THE OLD GOOD OLD DAYS?

We arrived by buckboard wagon all those years ago (January, 2005.) We were among the earliest settlers here in Spanish Oaks. I thought it might be interesting to list some of the early day memories for those who look back. While at it, let's give Daniel Porter thanks as we sit down to TurDuckEn, for his initial vision of what this special place could be.

You might remember:

Ray Ware - the salesman who enthused so believably (and who semi-promised a traffic light in a year.)

The East Entrance Sales Trailer - work-home of Ray; and his touted Tanya Streeter Autographed poster.

The Bohls cabins history outing. Back in the day there was no split between 'club' activities and Spanish Oaks activities.

The festivus/Christmas pole/tree on top of Musket Rim. (Until Valentine's Day?)

Naturalist tours.

The 'legend' of the loose monkey.

SO Blvd ending at the top of Musket Rim.

The sunken boat in the dry fishing camp lake.

Earth tones, discouragement of turf.

The Discovery Land Co. blowout party to announce their participation. (With Lance Armstrong, Darrell K. Royal, others... was that Sheryl Crow? Don't think so. UT cheerleaders greeted all at the valet parking dropoff.)

Maybe you have some you'd like to add? Email me and I will include.

GET TOGETHER

Last night at the Lodge, newbies mixed with old settlers as Spanish Oaks Fall Happy Hour brought a couple dozen residents together at the Lodge for several hours of meet'n'greets. In great contrast to the contentious 'annual' meeting, this low key affair really was a pleasant evening.

GETTING AGGRESSIVE?

Spanish Oaks, for years said to be somewhat 'reserved' in its approach to sales, has apparently turned up the heat.

First there was the LIVESTRONG two-home tour, bringing what looked to be thousands of viewers into the development.

Now there's an auction this weekend, open to the public 'worth the drive'. Not of a house, but of items brought in for the auction - it's not all that uncommon, but it might be a first here.

Also in the Sunday paper what appears to be a group-broker promotion - 5 homes linked in a "Progressive Open House Party."

Is Discovery turning the heat up?

WORK ON 71

Enjoy it now before they squeeze the lanes while widening the road to accommodate the turn lane (westbound). In the picture above, crews continue to reposition some utilities.

2009 SPANISH OAKS TOUR OF HOMES

Some snapshots of some beautiful builds:

JAUREGUI

Brick driveway

Two story Library

Great Room looking toward Kitchen

Sitting area

Bathroom

Outside

EMERALD CREST

Entrance

Just inside entrance

Great Room

Game Room

Office

Hallway

LOOK! UP IN THE SKY!!

PARAGLIDER
If you heard the noises but neglected to look UP this fantastic morning, you might have missed the twin paragliders scooping through the Spanish Oaks skies. Boy would I love to give one of these folks a camera to shoot away from up there.