Views of the Neighborhood – Park Clean-up

February 20, 2022February 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Today, we will go to the park and check on the Friends of the Parks. They have a clean-up day (Although it was last week, we’ll pretend it is today), and we need to check it out. After observing hard work, we have a brunch catered by Moonshine in Austin. The entertainment today will be Chicago.

FULL MOON PLATTER two eggs any style, choice of (bacon, ham or sausage links), home fries, toast

SMOKED SALMON & JOHNNY CAKES poached eggs, dilled hollandaise, pickled red onion, home fries

PULLED PORK & JOHNNY CAKES poached eggs, green chile salsa, home fries

CREOLE CRAWFISH & GRITS creole tomato sauce, tasso ham, fried egg, toast

STEAK & EGGS charcoal bistro filet, two eggs any style, grit cake,
salsa verde, toast

KING RANCH CASSEROLE chicken breast, two eggs any style,
ranchero sauce, cheddar

MIGAS egg scramble, tortilla chips, pico de gallo,
ranchero sauce, cheddar

JALAPEÑO HANGER STEAK salsa verde, Yukon mashers

HORSERADISH CRUSTED SALMON lemon dill butter sauce, brussels sprouts

CHICKEN & WAFFLES lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK chipotle gravy, Yukon mashers

Top shelf drinks, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks

So hop on, and let’s get going.

There’s the signpost up ahead indicating that we are about to enter the clean-up zone.

The volunteers are gathering at the city park. A little chilly.

Had to get a shot of the shirt. (No, we don’t get shirts)

A new recognition plaque. Friends of the Parks is on there.

A much-needed trailer since there will be trash pickup and tree trimming.

Who you going to call? The Brush Busters.

Tools of the trade featuring a major grass and brush cutter.

Workers and supervisors and one guy getting dressed.

A broken fence post getting Some TLC.

The butterfly garden getting a spring clean-up.

Time to relax with food and entertainment. We have Chicago doing (what else?) Saturday in the Park. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Story Book Walk for Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2022February 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Every year the Lakeway Department of Parks and Recreation conducts a storybook walk. This year it was in honor of Valentine’s Day. Here’s our invitation.

Also, in honor of Valentine’s Day, we have a unique Valentine’s dinner catered by Roosevelt’s in Port Aransas. Our entertainment is Chris Botti and Sting.

Here is the menu.

So get on the bus.

Today’s book walk is with Todd Parr’s The I Love You Book. Since the book is so long, I will be showing only a few pages. After dinner, you can walk around and view the rest.

I love you when you are silly.

I love you when you hide my keys.

I love you when you are stinky.

I love you when you are squeaky clean.

I love you when we stroll.

I love you when you are shy.

I love you when you share.

But most of all.

Just the way you are.

I hope you enjoyed the book walk and wish you a great week. Have some food and listen to Chris Botti and Sting.

Views of the Neighborhood – Winter Wonderland.

February 6, 2022February 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

Well, it was a mess on Friday and way too dangerous to go out on a photo tour of the neighborhood, which is when most of them are taken. Instead, I took a tour around the yard, and hopefully, these photos will take the place of a full-blown tour. Since we will stay at the house, we don’t need the bus today. We will need food, so I have called out for delivery from Nomatic Beer Works (Yes, they deliver beer too). Our entertainment is again Bob Seger. (A fellow Detroit native)

REUBEN (Turkey) – Turkey Breast | Swiss | Sauerkraut | Thousand Island | Easy Tiger Rye

VEGETARIAN – Artichoke | Garlic Hummus | Arugula | Roasted Red Pepper | Easy Tiger Sourdough

TOASTED CHEESER – Cheddar | Provolone | Havarti | Parmesan | Easy Tiger Sourdough

We’ll star in the back. Make sure you have your gloves and hats on.

First, a look in the backyard looking Northwest. The hanging basket is wrapped in a hibiscus towel.

The backyard looking Southeast. The turf is covered with frozen sleet.

The patio area is covered. You can see the frozen sleet in the blackstone bed to the left.

A closer look at the patio. The magnolia tree and mountain laurel are covered in ice.

A close-up of the magnolia. The ice acts as an insulator since the air is colder than 32 degrees F. ( 0 degrees C )

A close-up of the mountain laurel.

Our rain gauge took on one inch of rain and is frozen. You can see ice on the fence as well.

Our motion light and irrigation monitor show the effect of frozen rain. So let’s go back inside.

Lucy and Twiggy wonder who the new playmates are. These are the plants that need protection from temperatures below freezing.

Here is a shot of the hibiscus in bloom. The other plans are dracaena, salvia, and a pot with pansies and alyssum.

Looking out the front, you can see the ice on the driveway and frozen sleet in the rocks.

One shot of the deer who are not bothered by a little frozen rain.

I hope you enjoyed a look at the Texas version of winter. Now relax, have some food and enjoy Bob.

Views of the Neighborhood – Freeze Results

January 30, 2022January 29, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Last week we rolled around and looked at those who covered their plants. This week I thought it would be interesting to look at the results of not covering the plants. Also, on a couple of occasions, the effects of protecting the plants.

We are being catered by The Peached Tortilla in Austin. Our entertainment is Meatloaf.

THAI CHOP CHOP SALAD
chopped napa, fried tofu, green apple, fried shallots, Thai vinaigrette, rice puffs, peanuts, Fresno chiles, watermelon radish, fish sauce caramel, herbs

BRISKET HASH
kimchi miso corn, sweet potatoes, Fresnos, onion jam, pasture-raised fried egg
ask your server for our vegetarian option

SHORT RIB BENEDICT Korean braised short rib, grilled ciabatta, kochukaru hollandaise

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH Asian slaw, Japanese pickles, gochu glaze, easy tiger easy bun
served with Belgian fries

KOREAN STEAK & EGGS BOWL sous vide hanger steak, sunny side up eggs, kimchi, egg furikake, rice

AVOCADO TOAST
miso scallion creme fraiche, alfalfa sprouts, watermelon radish, lemon oil
served with greens tossed in yuzu vinaigrette, add soft scrambled pasture-raised eggs

All manner of things to drink.

Let’s go.

Our first stop is an unprotected cactus. Don’t know how you would protect it, but freezing temperatures create havoc.

Some cascading plants put in after the great freeze last year are toast again this year.

The ground cover takes a hit but will come back.

Last week I showed this expensive green cover. The next is a view of this week.

The cover did not work. Frost burn on the new plants.

A major hit, but expected to return.

The Carolina Jasmine is gone. This was from the big freeze last year.

The boxwoods have signs of frost burn.

The Viburnum growth has been affected. It should not hurt the plant.

A shot of blossoms from protected plants. (Producer photo)

A protected hanging basket.

I hope you enjoyed the tour and wish you a wonderful week. Sit back and enjoy the food and music. If you haven’t seen this video I would recommend it even though it is a little longer than most.

Views of the Neighborhood – Ready for the Freeze

January 23, 2022January 22, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

The last three nights in Lakeway have seen temperature lows of 25 degrees F (-3.8 C). To protect plants that have problems with those low temperatures, the neighbors have used various covering methods. The reason for protecting these plants is that such low temperatures are rare, and the plants, once past this event, can continue to thrive all winter. We are going to go and see some of the methods. We are being catered by Perlas in Austin. Our entertainment is The Band Perry.

Perla’s French Toast

Mixed Berries, Lemon Chantilly, Citrus Shortbread Crumble

Espelette Shrimp & Blue Crab Gumbo

Steamed Rice, Andouille, Bacon, Scallion, Okra, Fried Egg, Grilled Baguette

New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp & Stone Ground Grits

Creole Lemon Butter, Poached Egg, Fines Herbes

Wood-Grilled Sausage, Oysters, Egg in the Hole

House Breakfast Sausage, Three Grilled Oysters

Crab Florentine

English Muffin, Poached Eggs, Lump Crab, Griddled Tomato, Lemon Spinach, Hollandaise

Steak Ranchero

Oak-Grilled Hanger Steak, Two Fried Eggs, Spicy Ranchero Sauce,

Crispy Griddle Cake with Crème Frâiche

Lobster & Egg White Frittata

Asparagus Tips, Roasted Tomatoes, Avocado, Basil

Lobster Omelette

Melted Leeks, White Cheddar, Chive, Butter Lettuce Salad.

Of course, anything you wish to drink.

So get on the bus.

Not sure what is under that tarp, but that blue makes a statement.

Ace Hardware plant protector film.

Someone is missing their bed linens, including the bedspread.

A lovely 1000 count Egyptian cotton.

A couple of hundred dollars worth of covering.

Another bed victim.

Gotta wonder about the mailbox cover. It might be someone’s monogrammed shirt. The initials’ AD’ could be a clue.

There you have it. A quick trip but one I hoped you liked. Now it is time for food and entertainment. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Winter Survival Give-a-Way

January 16, 2022January 15, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

We are heading to the Justice Center in Lakeway to witness a give-a-way conducted there. As most of you know, Texas was hard hit last February with freezing temperatures which caused power loss and dangerous conditions. The Young Men’s Service League, which is made up of Lake Travis High School (in Lakeway) students, collected items to be given away to help folks prepare for these conditions should such an event happen again. We want to see this in action. We are being catered by El Naranjo of Austin. Our entertainment is James Taylor.

LOS HUEVOS

Drinks of all kinds as well

We have arrived at the Justice Center.

Hmmm. Lines of cars ahead of us.

Here is a broad view of the items.

Buckets, of course.

Blankets to stay warm. Don’t be taking more than one.

Flashlights, Batteries, and portable chargers

First aid kits, latex gloves, and hand sanitizer.

Hats, winter gloves, matches, water, paper towels, and of course, toilet paper.

Need to ask for a space heater and firewood.

There is a packet from FEMA on how to prepare for the unexpected.

Here is a list of those who donated products, time, or money. It was a heartwarming community event.

Now is time for some brunch and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Time Scavenger Hunt – Part Two

January 9, 2022January 8, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Welcome to part two of the Time scavenger hunt. It is only fitting in the new year that we give time it’s due. So we will be looking for clocks number six through ten. If you missed one through five last week, go HERE. Today we are catered by Bangers Smokehouse of Austin. Our entertainment is Pink singing Time After Time.

Texas Peach Cinnamon Bun –

Layered with w/butter, cinnamon, brown sugar & house-made peach preserves. Served hot & topped w/ a cream cheese frosting.

Avocado Toast –

Grilled peasant bread topped w/ fresh avocado, roasted tomatoes, sunflower sprouts & a hard-boiled egg

Pastrami Cured Salmon Bagel –

House-cured salmon served w/ a house-made everything bagel, hard-boiled egg, cream cheese, capers, red onions, tomatoes, black pepper & sea salt.

The Corned Beef Hash Sausage Sandwich –

House-cured 6 day corned beef ground w/ potatoes. Stuffed it into a beef middle & smoked for 8 hours. Sliced, seared & put on a Martin’s potato roll. Topped w/ an egg, American cheese, sauerkraut & Russian dressing. Served w/ a side of spicy shoestring potatoes.

Sweet Potato Happy Hash –

Sweet potatoes, onions, hatch chilies & chorizo. Served w/ farm two eggs & a bacon smile.

Banger’s Bennie –

English muffin topped w/ braised pork belly, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce & spicy shoestring potatoes. Vegetarian upon request.

Super Deluxe Breakfast –

Two over-easy eggs, house-cured bacon, sweet potato hash, toast & seasonal house-made jam.

Pancake Platter –

A proper Texas-sized breakfast! Four pancakes, two seasonal breakfast sausage links, two eggs, shoestring potatoes & a side of real maple syrup.

Smokehouse Fries w/ An Egg –

Salt & Pepper fries, smothered in cheddar, hand-pulled cheese curds & topped w/ a rotating cast of our smokehouse meats. Served w/ ranch & house barbecue sauce. And since it’s Sunday, and since we like the cut of your jib, we’ll throw a farm-raised free-range duck egg on top for you. How’s that sound?

And as always, anything on the planet that you want to drink.

There’s the bus. Let’s go.

Our first stop is a path next to the lake. I see a green trash bin up ahead.

I knew it. Clock number six.

Still, on the path by the lake, I spy a grove of trees. That is always a good place to hide something.

Sure enough. Number seven.

See that picnic bench a ways off? I’ll bet there’s one located there.

I must be clairvoyant. Number eight.

A playground is a good location.

Yup. it paid off.

There is a parking lot up ahead.

The location for this poor thing.

I hope you enjoyed the hunt and now here is Pink. Enjoy the song and the food. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Good Time Scavenger Hunt in Lakeway City Park

January 2, 2022January 8, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

For the new year, it seems appropriate to concentrate on time. Today we are going on another scavenger hunt sponsored by the City of Lakeway Parks and Recreation. There are ten clocks, so we will try to find five today. Since we will be outside, it is a good idea to have a lovely catered brunch. Today that will be from Eastside Tavern in Austin. We also have Chicago back again.

Brisket + Cheddar Tater Tots

Topped with Scallions, Served with Chipotle Aioli

Load it up with Beans, Cheese, Sour Cream & Salsa Verde

Turkey Avocado Toast

Served with Avocado Spread, Cold Sliced Turkey, Soft Boiled Egg, Tomato and Radish

EST Heartstopper Burger

Topped with Brisket, Pulled Pork, Sausage, Bacon, Jalapeno, Onion + Queso

Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Add Your Choice of Meat: Brisket, Chopped Beef, Pulled Pork, Sausage or Smoked Turkey

Brisket, Egg & Cheese Sandwich

Brisket, Scrambled Eggs, and Cheddar on Texas Toast

Served with a Side of Red Potatoes

EST Chicken Fried Steak

Smoked sirloin breaded and fried with our homemade brisket gravy and served with a side of potatoes.

Brisket “SOS.”

Buttered Texas Toast topped with Sliced Brisket.

Topped with a Chopped Brisket Gravy

Whiskey-Infused Banana Bread French Toast

Tullamore Dew Smoked Banana Bread. Topped with a Whiskey Cream Cheese Whip.

Available a la Mode

Brisket Patty Melt

Topped with Melted Swiss, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms + Chipotle Aioli

Top Shelf drinks, Coffee, tea, beer, wine, and soft drinks

So let’s go.

The instructions tell s to look for the restrooms and then start down the path. There are no other hints, so we will have to keep an eye out.

There are the restrooms, and here is a path. I see something on the green thing.

I thought so. The first clock

We have to turn around and start down the path. There is something

And clock number two.

A tree with a rock behind it. Let’s look.

You guys are good. Clock number three.

Some equipment up ahead. Aways a good spot for a clock.

Yup. Number four ho.

Big ole birdhouse up ahead.

A clock at its base.

So we will take a break now and come back next week. So sit back and relax, have some food and enjoy the music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Christmas Decorations

December 19, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Since this is the last Sunday before Christmas, I thought it would be fun to cruise the neighborhood and take in some decorations. Also, since we are going out at night, I thought it would be good to have desserts. We are being catered by Spot in New York City. Our entertainment is Bruce Springsteen.

Choose from the menu

So hop on the bus and let’s go.

First, a stop at the Little Library, which is all decorated.

A giant figure in the front yard.

Probably CEO of the electric company.

A multicolored display.

A unicorn and color-coordinated lights.

Santa and elves. One in a helicopter.

I took this in the daytime. Pretty bland.

Look at it at night. A wowzaa.

Here is the purple house which you have seen many times decked out for the holiday.

A night view of the purple house.

Here is the gate decoration of a big ole single-family house.

A night view of the decoration. Notice the red nose on the longhorn.

That’s it for this year.

The Producer, Twiggy, Lucy, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Now relax, have some food and listen to Bruce sing Santa is Coming to Town.

Views of the Neighborhood – Run up to the Holiday

December 12, 2021December 11, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

We are starting our run-up to the holiday decorations tour. This week, we will visit several mailboxes and the Walk of Lights in Lakeway. Since we have some daylight activities and some dusk, we are being catered by Better Half in Austin for brunch. Our entertainment today is Jose Feliciano.

BETTER HALF BREAKFAST SANDWICH

English muffin, crispy hash brown, smoked paprika aïoli, arugula, fried farm egg

CHOOSE BACON, BREAKFAST SAUSAGE, BEYOND SAUSAGE, OR AVOCADO

CHICKEN BISCUIT

southern fried chicken breast, jalapeño-honey butter, curry bread & butter pickles
MAKE IT SPICY / SUB BEYOND CHICKEN

SRIRACHA-MAPLE BACON BISCUIT

spicy glazed bacon, brown sugar-brown butter, fried egg

GRANOLA BOWL

oats, nuts & seeds, pomegranate molasses,
local Greek yogurt, seasonal fruit & berries, Thai basil & mint

PASTRAMI TOAST

thick-cut Texas toast, shaved house-smoked pastrami, berbere horsey sauce, smoky mushrooms & garlicky greens, fried egg & runny yolk sauce

WAFFLE IRON HASHBROWNS

coffee & cream gravy, cotija, farm egg, pickled onions, scallions

PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST

apple cider caramel, house cultured butter, molasses crumb

NEW THE FALL BIG SALAD power greens & romaine hearts, curry roasted sweet potatoes, coconut milk sweet potato purée, sumac chèvre dressing, honey crisp apple & watermelon radish, chili roasted pumpkin seeds, avocado ADD STEAK, SHRIMP, BEYOND CHICKEN, OR FRIED CHICKEN

BETTER HALF CHICKEN BURGER

house ground chicken, Duke’s Mayo, Swiss, LTO

CONTAINS GLUTEN

BETTER HALF CHEESEBURGER

44 Farms ground beef, Dijonnaise, American cheese, LTO

BEYOND MEAT VEGGIE PATTY AVAILABLE as well as TOP SHELF DRINKS AND EVERYTHING ELSE

So let’s go.

Our first stop is an Armadillo Santa.

Not going to touch this one.

Glass tree.

A wimpy sprig.

Mistletoe Wreath. Gotta lay on the ground to get under it.

Since I did a complete tour of the Trail of Lights last year, this year is an overview. If you would like to check out last year click THIS LINK. Here is Santa giving us directions to the entrance.