As you can see form the headline we are going out to find stucco houses. You may ask the question, “What’s so special about stucco houses?” The answer is     Stucco houses are very much in the minority here in central Texas. Most of the homes are built of brick and stone. The style is most commonly called Hill Country Architecture. Stucco houses on the other hand come in many styles, so today we are going to have a look at a few. Of course, will need to have brunch which will be catered from Forthright Cafe in Austin. Our entertainment is Bette Midler.

Menu

AMERICAN BREAKFAST
two fried eggs, sourdough toast with jam, hash-browns & choice of bacon or sausage
BREAKFAST SANDWICH scrambled eggs, cheddar, ham, sriracha aioli
served on brioche Texas toast
sub gluten-free toast
PORK BELLY CHILAQUILES  corn tortillas tossed in salsa Roja, two sunny eggs, crispy
pork belly, pickled onion, queso cotija
7-DAY PASTRAMI REUBEN SANDWICH JNL Barbecue smoked pastrami, caraway sauerkraut, gruyere cheese & Russian dressing served on marbled rye with a side of fries
add fried egg
CHICKEN & WAFFLES boneless fried chicken thigh, maple bourbon butter,
pecans, maple syrup & powdered sugar
PASTRAMI HASH shredded pastrami, potatoes, onions, peppers with
sunny side up eggs, queso & salsa doña
FORTHRIGHT BENEDICT pork belly, poached eggs with cherry tomato confit,
arugula and hollandaise served on English muffins
BRUNCH BURGER double 3oz patties, fried egg, bacon, American cheese,
caramelized onion, hash-brown, pickles & hollandaise
on challah bun

Top Shelf drinks from the bar

So let’s get going.

This first house is one The Producer would love to have. It is run down a little but looks like it has great bones. All stucco Hacienda style.

This house we have seen before. I decided to include it as an example of Modern style with stucco and stone. Also, the paint color is always a hoot.

Another Hacienda style.

This one is interesting and it can be a “your guess” as to style for this all stucco home.

Hacienda style again with modern touches.

A classic Hacienda style.

I couldn’t help myself on this one. No stucco, no stone, and quite unusual. This house is being renovated. Notice the LED lights. We wonder about the color choices. The two bump-outs are just sides and not painted yet. We are betting they are going with the gutter color.

A classic Hacienda style.

An example of the Italian Renaissance Revival.

Contemporary style

Mediterranean style with large Magnolia in front.

Hacienda style.

Hacienda compound.

Contemporary style.

Mid Century Modern.

Well, that completes the tour. Have some food and listen to the music. I hope you have a great week.

Don’t you find it hard to resist going into a new house to have a look around? Sometimes you want to look but don’t want to get caught. Well, today, you can look all you want and have no fear. No one is going to catch you. So, yup, our trip today is to a new house in the neighborhood, and we are going to have a look. Many thanks to The Producer for the idea. She saved my bacon again.

We are being catered today by The Magnolia in Austin. Our entertainment is Orleans.

Menu

The Economical
Two eggs* any style and Two Breakfast Sides (Home Fries, Black Beans, Fruit, Toast, English Muffin)
Bacon Sausage Ham

Love Migas
Eggs or tofu scrambled in spicy LOVE butter (fresh garlic and serrano) with tomato, onion, bell pepper, tortilla chips, and jack cheese. Served with black beans and choice of flour or corn tortillas.

Chicken and the Egg
A cornmeal jalapeno pancake topped with ancho chicken, mixed cheddar/jack cheese, and two eggs over medium. Served with black beans, avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, and lettuce on the side.

Huevos Rancheros
A grilled corn tortilla topped with two eggs, Arbol sauce, and mixed cheddar/jack cheese. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas on the side.

Eggs Zapatino
Scrambled eggs on a toasted English muffin, smothered in our legendary queso. Served with home fries.
Bacon Sausage Ham Avocado

Eggscape
Two eggs* over medium served on a mini-mountain of seasoned home fries and sausage, topped with cheddar/jack cheese.
Toast or English Muffin 2.00

Order from the top shelf bar selection

Hop on the bus, and let’s go.

The first photo takes us back in time to 2019. The lot is for sale.

The next photo moves us up a bit. Although a little difficult to see, this is an aerial shot of the lot and the foundation. The house is situated to the rear of the lot (Left-hand side of the photo). Does anyone know how to land this thing?

Here we are at the new build. The first thing to notice is it is a flat-roofed house. Also, I have to confess I don’t have any specifications on the house so I can’t give you square feet, numbers of bedrooms and baths.

The entrance is going to be pretty impressive. We have a close-up photo below of the right side.

A three-car garage.

Looking back toward the street. Those rocks will be put to good use.

Here is a view of the part of the air handling system. I also think there is going to be a fireplace. This photo is at the entrance on the right side.

This is the view from the main floor. The house has two floors. This one could be called the ground floor.

A little confusing, but this is a shot of the kitchen island. That whole section will be the kitchen. To the left are a pantry and a laundry room. That view of the lake is to the right of the photo.

The same view but gives you an idea of where the kitchen is in relation to the entrance.

We are now in the lower level, looking toward the lake from the primary bedroom.

The primary bedroom looking from the walk-in closet through the bathroom. The bath has a walk-in shower plus a soaking tub.

This is the swimming pool on the lower level. It will be connected to the house.

Another bedroom on the lower level. Someone left a window open in the recent rain.

Last photo on the lower level. Here is the main double vanity sink layout. The walk-in closet is to the left. There is also a large area that looks like it will be a family room on the lower level. The photo I took did not come out for some reason. Oh well, maybe we’ll come back when the house is nearer to being complete.

A closer look at the laundry room. You can see the water and dryer vent roughed in.

A last look out toward the lake. The kitchen is on the left. There is another bedroom on the right of the photo.

Well, that’s our look around. I hope you liked it. Now sit back and enjoy the music. I hope you all have a great week.

Here is the schedule of events for the Fourth. Today we will be going to the parade. Since the City of Lakeway is buying hot dogs, chips, and drinks, we won’t need to cater for this event. Also, there are a few bands in the parade, so we won’t need outside entertainment. The parade is going right by us too, so we won’t even need the bus. How easy is that? One disclaimer. There were so many entrants in the parade I had to make judgment calls on who to include. I hope you enjoy it, and Happy Birthday to The United States of America.

The first responders presented the colors.

Reserve military band

World War Two Veteran recognition. A replica of the monument in the Freedom Park

Cheerleaders

The bookmobile.

Rolls Royce

Native American recognition.

The drumline.

Lake Travis Mountain Bike Team.

The cub scout float.

A flyover by some local pilots and being joined by a jealous bird.

I can’t even tell you why dinosaurs were in the parade.

Here are the hot dogs getting grilled.

Here is where we can sit down to eat the hot dogs. So make yourself comfortable, and I hope you have a fun holiday.

Today we are going to go out and search for color. Because of the deer population here in Lakeway, blooms are very near and dear to our hearts. Most do not survive the deer munchies. Finding color then is serious business. Lucky for us, we do have Crape Myrtles, which add substantially to the visual scene.

Today we are being catered by Provision in Austin. Our entertainment has had some trouble getting here so let’s hope for next week.

Brunch menu

No way you have room for dessert

We are serving Quivira sauvignon blanc for the white and La Spinetta Il Nero di Casanova sangiovese for the red. Of course, you can also order top shelf cocktails.

Hop on the bus, and let’s get going. There will be a quiz at the end of the tour.

Flamingos, a ray of sun, and white crepe myrtle.

Here is a red crepe myrtle just beginning to bloom.

A beautiful white crepe myrtle.

Some wildflowers at the side of the road.

Pride of Barbados in bloom.

That is the tour.

The Lakeway Parks and Recreation people have set up a great summer program called Rhythm and Reels. For the next three Fridays, starting at 7 PM, there will be food, treats, and games for the community’s enjoyment. Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Spike Ball, Can Jam, Ladder Ball, and much more. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and pick a spot to lounge. Then enjoy the games. There will be burgers, fries, and ice cream too. In addition, a full feature film will be shown starting at 8:30. What is nice we are all invited too. Even though the event was held on Friday, the staff agreed it would be okay for all of us to visit using the time warp feature of the bus.

The event features food from P. Terry’s of Austin. We have burgers and fries on the menu.

Dessert from IceCream2U

Our entertainment will be The Lost Pines. Austin’s premier bluegrass and classic country band who joins us as a trio.

The movie is The Sandlot. In the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team.

So let’s get on the bus and take a time warp back to last Friday.

The event announced downtown Lakeway.

There’s the food truck. Place your order

The bandstand and screen for the movie.

My kind of pop-up Persian rugs and all.

Safe lawn darts.

A field of corn hole games.

Kan Jam disk for a Kan Jam game.

Giant Jenga for the steady hands.

Spoon and egg game.

Ice cream would go well with the 92-degree heat.

A big ole bounce house and the drink station.

It looks like the trio is tuning up to play, so we better grab our lawn chairs and settle back for a night of entertainment. Enjoy the food, music, and movie. I hope you all have a terrific week.

A video of the full band playing their original Maybalee.

Since this is Memorial Day weekend, I thought it would be nice to have a leisurely time contemplating what Memorial day means. The day has been set aside to remember those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that is an integral part of ours.

We are going to keep the brunch simple today in keeping with the spirit of the weekend. One of our freedoms is to choose food that will taste great but not be the best for us.  We are being catered by the Magnolia Pancake Haus in San Antonio, TX. Our guest is the late Marvin Gaye.

Omelets All served with potatoes or pancakes

BACON & CHEDDAR
Our Famous Applewood Smoked Bacon and Aged
Cheddar Cheese Make for The Perfect Breakfast

BODEGA BAY OMELET
A trip to the Sonoma Coast inspired this Haus original.
Wild baby arugula, applewood smoked bacon, and goat cheese fill this three-egg delight. Topped with a ribbon of crème Fraiche

OMELET MONTERREY
A Magnolia Original. Roasted Chicken and Jack Cheese Inside.
Topped with Our Haus-Made Mild Salsa Verde and Crème Fraiche

SARKI’S SPECIAL
Direct from Our Favorite Chicago Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Joint! Spinach, Kalamata Olives, Mushrooms, Onions and Feta Cheese,
Topped with A Dollop of Crème Fraiche

HAM & CHEESE
Pit-Smoked Ham and Your Choice of Cheese

SPINACH & MUSHROOM
Baby Spinach and Fresh Mushrooms with Your Choice of Cheese

JOE’S EGGS
The Original San Francisco Treat! Spinach, Italian Sausage, Onions, and Mushrooms, Prepared Fritatta Style. Topped with
Monterey Jack Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Coulis

SHRIMP & AVOCADO
Shrimp and Fresh-Sliced Avocado Fill This Three-Egg Treat.
It Is Topped with Jack Cheese and Served with Our Homemade Salsa

JAMBALAYA OMELET
A Steamer’s Café Classic and Mr. Pancake’s Favorite Breakfast!!
Chicken and Sausage Accented Creole Jambalaya with Jack Cheese in
a Fluffy Threeegger. Topped with Our Mild Creole Sauce

So let’s go.

We have newborn deer in Lakeway, so there are reminders out to slow down.

A shot of some of the flags lining the major streets. The city has lines all the public roads with flags.

A peaceful waterfall to think about those who are gone.

A larger waterfall that reminds us of freedom’s price.

More of the flags honoring those who gave their lives.

Another shot of the flags. There are so many miles of flags that it is impossible to show them all.

The Spirit of Freedom has flags as well.

The flags are at half staff in remembrance of those murdered in San Jose.

Flag-lined walkway.

A reminder of what Memorial Day really means.

A private display of gratitude.

I hope you will all keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive. Here is Marvin Gaye singing the National Anthem.

Since restrictions are lifted and I am fully vaccinated, it is time to go back to the gym. I know this isn’t the most exciting neighborhood tour, but it is a monumental event.  We have brunch catered from the Hillside Farmacy in Austin. We have Sugarland as our entertainment today.

 Hillside Farmacy

Brunch
Texas Cheese Plate
Selection of local cheese, wildflower honey
+ seasonal fruit.
Peel & Eat Shrimp ~
Freshly made biscuits Homefries Cheese grits Seasonal fruit bowl Side of bacon.
GOOD EGGS
Our eggs come from family-owned & operated sustainable pasture-raised organic egg farms around Austin. Their hens are humanely raised outdoors.
BRULÉE GRAPEFRUIT
Texas grapefruit half, sugar in the raw, local wildflower honey
HOUSE MADE GRANOLA & YOGURT
Yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, local wildflower honey
BUTTERMILK PANCAKES
Mexican vanilla, seasonal fruit, powdered sugar BACON, SCRAMBLED EGG
MAC & CHEESE (vegetarian)
Taleggio, aged white cheddar, bread crumbs
PANCETTA , POACHED FARM EGG, BROCCOLI

Gulf Shrimp
Six gulf shrimp, house-made cocktail sauce, pickled onion
EGG & SAUSAGE BREAKFAST SAMMY
Pork sausage, farm egg, sweet and spicy pepper salsa, spring mix, tomato, mixed pickles, local cheddar cheese.
FARM EGGS BOWL (vegetarian)
Seasonal veggies
SHRIMP & STONEGROUND GRITS
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, cheese grits, kale, microgreens
BIG BREKKIE (vegetarian options)
2 eggs any style
• Bacon or avocado
• Homefries or creamy grits • Wheat toast or a biscuit

White wine: Chardonnay Annabella Napa, CA  Red wine:

Here we are at the gym.

A new pool is going in.

There’s the workout room.

My machine.

Overcast view

Do we want to do some leg or arm work? Let’s pass.

How about free weights? Not now, maybe later.

High-intensity workout? We have brunch to eat.

So let’s get to brunch and the music. I hope you all have a great week.