The Good Life in Austin Texas

Architecture at the Umlauf Series - Thursday, September 2nd 7:00pm

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:25:32 -0400

Architecture at the Umlauf Series - Thursday, September 2nd 7:00pm

The opening program of the Architecture at the Umlauf Series Fall Season takes this place Thursday, September 2nd. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

The event marks the beginning of the fall season of this incredibly popular program featuring local Austin Architects in a beautifully intimate setting. As a result of the strong ties between AvenueOne and the Art and Architectural communities, the monthly series was founded and is produced by two of my associates at AvenueOne Properties; Scott Harveyand Carla Umlauf (granddaughter of the esteemed sculptor) and is sponsored by our firm, AvenueOne Properties and AIA Austin. There will also be tickets on sale for the upcoming 2010 AIA Homes Tour so please bring your checkbooks!

The series is a creative venue allowing local architects to share with the public and professionals their work and its meaning within Austin's contextual landscape. The lectures take place on the grounds of the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden at the Pavilion. This month, Brian Dillard, AIA is the featured speaker. In a change from previous events the program is free to the public as well as museum members! Come out and enjoy an excellent talk in this extraordinary venue. You might want to show up early because this event has been at capacity at all of the previous lectures. Additionally, now that it is actually cooling off you can enjoy a stroll through the garden and enjoy the numerous sculptures!

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a peaceful sanctuary providing a pleasant escape in the middle of our bustling city and is another reason we are truly living The Good Life in Austin Texas! Thanks for supporting this great event and if have questions about architects, builders or real estate in any of Austin's finest neighborhoods, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my twenty years success helping Austin upscale buyers and sellers to work for you. Call my mobile 512-657-8769 or email me for a private consultation at your convenience!

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Pain is STILL not a Flavor!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:41:02 -0400

It is hard to believe but this weekend will mark the 20th anniversary of the world's largest hot sauce festival here in Austin, Texas. The festival originally started as a contest between the cities of Austin and San Antonio but after Austin salsa makers swept the awards a couple of years in a row, the competition settled in Austin permanently and has grown larger every year. The 20th Annual 'Austin Chronicle' Hot Sauce Festival, is presented by Capital Area Food Bank of Texas and takes place this Sunday, Aug. 29 from 11am-5:30pm Waterloo Park at 12th and Trinity. Organized and run with incredible precision by my friend Elizabeth Derczo the festival is one of the most fun and unique in the world! Entry to the festivities is in the form of three nonperishable food items that will be donated to the Food Bank. A very cheap price for a very good time and it all goes for a fantastic cause!

There are three levels of competition individual(homemade), restaurants, and commercial bottlers in three categories, RED, GREEN and SPECIAL VARIETY. I entered the individual (homemade), category twenty years ago and have made nearly every contest since then along with a large number of other enthusiasts including my friends Ted Fick (who makes an incredibly complex and delicious salsa of slow roasted and smoked ingredients) and J.P. Hayes, creator of Sgt. Pepper's salsas and hot sauces and partner at Tears of Joy Hot Sauces! As a multiple entry competitor I have not been all that consistent in my success. I have a salsa I have made every Christmas since meeting my wife and I have entered into the individual RED category numerous times but as far as I can tell have never even made it past initial testing. Now I do not mean to boast but this particular salsa is very good but also very different. Every Christmas a large number of people clamor for my attention to see if they are on the "list". Recently it was pointed out that my salsa (though red) was not really a traditional red salsa. Made with Piloncillo, it has a marked sweet taste that blends well with the peppers, tomatos and other "secret" ingredients which many people crave almost to the point of obsession however; it appears that the salsa is "politically incorrect" for the RED category. With that in mind I am changing the entry to Special Variety.

In the past my only success has been in Special Variety with a fresh peach/red pepper salsa developed by my daughter Mattie and me in 2007. That year we received an honorable mention for the new concoction. The next year 2008 we moved up and placed 2^nd in the Special Variety with a slightly tweaked version of the same salsa. 2009 yielded nothing in any of the categories and I heard later that the judges were tired of fruit salsas (rumors, ideas and conjecture are rampant every year). Of course this begs the fact that there are hundreds of entries every year with just as many variations of taste, consistency and yes the ubiquitous HEAT! I've written about the heat factor in the past when I realized that though I like it hot, Pain is not a flavor ! Now I am a person who like its hotter than most so we have to utilize the "Goldilocks Heat Assessment" method in our home. By that I mean we have three categories of testers; my wife (mild) our daughter Mattie (medium) and me along with our son Morgan (HOT!). Again, I do like some heat but it is very subjective and if it ever becomes truly painful then the experience becomes one of misery and if you've ever severely burned your taste buds it ruins tasting just about anything for awhile. With that in mind always beware and try "just a little" before diving in and scooping shovelfuls! If you DO over indulge here is something that can "help" quench the heat !

Well...I better get busy on my hot sauce entries; I have some excellent peaches for my peach/red pepper salsa and my old standby "Hot, Sweet & Righteous" is already bottled and ready to go. I have no idea how the contest will turn out and it would be impossible to even hazard a guess because there are so many variables. If you get a chance, whip up a batch of your own and head over Sunday to enter. Remember there will be hundreds of entries and the judges tastes are subjective and change every year so what the heck...EVERYBODY has a chance to win and a good time will be had by all! I look forward to seeing you there and enjoying yet another way we are living the good life in Austin Texas!

UPDATE: http://russelllewis.posterous.com/1st-place-individual-category-for-my-red-pepp

SPECIAL THANKS to my friend and fellow Activerain blogger, Craig Rutman for fixing this picture! I was so excited that I held it up backwards when my wife took the photo !

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Quenching the thirst of a long HOT summer...

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:03:25 -0400

Quenching the thirst of a long HOT summer...

"Miss, could you repeat that," the waitress asked my wife for the third time. "Ahhssd Teee, please" she patiently answered again. The waitress, still baffled just shook her head, gave us a pen and asked us to write it down. My wife took the pen and wrote in block letters on a napkin I-C-E-D T-E-A."You mean you want tea with ice?" to which we both exclaimed, "YES, That's it!" This conversation took place while my wife and I were living in Minneapolis, Minnesota during her time at Anesthesia School. And even with our Texas accents aside, the idea of iced tea in that part of the world was and I assume still is, completely alien.

I mention this because this summer in the U.S.A is going down in the books as one of the hottest in many years! As a Texan I have to mention (yes, it's always bigger, better, hotter etc. here) my favorite local weatherman, Jim Spencer noted recently that by this time last year we had already experienced over 50 days when it was 100 degrees or hotter in Austin, Texas. We've been blessed with a "normal" summer this year but it is still HOT. Now...I was born and raised in Texas and I am one of those odd sorts who actually enjoy the heat. There are times when you've been cooped up in the office or car with the AC cranking all day and the moment you first step out into the blast furnace of a Texas Summer and it just envelopes you, it feels GOOD! In a weird way I find it comforting but I remind myself that I am happy to be out of the construction business (a place I toiled for mote than sixteen years) where I used to spend way too much time in the harshest of elements.

In Austin we have many ways to beat the heat. I've previously written about my favorite ice cream location, Amy's Ice Creams and everyone in Austin has a chance to enjoy the cool waters of Barton Springs Pool. Many years ago when I was single and shared a house with my brother we went through a bizarre period of no air conditioning which, I know is completely insane in these parts! I spent a lot of time at the Library,numerous movie theaters, Book Stores and assorted water holes as well as cultivating relationships with girls who DID have air conditioning! One of the best ways that we stay cool in Texas, rich or poor, tall or short, intelligent or otherwise is with a tall glass of Iced tea. It is more than a way of life in Texas for just about everyone. I grew up drinking it at most meals, on my Grandmother's back porch, at friends houses, funky cafes and the finest dining establishments and frankly it's just a way of life in Texas and the South. Everyone has their own way of making tea and it's a hotly discussed issue no matter where you go.

My current favorite method for making iced tea comes from the founder of the legendary Sweet Leaf Tea Company, Clayton Christopher. The locally founded company went nationwide awhile back and if you are lucky you may live in an area where the many wonderful varieties of teas and lemonades are readily available. If not OR you are just a fan of homemade iced tea I am including his grandmother's recipe here. And before I get flooded with different recipes for the "best" iced tea, I realize that there are as many variations of recipes as there are grandmothers and great aunts but try this, it's as delicious as it is refreshing!

You will need the following items pictured below:

To whip up a batch of iced tea follow these directions:

1 ounce high quality, organic tea leaves (Don't waste time with any of the pre-bagged stuff, compared to the leaf varieties the rest is floor sweepings, if that is a word)

1/2 gallon carbon filtered water

1 1/8 cups of organic sugar

Ice

1. Bring 1/2 gallon of high quality, carbon filtered water to a boil. Water should be carbon filtered to remove chlorine which can be achieved with a Brita.

2. Turn off heat; stir in one ounce loose, organic tea leaves to water.

3. Let sit 5 minutes, uncovered.

4. Add 1 cup of sugar to large, ice filled pitcher. If using tea bags, remove bags from water and add sugar to hot tea.

5. Pour tea through strainer into ice filled pitcher, stir and enjoy.

Of course, you can always leave OUT the sugar and substitute some other sweetener and even jazz it up with an assortment of herbs or libations whatever your tastes may crave. In the meantime, I hope this helps cool down your summer a bit and in spite of the heat we are still living The Good Life in Austin, Texas !

NOTE: This is post is NOT an endorsement for any political group or candidate ;-)

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3012 Hatley Drive Updated Energy Efficient Home in Rollingwood with a $6.23 electric bill?

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:00:02 -0400

3012 Hatley Drive Updated Energy Efficient Home in Rollingwood with a $6.23 electric bill?

You read that correctly, a $6.23 electric bill is the lowest so far in my new listing at 3012 Hatley Drive in Rollingwood, one of the Eanes School Districts finest areas! Though the bill is by no means typical, over the last year they have ranged from $25-$48 monthly with a single bill as high as $150 for a particularly harsh weather month. Still this is extremely impressive for a home that is just north of approximately 2,760 sq.ft. according to appraisal. Some of the energy upgrades efficiency upgrades that make such low utility bills possible include:

Solar panels (commercial grade with 50 year warranty) (8/08)

Solar hot water heater with reserve tank (8/08)

Upgraded insulation in attic (5/07)

Replaced main air ducts in attic (5/07)

3012 Hatley Drive has also undergone extensive renovations since 2007 with complete bathroom remodeling, added storage, cosmetic additions and many other upgrades. As Rollingwood has experienced a leap in remodeling, expansions and new construction since the Austin building moratorium, 3012 Hatley Drive represents the perfect opportunity to move in today! The large wooded lot offers the prospect of expanding and making this into an even bigger home WITHOUT overbuilding for the area. Located in the heart of Rollingwood near local community pool, park, tennis courts, baseball fields and shopping, this home offers the best of Rollingwood and Eanes schools at a very competitive and affordable price for the area! For a better idea of the beauty of this home and lot click on the link:

3012 Hatley Drive Virtual Tour

If you have questions or would like to schedule a private showing, contact me directly at my number or email listed below and learn more about living the good life in Austin Texas. Don't miss your chance to see this wonderful home and learn more about the incredible City of Rollingwood and surrounding area. look forward to visiting with you at your convenience!

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Stonewall, Texas Peach JAMboree & Rodeo

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:52:55 -0400

Stonewall, Texas Peach JAMboree & Rodeo

About an hour and a half drive west of Austin lies El Dorado...Not the El Dorado of hidden Spanish gold or the failed escapades of the Raising Arizona bank robbers. Nope, I am talking about the golden deliciousness of the peaches found in Gillespie County, home of the Peach Blossom Trail between and around the towns of Stonewall and Fredericksburg, Texas. Numerous farms and orchards dot the country side making Gillespie County the largest peach producing county in Texas. To give you an idea of the scope of production this area produces 40% of the entire Texas peach crop. The thing about regional peaches is that they are grown for flavor and not to be shipped half way across the country. We have all tried fruit that was grown to be shipped. Sometimes it's very pretty but most often very bland. Yeah...what I am talking about here is a peach that you bite and the flavor explodes as the juice just flows down your face. REAL TASTE! Check out texaspeaches.com for a bounty of information on peaches, growers and more!

Every summer during the third weekend of June, the Stonewall Peach JAMboree takes place celebrating all things related to peaches.The various farmers and orchards enter baskets of peaches, single "perfect" or larger peaches and there is also a contest for best Peach Pie, Peach Cobbler and Peach Preserves. The are also contests for best vegetable and a small regional rodeo that is well worth watching! For a schedule of all the events try this link 2010 Peach JAMboree & Rodeo. Remember too that the roads around the county are blanketed with garden stands selling peaches and all manner of produce so it's a great time to pick up some local goodies while you are there! We enjoy peaches all during the season but prefer the late summer varieties. I am going to write a follow up post and list my favorite farmers and orchards in the area as a guide but do not have the space here so stay tuned!

I like living near this epicenter of peach producers because I love peaches. My family was in the grocery business in West Texas and my Grandfather did business with orchards and farms all over the state and every summer we would receive "sample" crates to enjoy. We used to stuff ourselves on all sorts of varieties including Loring, Bounty, Red Skin, Harvester, Hale Haven and...oh, you did not realize there were so many kinds? The fact is that there are numerous varieties that ripen over the summer starting in May and ending for the most part in August. My Grandmother used to make peach ice cream, peach cobbler and one of my all time favorites...Peach Preserves! Which finally brings me to the subject of this post.

Two years ago, I entered the Peach Preserves contest using my Grandmother Mattie Lewis' recipe and to my surprise took 3rd place. Last year I decided to pay closer attention to the recipe (which is absurdly simple but requires a certain amount of intuitiveness) and ended up in 2nd Place. The funny thing about this contest is that in recent years, 1st Place has been taken by Mr. Jerome Jenschke who I believe is around 86 years old, three years in a row. He is a very friendly sort despite the lack of a smile in the picture. This has become something of an issue with many of what I like to call the "Grandma Cartel". I am just kidding when I say this but last year my wife was hanging around the winners display and heard some grumbling about "men in the kitchen". Later in the summer, I was in the area with my friend, Jeff Blank of Hudson's on the Bend restaurant to pick up some more peaches (Dixieland and Ouachita Gold) and at one location a gentleman stopped me and said, "Hey young fella" (I liked that) Aren't you the fella that placed in the peach preserves contest with Mr. Jenschke the last two years?" Yes sir, I replied, to which he said, "well, you need to go in there and talk the lady here!" We went in and actually had a very amusing visit but I could not get over the bewilderment she had at the idea of "men in the kitchen". It's still old school in some places and pretty funny so I always answer that it's safer than the rodeo and a bucking bronco contest!

This year I made another batch to enter but I am a bit worried. My friend Jeff Blank , a world class chef, always tells me that you must start with the best ingredients so my secret has been to use late summer peaches from the previous season that I freeze in bulk. We always freeze several bags for peach pie, cobbler and the sort to dine on during the winter months remembering to save enough for my preserves. Well this year...we somehow ate everything so I have been scrambling at the farmers markets, Whole Foods and Central Market here in Austin searching for some good peaches. And yes, they are good but...they do not seem to have that power punch of flavor that comes from late summer peaches. Or maybe as my wife says, "I am way over - thinking this":-) Hmmm...I hope so, I just finished my second batch because the first was "missing something". Here is a brief description located on my russelllewis.posterous blog. And I also noticed that Mr. Jenschke always wore blue (the same as the blue ribbon) and I wore red so maybe a blue shirt will help?? It is the color of the 1st Place ribbon ;-D Anyway, if you have the time, drive out to Stonewall this Saturday for a great time. I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy the whole, as my Grandfather used to say, "Kit and Caboodle"!! We are certainly living The Good Life in Austin Texas!

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What is a "Neighborhood Specialist"?

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:12:48 -0400

What is a "Neighborhood Specialist"?

Recently, a friend and I were on a morning walk in my neighborhood, Lost Creek in the Eanes School District and noticed a new "For Sale" sign in the front yard of a home. As we passed the sign I saw a rider posted at the bottom proclaiming the agent to be a "neighborhood specialist"! My friend laughed and said, "Oh look, another agent who I've never heard of and they also claim to be a local expert!" I just laughed and shrugged it off but my friend whipped out his phone and dialed the number on the sign. No one answered his call and we continued our walk and talked about real estate in Austin.

Lost Creek is a beautiful area in the hill county of south west Austin. With just under 1,200 homes built from 1978 through the late 1990's and located in the acclaimed Eanes School District. The Lost Creek area is a very popular neighborhood and many agents would love to be THE "neighborhood specialist"! Frankly, even though a couple of agents in my area do more business than others no one really dominates the market and at least a dozen good agents live here. I am told by marketing "experts" that to command market share in any neighborhood an agent must have at least 30% of the market and no one does that out here. I sell my share of homes in Lost Creek and have done so since before we moved here and though I always like to have more business, I am happy with my efforts.

Last night my neighbor called and told me that after calling 7 or 8 times, the "neighborhood specialist" had FINALLY called him back. He started out by asking about the home price, upgrades, taxes etc. which the agent handled well but as my friend began asking specific questions about the neighborhood, local parks, shopping, clubs, schools and other pertinent details, the answers became increasingly thin. At the same time the agent seemed to turn up the pressure on the caller in an attempt to change the subject and clumsily "close" his prospect. At that point in the conversation my friend asked how many homes the agent had actually sold in the neighborhood which seemed to catch him completely off guard. Sensing the discomfort in the pause and before the agent could recover, he took the opportunity to say thanks for the info and tell the surprised agent goodbye!

I have to say that I don't approve of the way my friend wasted the agents time but on the other hand I have even more disdain for anyone who projects themselves as an "expert" or "specialist" in any business in a deceptive manner. When I first got into the business, teachers at the real estate school I attended urged us to "Fake it until you make it!" I never did that because I was afraid that someone would catch me at it and I did not want to suffer the embarrassment and beyond that, it's just plain dishonest! I realize that everyone has to be a beginner at some time but trying to impress others with blatantly dishonest claims of expertise is just going to be trouble in the long run. I urge clients all the time to ask questions and these days with the internet, buyers and sellers are more savvy than ever and often know more about a subject that the person they call. Whenever someone asks me a question, if I do not know the answer, I tell them I do not know but will find out. At the risk of sounding "old school" if you are not a true "expert", don't try and pawn it off on the public! It not only make's the individual agent look bad but the rest of the industry too!

My name is Russell Lewis, I have twenty years experience assisting buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods. I am not all things to all people and concentrate the majority of my business in Central, West and Southwest Austin and the Westlake/Eanes School District. If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate and would like to learn more about living The Good Life in Austin Texas I would be happy to be of assistance. Email or call my mobile listed below for a private consultation at your convenience!

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Pemberton Heights Open House - 2424-B Hartford Drive

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 04:01:58 -0400

Pemberton Heights Open House - 2424-B Hartford Drive

Open this Sunday April 25th 2:00 - 4:00PM

2424-B Hartford Road is one of two units in this beautifully built complex. Utilizing quality finish outs and superior construction techniques, the home offers the discriminating buyer many features. If you would like to expand the already open, brightly lit, well designed floor plan, the builder is offering the option to add an additional 550 +/- square feet to the current layout. This is a rare opportunity to live in newer construction in Pemberton Heights for under $1 Million and is an excellent value for one of Austin's finest neighborhoods!

Pemberton Height is arguably the crown jewel of West Austin Neighborhoods. Centrally located to downtown, the neighborhood boasts some of Austin's finest homes and there is always a demand for property in the area. To learn more about the interesting history of the area regarding development, background, building restrictions, historical designations and many other details please access the Pemberton Heights website which is one of the best maintained and well developed neighborhood websites in the City of Austin.

Don't miss your chance to see this wonderful home and learn more about the incredible Pemberton Heights neighborhood! I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday afternoon so please drop by for a tour of this beautiful home in a relaxed, no pressure environment.

AGENTS, this is an excellent time to preview!

If you have questions or are unable to attend and would like to schedule a private showing, contact me directly at my number or email listed below and learn more about living the good life in Austin Texas. I look forward to visiting with you at your convenience!

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Celebrating Earth Day with 101 Quadrillion Colors on Texas (and our Nations) Roads-Thanks to The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:00:50 -0400

Celebrating Earth Day with 101 Quadrillion Colors on Texas (and our Nations) Roads-Thanks to The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

I was going to try and do something with 101 in the title because after 20 months of blogging, I finally managed to break 100 posts but something a lot better came along with Earth Day and the advent of Texas Wildflower Season. Every year about this time, if we get enough rain, the roadsides all over Texas explode with a variety of colorful wildflowers! Few people probably realize that the reason for the multicolored carpet of flora is none other than Lady Bird Johnson and her creation of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! Back in 1965, Lady Bird began a number of efforts towards "Beautification" of our country that was a "combination of rural and urban environmentalism, national parks conservation, anti-pollution measures, water and air reclamation, landscaping and urban renewal." Lady Bird was "GREEN" and celebrating Earth Day long before many of the current environmentalists were even born and was a true pioneer!

I remember cracking up as a kid listening to Lady Bird on TV and radio reminding us, in that southern drawl to, "Plant a shruuub, a Tuhree or a Booosh", to help keep America beautiful. (I don't know why I thought it was so funny as I have a pronounced Texas drawl myself) Using donations by wealthy philanthropists she planted thousands of flowers all over Washington to bring beauty and "masses of flowers where the masses pass." On my birthday, May 24th, 1965, Lady Bird Johnson addressed the two-day White House Conference on Natural Beauty, and began actively pursuing environmental and conservation legislation that Lyndon Johnson's administration would work on during his tenure as President. She encouraged the Job Corps to expand skills it taught to include landscaping and Lady Bird also created the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and the Children's Garden on the White House South Lawn. Mrs. Johnson took her crusade to low-income areas, "largely populated by African-Americans, in preparation for the work they would conduct there: the cleaning, refurbishment and maintenance of city schools, the installation of recreation areas, massive housing project trash cleanups, and the implementation of a summer "Projects Pride" program employing college and high school students in neighborhood tree plantings and conservation, pest control, sanitation and renovation of decaying public buildings." As noted in Lady Bird Johnson's biography.

Something most people do not know is that Lady Birds efforts spread all across the country. She took on negligence within the National Government and brought about the cleaning of Military "eyesores", focused efforts toward local and state air-pollution, convincing power companies to run power lines underground, stopping strip mining(actually supported by The National Coal Association) and more efforts at local beautification projects. Her most controversial effort was the Highway Beautification Act which was dubbed "Lady Bird's Bill". One of the ideas was to limit the enormous amount of billboards cluttering up the landscape an use access to Federal Highway funds to bring about compliance. Lady Bird received sharp criticism and resistance from the powerful "Outdoor Advertising Association of America" fought every aspect of the project from the beginning. She was lampooned in numerous cartoons as a "typical woman driver" running down several billboards and denigrated in ways unthinkable today, or maybe not...After a very hard struggle that brought a number of unlikely supporters together, the bill finally passed. Though Congress continued to resist by releasing few funds and the lack of authority to enforce the regulations in many states kept the bill from having as much of an initial impact, Lady Bird persisted through the private sector to have locally indigenous plants throughout the countries roadways. Many of her original efforts were the spark to bring about environmental changes in many areas that had been neglected for years. So, when you are driving along and see a few less billboards, junkyards, toxic gas stations, strip mine sites and less of a lot of the crap and more of natures beauty, Thank Lady Bird!

To learn more about Lady Bird's Legacy and numerous programs to beautify the world and nurture our environment, visit Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The facility is located here in South Austin and is an amazing place. By the way, all of these pictures were taken over the last two weeks here in the Austin area in Westlake, Rob Roy and Lost Creek. We have had just the right amount of rain and sunshine to keep the roads covered so it's a good time to "join the masses" and stop by the roadway to take a few pictures for posterity. You see folks doing it at all hours of the day and NIGHT! SO...JUST BE CAREFUL, PULL OFF TO THE SIDE AWAY FROM TRAFFIC. Use common sense and you will have some great pictures. We are certainly living The Good Life in Austin Texas Y'all!

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If MeMe's were Guitars...

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:44:48 -0400

This! it's a long cersion and really takes off at 2:25, enjoy!

or this...

and one of my life long favorites

Don't let my taste for this type of music fool you, I am not about any particular style or type of music (My ipod is the most confusing shuffle you will ever hear) and it is the same with the rest of MeMe too...

I am - a serious person who does not take a whole lot of things too seriously.

I think - thousands of different thoughts every day and sometimes it is like a committee discussion but fortunately I do not act on every single thought that "pops' into my head!

I can - do just about anything I put my mind to as long as it's a good blend of dreaming and a nod to realistic expectations. Yeah, yeah I know but there are some things we gotta remember like gravity, the laws of nature, thermodynamics etc. etc.

I want - to make a difference in my family, my community and the world, no matter how small. I learned from my father to help others from a young age and that we have to make an individual effort. There is no such thing as the "compassionate conservative".

I have- a tendency to talk way too much so I make a continuous effort to try and slow down and listen and think before I begin speaking.

I wish- I could spend all my time traveling, playing, exploring, learning, reading, watching movies, listening to music, cooking, eating, volunteering, hiking, camping, hunting, running, relaxing and sharing it with my family. I am not one of those people who will waste away when I retire!

I hate - liars and bullies and always have a soft spot for the underdog, the underprivileged and the abused. Having said that, I have made a conscious effort to remove the word from my vocabulary because hate in any form is always destructive!

I miss - my Father in more ways than you can imagine but I have learned to let him go and cherish his love and everything he taught me.

I fear- the forces of power and politics are Balkanizing us as a people and that there is actually very little difference between us and and our neighbors. Unfortunately the 20% making up the extremes continue to try and convinced us that everything is black and white.

I feel - that my sometime cynical nature will keep me from seeing the best in other people, situations or circumstances. And I have learned that it can take more than prayer and meditation to solve a dilemma.

I hear- the sounds of the cicada's buzzing in the Texas heat outside in the valley behind my house. The birds at feeder and the the other everyday sounds of my life that are so familiar and comforting to me. Come back next month and the sounds will be different.

I smell- something good in the kitchen, her scent when we hold on to each other, the aroma of rich coffee when we wake up each day and the cool air during a morning run!

I search - for ways to be a better person, Husband and Father and have learned that when we search for wisdom, knowledge or any other attribute it is not just given to us, NOPE, we are given "opportunities" to learn the things we seek and it can be a real pain at times!

I regret - nothing anymore...It is an emotion that robs me of the time I could otherwise spend being happy and enjoying the present.

I love - being alive; the first thought when I wake up every day is "Thank you for this day" followed by "Thank you for my beautiful wife and children".

I care- about others and value loyalty and honesty more than any other attribute in friends and family and anyone who I meet.

I always - thought God watched you until he got bored and then he killed you! What an incredible surprise to learn that I was wrong and that my life is filled with Grace.

I am not - a person who backs down from a confrontation, ignores problems or hides from the truth and I almost always speak up!

I believe - that my Ego is NOT my Amigo and that resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person will suffer.

I dance - when no one is looking and sometimes "bust a move" in public without thinking. My wife and I will dance around the house for no particular reason and I guess it's just the music sometimes...

I sing- out loud, completely absent minded along with my iPod when I am running and do not realize it until I see the amused looks on the faces of other people on the trail.

I don't always - get started right away because I sometimes procrastinate and it is something I continue to work on in a constructive way.

I write - but not that well. If I could write like I talk it would be a breeze but putting it down does not flow as easily from my brain to my fingers as it does when verbalized. Then again I talk too much at times!

I win- every time I slow down and really listen, take my time and make a conscious effort to understand rather than be understood.

I lose - my peace, joy and bliss, when I allow some person, place or thing in my life to keep me from being happy and productive.

I never - want to lose my enthusiasm for living, my ability to enjoy the world and the great sense of imagination and humor that seems to be part of my genetic makeup!

I listen- to every kind of music imaginable so don't be fooled by the guitars, My ipod would thoroughly confuse a future anthropologist because it has Heavy Metal and Mozart, blues, Rock, jazz, fusion Reggae, Funk, classical, experimental and well, you get the idea...And of course..I AM from Texas!

I can usually be found- wondering around in my thoughts because sometimes my mind has a mind of it's own.

I'm scared of - very few things (I cannot stand snakes) but I know that when I am in fear, I need to look at it and figure out why, then do something about it.

I read - everything I can get my hands on, I am interested in so many things that I usually read more than one book at a time!

I forget - but I am still learning that forgiveness is the gift you give yourself.

I just - have two prejudices; vegetarians (and their Hezbollah like compatriots, vegans) and the rude people who drive small BMW's. Although this summer I have become more tolerant and understanding of the former but less so with the latter.

I am happy about - the fact I am enjoying having a GREAT LIFE and that no matter what happens everything is going to be alright. No really, it is...trust me on this one!

And something to send you along... gently and with a simple melody...

Thanks to Jennifer for the invitation and inspiration and also Jason & Jason

I tag: marti and Liz and Brad (unless he has already been tagged this go around)

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Working from home - Russell's Outside Office

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:33:33 -0400

In the middle of the Austin's longest drought since the 1950's it has been a losing battle to try and save the yard...it's fried. Water restrictions are in place and are being enforced, and so we have retreated to our back deck overlooking the valley and tried to make it an oasis against the never ending heat. Last weekend, we actually had a very good rain and the weather has cooled to the semi-tolerable 70's in the mornings so I have had the pleasure of enjoying morning coffee while working outside after my morning run. I am enjoying the good life in Austin Texas and I hope you are having a good day!

If you or anyone you know is anticipating purchasing or selling real estate anywhere in Central, West or Southwest Austin or the Westlake/Eanes School District area, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my nineteen years success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you. Contact me for a private consultation at your convenience! Mobile 512-657-8769

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Amy's Ice Cream-Sweet Temptation: Taste an Austin, Texas Original

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:56:59 -0400

Amy's Ice Cream-Sweet Temptation: Taste an Austin, Texas Original

I love ice cream; in fact I would say it is my favorite food in the world. If ice cream had been available in the Old Testament it would have easily replaced the apple as Eve's temptation. History reveals many stories and myths surrounding the tasty treat dating back to Roman times. My favorite tale revolves around a King who wanted a dessert that had both the elements of summer and winter in the same dish. And some intrepid soul invented the hot fudge sundae. (My current personal favorite!)

Austin, Texas is home to the most original ice cream store on the planet. Amy's Ice Creams was founded by Amy Simons in 1980. She previously worked at another shop called Steve's. Steve's establishment was popular for what, at that time, was the completely bizarre & unconventional practice of taking homemade ice cream and smashing different ingredients (cookies, candy, nuts, fruit, etc.) together and serving it in a cone or cup. Seems strange these days when you can buy pints of just about any flavor mixed with just about any ingredient at your local supermarket! Steve's closed and Amy went on to open her own shop and she now has 12 locations in Austin as well as stores in Houston and San Antonio. But don't look for mass growth. At Amy's its all about quality, service and community.

Amy's special secret is no secret at all. They use only the best quality ingredients and don't cut any corners in producing the highest quality ice cream available in the world. Flavors change on a rotating basis and there are also seasonal fruit, berry, and nut ice creams available. In additional to the standard sugar cones, Amy's also makes their own large waffle cones that are tasty by themselves as well as a vehicle for the most luxurious ice cream you will ever eat, taste, nibble, gorge, or devour.

Amy's goes out of the way to employ interesting and compelling folks that know the true meaning of "Keep Austin Weird". The company mascot "Lola" an awesomely funny cow, is prevalent everywhere. Each store has its own whimsical personality and feeling. Children and adults alike are always delighted by the décor, the antics of the employees (there are often displays of ice cream juggling which, I know sounds strange but trust me on this one) and the overall ambience that goes along with the most flavorful, richest, tastiest, creamiest ice cream you will ever put in your mouth.

My favorite location is, obviously, the one closest to my home. Amy's in the Mira Vista shopping center 2765 Bee Caves Road is managed by the wonderfully bright, energetic and cheerful Melissa Hanson. She is a true disciple of the Amy's mentality and a purveyor of all that is delicious in the world of ice cream. In the interest of full disclosure I have to tell you that our son, Morgan, was an employee at this location until he recently left for college. I don't mind admitting how proud his mom and I were that he managed to get hired because it is something of a challenge to get accepted. Amy's looks for employees who are a little different, somewhat interesting, and creative as well as hard working. Although maybe not as significant as being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys or nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, we were thrilled to know someone on the inside of the Amy's empire. And I admit I may have used the connection to get a few extra sprinkles of "crushin's"!?!

Enough of this talk... I cannot think of anything but ice cream now so, as soon as I post this I will be driving over to the Mira Vista store for my current favorite obsession. (My hands tremble in anticipation as I hasten to finish typing and I begin to expectantly look forward to the sinfully extravagent indulgence). Pictured at left and served up with good humor and a smile (by my favorite Pit Boss/Scoop at the Mira Vista location) the not so discrete object of my desire. A three scoops Sundae of Mexican vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough and Belgium chocolate (with Oreos crushin's) covered partially with Amy's homemade hot fudge and a half scoop of their warm praline sauce. This artery clogging concoction will be topped with freshly whipped cream, fresh sliced strawberries, and some mixed nuts. Eaten with a plastic spoon ONLY (to prevent freezing of the tastebuds and enhance the full flavor of the frozen dessert). Okay, I can hear all the health nuts and fussbudgets out there but before you start preaching, please remember, life is S H O R T, eat dessert first and... I know, I know.... I will have to run an extra 5 or 7...or, oh whatever, a bunch of extra miles this week, but it will be worth it. Remember to indulge responsibly...

Do yourself a favor; if you are lucky enough to live in or travel to Austin, San Antonio or Houston Texas, visit Amy's and enjoy a world class treat that originated right here in Austin Texas!

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Open House in Rob Roy - 8208 Talbot Lane - Sunday, March 28th 2:00-4:00 PM

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:09:00 -0400

Open House in Rob Roy - 8208 Talbot Lane - Sunday, March 28th 2:00-4:00 PM

I list and sell homes in all parts of the Eanes School District because I live here and work here and frankly I love it! Rob Roy on the Creek is situated south west of the intersection of Bee Caves Road and is an excellent neighborhood of homes ranging from $400K + to $1,950,000. The neighborhood lies within the acclaimed Eanes School District which includes Forest Trail Elementary (the home of Healthy Bear), West Ridge Middle School and Westlake High School. Rob Roy on the Creek is situated comfortably near plentiful shopping, Lake Austin water sports, Wild Basin Preserve and three world class country clubs. Many of the homes sit on green belt with hill country view lots and the area is one of Austin's premier upscale neighborhoods.

This is an awesome home BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Come on out and take a look for yourself and visit with me about any questions you might have regarding this or any other home in the Eanes School District and learn more about the many benefits of living in one of the very best areas of Austin, Texas!

AGENTS, this is an excellent time to preview!

I will be on-site between 2pm and 4pm Sunday afternoon so please drop by for a tour of this wonderful home in a no pressure environment. If you have questions or are unable to attend or if you would like to schedule a private showing, contact me and learn more about living the good life in Austin Texas. I can be reached at my mobile number listed below.

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Westview on Lake Austin - Austin, Texas

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:20:58 -0400

Westview on Lake Austin - Austin, Texas

The Original Westview on Lake Austin is one of my favorite neighborhoods in West Lake Hills. The neighborhood is located in a beautiful tree covered valley in an area known as the West Lake Peninsula. Westview on Lake Austin was developed back during the mid-eighties. Along came the S&L Crisis and as a result a bank intervened with the developer and took over the remaining un-sold lots. Then...another bank took over the first one and consequently the remaining lots were tied up until the mid-nineties. At that point the final holding bank released the remaining lots, allowing homeowners in the neighborhood to have first right to buy lots that adjoined their property. Many people in the area took the opportunity to purchase with the result that a number of homes have double lots. The remainder of the lots were purchased by builders and individuals who began to build in the neighborhood again. Homes in the area are built in a diverse number building styles and materials from stone to brick to stucco, incorporating lavish elements including upscale finish outs, Gourmet Kitchens, Multi-Car Garages, Home Theaters, Pools, Waterfalls-Spas, Outdoor Kitchens, private offices, wine cellars and just about any amenity a luxury buyer could imagine.

Driving through Westview you realize that the area is one of the flattest locations in Westlake within a gently rolling terrain in a beautiful tree covered basin. Developed slowly over time there variety of homes on large scenic lots built in a wide variety of custom designs and architectural elements including Traditional, Contemporary, Mediterranean and Classic approaches reflecting different tastes and lifestyles. Access to the area is by way of Elohi Drive off Westlake Drive and because there are no through streets, there is very little traffic in the neighborhood. This is yet another reason Westview is one of the quietest neighborhoods you will find in Westlake Hills. Home values in the area have ranged from $675,000's to over $3,000,000. During the last the 12 months (Ending April 6, 2010) there have only been four (3) sales ranging from $1,249,000-$1,345,000. Keep in mind this is only data from MLS and does not include any private or pocket listing sales.

Westview on Lake Austin is located in the award winning Eanes School District To learn more information about all of the activities connected with our wonderful schools please click on the following link to the Eanes School District. Eanes School District Main Page

Westview on Lake Austin students attend:

Bridge Point Elementary School

Hill Country Middle School

Westlake High School

Nearby Shopping includes the many services, shops, restaurants and stores at:

Davenport Village, located at the intersection of Westlake Drive and Capital of Texas Highway.

The Village of Westlake, located at the intersection between Bee Cave Road and Capital of Texas Highway

Westwood Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Bee Cave Road and Walsh Tarleton and at various locations along Bee Cave Road

Barton Creek Mall located between Mopac, Capital of Texas Highway and Walsh Tarleton Drive.

There are three country clubs near Westview on Lake Austin that cater to just about any need and budget.

Austin Country Club

Barton Creek Country Club

Lost Creek Country Club

I hope this has given you a good start on learning more about Westview on Lake Austin and the surrounding region. I have represented both buyers and sellers in Westview on Lake Austin and if you are thinking of moving to the Westlake area and the Eanes School District, Westview on Lake Austin or any one of our great neighborhoods and want to find out more about our locale and enjoying The Good Life in Austin Texas! Email me or call my mobile number listed below, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my twenty years of proven success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you!

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Lindsey Majors; Help with that Crucial First Impression and a Great Haircut!

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:43:15 -0400

Lindsey Majors; Help with that Crucial First Impression and a Great Haircut!

"Can I get a witness?" the voice exhorts from the receiver of my phone and I know immediately it's my friend and hair stylist at Eileene Kelley Salon, Lindsey Majors! She calls me every 3-4 months to remind me that I "might" need a haircut. The reason for her church on fire exclamation is that (she claims) when my hair begins to bush out like a tumbleweed shaped helmet, I begin to look disturbingly like Jimmy Swaggart. It's true, I don't get my hair cut all that often and Lindsey also says that if all of her clients were like me, she would probably be forced to take a second job ;-) Besides being an accomplished stylist, Lindsey has a marvelous sense of humor and an opinion that she gladly shares with her clients!

It's true, I come from a generation where many of us did not cut our hair. In the early 70's up through the mid 80's, my hair hung below my shoulders at varying lengths and was always L O N G! Thankfully most of the pictorial evidence from those years is long gone! These days I TRY and get a haircut before Lindsey calls and usually about the time my fellow associates begin referring to me as Papa Hemingway. We've been doing this dance for the last eight years and I have to say I am a completely satisfied customer! As a matter of fact, my entire family now has their hair done by Lindsey along with several very good friends! Lindsey Majors is truly an accomplished artist and craftsman when it comes to anything that has to do with hair! And as just about everyone knows a hairstylist is also a something of a "shade tree" psychologist, confidant and gossip columnist all rolled in to one. Lindsey is all of these but in such a wonderfully genuine way that when you are in her chair, you feel relaxed and comfortable! Whenever I am there I see all kinds of clients from little blue haired ladies to housewives, kids, teenagers, Rock Stars, Famous Chefs and both men and women professionals covering the gamut of personalities in Austin, Texas.

It's obvious that I am a fan of Lindsey Majors along with many people I know but don't just take my word for it! When she was at another Salon in Lakeway, she was consistently chosen the top hair stylist several years in a row. The best evidence I can offer is the BEFORE and AFTER pictures on this page showing my transformation from "Wild Man of Borneo" to respectable member of society. It's true that you only have one chance to make a good first impression and if you are thinking of trying out a new hair stylist, I would recommend calling Lindsey at: 512-789-0559. She does not have a web site, Facebook page or Twitter handle but stays incredibly busy through word of mouth and referrals and she is helping us all live The Good Life in Austin Texas! When you visit, know that she is probably going to be working on several clients at the same time but Lindsey Majors is a great multi-tasker and I guarantee you will enjoy the experience as well as the way you look when you leave the Salon. And so will those around you;-)

Check out Lindsey Majors and give her a call:

Lindsey Majors - 512-789-0559

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Rob Roy on the Lake - Austin, Texas

Russell Lewis, Broker,CLHMS,GRI (AvenueOne Properties, Austin Texas Real Estate) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:13:03 -0400

Rob Roy on the Lake - Austin, Texas

Rob Roy on the Lake Neighborhood is located just west of the original Rob Roy Neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Rob Roy on the Lake's boundaries are; to the east, Original Rob Roy, Bee Cave Road to the south, Riverhills Road to the west and Lake Austin to the North. Developed a short time after original Rob Roy in the early 1980's and continuing today. There are only a few lots left in the area and most homes purchased these days are updated or remodeled in some manner. There is also a section along Lake Austin that offers waterfront lots with easy access to the water directly across from Travis County's City Park. Many homes have Lake Austin views from different streets in the area. Homes in the area have sold from the high $400,000's to over $5,500,000.

Homes and lots in the area are similar to original Rob Roy but are spread out over more acreage and offers large estate-sized lots and building amenities to fit the most discriminating tastes of the luxury buyer. The neighborhood has three access points. A gated entrance on Weston Lane, an entrance on Lowell Lane and two entrances off River Hills Road at Sumner Court and Barrett Lane. Because the Rob Roy neighborhoods were developed over time, homes in the area come in a wide variety of custom designs and architectural elements. Traditional, Contemporary, Mediterranean and Classic styles reflecting different tastes and lifestyles. Utilizing diverse building materials from stone to brick to stucco and incorporating lavish elements including upscale finish outs, Gourmet Kitchens, Multi-Car Garages, Home Theaters, Pools/Waterfalls Spas, Outdoor Kitchens, private offices, wine cellars and just about any amenity you could imagine.

To learn more about Rob Roy on the Lake you can access the Homeowners Rules and Regulations here: Rob Roy on the Lake Rules & Regulations

Rob Roy on the Lake is located in the award winning Eanes School District

To learn more information about all of the activities connected with our wonderful schools please click on the following link to the Eanes School District.

Eanes School District Main Page

Rob Roy students attend:

Barton Creek Elementary School

West Ridge Middle School

Westlake High School

Nearby Shopping includes the many services, shops, restaurants and stores along Bee Cave Road and at:

Davenport Village, located at the intersection of Westlake Drive and Capital of Texas Highway.

The Village of Westlake, located at the intersection between Bee Cave Road and Capital of Texas Highway

Westwood Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Bee Cave Road and Walsh Tarleton.

Barton Creek Mall located between Mopac, Capital of Texas Highway and Walsh Tarleton Drive.

There are three country clubs near Rob Roy on the Lake that cater to just about any requirement and budget.

Austin Country Club

Barton Creek Country Club

Lost Creek Country Club

OKAY, that should give you a good start on learning more about Rob Roy on the Lake and the surrounding region. If you are thinking of moving to the Westlake area and the Eanes School District, Rob Roy on the Lake or any one of our great neighborhoods and want to learn more about our locale and enjoying The Good Life in Austin Texas! Email me or call my mobile number listed below, I would be happy to be of assistance. Let me put my twenty years of proven success helping upscale buyers and sellers in Austin's finest neighborhoods to work for you!

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