ADRENALINE RUSH

Last evening after a great dinner, we were heading back to S.O. from the east, intending to turn into Spanish Oaks Club Boulevard. Traffic seemed heavy. I put the turn signal on as we started down the hill, to give plenty of warning. There appeared to be a clearing in the traffic coming down the opposite hill. I sped up to try to catch the gap, but by the time we got to the turn it had closed. We stop. I pump my brakes to remind the folks coming in our lane that we are stopped, and they start to peel off, one by one, into the other lane. Except that last car - which doesn't seem to notice we are stopped. The lights come up at a "they don't see me speed." I curse and floor it. My car accelerates very slowly. The car behind me finally 'gets it' and the looming lights dip a bit as if he's on the brakes. We go up to the shopping center and turn around.

Guess I won't die of a heart attack today. Or a rear ender.

Some thoughts: If you turn your wheels while you wait to turn and ARE rear-ended, the push will push you into oncoming traffic. If you do what I did, it now looks like your brakes aren't on (they aren't) and the car closing on you might just not notice your speed and hit you without slowing down. I should have left my turn signal on (or flashers.)

When we lived in California, freeway land of drive-fast-then-stop, there were many many rear-enders where people were killed. Maybe I'm overly sensitized. Right after we moved here we had a similar experience (though in daylight) in which the oncoming car was in a 4 wheel skid toward me... and wouldn't have made it. Luckily, I abandoned my turn in time, and accelerated from the point at which I would have been seriously smashed.

TxDot to discuss 71 in Bee Cave

There will be a public hearing January 5th to discuss Rt 71 improvements in Travis county. The hearing will be at the Bee Cave Village Hall (13333-A highway 71).

Open house at 6PM - there will be displays to see what's up.

Technical presentation will follow at 6:30PM, followed by public comment.

It seems that specifically they'll be addressing the area from 620 to 2244 (Bee Caves Road). Nothing slated to be discussed about our needed traffic light that I can tell.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting will be held January 12th at 7PM in unit #4 of Verde Trails... across from the office. There's a mail piece which will be out very soon with full details.

FIREWORKS

Somebody please explain how they can allow fireworks of any kind to be sold in a burn ban area in an extreme drought? What am I missing? Oh - no bottle rockets. Adult supervision. Safety tips. HUH????

PS: I LOVE fireworks. But I love my house (and yours) more.

FIRE ON MUSKET RIM!

A grass fire which stared at a construction site on the top of Musket Rim blew up into serious wind-whipped flames, Monday afternoon, which were then put out by the arriving Hudson Bend Fire Department. An occupied home was threatened, but not affected in the end. Nobody hurt, no damage of consequence.

But a warning! Especially as the fireworks stands tempt, it's VERY VERY dry. I don't know if the burn ban is still in effect - I would think so, but even so, you have to be EXTREMELY careful.

After checking, yes, the burn ban is still in effect.

54 grass fires in Austin last week.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

So I'm not PC. Sorry. Happy Festivus then.

Every time I smell felt, I think of the green felt covering my Lionel trainboard that Santa put up under the tree when I was young. I could barely get to sleep when I'd hear him cursing loudly as he smashed his hand, or got a shock from the Plasticville interior lights that poked up from beneath the board.

We had early twinkling lights and they made little "dings" as they superheated to just below tree-torching temperatures, then would wink out. The whole tree-full made a sound like ice crystals should make when they form in the air on a cobalt sky day of sunny cold.

I would stare into the reflective balls and see the world wrap around itself. I still like shiny metal colors. I still like it when the world wraps around itself.

I'd drop a tablet into my train smokestack and the locomotive would start to puff. It would circle the tree endlessly, with my careful driving on the big transformer. Sometimes it would veer off the board at high speed and crash to the valley floor below. Luckily, it would miss the stack of presents which were on display there. I'd lean on the horn and it would remind me of the real ones I'd sometimes hear wailing into the dark, when the wind was right, off in the distance, right before I feel asleep, safe in my bed.

Sometimes I'd go back to the now 'empty' stocking hung with care and find another special toy hidden in the toe. That was great!

I loved guns. One of my favorite Christmases brought a ping pong ball gun. There was a picture of my dad showing a very young me how to shoot it. This was not my typical dad. Years later, after some drinking, he and my uncle stood in the ocean surf shooting 45s at the moon. How I wish he would have played with me that way.

Christmases are like a cavalcade of time and memory. Benchmarks for family, friends, joy, and loss. I hope they bring you peace and jubilation this year. And maybe you get your ping pong ball gun!

YEARLY MEETING

We'll get some sort of notification by mail shortly as the meeting will be in January. As far as I know, the owners of lots/homes are not represented but may attend. I plan to go and will report back here.

One thing I will voice, assuming they take input (I believe they do): who looks for enforcement of the rules and regulations? And then what happens?

Example: LOUD music playing again from construction crew down the street. Doesn't our drive-by guard notice? It plays all day.

Example: "Illegal non-standardized" for-sale sign from real estate agent. Doesn't our drive-by guard notice?

Who rolls through at night in the dark? Who monitors for floodlights way out of compliance shining all over everything? They make a big deal in the regs about light, even reflectivity.

Lights either burned out or turned off at the mail center/boxes. Who notices? There were at least 4 dark the other night. In a gated community of million dollar homes? I expect better.

It's a fine balance to strike: between management and over-management. I think there are too many instances of UNDER management. Your mileage may vary.

I could go on and on but someone should be responsible.

SW AUSTIN HOT/ >$1 MIL HOMES UP

Maybe we should have a secret handshake.

Good article in the Austin American Statesman today FRONT PAGE about the rise in the SW real estate market and also in the $1 mil plus homes.

SW Austin sale numbers up 68%; median price, up 1%, days to sell, down 62% (to 22 days)
$1 Million and up: Y-T-D, sales 192 % increase, 50% (in sales, not price)

Ain't life grand?

Maybe we could gather and smoke expensive cigars.

SPANISH OAKS DESIGN GUIDELINES #4

Another section for you.

Exterior Recreation or play Equipment

"All exterior recreational or play equipment, such as swing sets, slides, play structures, jungle gyms and similar equipment, must meet the intent and requirements of all sections of these Guidelines, including color. This type of equipment or Structures must be located in the least visible portions of the lot and must not be visible from the golf course, adjacent lots or common areas. The height of this type of equipment shall be limited to a maximum height of 8 feet above finished grade. All exterior recreational or play equipment requires specific approval of the DRC prior to installation.

Outdoor storage buildings, unless designed by the architect and submitted as part of the final design review, shall not be allowed. Other structures such as, but not limited to, barns, sheds, cribs, guest cottages, and in-law cottages shall be submitted as per the design guidelines and approved by the DRC prior to construction."

HOW TO POST or COMMENT

We ran into some folks yesterday who had visited this blog and wondered about what is in essence a FORUM. Sorry, but that's out of my area of expertise. A forum is where you can all contribute and see each other's replies in a stream.

On this site you have two options and I encourage you to use either.

One is to simply pick a posting and click on the COMMENT word after it, which allows you to comment. As a moderated site, though, I have to approve your comment. That's to keep someone from spamming us all or being inappropriate (not that YOU would be, but it's open to anyone in the public.)

I usually check for messages once or more a day and approve right away. Then you can see your comments (and so can anyone) by clicking on the comment word to which your comment is now attached.

The other way is to E mail me your posting or comment: rwood24@Austin.rr.com A post is more visible than a comment. Tell me what you'd prefer.

Hope this helps!

WHY WE MOVED TO SPANISH OAKS, Part 1

.....Bee Cave December Sunset

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT PUT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN?

I think I have figured out part of the traffic light (Spanish Oaks Club Blvd) problem.

Coming down the hill from H-E-B, if the light had turned red and a line up had begun on 71 Eastbound, you could crest that hill at 60 MPH and slam into the rearmost car. And the 'valley' is too low for a high light on a pole.

Maybe a flashing yellow farther up 71 to warn when light is red would work, but I sure wouldn't want to be the rearmost car if that line was long!

Just some thoughts for you to chew...

BETTER ROAD MARKINGS

You're on Bee Caves road, coming to 71. The lanes have been clarified with better marking at that intersection. I believe there are four lanes. As you face 71, they are (from the Left to Right) LEFT TURN - STRAIGHT (into shopping center)- RIGHT TURN - RIGHT TURN.

Thanks to TxDot for helping clear this up!

SPANISH OAKS DESIGN GUIDELINES #3

More random notes from the design guidelines:

"To design buildings that seem to "grow out" of the site by responding to the climate, landforms, and native landscape."

"To create buildings that have a strong indoor/outdoor relationship."

General guide (heated and air conditioned footage)
Less than .50 acres: 4000 sf
.50 to .75: 5000 sf
.75 to 1 acre: 5500 sf
1 to 1.5 acres: 7000 sf
1.5 to 2 acres and up: case by case

I find that interesting, as our 4200 sf home sits on 1.5 acres. To imagine it 75% bigger just seems huge.

More guidelines:
Max building height (two story): 35 feet from natural grade to highest point on roof

Basic roof lines should not extend more than 5 feet beyond the tree canopy on lots with major trees (8 inch diameter base or more) Feature elements (towers) may exceed height restrictions with written approval of DRC.

One story home height limit: 24 feet

White limestone or very light stone as predominant stone for exterior walls prohibited.

Gutters and downspouts must be made of copper or lead coated copper.

No oversized or two story entries such as triumphant arches or enormous front door assemblies are allowed.

SPANISH OAKS DESIGN GUIDELINES #2

They REALLY did their homework. The guidelines are quite detailed. More random highlights (out of context, but interesting!)

No two or three car garages to be facing street.

No light spillover into neighboring lots. No uplighting.

Basketball hoops to be screened from view of street or neighboring properties.

Walls and fences to disappear into surrounding vegetation. Fencing or walls not to extend beyond building envelope (Boy has that one been unenforced or non-existent till now!)

All lots to have at least a two car garage.

Each lot to have a minimum of two guest parking spaces with cars screened from view.

River rock may not be used for rip-rap drainage treatment.

More as I dig deeper.

SPANISH OAKS DESIGN GUIDELINES #1

I could never transfer all that data into this website - it must run a hundred pages. All appears to be well thought out and clearly presented.

I thought that you might find excerpts interesting as I come upon various subjects in my reading, to give you a snapshot. However, remember that this is just a snapshot, and you might need the context to get the whole story.

My reading of this is that it's close to the original Brochure Description, which I capitalize, as that's what grabbed us, and we are happy to see it preserved.

In that spirit, there are new requirements for maintaining the natural look - and it covers the design of homes, the materials used, and the transition from natural to house-envelope areas.

To that end, I found this interesting.

The building Envelope is basically where your house goes. That's where man made improvements take place. No man made improvements are allowed in the natural area... the portion of your lot that lies outside the building envelope.

WITHIN the building envelope:

for lots .75 to 1 acre
14 hardwood trees minimum, min 6" minimum
7 ornamental trees
600 shrubs, 1 to 5 gallon

It seems obvious to me they are intending to get away from the sweeping lawns some folks have put in.

for lots 1 to 1.5 acres
18 hardwood trees minimum, 6" minimum
10 ornamental trees
700 shrubs, 1 to 5 gallon

There's lots more detail, but that'll give you a taste. Existing shrubbery and trees count to the total. But remember, this is WITHIN the building envelope!

Come back for more.

IS IT MY IMAGINATION?

While walking Jessie this morning I couldn't help but notice something - the fiesta of loud distorted truck-radio Mexican music was missing from the tableau that is construction here in S.O. What a joyous noise replaced it. I could hear the wind... and myself think...

I wondered if this was a serendipidous moment, or a clampdown effect of new building regulation. Sorry, workers, we moved here for the natural feel in the Brochure and your music from a block away ISN'T IT!

POWER FAILURE

You know the part that says WHEN ONE LIGHT BURNS OUT THE OTHERS STAY LIT on Christmas Tree light strings? Must not have worked. Today at 2:15 we had about a half hour power failure.

I watched folks try to get into the Preserve through their electric gate. Nope. No can do.

I figured it was just Spanish Oaks or even just our street, where maybe the builders had cut service to hook up one of the new builds.

But Terri called and it was out at her work too. So was the flashing light on 71 and Spanish Oaks Club Boulevard and I don't even want to think about 71 at 2244.

It turns out the power failure was pretty widespread. They say a squirrel ascended into heaven.

BAD ICE

Even our driveway is coated. The dog slid across the slippery sheet of ice. Unless they sand and salt, you'd never make it down the hill, let alone onto 71. Cars were barely moving tonight. Tomorrow morning (Thursday) should also be very bad. Be careful! Stay home!

BUILDER MEETING TODAY

...as they get introduced to the new building specs. I understand I may be able to get a copy and if I can, will post what strikes me as interesting. You might get your own copy by calling or stopping by the office - I don't know for sure.

The yearly meeting will be in January and a newsletter will precede it I am told. So watch for that.

Also, I was told that the rear road is supposed to be gated closed on both sides, so, if you are tempted by an open gate to drive through, the automatic gate might trap you. Take food and water if you dare. And maybe that cell phone!

Landscaping

Dirt has been leveled, brown SPECIAL dirt has been laid and dozed. Now irrigation is being put in on the top right-side portion of Spanish Oaks Club Boulevard.

Update: now it's been hydoseeded.

A personal aside: we have now gone through 4 landscapers for our property. We have been dissatisfied with every one of them!

BACK GATE

Appears to be open at the top of Spanish Oaks Club Boulevard. Then you drive through the twisties and end up... at a closed gate.

Unless you want to commune with nature, it's a dead end.

At least that's how it was today (Sunday, December 4th.)

PETSMART

Today PETSMART opens in the Galleria.

I love looking at all the dogs - with customers or for sale. I like the smells too -reminds me of being a small kid and visiting the local pet store (not a chain) where there was an enormous tank of goldfish in the window (A kid points: "I want THAT one!") and cedar chip smell everywhere.

TRAFFIC

If you remember the BAND TRAFFIC, hey, you're about 50.

No, TRAFFIC... cars... they are out there and projected to grow in numbers. Great article in The Lake Travis VIEW about Bee Cave traffic (front page, Dec 01 edition.)

TxDOT expects Bee Cave traffic to grow from 30,000 vehicles a day to 90,000 in less than five years.

Yikes!

The article outlines proposals and plans: 71, 620, 2244 and Hamilton Pool Road are all slated for improvement or proposed expansion in the next year.

Other news:
The Galleria will see a Barnes and Noble and 16-screen cinema. Petsmart opens Saturday.

...just another day in Paradise!

NO STOPLIGHT

Terri spoke with TxDOT. Here's the skinny:

There won't be a traffic light at our East Entrance to replace the flasher in the forseeable future, but we might see a turn lane within a year.

Somehow they'd widen the road or restripe it after the bridge headed west, which would allow a turn lane and hopefully you would have a reasonably clear shot.

They are aware of the danger BUT there's an issue: Barton Creek - they can't widen the bridge due to environmental concerns. (I assume the bridge was built in less-strict days.) The issue ISN'T funding.

On another matter, TxDOT said there will be a road cut north of the new Galleria, linking 2244 and 620; hopefully lessening some of the traffic on 71.

HOME OWNER'S ASSOCIATION details

This site will attempt to address the specifics regarding Texas HOA’s. Each separate HOA, however, can operate differently according to the specific goals of the builder or the developer who initiated your beginning POA/HOA. There are state regulations that govern all CIDs. This site will attempt to keep homeowners up to date on all proposed legislation effecting homeowners, and especially legislation regulating HOAs/POAs.

The Texas Website for the American Homeowners Resource Center (AHRC)

ANNUAL MEETING

Will be in JANUARY - just confirmed - you'll get the exact date in approximately the next two weeks. There's a builders' breakfast to outline new building regs in early December and perhaps that led to some confusion on some folks' parts.

Apologies

To all who posted comments: My trial posting in comments worked (no doubt because I am the host.) To prevent spam, all comments have to be reviewed before posting. My other blogs were attracting almost all spam. Blog spam = Splog? Blam?

I won't censor unless someone posts something derogatory with an anonymous id.

So the comments are up and I am sorry for the delay. Now that I know what to do I will follow through regularly (probably daily!)

NEW BUILDING REGS

I understand new regulations will be introduced to builders in about two weeks. I'll try to get them and post the highlights, once available.

I invite anyone (builders) who gets them to E me. That's the only way you can post on this blog unless you append a comment to any posting. My e is:

rwood24@Austin.rr.com

WHAT TO GIFT THE GATE GUYS?

Does anyone have a clue what to do? Most of the new security force are new, right? And how do you get to the right one (the one you see most?) Please add your comments in the comments section below. You don't have to use your real name - use initials or make one up.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Without getting mushy, we have SO MUCH to be thankful for.

As the trees redden over the Preserve and all over our slice of heaven, as we enjoy the 80 degree days and warm sunshine, as we meet nice new friends and neighbors and enjoy Austin's many great dimensions, we know we are lucky, even blessed; certainly with a bounty for which we should pause and be very thankful!

LIGHTING THE EAST ENTRANCE

We heard that TxDot will be improving the lighting of the turn-in to Spanish Oaks' East Entrance. Made the turn last night and man, it was hard to find. If you are trying to pass between oncoming downhill traffic as the halogen lights blind you and destroy your night-vision, it can be very difficult to find the 'slot' of our entrance!

BACK GATES CLOSED SOON

The back gates and road will be closed soon for about 6 months to allow construction of the road back there. The other night we saw a herd of rabbits on a drive through. They were everywhere. None wore construction helmets.

WEST ENTRANCE

The west entrance is being redone. It's much grander already with more to come in January. Now there are wooden - what? - arbors? - over the walkways on the bridge, new plantings and what looks like a temp guard shack.

Somehow there will be a separate entrance to the Tennis Academy, apart from the Spanish Oaks entrance.

The offices will also be moved to that area.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting will be moved from December (when everyone is busy with life in general) to a more agreeable time in January. There will be a newsletter in December to alert you to specifics and to get you to include agenda items you may wish included.

The developers don't turn over the reigns till all the lots are sold so it looks like it won't be soon.

TRAFFIC LIGHT?

TxDot has not returned repeated calls, but here's the skinny (we believe):

The issue is that the bridge on 71 would have to be widened to accommodate a center turn lane before a light could be put in. That would cost about $425,000. If you have some political sway, crank it up!

Otherwise, it was suggested that as TAXPAYERS we could unite and call some attention to our need.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The Tenants (their real name, honest) have moved in very recently, and the Vinsons are days away. That got me thinking that we might see new faces but never know much about the folks with whom we share the neighborhood.

Would you be interested in posting a little bio about you and/or your family? We could post your info right here or if I got enough of them, I'd open another blog which was just THAT and link to it.

Just a thought.

I have metrics on this blog and can see that many people of the number I E-mailed, have viewed it. Thanks! Come back often. As more contribute, it'll become the center of communication, hopefully.

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Did you figure out that coming toward 71 from Bee Caves Road there is only one left turn lane? What appears to be the inner left is actually a 'straight' into the new shopping center.

It's on a sign far right as you approach the intersection. (I never saw it - Terri did.) As they haven't stencilled the road, you can get someone beside you who also turns and it's a great place for a side swipe. Heads up!

CONTRIBUTE!

There are two ways: post a comment! You can simply click on the word "comments" (under each post) and add one there, or, send me text at rwood24@Austin.rr.com and I'll put it in as a posting.

Armadillo Race Day Pictures

Say, that's a strange dog ya got there.


Cowboy ropes a herd o' kids!


Rope Tricks.


Good ol' country music!


The Spanish Oaks Stage.


God Bless Texas!


Good times.


Cowboy shows how to motivate construction crew!

Lions' Roar?

Again we've come upon owners from the Barton Creek Preserve (landlocked by S.O and at the end of Overlook Pass (east side of the S.O. sprawl) who ask "Have we heard the lions at the Zoo?" We haven't (yet) but others have and it's only a matter of time. The Zoo is a few miles away on the next ridge (we think.)

We learned there are some cattle, horses and goats on at least one 17 acre property back in the preserve. And of course, the three horses on the back of Musket Rim. Our little cocker spaniel, Jessie, loves those horses when they come by the fence.

Jessie also really wanted to play with the big steers which were grazing one day on the land that adjoins the back road. The steer was curious. Jessie was all wig-waggy.

No pictures

Blogger and Picassa, which I use to add pictures, are not working together well and haven't been for some time, according to the forums. So far, they only work sporadically.

Armadillo Race Day

Another FINE TIME was provided by the good folks of Spanish Oaks Golf Club and Discovery Land. A cowboy standing on his horse was roping kids as we stepped out of the car on this perfect fall day (about 65 degrees and sunny). Then after a walk to Pecan Grove we passed another cowboy doing rope work, and a good country band playing on stage (didn't catch their name.) Great grub at the chuckwagon (and tent) filled us all while the entertainment continued (the best peach cobbler I ever ate, too!)

Soon it was more rope and pistol twirl demonstrations then the armadillo races. Kids were called upon to be 'armadillo jockeys' to root their 'dillos to victory.

An Armadillo, for non-natives, is a woman's purse before the strap is attached and claws removed.

A stagewagon gave rides to all who wanted them.

Another fabulous fun time for the whole family!

Building BOOM

I count two dozen home in construction phases in the East section of Spanish Oaks - ranging from just cleared to almost completed! Many of these are on Musket Rim, surely to be the first "dense" population.

It seems that certain properties "embraced" by Spanish Oaks due to being landlocked are immune from the building codes INSIDE S.O., but who's really to say, since these seem to be changing or on a case-by-case basis.

The real question is what teeth are behind any codes?

Population is a-comin'! Get ready for new neighbors.

And yes, the WEST side is also seeing construction, though, as more recently opened, not nearly at the extent of the eastern side of paradise!

Patrols have begun.

You’ll notice a white pickup truck with yellow lightbar on top riding through the streets of Spanish Oaks. This is part of the new security service. The patrol includes daytime drive-thrus to insure all is well in our areas and at building sites. SInce we are so stretched out, it's good to see someone on the case.

Critters

The Duncan's Dog got into a porcupine.

One of the builders found a baby rattlesnake.

There have been several sightings of a large fox.

And a huge owl.

Skunks, raccoons, armadillos, deer, rabbits, vultures.

WATCH YOUR DOGGIES AND CATS! (The Calaways have lost their cat "Nino.)"

Terri Wood got her first scorpion bite. The scorpion died. (Probably at the toe of a designer shoe!)

(This is all on the east end of S.O.)

DEEP-FRIED RATTLESNAKE

1 medium-sized rattlesnake (3-4 lbs.), cut into steaks
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup cracker crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
1 teaspoon salt
dash pepper

Mix dry ingredients. Whisk milk into beaten egg and use to dip snake steaks.
Then coat them with dry ingredients. Fry, uncovered, in 400 degree oil until brown.

This just in (Nov 20th):

You can add another "critter" to your list. A few weeks ago my tile guys found a very nice coral snake at the Donald Abrhams Shirley Werner job on Musket Rim. They had it in a jar and didn't know how bad it was. It was the largest one I've ever seen at about 18" long and the size of a 20 gauge shotgun shell around and beautiful red, black, and yellow bands. The red and yellow were together confirming it was a coral.
Your blog is a great idea; good luck with it.
Doug Connolly

Note: Coral snakes are poisonous. Very poisonous. The first color of their band is black. Other lookalikes start with other colors.

There were so many young kids at the Armadillo Races Event... I'd be sure they all know to avoid any snake.

Read about coral snakes and see pictures here

Welcome

Welcome. The Spanish Oaks Blog will be a site for neighborhood news, official (hopefully) and unofficial. I admit it's a trial and is motivated by the distance in both space and time demands between busy home owners, lot owners, and the development company.

It seems there's a need for better communication and that'll help us become a COMMUNITY as we build out this wonderful place.

If you'd like to post, please E mail me at rwood24@Austin.rr.com and be sure to put Spanish Oaks Blog as your subject. Or make a comment. Thanks!

Bob Wood