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.