope you all have a beautiful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Mailbox Toppers

August 18, 2024August 17, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Yes, we are going to visit some new mailbox toppers in Lakeway. We are catered by Asti of Austin. Our entertainment is The Marvelettes. (Of course)

ASTI Benedict – focaccia / prosciutto / poached egg / hollandaise / dressed greens add sub smoked salmon

Shakshuka – arrabiatta / house ground sausage / baked eggs/parmesan/pecorino / grilled focaccia

Egg White Frittata – roasted romanesco / blistered tomato/butternut squash/fontina / arugula salad

Italian Toast – focaccia / sweet ricotta / lemon curd / merengue / candied rosemary

Shrimp & Polenta – red eye gravy / shaved parmesan

Chicken Cutlet Parmesan – capellini/lemon/capers/garlic/tomato fresca

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is loaded and ready.

Our first topper is a whimsical frog, giving us a lovely welcome.

Next is a perfect rose. (I’m guessing it is made out of recycled water bottles)

A modern interpretation of the planter.

Wise squared.

A unique feature of the purple house.

A happy turtle, although a little out of scale.

Marigolds, a charming pot, and a flag. Can’t miss on this one.

This is not a topper but I thought a red mailbox is worth the mention.

Here is mama hedgehog and her little one. She has a leaf umbrella for shade.

Well, that is the tour so now it is time to relax, enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.