GREETINGS!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

We look forward to the opening of the back road in the not-so-distant future... and the fish camp...

Why not drop a neighbor a note about this blog? - In meeting neighbor folks this holiday season, I am surprised by the fact that not all know about it. There are always new people coming into the community, and they might not know.

Also, if they opt in, there's a pretty regular E mail (almost weekly) of info for owners. And the HOA website, for which a password is required (again, for owners.) To opt in, they have to mail me their desire for that: rwood24@Austin.rr.com

January brings the annual meeting, too, with some issues and reports. See you there. If not, I'll blog about it for the out-of-towners.

EXIT ETTIQUETTE

There's a phenomenon which sometimes takes place at the east exit, and it annoys! What happens is, you are the first car waiting for a break in the traffic flow to turn out. Then someone comes up beside you in an SUV, or whatever, and blocks your view to that side.

In effect they've just intercepted your place in line because you cannot move until they do.

That's unthinking, or rude. Don't know what can be done about it other than to ask, "Hey, give the first car a break - don't block his/her view!"

SUNK BOAT MYSTERY UNRAVELLED

The boat was sunk to become a habitat for fish. So there you have it, Gilligan.

LETTER FROM DONALD ABRAMS - HOA REP

Open letter for the Homeowner member of the Spanish Oaks HOA

After least year’s somewhat contentious annual meeting, the members of the SPHOA heard your concerns and appointed me as the homeowner representative to the Board. Shortly thereafter, I asked Bob Wood to be the Chair of the Communication Committee and we set out to knock on each front door of every occupied house or leave a calling card. It was a pleasure to meet as many of you as we did. Bob and I will repeat the process this spring, after daylight savings, as I want to get to know all of you. We heard your issues and have tried to respond as best as we could.

The SPHOA held a Memorial Day picnic and I was thrilled with the attendance. That event was chaired by Jennifer Horne who did yeoman’s work. Jennifer has moved out of our hood and we are still looking for someone to take over that job.

As noted, Bob has taken responsibility to communicate with all of in every method possible. Bob started the blog, the web site and the blast e-mail system. Pam Chandler inserts letters in that little gem we get quarterly and has the security guards hand out flyers as well.

I want to thank Lori Bailes for turning us onto the wonderful program of helping out those less fortunate then us.

We are still looking for a Chair of the Safety Committee and volunteers to work on a number of those issues that affect all of our personal safety. To this end, we had a community meeting with Commissioner Dougherty to discuss road and other issues. Overall the Highway 71 problem (stop light) is not very encouraging but there are things being discussed.

Pam Chandler and I are putting together a calendar for 2007. We will start with the Annual meeting in January. This will take place at Rosie’s Tamale House and this should be a cordial social event. The bar will be open. The agenda will be completed and the members of the Board available. I would like to make the Halloween Hay Ride an annual event and based on the glee from the kiddos that I saw, this should be a no brainer. I would like to add to that with an ice cream social around Labor Day and one or two events in our Las Niño Park. Finally, let’s build on the holiday lighting contest. This is the first year Shirley and I tried outdoor lighting here in Spanish Oaks. Our last house had a number of outdoor outlets and we discovered a slight oversight when we finished our house. I found it particularly difficult to light up the trees with no electricity. Next year we will compete with a vengeance!

The developer has brought on line two parks for the members, with two more in the works. There is water in the tank and we will be fishing soon. Can someone teach a city kid? My fishing experience is asking Mr. Debilliti at the fish market what is fresh today. It is so much easier pointing to one already on ice! With the tank stocked it should be a treat for kids of all ages.

Add to that the fish camp and other features planned and 2007 will be spectacular! These services and facilities will be ready for all the members of the SPHOA community. In the coming years there will be a number of recreational areas for us to enjoy. It remains my fervent hope that this will become the community that we all bought into.

However, there are still issues that we all have to deal with. Adherence to deed restrictions is a challenge, and some of the rules are changing. As these occur they will be posted on the web page. The completion of the boulevard to the west entrance will not be finished in January. It is getting close, but we all know how it was building our houses, when are they ever finished on time?

Also, I have to tell you that the support that the developer provides to our HOA continues to be extensive. Unfortunately, some of that responsibility will have to be transferred to the members (more than 200 at this time). The Board will be deciding upon a new budget. This new budget takes into consideration the lots sold, the houses built, the greater amount of landscaped ground that will be to be attended and a number of other issues. I must tell you that the budget does call for a modest $20.00 per month increase in dues. When I speak with SOHOA members they all share the same concern that they want this to be the most exclusive and desirous gated community in the greater Austin area. Security and water are expensive and with more members more of both are required.

You should have received a copy of the minutes from last year’s annual meeting. This month you will receive a copy of the budget. Next month (prior to the annual meting) you will get a copy of the agenda for the annual meting. I would ask that if there are any concerns, please share them with the Board or me as soon as possible so that we can present you with all the information that you desire to resolve any issue.

In summary, this has been a year of transition. There is a new developer; there are new rules, many new faces and new amenities to our community. Add to that I want to increase all that is good about Spanish Oaks and with the assistance of all the members I know that we can make this happen.

We need help with the social committee and safety committees and we need your feedback on any issue that you find pressing.

Let me close with thanking all of you for your support of the Spanish Oaks Homeowners Association. I would like to wish you the best this holiday season and hope that before long I get the opportunity to meet all of you both at the annual meeting and at your front door next spring.

Warmest Regards,

Donald A. Abrams

FIRST SINKING EVER

Correspondent/contributer Tim Sabo sends this picture of fish camp where a) there's water and b) a boat is sunk in it. Go figure.

On another issue - DUES are going up again. Stand by for details.

GREAT IDEA

From Trish Hamilton

SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas -- oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.
Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree,the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition -- one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.

Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always. God Bless! -- pass this along to those friends and loved ones who you know are the givers who understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

FAMILY SPONSORSHIPS

As of this morning, Spanish Oaks residents have committed to sponsoring 7 families through the Christmas Bureau. The lady who runs the program told me they are expecting another 1,000 applications, from families in need, over the next 24 hours. If you are interested in sponsoring a family please let me know.

Thanks,

Lori Bailes

291-6617 or lbailes@austin.rr.com

ANOTHER WRECK!

Thanks to Tim Sabo, who shot these pictures this morning. Apparently the police told him not to, as he wasn't involved. But he persisted that he WAS involved, this being a safety issue for those who live here. I've never heard of such restrictions - have you? - and suggest if you see an accident at our entrance you take a picture if you can do so safely, since documenting these might someday add up to a light there.

LOST OR LOOSE DOG

Over the past few days, this dog has been roaming our property several times, and Terri thinks she's also seen it on the street. I approached today and you see the reaction... I was hoping to see the tag. On blowing the picture up - there's no doubt there IS a shock collar, which either isn't working, or the system is off. Dogs are not allowed to roam off leash in Spanish Oaks. If you know the owner, would you alert them? Thanks.

EAST ENTRANCE SHUFFLE

The chain gang was spotted redoing the East Entrance today. We have to admit the guard shack/smokey welcome center looks better this way.

You can almost hear the words in your rear view mirror as you leave our special place...

"Yaupon Come Back, hear?"

And good news! Big progress on paving the back road. You'll be surprised how much has been done. We think even after the asphalt (spell check isn't working, but maybe you knew that!) is down, there remains certain work to the sides of the road.

TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Dear Neighbors,

It's that time of year again, that many of us ponder what gifts to get our friends and family this holiday season...

When I ask myself what my kids' need, the answer I get is a resounding "nothing." Even when asked to make Christmas Wish Lists, their wants are very modest. They are fortunate enough to have all of their needs met throughout the year as well as many of their wants. What I would really like to give them this holiday season is the gift of "giving."

Let me clarify that as to not include recipients that would need their gifts purchased out of catalogs reading something like "gifts for the person that has it all."

I have found an organization "The Christmas Bureau," that puts sponsors in touch with applicants who hope to be sponsored for the holidays. The sponsorship must include, but is not limited to the following:

- holiday meal, can be groceries or gift card
- wrapped gift for each child

They ask that items be delivered on or before the 20th. One of the coolest things about this organization is that you get to speak to and directly deliver the items. This is appealing to me as I would like my kids to see that it is not the norm to be greated by a smiling Cottril when arriving home, rather the exception.

If there is enough interest, I would like to organize a neighborhood sponsorship of some families. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring a family, sharing a sponsorship, donating money, shopping, delivering, or contacting a family to find out what their specific needs are.

Please contact me via email at lbailes@austin.rr.com or phone at 291-6617.

Thanks,

Lori Bailes

HOLIDAY DISPLAY CONTEST

Oh By Gosh By Golly, It's Time For Mistletoe and Holly... and inflated Clauses and Reindeer on the Roof and Icey hanging lights and red and green lazers... twinkling bedecked Yaupon, and more.

Yes, it's the first (annual?) Christmas Holiday Light Extravaganzy Frenzy - a competiton for those who create outdoor diplays of Noel.

3 prizes:

Best in Show
Most Original
Diverting Traffic From Bergstrom

Judging Dec 23rd

and... for the kiddies... a bird house building contest (NO DESIGN REVIEW, NO GUIDELINES.) The HOA will supply pre-cut wood. Prizes TBA. Contact Pam Chandler for more.

A reminder - roving dogs have been noted in the community. The rules call for them to on leash, as they could potentially interact with someone walking dogs on leash, and in the excitement, someone could be hurt, or nipped.

FALL, JUST OUTSIDE SPANISH OAKS

FISH CAMP

Here's the pier, which gives you an idea of the size of the pond... or lake... it's very large.

ROAD WORK

The back road is progressing VERY nicely. Here are some pictures as testimony. On November 24th they were scraping and rollering the roadbed, which to my uneducated eye looked very close to ready for the asphalt. The manholes are in and covered. The curb concrete is in... and note the wall and railing just SW of the area where the road meeets SO Blvd at the top of the East side hill.

COCKER-TAIL PARTY

Last Sunday, Pecan Grove was filled with happy dogs and owners as we celebrated man (and woman's) best friend/s.

A dog race team was on hand to show us how untrained our dogs really are!

Good eats, doggie treats (see Jessie who had just scarfed some!)

More pictures on the HOA website.

ZOO TRIP

If you haven't seen Austin's Zoo, you are missing an unusual zoo experience. This is as far off the end of the scale as you could get from, say, San Diego's World Famous Zoo. In fact, it's a private affair, a refuge for abused or discarded animals.



It's really cool in a funky way: better than it sounds when you think private refuge, with much more infrastructure, though fewer species. It seemed like you could get closer to some of the animals than in other zoos we've seen.


There are chickens roaming around, looking for whatever you drop. A flock?covey?gaggle? of Peacocks, but even bears and tigers, a leopard, a black panther (flashback to the 60s) and lions.




What's also interesting is you can see here from there. And our visit solves the question of why we can hear growls roll over the Preserve valley, mornings and evenings... it's the big cats being fed!

To get there, go up the hill past SW parkway, eastbound on 71, turn right at the first real traffic light (watch out for police - 35mph is enforced!) then go till you hit a T with circle drive. Turn right. The Zoo is on your right in maybe 1/2 mile.

EAST ENTRANCE ENHANCED

It seems they figured out a way to bring the welcoming home smell of burning wood to the east entrance by way of a chiminea. They were firing up that bad boy as I drove in today.

An extension to the jogging trail was being built today, up from SO blvd to... whatever is up that hill... La Barzola? Not sure.

Traffic yesterday at 6PM was backed up westbound from 620 to SW parkway. It's apparently been that way for some time. Hopefully the completion of the back roadway will help us out soon.

Lowes is in full Christmas decorama! It's too soon, people.

GOBLINS, WITCHES INVADE SPANISH OAKS

Halloween sets on Spanish Oaks ! Actually, witches, pirates and what have you... they met at Los Ninos Park and were seated on a hayride which then went on its candy-seeking trick or treat route... slowly.

This was one of the events which felt more like a neighborhood than many other more involved activities. A bunch of proud parents standing around, kids having fun, excited by the sugary treats to come!






A sight that was too cute: all of the children had glowing necklaces on... so you could see them in the dark (great idea) - and as the truck slowly pulled the 'wagon' out of the circle, a little boy was running as hard as he could to catch it. We didn't see if he did, but it sure was cute. I thought of Charlie Brown for some reason.




I think someday when we are at 400 homes, those of us who were "there' will think back to these early settler days as among the best. And it sure was great to be a kid last night!

COUNTY COMMISSIONER SPEAKS ON 71

Gerald Daugherty, county commissioner, spoke to a group of residents from Spanish Oaks and the Preserve Monday evening. Our number one concern was traffic and a light on 71. Bottom line: the light isn't likely.

A light at S.O. Blvd would back up traffic as it flies over the hill heading east, right into the rear of the backup.

Widening the road for a middle turn lane would not happen for about 6 years once the process has begun (it hasn't.) Environmental concerns about the bridge would likely stop any widening, and there's not enough road from the bridge to S.O. Blvd for a center lane there.

Some called for less speed on 71.

What we can do: call or write the governor (who appoints the 5 member highway commission), Daugherty repeatedly said that the 'squeaky wheel' gets noticed and the way to exert pressure would be to make the calls, have meetings, and express our concerns clearly (and he'd help as he shares our concerns.)

Discovery Land thinks the back road will be completed in January or February at this point.

Noted: how hard it was to find the West entrance into S.O. in the dark. Several owners expressed that they had real difficulty. So did we. Even reflectors would help.

The turn from 71 (westbound) onto 620 is slated to have twin right turn lanes (as you might know - it takes about a half hour mornings to get to that turn, which is now one lane. TxDot will fix that as the work approaches completion.

COMMUNITY FOUND

Dear Bob:

When I first wrote into the blog I mentioned that we picked Spanish Oaks not only because we loved the house, but the promise of a real community where people actually know and care about their neighbors. Well yesterday proved us right. John was late getting out to meet our 7 year old at the bus stop. Because of safety rules regarding unescorted minors, the bus driver would not let her off. At the next stop in Spanish Oaks one of the children mentioned that my child was not let off the bus. Within seconds I received a phone call from one of the Moms letting me know. I immediately contacted my husband who went out to find the bus. No sooner had I hung up from him than another Spanish Oaks Mom called me saying the bus was still in Spanish Oaks, she had called the Guard House to have him stop the bus and
let my child off and that she was going to get her. In the end, John was able to stop the bus himself, but I was so impressed that in such a short time we have developed into a community where people lookout for each other.

Thank you to Lori and Kam. It is great having them for neighbors.

Bob, feel free to post any or all of this on the blog.

--------- Donald Abrams, HOA rep responds: ----------

Not having children, I can only imagine how proud a parent is when there are significant milestones in a young ones development. The homeowners here are beginning to get together and look out for our growing community. As an example Lori and Heather setting up a trick or treat solution. Neighbors looking out for the young ones on a school bus. Having members of the SPHOA call me personally with complaints and other issues in an effort to resolve problems quickly and discretely. I see these all as positive growth steps to ours becoming the type of community that we all signed up for. I do not know the particulars for the bus issue, but I want to add my thanks to those who helped out.

As we mature, we all need to pull together, follow all of the rules and not try to negate what we all agreed to do.

Donald Abrams

MORE GATES

East entrance now has all new gates. Actually, makeovers over the old gates, but better. I'm sure they will stain them once the rain stops and things dry. Now if only we east enders could get the fireplace like the westies have, so, upon returning at the end of a long workday, the smell of a wood fire would welcome us back to the ol' homestead...

Rejected ideas:

Those plug-in things that spray scent every 20 minutes.

Those rearview mirror hangers.

Incense.

Burning logs in a 50 gallon drum. (Ideal for junk mail too.)

Having guards hold hemp-tastic torches.

NEW SO WEBSITE by DISCOVERY

Good name, Discovery - you have to discover things since they don't tell you. Anyway, a tipster informed us that their new site is up, and it is. Some highlights from surfing it:

Social Club memberships are mentioned, but not priced.

Clubhouse et. al. expected completion March 2009.

The Club will be member owned when turned over by the developer.

You can access parts of the site but not all of it without a login. Sorry, I can't help you there - it says to contact the sales office.

I must say the site is slick and well done!

http://www.spanishoaks.com/ is the link. I noted up to 4 different opening pages, so don't be thrown by that on subsequent visits. Great photography! Produced by a big agency out of NY and LA. At this moment, inside (login) contents are not ready.

PARK PARTY

To celebrate our new completed kids' park, they held a party.

Competition was fierce for attendance, with another event at local school, a golf tourney, and UT football on TV - an unusually early start... WHAT A CLOSE ONE!!! Whew!!! But even so, some kids and adults found their way to the new park and each other.

ONE OCTOBER MORNING

GATE MAKEOVER

Apparently the bigs weren't satisfied with the new East entry gate and it's been fancied up. Now we can guess why they only did one side. It was a sample. Here's the latest gateway to paradise.

THE RELENTLESS MARCH OF PARK PROGRESS

Indeed. They've already begun to go to work on the next park - the one at the top of Musket Rim. Earthmoving as I write this!

HALLOWEEN 2006

The question has been raised... what if some parents organized, in effect, a car pool and drove their kiddies around to homes participating in treating the little ones?

Can we quickly figure out who in our community would be open for the visits? Who would volunteer to drive/oversee?

E me and I'll pass along: this is WITHIN SO only. Thanks rwood24@Austin.rr.com

COPS

I've been meaning to post this but kept forgetting - beware if you try to shortcut through the HEB shopping center lot, to avoid traffic backups on 71 West in the AM - there are motorcycle cops there "especially for you" as Bob Eubanks used to say on the Newlywed Game.

A NEW GATE A NEW DAY A NEW PICTURE

We've been away. Interesting to see what has or hasn't happened in a week. Actually, the hands of time move slowly sometimes, and so do the wheels of progress.

Several homes are being outfitted with so-far scrawny landscaping as construction finishes. We see the truck loads of sod ready to claim more vista for turf. Time will tell if they bring in the trees, but so far it looks like mud, sod, and scrub. You can look up nature in the design guidelines and decide for yourself how to interpret 'the natural look.' Guidelines are on the website for owners.

And then we have one new gate... entrancing owners will realize the new look. Exiting owners will remember the old look. Perhaps the other side is on order, or the other other side is a test?

East Entrance Gate Du Jour

Here at Stately Wood acres, just yesterday I planted millions of seeds which will have been rained into the ditch by now. Look forward to beauty of wildflowers next spring - all the way to the drainage grate.

A thought: if you are bringing in an expert for something, maybe you could post it and several like-minded folks could get a group deal or rate? Just a thought.

Also, at the rate blogger downloads/uploads pictures, every one you see in this blog is a miracle in patience and computerwerks. Even low res small files load like time has stood still.

SPANISH OAKS OWNER WEBSITE OPEN

With a little "ta" and a lot of "daaa" the website is up and running.

Ah, but there's always a catch, right?

The board wanted a secure site. So here's how that will work: Each time I send out a weekly E-mail to those who have opted in, it will include the active address of the website.

If you're not on that list and wish to be, then E me at rwood24@Austin.rr.com We will verify all as owners, then add you to the list.

Simply copy and paste the address into your browser, or click on it. Once in, you can visit the various sections and are welcomed to contribute too. If necessary, periodically we might change the site entry, so you want to get those E mails.

At this time there are several empty pages; yes, we are working on those and others. And for some reason, the residents pictures don't work yet. I will get to those as soon as possible.

Also, if you would like to see your home or some feature as the header picture or elsewhere in the site, E me. I need to stock up and anticipate a site that changes headers at least seasonally, if not more often.

FISH CAMP - 'LAKE SPANISH OAKS'

Man, is this ever BIG! As I wrote before, the cedar tree dump has been removed. First impression is one of size. Doubt if you can see me in this picture... the top is a blowup of the bottom - in it I am tiny and would have been deep underwater. The camera just can't capture the size of what will become a large lake. The lens just isn't wide enough.

THE LONG AND WINDING (BACK) ROAD

Hiked back there today. First surprise: it doesn't quite follow the old road - at least not through the second gate (if you remember that). From the top of SO Blvd, the road goes more to the left than you will remember. It's a whole different route, and progress is obvious. They've got it pretty well scraped, and what appears to be some utilities in, in certain places. A lot of work to be done, for sure, but quite a lot has been accomplished!

WHERE THERE"S SMOKE...

...there's smoke. Yestrday the area was notably smokey yet no fire could be seen. It appeared to have come from as far as beyond 290, in a heavy wind from the southeast.

Hey - here's a great idea - but unfortunately I don't know how to make it happen - a web camera focused up the hill toward the shopping center. Once the back road is in, you could pop on and see if you would use the east or west entrance/exit to go that direction. Lately that journey up the hill has been backed up - seriously backed up, apparently due to construction at the top. Other Texas cities have cams you can view, but if Austin does, I can't find them online. (I do note cams at 71 and Bee Caves Road, though they don't appear online.)

The HOA website may be up soon. Cross your fingers.

WHITE/NOT WHITE

Several posts below I was reporting white rock on a new build wall... well, lo and behold, the builder dyed, stained, or voodooed it into a more earthtone color. Amazing! Much better!

CEDARS UNDER WATER

As work is progressing on the (manmade) lake for the Fishing Camp, I was happy to hear that they've taken out all the cedars they had dumped in the hole. Don't know how fish like Cedars, but that was a huge snag waiting to happen!

We need a name for the lake. I'll bring it up to the HOA.

NEW PARK

Looks complete. Swing set is up. Turf. Cement. Plants. Nicely done, though spartan. I guess it's a great place for widdle kids to ride their trikes on the concrete ribbon without traffic worry.

Also a new path down from Paraiso to the creekbed.

Next up will be the park at the top (circle) of Musket Rim.

ANYTHING CAN BE FIXED

We all experience much of the same experiences moving into a new community and our newly built homes.

1- It never completely ends.
2- There's always something.
3- Warranties expire just before something breaks.

I wax cryptic. What I am really saying is - amazingly to me - the builders can undo, redo, rebuild or fix anything. Like when the big trash container-on-truck smashed into our roof under construction.

We watched a concrete pour down the street. A day or so later they were taking it out with hammer thing on back of tractor. (You can tell I have the lingo... I am helpless around all but a screwdriver and hammer.)

Just out of warranty our upstairs (TV room) frig lost its thermostat. Service call to diagnose. Wait for parts. Service call to replace. Replaced unit defective. HAPPILY a spare on the truck. (The law of steady state luck: the total amount of luck in the universe is a constant - means...) someone else will have something on order, and not working, for way too long - oh wait - it's us - we've been trying to get the sparker on our outdoor grille replaced since, oh, forever. CERTAINLY since the match hit the gas and took the hair off my right arm.

We are not alone. Your contributions of move-in joy are encouraged. It's like group therapy. Names can be disguised if you wish. But they can and likely eventually will fix anything and everything. So take heart.

WHITE ROCK

I should drag out my design booklet and read up, because I am certainly laboring under a misconception. I believed that the new goal was to be at one with nature (sarcasm mine) and with earthtones and landscaping to reflect such a vibe.

I noted a home under construction with white rock surrounding the front of it (mostly in view from the house itself; little from the street) and believed it to be out of guideline spec, but I find I was wrong. I am told: "The guidelines do not totally prohibit white stone. It is prohibited as "the predominant material" only. ...The DRC will be especially conscious of this when reviewing the landscape plan."

Wouldn't you love to see what they actually have rejected?

So we have basically three design plans affecting our little slice of heaven as I see it: Daniel Porter 1, Daniel Porter 2, Discovery 1.

But why the DRC would allow a home IN EARTHTONES to be bordered? by white rock is beyond my ability to understand design. Does that seem consistent to you?

SPEED BUMPS?

East entrance... or should I write - EXIT - speed bumps have been removed! Reflexively I hit the brakes anyway.

Time for a pool - which truck will hit the gate first!? It isn't necessarily a matter of raw speed - if there's gravel or sand or debris, you can skid if you brake too hard.

Old settlers will remember the first try of warnings - glue on dealies - which didn't stick very well.

You have to wonder what's next - if anything? In today's regulated world it really is nice to see a 'restriction' go away.

..... more thoughts.....

As I headed down the chute today several trucks which preceded me had opened the gate, but it might close - so I gun it and catch it just as it begins to close.

But hey, any cross traffic had better watch it: cross behind the guard house and you risk getting T-Boned!

GO FISH!

Whistle the Mayberry theme, only Andy and Opie will be replaced by you and yours... happy to announce that ground has broken on the fish camp, and it's expected that you'll be fishing next spring!

The community center should be ready by Fall 2007.

RIBIT

Neighborly frog came visiting during recent rains. Is a night time camera flash a religious experience for a reptile? It did puff up as I approached.

ANGELITA PARK

I think I spelled that right - we took the dog up there this morning to check out how it's coming along. From the circle on S.O. blvd., take Paraiso, then left on Musket Rim then right, then right. Already kids were playing on it. And not unlike the time the kid enjoys the box more than the present, one little boy was greatly enjoying a dump load of gravel.

Clearly it isn't anywhere near finished, but quite a lot of work has been done: a concrete bike/walk patch goes around the outside of a large sodded area. There's a crushed granite pathway through a maze, outlined with very small rocks... some new obvious planted areas which haven't yet been planted... but the kids were already having fun.

I had hoped to have the plans up on a new website for you but that all is lost in the rare atmosphere of The Board as they consider whatever it is they consider.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An interesting test case of the board's teeth will soon be shown as a home builder is clearly violating the spirit and letter of the design guidelines (according to me, in my opinion, etc.) If you walk the area and know the guidelines you'll see what I mean.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We understand that the "Chalet" off Musket Rim - which is the huge home under finishing construction - also has a barn, water tower and guest house - will have horses and lama. They are clearing the bottom of their property of cedar and appear to have a service road back there. This is a piece of land landlocked by Spanish Oaks, but ISN'T Spanish Oaks, so they can do what they please. This property has great views as they sit high on the bluff overlooking Barton Creek.

END SLAUGHTER OF AMERICAN HORSES

Cathi Rustmann, S.O. landowner, asks that we all be aware of the bill which is up for consideration. Here's a link to the American Humane Society and all the info you need to call or E your representative. The vote is Thursday.

SO WHERE IS THE WEBSITE?

The HOA website is under review - I'll bet some attorneys are involved. While I see it as innocent as a Hallmark Greeting Card, there are no doubt liabilities and 'exposures' with which I am unfamiliar. This is a brave new world, isn't it?

WELCOME THE DOYLES

Now into their beautiful new home on the right just past the gate. This house is way cool! I know many of us have a hobby(?) of walking through the homes under construction. So maybe you've been there already? Great site. Many nice touches. And nice people too. Maybe I can get a picture and post it so you'll know the new faces.

SNAKE ON A FRONT PORCH

Not quite the same as the movie SNAKES ON A PLANE, but our friends in the Preserve (gated area on Overlook Pass) send this picture of a rattler they killed on the neighbor's porch last night.

I am reminded of living in the Woodlands, north of Houston, where my mother-in-law stepped OVER a snake stretched along the step edge into the garage.

Herpitologists say they - rattlers - would rather just hide. Still, tell your kids and watch your dogs.

SKUNK /'nother SKUNK

Skunk Sighting

I saw a skunk same time, same place two times this week. 5:40ish in the morning on Musket Rim right across from Mondonedo Cove. It was in the ditch in front of that huge house under construction. Today it ran along and went into the culvert under the driveway -- that could be its home. Cute little thing -- heard they make good pets....

Lori Bailes

The Pigfords report another Skunk at the top of Pigford Hill, uh, Musket Rim.

NEW SPANISH OAKS HOA WEBSITE DOWN

The board and developer have asked me to pull the HOA website for now. There are legal and other issues for them to explore.

NEW SPANISH OAKS HOA WEBSITE

It's up and ready for a look-see, but relatively empty so far as we are in the process of translating certain documents into the proper text and formatting which will be viewable on the web by most browsers. But you'll get the idea.

Much more will be added shortly. Make a bookmark and come back often.

There will be a private (owner only) area. You will receive the "password" if you are in the opt-in list for weekly E mails. If you aren't on that list, but are a home or property owner, E me at rwood24@Austin.rr.com

Here's the hoa website address:

http://www.spanish-oaks-hoa.com

MEET SOFIA CARRILLO

A relatively new smile greets us on the east side gate.

Meet Sofia Carrillo:

About me - social butterfly, easy going and down to earth!
Interests - food, reading, and tennis
people who matter - friends, family, and co-workers.

In my own words -

Well I am very down to earth, I am very shy at first but as soon as I warm up, I won't stay quiet. I love meeting new people, and trying different things, I rarely don't have a grin on my face and I rarely have a bad day.

WEST SIDE GUARD HOUSE

WOW!

We all received Pam Chandler's E mail that the new guard house was operational and today we popped over to get a look and some pictures and also see our old pal Cottril who is posted there (we miss his smile on the east gate.)

But WOW!

This is a great build - VERY impressive as you can see. It even has an outdoor fireplace so, when the weather changes, people will see the fire and get that smell.

BABYSITTERS, ETC.

The HOA website will have certain private areas. In these we may post babysitter info and any neighborhood kids looking to do chores to pick up a little cash. Since this section will have the code only published to those property or homeowners who receive the weekly E mail (are on the list) then there shouldn't be any problems with predators. A shame we even have to consider such things, but better safe than sorry.

There will be other private areas - we hoep to publish the homeowners guide and much more.

E to rwood24@Austin.rr.com

The website will debut very soon. We are working to get certain content translated into web-friendly format.

NOT OUR TYPE!

It's a long shot I know - but we have a lot of material in the wrong incompatible format to translate to the website. Anyone with time, computer, Word, typing skills and interest to translate for us? Of course this is volunteer effort.

BLOG MILESTONE; WEBSITE SOON

It really amazes me that this blog has just passed 10,000 page views. Now, I have a friend who has had over 1 MILLION views of his blog, but he's on TV for one, and for two, has lots of data on that site and c, has been writing far longer than I. Besides, even on the WORLD WIDE WEB how many people care about Spanish Oaks with our 40 some residents?

Anyway, as they used to say on HeeHaw, "thank you for your support."

I have been given the go-ahead to construct a Home Owners Association website. This will be a great place to get 'the word' on design guidelines, etc., and so much more. Your ideas are welcome.

The blog will continue. The WEBSITE will link to it, and the Blog will link to the WEBSITE. The website will be a pretty good resource for us all. I'll keep you posted on its progress.

71 WRECK PICTURES UP CLOSE

Landon Marino, a neighbor on Paraiso, was next to the truck as it wrecked, and he sent these pictures. Thanks, Landon. These are frightening.

4:05 p.m. — Collision Hwy 71 West in Bee Caves, One Critical Injury

Austin- Travis County EMS is on the scene of a multiple vehicle collision with Oak Hill Fire Department, TCSO and DPS — Hwy 71 West / Spanish Oaks Club Drive. Cell Phone callers reported the incident at 3:10 p.m.

Updates from the scene indicate an 18-wheeler has collided with as many as ten other vehicles, pushing one vehicle from the roadway and into a ditch.

Eight person have been evaluated for injuries. Medic 9 has transported one patient with potentially critical injuries to Brackenridge Hospital. Three other crash victims are also being transported to Brackenridge Hospital, including one 2-year old patient. Their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

TXDOT indicates traffic is stopped in both directions.

— From Austin Travis County EMS




Our issues about a traffic light, in this case, wouldn't have mattered as the truck lost its brakes.




If you have a teen about to drive, you might wish to show them these. And remind them that if ever they think they can 'beat' an oncoming car, if their engine misses or hesitates (quite possible with bad gas, by the way), they won't make it. Better safe than sorry. I know you know, but let's all be extra careful!

Below is Eye Opening research from Malcolm Pigform who points out many of the truckers are paid by the load - hence the need for speed, AND that they are likely flooring it to make it up the (next) hill.

Stopping Distances Required for Trucks

Speed
Reaction/Braking Distance/ Total Stopping Distance

30 mph
33' / 67'/ 100'

40 mph
44' / 125'/ 169'

55 mph
60' / 275'/ 335'

60 mph
66' / 360'/ 426'

65 mph
71' / 454'/ 525'


* Above estimates are for 80,000 lb., loaded tractor-trailers traveling on a dry, level road. Source: National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course for Professional Truck Drivers.

Stopping Distances for Cars Versus Trucks
1: Speed Reaction/Braking Distance Cars
2: Reaction/Braking Distance Trucks
3: Stopping Distance Cars /Stopping Distance Trucks

...................1...................2.......................3
40 mph 44' / 80'.........44' / 125'..........124' / 169'
55 mph 60' / 165'....... 60' / 275'..........225' / 335'
65 mph 71' / 245'....... 71' / 454'..........316' / 525'

* Above estimates are for 80,000 lb., loaded tractor-trailers and mid-size passenger cars traveling on a dry, level road. Source: National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course for Professional Truck Drivers.

This might not reproduce very clearly here becuase I can't copy tables, so here's the link

KIDS ACT UP!

Spanish Oaks community come see your neighbors Alex, Shelby and Paige Duncan in:

kidsActing presentation

BUGS! a hilarious family musical with original songs by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Steven Fromholz, The Austin Lounge Lizards, Emily Kaitz and more!

at St. Stephen's Helm Fine Arts Center, 2900 Bunny Run

Sat. Aug. 5 2:30, 7:00
Sun Aug. 6 1:00, 5:00
Fri. Aug. 11 2:30, 7:00
Sat. Aug. 12 2:30, 7:00
Sun. Aug.13, 1:00, 5:00

Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for children under 12 ($5 if child brings a new book to be donated to RIF -- Reading is Fundamental) Waldorf Students get $2 off regular ticket prices (not good with half price offer).

All the characters in the show are based on actual scientific bug facts!

FYI -- We will be on Natural Gardener John Dromgoogle's show Sunday July 30 and Aug. 6, after the 9AM news on KLBJ AM 590.

Hope you join us for the show!

Dede Clark
kidsActing director and Waldorf mom

New signage

BIG WRECK ON 71

JUST OVER THE BRIDGE OUTSIDE OUR EAST ENTRANCE. It's been on TV and will be in the paper tomorrow. A loaded dumptruck - the long kind - lost its brakes coming down the hill - westbound I think - hit 5 cars and took out the guard rail over the creek and dumped a hundred gallons or so of gasoline. Hazmat crews are there right now (10:30PM) Traffic westbound (I believe) will be one lane till they replace the guard rail.

Traffic was messed up for hours. We talked our way past the police and got to get home with a trunk full of groceries.

Someone was seriously hurt - no details on the TV report we saw.

KEYE-TV report here

"No one was killed, but several people were injured. Thousands were stuck in traffic for hours. People in the neighborhood say on Highway 71, there are a lot more wrecks than there used to be and they are usually pretty bad." KXAN Coverage here

CAT ANYONE? DOG ANYONE?

CAT

Hello, this message comes from our kids Spanish teacher. Teresa Duncan 351-9088

This message comes from our kids

Queridos,

A few years back, I adopted a beautiful stray kitten found on campus. This was before we had decided to go sailing again. Even though we have grown fond of her, we don't feel it would be fair to shanghai her into a traveling life.

She is a wonderful cat and I would like to find a home for her soon.

She is spayed, lives mostly outdoors, is very independent and undemanding. She prefers meow mix to more expensive cat food, doesn't talk much but is very receptive to praise. She isn't litter trained yet, but seems to be ready to try living indoors, and would not be difficult to train. She has Siamese coloring and markings, and blue eyes. E-mail me for pictures.

Any takers?
Rosa

DOG!

Hi folks,
Ebony, our bouncy, smiling, playful, eager black lab mix needs a new home. She is about 2 and a half and has been spayed. She's an indoor/outdoor dog, housebroken, eats dry food (the cheap, HEB brand supplemented occasionally with something more nutritious), and likes grapes, cheese, cat food and chocolate when she can steal them. She plays with cats, little children and teenagers, and loves running,
swimming, chasing balls -- and she's a good catcher although she's not very good at bringing them back.

Any help finding a family with more time than we have would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to put her on Craigslist or take her to the pound.

Thanks.
Ann Coltman
AWS mom

FINALLY!! RAIN!!

Saturday afternoon a couple of really good thunder cracks announced the cold front (ha!) and the storm that came with it. You could almost hear the greens (or formerly-greens-now-oranges) gasping.

Don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind a few solid days of rain.

Some of those lightning hits were close. Hope all is okay.

SPIDEY IN SPEEDO?

Let's have a critter photo contest, what do you say? You'd be surprised what's out there!

SPY SIGHTED

Cleverly disguised spy from Seven Oaks spies on Spanish Oaks as the battle of the upscale communities escalates!