Tag: Views of the Neighborhood

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri and A 4th of July Search

~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Today, we are going to see numerous things, including some random, some cute, and some hard to describe. We will also look to see if there are any decorations for the Fourth of July. We are catered by Birdies of Austin. Our entertainment isSeals and Crofts

Fixed Menu

Summer spoon salad with melon, avocado + dill
Spicy watermelon + feta salad with cardamom, pepper + basil Focaccia with house labneh
Marinated chickpeas with nigella seed
Spiced eggplant with pomegranate molasses
Shrimp + shishitos with sage + rose
Sweet corn + pickled peppers
Chicken skewers with pine nut-pepper schmear + tomatoes

(Veg Option Available Upon Request)
—
Olive oil cake with roasted peaches + cold almond cream

Corn soft serve + crunchy candied buckwheat

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go.

This is a close-up of a Texas purple sage bush. When it blooms, they say rain is seven days away.

Mama and her two fawns.

A bright pink set of crape myrtles.

Daddy buck with his velvet antlers.

A giant white crape myrtle.

Mama looking for a handout.

Airconditioner box – First sign of summer.

Lawnmower at the curb – First sign of lawn trouble.

Dining room chairs at the curb – First sign of a redo.

Office chair and kiddie pool at the curb – First sign that working from home is over.

A chair that looks like it came from a Mustang convertible and pallets—the first sign of orders from She Who Must Be Obayed.

House with 4th decorations

Nice bunting.

Uncle Sam.

Lakeway lines all its significant roads with flags for the 4th. Here is an example.

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

Views of the Neighborhood – Wandering the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Since it is a slow week activity-wise, The Producer developed a theme for today’s post. She suggested “Wandering the Neighborhood,” which means seeing a whole lot of different sights as we do just that. Ten Ten of Austin caters to us, and Dion provides entertainment.

Menu

acorn squash, black garlic, baby spinach

roasted cauliflower, eggplant, wild mushroom

smoked tofu, pickled vegetables, shiso

charred hamachi kama black garlic, pickled vegetables

miso king salmon eggplant purée, rice pearls

short rib ume chimichurri

Wagyu New York strip 10oz shiso

pork chop Japanese curry, pickled vegetables

king crab leg chili garlic butter, micros salad

wagyu tenderloin 8oz shiso gremolata

wagyu strip 14oz wasabi peppercorn cream

wagyu ribeye 24oz charcoal salt

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

We’ll start with a lovely red crape myrtle.

There are many hills here, so retaining walls must take on some style.

A red and white crape myrtle.

Rock wall topped with Carolina Jasmine.

Mexican Birds of Paradise.

A deer family in a neighbor’s yard. To the right is the buck making a getaway.

Pink crape myrtle.

A wall of thin rocks with a slate-like look.

A purple giant crape myrtle.

Another wall with a slate-like look made of limestone.

Well, that is our wandering for the week. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a terrific week.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Air Park Open House

~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

On the second Saturday of the month, Lakeway Air Park holds an open house for the community. We have gone to this open house before, but I thought it would be fun to see if anything is new. We are catered by Eberly of Austin, and our entertainment is Frank Sinatra.

Menu

Raw oysters half dozen  persimmon mignonette, cocktail sauce, fresno hot sauce, lemon

crudo kanpachi, aji amarillo leche de tigre, blood orange, fried garlic, scallions

beef tartare  black garlic dijon vinaigrette, crispy potatoes, egg yolk

rigatoni 30 fennel sausage, san marzano pomodoro, pecorino, basil

spaghettini  lobster, beurre blanc, fresno chiles, chives

mafaldine  oyster mushroom, drunken goat, cracked black pepper, chives

MAINS

halibut  pomme purée, pepper relish, watercress salad

salmon  crispy rice cake, romanesco, citrus, chive beurre blanc, trout roe

eggplant milanese  basil purée, toasted almonds, charred zucchini & tomato salad

half chicken  parisian gnocchi, caper-brown butter jus, arugula

short rib  ’nduja collard greens, grilled corn, radish, chimichurri

pork chop confit potatoes, spinach, mustard seed-bacon glaze

ny strip sautéed red kale, confit garlic, bordelaise

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s jump on the bus.

There is the permanent Ercoupe display.

A big welcome to the Air Park. (and a few rules)

A photo of planes on the line.

Another shot of the line shows the variety.

A photo showing homes around the Air Park with the hanger for airplanes.

1946 Piper PA-12

2016 SETH E HANCOCK VANS RV 7 Experimental

Cockpit of the Seth Hancock

2005 CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22

Controls of the Cirrus.

1940 Piper J5A

Controls of the Piper.

PROGRESSIVE AERODYNE INC – SEAREY LSA Land and sea

1062 Cessna 210B

Controls of the Cessna

1973 Cessna 182 taking off.

Well, that’s the tour. It’s time to relax, have some food, and listen to Ole Blue Eyes.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are going to see a few things that were spotted in the neighborhood this week. We are catered by Stell San Jac of Austin. Our entertainment is Kris Kristofferson.

Menu

Eggs Your Way – Two Eggs, Crispy Hash Brown, Toast, Choice of Meat: Chorizo, Pork Sausage, Turkey Sausage/Bacon or Smoked Bacon
Chorizo & Potato Tacos – Eggs, White Cheddar, Crème Fresca, Roasted Salsa
Grapefruit Curd Parfait – House Made Granola, Greek Yogurt, Texas Berries
Smoked Salmon Benedict – Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon, Spinach, English Muffin, Hollandaise
Pecan Praline French Toast – Bourbon Maple Syrup, Vanilla Whipped Cream
Chicken & Waffle -Bourbon Maple Syrup, Country Gravy, Fried Herbs
Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes – Fresh Blueberry, Lemon Syrup
Country Fried Steak – Country Gravy, Hash Brown Waffle, Sunnyside Up Eggs
Biscuits & Gravy – Grilled Chorizo, Poached Eggs, Creole Sausage Gravy
Picture of an old time school bus
Let’s go.
A big Vitex.
A sad mailbox.
A lovely pink Crepe Myrtle
A fairyland mailbox topper
A giant cactus in bloom.
Rare white Crepe Myrtles.
A smiling ceramic pig on the mailbox.
A large blooming succulent.
A loving Mama and her babies.
The Producer’s dinner plate hibiscus.
Time now to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a fantastic week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Carol Williard van Ginkel – Needle Painting

~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are visiting an exhibition of Needle paintings by Lakeway artist Carol Williard van Ginkel. Needle painting is a process using needles, thread, and multicolored string to produce a work of art.

Carol learned to embroider from her grandmother, who taught her to cross-stitch. She became interested in Needle painting and fell in love with it. The exhibit shows her progress over the last seven years.

 

 

 

 

 

We are catered by Bouldin Creek Cafe in Austin. Our entertainment is Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton

Menu

Views of the Neighborhood – Time for a Break

~ John W. Howell
Photo by Radek Grzybowski on Unsplash

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers. I hope your day is filled with love.

As my 83rd birthday approaches and the 12th anniversary of this blog is not far off, I find that I need some time off.

I’m not sure if it is age or that for the last eleven years, I have published a post at least six days a week with only four days off.

I do know that with a new puppy and an almost-finished book, some neglected things need attention.

I have decided to take at least a week away from the blog and social media and see how it goes.

In the meantime, I will miss visiting your posts and look forward to my return.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I have turned the comments off. See you when I get back.

Views of the Neighborhood – Earth Day Planting

~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

In celebration of Earth Day last Monday, the Swim Center and the Department of Parks and Recreation of Lakeway held a planting event. Volunteers signed up to plant blooming plants throughout the center. So, we will step back in time and witness the event. We are catered by the 24 Diner of Austin, and our entertainment is The Beetles.

Menu

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, Havartii, 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

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

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

THE B.L.T. Ciabatta, bacon, tomatoes, arugula, basil, oregano, roasted garlic, aioli

MEATLOAF SANDWICH Sourdough bread, pickles, mustard, ketchup, red onion

CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICH Ciabatta, avocado mash, bacon, tomatoes, bibb lettuce, tomato vinaigrette

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS Crispy chicken breast, house Buffalo sauce, pickles, blue cheese

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH Brioche bun, apricot slaw, chipotle remoulade, choice of white or dark meat

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

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on the bus, and let’s go.

There is the entrance to the park.

The Parks and Recreation table so we know we are in the right place.

The plants were all laid out ahead of time. Here’s a hibiscus ready to be planted.

More plants are laid out in a bed.

More.

Here is a bed that has roses but is going to get company.

The volunteers get briefed.

And so to work. Hibiscus and lantana are being put in.

All ages are participating.

Lots of ground to cover.

The boss seems pleased.

The hibiscus we saw earlier is getting settled.

Everyone is pitching in.

It is time for us to enjoy the food and music. I know you’ve worked hard, and you need to relax. I hope you have a great week.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Enchanted Forest Walk

~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Each year the Lakeway Parks and Recreation Department installs an Enchanted Forest Walk. It features tiny fairy and gnome homes that line the way as you stroll under a canopy of magical trees and twinkling lights. We are going to visit it today, but since it is daytime, there won’t be any twinkling lights. We are catered by Suzis China Grill of Austin. Our entertainment is Don Ho.

Menu

Moo Goo Delight – shrimp, chicken and fresh mushrooms in brown sauce
Seafood Delight – shrimp, scallops & krab with vegetables in brown sauce
Three Delight – beef, chicken & shrimp sautéed with vegetables in special sauce
Sautéed Trio – beef, chicken & shrimp sautéed with mushrooms & scallions in spicy burgundy sauce
Home Style Bean Curd – stir-fried with fried tofu, vegetables, chili & garlic
Broccoli with Garlic Sauce – sautéed with garlic, ginger & chili
String Bean Szechwan  – sautéed with garlic, ginger & rice wine
Picture of an old time school bus
Let’s go
We are welcomed by a happy bear.
A long view of the trail showing flowers and mushrooms
One of the Fairy communities from afar.
A close-up of the fairy homes
Cinderella’s coach.
Two gnomes in the tree.
Fairy boots and Texas stars with wagons.
Cattle and a wagon train.
Tooth fairy hangout.
Gnome blowing bubbles.
Butterflies and ladybugs.
Flower fairies.
A group of gnomes giving us a wave goodbye.
We do have one nighttime photo courtesy of the city.
That is the walk in the Enchanted Forest. The time now for food and entertainment. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Wilderness 5K Run/Walk

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway Greenbelt to watch the start of the 5K Wilderness Run/Walk sponsored by Friends of the Park. This run happens every year to raise awareness of the volunteering opportunity with Friends of the Park. This non-profit organization helps maintain Lakeway Parks and ensures their preservation for the future.

We are catered by Cypress Grill in Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago

Brunch menu

Creole Eggs Benedict
English muffin, poached eggs, Cajun tasso ham, Creole hollandaise, served with one side (also available with classic hollandaise sauce)
Eggs Napoleon
English muffin, poached eggs topped with crawfish etouffee and cheddar-jack cheese, served with choice of one side.
Loaded Biscuit
Buttermilk biscuit open-faced, topped with Cajun tasso ham, andouille sausage gravy, and two eggs your way
Shrimp & Grits
Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, and red peppers in a traditional low country gravy atop our creamy garlic cheese grits with crumbled bacon
Spanky Special
Sandwich with fried egg, American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and mayo on toasted whole wheat
Cajun Hash
Andouille sausage, tasso ham, and boudin sausage sautéed with home fries, tomato, onion, and jalapeno, topped off with two eggs any way you like them.
French Toast
French bread, grilled golden brown and topped with powdered sugar, is served with one side.
The Bayou Breakfast
Two eggs any way you like them, plus any three sides
Buttermilk Pancakes
Three homemade pancakes with a choice of one side
Build Your Own Omelet
A three-egg omelet with three of the following ingredients: andouille sausage, Tasso ham, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, Gulf shrimp, lump crab, crawfish etouffée, Creole hollandaise topping, parmesan, cheddar jack, or provolone. Served with a choice of one side.
Picture of an old time school bus
Let’s go.
There is a sign for the event.
Entering the Greenbelt, we run into these thoughtful chess players.
There’s the registration tent.
T-shirts, of course.
Oranges and bananas for the athletes.
Coffee and donuts for the rest of us.
Bronze elk family in the park.
A heron looking over Hurst Creek.
The starting point.
A slight warming up before the race.
Ready to go.
Friends of the Park chairperson gives the go signal.
And we are off. Well, not we as in you and I. We have food to eat.
The runners pass the heron on the way to 5K.
Now that the runners and walkers have departed, let’s have some food and enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today, we are going to see several things. I call it potpourri because there is no theme, just a little bit of everything. We are catered by Aba of Austin. Our entertainment is Keith Urban

Menu

BLACKBERRY DROP BISCUIT blackberry thyme jam, whipped cream

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

CRAB FRITTATA avocado, butternut squash, pickled fresno, lemon

SHAWARMA-SPICED SKIRT STEAK & EGG fried eggs, crispy potatoes, tzatziki

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

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go

The Producer’s roses are in bloom.

A beautiful stand of poppies.

Looks like the dish got the heave-ho.

A swallowtail butterfly in the sage.

New geraniums.

Worn out gaming chairs. Wonder how the thumbs look?

Geranium and snapdragons. The boxwood hedge in the background looks good.

The car bumper meets the mailbox. It is interesting that inside the brickwork is a bunch of trash.

Another view shows how hollow the brickwork is.

Remember this holiday decoration?

It is still there only on the ground.

The Calibrachoa is ready for lounging.

Okay, that’s the tour. Time to sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a super week.