Views of the Neighborhood – The Outing

July 26, 2020July 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 110 Comments

The time finally came for me to go on an outing that was not doctor related. I know this may not sound like a big deal, but I was very happy to leave the neighborhood just for a little while. I hope you don’t mind that I’m dragging you along.

Views of the Neighborhood

Our first stop is..wait for it…Shred Day. Yes, we are taking all our confidential stuff that needs shredding.

views of the neighborhood

Here is a shot of the lane over from us. It gives you a good idea on the process. You pull up. The Boy Scouts take your stuff and put it in the gray tote.

So we are waved into this lane.

Already someone is pulling in behind us.

The scouts have our stuff.

They go to the truck. There is an opening where the tote fits. The tote is then emptied automatically into the shredded inside the vehicle. Now, didn’t that take your breath away?

Let’s go on to the next adventure. You won’t believe this one. Curbside pickup at HOME DEPOT. (Dan will be so jealous)

This is the real thing for sure.

While waiting for our order, I spotted this guy with his dog. Twiggy and Lucy would never stay in a cart. The order arrives and is put in the rear, and off we go. No, human contact what so ever.

I had to take this snap of the social distance line up outside of Shipley’s Donuts. You know, if I were going to join a queue, it sure wouldn’t be Shipley Donuts. A pub maybe.

I’m glad you could go out with me today. I know it was a highpoint of your week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs

July 19, 2020July 18, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

If you read my Friday post, you know that the pandemic is making Views harder to come by. So now I’m doing my best. I thought I use the theme of signs. Also, there is a video of the title song at the end. Hope you enjoy the walk.

Views of the neighborhood

Sign of needing to move.

Sign of wanting to play.

Sign of patriotism.

Sign of helping others.

Sign of the times.

Sign of hope for some.

Sign of something new.

Sign of a carefree day.

Sign of protection.

Views of the Neighborhood

Sign of a message worth repeating.

Sign of safety.

Sign of commerce.

Sign of conservation.

Well, that’s it. Enjoy the video and help yourself to an ice-cold water. You must be parched. Good thing, it is cooler today. Only 93 degrees.

Views of the Neighborhood – Fading Flowers

July 12, 2020July 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Today we are taking a stroll around the neighborhood to look at the last of the blooms. The summer heat is upon us, and so most of the flowers have finished, and the neighborhood settles into coping with the heat. Hope you enjoy.

Views of the Neighborhood

A very large pink Crape Myrtle. It hasn’t started dropping its blooms, but it will soon.

A red Crape Myrtle blooming its heart out.

Two more reds.

A white oleander. We usually see there on the highway.

A succulent going to seed.

A couple more Crape Myrtles.

A substantial white Crape Myrtle.

Some yard ornaments posing as deer.

Another succulent which went to seed then broke and uprooted itself.

I’m keeping my eye on this fig tree. The figs are getting bigger.

Esperanza in full bloom.

Views of the Neighborhood – Things in the Front Yard

July 5, 2020July 4, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today on our walk around the neighborhood, we are going to see things that are in front yards. Okay, not so exciting, but maybe you’ll see something that you will like. Get your mask since the Saharan dust is still here. If you’d rather stay, help yourself to the sangria and crostinis.

Our first item is a wind thingy. When the wind blows, those butterflies spin in opposite directions. Yes, it is turning so a little blurry.

We are at the purple house, and in their front yard is a metal cactus surrounded by pinwheels. Fun stuff.

Here is a statement of the beliefs of the folks in this home.

A happy event announcement in this front yard.

Looks like a comfortable sitting place. Why the front yard? It could be a case of FOMO. My guess is Fido joins the couch crowd too.

Another wind thingy. This one rotates on its axis.

A deer family in the front yard of this house.

A classic Mid Century Modern lawnchair.

Can’t tell you what this is. Driftwood rocks and a Texas state paver.

I had to get a shot of this magnificent pink crape myrtle.

I thought this was a cute Fourth of July display. Twiggy loves this strip of lawn.

Uh-oh. A dumpster in the front yard isn’t always the best of news. We’ll have to see if it is a remodel or a repair.

It is early voting time in Texas, so there are a few campaign signs. Too bad, Jennifer can’t help with those weeds in the gravel.

There you have it. Let’s get back and see if there are any sangria and crostinis left. Thanks for walking with me today. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Hanging Things

June 28, 2020June 27, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

When we all have been quarantined as long as we have the subject material for a Views feature starts to get a little thin. This week I noticed several swings and playthings hanging in people’s yards. These things spoke to me of more staying at home as opposed to going to parks. You are welcome to come along or stay right here. If you decide to pass. on the walk, help yourself to a margarita and keep the social distance.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is a whole jungle gym kind of set up. Hard to see, but there are rings and pull-up bars. Has a “Go outside and play” vibe.

Although not hanging here is a soccer net and real-live players.

A cute little baby swing.

A very common swing. In a sweet cool spot.

Nothing is hanging on the crape myrtles. I just thought they looked beautiful in the Saharan Dust filled day.

The look of a classic swing is in front of a cottage.

Another swing. Hard to see, but there is one on the porch too.

Yup. Swing.

I had to laugh at the Uncle Sam hanging from a pole. An early Fourth of July item.

Now we are talking—a hammock under the trees.

A swing, kiddie car, and lots of washed-out sidewalk chalk dust. Yup playtime place.

Well, that’s it. I hope you had a nice walk. You have earned your margarita. I’m paring those with chips and mango salsa. Can you say “Über home?”

Views of the Neighborhood – Happy Father’s Day

June 21, 2020June 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Since this is Father’s Day, I want to wish all you fathers a happy joy-filled day. For the views this week, I thought I would share where I’ll be spending some time.

views of the Neighborhood

One place is out in the side yard, relaxing.

The other is the back porch. I had hoped to be able to show my new matte black grill that will go on that blank wall. Unfortunately, it is still with the manufacturer. It seems Covid-19 caused some delays. It was supposed to be delivered in May and now is scheduled for July.

I hope you all have a great day.

Views of the Neighborhood -Check on the Flora and Stuff

June 14, 2020June 13, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

I’m glad you could come on a little walk around the neighborhood. Today we are going to look at some blooms and any unusual things we come across. Glad you can join me.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here are a couple of crape myrtles in bloom. A pretty red color.

Here is a beautiful display of Mexican Birds of Paradise.

Here is an old friend with a new rock. Someone has been placing little decorated stones on mailbox holders.

A lovely green rock.

A new mushroom in town with a collection of rocks.

Another crape myrtle.

More Mexican Birds of Paradise.

A white crape myrtle.

A pile of rocks. Not very attractive.

A cute little rock that the sun wiped out. It is decorated with small figures.

This rock says, “promise.”

A stone turkey with a rock that says, “sweet.”

An old pal armadillo with a Texas flag rock.

I took this shot because there is a pink crape myrtle in front of a red one and beside a red oleander.

Another while crape myrtle.

Views of the neighborhood

A fabulous fig tree. You can see the little round figs just starting. (They look like small olives.)

A beautiful morning glory in full bloom.

I thought this flower bed was unusual in that it is outlined with sea glass.

I hope you enjoyed this walk and a check on the flora.

Views of the Neighborhood – Deer Check

June 7, 2020June 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

I thought it would be a good idea to look around the neighborhood and check on how the deer are doing. Come along.

Someone’s front yard and a doe.

Our neighbor’s front yard with a doe and fawn. The fawn is caught kicking up its hind leg.

A doe in our yard wondering what we are doing here.

A doe looking for some tasty blooms.

Can you spot the deer across the street by the bush? Twiggy sure can.

A fawn in our front yard wondering what we are doing there.

Mama and baby take a lunch break on our driveway.

The weekly herd picnic. (glad it is not my yard)

Fawn wondering where mom is going.

A very young buck. His little antler buds are just beginning.

An older buck but still with a small set of antlers.

Looks like the deer are in good shape. Thanks for coming along, and I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Morale Boosters

May 31, 2020May 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

There is a street here in Lakeway where the residents decided to give themselves and anyone who drove by some encouragement during this pandemic. The signs are the creation of John and Marilee Eitel in an effort to lift spirits during the quarantine. This idea was born in Rollingwood here in Travis county. Here is the story in Astonia magazine. The proceeds of the sale of the signs go to the Flatwater Foundation a group that provides mental health services to families impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Good advice from MC Hammer. Even a remodel got involved.

Views of the Neighborhood

The Beastie Boys have the right idea.

Famous words of Matthew McConaughey, an Austin resident.

Travis Scott is represented.

We share Willie Nelson’s wish.

The Police were clairvoyant.

Thank you, Billy Idol.

The Talking Heads said a lot.

A good summary by The Beatles.

You can almost hear those steel drums of Bob Marley.

I think The Little Mermaid says it well.

I hope you enjoyed the walk and the spirit of this neighborhood.

Views of the Neighborhood – Getting Ready for Memorial Day

May 24, 2020May 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Lakeway residents, and the city are ready for Memorial Day tomorrow. I took a little tour to see what kind of participation folks are preparing. I hope you enjoy the walk.