FIRE ACROSS 71

December 31 about 10AM - The end of the year brought a brief flurry of flames whipped by winds across highway 71 from the east entrance. Drivers quickly called 911 and the fire department responded to beat down the flames before they could move beyond the ditch into the scrub and cedars behind.

Despite prohibition on bottle rockets and the like, fireworks tonight could cause spot grass fires throughout Austin given our exceptional drought and low humidity.

MAYE THE GLOW ILLUMINATE YOUR LIFE

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A CHRISTMAS BEE CAVE MYSTERY... SOLVED

I thought what follows may be a hoax, but darn if it doesn't look real. Maybe YOU know and can add a comment. I'll give you the story but omit the contact since that might infringe on someone's privacy, except know that it came from 78738. I am unfamiliar with the road name, but they sprout up so quickly in this fast-growing area. Terri thinks it's on the west side.

'Twas almost the night before Christmas...

"Bob,

We have a wreath on our front door that has fresh fruit in it. Last night this animal crawled up the door and ate the apples. Any idea what it is since we are new to Texas. It looks like a lemur?

It was not aggressive we watched it for about 5 minutes and when it was finished it just walked away. The tail was at least 24 inches and he used it like a monkey would. He was about 18 inches tall when he walked away. I guess it weighed about 20 pounds.

What do you think it is?

Merry Christmas"






I'd say lemur. I wonder if the zoo not very far away has taken a headcount lately? Maybe an escaped pet? What do YOU think? Post your comment!

UPDATE

Click here: Kinkajou -- National Geographic

"This is what was at our house last night. Apparently it has been around the club for about 3 days and the local zoo is trying to catch it. Call Sally Allen if you see it. 431-5130"

TIDINGS

Received fromPam Chandler:

First, let me wish you all a wonderful Holiday season and the best for the New Year!

The Board and I toured the community last week, enjoying all of your festive lights. The choice of a winner was very difficult, because everyone really put forth quite an effort in their decorations.

By unanimous decision of the Board, Mark Calaway, of 11512 Musket Rim was awarded the prize for best decorations! At Mark's request, a donation of $150 has been made to the "Make A Wish Foundation" in his name. Honorable Mentions to the following neighbors:

Sarah & Mike Ciesla, 11908 Musket Rim
Brian & Kelli Hierholzer, 4733 Malaquita Branch
Jim & Kam Morris, 11632 Musket Rim

Thanks to everyone who participated, and let's count on a spectacular display again next year,

Regards,
Pam

TIME WARNER SWITCHED DIGITAL

1- TIME WARNER notifies me the switched digital box is available now. This will allow TiVo with twin cable cards to receive channels I've been paying for but would not work with those cablecards (which cable companies hate because they thwart their PPV.) PayPerView IS available through TiVo if attached to broadband, though through other (i.e.: non-cable company) providers, like Amazon or Netflix.

2- I go get the Switched Digital Box, install. Then re-install, because it doesn't seem to be getting many new channels, just 7.

3- I call TW - their rep asks, "Can I put you on hold?" and double checks that I should be receiving the channels their guide SAYS I should, but cannot. It is deemed correct. They'll have to send a tech. The tech was scheduled for today 8-Noon. I wait. He arrives at 1PM.

4- By 2:45 after much futzing, he says I need a new switched digital box. I politely hurry him out the door and drive to the TW shop to get a replacement. 20 miles. Another hour.

5- The guy at the counter says mine was the first return (uh-oh...)

6- I install the new box.

You know what's coming.

It doesn't work any better than the old one.

What a positive experience. They should change their name to TimeWaster-Warner

Friday, late in afternoon - This just in - they called me - in fact it was today's tech on the phone - he wants to send someone who can really help. I said okay: Monday at 9.

7- Sunday - We get an automated call from the TW computer - it says the tech will be here between 8 and Noon Monday.

8- Monday morning I get a live call at about 9:30 - the tech won't be here til after noon. That then changes under questioning, to after 1:30.

THIS supervisor explains that the boxes are new and they still have to work out the bugs. I explain I am not their beta test site and that it would make sense to have the techs who call on these issues to have a certified working box with them. He says they don't do it that way.

9- I explain all of the above and ask for a higher level rep. After being on hold twice I am connected to the service rep on the desk at the office. She offers me $20 - I refuse. She also told me at one point I should come into the office to discuss, that people were waiting. I explained to her I've been waiting several days.

10- I confirm with her the channels I SHOULD receive. I ask twice, am told the same thing twice. I asked twice because a) I don't believe what I am told is accurate and 2) I already get channels I shouldn't get according to what she said, and don't get ones I should.

11- Monday "9AM" tech shows at 1:30. Leaves at 4:50
Problem almost solved, although I still don't recieve all the channels.

12- I have taken up the systemic issues with higher levels of service supervision and hope to reach even higher. Poor scheduling, lack of proper information, lack of tech training, lack of concern for customer's time as ebvidenced by ridiculous conpensation plan.

One item discovered - you cannot use protection on your cable because the Switched Digital Box/Adaptor will not function properly. Good luck in a thunder storm.

ARMADILLO WORLD HEADQUARTERS?

Some neighbors out for an early morning job reported seeing three armadillos in different locations (one running up our driveway) and that, they too, have just bought a trap to try to ctach the one/s which are ripping up THEIR landscaping.

I've reset our trap.

SWITCHED DIGITAL and TiVo and Time-Warner

If you have TiVo and Time Warner you might want to know that their new SWITCHED DIGITAL adaptors are available free. These will allow you to watch the 1600 series channels which somehow through this new adaptor share bandwidth - at least that's how I understand it. It's been frustrating to NOT be able to watch the HD versions of several of the channels we watch (and pay for). I will now go to try to make it work. If anything eventful happens, will report back. Fa la la la laaaaaaa.

OK - it almost works. But here are some qualifiers: you have to have a cable card equipped TV or TiVo - cablecards are ONE WAY devices (eliminating T-W pay per view, though you CAN get that through TiVo and Netflix or Amazon, by broadband connection, but I digress). I think you have to order one of these boxes from Time-Warner - they are free, but I believe they go to those who have formally requested them.

Judging from how many keystrokes the woman behind the counter had to input, there's a lot of info which goes on your permanent record, or she booked herself a flight to Bolivia.

I hooked it up - they only give you minimal instructions, but it's pretty easy provided you can crawl back where the wires live in your TV setup...

...but then I got the (dreaded?) blinking power indicator on the new box. It's supposed to be steady. I got several 'new' channels listed, heretofore unworkable, but not the ones I care most about. I hope that the box is 'initializing' and will try later.

Finally the blinking stopped, and the light went out. I turned it on AGAIN and it stayed on. However, a scan of the channels when I now receive compared to the TW list of channels I should get was out of sync.

A call to the service desk. Tommy, my helpful tech on the line, explored the problem. He couldn't figure it out. Friday a service call will attempt (place your bets) to resolve the problem. In a nutshell, I get channels I am not supposed to get and don't get channels I am supposed to get. Confusing? You bet. Beep beep!

THE COLD FRONT

It was 81 degrees yesterday at about noon. Then a cold front swooped down. Of course all locals know this, but I am writing this post for those who may be elsewhere, blanketed, and who can now warm themselves with envy; or those who own property from afar. Keeping tabs for you is my pleasure. We had a little sleet last night, preceded by some much needed rain.

SEASONS GREETINGS

Where I grew up, bad kids would steal Christmas bulbs from outdoor displays and throw them at cats or each other. It was such a simpler time.

Here in the Gated Community, the Christmas lights are all aglow... even the guard shack lights the daytime with holiday cheer. The HOA manager pimps the commercial house decoration company so you don't have to fall off your own ladder.

And gosh darn it, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Walking the dog this AM I snapped a shot of what mom nature does best with a little freeze, a little water - making electric lights, tinsel and glitter look a little cheesy.

SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP DEFINED

Byron Brent writes:

As the first social members, let us provide you the correct
information. We paid $40,000.00 for the equity membership and pay dues that are roughly 2/3 what the golf members pay each month.

Considering that this allows us to eat at the club 3 nights a week, we are likely supporting the overall development on a much greater ratio than golf members are at this point. Social memberships do allow people who are not familiar with golfing to get an introduction while helping support the overall development. Stop by and say hello some time.

Thanks for the information, Byron.

SUPER SECRET SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP SOLD

Confirmed: Discovery has sold the first social membership to the club (that we know of) - and this info initially didn't come from them, either.

-- Who will be deemed appropriate?
-- What are the terms?
-- When will they inform the rest of the community?
-- Why haven't they already announced what has already happened?

We were told the price was $30,000 but haven't been able to confirm that.

And this info is at least several weeks old, btw.

The larger question and accompanying disappointment is the lack of communication on such matters.

Where's our HOA rep - why wouldn't HE get the word out?

STRANGE GRASS

No, not THAT kind. But as much of what we'd have to call the 'fauna formerly known as green' has begun its journey to shades of fall, I noticed this odd pattern on a neighbor's lawn. Maybe if you cover one eye and defocus the other you'll see something deeper than I do... but it IS odd.

And as a bonus, for those who see a religious symbol in potato chips, toast, paint splatters, etc., there IS a face in there.

SKUNK-A-DELIC

Last night, right before bed, it hit. I immediately sealed the windows. But the windows, doors, stone, Tyvek, insulation, wood and paint could not keep out the eau de skunk which was in the air and very close by.

We never did catch the armadillo that was and is still tearing up the good grass we sodded last spring. The trap caught flies. Or I should say the bait caught flies. Or I should say the trap attracted flies, it didn't trap anything.

Maybe the skunk sprayed the 'dillo? Else, why?

Bruce Hamilton, our hunter-expert-neighbor says the skunk in a trap is pretty docile and won't spray. I say, it's not going anywhere in my car! Not even with a written guarantee!

So if we try for 'dillo again and get stinky, well, I don't know what...

BARK - NO BARK

Mr. Barker's Cockertail Party, scheduled for this Sunday, 11/16, has been postponed until spring.

AUDIOPHILES?

Here's a long shot, I know: Is anyone out there in S.O. land an audiophile? Besides me? I'd love to get a group together if interest is there.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Basic Fly Tying - Sunday, 11/9 - 1:00-3:00 pm at Fish Camp

Fly fishing is a growing sport, and fly tying is one of the most exciting parts of the experience. Tying your own fly and then taking it out to catch a fish provides the fisherman a true feeling of accomplishment! Students will learn to tie three basic flies that can be used at Fish Camp to catch various species of fish. Limit is 10 participants, Cost of $12 per person icnludes materials fee (children over 10 years old may attend). Please call Liza Bachelder at 533-2363 to sign up.

Ladies Afternoon Wine & Fishing Clinic - Friday, 11/14 - 4:00-6:00 pm at Fish Camp

Join us at Fish Camp and enjoy beautiful scenery and fall weather while catching a few "floppers". Relax on the dock sipping fine wine and cheese nibbles in a peaceful end to your day. Kid wrangling available. $25 per lady includes wine, nibbles and casual fishing! Please call Liza Bachelder to sign up at 533-2363.

Mr. Barker's Cocker-tail Party! - Sunday, 11/16 -2:00-4:00 pm at the Pecan Grove

One of our most popular events! Calling Rex & Rover! "Fetch" your humans (especially the puppies)and emBARK on our popular tail wagging doggie celebration of man's best friend! There will be all manner of canine capers and a kid's dog show with fun events and lots of prizes (who does have the longest tail anyway?) We'll be serving "doggie bag" lunches to our humans, and the Canine Café will be open for the pups. $20adults, $8 kids under 12. Reservations are essential! Please call Michelle Walters at 421-8538 to make your reservation and choose your lunch selection.

ANGEL PHOTOGRAPHED OVER S.O.

IN A MOMENT...

Terri was about to enter I-35. She stepped on the gas to accelerate in the Jaguar. With a "thunk" the drive train became disengaged (and remains so, needing a transmission replacement, according to the service department.)

I write this for you to pass along to your teenager who might be tempted to give it a shot between cars, exiting S.O., especially at the east exit. Cars coming down both hills are often travelling at 65mph despite the new lower limit. A few seconds' gap opens up - boot it, dude! (Remember how it felt to be young and invincible?)

It can happen - you can lose power just like that... and then it's too late.

Tell the teens.

ACCIDENT?

There was an east side accident at highway 71 the other day, but no reports or pictures were submitted - just questions. I've been unable to get details, either. Does anyone know the circumstances? And yes, some think that posting such info somehow devalues this development, but I think that's Ostrich thinking and denies reality. Anyone lulled into a sense of complacency is a potential accident on that spot.

If YOU see something out of the ordinary here, please email a cellphone picture and I'll post if appropriate. Thanks.

WILLIE SINGS GOODBYE TO THE BACKYARD

Tim O'Connor's venue under the trees - The Backyard, officially closed with a tremendous concert on a perfect night Sunday, headlined by Willie Nelson.

There's some sadness, certainly, as The Backyard has lost what you might call its 'innocence' to the barrage of concrete encroachers which surround it now. Still, those beautiful oaks live on, having absorbed so much energy from the talent beneath their spread. May they continue.

Tim is apparently being somewhat circumspect about future plans - will he or won't he build the eco-friendly new larger site almost across the street, between 620 and 71? Does he feel the collective weight of the hundreds of shows he's wrangled? (Make no mistake, there are many, MANY details which must be attended to for EVERY show, each circumstance crying for attention.)

We arrived in time for Kelly Willis for whom I admit fandom.

Others performed through the cool air, but Willie, in his 30 somethingth Backyard performance, showed those in attendance what a honest-to-God American icon IS. For the time we have to enjoy his Austin area presence, when not on the road or in Maui, we are blessed. His songwriting alone places him in rarefied air (no, not a smoke joke.) His song stylings and guitar playing take him to another orbit.

Our hope is that Tim will rebuild. And that Willie will open the new place.

TRICK OR TREAT!

As previously announced, we will have our Third Annual Halloween Hayride, Friday, Oct. 31st. The hayride will depart from the Lodge around 6:15 pm.

The Social Committee has purchased Luminaries for use by those of you who want "Trick or Treaters" to stop by your home. Luminaries should be set at the end of your driveway, one on each side, and may be picked up from either Guard House starting tomorrow. Let's all participate!

TELEMARKETER REPELLANT

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public today
REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls.

... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number

DECORATION CONTEST

NICE!

END OF POOL SEASON 1

Pam Chandler writes: The pool will be open one final weekend, this coming Saturday & Sunday, October 18th & 19th. The Grill will be closed, but the pool attendant can order food for you from the Club and it will be delivered to the Lodge within a few minutes.

I hope you have all enjoyed this summer at the Lodge, and encourage you to make use of the patio area during the off-season. Please don't hesitate to bring your families and "picnic" at the Lodge, or watch a football game up here!

NEWS/ NOT NEWS

Morning Mist
The decoration contest for Halloween is on. Let pumpkin escalation commence. Corn stalking okayed. Hay baling restores natural look.

Kiddies invited to the club for treats.

Joggers tomorrow.

Design Review committee said to be ok with white house in posts below, except color. Massing, stone, size all okay. Rude noise goes here.

FOLLOW-UP

Unretouched photos.

Ray Beardon, in his comment to the original picture several posts below, suggested a closer view.




There has been no response from Pam Chandler or anyone on the issues raised in that blog post, and emailed to her. See below a few posts.

The issue is really FAIRNESS in how the design guidelines are applied.

LOST CAT

His name is Neo, and he has a very saggy belly. He went missing Sunday
morning in the Barton Creek Preserve neighborhood.

Thank you so much,
Joni Benson
402-1282 / 423-4696

DESIGN GUIDELINES???

There's an ongoing issue which hangs over us all like an umbrella. It's somewhat invisible - we only see the results but not usually the process. I am writing about the Design Guidelines and their application, or lack thereof:

S O Design Guidelines, Page 3, Preface

Each lot owner must demonstrate how development of their property respects the vistas and amenities of neighboring properties and of the project as a whole.


Page 4-4, 4.3 Building Height

Objective
To minimize the visual impact of all buildings and to ensure that they are subordinate to and blend with the surrounding Hill Country landscape.
To ensure that the view potential from each lot is preserved.

Page 4-6, 4.5 Building Massing

Objective
To ensure buildings whose overall scale, image and appearance are compatible with that of the natural landscape, and to protect the mutual and reciprocal privacy of neighboring residences.

Page 4- 10

4.7 Colors

The color of external materials must be subdued to compliment the colors of and blend with the natural landscape. Locally found, muted Hill Country tones are recommended, although occasional accent colors, used judiciously and with restraint, may be permitted.

Walls - Natural and earth tones. Large areas of monochromatic surfaces shall be minimized. Wall surfaces shall utilize texture and / or multi layered applications

The was a reflectivity value limit which we learned has been dropped.

The home under construction shown was approved, though to my reading of the guidelines, it misses in scale, color, blending, and monochromatic issues. What do YOU think? I suggest you make your feelings known - or your piece of Spanish Oaks could have the same issues as they become more lax.

Pam Chandler DID respond about the color issue and said they are working with the builder to tone it down. Her answer ignored the other issues.

POOL-O-RAMA

As the weather continues to be warm, the Board of Directors has decided to extend the Lodge & Pool Hours through the month of October, on a limited basis. The Lodge Grill & Pool will be open Fridays, 4pm to 8pm; Saturdays, 10am to 8pm; and Sundays, Noon to 8pm, for the next few weeks.

Please note, however, that on Saturday, Sept. 27th, the pool will close at 3:00 pm. Prior to the extension of pool hours, the facility was reserved for a private party on this date. We hope you all will continue to enjoy the Lodge as long as weather permits.

FISH-O-RAMA

We have scheduled several things at Fish Camp for the month of October, and hope you can participate. For all events, please contact Liza Bachelder at 533-2363 to sign up. The cost of these events will be added to your Lodge account and you will be invoiced at the end of the month.

Sunday - 9/28 - 10:00 AM to Noon
FISHING SKILLS FOR NON-FISHING ADULTS
Have you ever wanted to take your kids down to Fish Camp but didn't really know where to start? This class if for you! In an easy to understand format you will get the skills you need to make fishing fun for both you and your child. You will learn all the basics from rigging, knots and bait selection to the all important "how do I get it off the hook". This class is presented for non-fishing adults, and the cost is $15.00 per fisherman.

Wednesdays, 10/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
BASS BUS FOR KIDS
A perfect ending to a long day at school - fresh air and relaxation! Spanish Oaks residents may sign children up for the "After School Bass Bus". On Wednesday afternoons our fishing pro, Kevin Hutchison, will pick kids up at the end of your driveway. After a few casts and jaunts around the lake he will return them home in time for supper. Ages 6 and up, limit 6 kids per week. Shuttle makes rounds at 3:30 pm and returns at 5:30 pm. Cost is $10 per child.

Sundays, 10/5, 12, 19 & 26 - 8:00 AM
YOGA MORNING AT FISH CAMP
Experience the rich benefits of yoga in a relaxing and peaceful outdoor setting. Classes will run every Sunday for four weeks and accommodate the beginner or advanced yoga student. $30 per class. Mats will be provided.

Sunday, 10/5 - 10 AM to Noon
KIDS' FLY FISHING CLINIC
This class is geared for kids between the ages of 10 and 16, encompassing all the basic skills needed to get your child on the road to fly fishing success. During this two hour class your child will get real "hands on" casting experience and will learn the correct practice method that will help them succeed. $12 per student - limit is 10 children.

Sunday, 10/19 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
FATHER & SON FISHING TOURNEY
Let's see who can haul in the biggest fish today! Dad's biggest and Junior's biggest catch of the day are added together to find our winner. We'll have a prize and plenty of kudos for the winning duo. Moms and Daughters are also welcome to enter. $10 per team.

Sunday, 10/26 - 10:00 AM to Noon
BASIC FLY CASTING FOR ADULTS
Fly fishing can be intimidating but the reality is, with well-structured practice, anyone can master the basics of fly catching. Join certified casting instructor and guide, Kevin Hutchison, as he teaches the basics you need to get started in fly fishing. $20 per student - limit of 10 people.

Remember, to sign up for any of these events please call Liza Bachelder at 533-2363.

5 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CELL PHONE COULD DO

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST

Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage a area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND

Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock it saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).


Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!"

THIRD

Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.

FOURTH

How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone:
* # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally:,

FIFTH

Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends

POOL DAYS POOL DAYS, DEAR OLD... wait, that's not it...

Open normal hours through Monday, September 1 (Labor Day) - POOL WILL BE OPEN 10 AM TO DUSK ON LABOR DAY!

Effective Tuesday, September 2 thru Sunday, September 22, the pool/grill hours will be as follows:

Tuesday thru Friday: 4 PM to 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM (Grill 11 AM to 7 PM)
Sunday: NOON to 9 PM (Grill Noon to 7 PM)

We anticipate the last day of pool season will be September 22nd.

WE ARE NOT ALONE!

This is on 45th Street. In or not far from the Hyde Park neighborhood. The picture is blurry because the driver was pointing the camera out the side window while driving safely.

WHY WATER DURING RAIN? $$ DOWN THE DRAIN.

This question has been posed literally for YEARS now with never a satisfactory answer or apparent action! Why don't we install water sensing water controllers which - like the one at our house - determines when it is raining or has rained to stop the irrigation cycle until it dries?

During the rain recently we were paying for extra water as the sprinkler system in the neigborhood of the east entrance was full on.

You'd have a very hard time convincing me that our grounds are responsibly managed from a cost-saving point of view. Remember, this has been ongoing for YEARS. It's not only costly, but irresponsible.

FOXES

This just in... neighbor David Smith writes...
"Here are two foxes from several weeks ago. The game camera shot was in our yard. The daylight shot is off of Musket Rim. You have to look closely to see the fox in woods on the 2nd shot. He is in the center and out of focus."

I marked him for you - it's hard to pick out but surely THERE.

Sunday I met some neighbors who live in the small area which is inside our development though not a part of it... this would be at the bottom of lower Musket Rim. A few homes there were land-bound by Spanish Oaks - they aren't part of our HOA but are within the gate, and not behind the Preserve gate.

We discussed wildlife. They said they had seen several foxes, one pretty large, on their property, one via game-cam.

Wouldn't it be interesting to put game-cams up for the same span and then see what we see? (If you do this, would love to see your Spanish Oaks' critter collection.)

CAGE O' SKUNK

Have you been following the story of the good ole boys from Georgia who claim to have Bigfoot in a box somewhere?

This isn't that. This is real. This is the hill country, where the legends build housing developments.

Neighbor Landon Marino sent these snapshots to the blog - apparently the smell I smelled wasn't me.

But seriously, skunks, aside from their dead-on impression of burning tires, can carry rabies. We don't need no stinkin' rabies.

Nice job, Landon. Oh - some advice from country boy Bruce - you have to take them way, WAY away, or they'll come back. Of course, there have been no cases of rabies by angel that have ever been reported.

THIS AND THAT

How will mail get to all the new homes with limited Kiosk space? Another Kiosk? Home delivery?

----

The pool will close at the end of summer unless it stays very hot in which case maybe it'll be opened weekends.

----

There is supposed to be some street repair coming soon. What exactly this will apply to remains to be seen. One man's bump is another's non-bump. We are told they'll fix the one right at the gate of the east exit. Also the manholes on S.O. Blvd. circle. Already fixed - the broken cement curb at the intersection of the top of Musket Rim where it meets S.O. Blvd.

HURRICANE-BORNE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS

An answer: the builder must post a million dollar insurance policy before work can begin, which would cover such things.

THE PROPANE ISSUE EXPLAINED

This from Pam Chandler:

Many of you have expressed concerns about the rates charged for propane here in Spanish Oaks. In an effort to address those concerns, Joel Dobson (Secretary/Treasurer of the Association's Board of Directors) and I have held numerous discussions and meetings with all of the parties involved:

Hill Country Gas, L.P. - the owner and builder of the pipelines.

Sharp Community Energy - a third party vendor who maintains the system, and provides the propane to our system.

There are two primary pricing components with respect to community propane pricing, commodity charge and transportation. According to Sharp, not only has the commodity price of propane increased but, they also set a rate for each neighborhood which varies according to the delivery costs. These costs, according to Sharp, are affected by the amount of storage capacity in or near the neighborhood. For example, Sharp reports, the rate at Flintrock Falls is lower than the rate at Spanish Oaks because there is a 30,000 gallon storage tank on the property. Currently there is only an 8,000 gallon storage facility serving Spanish Oaks.

To more efficiently deliver propane to our neighborhood, it was recently reported to me that construction will soon begin on the installation of a 30,000 gallon storage facility at the rear of our lift station which is just outside the east gate. The tank will be provided by Sharp and constructed by Hill Country Gas. It is hoped that more efficient delivery (reduced trucking costs per gallon due to larger truck loads and fewer deliveries) as a result of increased storage capacity will result in somewhat lower propane service rates.

In an effort to enhance relations between Spanish Oaks residents and Sharp Community Energy, I am working with Sharp representatives to implement better communication between Sharp and the Association which will include resident information and education on ways to use their propane service more efficiently.

As the contract for propane delivery in Spanish Oaks is and will continue to be by and between Hill Country Gas and an outside provider, the Association has no actual control over the selection of a vendor or terms of the contract. However, Hill Country Gas assures us they are committed to obtaining the best service and rates for the neighborhood.

We will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

<<< BTW: It has been suggested that hot water recirculation pumps are great wasters of propane. Solution: putting the pump on a timer. >>>

NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENTS

THE BACKYARD EXPANDS, MOVES

After 16 years in its present location, at the end of this season, the BACKYARD, Austin’s renowned outdoor amphitheater in Bee Cave will relocate to a more accessible, larger venue, to be built almost across the street from its current location.

The proposed new venue, at the northwest corner of RM620 and Texas 71W will have seating for about 7500, 50% larger than current capacity. Addressing the convenience factor, on-site parking for 2500 cars is included in the proposal. A smaller facility to cater to smaller audiences will also replace the Glenn in the new location.

The Backyard has seen an eclectic mix of artists, ranging from Snoop Dog to ZZ Top, Dylan and Bowie to Widespread Panic.

Completion is expected by fall 2009.


Shops at The Galleria Morph

An entrance beautification project is underway – new trees, shrubs, flowers and signage will welcome shoppers; the middle entrance will be fashioned to better mirror the Galleria entrance directly across 71.

Two new restaurants are planned: Tsubaki, an Asian-fusion approach with sushi bar and deck; and a Waterloo Ice House by the pond with another deck and outside fire pit, catering to children and adults with covered patio, picnic tables and a playscape.

HEB Expands

With an expanded pharmacy, cheese and deli meat section, increased floral and organic areas, construction of the buildout is slated for May through Thanksgiving to add approximately 15,500 square feet. The front façade will be updated. Look for modifications to the lighting at the fuel station as well as the buffer landscaping along Highway 71 and Bee Cave Road.

QUESTIONS

You might be surprised to know that answers are sometimes very difficult to get from the management. Perhaps if I begin to post them here, others might wish to add their voices to the questions and maybe then we can access a timely answer.

I have been asking about the Propane Issue for months now. Info had been promised repeatedly. Still, no news.

But here's another: prompted by the almost-hurricane Eduardo headed this way, and living right beside and in front of two homes under construction, I wonder what, if any, regulations are in place for builders in the event of a hurricane? The Spanish tiles stacked on the roof next door would seem to be ideal heavy "kites" under enough wind. The same with any plywood panels unattached. And debris not in the dumpster. Just look at any construction site and ask yourself what could blow into YOUR house under enough wind pressure? Obviously, the builder has $$$ incentive to make sure all is buttoned down, but I wonder who decides what and when? Example: moving all those tiles onto the roof is no easy job. Moving them OFF would be just as time and labor intensive.

71 UPDATE

This from rep. Valinda Bolton:

Hwy 71 from Uplands Ridge to Arroyo Canyon Drive

· Reconstruction of the Barton Creek Bridge with reduced speed limits in construction zones.

· Reconstruction of this segment into a 5-lane Highway with 8-foot shoulders.

· Project will be bid on in Summer 2009.

We were once told this process could take up to 7 years due to the various processes involved. Either that info was wrong, or some thing's changed! Specifically, we were told the environmental concerns of widening that bridge would take years to address. This will be interesting to follow. We wish the salamanders well, but our east entrance/exit needs that turn lane, if not a traffic light.

SKUNKADILLOCOON?

Something has been visiting our landscaping and digging it up at night. Whatever it is, it doesn't follow the rules for when workers are to be on site.

It wouldn't matter so much but this being the year of the Green, we put a layer of newspaper under the mulch to prevent weeds. Now we have mulch'n'paper strips instead.

I spoke to a wise neighbor. He says if you get rid of them they'll just come back. What? For the comic section?

Seriously, maybe I should borrow his infrared camera to see just what it is out there? THEN what, I don't know. If they'll come back, what's the use?

On the garden GREEN front I bought a concentrate (expensive, actually) which is supposed to contain a bacterium which infests caterpillars and kills them from the inside. I've sprayed now FOUR times and they still lounge about on the leaves like divorced women poolside in South Beach. Green is a nice idea I subscribe to, but it has to work. Today I doubled down the dose. I expect the shrubs to be dead in the mulch'n'newspaper garden by morning.

SOMETHING IS READING OUR LANDSCAPING

Since going green is all the rage, this year, prior to mulching, we took an article out of the paper to heart, in which they described putting sheets of newspaper under the mulch to act as a weed barrier.

What the article didn't mention was the possibility that a skunk, raccoon, or armadillo would find our mulch-with-buried-newspaper intriguing, as it is now digging it all up, presumably to read the text.

THE 4TH OF JULY POOL AND LODGE OPENING

"OH MAN, THAT FEELS SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!"


"WATERMELLON EATING RULES!!!"


"I GOT IT I GOT IT I GOT IT"


"MY HUSBAND IS WATCHING OUR LITTLE GIRL - NOW IT'S MY TURN TO RELAX"


"DADDY ON A DAY THAT COULDN'T BE BETTER!"


"TWINS!"


"JUST LIKE ST. TROPEZ. CANNES? LA JOLLA? BETTER!"



"Wow, where'd all those people come from!?" was a repeated phrase as quite the turnout on a beautiful puffy cloud day brought together families, friends, neighbors, new neighbors, potential neighbors, developers, builders, and more.

Beautiful people and sunny mop-tops were sighted everywhere. The food was great and the water inviting.

HERE KITTY KITTY - FOUND CAT

A beautiful little (very hungry) cat found its way to us today and I’m desperately trying to find his owner. Would you mind posting his picture on the website? I’m assuming he belongs to someone in Spanish Oaks.



Thank you so much,

Joni Benson in Barton Creek Preserve

402-1282

jonibenson@austin.rr.com

POOL WOWSER

We stopped by for a quick looksee and WOW this is turning out much, much nicer than we expected.

Pam Chandler sent out the following, so here is is for your future convenience:

Dear Spanish Oaks Homeowner:

As you are already aware, our new Lodge and Community Pool will officially open on Friday, July 4th, with an afternoon of fun, food, and beverages! We hope to see you all there. I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you information about the pool hours of operation, food service, and pool rules.

The pool will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays NOON to 9 PM. On Mondays, the pool will be closed for cleaning and maintenance. Pool season will normally be from Memorial Day through Labor Day; however we will be flexible according to the weather in spring and fall.

Spanish Oaks Golf Club will be managing the pool and grill for the Association. They will provide the pool attendants (No Lifeguards Will Be On Duty), and staff the grill for your light dining pleasure. Grill hours will be 11 AM to 7 PM, Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 7 PM on Sundays. The Grill will be closed on Mondays along with the pool. Please note that both the pool and Grill hours will be subject to change periodically at the discretion of the Homeowners Association.

All property owners will be able to charge food and beverages at the Grill, and the HOA will invoice you at the end of each month for all of your charges. It will not be necessary to bring a credit card to the pool, and the Grill will not accept cash. Your Lodge bill will be separate from your HOA and/or Club statement, and will be due and payable within 15 days after receipt. At some point in the future, we will be able to accept credit cards at point of sale, or with a pre-authorization that will be kept on file.

The Pool Rules will be posted at the Lodge, and are listed below:

· Use pool at your own risk. No lifeguard on duty. The HOA and its affiliates are not responsible for accidents or injuries.

· Adult Supervision required for all children under age 14. Children not potty-trained must wear swim diapers while in the pool.

· No diving allowed.

· No tobacco products allowed in pool area.

· No running, pushing or other dangerous horseplay.

· No climbing on the rocks.

· No glass in pool area.

· No pets allowed in pool area.

· Swimsuits only, no cutoffs or shorts.

· Management is not responsible for articles lost, damaged or stolen.

· Discard trash and food in the receptacles provided.

· Please no skates, bicycles, skateboards, etc. in Lodge area.

· Management reserves the right to deny use of pool to anyone at any time.


As of the 4th, the HOA office will be at the Lodge, just on your left as you walk up the stairs. Please stop by for a cup of coffee and visit – I’ll be there Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 5 PM. My phone number will remain the same: 533-2365, and e-mail is pchandler@spanishoaks.com.

GENERAL DO-DAH

We took a ride yesterday through the back area of Spanish Oaks and found new roads we have never explored... not that there's anything there except maybe a view, but it is obvious that growth is upon us. I wonder what it'll be like when we are in the later stages of development? I expect there will be a lot more traffic and some super homes (I think we were the 14th residents in early 2005 so we have a little historical perspective anyway.)

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The other evening I took another ride through the back country and was surprised by the assortment of wildlife - at dusk it'd be cool to take your tykes for a look-see if not past their bedtime. Bunches of what appeared to be either baby or midget deer, a fox, a skunk waddling down the road (thankfully, odor free.)

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I can't get any info on the Propane issue. Somebody on vacation? Detail blackout?
Some sort of new deal pending? The meeting was supposed to have taken place several weeks back.

CONVEYENCE

This issue is this: from time to time, Discovery 'conveys' common property to the HOA. The question which then arises is, what is the process by which that property is ACCEPTED and deemed in appropriate condition. (I.E.: will we have repair issues ahead?)

I could not get an answer from our HOA REP after weeks and weeks. Thus, this reply from Pam Chandler, for which I thank her:

Bob - Please forgive the delay in responding to this question. Most of the streets, and all of the park areas have not yet been conveyed. There are a few, and they were already in the name of the association when DLC took over. They are:

Malaquita Branch (Section 1)
Musket Rim (in sections II and IIB)
Spanish Oaks Club Blvd. in Section III (between Hacienda Ridge & Little Barton Lane)
Little Barton Lane (Section A)
Hacienda Ridge in Section III
Spanish Oaks Club Blvd. in Section V (between Little Barton Lane Hwy. 71)

Our process is:
1) the road contractor posts a performance bond
2) the work is completed, with periodic inspections and testing of the integrity of the road work
3) independent engineers re-test and visually inspect for failures
4) any failures are documented for repair by the contractor
5) once all repairs are made to the satisfaction of the developer and the HOA, attested to by the engineers, the streets are conveyed.

Paraiso Parkway, most of Musket Rim, most of Spanish Oaks Club Blvd., and none of the side streets in the earlier phases have been conveyed. Nor have any of the new section roadways (sections 7, 9 and 9) been conveyed.

MORE DETAIL ON PROPANE QUESTION

This is a follow up to the yet unanswered questions in a post below, and may or may not apply, but IS food for thought:

These declarants are setting up the subdivisions so that you are forced to purchase from vendors that they have financial arrangements with forever.

Look at the CCRs for Howard Ranch. Note any provisions obligating you to 1) install propane appliances, 2) purchase all of your propane forever from the specified propane vendor. Note that there is no obligation on the vendor to even be around tomorrow. However, the biggest concern is that propane is economically unregulated which means that they can charge you whatever they want to for propane and you have absolutely no choice but to grin and bear it.

(edit) This propane scam is occurring in subdivision after subdivision throughout central Texas. Natural gas is economically regulated - propane is not. You will have no choice as to vendor, quality, or price. If you attempt to utilize a different vendor, you can rest assured that you will be threatened with fines and foreclosure on your home by an action to enforce deed restrictions.

The HOA is the declarant's enforcement mechanism to force you to support the declarant's designated vendor. The declarant will likely control the HOA for quite some time. One might suspect that the propane vendor and declarant have a side deal that is not being disclosed to purchasers.

Although some industry-folks claim that deed restrictions preserve value, I guess you have to ask "for who?" This restriction has nothing to do with aesthetics, but rather is set up to trap residents into a particular vendor - forever. Aside from the possibility of being bilked while you are there, the habitability of your home will be tied to the welfare of the propane and water vendors. The marketability of your home will suffer if either vendor has a bad reputation, however, the converse is not true.

There are a number of companies going into the "business" of central propane systems because its extremely lucrative. The vendor has an absolute monopoly on an economically deregulated resource - propane. You won't realize you've been had until long after you move in.

Be very wary of those central propane systems. The argument is that they are "economic and efficient" or that they "benefit the community". However, they primarily benefit the declarant and vendors setting them up. Unless you have alternatives, they have zero incentive to please the customer on price, quantity, or quality.

In addition to the price per gallon for consumption, many of these vendors also require a monthly account fee for the privilege of maintaining your customer account. Most consumers are not able to tell whether they are being had because the monthly bill illustrates consumption as gaseous cubic feet (like natural gas), but propane is priced on a per liquid gallon basis.

Think about it and why the system was set up.

PROPANE PRICE

At a recent neighborhood get-together, an owner took me aside to explain how, upset by what he considered to be the price of propane, he had done some investigation. Sharp Energy told him that there was an add-on to our price by the owner of the pipeline which supplies us. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for Spanish Oaks: "Ray Welsh owns Hill Country Gas, LP (the entity that owns the gas lines in the neighborhood). Hill Country contracts with Sharp to deliver propane and maintain the system. I've been meeting with Mr. Welsh and am meeting with Sharp this week to get this all sorted out - some things may be rumor and others fact. When I have all the answers, I will send the info out to all the property owners."

STORMS!

A chain of thunderstorms with large hail and radar-indicated funnel clouds leading to possible tornadoes swept the Austin metro last night. It seems we were pretty lucky as most of the damaging potential was just north of the city.

However, the pictures above show S.O. East entrance wasn't fully spared. Pictures by Shae Riley, taken very early this morning.

WELCOME TO SPANISH OAKS

Another in a continuing series of welcomes to Spanish Oaks by the HOA was held yesterday eve at the beautiful home of Trish and Bruce Hamilton.

Although I met the new neighbors I have an amazing inability to remember full names, especially when given in a loud atmosphere. Forgive me for not labeling them. Pam Chandler told us that there were several families on the cusp of moving in, so our community is surely growing.

Several of us began a campaign for a pistol range. If you shoot, and have been to Carter Country in Houston, you know how it can be done. Basically you need a good backdrop of dirt to stop the bullets and a horseshoe of dirt to defect any noise from reaching the surroundings.