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.
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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!