Tag: Views of the Neighborhood

Views of the Neighborhood – Water

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Water is vital to all of us. In Lakeway, we have had very little rain for the last two months. This week’s View of the Neighborhood is focused on our Water supply

Here is a photo that was taken in May of the kayak launch site on Lake Travis.

Lakeway water

Here it was yesterday. Notice the water is twenty feet away.

A photo of the lake in May

A shot of the lake from yesterday. A lot of lawn. Lake Travis is the source of Lakeway’s water.

The Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD for short)

The District office. LMUD is a nonprofit organization providing water to the Lakeway community. In 2009 LMUD won the best tasting water in Texas competition. LMUD also developed water reuse systems for irrigation of the golf courses, airpark, and city property.

In the fall of 1987, the first elevated storage tank was installed in Lakeway to enhance water pressure.. It had a golfball design reflecting the resort nature of the community. The ball was hand-painted by a crew suspended by ropes 487 feet above the ground.

The second elevated storage tank.

The latest tank put into service in 2019 to meet the increasing demands of a growing city.

We are all very conscious of the need to conserve water.

Views of the Neighborhood – Heritage Wrap Up

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Last week we took a long look at the Leibolt cabin. I checked some previous posts and saw there were some heritage points that I have not shown. So this week completes the heritage collection of Lakeway. I hope you enjoy

Views of the Neighborhood

The first store in Lakeway called the Country Store built in 1969.

The plaque on the store.

This building was built in 1996 on the site of The Lakeway Land Company headquarters which burned down in 1979.

The marker.

The flagpole on the Live Oak Country Club grounds was the first community flag pole and was the focal point for the beginning of the Fourth of July parade. It was installed in 1977.

The flagpole marker.

The Lakeway Land office where lots were sold for $4000.

The first house built in Lakeway.

Not part of the heritage trail but thought this wind mobile was colorful.

The Blocker Home built in 1964 by one of the founding families of Lakeway.

The Blocker Home marker.

The “Little Grass Shack” built in 1970 and was Lakeway’s largest home at that time.

The Little Grass Shack marker.

The site of the first pay telephone (and first telephone in Lakeway) installed in 1962.

The telephone marker.

I hope you enjoyed the little outing today.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Heritage

~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

On Friday I indicated I was going on a Lakeway heritage tour. Well, I did it and discovered that I have already shared most of the stops with you. The bus tour did not allow getting off the bus but did start at the Liebelt Cabin. So I have devoted this blog to it.

Here is a map of the tour. There are 22 points of interest.

Here is the Liebelt Cabin built-in 1868  by August Liebelt. It was initially located on 80 acres in what has become a commercial tract. In 2011 it was moved to its present location near City Hall.

Here is a pictorial of the move.

The cabin was positioned on its current site in the same orientation as it was originally built.

The cabin had three doors One in front, one at the side and one in back. This allowed for ventilation in the summer.

August Liebelt sold the 80 acres and all his possessions except for a mare for 500 dollars. He then went to Grayson County, Texas and died in 1911 at the age of 79. This marker is a replica of his gravestone.

Gwen and Joe Wunneburger occupied the land and raised goats and other wool-bearing animals. This object was used to place the wool that had been sheared for transport to market.

The person on the left is Gwen Wunneburger who briefly lived in the cabin until their home was built.

The marker near the cabin

A horse-drawn seed planter used on the land

A horse-drawn hay cutter also used on the land.

Interior view – The bed

Chair and shelves. Don’t know how the fan got there. There is no electricity in the cabin.

Stove and more shelves

The fireplace.

I also found one more sculpture Titled Two Herons

I hope you enjoyed a look at the Liebelt cabin

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Things I Missed

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Last week I ran a post on the art of Lakeway. I missed a few pieces, so I want to give you an update.

Views of the neighborhood

This is a bronze sculpture and shows two playing chess and is titled “The Game” by artist Robert Homes. It is out in front of the Justice Center.

A better shot of the chessboard.

I liked the backside of this guy.

Also by the Justice Center is the Peace Officers memorial. Dedicated to those who serve the community.

A bronze work titled “Bald Eagle.” By artist S. David

Here is a more extended shot of the installation which is in front of City Hall

Billy and the butterfly net. Billy is on Lakeway Boulevard in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

Hope you enjoyed the pick-ups.

Views of the Neighborhood – City Sculptures

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Lakeway has several permanent art pieces located around the city. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of them.

Lakeway Sculpters

This is a bronze entitled Craine and is located near the Justice Center. I think the little creek is perfect. Where possible, I have included the artist. Not all of the artists are identified.

This is a kinetic sculpture by artist Lyman Whitaker is titled “Agave” and is located on one of the busy street medians. The idea is to enjoy the art as you drive by carefully.

Also by Lyman, Whitaker is “Sail.” and also located on a median.

“Tennis Player,” Is located in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Girl with Teddy Bear on a Stool,” in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Guardian Angel”  by Lyman Whitaker in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Girls with Arbor Rope” in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

“Boys Balancing” in the Florence Newton sculpture garden.

Florence Newton and her husband, Fred, moved to Lakeway in 1995. She became an active volunteer—at the City Hall reception desk and other functions. She died in January 2008.

The sculpture garden on Lakeway Blvd. between Rogues Roost Dr. and Top O The Lake Dr. is a memorial to her, funded by her family and friends. It was produced by the City of Lakeway’s Arts and Beautification Committee.

I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lake Travis Community Library

~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today we are visiting the Lake Travis Community library in Lakeway. Here is a bit of history quoted from their webpage.

“The Lake Travis Community Library was founded in 1985 and through the generosity of Lake Travis ISD, shared space with the Lake Travis High School Library for over 20 years. In May 2004, voters approved the formation of a Lake Travis Community Library District as a means to create public funding for a regional library. The library district includes Hudson Bend, Lakeway, The Hills, Spicewood, and Briarcliff.

In March 2011, the library received a generous donation of land from Haythem Dawlett in the Tuscan Village development. The new library opened in February 2013. This 11,000 square foot building includes a meeting space for community use, dozens of public computers, a teen room, study tables, a book sale area, a coffee bar, a patio, and ample space for children’s programming.”

Views of the neighborhood

The library overlooks some beautiful scenery.

A sculpture of a boy reading a book.

The bookmobile.

The building is expansive with over 50,000 books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies

The entrance.

The audiobook and movie corner.

Nancy’s Nook has fiction and non-fiction books for sale. Several times a year, the library has a flash sale where a reader can buy a bag of books for $10.00. Coffee is available as well.

A peaceful and comfortable place to read.

The stacks

Plenty of computers.

The patron’s recognition wall where gifts of $10,000 to over $100,000 are acknowledged.

The grand opening commemoration.

Supporter’s walk with personalized bricks.

This is a beautiful library and I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Views of the Neighborhood – Community Spirit – A Repost on the Second Anniversary of Hurricane Harvey.

~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Since this is the second anniversary of Hurricane Harvey which devastated Port Aransas, I thought I would repeat a post that ran after the hurricane showing the community spirit there. I think it is that spirit which helped many people through difficult times. We no longer live in Port Aransas but the experience of the hurricane is still with us. The post follows this photo of the Texas flag flying over the marina taken days after the Hurricane.

Texas Flag

Here is the post.

Continuing with my thoughts on maintaining a positive focus regarding Hurricane Harvey, I am featuring three separate groups who have set up relief points in town. All the goods in these relief locations are donations from kind folks outside of Port Aransas. These contributions have made a difference in helping folks through a very tough time.

Community spirit

Our first stop is the Recovery Supply Depot at Robert’s Point Park.

Here residents can find almost anything in cleaning supplies, hardware, and food. Bear in mind the local grocery store just opened this week with a very limited supply.

This shot will give you an idea of the magnitude of the donations. There are even wheelchairs available.

I loved this shot since it shows bikes, shovels, and rakes.

When I took this picture, a guy off camera asked, “Do you have any tarps?” The answer was, “Sure do. What size?”

Port Aransas spirit

The next relief point is Cowboy Camp David. A place run by volunteers offering free food, water, and hugs. The words across the Texas image on the right of the sign read “Texas Strong.”

Water is very important and is available here.

The volunteers are setting up for lunch.

The local churches were hard hit, so Camp David is the point to gather for worship.

Cooking under a pop-up.

Two things every Texan loves. Bar-b-que and the Texas flag.

This relief point is the Harvey Help Center and is located in the ruins of the Laughing Horse Motel.  There are bins of cleaning supplies, food, and clothes. (The Fritos looked especially good)

Here is a shot of the women who run this relief spot. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and desire to help those in need.

Views of the Neighborhood – Driveways

~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

I know it seems a little odd to feature driveways on Views of the Neighborhood. I just found that some of them are so steep up or down that I couldn’t help myself in taking pictures of them. They may interest you as well.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is one that drops about thirty feet and then you have to go through a gate as well.

I thought this was interesting in that there is a handrail which you would need to pull yourself up the drive. The sign that looks like a tree to the right designates this house as someone who needs help getting their trash to the curb. The collectors go down and get the cans.

Here is another sign that means this house also needs help with the trash containers. The reason it is not a tree is that the collection company has changed over time.

A drive so long that a drain is needed at the bottom to collect the sunami water rushing down from the rain.

Here is another handrail to help you drag yourself up the drive. Also a drain and tile insets for decoration.

A long driveway made of asphalt

Another handrail and steps to make it easier for you to drag yourself up the driveway.

Shade and winding drive

Bit of a drop-off. Gotta hope the brakes are good.

Another sign indicating the need for help with trash. This is the third type and is the current trash pick-up provider.

You can’t see the house from here, but you could roll right into the living room. Just follow the drive.

I think you aim for the front door but keep a heavy foot on the brake.

Well, that’s about it. I hope you enjoyed the tour which gives you an idea of how hilly our topography is around here.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Spicewood Winery

~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

A lovely way to spend a Sunday. My two daughters and I visited two wineries. The first is named Spicewood. I’ll show you the second next week.

Here is a blurb from the website.

Since 1992 Spicewood Vineyards has been producing distinguished Texas Hill Country wines that are known for their timeless appeal and exceptional character. Beautifully nestled in the serene surroundings of the Texas Hill Country among 32 acres of vines, our family winery draws on both our Texas roots and our Spanish inspiration.

Spicewood Winery

Spicewood Vineyards

Spicewood Winery

A shot of a metal cluster of grapes and the vineyard.

More vineyards

Six massive live oaks growing together with the vineyard in the background.

Roses

Front patio entrance

Barrel stave chair

The tasting room bar.

Some meat and cheese. I like the sign. Be careful with water.

You know you are in Texas.

Nice paintings

More of the tasting room. That is a slab of granite on top of those barrels.

Lovely little stream outside the tasting room.

Cute fountain.

This is an event center that can be rented.

We sat on the patio of the activity center and shared a bottle of wine.

This is the entrance gate to the folks who used to own Spicewood winery. They sold it in 2007.

Next week, Gaucho Vineyards

Views of the Neighborhood – Visit to Moon Valley Nurseries

~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

I know the Producer, and I seem to be fixated on nurseries. Last week we had to visit another in the quest for an olive tree and Artichoke Agave. Our landscaper was having a difficult time finding them, so we thought we would help in the search. I hope you enjoy the quest.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is the main sign.

Views of the neighborhood

Parking lot with big trees.

Views of the neighborhood

The entrance.

A sign warning about falling trees Also, check the price of the Italian Cyprus – $12,000.

The greeter. She has to be brushed every night.

Love Hibiscus.

Cute farmhouse-like building.

Pathway through the jungle.

Clearer path.

Trees to go.

High wind victim.

The nursery is on an old putt-putt golf course.

Some Italian Cyprus.

Small utility building.

Lovely roses and Lantana. Moon Valley did have olive trees and Artichoke Agave. We gave the landscaper the Nursery name and location. He knew of that firm and liked that we did the footwork.

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is the olive.

And the Artichoke Agave