Views of the Neighborhood – Rockers and Swings

July 2, 2023July 2, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 111 Comments

Since this is pre-Fourth of July, The Producer and I thought we might like some Fourth of July decoration photos. Unfortunately, the folks in the neighborhood did not agree since none of the decorations are up. So we had to switch gears and bring you the next best thing. (wait for it) Porch swings and rocking chairs. (I have O2 on the bus for anyone whose breath has been taken away.) At least it is a nice summer day for an outing. We are being catered by Kome of Austin. Our entertainment is Kid Rock.

sushi a-go-go classic rolls

Austin – krab salad, avocado, tuna, eel sauce, sesame seeds

crunchy dynamite – spicy tuna, avocado, tempura crunch, sesame seeds

Earth, wind & fire – avocado, cucumber, carrot, spinach, candied jalapeño, tomato, sunflower seeds

Fat samurai – salmon, yellowtail, tuna, shrimp, krab salad, avocado, cucumber, spinach, carrot

Go-go – bbq eel, cream cheese, avocado, go-go sauce, eel sauce, sesame seeds

Koko – inari, cucumber, avocado, sesame seeds

Chef’s signature rolls

Midnight sun (tempura fried) – smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, candied jalapeño, topped with sunflower seeds and go-go sauce

Endo in NY (rice paper) – salmon, striped bass, cucumber, cilantro, carrot, spinach, topped with gold tobiko, side of Thai chili fish sauce

Superstar – tuna, shrimp, squid, umè, daikon, cucumber, gold tobiko

Tarantula – shrimp tempura, softshell crab, avocado, carrot, spinach, sesame seeds, topped with black tobiko, go-go sauce, tx green sauce

Alone together – tuna, salmon, yellowtail, topped with bbq eel, go-go sauce, eel sauce, tempura crunch

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

So here we have a rocker grill combo.

Secluded swing.

Rockers and spitoon. (just kidding. It’s an ashtray.)

Lovely swing.

Classic rockers and fountain.

Treehouse swing.

Rockers and flags.

Classic swing.

Good ole Texas rockers.

Rockers, lantern, and a bong.

Rocker for two.

Sweet porch swing.

Moma, babies, and rockers.

We hope you enjoyed the tour and wish you a super week. Now relax, have some food and listen to the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Flora and Fauna

June 25, 2023June 24, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

It is time to start looking at the early summer blooms and check on the deer. We are being catered by Interstellar Bar B Que of Austin. Our entertainment is Miley Cyris.

BEEF KIELBASA – All beef traditional Polish style sausage in a pork casing

JALAPEÑO POPPER SAUSAGE – Beef and pork blend in a pork casing, jalapenos, and chunks of gooey cheddar

CHOPPED BRISKET – Chopped ends sauced with Johnny’s Texas Red Sauce

PEACH TEA GLAZED PORK BELLY – Slowly smoked until tender, then glazed with our homemade peach tea glaze

TURKEY – Turkey breast brined in citrus, herbs, and Live Oak Hefeweizen, seasoned with salt and pepper

PORK SPARE RIBS – Duroc pork spare rib; a little sweet, a little spicy

PULLED LAMB SHOULDER – Juicy pulled lamb shoulder seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar

BRISKET-USDA prime all-natural brisket seasoned with salt, pepper & garlic

Sides

TOMATO ZUCCHINI SALAD – Thinly sliced zucchini, fresh diced tomato, and red onion marinated in a citrus vinaigrette

MAC & GOUDA- Fresh-made pasta shells and our creamy smoked gouda cheese sauce, topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs.

SMOKED SCALLOP POTATOES – Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, parmesan, and garlic smoked to a golden brown

JALAPEÑO SLAW – Shredded green, red cabbage and carrot tossed in our homemade jalapeno dressing

NEW POTATO SALAD – Tender, red-skinned potatoes in a creamy dressing with a little mustard and a little mayo, chopped celery, and red onion

COMPLIMENTARY BBQ BEANS – Red beans cooked down with chopped ends and spices.

Let’s go.

Golden Thryallis looks great.

The Three Tenors.

A cute reminder that there are fawns in the neighborhood.

Twins.

A yellow Mexican Bird of Paradise.

A mom with her twins

Red Mexican Bird of Paradise.

A buck with velvet antlers

Pinkish Crape Myrtle

White Crape Myrtle

Twins on the loose.

Purple sage

One purple and one red Crape Myrtle.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Photo Festival

June 18, 2023June 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

This week we will look at the winners of the recently completed Lakeway photo festival. The rules were all photos were to be taken in Lakeway by Lakeway residents. The Lakeway Arts Committee put on another fantastic contest this year, receiving 164 submissions from 54 talented local photographers. This year’s categories included Artistic, Community, Nature/Greenery, Nature/Sky, Pets, Wildlife/Birds, and Wildlife/Critters. We are going to the award ceremony and check out the winners. We are catered by Epicere of Austin. Our entertainment is Ringo Starr.

farm wedge – tomato, farm egg, radish, bacon, ranch

breakfast croissant sandwich – sausage, cheddar, jalapeno, Urfa aioli, farm eggs

quiche of the day with salad

chicken terrine schnitzel – broccolini caesar, lemon, parmesan

shrimp po’ boy – lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayonnaise, remoulade

burger & frites – house bun, cheddar, pickles, onions, epic sauce

beef pastrami – house sauerkraut, swiss, Russian dressing

mussels – calabrian chili broth, gremolata

gnocchi sardi – guanciale, fennel, farm arugula

mafaldine – ribbon-shaped pasta, parmesan, hazelnuts, black pepper

44 farms hanger steak – frites, demi-glace, chive

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

The Activity Center of Lakeway, where the winners are announced.

A slide show of the entrants.

Classical music sets the mood.

The winners in each category.

Raindrop Kisses.

Flag Duty.

Fall, Hurst Creek.

Sky Burst.

Lakewaii Waterfall.

Luke.

Carolina Wren.

Doe and Fawns.

Congratulations to the winners, and now sit back, relax and enjoy the food and music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Art in Bee Cave

June 4, 2023June 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

We are off to Bee Cave Texas a town three miles up the road. They are holding an art show on the common ground of the Galleria of Shops. We will be catered by Bufalina of Austin. Our entertainment is Robert Palmer

Menu

Salad

bibb salad – mustard vinaigrette, soft herbs, honey crisp apple

caesar salad – parmigiano reggiano, anchovy, croutons

stracciatella – cured olive, roasted tomato, thyme, black pepper, foccacia

crudo á la swan – bluefin tuna, caper, red onion, serrano

pasta

pansotti – ricotta, tomato passata, pane grattato

tonnarelli – sicilian pistachio pesto, lemon, pecorino sardo

pappardelle bolognese – pork and beef ragu, parmigiano reggiano

pizza

marinara – tomato, garlic, oregano

margherita – tomato, mozzarella, basil, parm

red pie – tomato, double garlic, double parm, chili flake, oregano

pepperoni and mushroom – tomato, mozzarella, basil, serrano ranch

calabrese – tomato, mozzarella, salami, serrano, garlic, basil

taleggio – sausage, mozzarella, scallion

franco pepe – anchovy, mozzarella, black olive, basil

meatball – tomato, mozzarella, provolone, pepperoncini, basil, oregano

fresca – mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, lemon agrumato, parmigiano

guanciale – mozzarella, parm, black pepper, red onion

dessert

mint chocolate chip ice cream w/ rainbow sprinkles – one scoop

vanilla ice cream and sherry

chocolate mousse – chantilly, olive oil, sea salt

torta di ricotta – parmigiano, aceto manodori

Picture of an old time school bus

Hop on the bus

Here is a shot of the artists booths

There is live music.

And look at that. A bar.

Close-up of the banner

A row of crafts

T-shirts and posters.

Cards

Prints and trinkets

Sweaters and knit products.

I enjoyed that water painting.

A little avant guarde.

You can have a portrait done.

Prints of all kinds.

Unusual paintings

Pencil drawings.

Fabric art.

Whimsy art with a touch of cubism.

Prints made.

Well, that’s the tour. So relax and enjoy the music and food, and I hope you have a fabulous week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Looking for Blooms

May 28, 2023May 27, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood looking for anything blooming. It is still a little early for the crape myrtles to be fully out, but maybe we can catch a glimpse of some early bloomers. We are being catered by Salt Lick BBQ of Driftwood, TX. Our entertainment is The Turtles.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

Let’s start with a rainbow that signaled some welcome rain.

A large magnolia in bloom.

A Mexican butterfly weed.

White crape myrtle just starting.

Pink crape myrtle also just beginning.

Red roses.

A lighter shade of red rose.

Pink roses.

Russian sage.

Purple salvia.

Vitex is in bloom.

Lantana.

Another white crape myrtle.

A fabulous Vitex.

A fountain with water surrounded by vincas.

That is the tour this week. So let’s have some food and listen to the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Water features

May 21, 2023May 20, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

Today is another slow one in Lakeway, so we will visit some features folks have placed in their yards. I had hoped to get photos of the water bubbling in fountains, but most are not turned on for our visit. Fountains of a certain size have been restricted due to the lack of rain. We will make the best of it with food catered by Bangers of Austin. Our entertainment isBrad Paisley

Bratwurst – Our take on the most classic of German sausages. Mild, perfectly balanced & delicious. Topped w/ sauerkraut & grain mustard. Served w/fries.

Spicy Italian – A classic Italian sausage w/ plenty of fennel and a whole lotta red pepper. Topped w/ sautéed to order, peppers & garlic, & fresh basil. Served w/fries.

Drunk Chicken – Beer Serrano Peppers, Red Pepper Flakes, Cilantro & more beer. Topped w/ garlic aïoli & grilled onions. Served w/fries.

Jalapeño Cheddar Brat –Our world-famous bratwurst w/ some jalapeño & cheddar cheese mixed in. Topped w/ spicy peppers & grain mustard. Served w/fries.

Chicken & Apple – Brown sugar, nutmeg & cinnamon make this a classic. The applesauce & brandy we fold in at the end makes it a legend. Topped w/ garlic aïoli & grilled onions. Served w/fries.

Hot Andouille Sandwich & Fries – Sliced down the middle. Crisped on the griddle. Served on a toasted Martin’s potato bun, dressed NOLA style w/ mayo, lettuce, tomato & house-made pickles. Served w/fries.

Duck, Bacon, Fig – Dried figs, plumped in port wine w/ honey & bacon. Topped w/ fig chutney, grilled onions & garlic aïoli. Served w/fries.

Banger’s Classic Hotdog – An all-pork hotdog made by hand. Topped w/ grain mustard & house made relish.

For Resa

Vegetarian B.L.T. – Vine-ripened & sun-dried tomato sausage infused w/ cheese curds. Topped w/ shiitake mushroom “bacon,” sliced tomatoes, shredded iceberg & garlic aïoli. Served w/fries.

Portabella Mushroom Sausage – Topped w/ grilled asparagus, charred kale & fried shiitake mushroom “bacon” & dressed w/ house-preserved lemons & garlic aïoli. Served w/fries.

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

We start off with what appears to be a glorified birdbath.

A sleek modern feature. Yes, that is water bubbling.

A nice ceramic bubbler.

A grand fountain behind the gates. That little sign says Trespassers will be shot (Just kidding)

A nice-sized fountain but no water today.

Girl with sombraro and no water.

Another behind-the-gate fountain.

This is usually a pleasant water feature, much like a waterfall.

A large size fountain to complement the house

Little cherubs holding up the two-ton basin.

Our final stop is a nice lot overlooking Lake Travis. We will have our brunch here and enjoy the music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Yard Decorations

May 14, 2023May 13, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day

I have to admit it is a slow week in the neighborhood. The Producer did see some unusual yard decorations, so that is what the tour is all about today. We are being catered by Ten Ten of Austin. Our entertainment is The Yardbirds. (Of course)

Grilled squash, black garlic, baby spinach.

Charred hamachi kama black garlic, pickled vegetables

Sea bass miso butter, bok choy

Pork belly ssamjang, baby lettuce, pickles

Short rib Japanese bbq, shimeji

Wagyu new york strip summer squash, shiso

A5 wagyu tenderloin hatcho miso, 8oz

A5 wagyu strip shiso wasabi gremolata 14oz

A5 wagyu ribeye veal truffle demi-glace 24oz

Picture of an old time school bus

The bus is ready.

We start with a dinosaur and a frog character. (Sorry for the fuzzy photo, but it had to be taken from a distance.

A slightly tilted wind sculpture.

A full-blown windmill.

Mushrooms and lights.

A very strange headless monk. (I think monk.)

One of the more weird yard decorations. When the wind blows, there is an illusion of motion.

Another wind sculpture and some steel flowers at its base.

A glass something sitting among rocks.

Totally weird. Our favorite purple house now has aliens. Two kid aliens are taking a nap on the ground.

Back to normal. Steel sunflowers. (Yeah, they are normal)

That is the tour. I hope you have a great week. now enjoy the food and music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Member Craft Show

April 23, 2023April 22, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

I have been doing the Views of the Neighborhood in Lakeway for four years. The odds that each view will be spectacular become less the longer one temps the fickle finger of fate. This week the finger got me. I was excited to go and record the Member Craft Show at the local country club. It just seemed logical that wherever the elite met to play golf, there would be some outstanding results.

I have to say those who displayed their crafts and interests were gracious and lovely. The problem was only four tables were taken. Two were crafts, one a vet and one an author. We are being catered by Barlata of Austin. Our entertainment is Brad Paisley.

FIDEUA – (Pasta instead of rice) Roasted fideo paella, sepia, squid, shrimp & aioli
FIDEUA NEGRE – Roasted Fideo paella, squid ink, sepia, squid & allioli
HORTELANA – Saffron rice, mixed vegetables, currants, pine nuts & allioli vegetarian, vegan
ARROS NEGRE – Squid-inked rice, mussels, sepia, squid, and aioli
BARLATA – Our best-selling paella! Saffron rice, chicken, chorizo, shellfish & vegetables
BARCELONETA – Saffron rice, squid, shrimp, octopus & shellfish
ARROS AUSTIN – Saffron Rice, pork belly, pork ribs & Shiitake Mushrooms.

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus.

The first exhibitor specializes in self-motivational pieces.

Her table.

Examples of her work.

Self-affirming messages.

Coasters and Palo Santo incense sticks.

A dedicated animal oncologist encouraging early screening of pets.

Pamphlets explaining an early blood test for cancer and other diagnostic aids.

A handmade craft table.

Examples of the items.

Here is the author, Amanda Tice, and her son.

Photo of a lone patron.

A place that is an excellent handcraft exhibit in its own right. So relax and enjoy the music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Fairy Trail in Lakeway

April 16, 2023April 15, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

Today we will go to the Activity Center and walk on the Fairy Trail. This is a display by Parks and Recreation to celebrate spring. We are catered by Zaza Mediterranean of Austin, and our entertainment is Little Big Town

On the way to the trail is the work going on in the sculpture garden. Here is a shot of the bridge crossing Hurst Creek. The green bumpers are to keep any construction materials out of the water.

We had a shot at the pre-concrete installation a couple of weeks ago. This is newly poured.

The entrance to the fairy walk.

A friendly elk. (All the figures are lit at night)

A view of flowers and a very large dove.

Here is a bluebonnet among the rocks.

Some deer.

A different view of the flowers and dragonfly.

For Dan, pieces of equipment working on a water retention structure.

Mushrooms galore. I will admit nighttime would have been better, but I’m sure you have better things to do with your evening.

Sit back and enjoy the food and entertainment. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Air Park Celebration of Alan Babin’s 20 Years of Life

April 9, 2023April 8, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Today we will visit Lakeway’s Air Park, where a celebration of Alan Babin’s 20 years of life takes place. It was 20 years ago the Army medic was severely wounded while saving others. If you want to read more about Alan, you can visit my post HERE.

We will have pancakes and sausage at the airpark, and our entertainment will be Lee Greenwood.

Picture of an old time school bus

So get on the bus and let’s go.

Here we are at the air park. The marker tells us we are in the right place.

The tables are ready for the pancake breakfast.

A tribute to Alan. Since he was a medic, he has the nickname “Doc.” Today, in addition to the open house and breakfast, Alan will be taken on a flight around Lake Travis escorted by a warbird.