Views of the Neighborhood – Polar Plunge

January 12, 2025January 11, 2025 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway pool to witness the annual polar plunge, a January tradition. We are catered by Eberly of Austin, and our entertainment is Foreigner.

HALIBUT – pomme purée, pepper relish, watercress salad

SALMON- crispy rice cake, romanesco, citrus, chive beurre blanc, trout roe

SWEET POTATO PAVÉ- red curry, baby bok choy, pickled pears, mint & fennel salad

HALF CHICKEN – parisian gnocchi, caper-brown butter jus, arugula

SHORT RIB – roasted butternut squash, candied pepitas, guajillo jus

PORK CHOP – brussels sprouts, chestnut purée, mustard seed-bacon glaze

TEXAS WAGYU STRIP – creamed kale, crispy leeks, bordelaise

Picture of an old time school bus

So let’s go

There’s the swim center plaque.

Ah good. Some warm drinks.

The polar bear in person.

The slide is used to drop those souls into 50-degree water.

Lifeguards all bundled up, hoping no one needs help.

The center director gives a last minute briefing.

Waiting in anticipation.

The swimmers walk their last mile. (so to speak)

Oh yeah. Refreshing.

Under is not so bad.

Gotta hold that nose.

Praying it gets warmer.

Involuntary rigor mortis.

A testimony to the cold.

With that ending, we need to get back on the warm bus and enjoy our meal and the music. I hope you have a pleasant week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Christmas Past

December 29, 2024December 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 98 Comments

Today, we are cruising the neighborhood to check out the remains of the Christmas decorations. This is a trigger warning that some of these images may be disturbing to those who don’t want to let go of the Christmas spirit. We are catered by Juniper of East Austin. Our entertainment is Home Free.

NEW YEARS EVE TASTING MENU

PAO DE QUEIJO – Brazilian cheese bread
CURED HAMACHI TARTARE – Maine uni, finger lime, colatura vinaigrette, serrano
CRISPY POTATO & OSSETRA CAVIAR – crab gribiche, chervil
SPINACH & CATUPIRY CHEESE AGNOLOTTI – pecorino fonduta, confit peppercorns, chives odd white truffle
SEARED SCALLOP – toasted fregola, oyster cream, seaweed oil
SEA BASS “MOQUECA” – crispy rice, coconut broth, dende oil
ROSEWOOD WAGYU NY STRIP – hen of the woods mushrooms,
black garlic vinaigrette, watercress, odd black truffle
BRIGADERIO – dark chocolate cremeux, hazelnut praline,
chocolate crunchies

Picture of an old time school bus

Back to our old bus – Let’s go.

Poor little fella.

Goodness. Looks like a mass deflation.

I have no idea what this is supposed to be.

Another view gives no new ideas on what this is supposed to say.

Whoops, an overserved Reindeer.

That Reindeer should have partnered with the overserved Santa.

Or maybe we should all go to a meeting together.

We know pops. You’re just tired.

Speaking to tired. Wake this one in the morning.

I hope you had at least one laugh on the tour. Now, it is time to enjoy the food and entertainment.

Views of the Neighborhood – Holiday Decorations

December 22, 2024December 21, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

We are going to tour the neighborhood and check out some of the holiday decorations. We are catered by Caroline of Austin. Our entertainment is Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

SANDWICHES

Bacon, Egg & Cheese – two eggs over hard, aged cheddar, cheddar sauce

Sausage & Egg Burrito – chicken sausage, chihuahua & pepperjack cheese, salsa roja

Brush Creek Brunch Burger – wagyu beef, fried egg, peppered bacon, aged cheddar, chipotle ranch

PLATES

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

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

Let’s get on the bus

A cute fella.

The Grinch.

Penguin.

Santa wind display.

Abominable Snow Monster.

Santa and his tree.

French bulldog. (no, not in my yard)

An odd one. Santa with a unicorn and T-Rex.

Cute wooden bear.

Santa, Frosty, and Snoopy.

The Turtle Elf.

The Viking mailbox topper decked out for the holiday.

A hologram-like deer.

Our old friend, the Armadillo.

The Grinch and his Skeleton crew.

Santa and his longhorn.

Well, I think we have seen enough. It is time for entertainment and music. I hope you have a great week and A very happy holiday.

Views of the Neighborhood – Movie Night in Lakeway

December 15, 2024December 14, 2024 ~ 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.

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

December 8, 2024December 8, 2024 ~ 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.

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

So jump on the bus.

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

December 1, 2024May 16, 2026 ~ 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.

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

November 24, 2024November 23, 2024 ~ 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.

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

November 17, 2024November 15, 2024 ~ 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.

EVERYTHING BISCUIT – sunny egg, bacon, upland cress, tomato, aged cheddar, chive aioli

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

SHAWARMA CAULIFLOWER BOWL – pickled golden raisin, hummus, sweet potato, cabbage escabeche, arugula, herb tahini dressing

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get on the bus.

There’s the sign.

The Municipal Court building.

The door.

Okay, we need to go to the second floor.

One activity is the distracted driver simulator.

The simulator is run by a tech. You take the wheel, and the tech will throw distractions your way to demonstrate their dangers.

Kent O’Brian, a City Council member, is taking the simulated drive. – Lakeway website photo

This is what behind the wheel looks like. – Lakeway Web site photo

The courtroom.

A new program has begun in Lakeway where Teens can judge each other and pass community service sentences instead of fines.

A mock trial kicking off the teen court. – Lakeway website photo

Judged by one’s peers. – Lakeway website photo

Deliberation before the verdict. – Lakeway website photo

Lots of material to read on safety, driving, and the law.

The tour is over; it is time to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a wonderful week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Car Show

November 10, 2024May 29, 2026 ~ 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.

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

November 3, 2024November 2, 2024 ~ 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.