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.

Inside and looking up in the big holiday tree.

A view of the lights beyond the tree.

We also did a Twelve Days of Christmas hunt last year. Here are all twelve.

A display of flowers and longhorn cattle.

Santa’s sleigh just getting airborne in the middle of the toys.

I hope you enjoyed our view and I wish you a happy week. Now enjoy more food and listen to the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Holiday Market Place

December 5, 2021December 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

Since this is the gift-giving season, I thought it would be fun to go shopping. The Emmaus Catholic Church here in Lakeway is having a market sale. To keep up our strength, we will be catered by Biscuits and Groovy in Austin. Our entertainment is ABBA. (Yes, we have a big music budget)

THREE BISCUIT DISHES
Made with three freshly baked buttermilk biscuits.

Biscuits + Groovy
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, pepper, chives
The Village
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, jalapenos, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Aretha
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Donna
Biscuits, gravy, three scrambled eggs, sausage, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Johnny
Biscuits, gravy, sausage, bacon, potatoes, colby jack, pepper, chives
The Gloria
Biscuits, gravy, three scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, jalapenos, colby jack, pepper, chives
ONE BISCUIT DISHES
The M.C. Hammer
One freshly baked buttermilk biscuit served open faced with two scrambled eggs on one side and your choice of maple bacon or sausage on the other. Topped with colby jack cheese and chives. Gravy upon request.
The Bee Gee
One freshly baked buttermilk biscuit with butter and jam (strawberry, grape, or the jam of the day)

Let’s go.

There’s the signpost up ahead

Checkout the room.

NIce displays.

Now we are talking. Santa stuff.

A portrait of your pet.

Lots of sparkles.

Bags.

Boots and leather.

Knit and crochet.

Stuffed animals.

I loved the name ‘Second Wind.’ Soaps and stuff.

Hats.

Knights of Columbus nut stand.

Louis Vuitton selections.

Oops. Looks like they are late.

There were some cars outside as well. 1959 TR3.

1972 Cheverlot Caprice convertable

1986 Porsche 951 (Turbocharged 944)

1979 MGB convertable.

I hope you enjoyed the shopping. Now relax and listen to ABBA.I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Walk for Alzheimer’s Texas

November 28, 2021November 27, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today we are going to Lakeway park to check out the walk for Alzheimer’s Texas. We need to get on our walking shoes. After the walk, we will be catered by The Peached Tortilla in Austin. our entertainment is Joe Cocker.

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 CONTAINS PEANUTS

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
ask your server for our vegetarian option

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 top shelf beverages, Beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and Tea.

Jump on.

Here is the sign announcing the walk.

The registration tent.

“Would you like a snack?”

The sponsors are getting set up.

The volunteers are offering maps and pens.

The DJ is pumping out heart pounding music.

The start and finish line.

One of the teams participating.

Another view of the registration tent.

So get your warm ups completed and off we go. When you get back enjoy the food and Joe Cocker. I hope you all have a great week,

Views of the Neighborhood – Thanksgiving Decorations

November 21, 2021November 20, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

When we see Christmas decorations, there is cause to ask, “What about Thanksgiving?” We just finished an outstanding Halloween so let’s see if we can find some Thanksgiving festive decorations. We are being catered by Lucky Robot of Austin. Our entertainment is Bob Seger ( I know he’s been here before, but we Detroit boys have to stick together.)

T O K Y O B R U N C H Saturday and Sunday 11-3

NIKKEI OMURICE Japanese omelette, crispy rice, red bean, shiitake, & cremini mushrooms, peas, choice of salsa macha or ponzu Verde
add Niman Ranch pork belly

CHIRASHI BOT tuna, salmon, dutch yellowtail, striped bass sashimi over sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, sunomono pickles, sesame, 144 degree egg

PRIME CHIRASHI BOT Big Glory Bay king salmon, Bluefin Tuna, 2 types of daily prime market sashimi over sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, sunomono pickles, sesame, 144 degree egg

NOMNOMIYAKI Japanese savory pancake, Niman Ranch pork belly, napa cabbage, topped with 2 sunny side up eggs, spicy mayo, tonkatsu, sriracha, bonito flakes, microgreens

MIMOSA
ROBOT MICHELADA
CHOMAME FIZZ butterfly tea-infused sake, peach, lemon, brut

Top-shelf cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks

Let’s go.

Nice show of pumpkins.

One kind of turkey.

Another kind. (It looks like he’s been celebrating early.)

Looks like a happy display.

Harvest guard.

Our favorite lantern with friends.

Fall flowers and gourds.

Interesting pumpkin.

Yard celebration of the season

All wooden decorations. Handyperson house.

The flag says it all.

Views of the Neighborhood- Bronze and Bucks

November 14, 2021November 14, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today we are going to check out four new bronzes that have been installed in Lakeway. Also, since this rutting season is here I thought you would like to see some photos of the bucks. They are everywhere and usually, they are out of sight. We are being catered by Cavalier in Austin and our entertainment is Carole King, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, and Celene Dion. (budget buster).

So let’s get on the bus.

Our first bronze is the new sign for Lakeway.

Here is the old sign for your reference.

Our first buck is one with determination.

Our next bronze is a family of elk placed out in front of city hall.

This is a fellow who has tangled with a bush and has has lost his sense of humor. He does have part of the bush in his antlers for a reminder.

This guy came up the drive at our house.

He seems a little put out that I’m not a doe.

The next bronze is to honor the heron outside the Tennis center.

This doe is not taking any chances. One look and she is off.

Our final bronze is in the courtyard of the Activies Center. I asked it to smile and all I got was “Wwwwhat?”

Enjoy the music and food and I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Bee Cave Library Author Event and ChamberFest

November 7, 2021November 7, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 102 Comments

Today we are going to attend Bee Cave ChamberFest an event filled with food, music, vendors, and authors too. We are going to be catered by the Brooklyn Breakfast Shop of Austin. Our entertainment is James Taylor and Carly Simon

Classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese On A Bagel

Substitute bacon for sausage, avocado, or barbacoa
Barbacoa, Avocado, Lime, Pickled Serranos & An Egg On A Hero
Fennel Sausage, Fresno Pimento, Cheese, House Pickles, Sunny Egg On Our House Made Whey Biscuit
Citrus Roast Pork, Avocado, Pickled Red Onions, Cilantro Aioli & An Egg On A Hero
Croissant With Two Eggs & Cheese
Sweet Potato Hash, Shishito Pepper Sauce, Pickled Red Onions
Buttermilk Fried Chicken, House Pickles, Sweet Heat Sauce& An Egg On A Biscuit
Avocado Toast With Pickled Red Onions, Lime, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Tomatoes On Texas Toast

Let’s get on the bus and go.

The first stop is a dance team and music.

The Library of Bee Cave and sponsor for the author’s attendance at ChamberFest.

Plenty of booths to visit

Move booths.

A rescue group is represented.

One of the most popular stops.

A big chicken was there too.

Here are two of the authors Amy Jackson and Wesley Lewis.

A sign letting everyone know who is attending.

Terry Lewis (R) with Wesley Lewis. Terry is in charge of the event for the library. Thanks to Terry for organizing the day.

So that is the tour. Have some food and relax with James and Carly.

Views of the Neighborhood – A Halloween Tour

October 31, 2021October 30, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 101 Comments

It is Halloween, so it is only fitting that we tour the neighborhood and check out the decorations. We are being catered by Torchy’s of Lakeway. Our entertainment is Bobby Pickett singing The Monster Mash.

Menu.

Expand it if you would like to read it in detail

I had the bus decorated for Halloween so let’s go.

Our first stop is an old friend. The home of the Flamingos.

Great gate.

Captured skeleton.

Glowing ghouls.

Some monsters and a little library.

Webs, trampoline, and skeleton.

Biggest spider ever.

Happy couple.

Monster house.

Giant web.

Halloween dance.

The ultimate.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Have some tacos and listen to Bobby Pickett

Views of the Neighborhood – Lions Club Charity Dog Walk

October 24, 2021October 23, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

Welcome back to the tour. Today we are going to Lakeway Park to attend the Lions Club charity Dog event. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in costume and enjoy the stroll through the park. We are again being catered by June’s All Day in Austin. Our entertainment is Josh Stone.

Brunch Menu.

Café Breakfast
choice of eggs, sliced ham & gruyère,
housemade jam, buttered English muffin

Farm Egg Omelette
Boursin, salted radish & green salad

Croque Madame
jambon Paris, gruyère, fried egg, mixed greens

Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad
classic with dill crème fraîche

June’s Charbroiled Burger
grilled onions & jalapeños, American cheese,
pickles & french fries

Bone Marrow Bolognaise
handkerchief pasta, kale, parmesan

Fried Chicken Sandwich
kohlrabi ranch slaw, hot sauce

Matzo Ball Caldopoached chicken, vegetables, avocado, jalapeños, soft egg

Grilled Lamb Marquez and Poached Eggs
couscous with caponata and sumac yogurt

Grilled Chicken Paillard
harissa, wild arugula, fennel, parmesan

Steak & Parmesan Fried Egg
crispy marble potatoes, salsa verde

Wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

So let’s go.

Here we are at the sign-up table. If you are walking, you get a bag t-shirt and tote. The guy is not included.

Halloween doggie.

Information on Paws for Prisons. A group who rescue dogs and then take them to people in prison to socialize and train them. Benefits for both dogs and humans.