Friday, June 30, 2006

9000+

WE JUST PASSED 9000 PAGE VIEWS. Thank you for your support! With so (relatively) few homes and lots sold this early in the development of S.O., that's an incredible number!

We'll continue to look for the slices of life that make this place special, and report on them.

Thanks again!

Bob Wood

TANYA STREETER TV SPECIAL

Finally caught her 2 hour show on the Animal Planet last eve. All I can say is, after swimming with those whales in such close proximity, what on earth would compare? It has to reset your "wow"-o-meter.

Paul and Tanya's home build is on the fast track.

NEW NEIGHBORS

At least three east side homes have been recently filled with furniture. Not sure of the new neighbors' names (if you read this let us all know!) ... but WELCOME!!!

NEW SIGNAGE

Old street signs are prone on the grass, their useful life complete. New signs are sprouting all over the development. Looking just a little gothic, and certainly more sturdy, they do indeed appear to be easier to read.

We'd like to see that level of attention to detail extended to everything else in Spanish Oaks!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

HOW DO THEY DO THAT?

Cement truck there. Building site foundation over.... there.



And that's what they do!

EAST ENTRANCE OAK


An Oak was spared in the construction of our back road and has been moved to the front of the east entrance. It replaces the sign. Instead of "SPANISH OAKS" you will see a Spanish Oak. get it?


There are other trees - live oaks it looked like, and shrubs, also going in, to enhance your entrance.




Welcome to Spanish Oak.

Monday, June 26, 2006

ARROWHEAD LOST AND FOUND




Post from Michael Reilly, Spanish Oaks Home Owner


Richard Finlayson and I were walking his lot at 4925 Celanova Court yesterday and Richard found an old arrowhead. We were flagging the perimeter of his lot in order to put it on the market, when Richard looks down and says, “Hey, look at that!” He then picks up a perfectly preserved Native American arrow head. It’s was pretty awesome. Here are some photos of Richard with his find.


!!!
By the way, Richard joked that the arrowhead would convey with his lot for a full price offer! Here’s a link to his new listing in case you’re in the market for a great lot and an arrowhead.

STOP!


Old Stop, and New, improved? Stop with bolts through it (the new signage look.) We could have had STOP with bullet holes, but that's not exactly keeping with the tone of the place.

Friday, June 23, 2006

NO NEWS

Seems like a sleepy summer has begun. Other than traffic construction on 71, wasp nest construction by our garage and probably yours too, there's little to report. Unless YOU have something?

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

POWER FAILURE

Can't say how widespread but there was a power failure from about 3 to 4:30 this afternoon (Tuesday the 20th.)

Friday, June 16, 2006

GO ON, DRINK IT!

As of this morning, LCRA advises we no longer need to boil water for drinking and cooking. They are still requesting voluntary water conservation, but their news release does not mention a ban on irrigation.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

MORE ON WATER - STOP!

I know everyone has heard that the transformer has been fixed, that powered one of the main pumps for the LCRA. The water pressure has come back to our community and we are able to use the water for the many purposes that we need it for. I spoke to LCRA this morning because Clean Scapes wanted to know if they could water our medians again. I was told by LCRA that although we do have water pressure here that there are other communities that still have no water. They said the problem was fixed yesterday afternoon and that it would take a while for the water pressure to build back up enough to reach the farther communities. The have asked us not to use the water for other purposes than necessity. Unfortunately this means no more watering the lawns. I asked them how long it would take for water pressure to restore enough for my residents to water their lawns and do the extra things water is needed for. They told me that the water would take 2-3 more days for the water pressure to build up enough to be able to sustain water flow to the farther communities. I will personally be checking daily with the LCRA to give you uptodate information and let you know as soon as I find out when we will be able to turn the irrigation back on. I made a drive around Spanish Oaks and spoke with several residents that I saw had their sprinklers on and informed them of our current situation. They also asked us to pass along to the residents that the water is still not drinkable and needs to be boiled if it is going to be consumed. I also called HEB as I heard they were handing out drinking water and they said they have plans to continue handing it out as long as the water is not suitable to drink.

If you have any questions what so ever feel free to call the LCRA at: (512) 473-3200

You may also contact me at: (512) 731-1394 and I will try to answer any questions you may have or will find the answers for you.

We would appreciate your cooperation with this matter.

Thank You so very much.
Sgt. Brian Evans
Spanish Oaks Security

THE REAL DISH

Someone left a dessert dish at the neighborhood get-together and it is a nine by nine cobalt blue glass dish - they had a (I believe) peach crisp in it. I brought it home and washed it and would be happy to return it to its owner. If anyone would like to call and come by that would be great. Thank you.

Shirley at 288-7055

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

WATER NOW BACK ON

Hooray! LCRA fixed the problem. Now we can do those many things we do with good old water. Turfians can water their expansive irrigated greens (now prohibited in the new regs, which are more land-and-natural friendly.) Jay Gatsby would be proud of those LAWNS, people.

Stanley Steamer can come and make steam and clean the dogness out of our carpets.

Withering plants can resurrect.

But don't drink the stuff till we get the all-clear. Bacteria and cooties. You never know when and where they'll strike.

And now we have a small slice of what it'd be like in a hurricane, or a bird flu pandemic. Stock up now, y'all.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

NO WATER!!!

This from Pam Chandler:

LCRA is currently projecting that water service will be out for 24 hours, possibly more. The main transformer that powers the lake intake pumps has blown. LCRA is searching for an alternative power source, but as of 1:00 PM, still didn't have one.

Please turn off your irrigation, stop all outdoor water use, and do not run the dishwasher or do laundry until service is restored.

For more information or bottled water, please contact the LCRA at 512-397-6766. Spanish Oaks is attempting to have a water truck parked on-site late afternoon from which residents can draw water for essentials. This will not be potable water, so should be boiled if using it to drink or for personal bathing.

I will send another update later this afternoon.

Pam C.

Wonder what they'd do in case of a fire?

Should we all rent a hotel room and everybody shower!?

---- MORE ----

LCRA is posting updates on their website at www.lcra.org.

They don't expect the water to be back in service until at least noon tomorrow, but have provided emergency drinking water supplies at the following locations: HEB, Bee Caves Rd/Hwy. 71; Albertson's at the Y. Please check the website, as they will be providing updates. The information hotline (473-3200) will be answered until 11:00 PM, and beginning again at 5:00 AM tomorrow.

They have secured new transformer which is being sent down here from Temple, and anticipate working through the night to get our water system up and running again.

Pam C

Monday, June 12, 2006

CAROLE EDGE



Carole Edge is our overnight guard at Spanish Oaks.

She was raised in an Air Force family and served as
a Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. After living in 8 of 50
United States (plus twice in Okinawa, Japan), Carole
decided to move to Reading, England, and will be
leaving us in July 2006. She is currently living in
Wimberley, Texas.

Caorle will move in August. We wish her well.

MORE GROWTH


As part of the road build through to the west entrance, we note some new cul-de-sacs being hewn out of the hills.










Official Vehicle named for back road.

BACK ROAD PROGRESSES


Here's a shot from the top of SO Blvd and Musket Rim. "I feel the earth move." - Carole King.

Monday, June 05, 2006

DESSERT

Bob,

I was curious to know if you could post an entry on the blog in reference to the delicious Peach/Blueberry Cobbler.

I was curious to know if you could inquire who brought it and if the recipe is available.

Thanks
Christy Sabo

You bet Christy,

Heck, there were MANY outstanding desserts. Anybody want to post theirs?

Saturday, June 03, 2006

WE HAVE A WINNER!


Erin Feller correctly identified Jim DiNicola as the "mystery person" at the HOA party. She won $50, and Jim wins a second picture posting, shown here.

Friday, June 02, 2006

GUARD BRIAN EVANS


Name: Brian James Evans
Age: 23
Marital Status: Single

Bio: I was born here in Austin and have lived in the surrounding areas for most of my life. I served our country for four years in the ARMY. I have served two tours in Iraq acting as a medic for the infantry. I am also currently in the National Guard and quite possibly have an opportunity to be the youngest medical instructor in the Texas National Guard. On my off time I enjoy sitting at home watching movies, going to the lake, spending time with friends and family and hunting and fishing.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

(HEAD) GUARD COTTRIL DICKERSON



What a pleasure to see this smiling and genuine greeting welcoming you home!


Cottril Alvin Dickerson born Jan 19, 1973 in Conway Arkansas.

As he puts it, "My pride and joy (are) wife Janet (L.J.), three daughters - Yevonne 11, Diamond 10, Breann 2, and my only son Brendan 6. I've lived in Texas since 1987. My Dad was in the army and he retired here so I stayed as well. In my very little spare time I enjoy sports, movies, and video games such as Madden and NCAA football."