Tag: Views of the Neighborhood

Views of the Neighborhood – Movie Night in Lakeway

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Last Friday was movie night in Lakeway. By the miracle of a time freeze, we can still attend. The event is at the Activity Center in Lakeway. The movie is A Christmas Story. We are catered again by Craigos Pizza and DonutsNV. Our entertainment is Pistol Annies.

Menu

Pizza, Donuts, Hot Cholate, and Smores. (There will be a defibrillator available)

There’s the sign

Looks like the Activity Center is ready for us.

A box outside the Activity Center for Santa letters.

Reindeer at the Activity Center.

More atmosphere.

An outside tree.

Welcome.

The lamp and Ralphie in his new PJs.

Still, it’s time to write letters to Santa.

A festive tree in the Activity Center.

Santa says, “Give me Smores, or someone gets hurt.”

Beautiful Hibiscus plants.

Pick up your Smore kit,

Roast those marshmallows over an open fire.

Here’s the donuts.

And the pizza.

It is time to relax and enjoy the movie, food, and music. I hope you have a great week.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lights On in Lakeway

~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

 

We are visiting the Lights On event in Lakeway. Each year, the city sets up a holiday light display, and Friday night was the grand opening. We are going to eat off the food trucks. Our entertainment is Jimmy Buffet.

Menu

Pizza, Bar B Q, donuts, Smores, hot chocolate

So jump on the bus.

Santabus from Waterford Unified School District, photographed by Suzanne Bauer, director of transportation.

There’s the sign, so we know we are here.

There have to be rules.

Great sign.

Of course, the Grinch is here.

Decorate cookies.

Ride the bucking reindeer.

Write a letter to Santa.

Visit the Bookmobile.

There is a band.

Mini donut cakes

Craigo’s pizza.

Hot chocolate.

BBQ

Marshmallows for smores.

Mayor Kilgore and Santa are ready to light the display.

The lights are on.

Trails of lights.

Beautiful lights.

The center of the big tree looking up

Time now for some food and music. I hope you have a great week.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Photo Festival

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today, we are traveling to Lakeway City Hall, where the 2024 Lakeway Photo Festival winners are displayed. The Festival is sponsored by The Lakeway Arts Committee and is an annual event. We are catered by This Too Shall Pass of Austin. Our entertainment is Paul Simon singing Kodachrome.

Menu

GOAT CHEESE BALLS – FRIED BASIL / FIG
BUTTERFLIGHT – HERBAL / SPICY / SWEET BUTTER CANDLES
CEVICHE – AJI AMARILL LECHE DE TIGRE / PLANTAIN
SHRIMP TARTAR – CRISPY WONTON / SASAME SEED / JALAPEÑO
SHRIMP SCAMPI – GARLIC BUTTER / HEIRLOOM TOMATOES / PARMESAN CHEESE SOURDOUGH BREAD
BEEF CARPACCIO – BEEF TENDERLOIN / OLIVE OIL / ARUGULA / PARMESAN / BALSAMIC CAVIAR
FRIED CALAMARI  – TEMPURA FRIED / BLACK & YELLOW AIOLI SQUID INK / MARINARA
DATE POPPERS – DATES / GOAT CHEESE / PROSCIUTTO / BACON / TRUFFLE AIOLI
QUINOA SALAD – MIXED QUINOA / BLACK LENTIL / TOMATO CHERRYS / RAINBOW CARROT CUCUMBERS / ARUGULA / PASSION FRUIT DRESSING
SHISHITO PEPPERS – TEMPURA FRIED / GARLIC AIOLI

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

An overview shot.

Also, all the photos are behind glass and illuminated with spotlights. To get a photo of the photo, I have had to take some unusual angles to avoid glare and reflection. I intended to get a clear photo and not worry about the frames. The angles will be a little uncomfortable to highly qualified photographers. The following are the category winners.

Iconic Golfball Tower

Framed

Don’t Wake the Lion

A Rose by Any Other Dark Name.

Life Emerging

Oh Deer

Got Any Nuts?

Woodhouse Scrub Jay

Sharing Sweet Nectar

The Mother Ship

Celebrate America

Misty Morning

Runners -up

Runners up

Well, that is the tour. It is time to relax with food and music. I hope you have a great weekend.

 

Views for the Neighborhood – The Search for Thanksgiving Decorations

~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Today, we are on a quest to find any Thanksgiving decorations available in the neighborhood. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is somewhat ignored in terms of decorating, so we are off to see if we can find any. We are catered by Caroline of Austin. Our entertainment is Nat King Cole.

Menu

Biscuits & Gravy – buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, fried eggs

Spinach & Feta Egg White Omelet – grilled red onion, cherry tomato, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Ham & Cheddar Omelet – smoked ham, aged cheddar, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast

Eggs Your Way – choice of chicken sausage or peppered bacon, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast.

Whipped Ricotta Pancakes – syrup, whipped butter, powdered sugar

Crispy Chicken & Waffles – maple syrup, honey butter

Sweet Corn Cake Benedict – jalapeño cheddar corn cake, avocado, tomato & corn salsa

Huevos Rancheros – sunny eggs, crispy tortilla, black bean, jalapeño, avocado, queso fresco

Green Chili & Chicken Enchiladas – fried egg, yogurt crema, cilantro, avocado, lime

Picture of an old time school bus

So, let’s get rolling.

Here’s the first. Well, at least it is a decoration.

A mixed take on Thanksgiving but festive.

A little more spirit in this grouping.

Well, now this is more like it.

A turkey pilgrim adds the right message.

This is a unique symbol of Thanksgiving.

Another turkey pilgrim ignores that the turkey was invited to dinner, although not as a guest.

Here is the mother of all decorations.

There weren’t many decorations, but I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. It’s time for food and entertainment.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Municipal Court Week

~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Yes, the headline says it all. We are headed to the Lakeway Municipal Court, where they are holding an open house. No, you don’t need a speeding ticket to attend. We are catered by Launderette of Austin, and our entertainment is The Bobby Fuller Four.

Menu

ASPARAGUS BENNY – sourdough English muffin, poached eggs, pancetta, truffle hollandaise

SALMON GRAVLAX – neufchâtel butter, trout roe, soft cooked egg, tomato, pickled cucumber, frisée, ash rye bread

PORK SHOULDER HASH – potato, brussels sprouts, sunny eggs, salsa verde

THE AMERICANA – sunny eggs, oyster mushroom, roasted tomato, bacon, toast

CHICKEN PAILLARD – coriander rub, escarole, frisée, tender kale, seared apple, candied walnuts, rosemary pomegranate vinaigrette

FRIED CHICKEN SAMMIE – coriander poblano slaw, pickles, challah

PLANCHA BURGER -American cheese, special sauce, pickles, challah

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Car Show

~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

Today, we are attending a car show in Bee Cave at the Galleria shopping center. There were so many cars that we won’t be able to see them all, but we can look at a sample of the more interesting ones. Ten Ten of Austin is catering, and our entertainment is (who other than) Steppenwolf.

Menu

CURRIED CAULIFLOWER – shiitake, coconut, basil

KING SALMON – Japanese potato salad, smoked ikura

SHORT RIB – ume chimichurri

PORK CHOP – Japanese curry, pickled vegetables

KING CRAB LEG – chili garlic butter, micro salad

ACORN SQUASH – black garlic, pepita crumble

DUCK BREAST – Japanese turnips, cippolinis

BAVETTE 7oz

RIBEYE 14oz

NY STRIP 7oz/14oz

Picture of an old time school bus

Jump on the bus, and let’s get rolling.

1971 Jaguar XKE

1965 AC Cobra kit car.

1957 Cadillac Hardtop coupe. Almost too long to get in one frame.

1970 Ford Bronco

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air hardtop. The first Chevy V8.

2024 McLaren 750s

1936 Ford V8 coupe

1964 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. Texas style.

1971 Dodge D 100 pickup.

2024 Ford GT 3.5 L 600 horsepower Supersport.

1957 Ford Thunderbird.

1952 MG Midget.

1934 Ford V8 coupe.

1965 Volkswagon 21 window bus.

September 1966 Introduction to 1967 model year Cougar

1960 Corvette.

1957 Ford Mustang.

1931 Buick

1941 Ford V8 Delux Coupe

1965 Corvette

That concludes the tour of the cars. Now, it is time to eat and enjoy the music. I hope you have a beautiful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Travis County Safety Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today, we will get a taste of the safety services offered in Travis County. We are catered by Buenos Aires Cafe in Austin, and our entertainment is Billy Joel.

Menu

POLLO AL HORNO – Marinated free-range chicken breast roasted, fresh herbs & spices served with polenta & wilted spinach

GNOCCHI – Pumpkin-cinnamon, sweet potato-chipotle, cilantro-jalapeno & potato-herb gnocchi tossed with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, haricots verts, Parmesan, finished with crema & house-made parsley, red pepper, & balsamic reductions

CANELONES CASEROS – Two handmade herb crepes filled with spinach, onions, provolone, & mozzarella, finished with béchamel & marinara, topped with shaved Parmesan

MILANESA AL PLATO – Two breaded & fried Certified Angus Beef cutlets, house fries or Yukon gold mashed potatoes, field greens

PASTEL DE PAPAS – Argentine style “Shepherd’s pie” Certified Angus ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, raisins, green olives, red bell peppers & herbs topped with mashed potatoes; baked until golden

NAPOLITANA – Two tender breaded Certified Angus beef cutlets blanketed with ham, baked mozzarella cheese, and house-made marinara sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, field greens

SALMON – 6oz Grilled citrus glazed Scottish Salmon, grilled asparagus, portabello, finished with organic field greens and cherry tomatoes

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO- Fettuccini tossed in our smooth and creamy Parmesan sauce

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s jump on the bus.

 

The signpost is up ahead. A poster for the event.

Lots of folks.

The motorcycles of the sheriff are always a big draw.

The park police are here.

Many patrol vehicles.

A big fire truck with jaws of life.

E.M.S. unit.

A fire simulator unit to give you the feeling of being in a fire.

A multi-patient E.M.S. unit for disasters.

The mother of all S.W.A.T. vehicles.

Lakeway police vehicles

Tents to visit.

A band that is really a duo.

Of course, the bookmobile.

Along with other games, a haunted jump house.

We have seen a lot, and now it is time to relax, have food, and listen to the music.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Witches Ride

~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are celebrating Halloween with the Witches Ride in Lakeway. This is an annual event, and we don’t want to miss it. Kids dress up and take a one-mile ride on anything that doesn’t have a motor. After the ride, there is a carnival for more fun. We will be eating carnival food, and our entertainment is Michael Jackson.

Menu

BBQ, Kettle corn, Ice cream, Cotton candy, Pizza, donuts, lemonade,

Photo by Resa McConaghy

Let’s go. Yes, you all will fit. It is a magic bus.

 

There’s the sign

The fire crew is here.

A welcome from the Activity Center.

Some of the decorations

Parks and Recreation table.

Carnaval games.

He rang the bell.

Let’s hear it for the bookmobile.

Scary movie on the big screen

The first course is pizza.

Then BBQ.

Donuts and lemonade.

Cotton candy.

Ice cream

Kettle corn.

Even our HEB Grocery store is here.

The band getting ready to play.

A flying goul.

Another

A third with pretty shoes.

Bike riders.

More bikes.

Mom gives directions.

A witch.

Mom doing the run.

A witch on a bike and one on skates.

A wizard.

An angel and devil

Another Angel

I hope you enjoyed the Witches Ride. Now let’s go to the carnival and enjoy the evening.

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – The Community Band concert

~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Community Band concert in the sculpture garden. Aba of Austin caters to us, and in addition to the concert, Sly and the Family Stone provide entertainment.

BRUNCH

MEYER LEMON DROP BISCUIT  peach compote, whipped cream

AVOCADO TOAST  pomegranate, preserved lemon, mint

KHACHAPURI baked egg, cremini mushroom, graviera, green onion

AÇAÍ BOWL blueberry, banana, pomegranate, dukkah, coconut, mint

SHORT RIB SHAKSHUKA local eggs, spicy harissa, graviera, roasted potato

KEFTA & EGGS lamb & beef kefta, fried eggs, tzatziki, lemon dill rice

SHAWARMA-SPICED SKIRT STEAK & EGG fried eggs, crispy potato, tzatziki

JERUSALEM BAGEL & SMOKED SALMON SPREAD sumac red onion, tomato, caper, labneh

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

There is the signpost up ahead.

From the chess players point of view, it looks like a friendly crowd

A beautiful day for a concert

The heron sculpture still looking for a big fish.

The elk family enjoying the day.

The band is getting ready to play

The concertmaster gets everyone on the same page.

The mayor has to say a few words.

The announcements are finished, and the concert is underway.

I hope you enjoyed it. Now it is time to eat and listen to our other band.

Views of the Neighborhood – Halloween Decorations

~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Today, we will cruise the Neighborhood and look for Halloween decorations. Acre 41 of Austin will cater our event, and Mitch Ryder will entertain us.

Menu

Faroe Islands Salmon – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Wild rice, manchego roasted asparagus, heirloom tomato salsa

Gulf Shrimp and Grits – charred corn, bacon, white cheddar, grits, blistered tomato, jalapeño

Diver Scallops – miso-ginger cream, roasted trumpet mushroom, wilted spinach

Truffled Bucatini – beurre fondue, pecorino romano, black pepper

Belly-On Pork Chop – ACRE 41 Specialty Item. Heirloom carrot, roasted brussels, cider-maple jus

Chile-Glazed Organic Chicken – broiled sweet potato, blistered sweet peppers, red chile glaze

14oz Prime Rib- natural beef jus, horseradish cream, whipped potato

Come on, get on the Halloween bus.

A spider with a smile.

Scary ghosts and not so scary pumpkin.

Taking a nap before Halloween.

A very strange decoration for sure.

A flower child past her prime.

Whole house decorations.

A big threat.

 

Tall ghoul. Frightened skelly.

A fun wish for Halloween.

A very happy display.

Witche’s cauldron.

Orkin man needed here.

Don’t go here for trick or treat. It’s a trap.

The yard needs something for Halloween.

Time to get the mail.

 

I hope you enjoyed the tour. It is now time for food and to enjoy the music.