IT CAME CRAWLING THROUGH OUR HOUSE...

..screamed our neighbor!

Don't know what It is but surely must be female because of all the needs for shoes. OK, cheap shot.

This bug - you can't tell in the picture - is 8 inches long.

I believe it's a CENTIpede. Amazing what's out there, isn't it? We should have a prize for the oddest. Someone saw a porcupine the other day. I smelled skunk the other evening. Scorpions are starting to appear. One was parked in our garage this morning.

Tim Sabo, who enjoys creepy things tap dancing across his kitchen floor, asks: Does anyone have a contact for the bug entomologist who was in attendance at the FISH CAMP get-together?

Or the person who hires such people for the S.O. events?

WATCH THOSE PLANTS!

This reads like an urban legend... if it weren't for the pictures. It comes from one of our homeowners, though I believe it happened to one of her acquaintances.

I almost had a heart attack this week. My son got me a potted plant for my birthday. I kept it on my kitchen counter the whole time. This week it was warm enough to plant outside. It was in a plastic pot wedged into a decorative outer container. After planting the flower, I got a knife to get the plastic pot out of the glass one. When I wedged the knife around the sides, something moved. I told my son it looked like a snake, so he took the liner out. To our surprise, there was not one snake, but two baby copperheads. I almost died! When we took the plastic pot out, there was a piece of cardboard up the side. There must have been eggs in the holes of the cardboard that hatched out when it got hot. I am sending you pictures.

Take my advice and don't bring nursery plants inside. This could have been really, really bad. The plant was bought at a grocery store; I won't give the name because I don't want to ruin their business, plus I'm pretty sure it was the grower & not the store who was responsible. Growers should take more care when potting plants.

I just want to warn you guys not to bring plants inside; who knows what could be lurking way down under those roots. I am only thankful it was not intended as a house plant!<





Wasn't it last year a woman was bitten by a snake in a pot at one of the "big box" retailer-garden centers?

IT DOESN'T WORK!!!

We all thought the back road would be THE ANSWER to our east entrance trouble. Buuuuuut Nooooooooooooo! In the morning the backup to the turn from 71 to 620 is so long you can't get into it AND can't get across to go the other way either (say, to Marble Falls) because the turn backup blocks you.

Nice.

What we seriously need is a re-programmed turn signal at 71 and 620!

Or maybe a light at our West entrance?

Will the cut behind the new mall make a difference to this situation? NO. Because you have to turn onto 620 from eastbound on 71 to use it.

A NEW HOME DESIGN

They are just starting to put up the concrete retaining boards.

This from Paul Streeter:

Robert,

Just broken ground on a new home on Paraiso Parkway which has been designed by renowned contemporary architect "Dick Clark" and may break the mold a little bit of what is being built in here. I have attached a drawing and thought it may be of interest to other residents. I think half will love it and the other will hate it.

Best

Paul

TRAPPED AT THE AUDI DEALER

This is the second attempt at this post. I hit the wrong button and blew out 20 minutes of writing. I'll try again, but my enthusiasm is waning. I'm on the computer at the car shop while they uncover more $400 things to fix on my car. I hope to return home today. (The best car on the showroom is sold, and at $101,000, I'm happy for the new owner. It's not even the top of the line - only a V10. The guy just wimped out when it came to the V12!) If you care, the redesigned TT is awesome. The old TT looks like a VW in comparison.

The back road IS open. The Road Closed signs exist to remind you that workers are in the area. And today - my first try to avoid the Hill Creep up 71 to 620 - by taking the back road, I noted perhaps 2 dozen workers installing irrigation, jogging paths, landscaping, whatever.

Surprisingly (though better than the Westbound hill creep) traffic from 71 to 620 was deeper than the turn lane, and the signal at 620 seems to only allow 5 or 6 cars through at a time. So it took maybe 5 or 6 cycles. This was at about 9:15AM. Probably worse earlier. That light needs to be retimed.

I want to invite anyone who knows their stuff to come up to The Wood Compound. Please let me show you two mystery weeds, armies of which have invaded our property again. Despite my best holistic and chemical efforts, they thrive. After spraying, stomping, pulling, cutting, I am ready to try a propane torch or exorcism. "KILLS 200 WEEDS" didn't work. ROUNDUP wiped out circles beyond the dribble I aimed at each darn weed. Hello, orange patch. Maybe if I know what they are I can use a more targeted approach.

The best advice I've heard is to make the grass grow more vigorously and that will crowd out the weeds. So after days of spreading steaming compost, I have healthier weeds.

We prefer the natural look, but NOT natural enough to include these intrusive visitors from plant hell. HEY, science, grab some of this tenacious DNA and splice it into Buffalograss, will ya?

WHAM! BANG! BOOM!

Last night hit like the script of an old Batman comic book. We counted 160 exclamation marks! If you slept through that, then consider buying yourself a plot and marble slab with your name on it.

Two of the lightning hits (at least) we so close there was no gap between flash and bang. I think one hit the old water tower on the east ridge beyond the Preserve.

Our dog, Jessie, normally disallowed in the bedroom, was granted special permission as she really gets worked up in thunder storms. All of a sudden she was on the bed, trying to be inconspicuous. It didn't work.

Some of that lightning was so intense...

... our lawnmower started by itself.
... David Letterman lost a letter.
... the garbage disposal shot chicken bones through the ceiling.

your liners are welcome.

We may have lost a shrub.

BAMBI

My son, Hondo, and I were trying to catch our wayward cat, Max, who had snuck outside and was hiding in the bushes. As we were chasing Max, we came upon a fawn snuggled in the bushes right up next to our home. It hasn’t moved all day. We’re hoping momma deer comes back to get her tonight.


Michael Reilly

DEADLY ACCIDENT

(CBS 42) AUSTIN Two people are dead after a collision on Highway 71.

Department of Public Safety troopers are investigating the crash that shut down Highway 71 from Old Bee Caves Road to Southwest Parkway Friday night.

The multiple car crash happened in the 10,000 block of Highway 71 near Southwest Parkway.
................................................................................

A driver of a Volvo, believed to be speeding, crossed over the center line and hit 4 other cars. The driver of the Volvo was killed.

THE WATER BILL BOOGIE WOOGIE

This from a neighbor... and a great idea!

Yesterday I had an LCRA audit. It is a free service, well I am sure I paid for it 1,000 times last year in my water bill, but they come out for 5-6 hours to test and evaluate your sprinkler system and reset it for more efficiency. For new neighbors, this may be something they are not aware is available. LCRA provides a detailed report on any repairs, adjustment, etc. as well as a recommended run schedule by station. As landscaping matures, this service is invaluable because growing plants can block water flow, new shade can change watering needs, and wear and tear can create clogs or bent heads. The guy I had was a Master Gardener so he knew the watering needs of my various plants as well. I would highly recommend this every year! Just a phone call away...

LOST DOG ... FOUND

Just wanted to let you know that Minnie came home today after being lost since Tuesday. There wasn’t a scratch on her. It’s such a miracle!!!



Hi,

Your Spanish Oaks Blog has become quite famous, and when I sent out an email to my neighbors (in Barton Creek Preserve…right behind Spanish Oaks) about my missing dog, the only response I got was to try and post this in your blog!

Our dog disappeared on Tuesday and I’m simply frantic. I contacted the Spanish Oaks Guard House and left a picture of her. She had a collar and tags (which I guess could have come off), and I’m certain no one would want to steal her. She’s a 50-lb female brindled “mutt” who resembles a dingo. Is there any chance that you could post something about her in your blog, in case someone in Spanish Oaks has seen her?

Thank you so much,

Joni Benson

11949 Overlook Pass
402-1282
423-4696 Cell

Our house is right at the gate to the Preserve, but it seems that few Spanish Oakers (Oakians?) have reason to travel down Overlook Pass, so may not even be aware of the Preserve, which was 'land locked' by Spanish Oaks, and is its own gated community of properties of about 15 acres each. As such, the population density is pretty low and there aren't many residents... but they are neighbors, so, this post deserves to be included as many of us are dog people and here's a neighbor in need.

SOMETHING FISHY

The gala formal opening of the Fish Camp and Road to the west took place this past Sunday with many enjoying the music, chow, fishing, and the company of neighbors.

I have a nice batch of pictures but will post them on our website. The site is password protected and soon will include the residents' list and also the NEWLY REVISED guidelines for homes. (Password appears in the weekly HOA emails - be sure you've opted in!)


That tank of crawfish bait caught children and adults. Not sure about fish.

The pictures will appear within a few days. I have a great shot of one of the neighbor little girls catching a 13 inch bass (I think.)

A cute scene: a little boy - tiny tyke - was sitting at water edge with his line in the water, but he was crying. I asked him what was wrong - "Why are you crying?" He said, "I don't know..."between sobs. I told him I know the feeling all too well.

THE ROAD is open. Let their be great rejoicing! You'll still see crews landscaping (hey guys, need some weeds?) but the passage is clear. Get the old buckboard hitched and head west with the settlers.

ROAD OPENS, IT'S ALL OFFICIAL, OOPS

Forecasters call for a cloudy but not foggy or rainy afternoon, which might turn out to be pleasant for the official opening of the back road and fish camp.

While on the subject of the road, here's a photo from Friday sent in by roving correspondent/artist/advertising exec/homeowner Tim Sabo:



According to the Guiness Book Of Records people, this doesn't count as the first accident since the road wasn't officially open. Apparently the driver wasn't hurt, and neither toxic nor environmental nasties were let loose. Embarrassment, however, was awarded by crews on the scene.

SO ARTIST ON DISPLAY AT FESTIVAL

Our own Spanish Oaks resident, Tim Sabo, will be showcasing his work at the Austin art festival this weekend.

The subject matter of his paintings are margaritas. Yes, margaritas. Much study is presumed!

See his website at HERE or say hi at the festival.

The event is downtown at the intersection of 5th and Guadalupe.
http://www.austinfineartsfestival.org/index.html

A SPECIAL LINK FOR FISH CAMP PEOPLE

Just don't be drinking coffee while you click this!

ICE SKATING CANCELLED

The ice skating planned for Easter on the fish camp lake has been cancelled due to ice which is too thin.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT on 71 AT EAST ENTRANCE (ALMOST)

...report of a truck over the bridge almost at our east entrance on 71. To be more precise, it appears from the pictures provided by a neighbor, that the truck went BEHIND the guardrail. Traffic stopped, hazardous waste cleanup underway. (Diesel and oil, I presume, since the truck appears to be carrying mulch or dirt.) This was reported at about noon. All traffic was stopped - a large crane was brought in to remove the truck. It sure has the look of a brake failure. If that's the case, the driver probably did an heroic thing to avoid hitting someone.

It was later reported that the driver was unhurt and the truck came to a stop before entering the creek. No other vehicles were involved.

FISH CAMP DETAILS

Fish Camp Hours:

Fisherpersons are welcome at the Fish Camp with your own bait/tackle at any time.
The Fish Camp will be staffed during the following hours, for those who would like assistance or guidance:

Wed - Fri Noon to 6 PM
Sat - Sun 9 AM to 6 PM

No staff will be on duty Mondays & Tuesdays, but please feel free to bring your own equipment and fish from the bank.

Road Update:

Almost done!

First coat of road base is down, and curbs are being poured at this very moment on the last section to be paved.

Remember, we'll have our "Grand Opening" Celebration Sunday, April 22nd, 3 - 6 PM
Invitations are going out this week.

And in case you might want a new ride, here's your simple basic 235mph Bugatti in action.

GREEN !!!

Wow - it all greened up almost overnight! The spring beauty is a-happening! We've got Bluebonnets where we never even planted them.

I guess now you know if you have an erosion problem!

****

From last night's Bee Cave Council meeting, it seems that Bee Cave Parkway will be completed mid June and 71 by the new mall by mid September.

****

From Pam Chandler in response to an owner about the possibility of drilling our own water well:

I have done lots of research on the feasibility of drilling a water well for either irrigation or potable water. Apparently, in this area, they are firstly not reliable enough to serve our needs on a long-term and steady basis. In addition, when you consider the costs of drilling a well and the long-term maintenance costs, it isn't feasible from a cost standpoint. Our water budget is based on last year's expenditures with some adjustment. We anticipate that we will spend less on water than budgeted due to the landscape improvements already made, and those to be completed later in the year. The developer has installed alot of drought tolerant plants, and the buffalo grass is vastly improved with the care that it has received over the last year and a half. We did expend more water than normal last year, as we established the new plantings. The developer is continuing on a path to water conservation, so we should be able to realize some savings on a continuing basis.

Thanks for the article on solar - I've passed on to the "powers that be". Mr. Shrewsbury is a pretty savvy guy and I welcome his input!

AERIAL SHOTS

These are as close as I can get... pretty neat!
Pictures were taken about a year ago.

FISH CAMP SOFT OPENING

HONK!

HOW DO THEY FILL THE LAKE?

THE FISH CAMP PIER

INSIDE THE SHACK

PATIENCE!

GENERATIONS OF FISHERS

THESE WILL BE THE GOOD OLD DAYS

LOOKIT DAD!!!! I GOT ONE!

CATFISH CAUGHTFISH

RELAXIN' ON THE DECK

PICNIC STYLE VITTLES


A wowser. Many fish caught. Nice food. Good neighbors. Lots of cute kids trying for the big one (watch out for the casting!)

TRAFFIC WARNING

As I write this, there were just 15 minutes or so of sirens... hopefully not another wreck at our east entrance!

This is a followup to a post a few back as I don't think what I wrote would be clear to all. So I've tried to get some pictures for you.

The situation is that you want to turn out the east entrance toward HEB; i.e. up the hill.



You patiently wait for traffic to clear in both directions.

Finally it appears clear to the right and to the left, there's only a car turning into Spanish Oaks, slowing in the turn lane. It seems that it's a perfect time to pull out. This, below, is what you see.



WHAT YOU DON'T SEE is the car hidden behind and to the outside of the car you see in the turn-in lane. This is even worse if that's a truck turning in. If you boot it, you will surely be t-boned at 60 - 65 MPH.

I have seen instances where the view of the 'phantom' car is quite obscured for a long while. Please show this to anyone in your family who is impatient.



There's a speeding car hidden where arrow shows...worse with trucks and slower moving turn-ins as your vision of the lane next to them has a blind spot which grows larger as they approach!

A CAUSE FOR ALARM

Did you know an ordinance was passed last year requiring all alarm systems installed within the City of Bee Cave to be registered with the Bee Cave Police Department? You may register in person or on-line. There is no fee to register your alarm system.

Also:

CITY OF BEE CAVE
GENERAL ELECTION
MAY 12, 2007

A general election will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007 to elect three (3) aldermen for two (2) year terms. The three incumbents are Zelda Auslander, Jonathan Coker, and Bill Goodwin.

Candidates may file for a place on the ballot from February 10 to March 12, 2007. Candidate Packets may be picked up in the City Secretary's office during regular office hours. Additional election information is available by calling City Secretary Sherry Mashburn at 512-767-6641.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT AT EAST ENTRANCE?

No details yet... except cryptic text message this morning. Sirens were heard.

One thing I've noticed: you plan to turn left uphill( west) at the east exit of S.O. Traffic to your right is clear. There's a truck in the turn-in lane to Spanish Oaks, coming down the hill. It appears traffic is clear behind it.

But wait! There's a temporary blind spot, obscured by the truck. There's a car not far from the exit, hidden from view behind the truck, coming downhill at 65MPH and you are about to pull right in front of it.

The "blindness" lasts for a few seconds, depending on how large and slow the vehicle turning into S.O. is... I almost went for it. Be sure to point it out to your impatient teenager! You'd be hit almost immediately.

The lower you sit in your car or truck, the longer the blind spot in these circumstances.

NO POWER

Power was out today (Wednesday) from 3:48 to 4:40. In case you were away and wonder why some things are electronically upset... now you know!

PLAYTIME !

Spanish Oaks Playgroup – Thursdays, 4:30pm-5:30pm

We know there are lots of wee ones in Spanish Oaks, but we don’t know everyone personally, so Christy Sabo and I thought we should change that! Please join us this Thursday, March 8th, for a play date at Los Ninos Park (Celanova Court). We hope to make this a weekly event, so if you want to participate, please call Shae at 294.2111 and I will be sure to keep you informed of where we are meeting each week. Christy and I are providing snacks this week. Hope to see you there!

Shae Reilly

--- The report ---




Our play date was a hit! We had six families attend - pretty good for such short notice for our first meeting! Here are a couple of photos - notice the second one shows the playscape that's under construction - the kids already love it! You might post on the blog that I talked to Pam and word is theplayscape will be done next week. It's currently on the manicured area but will be moved to the other side of the sidewalk once some irrigation is moved. Great news for families with kiddos in Spanish Oaks!

Shae

OAK WILT

Apparently can be spread by landscapers who encounter it with their saws, etc., then use them without decontamination on YOUR oaks. Don't know how you can prove they've cleaned them (I'm told - with bleach!) but consider this before you hire!

DOOR TO DOOR SCAM

Last Tuesday, a resident was approached at her door by a young man with skateboard who was 'selling' subscriptions to magazines to be used at women's shelters, etc., for $55 apiece. He claimed to the the son of a resident and dropped some names. Upon investigation, it turned out he wasn't who he claimed, was not the son of a resident, and we must assume he was scamming anyone who'd fall for his spiel.

Apparently he hiked into S.O. somehow. So we are not quite as secure as we might think.

If you are approached at the door - call the guard shack and they'll let you know if THEY know and if they don't, will send security.

PAUL STREETER WEIGHS IN

(Prompted by today's weekly E mail to owners)

Speaking as a builder and not as a resident in Spanish Oaks I think there may be some over reaction. Generally the builders have a good relationship with the DRC and do not violate the rules. I know from my own experience that I have had 2 violations during all the construction I have done here and those were for particular reasons which were beyond my control. There are also situations where early or late access is needed such as gunite a pool or pouring a slab. Also do not forget that there are emergencies that require workers to have access into the property on a Sunday or late at night and we have homes that are not part of the Spanish Oaks guidelines but have access through our subdivision ( such as the Preserve). My general opinion about the gate and the DRC is that it works well, and as with many organizations has some problems but they are addressed in a timely manner and with fairness.The guards are extremely good at chasing out the workers at 6pm and not letting them in until around 7am, just go to the gate at 6-45am and you will see the line of trucks outside.

TRELLIS

Teresa Duncan asks we post this:

Hi,

I am looking for cedar limbs/branches to make some "Bentwood" trellises and an arbor. Mostly, 1 inch in diameter and smaller, with a few larger pieces. The book I have recommends green wood but dry is better then nothing. I can offer a few bucks or trade some work (how about a trellis?) and I won't leave a mess. Maybe you need some lower limbs trimmed off?

Thank you!
Bart
Parent of 6th grader Autumn
636-9590

CONTROLLED BURN

We used to cry "FAKE OUT!" in school. At this minute I can see 3 controlled burns from the top of Mucket Rim. The closest, pictured here, looked like it was threatening homes, but Paul Streeter told me that there are those signs all up and down Bee Caves Road saying it's Prescribed.

I am very happy to report we are not burning.

FIRE

It was a pretty windy day today. Hard to believe anyone would choose today for a controlled/prescribed burn. When I spotted smoke on the horizon I thought it was on S.O. property but a quick drive proved that wrong - it was behind and to the west of the development. I believe it was a 100 acre fire on a ranch. Certainly was a bad day for fire!

ANOTHER EAST ENTRANCE WRECK

10:30AM, Feb.19, 2007
Final tow of what appeared to be at least a three car accident. Late
model Tarus being towed from the scene with major front end damage.

Driver of this vehicle not injured.

Two sets of skid marks in westbound lane indicates some unknowing
soul(s) was unaware of impending danger approaching from the rear.

It has been suggested there was a crate or box in the roadway which was a contributing factor.

LEARNING TO FLY

I need a thumbtack. The nose of my Air Hog (real name) needs just a touch more weight to keep it from porpoising.

Today we had a pretty calm morning and so I took the advantage to learn the R/C controls as I could actually fly for minutes at a time before hitting a tree, or crashing.

Turning downwind, even with a whisper of a breeze, speeds the plane up dramatically, and it's not yet intuitive to me how to get out of a turn cleanly (or even which way the stick moves the plane, since the tiny motors don't have much power, and in any wind, the turn is relatively unresponsive!)

My last flight was exciting... at full throttle it climbed and climbed and climbed. I kept it in tight circles over my field on our property. Then the wind turned it and as I 'corrected' I found it had passed the boundary of my R/C control. Leaving our property, passing over the barbed-wire-encircled very private community behind us.

When last seen, it was maybe 100 feet or more up and going away,as they say, "thataway."

I walked the fenceline but couldn't see it over in what's called The Preserve.

But I know of a place where the barbed wire is just stretched enough that you can crawl between two strands of it to access the forbidden zone. You can't miss it, it's almost behind the sign that says residents only. Carefully, thinking tetanus thoughts, I snuck.

Busted! One of the residents waved me an "I see you and we'll fix that gap right away" friendly wave. I hoped he'd see my R/C antenna and realize what I was doing.

So I trespassed. Forgive me my trespasses. As we forgive those who.... well, you know how that works out. I roamed the neighbor's field and there was no sign of flying machine. I searched the ground, the trees, but nothing. Then I tried turning on the motors by R/C as maybe I could hear them and locate it. No luck. More no luck (I was like the "Can You Hear Me Now" guy on TV, except the answer was NO. But then I did finally faintly hear a whine off in the distance. Somewhere over THERE and UP.

Another tree magnet. Happily I could shake the branches enough to free the Air Hog and beat feet, retrace my steps, my fence squeeze, and declare the day's flying over.

I could grow up to own Jet Blue.

ADDENDUM:

I learned that some residents of the Preserve took my exclusivity joke at their expense to be, well, too expensive. Honestly, they all seem like nice people - I have met a few, and like them all, and apologize for any bad feelings I may have created.

THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT SPANISH OAKS

We meet at Bohl's Cabins

Naturalist and Historian Don Bosse addresses us.

Peewee Peers into History
...learned on today's nature walk...

The pasture to the right as you enter at the east entrance was once a rancher's landing strip for his Cessna.

When it rains and you see the sprinklers on, across from that pasture, it's on purpose with storm water, not LCRA water, and is part of a several stage carefully designed system.

The green balls of growth in various leafless trees are mistletoe.

There's a plan to eventually make the bridge at the east entrance into TWIN bridges, each one way. And there's a bat colony under the bridge (in Mexico today.)

And the surface of our bridge at its current level is... (ready?) FOUR FEET BELOW the 100 year flood level.

By the way - it was a great breakfast post-hike!

COMING TO THE NEW MALL

EIGHT THOUSAND - COUNT 'EM - SQUARE FEET OF VICTORIA'S SECRET. To see the full plans for the HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA, Click here

TRAFFIC MEETING

On behalf of your HOA, Steve Yetts (President), Donald Abrams (Homeowner rep), Mayor Murphy of the City of Bee Cave (and lot owner in Spanish Oaks) and Richard Finlayson of the Preserve HOA met with Sen. Kirk Watson and Rep. Valinda Bolton regarding traffic and safety issues along the highway 71 corridor and in particular the aged bridge over Little Barton Creek. Each are freshmen in the legislature, but Sen. Watson is the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee. Each was very attentive to our articulated issues and was particularly agreeable to bring our concerns to the appropriate parties. Sen. Watson agreed to construct the correspondence that Rep. Bolton will sign as well to advance our issues. When a copy is made available to me, distribution will follow.

I have no doubt that they will work to serve our interests so if you can please drop them an e-mail or a note and thank them for their concerns. Remember that the first rule of being a freshman legislator is to become a sophomore legislator. Having constituents sending mail, phone calls etc. make them respond. As a HOA we can become a force with our voices and our votes. Remember to vote every chance you get and let them know that we are watching.

Donald A. Abrams
Homeowner Rep
SOHOA

click.....

Email to Valinda Bolton

Email to Kirk Watson

HOSSES FOR HAPPY TRAILS

This is from Teresa Duncan

My friend has a 9 yr old Arabian gelding 15 1/4 hands for sale.

The horse is:
a.. "sweet, gentle, communicative, fun"
b.. TTeam trained (visit TTeam.com and TTouch.com
c.. sound, easy keeper, great hooves
d.. $2200 to the right owner (he's worth more)
Also available: "Cayenne" 25 yr old "Cassole" Arabian

Email peachpatch@earthlink.net She will email or call according to your preference.

QUESTIONS FOR THE BOARD?

If you have any, e mail them to me and I'll get answers and then put them into the weekly E mails. Thanks. rwood24@Austin.rr.com

FISH CAMP

What we saw and you can't in the picture: Two dogs playing in the water. A boy fishing. A fish near the surface (maybe 4-5 inches - a bluegill?)

Word reaches us that Discovery doesn't want people to use the fish camp till after March 17th - they just aren't ready. Read the right Stephen King novel and you won't go anywhere near that water anyway!

THE END OF THE ROAD

Here it is - the last little bit... you can almost pick out the part that's done at the top right. This picture is taken from the other completed part, so you can see they are close to finishing the back road (scheduled to open March 17th).

GAS ISSUES (THAT BEANO WON'T HELP!)

Hey Bob,

I live in Spanish Oaks and my most recent gas bill from Sharp Community Energy was a whopping $496.80. We’ve lived in Austin for over 10 years and I’ve never seen a gas bill over $150 in any home I’ve ever lived. I called Sharp and inquired about the high bill. Donna, who was very nice, gave the following reasons:

1. Spanish Oaks is on Propane and Propane is much more expensive than natural gas.

2. Due to the ice storm and Sharp office closure, there was an extended billing period for 37 days vs. the normal 30 days.

3. Of course, the colder weather caused everyone to run their heat more than normal.

When we bought in Spanish Oaks, we were told that the community would switch from Propane to Natural gas at some point. Is this still the plan? Do anyone know if this switch to natural gas would save us money on our gas bills?

Michael Reilly

ANOTHER ACCIDENT?

I can't find anything yet on the KXAN website but Tim Sabo, ace correspondent, sent this screen capture.

INTERESTING WORK

This is from a home under construction on lower Musket Rim - love how they covered a naked cut, if that's the term. It's nice to see a different approach. Most of these slopes to the road are bare or covered with plants. I note they left some holes, presumably for plants.