Tag: Views of the Neighborhood

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Spirit

~ John W. Howell ~ 123 Comments

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood and see what kind of decorations are up for Halloween. This year the focus will be on skeletons but there are a few others too. We are catered by Julies Noodles of Austin. Since our temperatures have dipped to below 80 degrees we need warm-up food. Our entertainment is the Bobby Pickett vintage appearance on Dick Clark’s show

Menu
HANDMADE NOODLES 手工汤面
Lamb Stewed Noodle Soup 羊肉烩面
Beef Stewed Noodle Soup 牛肉面
Noodles with Meat and Bean Sauce 炸酱面
Pork Chopped Noodles Soup 排骨面
Chicken Stewed Noodles Soup 鸡腿肉汤面
Eggs and Tomatoes Noodles 鸡蛋番茄面
Veggie Noodles Soup 素汤面
Wonton Noodles Soup 馄饨面
Seafood Noodle Soup 海鲜面
Spicy Beef Noodle 麻辣肥牛面
Spicy Beef Suan Tsai Noodles 酸菜肥牛面

So jump on the Halloween bus and let’s go.

Our first display is a basketball slam-dunk gone awry.

Greetings from the grassland.

Everlasting fishing trip with surfboard.

Swim and talk.

Welcome, all.

Greetings.

Whole house display.

Witchy witch.

Dad, kids, and dogs.

Speaking of dogs. Looks like trouble.

A homemade decoration that is a jack-o-lantern (I guess)

Yup, a transfusion and will be good as new.

We call this the Halloween house for obvious reasons.

An elaborate display. (This is a single residence)

Same by night.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and hope you have a Happy Halloween and a great week. Have some food and enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway String-A-Palooza

~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Today we will take a trip to Lakeway Park to check out the String-A-Palooza. This is an event put on by school districts in and around Lakeway. Middle and grade school students all converge for a day of playing string instruments in and having fun.

We are catered today by Odd Duck of Austin. Our entertainment is Amadeus – The Electric String Quartet (of course)

Menu

Corn ribs, shiitake dressing, dukkah, cilantro relish

Gulf seafood ceviche, coconut purée, pear aguachile, tostada

Apple salad, pork rinds, kimchi vinaigrette, whipped chèvre

Falafel, TX caviar, cajun spiced ham, turmeric yogurt

Eggplant caponata, spicy pork jam, pine nuts, pickled okra, Sour Duck sourdough toast

Cast iron cheddar cornbread, spring onion cultured butter

Sweet potato agnolotti, ricotta, tomato butter, sunflower pesto, goat parmesan

Blackened redfish, zucchini, fried squash blossoms, sourdough bread sauce

Grilled quail, dirty Carolina gold rice, green beans, hot sauce butter

Dry-aged wagyu burger, pimento, pork belly, beer-battered pickled zucchini

Aged pork loin, whey gravy, butternut squash, shishito, salsa matcha

Wagyu sirloin cap, fried egg queso, potato, mushroom, chorizo vinaigrette

———

Apple-lemongrass sorbet, coconut-basil pudding, golden milk almond granola

Pear upside-down cake, cider curd, candied pecan, pear sherbet

Salted peanut butter budino, chocolate cake, marshmallow creme, dark chocolate-covered peanut butter cookie

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get going.

A string band is there for entertainment at noon.

A little bluegrass music.

Volleyball and games.

Lunch break.

Viola cases attest to the serious nature of the event.

Fans and parents listening to the music.

Practice makes perfect. (or nearly so)

Burn a little energy while waiting to perform.

So now that we have heard all those strings let’s kick back and listen to the music and enjoy the food. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – City Wide Garage Sale – Oh My

~ John W. Howell ~ 118 Comments

Today we’re going to the Lakeway City Wide garage sale at the Activity Center. We are being catered by Gourdough’s of Austin. Our entertainment is Green Day.

Menu

SOUTHERN SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

THE TOWANDA  – HOUSE-BATTERED FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, POACHED EGG, AND HORSERADISH HOLLANDAISE

THE FRENCH-EE  – DONUT FRENCH TOAST TOPPED WITH POWDERED SUGAR,
SERVED WITH BACON AND SYRUP, MAKE IT BANANA CARAMEL STYLE OR STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE STYLE

THE McGOURDOUGH 1 – MAPLE SAUSAGE, SCRAMBLED EGGS, AMERICAN CHEESE SANDWICHED BETWEEN TWO DONUT BUNS, WITH A MAPLE SYRUP POUR OVER

PETUNIA – POTATO PANCAKE, SLOW-ROASTED PULLED PORK, OVER EASY EGG, SMOTHERED IN A WHITE CREAMY GRAVY

DIRTY PLUCKER 1 – CRISPY FRIED FILLETED CHICKEN BREAST SMOTHERED IN HONEY BUTTER AND DRIZZLED WITH MAPLE ICING

EL DIABLO  – SMOKED JALAPEÑO SAUSAGE, OVER EASY EGG, PEPPER JACK CHEESE, TOPPED WITH PICKLED JALAPEÑOS AND HORSERADISH HOLLANDAISE

FATBACK – FAT PORK BELLY BACON, POTATO PANCAKE, EGGS THE WAY YOU WANT ‘EM, AND TWO MINI DONUTS SERVED WITH BUTTER OR JAM

FRESH & FANCY – CHOPPED ROMAINE LOADED WITH FRIED CHICKEN BITES, BLUE CHEESE CRUMBLES, CANDIED PECANS, GRANNY SMITH APPLES, STRAWBERRIES, AND RED GRAPES, SERVED WITH FRESHLY MADE POPPYSEED DRESSING

RON BURGUNDY – ANGUS BEEF, APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON, FRIED EGG, TWO SLICES OF AMERICAN CHEESE, CILANTRO, GUACAMOLE, SLICED TOMATO, AND GARLIC MAYONNAISE

EVERYTHING NICE  – SPICED APPLES AND CHEDDAR CHEESE OR CREAM CHEESE AND STRAWBERRIES

CACHE ME OUTSIDE  -NUTELLA, BANANAS, PECANS, HONEY, AND WHIPPED CREAM

Picture of an old time school bus

Lets get on the bus.

Here we are at the Activity Center

This looks like it’s going to be good.

Got your Halloween decorations.

Ganes, clothes, and La Crosse helmets (You do play don’t you?)

Here is a little bit of everything

Ceramics and pottery.

Rings, beads, and things.

This looks interesting. Wooden long horn skull, Skate board and Marty McFly poster.

Either a big joke or we need to call 9-1-1. Lamps, sleds, and Minnie mouse.

Sports anyone? Putters, rackets, and poker chips.

Here you go. A Bavaria Alp dinner service for eight, swan bowl, dog crate and trike.

Some hardware including fire screens, Birdcage, frame, and bench for faries

Unusal lamps made from other things like a french horn

Lamps of the past and future. I love the movie projector lamp.

More lamps. One of a shoe and one a saw.

Well if you are like me I think we have had enough of the garage sale. Relax now and enjoy the music and food.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

As you can see from the headline, we are going to see different things today. We are catered by Salty Sow in Austin. Our entertainment is Pink who is appearing here in Austin at the Austin City Limits festival and agreed to stop by.

Menu

STARTERS

TRUFFLED DEVILED EGGS Salty Sow bacon bits

SALTY SOW CHARCUTERIE + CHEESE BOARD all the fixin’s, toasted baguette

ROASTED BONE MARROW bacon + gruyere crust, toasted baguette

TRIPLE-FRIED DUCK FAT FRIES cold bearnaise, 110-minute egg

CHICKEN LIVER MOUSSE IN A JAR apple gelee, pickled red onion, toast

SALAD

BRUSSELS SPROUT CAESAR SALAD candied almonds, dried cranberries, parmesan

ROASTED ORGANIC BEETS goat cheese, pistachio vinaigrette

VEGETABLES

YUKON GOLD MASHED POTATOES neck bone gravy

BBQ HOMINY  BROCOLINI toasted pecan brown butter, pecorino

COLLARD GREENS smoked ham hocks

CHEESE GRITS

QUINOA + LENTILS

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUT LEAVES  golden raisins, pecorino

MAINS

CRISP CHICKEN THIGHS fried smashed potatoes, neck bone gravy

CANDIED PORK BELLY collard greens, pot licker, soy balsamic syrup

RANGER CATTLE WAGYU CHEESEBURGER  add pork belly · add egg
caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, pickles, Salty Sow special sauce, duck fat fries

SLOW COOKED BEEF SHOULDER mashed potatoes, glazed local carrots, fried egg

PETITE BONE-IN FILETS mixed mushrooms, red wine sauce

SMOKED PORK CARNITAS add guacamole tomatillo salsa, tortillas, bbq hominy

GENUINE BLACKENED REDFISH quinoa + lentils, smoked tomato, chipotle tabasco lemon butter

DESSERT

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE whipped cream, raspberry sauce

BUTTERSCOTCH BUDINO salted caramel, sweet crème fraîche

BANANA FOSTERS BEIGNETS vanilla ice cream

INNISKILLIN VIDAL – ICE WINE Niagara peninsula, Canada, 2019

RECCHIA recchioto classico, veneto, italy, 2016

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus

Our first encounter is with an Axis Deer and a middle-aged white-tailed buck. Rumor has it the deer escaped from a local exotic ranch years ago. A native of India the Axis was introduced to Texas in 1932. Looks like he has made friends.

I tried to get closer but no dice. At least we get a view of the back of those beautiful antlers.

The dawn brings a demonstration of affection among the high schoolers.

Dawn also brings a group of does having coffee.

We’ve seen this peacock before but now the mailbox and it has had a redo.

I call this “Chair at Dawn.” I guess the trash pick-up gave a pass to this one.

Here is a photo of my favorite quiet place in the greenbelt. It was taken last year.

Here is the place today. You can see we need rain badly.

I thought this manzanita tree looked good nestled in the Oak and touched by the sun.

A shot of the circulating fountain in the greenbelt. Another favorite.

Whew. This was a fright. Even though we may think of Halloween this is a regular feature on a new resident’s mailbox. Not sure of the message here. Borrowing a cup of sugar is definitely not in the cards.

Gotta love the elephant. Didn’t want to do a string of mail toppers but couldn’t resist this one. I wonder how long before it is spray-painted blue.

Our final stop is to admire some of our doe neighbors. The darker one could be a melanistic deer which are all black and makeup about 8% of the population. The Producer is unsure so we’ll just admire the difference.

That is the tour today. I hope you enjoyed it. Now sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you all have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Model Display by Bruce Foster of Lakeway

~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Today we are heading to the Lakeway Activity Center. Employee Bruce Foster has shared a small portion of his model cars at the Activity Center through October 15. Bruce says he has well over 500 in his current collection and has probably given away that many.

As usual, we will have food, and in keeping with the display, we will be going to the Sonic® Drive-In. Our entertainment is Wilson Pickett singing what else but Mustang Sally.

Menu

Picture of an old time school bus

Here’s the bus. Let’s get going.

Here we are at the Activity Center.

Here’s Bruce. Being the younger sibling of teenage car enthusiast brothers, Bruce began appreciating cars at 8 years of age, and model cars were a welcomed gift for birthdays and holidays. As a result, Bruce has entered and won many contests, and he has been a judge as well.

Some utility vehicles and a hot rod. Notice the windshield treatment.

A yellow cab, a Chevy flatbed, and a Ford pickup. Also, a motor scooter.

A 1934 pickup with the kit. A model A hot rod Ford and a Chevy pickup.

Model A Ford flatbed, Mercury coupe, and Chevy Nova station wagon

Original kit boxes.

A Ford utility truck, a Jeep utility vehicle, and a Ford Crown Victoria Service vehicle

Custom Woody, Hot Rod, and Jeep CJ5

More original kit boxes.

That wraps up the tour I hope you liked it. Now relax and enjoy the music. I hope you have a great week.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – OG Agave’s Plant Paradise

~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Today we are going to a cactus and succulent purveyor in Lakeway. I think you will be amazed at the beauty and number of plants. Mary Caroline and Matthew Shreves began their business on Instagram and opened a storefront in March this year. The couple has over 1000 cacti, agave, and succulents online and at the store. Here is a Link to their website, which is worth the visit

Our drink and food offering is going to be a little different. In keeping with our visit to a unique plant place, we are being catered by Bar 508. Yes, there are plenty of drink selections with food. However, for those who need to be closer to five O’clock, all drinks can be made without alcohol. Also, there is plenty of Topo Chico water. Our entertainment closely fits the drinks, food, and plants. We have a Mariachi band playing for us.

Cocktails
508 – Tequila, Lime, & Agave
Paloma Royale -Tequila, Grapefruit, Citrus, & Grapefruit Soda
Ponche – Citrus Vodka, St. Germain, Citrus, & Peychaud Bitters
Rosalita Milk Punch – Campari, Tequila, Cocchi Rosa, Cocchi Torino, Clarified Milk
Mezcal Toreado – Mezcal, Bergamot, Lime, & Apricot
Oaxaca Old Fashion – Reposado Tequila, Cognac, Amaro, Grand Marnier, & Bitters
El Diablo – Mezcal, Blackberry, Cassis, Lime, & Ginger Beer
La Casa Marg – Tequila, Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, Lime, Salt, & Chili
Clover Club – Gin, Raspberry, Lemon, & Egg White
Elote Collins – Tequila, Citrus, Basil, Nixta Licor de Elote, Mango Wine, Watermelon, & Basil
Midnight Manhattan – Tequila, Mezcal, Sweet Vermouth, & Pear
El Capitan – Cognac, Bourbon, Honey, Earl Grey Tea, & Sweet Vermouth
Food
Street Tacos – Chicken Jicama grilled chicken, habanero pickled carrots, fresh mint, lemon-infused sour cream
Carnitas – pulled pork, pickled cabbage, jack cheese, poblano crema
Bahn Mi – Grilled chicken, fresh jalapeno, shredded carrots, cilantro, house-made aioli
Carne Guisada – Marinated grilled steak, cilantro, onions, lime
Verde – Black beans, spinach, zucchini, cilantro, jack cheese, pico
Spicy Shrimp – Grilled jerk shrimp, garlic, lime, zucchini, pico pina, serrano sauce
Whitefish – Seasoned grilled whitefish, coleslaw, queso fresco, salsa verde
Classic – ground beef or shredded chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, blended cheese
Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s get on the bus and get going.

Here is the sign welcoming us into the compound.

Lovely plants on a rustic bench

A selection of outdoor cacti and agaves.

Beautiful cacti and agaves

A selection includes golden barrel cacti and an Agave Americana at the rear of the photo.

Inside the greenhouse are specimens for indoors and out.

Flowering and other succulents.

More varieties of cacti, agave, and succulents

Some cacti have unusual shapes and appearances.

Good examples of Crested Mexican Fence Post cacti on the right and center.

Yes, you can get the shirt.

Wide varieties for the home.

An example of a monkey-tailed cactus in bloom.

Couldn’t resist this monkey-tailed cactus shot.

Fascinating group.

A great variety.

One more shot of the terrific variety and selection.

That is the tour. So relax, have some food and drink and enjoy Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán – El Son De La Negra / Guadalajara.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Cornhole Tournament

~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

Today we are going to the first annual cornhole tournament in Lakeway. It is a double elimination open to teams of two. We are being catered by Craig Os Pizza. Our entertainment is

Menu

SPECIALTY PIZZAS

The venue is the community of Rough Hollow in Lakeway. They have a splash pool.

There is our catering truck and some ice cream for dessert.

Air bush art for the kids

Ballon art.

Bounce house.

Foam ax throwing

Barbershop quartet for entertainment.

Trophies and prizes.

There it is. The cornhole target.

Spectators.

The field of play. That red dot is a beanbag headed for the cornhole.

A total of 22 teams signed up. The weather cooperates, with a high of only 90 degrees F (32.2 C).

The winner is the “Aggie Airmail” team.

I hope you enjoyed the tournament; now, let’s have some pizza and enjoy the entertainment.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Since not much is happening in Lakeway this week, I thought we would just take a bike ride and check up on a few things. I’ve still ordered catering from Dee Dee’s Thai food truck in Austin. Our entertainment is Allman Brothers.

Menu

Pad KaPow – Spicy stir-fried pork sauteed in our homemade chili paste, with fried Thai basil & fried egg. Comes on jasmine rice, a side of chili fish sauce, “pik nam pla,” & sliced cucumber.

Laab Moo – VERY SPICY!! North-eastern style minced pork cooked in our slow roasted herbal chili rice powder, Thai herbs, mint, lime, onion & cilantro. Served with sticky rice & sliced cucumber.

Om Gai (Stew) – Spicy rustic herbal chicken in our homemade chili-paste broth, with dill, lemongrass, spring onion & Thai basil. Served with sticky rice.

Tofu Stir-fry – Tofu, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Stir-fried in our homemade chili paste, Northern Thai sauces & spices.

Som Tom (Papaya Salad – Original) – Fresh green papaya salad bashed to order with cherry tomatoes, green beans, Thai chilis & peanuts in our tamarind fish sauce. Served with sticky rice.

Isaan Som Tom (Fermented Pungent Papaya Salad) – VERY SPICY! Pungent, funky papaya salad with our house fermented fish sauce & salted crab shell (“Puu Plaa Raa”) with Thai chilis bashed to order. Served with sticky rice.

Moo Ping – Single order is snack size with two sweet & savory pork skewers, marinated in our special sauce for 48 hours. Served with a small side of sticky rice & tamarind-based dipping sauce. Eat with your hands! To make it meal size, double the order!

Pickled Salad – Light and refreshing vegetable side dish. 8oz container.

Mango & Sticky Rice – Mildly sweet Thai dessert. Sticky rice massaged & soaked in coconut milk overnight w/ sliced ripe mango and a coconut milk drizzle on top.

Thai Iced Tea – Black tea over ice with condensed milk and a splash of half and half.

Plus anything else you want to drink.

So hop on your bike, and let’s go.

A reminder that we live with the deer.

And as luck would have it, we come upon a yard full of deer and a Toyota.

Looks like the monster house is starting to get ready for Halloween already.

Thes bouganvilla look terrific. Had to use the zoom feature to get them, which is a little blurry.

The Texas sage is in bloom from the rain. Here is what a well-trimmed bush looks like.

Here is what a not trimmed bush looks like. Way more blooms.

An older fawn crossing the road.

Two younger fawns out on their own.

A deer and Labor Day decorations.

Vinca flowers everywhere.

Mexican birds of paradise in the foreground and crape myrtle in the background.

I hope you enjoyed the bike ride and will have a super week. Kick off those sports shoes and relax with Thai food and the Allman Brothers. Rambling Man described the post today.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Activity Center Art Show

~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Yes, today we are going to the Lakeway Activity Center, where an art show is in progress. These are local artists and in addition to the show at the Activity Center, several artists have opened their studios for visits. We won’t be going to those since I don’t think the artists will be prepared for a visit from our group. We are being catered by Patrizi’s Food truck in Austin. Our entertainment is  ZZ Top.

Pomodoro – traditional Italian red sauce made from local tomatoes, garlic confit, and butter served with house farm cheese and a tuft of basil.
Patrizi’s Red Sauce – family recipe tomato sauce stewed with onions, garlic, garden herbs, pork trimmings, and grana Padano cheese

Cacio e Pepe – grana Padano cheese, fresh cracked black pepper, and olive oil

Carbonara Alexandra – house-cured and smoked pancetta, coddled egg yolks, grana Padano cheese, and gremolata

Karah’s Diavolo – lemon, olive oil, rosemary, egg yolks, red chili, grana Padano chees

Garlic Bread – grilled ciabatta, poached garlic, and grana cheese

Patrizi’s House Salad – mixed greens with family recipe creamy Italian dressing, giardiniera, pickled onions, and grana Padano

Picture of an old time school bus
So let’s go.

Here’s a view of some pottery and a succulent display.

This table gives information and ocations of the Artist Studio tour.

A long view of some art.

The Activity Center has many things going on, including dance bands and concerts. Here is a display showing some of them.

Some interesting photos.

A nod to the Avant-Garde.

A portrait selection.

Impressionistic work.

Mostly pastels.

Photographic art.

A little of everything.

Farm scenes.

Pottery and stuff.

A revisit to the succulent table to check out the humorous labels.

Of course, there are food trucks to satisfy the need for a snack while browsing the art.

 

That’s it. I hope you have a great week. Relax, have some food and enjoy ZZ Top

Views of the Neighborhood – Shark Week Scavenger Hunt Part II

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Here we are getting ready for the Shark Week Scavenger Hunt part II. First of all, I want to apologize for the quality of the photos. The Producer’s images are sharp and clear; mine look like I developed them in a milk bath. Not sure what happened, but hope you can enjoy them anyway.

We are being catered by Anything’s Baked Potato of Austin, and our entertainment is Coldplay.

Main

So don’t miss the bus.

Velvet Belly Lantern shark. Wonder who pet the belly to determine it was velvet?

The Maco Shark loves swordfish and is found wherever swordfish are found. Unfortunately, they are endangered due to fishing.

Bull Shark. All you freshwater fans should know these guys travel the Mississippi River.

Great name Izu Catshark and, as can be guessed, live only around Japan.

A reader had hoped G would be a different name. But, nope, Great White it is. No known predators and found everywhere. Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water.

Whale Shark – Largest 41,000 pounds and 61 feet. Loves tropical waters and eats plankton and small fish.

Angel Shark – Endangered. It is now found in the shelf sediment habitats in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic.

Hammerhead Shark – Hammerheads are found worldwide in warmer waters along coastlines and continental shelves. They range in size from 3 feet to 19 feet and can weigh up to 1300 pounds.

Oceanic Whitetip Shark – The oceanic whitetip is found globally in deep, open oceans, with temperatures greater than 18 °C (64 °F). This shark is aggressive and threatened due to its fins and meat demand.

Port Jackson Shark – Lays eggs and does not need to swim to breathe. Found in the warm waters off the coast of Southern Australia.

So here is where we are on our scorecard and message key. I think by now, you noticed there is no 22. As hard as The Producer and I searched, we could not find it. But, we did figure out its letter. It is T.

Reminded me of the secret decoder ring on Christmas Story. Well, it is time to relax and eat and enjoy Coldplay live from Wembley Stadium on August 13th, 2022