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.

TRICK OR TREAT!

As previously announced, we will have our Third Annual Halloween Hayride, Friday, Oct. 31st. The hayride will depart from the Lodge around 6:15 pm.

The Social Committee has purchased Luminaries for use by those of you who want "Trick or Treaters" to stop by your home. Luminaries should be set at the end of your driveway, one on each side, and may be picked up from either Guard House starting tomorrow. Let's all participate!

TELEMARKETER REPELLANT

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public today
REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls.

... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number

DECORATION CONTEST

NICE!

END OF POOL SEASON 1

Pam Chandler writes: The pool will be open one final weekend, this coming Saturday & Sunday, October 18th & 19th. The Grill will be closed, but the pool attendant can order food for you from the Club and it will be delivered to the Lodge within a few minutes.

I hope you have all enjoyed this summer at the Lodge, and encourage you to make use of the patio area during the off-season. Please don't hesitate to bring your families and "picnic" at the Lodge, or watch a football game up here!

NEWS/ NOT NEWS

Morning Mist
The decoration contest for Halloween is on. Let pumpkin escalation commence. Corn stalking okayed. Hay baling restores natural look.

Kiddies invited to the club for treats.

Joggers tomorrow.

Design Review committee said to be ok with white house in posts below, except color. Massing, stone, size all okay. Rude noise goes here.

FOLLOW-UP

Unretouched photos.

Ray Beardon, in his comment to the original picture several posts below, suggested a closer view.




There has been no response from Pam Chandler or anyone on the issues raised in that blog post, and emailed to her. See below a few posts.

The issue is really FAIRNESS in how the design guidelines are applied.

LOST CAT

His name is Neo, and he has a very saggy belly. He went missing Sunday
morning in the Barton Creek Preserve neighborhood.

Thank you so much,
Joni Benson
402-1282 / 423-4696

DESIGN GUIDELINES???

There's an ongoing issue which hangs over us all like an umbrella. It's somewhat invisible - we only see the results but not usually the process. I am writing about the Design Guidelines and their application, or lack thereof:

S O Design Guidelines, Page 3, Preface

Each lot owner must demonstrate how development of their property respects the vistas and amenities of neighboring properties and of the project as a whole.


Page 4-4, 4.3 Building Height

Objective
To minimize the visual impact of all buildings and to ensure that they are subordinate to and blend with the surrounding Hill Country landscape.
To ensure that the view potential from each lot is preserved.

Page 4-6, 4.5 Building Massing

Objective
To ensure buildings whose overall scale, image and appearance are compatible with that of the natural landscape, and to protect the mutual and reciprocal privacy of neighboring residences.

Page 4- 10

4.7 Colors

The color of external materials must be subdued to compliment the colors of and blend with the natural landscape. Locally found, muted Hill Country tones are recommended, although occasional accent colors, used judiciously and with restraint, may be permitted.

Walls - Natural and earth tones. Large areas of monochromatic surfaces shall be minimized. Wall surfaces shall utilize texture and / or multi layered applications

The was a reflectivity value limit which we learned has been dropped.

The home under construction shown was approved, though to my reading of the guidelines, it misses in scale, color, blending, and monochromatic issues. What do YOU think? I suggest you make your feelings known - or your piece of Spanish Oaks could have the same issues as they become more lax.

Pam Chandler DID respond about the color issue and said they are working with the builder to tone it down. Her answer ignored the other issues.

POOL-O-RAMA

As the weather continues to be warm, the Board of Directors has decided to extend the Lodge & Pool Hours through the month of October, on a limited basis. The Lodge Grill & Pool will be open Fridays, 4pm to 8pm; Saturdays, 10am to 8pm; and Sundays, Noon to 8pm, for the next few weeks.

Please note, however, that on Saturday, Sept. 27th, the pool will close at 3:00 pm. Prior to the extension of pool hours, the facility was reserved for a private party on this date. We hope you all will continue to enjoy the Lodge as long as weather permits.

FISH-O-RAMA

We have scheduled several things at Fish Camp for the month of October, and hope you can participate. For all events, please contact Liza Bachelder at 533-2363 to sign up. The cost of these events will be added to your Lodge account and you will be invoiced at the end of the month.

Sunday - 9/28 - 10:00 AM to Noon
FISHING SKILLS FOR NON-FISHING ADULTS
Have you ever wanted to take your kids down to Fish Camp but didn't really know where to start? This class if for you! In an easy to understand format you will get the skills you need to make fishing fun for both you and your child. You will learn all the basics from rigging, knots and bait selection to the all important "how do I get it off the hook". This class is presented for non-fishing adults, and the cost is $15.00 per fisherman.

Wednesdays, 10/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
BASS BUS FOR KIDS
A perfect ending to a long day at school - fresh air and relaxation! Spanish Oaks residents may sign children up for the "After School Bass Bus". On Wednesday afternoons our fishing pro, Kevin Hutchison, will pick kids up at the end of your driveway. After a few casts and jaunts around the lake he will return them home in time for supper. Ages 6 and up, limit 6 kids per week. Shuttle makes rounds at 3:30 pm and returns at 5:30 pm. Cost is $10 per child.

Sundays, 10/5, 12, 19 & 26 - 8:00 AM
YOGA MORNING AT FISH CAMP
Experience the rich benefits of yoga in a relaxing and peaceful outdoor setting. Classes will run every Sunday for four weeks and accommodate the beginner or advanced yoga student. $30 per class. Mats will be provided.

Sunday, 10/5 - 10 AM to Noon
KIDS' FLY FISHING CLINIC
This class is geared for kids between the ages of 10 and 16, encompassing all the basic skills needed to get your child on the road to fly fishing success. During this two hour class your child will get real "hands on" casting experience and will learn the correct practice method that will help them succeed. $12 per student - limit is 10 children.

Sunday, 10/19 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
FATHER & SON FISHING TOURNEY
Let's see who can haul in the biggest fish today! Dad's biggest and Junior's biggest catch of the day are added together to find our winner. We'll have a prize and plenty of kudos for the winning duo. Moms and Daughters are also welcome to enter. $10 per team.

Sunday, 10/26 - 10:00 AM to Noon
BASIC FLY CASTING FOR ADULTS
Fly fishing can be intimidating but the reality is, with well-structured practice, anyone can master the basics of fly catching. Join certified casting instructor and guide, Kevin Hutchison, as he teaches the basics you need to get started in fly fishing. $20 per student - limit of 10 people.

Remember, to sign up for any of these events please call Liza Bachelder at 533-2363.

5 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CELL PHONE COULD DO

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST

Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage a area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND

Have you locked your keys in the car?

Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock it saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).


Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!"

THIRD

Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.

FOURTH

How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone:
* # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally:,

FIFTH

Free Directory Service for Cells

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends