Views of the Neighborhood – Book and Bees Festival

May 1, 2022May 1, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

We are going three miles down the road to Bee Cave Texas. We are visiting Bee Cave’s first-ever book festival, Books & Bees. As a hub of literacy for children and adults, the Bee Cave Public Library hosts programs year-round that serve hundreds of families in the area and beyond. The City of Bee Cave is dedicated to educating the public and helping conserve this most important insect. The one-of-a-kind Books & Bees Festival will help Bee Cave accomplish two missions – share fantastic literature with kids and adults alike, featuring high-profile, bestselling authors – and teach residents and their kiddos more about bees. We are catered by Josephine House of Austin. Our entertainment is Roy Orbison.

English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich – Chicken sausage, harissa aioli, Grafton cheddar & scrambled egg

Steak & Eggs – 44 Farms bavette steak, roasted marble potatoes, red chimichurri, sunny side up egg

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – Strawberries, blueberries, maple syrup, house cultured butter

Egg Salad Tartine – Dill, radish, sunflower shoots, capers on seeded wheat toast

Avocado Toast – House-made hot sauce, lime zest & sunny egg

Josephine House Burger – House-made bun, Grafton cheddar, greens, grilled red onion, harissa aïoli, frites

HuevosRancheros – House-made corn tostada,sunny side up eggs,black beans, ranchero sauce, queso cotija, cilantro

Shrimp & Grits – Barton Spring Mills grits, lemon, thyme, red pepper flake

Big Chopped Salad – Roasted chicken, pepitas, blackberries, goat feta & citronette

So let’s get going.

Here is the front of the library all decorated for the festival.

Yup, we are in the right place for the Books and Bees Festival.

This proves it.

A shot of the tents set up on the green.

The welcome tent.

Where you can get a bee finger puppet. (They wouldn’t let me have one.)

A lot of folks around that tent.

No wonder. It’s where headbands can be made.

Here is author Laekan Zea Kemp talking about her book.

There are author panels too. Here Eric Pohl takes a question

And for the bees nice flower seeds to be planted

Here is the Barnes & Noble crew getting ready to sell some books.

I hope you enjoyed the trip to Bee Cave. Now is the time for a cold one, food, and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the neighborhood – Earth Day in Lakeway

April 24, 2022April 22, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today we are celebrating Earth Day in Lakeway. (It was Friday but we are taking a trip back in the wayback machine) Here is the announcement from the city.

Celebrate Earth Day, The Lake Way on Friday, April 22, 2022 by volunteering to help pick up trash along some of our local roadways and in our area parks. The City of Lakeway will supply trash pickers, safety vests, trash bags and a map for volunteers the day of the event. Volunteers will then team up and head to their designated areas on the map to pick up trash, and then head back to City Hall to receive a special certificate, lunchtime snacks and pick-up some other Earth Day goodies and information. It’s an engaging way to help keep Lakeway beautiful and meet some of your neighbors in the process. We are catered by Brooklyn Breakfast Shop in Austin. Our entertainment is Willie Nelson

Classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese On A House Made Bagel – Substitute bacon for sausage, avocado, or brisket
Braised Brisket, Smoked Pepper Jelly, Pickled Red Onions & An Egg On A Biscuit
Fennel Sausage, Fresno Pimento, Cheese, House Pickles, Sunny Egg On Our House Made Whey Biscuit
Hatch Chile Sausage And Pimento Everything Bagel Kolache
Croissant With Two Eggs & Cheese
Sweet Potato Hash, Shishito Pepper Sauce, Pickled Red Onions gluten free, vegan
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, House Pickles, Sweet Heat Sauce& An Egg On A Biscuit
Double Smash Breakfast Burger, Bacon, Sunny Egg, Cheese, Charred Onion Aioli On Brioche
Green Chile/Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese
“The Jessica” Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Green Chile/Smoked Cheddar Queso, Avocado. Pickled Serranos on Brioche
We have everything you wish to drink as well.

So let’s go. Get on the bus.

Here is Lakeway City Hall. All the volunteers willmeet here.

Lots of givaways.

Another shot of the giveaways.

Here are the tools being supplied. Vests, Gloves, Trashbags and picker uppers (My term)

There is fruit, cold water and snacks when the work is done.

The mayor will be joining a crew.

Volunteers starting to arrive.

Getting outfitted.

Here’s the map where trash will be picked up. We’ll be heading to the City Park.

And here we are to observe a team hard at work. Congratulations everyone for participating. Now let’s have some food and listen to Willie sing “Always onMy Mind.” I hope you all have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Easter Tour

April 17, 2022April 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 111 Comments

Happy Easter, everyone. In celebration of the holiday, we are going on a brief hunt for Easter decorations in the neighborhood. We are catered today by Forthright in Austin, TX. Our entertainment is The Corrs.

Americana Breakfast – two eggs, sourdough toast with jam, hash-brown & choice of bacon, sausage, or avocado
Biscuits & Gravy – fluffy house-made biscuits with chicken sausage gravy
Breakfast Melt – your choice of bacon, ham, avocado on brioche Texas toast, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese & chipotle mayo
Chicken & Waffles – two boneless fried chicken thighs, honey butter, pecans, maple syrup, powdered sugar
Chilaquiles Verde – fried corn tortillas tossed in salsa verde, two sunny eggs, poblano peppers, hominy, black beans, pickled onions
Pastrami Eggs Benedict – poached eggs, collard greens, sliced pastrami, pickled veg & hollandaise on English muffins
Pork Shoulder Hash – shredded al pastor pork shoulder, smashed & fried potatoes, onions, corn, black beans, cauliflower & two sunny eggs

Drinks – You name it, we’ve got it.

So, let’s get on the bus.

You may remember this from last year. However, this year has a surprise.

A bunny appears while you read the message.

Eggs in the ground cover.

A tiny library, a pickup, a gnome, and some eggs.

Bunny mailbox topper.

Another more philosophical bunny mailbox topper.

Running bunny.

Two bunnies. Can you find them?

An egg flag.

Happy Easter door decoration.

Well, that’s it for this year. Now is the time for food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Eggstravaganza

April 10, 2022April 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Today we are going on an Easter Egg hunt and more. Our destination is Lakeway park, and it should be a lot of fun. We are catered by Café No Sé in Austin. Our entertainment is Shania Twain.

avocado toast, soft boiled egg, crème fraîche, arugula, Aleppo carrots
smoked salmon bagel, salmon, hard-boiled egg, pickled onion, tomato, caper scallion cream cheese, everything bagel
lemon-ricotta hotcakes, apple-thyme chutney, pecan butter, maple syrup
café scramble, roasted wild mushrooms, Fresno pepper, spinach, fresh ricotta, sourdough toast
sweet potato hash, two sunny eggs, crispy pork belly, kimchi, mustard greens, jalapeño, kale
cowboy breakfast, two sunny eggs, bacon, confit pork, borracho beans, tomato, roasted jalapeño, cilantro butter

Vegan plant protein can be substituted, and they offer any drink on the planet

So hop on, and we’ll be off.

Looks like a big turnout.

A favorite stop.

Always time for Ice cream.

Water and shave ice.

Face and body decorating.

Baskets for the easter egg grab.

The new Park& Rec digital billboard. Has the schedule for the various age group egg hunts.

A volunteer handing out candy. (Don’t ask)

The Easter Bunny.

Bubbles.

Petting zoo. Turtle, bunnies, chicken, guinea pig, and T-Rex.

The field for the 9 and 10-year-olds has been littered with 3000 eggs. Inside some of the eggs are prize notifications.

And there they go. Within three minutes, there was not an egg left.

Here’s where the prizes are handed out.

Chalk art competition underway.

Thank you, Lakeway Parks and Rec, for a successful event.

Now relax in the shade and enjoy the food and music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Talavera Tour

April 3, 2022April 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today we are going to cruise the neighborhood in search of Talavera pottery. Here is what we are looking for, according to Wikipedia.

Talavera pottery (Spanish: Talavera poblana) is a Mexican and Spanish pottery tradition from Talavera de la Reina, in Spain. The Mexican pottery is a type of majolica (faience) or tin-glazed earthenware, with a white base glaze typical of the type. It comes from the town of San Pablo del Monte (in Tlaxcala) and the cities of Puebla, Atlixco, Cholula, and Tecali (all these four latter in the state of Puebla), because of the quality of the natural clay found there and the tradition of production which goes back to the 16th century. So now we know. We are being catered by Plow Burgers in Austin. Just so you are aware, these burgers have no meat. Our entertainment is Creedence Clearwater Revival. I do have to apologize in advance for the quality of the photos. I was forced to take them pretty far away to avoid trespassing. (and possibly being shot)

100% PLANT-BASED | PLANTS LEAD OUR WAY!

Gluten-Free Bun provided by Misty Morning Bakery located in ATX

Talavera birdbath and old oak tree.

A pot in a flower bed.

A planter in front of a classic stucco and Mexican tile home.

Another pot in a flower bed with rock.

A mailbox topper and lamp. (Don’t ask)

A Talavera cow.

A watering can and frog.

A beautiful turtle

And we have seen this frog before.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Now sit back, relax, have some food and enjoy CCR. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Grand Opening of the Lakeway Playscape

March 27, 2022March 26, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Artist rendering of the playscape

The new playscape is designed for kids ages 2 to 12. It features three-shade cloth-covered climbing towers, a hover net, pre-cast concrete logs, boulders and a bison rock, multi-generational swings, a ten-spin merry-go-round, and musical instruments.

Today’s excursion is to Lakeway Park for the Grand Re-opening of the playscape. The playscape has undergone some renovations and upgrades, and now it’s time to participate in the celebration. Today’s brunch is catered by Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Austin. Our entertainment is Little Big Town.

BRUNCH MENU BRUNCH CLASSICS

Pomegranate Sangria

Fresh Squeezed Screwdriver

House Bloody Mary

Fresh Squeezed Greyhound

Mimosa

Harvey Wallbanger – Vodka, Galliano, fresh OJ

Don Francisco Coffee – Iced espresso cold brew, Licor 43

Bloody Local – Pepper & chile-infused local vodka, house bloody mix

JAK ORIGINALS

Chicken & Biscuits – Crispy fried chicken breast, buttermilk biscuit, green chile gravy, smashed breakfast potatoes. Add egg in any style.

Roasted Ribeye & Sage Hash – Crispy potato bird nest, charred ribeye, and potato hash, fried farm eggs, smoky chipotle hollandaise

JAK Con Todo Quesadilla – Pico de gallo, whole hog sausage, crispy potatoes, scrambled farm eggs, applewood smoked bacon, jack cheese

Barbacoa Eggs Benedict – Fried green tomatoes, slow-roasted barbacoa, poached farm egg, smoky chipotle hollandaise, smashed breakfast potatoes.

Dee Dee’s Short Stack – Mascarpone stuffed Challah french toast, TX whiskey & local honey glaze, berry compote, Mexican vanilla whipped cream.

So let’s go.

Our first stop is to view how the playground looked two weeks ago (Time machine miracle), A construction barrier.

Another shot of two weeks ago.

The Mayor, Tom Kilgore (R), and Mayor Pro-Tem Louis Mastrangelo prepare to cut the opening ribbon.

A fine cut.

Another view from two weeks ago.

The same view today. A lot of happy children.

The techs are getting the movie screen ready to go for a movie later. The movie is Peter Rabbit.

The popcorn machine will be hopping for the movie.

Funny crowns for the kids.

Cookies and water for everyone.

There are hot dogs too.

Thanks for coming along. I hope you have a great week. Now sit back enjoy the food, drinks, and the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Searching for Signs of Spring

March 20, 2022March 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 111 Comments

Today we are going to hunt down signs of spring. Since this is the first day of spring, there must be signs, so we will find them. We are being catered by the Cherrywood Coffee House in Austin to fuel our adventure. Our entertainment is The Loving Spoonful.

BENEDICT
poached eggs nestled on a toasted English muffin topped with homemade Hollandaise with choice of spinach and tomato or ham, plus one side dish

SHRIMP & GRITS
shrimp sauteed in white wine, pico de Gallo, and applewood smoked bacon

BISCUITS & GRAVY
homemade buttermilk biscuits smothered in creamy pepper gravy and sausage
add two eggs any style

STEEL-CUT OATMEAL (V)
served with raisins, walnuts, and brown sugar
add two eggs any style

HUEVOS RANCHEROS (V)
two over-easy eggs, black beans, salsa, cheese, and cilantro served on freshly fried tortillas

AMERICAN BREAKFAST
two eggs any style, hash browns, choice of toast or English muffin, and choice of bacon, sausage, or grilled ham steak

BREAKFAST QUESADILLAS
monster tortilla stuffed with bacon, egg, and cheese served with salsa and pico salad

TEXAS CHEESESTEAK SCRAMBLE
egg scramble with thinly sliced steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos, and American Swiss cheese. Served with hash browns on the side

VEGAN SCRAMBLE (VE)
soft tofu scramble, mushrooms, topped with avocado and served with hash browns (no butter)

CLASSIC BREAKFAST SANDWICH
eggs and cheese topped with one choice of avocado, bacon, sausage, or grilled ham
served on a wheat bun, white bun, or multigrain bread

BREAKFAST BLT SANDWICH
bacon, bibb lettuce, tomato, avocado, over medium egg, swiss cheese, light mayo on rye bread

Anything you want to drink.

There’s the bus. Let’s go.

The first stop is the garden shop. Can’t spend a lot of time here, though. Impatiens anyone?

Next are the famous Texas bluebonnets. These are the first I’ve seen.

Good ole redbuds are in bloom.

The mountain laurels and popping out.

The verbena is making itself known.

The Carolina jasmine is just starting.

A spicebush swallowtail butterfly takes off from the hibiscus.

The strawberry plant is in bloom.

The roses are budding.

Talk about hibiscus? They are going crazy.

And finally, The Producer’s herb garden. (with tomato)

I hope you enjoyed the hunt for spring. I think we found signs that it is here in central Texas. I hope it is arriving in your neck of the woods too. Have a great week. Have some food and enjoy the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Fun Walk Run for Animals

March 13, 2022March 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I indicated that a fun walk/run was supposed to take place but was canceled due to the weather. Well, last weekend the event took place, and due to the magic of photography, we can attend today.

Our event is catered by Bouldin Creek Cafe in Austin. Because of many requests, our menu today has vegan options. Our entertainment today is a look back to Janis Joplin.

Menu.

BREAKFAST PLATES TOFU SCRAMBLE
OR PASTURE RAISED EGGS

Predictable Breakfast
eggs or tofu served with a scratch-made herbed potato hash cake (GF) & choice of toast sub hash for granola or spring greens w/citrus vinaigrette

El Tipico
scrambled eggs or tofu, scratch-made herbed potato hash cake (GF), diced local tomatoes, shredded lettuce, house salsa & choice of tortillas

El Maximo same as above served with beans, avocado & cheddar-jack, or vegan cheddar

Oven Cake Breakfast (contains flour) • grilled house-made vegan blueberry cornbread served with two eggs or tofu & real maple syrup, dairy butter, or vegan butter

Garden Breakfast (GF)
eggs or tofu, with sliced local tomatoes & steamed organic baby spinach & lemon

add tortillas or toast

Zucchini & Cheese Migas •
eggs or tofu scrambled with a pepper purée, tortilla chips, zucchini, onion, spices & cheddar-jack or vegan cheddar. served with house salsa, choice of tortillas & choice of beans or fruit

The Renedict •
tofu bacon, organic baby spinach, sliced local tomatoes, topped with over-medium eggs or tofu scramble on an open-faced grilled ciabatta with vegan hollandaise sauce (contains flour) & scallions

Breakfast Scramwich
organic spinach & chili flake folded in eggs or tofu scramble. topped with basil aioli, local tomato & cheddar-jack, or vegan cheddar on toasted sourdough.

So jump on the bus.

There’s a signpost up ahead. Looks like we are entering the Fun, Run Zone.

We are here for sure. Here is the flyer announcing the event. (date change and all)

The registration and some walk runners are getting ready.

So we sign up and get a T-shirt and a Bud Light. (Just kidding)

Everyone’s getting to know each other.

More registrations and a view of the lake.

Time for a chat.

The start time is close, but we will go back to the bus and relax with food and entertainment. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Now here is one of my all-time favorite singers, Janis Joplin

Views of the Neighborhood – Concert Time

March 6, 2022November 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today we are going to a concert. It is about time we do some cultural things along with eating and drinking. The Band of the Hills which is a community band for all ages is having a concert at the Lakeway activity center. We are being catered Dim Sum by Wu Chow in Austin and our entertainment will be Thelonis Monk playing Duke Ellington’s Caravan.

DIM SUM FEATURED ITEMS

红油抄手 Sichuan Spicy Wontons (4 per order)

虾仁馄饨 Crispy Shrimp Wonton (4 per order)

盐和胡椒虾 Salt & Pepper Shrimp

麻辣排骨 Mala Ribs (3 per order) 麥

糯米饭 Sticky Rice (sausage or shiitake) 麥蔬 |

葱油饼 Scallion Pancake 蔬 |

黄瓜 Spicy Cucumbers 麥蔬 |

冷芝麻面 Cold Sesame Noodle 蔬 |

担担面 Dan Dan Noodles |

小籠包 | Shanghai Pork Soup Dumplings (5 per order) |

雞餃 | Steamed Chicken Dumplings (5 per order) |

豬肉鍋貼 | Pork Potstickers (5 per order) |

牛肉鍋貼 | Beef Potstickers (5 per order) |

香菜蝦餃 | Shrimp & Cilantro Dumplings (3 per order) |

蔬菜餃子 | Vegetable Dumplings (3 per order) 蔬 |

蝦餃 | Gulf Shrimp Ha Gow (3 per order) |

燒賣 | Pork & Shrimp Shumai (4 per order) |

雞燒賣 | Chicken and Shiitake Shumai (3 per order) |

鲜虾扇贝 Shrimp & Scallop Shumai (3 per order) |

Drinks of all kinds.

So let’s get on the bus

There is the Activity Center.

Here is the program for today. We will hear Thelonis Monk’s version of Caravan later

We are here just in time. The band is warming up.

People are filing in.

More warming up.

The Band leader takes the podium

The concert begins.

Views of the Neighborhood – Mailbox Toppers.

February 27, 2022February 26, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

Today we were supposed to go to a charity walk/run, but unfortunately, due to the weather, it was canceled. So instead, we are going to visit some mailbox toppers. Some are old friends with changes, and some are new to us. We are being catered by Cavalier in Austin. Our entertainment is The Rolling Stones. (Yes, Mick owes me one.)

Full bar and beverage service.

Hop on the bus, and let’s go.

Our first stop is an armadillo we have seen before. He has a new sombrero and looks very distinguished.

Here is a new one. I call it the Hangover.

Let sleeping dogs lie. (The truth is overrated)

How about a flying pig or at least a pig with wings.

A blue turtle.

A naked armadillo.

Bluebird of happiness.

Siesta time.

The fox who had ice running off his nose last time now sports a plaid ribbon.

Here’s Bevo, the mascot of the University of Texas, in a different pose. I think the owner is upset at UT’s loss to Baylor that kept them out of this year’s Championship game (Which Baylor won against Oklahoma State.)

So relax and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.