Views of the Neighborhood – Trash Day

January 10, 2021March 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Since it is a slow day here in Lakeway, I decided we would look at some of the locals’ recycling habits. This will be a short trip so we will want to spend a lot of time eating and drinking.

I think most of you are familiar with the tour bus. First impressions can be deceiving, and we try to keep the bus profile very low. We don’t want a lot of people wondering what we are doing in their neighborhood. At the request of Jill Weatherholt, I’m showing the newly refurbished interior of the bus.

Views of the neighborhood

As you can see, it is designed for maximum comfort and privacy. Today, we are serving goose liver pate or melted parmesan on a toasted baguette for an appetizer. We are serving standing rib roast or grilled tuna steaks, garlic smashed new potatoes, and roasted baby mixed root vegetables for the main course. Dessert includes molten chocolate cake with freshly churned vanilla bean ice cream or tiramisu. Of course, we have top-shelf liquor, and for the red wine, we have Luna Winemaker’s Reserve 2016 cabernet and for white 2019 Joel Gott California Sauvignon Blanc. Our entertainment is the Corrs.

Let’s get on the bus.

Views of the Neighborhood

Our first stop is to marvel at the leaning tower of cardboard. This is a masterful use of the recycling container exhibiting just the right amount of overstuffedness to make one wonder if the whole thing continues to stay upright. I notice one piece of cardboard has been jettisoned. Probably to maintain balance.

Who says suburban residents don’t have a heart? Here is a gift being offered to the recycling crew. A small gesture of generosity.

We needed to stop at this one. I love to study people and wish I could meet the person behind this demonstration of a classic Type A personality.

At the opposite end of the personality spectrum is evidenced by this tote. Anyone who can handle at least two 24 bottle allotments of Coors light is my kind of Olympian. Don’t forget recycling pick-up is every week, so this is a real athlete’s sign.

Ah, here is my favorite of all the recycling—a 42 inch TV container announcing to the world that this home would be worth a break-in. A 42 inch is easily fit into a trunk and can be handled by one person.

Views of the Neighborhood

You have to look close. What looks like a bush on the left of the mailbox is a Christmas tree. It was put out for the recycling crew to pick up. Notice it is still there and probably will be until next Christmas. There are instructions on how to handle trees, and this one did not conform.

Views of the Neighborhood

Excuse the green tone of this scene, but we need to stay on the bus. None of us want to get close to that thing obviously passed over by the recycling crew. I have to say a Dyson Vac sitting on the side of the road makes a fairly concerning statement. The long cord alone concerns me.

Well, That is the end of a nothingness tour of the neighborhood. I hope you stay for more food and entertainment. I also hope you have a great week and keep smiling.

Views of the Neighborhood – A Walk in the Park

January 3, 2021January 2, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

It is a pretty slow week in Lakeway, so I decided to get the bus ready and prepare a spread and have a picnic in the park. No moaning. I have prepared roasted chicken served with fingerling potato salad, chilled asparagus, hollandaise sauce, and charro beans to get you in the mood. For dessert, we are serving assorted napoleon pastries and homemade apple crisp. We have top-shelf drinks and Aubert Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast UV Vineyard 2018 for the red and Kistler Chardonnay Russian River Valley Vine Hill Vineyard 2017 for the white. Today’s entertainment guest is Mary Hopkin.

So let’s get on the bus and be off.

Views of the Neighborhood

Whoa. Stop the bus. Look at the buck just standing by the road.

Well, we can tell we are here. Everybody needs a mask.

In case you wonder how far is six feet.

Here we are by the lake. It will take a moment to set up the tent, lights, and sound system. So let’s all get off and take a stroll.

Looks like plenty of room for volleyball.

Getting closer to the lake, we can see an artist hard at work. A reminder not to dive off the cliff. Yeah, who would do that?

Here is another artist. Looks like a good day to paint.

There is the bandstand where mary Hopkin will perform.

Have a nice jungle Jim for those who are interested.

So make yourself at home. The drinks and food are ready, and Mary’s ready to sing. I hope you all have a great week, and thanks for coming to our picnic.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – More Lights of the Season

December 22, 2020December 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Since Keith Channing is taking a break, I thought it would be fun to put up some more festive lights. These are all homes in the neighborhood. I wish I could have saved these for another Views tour but next week will be after Christmas and we will have had enough by then. (My guess) We are not taking a bus so you can just sit back and relax. I’ll bring them to you.

Some may recognize this house from Halloween. They do a big job this time of year too.

This display is of Santa’s wagon being pulled by a longhorn cow.

Here is another view. That Merry Christmas sign is special

a quick shot of a couple of houses all decorated.

Here is a house with UT Longhorn and A&M Aggy members. Their was a big rivalry but the last time the two teams played was in 2011. UT invited the Aggies to play in 2021 but were turned down.

A house with lights and deer.

Looks like the reindeer is taking a header but Frosty and Santa are still with it.

The morning after tells a different tale.

This lighted cactus and candy cane display is in the middle of a lot all by itself.

Trees and shrubs.

The total look here is festive.

Frosty, Snoopy, Woodstock all wishing us a happy holiday.

Major shrub lights and some red wrapped trees.

Views of the Neighborhood – Trail of Lights

December 20, 2020December 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

The bus is ready, and tonight, we are serving to start sourdough crostini with sundried tomato, garlic, and fresh basil aioli. We have assorted seafood for an entree, including blue crab cakes from the Chesapeake Bay, Fresh seared Ahi Tuna, and Nova Scotia Salmon. Our meat course is applewood fire-grilled lamb loin chops. Both come with Yukon gold and yam potato casserole, and French cut green beans almondine. For dessert, there are assorted cheesecakes, including chocolate chunk, turtle, and vanilla with raspberry drizzle. The top shelf bar is open, and we are featuring Austin Hope 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles and La Pelle 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley.

We will be entertained by Aprilann and Taylor Swift. Are you ready? Let’s get on board.

There is the signpost up ahead. Welcome to the trail of lights. This is a walking trail set up by City Hall.

The Wal-Mart greeter.

A shot of a tree surrounded by toys

Footbridge to fantasy.

Santa on his motorcycle.

What would a Texas light show be without a stage coach?

Santa on a snowmobile surrounded by a heron and sailboat.

Butterfly and Eagle.

Santa taking off with a tree backdrop.

Another tree and toys.

Another Texas symbol, the Longhorn.

Here is the tunnel of lights. It is an undulating display of lights set to music, so I had to grab a shot where I could.

I wish I could show you all the lights, but I don’t think there is enough memory in WP land for that. Please stay for more food and to listen to the music.

Here is Aprilann with Taylor Swift’s Santa Baby.

Views of the Neighborhood – Twelve Days Of Christmas in Lights

December 13, 2020December 19, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Thanks for joining the tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas in lights. The City of Lakeway has installed these lights in different locations around the city. They then published a list of clues as to where the lights are located. Since the Producer and I have already scouted out the locations, we will just drive to them. Since this is a night tour, we will be serving a charcuterie of assorted meats and cheeses accompanied by freshly baked sourdough bread and hot spiced (and spiked) cider. Of course, there is the top-shelf bar along with a 1972 Cherryblock Cabernet and Kistler 2017 VineHill Vineyard Chardonnay. For a sweet note, we have spice cake topped with a creme cheese frosting drizzled with caramel. We also have Jimmy Buffet with his version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Also, I was challenged by Frank and Liz to show a picture of The Producer and me in our ninja outfits. So there it is. Let’s now get on the bus and get rolling.

The first set of lights is A Partridge in a Peartree.

Next is Two Turtle Doves

Three French Hens.

Four Calling Birds

Five GGGGGolden RRRRRRings.

Six Geese a Laying

Seven Swans a Swimming

Eight Maids a Milking

Nine Ladies Dancing

Ten Lords A Leaping

Eleven Pipers Piping

Twelve Drummers Drumming

So that’s the tour. Stay on the bus, have more food, and listen to Jimmy’s version.

Views of the Neighborhood – A Holiday Peek

November 29, 2020November 28, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Well, here we are gathering for another tour of the neighborhood. This week we are going to see how the holiday decorations are progressing as well as some community events. We are getting rain, and it is wonderful. So that y’all will be comfortable, I have arranged a tour that can be done without leaving the bus. Just keep your eyes on the 75-inch monitors and let the remote cameras do the work. While you are relaxing, we will be serving tomato and basil crostini, roast leg of lamb, red potatoes, grilled root vegetables, and cedar plank baked salmon with caper/lemon aioli. For dessert, there are assorted tarts and chocolate chunk cheesecake. The top shelf bar is open, and we are passing Duckhorn merlot and Cakebread chardonnay. For your entertainment, we have Toby Keith playing some of your favorites.

So, hop on the bus, and we’ll be off.

Our first stop is the Lakeway Police station. (All right. Everyone keep your seats) The Lakeway Police Department is hosting the Green Santa toy drop off. The Green Santa drive ensures that no child goes without a gift this Holiday Season.

The rain falls yet the drop off is set up and waiting.

A photo of the high school student volunteers. Thanks, guys for giving of your time.

A. big box that needs filling.

I don’t think the hydration station is going to get much use today. There is plenty of hydration falling from the sky.

Of course, the police car is there to let folks know the donation station is open.

A few welcome lawn characters.

Views of the Neighborhood

Moving away from the police station, we are stopping briefly at the Activities Center. There is a box for all the letters to Santa.

Views of the neighborhood

A big bunch of presents too.

Now into the neighborhood. Here is a very eclectic gathering of shepherds, farm animals, dogs, and Mary and Joesph.

The three wise men did make an appearance as well.

A quick view of the mailbox topper shows a festive decoration.

Lawn blow-ups working hard to make us smile.

A blue snowman with a big smile.

That about does it for our tour this week. We will be seeing some more holiday decorations and of course, the Trail of Lights in the coming weeks.I hope you all have a spectacular week. Have some more to eat and during and here is one of my favorite toby Keith songs. I Love this Bar.

Views of the Neighborhood – Corvette and Mustang Show

November 22, 2020November 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

As the headline says, there is a Corvette and Mustang show here in Lakeway. We need to load the bus and then disembark at the display space when we get there. We will be setting up a buffet for your pleasure. Today we are serving cracked stone crab claws, fresh asparagus, fingerling roasted potatoes, station carved standing rib roast with horseradish aioli, fresh-caught sea bass, saffron rice pilaf, and assorted cakes and homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert. There are assorted wines and top-shelf liqueurs. We also have Lady Antebellum for your entertainment.

So everyone get on board, and let’s go.

Views of the Neighborhood

A vintage corvette. I’m sorry, but I didn’t get the exact years on a lot of these. This one is from the 80s.

Here is a new model.

If you ever wondered what a turbocharged Corvette looks like without its clothes, here’s one for you.

A 1980 Corvette. Hard to believe it is 40 years old.

A 1987 Corvette with special paint.

A 1979 Corvette with the Stingray emblem.

Two vintage Mustangs from about 1985.

A red 2019 Shelby Cobra flanked by two late-model Mustangs.

A 1965 Mustang GT that is 55 years old and looks brand new.

Another 80s model Mustang convertible.

1968 Mustang GT

Amazing color.

Unusual paint (US AIR Force) and custom doors on a 2020.

2020 convertible

About a 2008 Shelby Mustang.

Well, that is the tour. Stay have some more food and listen to the music. I hope you have a great week

Views of the Neighborhood – Preparation for Trail of Lights

November 15, 2020November 14, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Here we are getting close to the holidays. In Lakeway, there is a tradition called The Trail of Lights. This year Rona is not stopping the event. There will be distancing rules, but the trail will go on as usual. The lights go live in November. 20th. I thought it would be fun to go to the site and check out some of the preparations. Then after November 20th to come back and see what it all looks like.

We are going to take the bus and offload in the parking lot. There we will set up the lunch of Five-way Chili, salad, chips, salsa, and queso. We have a beer on tap and soft drinks. Five-way Chili is a Cincinnati original. It is pasta topped with chili, beans, onions, and cheese. Yeah, this is not your low, salt, fat, calorie meal. We also have Chicago for your entertainment.

So let’s get on and get going.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is a shot of some of the frames that will hold the lights

Some workers putting the tunnel of lights together.

Here is what the tunnel looks like all lit up. (from last year’s post)

A lonely frame waiting for more.

One of the two large trees.

A shot of the path. The city laid down freshly crushed granite.

The second tree.

More frames and path.

Nothing set up yet.

A machine shot.

A bobcat shot for Dan Antion.

This roller is used to flatten the granite and make the path hard.

Some characters are being set up as well.

Well, that is the tour for the day. I hope you come back when the lights are turned on. Please stay and have more food and listen to Chicago. Have a great week.

views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

November 8, 2020November 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

This week’s tour started out being about trees. Then a couple of things came up so it is now a bunch of stuff. We have stocked the bus with an assortment of goodies including crudities, fresh-caught snapper, red potatoes, green beans, and creme brulee. We are also serving called cocktails and drinks so you can order what you want.

Climb aboard the bus. We also have Kid Rock for entertainment. He brought a friend with him

Views of the Neighborhood

The first stop is an oak tree starting to turn red.

Next is the first holiday decoration in the neighborhood and I’m sure in the neighborhood. Santa doing pull-ups on the eve trough.

Hey, I was wrong. A couple of grapevine reindeer.

A large golden crepe myrtle.

Not sure what this tree is but it is old and pretty. (Like me)

A young Crep myrtle in full color.

Another oak just starting to turn.

And so we come upon a hybrid. Thanksgiving, Halloween, and holiday all together.

Hold on. We need to wait for this family to get out of the way.

More crepe myrtles starting their gold imitation.

Turning oak.

Views of the Neighborhood

Oak almost filled out.

Beautiful red berries.

Well, that does it for today. Stay and have some more food and listen to the music.

Views of the Neighborhood – Another Deer Check

November 1, 2020October 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

The hullabaloo over Halloween is over, and we all had plenty of rest since we could sleep an extra hour this morning. (yeah, right) Today lacking anything better to do, we are going out to check on the deer. The Producer says, “How boring.” I have to remind everyone that in the age of Rona, we can’t be too particular.

We are going to leave the bus parked and venture on foot. After all, a big yellow bus is not exactly conducive to deer watching. We do have a Good Humor bicycle vendor’s cart to haul our snacks and drinks. We are having hot Mexican chocolate with Kahlua shooters, shredded B-B-Q pork tacos, and toasted almond Good Humor bars. The Kingston Trio has agreed to walk along with us for entertainment.

So, put on your walking shoes, and let’s go.

The first thing we run into is this sign. I wonder what the parents tell the kids when they ask “What is rut season, Dad?”

The Producer captured this beautiful fellow. Man, she takes great photos.

Views of the Neighborhood

A couple of does taking an early morning nap in our neighbors front yard.

A buck having a snack.

Another young buck taking it easy.

Three does taking five.

Here is a buck in silhouette watching four men approach.

He decides they are suburbanites and no danger at all. He’s pretty sure one even drives a Volvo.

The sisterhood out for a stroll.

Another young buck searching for a doe. Maybe we should tell him she’s not there.

This doe is hard to see, but before yesterday, this was an overgrown lot. It looks like the clearing crew is making it ready for a new house. No more naps here.