Views of the Neighborhood – National Night Out with the Lakeway Police

October 8, 2023October 7, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Last week was National Night Out, and here in Lakeway, the Police Department sponsored a visit to their headquarters. We can step back in time and visit this event. The Police Department has opened its facility to give the public an idea of its services. We are going just before everyone arrives to see what they have prepared. We are catered by Olmalie in Austin. Our entertainment is (who Else) The Police.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

Here we are at Lakeway Police Headquarters.

A cornhole game is set up.

Mounted Police Officer.

A large screen with rotating photos of the department.

It is an excellent area to have a bite to eat.

Speaking of a place to eat. How about some pizza?

Cookies for dessert and soft drinks.

A K9 officer and his happy pup.

Sometimes, a SWAT team is needed.

The court is represented.

The Department’s Victim Services.

Lakeway activities.

Crime Scene Investigators.

The Telecommunications Group has giveaways.

Goodie Bag.

Name the fish contest.

I liked this sign. If you see something online, there is a safe place to meet your buyer.

That is our tour. I thank the Lakeway Police Department for hosting this National Night Out event. Now it’s time for some food and music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament.

October 1, 2023September 30, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

The term cornhole for the game came to be in Germany in the 1800s. A man invented the game and then took dried kernels of corn to fill the little bags, hence the name. We are attending the second annual cornhole tournament sponsored by the Lakeway Parks and Recreation. We will just eat there since there is a pizza truck at the event. Today’s entertainment is John Denver.

Tell ’em to put your food on my bill.

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

The fire department is here to make sure nothing is going to flame up.

A miniature soccer shooting course for the kids.

Four in One Game and Facepainter.

Face painting materials.

Inflatable slide.

Jumbo TV screen.

The tournament grounds.

A couple of targets and a scorekeeper.

Target, bags, and drink holder.

The prizes will go to the winners.

Trophies for (from left) Third, Second, and First place.

A participant warming up. (Red bag at eleven o’clock)

Official measurement.

There’s the truck, so relax and have some food. Listen to the music. I hope you have a fabulous week.

Views of the Neighborhood Art by Mary Barnes

September 17, 2023September 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today we are going to the Lakeway City Hall, where there has been an installation of some works by artist Mary Barnes in the art gallery. We are catered by Texas French Bread of Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago.

TFB classic deli sandwiches half/whole

served with tortilla chips & TFB salsa
make it a lunch special (+ cookie and iced tea)
turkey
ham and swiss
chicken salad
vegetarian
pimento cheese
Nicoise sandwich

savory pastry lunches

warm, savory pastry, small market salad or cup of soup
make it a lunch special (+ cookie and iced tea)
butter croissant
everything croissant
green chili & cheese
ham & cheese croissant
spinach & cheese croissant

breakfast sandwich
breakfast tostadas
market salad
soup

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on, and let’s go

The first oil is titled Glacier Park St. Mary’s Lake. I have to apologize that some of the photos appear off-center or skewed. The lighting was not the best and did cast on the paintings to create a hot spot. I moved around until the hot spot disappeared.

The View from Chicos Mountain Lodge Big Bend.

King of the Ferry Landing.

If This Old House Could Tell Its Story.

Cyprus Mill Creek.

Blooming Cactus.

The Shoppers. The Red Umbrellas.

And All That Jazz 1.

All That Jazz 2.

Love That Country Music.

I hope you enjoyed the art. Time to relax and have some food while listening to the music. Wishing you a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Inspirational Rocks

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today, we will go to the Greenbelt to look at a newly installed feature, which is inspirational rocks. We are also going to the Activity Center to see some kids creating rocks. We are being catered by L’oca D’oro of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel.

Brunch menu

Fresh Mozzarella, blistered shishito, marinated & roasted okra, lemon-tomato curd

Beet Cashew Dip, seeded lavash, sumac

Confit Magic Molly Potatoes, chevre, arugula, blueberry

Panzanella, grilled peach, focaccia, pesto, stracciatella

Polpette, Waygu brisket & heritage pork meatballs,
tomato jam, pecorino, oregano

Bacon, house-smoked thick-cut Iberico pork

Egg Salad Toast, miso, sourdough brioche, chives

Porchetta Sandwich, focaccia, Boggy Creek arugula, olive pesto,
preserved lemon aioli

French Toast Stick, cherry sorghum, raspberries, whipped mascarpone

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, pink peppercorn, pecorino Romano

Radiatore, pistachio fonduta, cured & grilled lion’s mane, sunchoke tamari

Spaghetti Carbonara, pancetta, chili crisp, grana padano

Picture of an old time school bus

So get on the bus.

In April 2020, we visited some rocks that had been placed in the Greenbelt by some anonymous folks as a way to cheer up others during the pandemic.

April 2020.

April 2020

Now there is a place where you can leave a rock or take a rock.

The other side of the display.

A close-up of some rocks.

A distance shot of the feature.

Rocks are being made at the Activity Center

The rocks before conversion.

After a child’s hand.

I hope you enjoyed the brief trip. Sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a super week. Here is Simon and Garfunkel with I Am A Rock

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Art Show

September 3, 2023September 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today we are going to visit the activity center and the art show. We are catered by Clarks of Austin, and our entertainment is Rod Stewart.

New England Clam Chowder – Chive, Chervil, Bacon, Oyster Crackers

Roasted Golden Beet Salad – Watermelon, Sheep’s Milk Feta, Mint,
Toasted Pistachios

Wood Grilled Shrimp – Toast Pea Tendrils, Shaved Celery, Harissa Aoili

Mussels & Clams – in White Wine & Herbs Wood-Charred Sourdough

Lobster Roll – Drawn Butter, Bibb Lettuce with Clark’s Fries or Slaw

Tuna Salad Sandwich – Olive & Parsley Vinaigrette with Clark’s Fries or Slaw

Pan Roasted Black Angus Hamburger – Sauce Gribiche & Gruyere with Clark’s Fries or Slaw
Toasted Pullman BLT – Niman Ranch Bacon, Tomato, Butter Lettuce, Sunflower Sprouts, Avocado & d’Espelette Aioli
Grilled Kale & Goat Cheese Omelette – Crispy Marble Potatoes & Red Chimichurri, Hollandaise
Crab Cake -Watercress & Frisee Salad, Pickled Shallots, Hollandaise

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

Here is the poster for the event. We did not go on the studio tour.

This is birdbath heaven.

Also, a TV tray heaven.

A jazz trio for our listening pleasure.

Plants are art , too.

These paintings are made with alcohol inks. Alcohol inks are fast-drying, waterproof, highly pigmented, alcohol-based inks that are great to use on a variety of surfaces. These are dye-based colors (as opposed to pigment-based) that are flowy and transparent.

Some oils on canvas.

Mixed media.

A big selection

Of course, pottery is art.

Some are larger than life.

Computer-generated art and graphite.

To cool off with some shave ice.

Views of the Neighborhood – An Other Person’s Treasure.

August 27, 2023August 27, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

We are going to take a look at some of the things people have decided they no longer need. Yes, it is another look at the trash. We are catered by Bird Bird Biscuit. Our entertainment is Queen.

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Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go.

Our first view is a kiddie assortment. Maybe outgrown, but the Salvation Army doesn’t pick up.

Last call.

No more lounging at home. Gotta go back to the office.

More kiddie toys and a questionable piece of art.

Coffee table or hide behind. You decide.

After three nights of wine drinking, the Simpsons decided to recover. Getting rid of the evidence was the first item on the agenda.

All I need is this trash can, this chair, and my remote.

The BBQ side of beef was heavier than anticipated.

Views of the Neighborhood – Different Things

August 13, 2023August 12, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Today we are going to go to the neighborhood and look at two different things. We are being catered by Con Todo of Austin. Our entertainment is Patsy Cline.

Menu (click to enlarge if needed)

Picture of an old time school bus

We are ready

This is a mailbox in the neighborhood. This photo was pulled from Google by The Producer. It is what is considered a ‘before’ photo.

Here is the after. Looks like someone got too friendly with VooDoo Rangers.

Here is the interim view. Need to continue to get mail.

Now for the cement block first phase of construction.

The next phase of stucco work is complete.

Finished product.

Here is a culvert with brickwork.

Here is a culvert with brickwork of another kind. (Go figure, right?)

I hope you enjoyed the different things. Relax and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a terrific week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Water Sources for Deer

August 6, 2023August 5, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

For those who follow this blog, you know it has been hot here in Texas. In fact, I’ve talked too much about it. One item I haven’t mentioned is the deer. As you can imagine, the deer need water sources with all the heat. Today, we are taking a tour to see what folks are doing to supply deer water. We are catered by Cypress Cajun.

Grill of Austin. Our entertainment is Brad Paisley.

BRUNCH SPECIALTIES

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

BREAKFAST STANDARDS

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, 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. Add Blueberries, Chocolate Chips, and Candied Pecans

Build Your Own Omelet – 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 choice of one side.

Let’s go

An excellent stainless steel pan makes a good watering place.

A horse bucket does the trick.

Here is a doe leaving a Home Depot bucket.

Another Home Depot bucket. It’s not the best choice since Bucks can get their antlers stuck if the water level is low.

Speaking of Bucks. Here is a thirsty one in the sun’s glare.

Ah yes. A long, cool drink.

Another type of bucket.

A little blue one.

A tub and a hose.

That ends our tour. Time for food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Topography and Rocks

July 16, 2023July 15, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood. I want to show you two things. The first is to give you an idea of the topography and house placement in Lakewat. The second is to show how some folks use abundant rocks. We are catered by Quantos Tacos Foodtruck of Austin. (Mexico City Street food). Our entertainment is Alabama.

Tacos

Cachete – Barbacoa onion & cilantro Nixtamal tortilla

Buche – Pork Stomach onion & cilantro on Nixtamal tortilla

Carnitas- Pork onion & cilantro on Nixtamal tortillas

Longaniza – Mexican chorizo onion& cilantro on Nixtamal tortilla

Champiñones- Grilled mushrooms in Salsa Adobo, onion & cilantro on Nixtamal tortilla

Quesadillas

Suadero quesadilla – Suadero(brisket) 10-inch Flour tortilla, melted cheese, side of grilled onion & 1 chile Torreado

Cachete Quesadilla- Cachete (beef Cheek) 10-inch flour tortilla, melted cheese, side of Grilled onion & 1 chile torreado

Buche Quesadillas -Pork Stomach 10 Inch Flour tortilla, Melted cheese, grilled onion & chile toreado

Carnitas quesadilla – Carnitas(pork butt) 8 Inch Flour tortilla, melted cheese, grilled onion & 1 chile torreado

Longaniza Quesadilla – Mexican Chorizo 10-inch flour Tortilla side of grilled onions and Chile toreado

Champiñon Quesadilla – Grilled Mushrooms in Salsa Adobo, 10-inch flour tortilla, melted cheese, grilled onion & 1 chile toreado

Other

Frijoles Especiales -Charro style beans with campechano meat from pot in 8 oz cup

Cebolla Asada- Grilled onions of about 4oz

Cheese Quesadilla -10 inch Flour tortilla, Melted cheese, grilled onion

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is packed. Let’s go.

This is a long uphill driveway.

This shows that houses are placed down the hill from the street.

This will give you an idea of the hilliness of the area.

This street goes steadily downhill. Houses in the hills too.

Because houses are arranged with either big back or front yards but not both, some folks have to place their pools in the front with a street view.

Another pool view from the street.

Cute little rock wall.

Random rocks pretty much left where they were found.

More substantial rock wall.

Fieldstone laid into a wall reminds me of the walls in the Eastern states.

Big ole dump of rock to keep the hill where it is.

Use of big rocks to retain the soil.

I hope you enjoyed the views and have some idea of our town’s topography. Now let’s enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

July 9, 2023July 8, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Today we are going on a trip to the unusual. Today’s collection is varied and not related to a theme. We are catered by Ezov of Austin. Our entertainment is The Eurythmics.

Appetizer

Crudo – albacore, pistachio, pomegranate, bay leaf oil
Smashed cucumber – smoked labne, nigella, amba, AleppoCampfire Kohlrabi – grilled, braised, fresh, chermoula
Halloumi – date molasses, dukkah, sorrel
Cauliflower – labne, Fresno chile, amaranth, hawaiej spice
Falafel – tahini, amba, green schug
Hummus – oyster mushroom, hazelnuts, tahini, red tatbila
Sigarim – sweetbreads, chicken hearts, yogurt, green schug

Main
Frena – mediterranean wheat, za’atar, lamb butter, beet horseradish
Tilefish – merguez spice, amba aioli, celery, olive gremolata
Sabich Sandwich – frena, eggplant, cucumber, egg, amba, tahini, SchugChicken Shawarma – laffa, caraway cabbage, green tahini, fixins
Kofta- lamb & beef, pine nuts, fire-roasted eggplant, spring onion
Texas Wagyu – muhammara, toum, sunchoke

Dessert
Coconut Malabi – strawberry, toasted coconut, Turkish pistachio, rose
Turkish Coffee Cake – cardamom chocolate sauce, mascarpone, nigella seed
Baklava – caramelized banana, tahini ice cream, texas pecan, pistachio

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.