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!

THOMAS MERCADO

My name is Thomas James Mercado. I have lived in the central Texas area all my life.

I was born on July 3, 1975.

I enjoy reading self improvement, history (prefably ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, so on), and some Sci Fi (Star Wars) books. I like watching the History, Sci Fi, National Geographic, and Discovery channels, as well as PBS and some of the regular channels. I have been doing security work for about 2 years. I worked at Spanish Oaks as a security guard with Allied Barton then was hired with IZON in December.

TWO FIRES

In the past few weeks there were two fires here on the east side of Spanish Oaks. One appaently from kids playing with fireworks (and the fire truck couldn't find the right place on Musket Rim (which goes up and down and around); another in a home's outdoor kitchen. No one was hurt.

This brings up the need for members on a safety committee. So we can assure good response times and educate those who serve us with the neighborhood. Talk to HOA owner rep Donald Abrams if interested.

ANOTHER POWER OUTAGE

From about 4:20 to 5:09 today. A transformer caught fire on old Bee Caves road. We assume the events were related as they happened at about the same time.

Don't know about you - but I had about 12 things open on my computer, most of which are gone now...

BACKUP. Boy it's a sick sound when the hard drive winds down and you got stung...

POWER FAILURES

Here on Overlook Pass I counted 6 of them today. Just so you know your clocks or whatever are not broken if wrong. I don't think it was heat related as most of them were in the evening.

MASSAGE ANYONE?

Happy summer neighbors. Dick and I have a fantastic Massage Therapist that comes to our house once per month. I wanted to let all of you know in case you wanted to have this joy in your life as well! Teresa Duncan

Brandi Clark
Massage Therapy
512-477-3311 office
512-736-8567 cell

brandi@aya.yale.edu

COPTER?

I was right - nobody cares or has any desire for input into what pictures would capture Spanish Oaks. I got only one suggestion. Read below if that makes no sense... the post about a web site. Always open for any ideas, though.

Hey - does anyone have access to a helicopter? I'd love to get soem angles you can't get from the land.

And we'll all be impressed.



And... why is the grass on SO Boulevard orange in so many places? A tribute to the U or bad landscaping?

Cactii in Spanish Oaks

BIG QUESTION

Here's a good question for you - at this point it's only theoretical. We have discussed putting up a home owners website (HOA sponsored). Several of those on the opt-in list for the weekly E mails have responded with some great ideas on what should be included in the content.

I know from more than 30 years in radio and marketing that most folks don't answer the call for creativity. But I'd like to at least try to poll you.

Assume for a moment that the website would have a beautiful picture of Spanish Oaks across the top (usually called a header.) The question is...

What should it show? Put another way - what do you think would be a single view which shows the essence of Spanish Oaks? Or: What's the prettiest picture we could come up with?

I assume you wouldn't want to see a site under construction. Or traffic backed up on 71. Sorry. Mister Sarcasm was loose.

It's a fascinating question to me - would it be ONE home? Which one? The Verde Trails fountain (on the SO official website)... The golf club?

Obviously perhaps, we could change it from time to time, and I think that'd be cool to show the progress and season change.

Personally, I find montage pictures at that size and resolution too blurry and small. So, my rules, my question. Humor me. What one picture would show it best? Drop me an E - address is on right side... rwood, etc.

Thanks!

GAS OUT.

The propane tank that feeds us all went dry today. The alarm failed. It's now refilled but you (or Sharp Energy) will have to relight your pilot for your hot water heater.

ALBERT A PADRON

In security for 6 years, I am also attending school for medical training. I am interested in learning foriegn languages. Am fluent in German and Spanish. Lived in Spain from age 3 to 7 then Germany to the edge of 16, when I moved back to where I was born: Austin. I love music. I went to school for music in San Marcos and am now in a band in which I play the guitar and am singer-songwriter. I have an orange belt in Kung Fu and plan to get my black belt this year.

I am father to a beautiful girl who is the love of my life - she is 5 now.

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!

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.

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.

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?

POWER FAILURE

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

(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."