BAYOU BASH

Courageous settlers pursuing the American dream rode westward in slow moving wagons.















Oh yeah, the good times were a-rollin' last night at the third attempt of the Bayou Bash. Owners, prospective owners, celebrities, and other guests were beguiled by a perfect evening, soft cooling breeze, a hill country sunset, Cajun music, great food and adult beverages.
And a gator. Or croc. I forget. All I know is I don't want to see the little tyke in my garage!

This was one of the future's 'good old days!'
It's amazing how many new faces there were!

Special mention to the berry cobbler. The best I have ever tasted. That was OUTSTANDING!

HOW'S BAYOU?

Looks like the weather will allow Bash de la Bayou to take place tomorrow evening. I will take pictures (in focus this time - what a concept!) Let the Good Times Roll!

See you there.

MISSING EMAIL?

Yesterday I sent out an important email with 2 attachments regarding Highway 71. My ISP bounced many attempts back because there were a few errors on the list I was given. It turns out that one error in a list would stop the whole list (which I find bizarre.) So several times I tried to delete the problems and resend. I fear some got the same message several times, while others not at all.

I sent these to the entire list of owners, not the weekly email opt-in list. If you are a Spanish Oaks owner, and have not received yesterday's email, please let me know at rwood24@Austin.rr.com and I will follow-up.

Sorry for all the confusion. Also, if you change email addresses, please be sure to let Pam Chandler know!

One more thing: you have to re register for this next attempt at Bayou Bash Friday, for yourself and also your kids... even if you registered for #1 or #2. Michelle is your contact in the office.

SEEKING SCORPIONS

I suggested a few posts back that you use a flashlight. Now neighbor Bruce Hamilton has a better way - wait till dark, but use a portable BLACKLIGHT instead. Bruce says the scorpions fluoresce under that light and are very easy to spot. They go from about $9.95 to $45.

GONNA BE A HOT ONE

SPANISH OAKS CONDOS... from $115,000!

Yes, you read right if you looked in the American Statesman today. Only thing is - it's another Spanish Oaks. 407 E. 45th Street. Do you wonder if Discovery will drop a cease and desist on them (or even if they can?)

Described as a newly remodeled conversion project in Hyde Park... with "THE WORKS."

Get ACQUAINTED

Here are some pictures from the Get Acquainted/new neighbor party. Although I took many more, these are the barely passable ones - the rest were blurry and with flash they shouldn't have been. All the pictures were somewhat blurred so something is wrong with me, the camera or more likely the settings I chose. One thing which IS clear: the camera is smarter than I am. I apologize and promise next time I'll have it figured out completely.

It was a fun evening and nice to meet new people who tend to get lost in the general meetings or social events when people who already know each other tend to hang with themselves. Thanks to Lynn Bickley for hostessing in her beautiful new home.

* I found out what was wrong with my photos... the auto-focus was turned off by Mister Finger who was paging through the menus too quickly. Mister Finger has been carefully instructed to never do that again.

SCORP-PATROL

I stumbled across a better way to find Scorpions in your house than walking around barefoot in the dark. Turn the lights off at night and shine a flashlight along the floors from a very low perspective. Any debris - including crawlies - will show immediately.

EAST VERSUS WEST

An informal survey on my drive through over the back road... I believe there is more new housing under construction on the west side than the east at this time. Workers are very busy along the 'boulevard' putting in landscape, digging irrigation trenches, stonework, etc.

There are several new cul-de-sacs in various stages of roadwork.

I write this one for the out-of-towners who can't be here now or yet.

Some churn on lower Musket Rim as I count 6 homes for sale... only 1 is a new build.

BTW: In the comment to this post is neighbor Jim Lay's new website. If you have a website and live in or own a chunk of Spanish Oaks, if you'll send the url to me I'll start a list.

SPANISH OAKS... SO EXCLUSIVE...

We have twin fireplugs - one for regular and one for sparkling water.

THE BUZZ ABOUT BEE CAVE

BEE CAVES, TEXAS. Bee Caves (Beecaves or Bee Cave) is at the intersection of State Highway 71 and Farm roads 620 and 2244, twelve miles west of Austin in west central Travis County. It was named by early settlers for a large cave of wild bees found near the site. A post office opened there in 1870 with Martin V. Lackey as postmaster. By 1871 Wiley Johnson was operating a trading post at the settlement. In the mid-1880s the Bee Caves community had a steam gristmill, a cotton gin, a general store, a church, a school, and twenty residents. The population fell to ten in the early 1890s but rose to fifty-four by 1914. The post office at Bee Caves was discontinued in 1915, and mail for the community was sent to Cedar Valley. The Bee Caves school was consolidated with the Teck common school district in the 1940s and with the Dripping Springs Independent School District in Hays County in 1951. The population was reported at fifty from the 1940s through the 1980s. In 1990 it was 241, and it grew to 656 in 2000.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Mary Starr Barkley, History of Travis County and Austin, 1839-1899 (Waco: Texian Press, 1963). John J. Germann and Myron Janzen, Texas Post Offices by County (1986).

Vivian Elizabeth Smyrl

EVEN MORE RAIN

Forecast for Friday from the NWS - 6 to 8 inches of rain. Arg. Feel sorry for the car wash owners.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

This is currently posted on the News 8 website: (Lori Bales checks in)

Wettest Start to Any Year

The year 2007 tops Austin rain charts as the wettest January to July period according to weather records dating back to World War II. Wow! In a similar replay to what unfolded last month, a slow moving (if not stalling) disturbance will hover over Texas, generating greater uplift in the atmosphere and a continued threat for flooding rains. Lawns won't need watering anytime soon...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't know about you - what I'm saving in water I am spending on salt for the pool. Rain keeps washing the salt out. I also discovered that if your chlorine cell is clogged or crusted, your salt reading will go down and down. You keep adding salt. Then you finally clean the thing and discover how high your salt really IS. Not that it happened to me.... cough.

IT WASN'T LIKE THIS

Last year the summer was hot but dry; very sunny - after mornings, rather low humidity and a southeastern breeze. This summer is a record breaker. Just want you to know - if you are new here since last summer - this isn't normal.

SHOP 'N' LIVE

The first group of apartments at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave are slated for delivery in December, following the fall opening of the 1.3 million-square-foot lifestyle center. Click for more.

MOVING AWAY CAN'T TAKE IT ALL

Hello All

Just a reminder the Duncan Family is relocating back to DC and have some wonderful (NEW) furniture that they need to sell. Check out the goodies on Craig's list, just type in teamduncan@aol.com in the search and it will all pop up.

AND the latest addition Dick's Porsche!

YELP! KA-CHING!

We ran into a friend while walking the dog. One of their dogs had been bitten very recently by a rattlesnake. The anti-venom and overnight monitoring costs $1000... thought you should know.

When I take Jessie out for the night's last visit, I almost always take a flashlight to be sure she doesn't get a surprise. During the day we let her "go" unleashed... she does her biz and heads right back as we watch.

But at night, snakes are active.

RECYCLING

This from Shelby Duncan

JULY RECYCLING

REASONS WHY I SHOULD RECYCLE:
It saves trees
protects wildlife habitat
lowers the use of toxic chemicals

WHAT ALLIED WASTE RECYCLES:
aluminum (ex: soda cans)
paper
magazines and catalogues
all plastics (ex: water bottles, shampoo and conditioner bottles)
steel

WHAT ALLIED WASTE (OUR CURBSIDE PICK UP) WILL NOT RECYCLE:
cardboard
computers
glass
batteries

if you need a recycling bin or have any question you can call: 1-800-252-3586. If your question cannot be answered you can call Ecology (listed below.)

WHERE CAN I TAKE THESE TO BE RECYCLED?
to recycle my cardboard and glass(all but sheets of glass), i can take it to ECOLOGY:

707 East 9th St.
Austin, Texas
estimated drive time:15-20 minutes
512-322-0000
ecology-action.org

to recycle my computers, i can take them to GOODWILL
to recycle my batteries, i can take them to WAL-MART

OTHER THINGS I COULD DO TO HELP:
don’t buy heavily packaged foods
stop junk mail and faxes through the Mailing Preference Service
REUSE:
carrier bags
scrap paper for writing messages etc.
envelopes-stick labels over addresses

WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE....?
PLASTIC BOTTLES:
1. recycling 1 plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a 60w light bulb for 6 hours.
2. plastic bottles cannot decompose
3. only 3% of household plastic bottles are being recycled
4. 25 2 liter bottles can make an adult size fleece jacket

MONTHLY QUOTES:
“What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all of our tomorrows.”
~Alexandra Stoddard

“Nature is a painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.”
~John Ruskin, (1819-1900)




AUGUST RECYCLING

REASONS WHY I SHOULD RECYCLE:
helps stop global warming
creates jobs and promotes economic development

WHAT ALLIED WASTE RECYCLES:
aluminum (ex: soda cans)
paper
magazines and catalogues
all plastics (ex: water bottles, shampoo and conditioner bottles)
steel

WHAT ALLIED WASTE (OUR CURBSIDE PICK UP) WILL NOT RECYCLE:
cardboard
computers
glass
batteries

if you need a recycling bin or have any question you can call: 1-800-252-3586. If your question cannot be answered you can call Ecology (listed below.)

WHERE CAN I TAKE THESE TO BE RECYCLED?
to recycle my cardboard and glass(all but sheets of glass), i can take it to ECOLOGY:

707 East 9th St.
Austin, Texas
estimated drive time:15-20 minutes
512-322-0000
ecology-action.org

to recycle my computers, i can take them to GOODWILL
to recycle my batteries, i can take them to WAL-MART

OTHER THINGS I COULD DO TO HELP:
cancel unwanted newspapers, magazines and catalogues
donate old books and such to waiting rooms

REUSE:
rent or borrow items you don’t use often (i.e. party supplies, crockery)
donate old computers and audio visuals
buy rechargeable instead of disposable items

WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE....?
ALUMINUM CANS:
1. it saves energy and natural resources
2. if all aluminum cans were to be recycled, there would be 14 million fewer dustbins emptied 3. into land fills each year
4. making 1 aluminum can from raw material uses the same amount of energy that it takes to recycle 20
MONTHLY QUOTES:

“Away, away, from men and towns,
To the wild wood and the downs,- -
To the silent wilderness,
where the soul need not repress
Its music.”
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, (1792-1822), “To Jane, The Invitation,”

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
~Mahatma Gandhi


SEPTEMBER RECYCLING

REASONS WHY I SHOULD RECYCLE:
helps prevent water pollution
cities may profit by selling recyclables

WHAT ALLIED WASTE RECYCLES:
aluminum (ex: soda cans)
paper
magazines and catalogues
all plastics (ex: water bottles, shampoo and conditioner bottles)
steel

WHAT ALLIED WASTE (OUR CURBSIDE PICK UP) WILL NOT RECYCLE:
cardboard
computers
glass
batteries

if you need a recycling bin or have any question you can call: 1-800-252-3586. If your question cannot be answered you can call Ecology (listed below.)

WHERE CAN I TAKE THESE TO BE RECYCLED?
to recycle my cardboard and glass (all but sheets of glass), i can take it to ECOLOGY:

707 East 9th St.
Austin, Texas
estimated drive time:15-20 minutes
512-322-0000
ecology-action.org

to recycle my computers, i can take them to GOODWILL
to recycle my batteries, i can take them to WAL-MART

OTHER THINGS I COULD DO TO HELP:
use your own bags when shopping and do not except plastic
grow your own vegetables (many can be grown in small gardens)


REUSE:
look for long lasting appliances when buying new electrical items
choose products in packaging that you know can be recycled

WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE....?
STEEL:
1. recycling 1 ton of steel: reduces air emissions by 86%, reduces water pollution by 76%, and saves 1.29 tons of solid waste
2. steel is 100% recyclable

MONTHLY QUOTES:
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be is willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
~Gaylord Nelsom

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, it is the only thing that ever has.”
~Margaret Mead (1901-1978) quoted in john M. Richardson, ed. Making it Happen, 1982



OCTOBER RECYCLING

REASONS WHY I SHOULD RECYCLE:
reduces needs for land fills
buying recycled products puts recycled products in more demand

WHAT ALLIED WASTE RECYCLES:
aluminum (ex: soda cans)
paper
magazines and catalogues
all plastics (ex: water bottles, shampoo and conditioner bottles)
steel

WHAT ALLIED WASTE (OUR CURBSIDE PICK UP) WILL NOT RECYCLE:
cardboard
computers
glass
batteries

if you need a recycling bin or have any question you can call: 1-800-252-3586. If your question cannot be answered you can call Ecology (listed below.)

WHERE CAN I TAKE THESE TO BE RECYCLED?
to recycle my cardboard and glass(all but sheets of glass), i can take it to ECOLOGY:

707 East 9th St.
Austin, Texas
estimated drive time:15-20 minutes
512-322-0000
ecology-action.org

to recycle my computers, i can take them to GOODWILL
to recycle my batteries, i can take them to WAL-MART

OTHER THINGS I COULD DO TO HELP:
take a packed lunch in a plastic container
re-wash plastic containers (i.e. yogurt containers) and zip-lock bags
REUSE:
compost
but products made from recycled materials

WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE....?
COMPUTERS:
often disposed computers still have a couple years of “life” in them and are STILL WORKING


MONTHLY QUOTES:
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”
~Mohandas K. Gandhi

A KODAK MOMENT?

The picture was taken around Bastrop. It is probably a good idea to be careful when taking pictures of small children sitting among the flowers. And I don't know about your dog, but some which run free might just do the wrong thing.

MAN MISSING

Search for Missing Jogger near Bee Cave very sorry to report his body was found the next day, miles from here.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

Not very long after I wrote the weekly HOA Email in which I noted the storms appear to be over, we got hit by a rain bomb. Radar showed a growing cell positioned almost directly overhead and not moving. By my crude measurement (pool water height) we had in the near neighborhood of 4 inches.

ZAP!
And the power went out. Were you home? Then you know it went out, came back twice, and stayed off. They did get it fixed in relatively short order. So you know, my understanding is that when it's coming back ON is when your equipment is at risk.
Imagine the effect of all those air conditioners coming back on simultaneously!
I powered down, unplugged, etc., and all is good and working. Here's a good question: Is there a manual way to open the gates for the fire trucks in the event of a power outage and lightning strike fire?

RIBBIT
Judging from the dog walk this morning, Spanish Oaks must be awash in frogs at night - there are many squished ones... figure the low traffic we have, that must mean there are one heck of a lot of frogs.

HELLO, MAINTENANCE?
Is this an exercise in futility? You decide. Just know if something isn't done, it won't be the last time.

MAIL GONE ASTRAY

Receiving neighbor's mail? Reading neighbor's mail?

Better check the adressee's name before opening or canning that mail.

If you receive mis-delivered mail let the USPS know. Call 1
(800)ASK-USPS to register a complaint. Stick it back into the outgoing slot if you don't walk it over to them.

And don't try to lick the pre-glued stamps or you'll'alklikehiss.

AFTER? THE STORMS

I sure hope they figure out a way to keep our jogging paths from eroding every hard rain. I wonder how many hours of labor have been put into restoring them? Funny thing - of all the jogging I've seen, and dog walking too, I've never seen anyone ON those trails.

Yes, I do realize how insignificant that is compared to the misery and tragedy up the road in Marble Falls. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Homeowners we know in the Preserve lost high 5 figures in home automation gear due to a lightning hit in one of the recent blasts. And their house has lightning rods plus a copper ground burried. AND this is the second time it has happened!

If you have a substantial investment in home theater, you might wish to check out the PS AUDIO Premier Power Plant ($2195.) You can read about it on their site - I can't vouch for it personally, but there appears to be good thinking and design behind it - you'd also run your cable tv or satellite through it, plus all your AC powering your gear. Click here for more

LCRA RATES TO JUMP!

At tonight's Bee Cave council meeting, LCRA presented a plan:

Water rate increase up to 62% over next 2 years.
Waste Water rate to increase 90% over the next 2 years.

LCRA board will vote on this in August and first increase will go into effect in October. Lots of objections from Bee Cave City Council!

Higher consumption = higher rate structure
See www.lcra.org for more.

That's a wowser. They say current rates fulfill 25% of operating capital costs.

And Terri Wood was voted in as the new member of the Planning and Zoning Board.

ESCALADE VERSUS GREENIE

MOM, DAD, AND THE KIDS

Do you ever wonder what's 'out there?' Four deer - two adults and two kids were just outside the window gobbling wildflowers and my orchid tree this AM. I had to shoot through screens or dirty windows but you get the idea.

As a sidebar - you don't want to mess with these wild beasties, no matter how cute. In Panama (long story) we saw a woman being beaten up pretty seriously by a GOAT!

REMEMBER SUN?

They call this thuderstorm activity a train (I think)... where cells just keep coming one after the other. So here's a pastoral scene in morning sun for those who forget.

MOVING SALE

I don't want the blog to become Craig's list, but here's a special case. The Duncans are moving - forced by work. As such, they have to downsize. As you'll see, this isn't typical "garage sale" stuff - these are very nice quality furnishings.

We'll miss the Duncans.

You can find our listings easily on craisglist Austin by typing teamduncan@aol.com in the search box. It would be worth mentioning that the prices have been reduced on some of the previously listed items and they can see them all by searching for teamduncan@aol.com

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/358536931.html
pace sofa

http://austin.craigslist.org/art/358534073.html
MOMA Picasso print

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/358529471.html
side table

http://austin.craigslist.org/clt/358527440.html
king and queen oil paintings

http://austin.craigslist.org/clt/358523488.html
Jim Buckels "Blue Ruin" signed print


http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355675975.html
sofa

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355671093.html
equipment cabinet

http://austin.craigslist.org/ele/355664807.html
TV

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355661700.html
pine table and seagrass chairs

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355654086.html
game/pub table and chairs

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355643643.html
bamboo and hide stool

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355639612.html
Ikea bookshelves

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355679287.html
cargo chairs

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355684667.html
parson's table

http://austin.craigslist.org/fur/355692049.html
cowhide rug

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/355871667.html
gymnastic/tumbling mats

http://austin.craigslist.org/clt/355865182.html
cigar box

http://austin.craigslist.org/for/355863820.html
music stand

SECURITY

New faces are popping out of the guard shack; it's a new security company. Evildoers beware!

ZAPPA

Let's hope this isn't necessary detail at this point in the summer - I would have posted it earlier but it was just added to a forum I look at. Don't know about you, but we have our computer on a brickwall filter which claims to stop damage from lightning (ZeroSurge). Many of the power strips you read about or see at Target or best Buy aren't likely to work, sorry to say. I've seen good devices run from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars.

I have some of my audio gear on a sacrificial circuit (box) which would give itself up when necessary. Same with the TV.

Apparently one of the surge problems is when the electricity comes back on. It's a good idea if we have a blackout/power failure, to turn off your computer (or unplug it) and also the $5000 tv.

Here's the entry:

Spent many years in the Southeast working for one of the now-large computer companies. As a hardware repair guy, I dealt with many, many weather-related issues and electronic equipment. Here are my 20+ years of observations:

* Lightning is fickle: I've seen direct hits to buildings not necessarily wipe out everything. In fact, I've seen failure of one rack of gear in the middle of a row of racks! A lot depends on the quality of the grounding system in the building and how well the individual wire joints have continuity and, of course, how exactly the lightening made its entry.

* There are many ways for lightning's effects to enter a building: For most residences, there are 3, maybe 4, specific ways electrical energy from lightening can enter: Your main electrical feed, your cable system, your telephone system and any antennas you may have erected around the house. All, or any combination, can deliver the punch your gear can 'feel'. You *must* have solid and reliable grounding systems in place to help mitigate the effects of lightening on these entrances.

* Failures are not immediate: Sudden electrical surges, combined with any number of potential ground loops, poor or non-existent residence grounds, coupled to poorly-maintained electrical distribution will manifest itself in stressed components. That is, there are all kinds of reasons why the gear in the house is stressed but not to the point of specific failures of a component as the surge happens. I've seen multiple failures across days and weeks, depending on how long it is in operation, the amount of ambient thermal heat involved and heat-up/cool-down cycles involved. In other words, if you've had a hit and lost a couple of items, you *may* have more failures.

* Don't forget the electrical distribution system: Mentioned above, the quality of your home's electrical, cable and phone distribution system goes a long way to dissipating that energy that we tend to lump into the term, 'surge'. How well that extra energy is bled off to ground is really important. Most folks do not have their electrical system shut down and the joints throughout the house cleaned and retightened to proper torque spec, even though this is a common practice in most manufacturing environments. For this reason, purchase of much of the add-on power conditioning equipment marketed to the consumer today isn't really valuable unless the rest of the distribution system is up to spec. Don't mistake me, these devices have their place and can be valuable but they depend on your house's electrical system to be up to spec to have any reasonable effect.

So, short answer to your question, "did the lightning you observed and the consequential failure in the neighborhood cause a problem for you with your power bar in the line?" is: It depends.

POPEYE THE SCORPION

Yesterday our little innocent dog, Jessie, was sitting on her chair while I did office work. Suddenly she launched herself halfway across the room - very unusual behavior - and we thought she was having a seizure - something was clearly wrong.

We tried to calm her and it seemed to work, but it took a while.

Later I found a mini-lobster on that chair (and brushed it to the floor after putting on my lead-lined gloves.) Yes, I do believe Jessie was stung by a scorpion. This particular scorpion was a larger model, with good Popeye arms/legs/mandibles/pincers/whatevers. It was an SUV of scorpions. After 190 pounds of shoe, it appeared stunned, so I gave it a free pass to Schlitterbahn aka The Toilet. I wonder if bugs have thoughts. What would it make of the grinder pump?

The moral of the story (and see below too) is that it's that time of the year. And coming in the very near future... recent snake sightings. Tell your kids - watch your dogs.

CREEPED OUT!

Another several of these bad boys have been sighted.

Bob, we've had 4 large "giant red-headed centipedes" in our house, and countless babies (despite regular visits by ABC Pest control). It must be a bad year for them, because everyone is seeing them for the first time. Go on Google and search for "giant red-headed centipedes" and you'll not be able to fall asleep. They grow to be 12" long and eat mice.

Oh swell.

Here, I'll save you the trouble:

The Red Headed Centipede, Scolopendra heros castaneiceps, is one of three subspecies of Scolopendra heros, which are often collectively referred to as "Giant Desert Centipedes". The Giant Desert Centipedes are some of the largest and most attractive of all centipedes, but the Red Headed Centipede is widely considered the most impressive of the bunch. They are commonly kept as display animals and can make wonderful additions to any collection.

The Red Headed Centipede is a desert dweller that spends the day tucked away in moist hiding spots to avoid the desert's drying affects. They are often found in rock crevices, under leaf litter, and under rocks, and will sometimes burrow into the ground. Red Headed Centipedes are nocturnal predators that feed primarily upon insects. They are well equipped to avoid being preyed upon. This species of centipede has a tail that looks similar to its head, confusing would-be predators and thus, helping to protect its most vital areas. If it is attacked, it can respond with a very painful or even deadly bite. This species of centipede is quite fast and typically very aggressive. Although the venom of this centipede is not considered deadly to humans, all centipedes have a certain amount of venom in their bites; and while being bitten usually results in nothing more than a very painful wound, some people may be allergic to the venom. Pain from the bite may only last a couple of hours, but it could last as much as a couple of days.

The Red Headed Centipede is one of the world's largest species of Centipede and can reach 6 to 12 inches in length. They may have dark blue, purple, or black bodies with red or orange heads, and attached to each body segment is a pair of yellow legs.

The Red Headed Centipede is a relatively common species found throughout much of the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

EXCHANGE STUDENT/ ACTRESS

We are writing to you about a foreign exchange student coming to the Austin area in August 2007. We work for an exchange student agency called the Center for Cultural Exchange and our job is to locate potential host family homes. We are asking for you help!

Sophie, age 16, until today had a host home in Round Rock. She is from Germany and has studied acting at an actor's school in Berlin for two years. Sophie has had parts in two TV series and played the main character in "The silence of Hanna." Unfortuantely, the host home she was supposed to go to encountered a family emergency and canceled the placement today. Now we are in need of another host home for Sophie and am hoping to be able to tell her in the next few days that she
lost her first host home but another one has been located. Sophie is scheduled to come to Texas in August for a school semester. Here is the link to her short bio:

http://www.cci-exchange.com/aypdatabase/BioDetailRecord.asp?
ps=9iq9gw

We are asking if you could either host Sophie or are willing to send this email to others you know who might be interested. Hosting an international student is like taking an extended vacation to their country as you learn from then on a daily basis. All of the exchange students are "high functioning" teenagers and come with a very no nonsense J-1 visa.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this email and any help you can offer. We look forward to hearing from you soon. We can be reached at the phone numbers below any time.

Sincerely,


John and Charlotte Gemar


Charlotte Gemar
Center for Cultural Interchange
Area Representative Austintxcci@sbcglobal.net
(512) 291-8638
Cell (512) 965-2554
www.cci-exchange.com

FIELD OF DREAMS

Mystery! The cattle field to the right of the east entrance driveway has been cut back, the fence outfitted with lights and orange tape marks the boundaries. Appears to be parking for a gala something. Could be interesting. Didn't get the invitation though.

Mystery Solved!
Parking for a wedding reception connected with the family that owns the property... which I believe includes the hill in the middle of Spanish Oaks.

IN LIVING COLOR

Spanish Oaks roadside Wildflower Bonanza as seen through cellphone camera.

INKY DINKY

Shae Reilly sends these pictures of a guest on their front porch.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2007

Memorial Day weekend sights:

Walked dogs. Erosion. Cacti flowers. Wildflowers, many many many wildflowers. Green. Mud. Sprinkler systems on in downpour. Mushy Westend Phone Directories in driveways. Clouds. Lightning. More green.

MILESTONE

We just passed 20,000 page views. Thank you very much for your help!

292 posts so far.

ON THE WING

Let's see: crows, vultures, parakeet!, whipper wills (and if you've ever had your will whippered you know what I'm talking about), cardinals, archbishop... no, wait... grackles, owls, warblers, roadrunners, hawks, swallows. I'm not into birding much, but I do enjoy watching the crows and vultures ride the thermals which rise up slope to our house. Seems like a pretty good variety here.

What have you seen?

PARAKEET FOR DINNER

A little green one. It seemed almost friendly. As we ate dinner outside it hopped around the pool deck. I made bird noises and attempted to win it to my outstretched finger. It seemed interested but politely flew away.

Only to return for a repeat.

Wouldn't have know what to do with the bird on my finger if it perched. It was tiny. Did someone abandon a pet, lose a pet or do they breed for generations in the wild. I would expect a predator to narrow that chance.

62 POUNDS OF FUN...

Dear Friends!

We have a handsome golden retriever "puppy" (he'll be one on June 10; 62
lbs at last checkup) named Yogi that some of you have met. We love him, but he is too much dog for us. He needs older children or people who have more of a doggie lifestyle - or both! He is trained to "sit", "down", "heel" and "place", but sometimes forgets when he is super excited! He has been neutered and is up to date on his shots and heartworm prevention. Do one of you lovely families have a big place for him to roam, play, have other animal friends and big strong grownups who like to play fetch? He is really a sweetheart and wants to please!

Thanks for any leads!

Jennifer Harrison
home 894-3493 cell 964-5215 myjennifer@earthlink.net

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.