Be brave like Ukraine.
Here is what is happening in Lakeway.
Fawn Season!
Fawn season continues in Lakeway! Please DRIVE CAREFULLY on residential streets, as newborn fawns are incredibly tiny, fragile, and clueless about traffic. If you see an adult deer, watch for a straggling fawn. If you see one fawn, watch for another as multiple births are common. Also, when walking, ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash; this protects fawns from exuberant dogs and also protects dogs from being kicked and stomped by VERY protective mama does.
Scroll down to the Back to Me section for brand new fawn photos taken in Old Lakeway.
PARKED fawns are FINE.
Remember—the vast majority of fawns you see around town are FINE, just parked in a safe spot and waiting for Mom to return to feed/clean/move the baby to another safe parking spot. The image above left is from our local fawn expert, Leanne Dupay, a permitted wildlife rehabilitator with Texas Parks & Wildlife. 512-694-1811. (She lives in The Hills.) Take a photo of her chart and SAVE IT IN YOUR PHONE so you have the info when needed.
If the fawn’s ears are curled (see right-hand image above), its bottom is dirty, it is laying on its side with legs straight out instead of curled up like a cat, or it is wandering around crying, then it needs help. There is much more info on the Fawn page of my site. It also has several local contacts if you find a fawn (or other wildlife) truly in distress. https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/
Keep your DOGS out of Lake Travis, due to deadly algae.
Sadly, this has happened for several years now, and another dog died after swimming in Lake Travis over the July 4 holiday. This local article explains the problem. Dog dies after swimming in Lake Travis, LCRA urges owners to keep pets away 7/6/24 https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/dog-dies-after-swimming-in-lake-travis-lcra-urges-owners-to-keep-pets-away
Footloose: The Musical at The Galleria
Footloose: The Musical will be presented at 8PM every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Aug. 10. Presented by Magnolia Musical Theater, in partnership with Hill Country Galleria and City of Bee Cave, the location is the Central Plaza Lawn at the Galleria. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE production!
Art at the Library
The Lake Travis Community Library has the photography of Gary Simpson on display during the month of July. His digitally enhanced photos capture the lavender fields in Provence, Chelsea Gardens in London, the Bay of Naples in Italy, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in New Mexico.
Lake Travis Democrats Club
2024 has a hugely important election in November. LT Dems is working with Western Travis Democrats (a group of local Dem Precinct Chairs) to organize activities including mailings, block walks/lit drops, phone banks, campaign signs, and more for this fall. Go here (at the link, scroll down to GOTV and click on More Info) to sign up and help GET OUT THE VOTE this fall: https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/copy-of-club-activities
These activities take money. Printing, postage, signs—it adds up. Donations are needed. ACT BLUE makes donating easy and secure. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/western-travis-democrats-1
Things are quiet in the summer, but check https://www.laketravisdemocrats.com/ for club activities each month.
Transportation Bond projects continue through the summer.
Summer in Lakeway smells like hot tar….
Lakeway Drive’s re-paving was supposed to be completed by July 11, but they are running behind. (There was 1 paved lane as of July 12.)
Lakeway Boulevard’s re-paving is underway and expected to be completed around Aug. 2.
Lohman’s Crossing will be re-paved roughly July 31-Aug. 13.
Under the Sea
Don’t miss this fun-filled water event, on Saturday, July 20, starting 1PM, at Lakeway Swim Center, transformed for the ocean theme. Come dressed to get wet and enjoy snacks, giveaways, mermaids, and face painting. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/2188/Under-the-Sea
Lakeway BLOOD DRIVE
The next blood drive at LAC is on Saturday, July 20. The event is always well organized, clean and friendly. You will be done and out the door in under 30 minutes. It is an important cause and helps countless people. Plus—FREE JUICE AND COOKIES!
In summer, donations are HIGHLY NEEDED. Frequent donors are off on vacation, but the demand for life-saving blood continues. July 20 is a great time to show up and give to your community. While walk-ins are welcome, those with appointments have priority. You can see upcoming dates and make an appointment to donate by entering your zip code here– https://weareblood.org/donor/schedule/
Puzzle Exchange at the library
On Saturday, July 20, 10:30-11:30AM, drop by Lake Travis Community Library (1938 Lohmans Crossing) and swap out your jigsaw puzzles with ones that will be new to you. (All puzzles must be in good condition, well-packaged and include all pieces.)
Shark Pool Party
Another Saturday means more water fun at Lakeway Swim Center! Pop in on July 27 starting at 5PM for an exhilarating shark-themed event, with shark giveaways, thrilling shark pool games, and jaw-some decorations. PLUS—last year’s crowd-favorite MECHANICAL SHARK (Bull) will make a return appearance. More info here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1867/Shark-Pool-Party
Sunday Concert Series–Austin Brassworks
On Sunday, July 28, 4PM, Austin Brassworks presents a FREE CONCERT at Lakeway Activity Center. Enjoy their range of groups and styles – jazz, big band, polka, wind ensemble, brass band, orchestral and, of course, quintet. For more info, go here (and scroll down): https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI5MTM3MTA=
TexArts summer production
August 9-25—Motown: A Celebration. Go here for info and to buy tickets: https://www.tex-arts.org/upcoming-productions
City Hall Art Display
In July and August, the lobby at City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing) will display the art of Christy Stephens. Meet the artist at a reception on Monday, August 19, 5:30 -7:30 PM.
West Library is HIRING, plus DONATE for a naming opportunity.
Lake Travis Community Library’s second location (the old Pizzeria Casa Nostra site at 21209 State Hwy. 71 in Spicewood) is continuing major renovations. Opening is scheduled for late 2024.
The new location is looking to hire 3 part-time library clerks and a full-time Youth Services Librarian. Deadline to apply is July 22. Go here for info and to apply: https://laketravislibrary.org/employment/
Donations are needed to make this location the best it can be. Lots of naming opportunities are still available, to honor your special group or a loved one. Go here for info and a donation link: https://laketravislibrary.org/new-west-location/
WaterSmart Rebates for irrigation, pools and more from LCRA.
Per City of Lakeway: LCRA is now offering a newly expanded WaterSmart rebates program. LCRA provides rebates of 50% of the total cost, up to $600 per residential property, for irrigation evaluations, retrofitting or replacing irrigation system equipment, new pool filters and covers, aeration, compost and mulch, soil testing and turf conversion. Go here for info: https://www.lcra.org/water/watersmart/rebates/
Mayor Kilgore’s Facebook Update
The mayor gave a live update on July 11. Go here to watch: https://www.facebook.com/cityoflakeway/videos/7838092242892387
Council meets on July 15, 6:30pm, at City Hall.
Consequential Agenda items include:
ITEM 17: Citizens Participation for items NOT on the agenda.
ITEM 18: Financial Report.
ITEM 19: Request for Amendment to the PUD for Balcones Point, 33.86 acres at 2811 RR 620 South. ZAPCO recently recommended approval.
ITEM 20: Request by Cascade Homes for approval of the Preliminary Plan for Balcones Point PUD (as amended in above item), on 33.86 acres at 2811 RR 620 South. ZAPCO recently recommended approval.
ITEM 21: Request to amend the Future Land Use Map as to 5.36 acres at 300 Birrell Street from commercial to residential. In March, ZAPCO recommended denial, so Council approval now requires a super majority (6 of 7 votes).
ITEM 22: Request to change the zoning of 5.36 acres at 300 Birrell Street from C-1 (office/retail) to Planned Unit Development (PUD). In March, ZAPCO recommended denial, so Council approval now requires a super majority (6 of 7 votes).
ITEM 23: Request for a Special Use Permit to operate a concierge auto service and repair facility for 99 years on 1.3684 acres at 1101 RR 620 North. ZAPCO recently recommended approval.
ITEM 24: As discussed at the June Council meeting, revising the ordinance to allow power tool use on recreational land/golf courses starting at 6:30AM instead of 7AM, but only in the summer (May 1-Sept. 30).
ITEM 25: Update and discussion regarding alkali-silica reaction (ASR) detected in swimming pools built between 2017-2023 in Lakeway.
ITEM 26: Presentation of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget.
View the Agenda, Meeting Packet, and/or Presentation (scrolling down to City Council documents) here: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx Go here to watch the Council meeting online (live or later): https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1062/Videos—Meetings-Events
Daring Mighty Things
The above image captures one of the few places hotter than Texas—the surface of our Sun, which is very busy right now. Solar maximum is approaching, when the sun reaches its 11-year peak of activity—sunspots, prominences, flares, and more. (Image credit: Mark Johnston @azastroguy.) Astrophotographer captures stunningly detailed photos of our ‘fuzzy’ sun 7/7/24 https://www.space.com/astrophotographer-sun-photos-mark-johnston-fuzzy-surface
Watch this gorgeous 2-minute video and see Earth rise over the moon, just as humans (the astronauts of Apollo 8) watched it happen for the very first time, back in 1968. (Image credit: NASA, SVS, Apollo 8 crew.) https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240630.html
Boeing’s first Starliner mission to the ISS has become the stellar version of Gilligan’s 3-hour tour. Instead of the planned 10 days at the station, the 2 astronauts will be floating around up there for a big chunk of the summer, perhaps all of it. (Image credit: ESA.) NASA says there is no return date set, as investigations continue into the helium leaks and thruster problems that developed as the craft made its way into orbit and managed to dock with ISS back on June 5. When will Starliner come home? Boeing and NASA still don’t know 7/11/14 https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-no-return-date-from-iss
Turns out, launching rockets into space from a wildlife refuge isn’t a good idea. The above image shows Starbase, located in the center of federally protected land, in South Texas. (Image Credit: New York Times.) To get the permits needed to locate in South Texas a decade ago, Musk promised that SpaceX would have a small and eco-friendly footprint, with the surrounding area “left untouched.” That was never possible. But, Musk didn’t want to buy the thousands of acres of vacant land needed to buffer the noise, vibration, fire risk and other negatives of repeated explosive, chemical-laden launches of enormous experimental machines. Instead, he bought a tiny tract in the middle of protected lands; his Starbase is surrounded by a state park, migratory bird breeding grounds, and a public beach where the world’s most endangered sea turtle breeds. Those sensitive areas and the vulnerable creatures living on them have born the brunt of frequent explosive launches, and government agencies did nothing to stop it. Instead, they believed Musk when he said operations on Texas would be limited to smaller rockets, few in number, with little risk. But, of course, he did the opposite, constantly expanding operations there and making it the hub for his Starship, the largest rocket ever conceived. Even after the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service realized the heavy damage being done on the land under their protection, other federal agencies like the FAA overruled their objections. Of course, the FAA has a vested interested in keeping SpaceX flying and Musk happy. Read more here: SpaceX’s Assault on a Fragile Habitat: Four Takeaways From Our Investigation 7/7/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/us/politics/spacex-boca-chica-takeaways.html Also here: Wildlife Protections Take a Back Seat to SpaceX’s Ambitions 7/7/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/us/politics/spacex-wildlife-texas.html
Now, SpaceX is bullying its way around in Florida. Musk is demanding a dedicated launch site at Kennedy Space Center, as well as windows for up to 44 launches per year, including many for the gigantic and still-experimental Starship. Detractors are concerned about the impact on the environment and wildlife, as well as on local residents and businesses. Also, space-exploration competitors including Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance argue that an explosively failed Starship launch (carrying 5,200 metric tons of highly combustible liquid methane fuel) would damage their equipment and endanger personnel at neighboring launchpads and offices at KSC. SpaceX rivals challenge Starship launch license in Florida over environmental, safety concerns 7/10/24 https://www.space.com/spacex-rivals-challenge-starship-launch-license-in-florida
The above image shows rare iridescent clouds over Sweden, back in 2019. (Image credit: Goran Strand.) All it takes for iridescence to happen is water droplets of a certain size, plus the sun at the correct angle shining through clouds layered just right. Check out this government site to see daily space-related images, with understandable explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
With liberty and justice for all … except women.
So, the GOP’s action plan is to make women property again. Because, overturning Roe v. Wade was just the beginning….
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) recently accused “the angry feminist movement” of emasculating men, demanding that the U.S. “work our way back” to 1960 if Trump wins in November. He derided the War on Poverty in the 1960s for emasculating men and destroying families by elevating women. GOP Rep Delivers a House Floor Speech Straight Out of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ 7/12/24 https://www.thedailybeast.com/rep-glenn-grothman-delivers-speech-straight-out-of-the-handmaids-tale
Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s sitting Lt. Governor, is now running for Governor as a rabid Republican, openly declaring the US should return to the days when women were not allowed to vote. He routinely calls women whores, witches and rejected drag queens; he says feminism is Satan’s creation. His comments include “The only thing worse than a woman who doesn’t know her place, is a man who doesn’t know his.” His attacks on gays, trans people, Muslims, etc. are similarly noxious, and he has long been a Holocaust denier. Mark Robinson: ‘I Absolutely Want To Go Back To The America Where Women Couldn’t Vote’ https://endcitizensunited.org/latest-news/press-releases/mark-robinson-i-absolutely-want-to-go-back-to-the-america-where-women-couldnt-vote-huffpost/
Campaign ads tell same the sick story: Republican platforms and candidates top to bottom seek to oppress women and minorities, rolling back all the civil rights, equal opportunity and personal freedoms won over the last several decades. Watch and weep.
–The Seneca Project has a new ad that is right on point–PAY ATTENTION: Project 2025 Is Not A Game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzvpRDstSk0
–The Biden/Harri campaign ad “Her Own” is worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Hyc3tFk5c
–The latest ad from The Lincoln Project shows how America ends, in just 4 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpLpOtFNFWg
Everyone is talking about Project 2025. It is over 900 pages, eagerly planning out Trump’s second term. The project was organized by The Heritage Foundation, which has orchestrated Republican presidents’ judicial nominees for decades—including Trump’s 3 SCOTUS appointees who killed Roe v. Wade in 2022. Sections were written by Trump’s first term staffers and appointees, his campaign workers past and present, his supporters, and his donors. It covers everything–from reproduction to immigration, Social Security to Medicare, and foreign policy to elections. It would keep Trump in power for life and end our Constitution. Women’s rights are gutted on every front, starting with banning abortion medications including Mifepristone, as well as ending IVF and basic contraception.
I haven’t yet read the entire thing, but my suspicion is that the heinous Project 2025 is a shiny distraction, heart-felt by Trump acolytes but intended by the higher ups to gin up panic and draw attention away from even more nefarious things going on in Trumpland—like how the far-right US Supreme Court justices (illegally) communicated with the Trump legal team as to the specific language, nuance and timing of its recent immunity decision. (It was likely done via the large number of Supreme Court clerks, past and present, working for Justices Thomas, Alito, etc.) Why else would Project 2025 be so very public, spilling all of Trump’s plans to jump-start another administration and thereby allowing Democrats to counter at least some of it? Plus, Trump can’t follow his own tele-prompter, much less a 920-page tome.
Still, Project 2025 offers valuable insights into the abyss, as well as key talking points as we warn undecided voters about exactly what could happen in November. Depending on the time you have (and your intestinal fortitude), there are many ways to investigate Project 2025.
–Start here for Team Biden’s take: https://joebiden.com/project2025/
–Foreign observers can offer calm perspective. Here is an interesting summary of Project 2025 from the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do
–No one in America is neutral, but here is CBS News’ summary of Project 2025: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-project-2025-trump-conservative-blueprint-heritage-foundation/
–Prefer to listen? The brilliant Sisters-in-Law began tackling Project 2025 on their latest podcast (starting with its plans for the Department of Justice, at around minute 47), and upcoming episodes will cover additional sections of the manifest: https://www.politicon.com/podcasts/project-2025
–The New York Times provides this summary and analysis of Project 2025: https://www.nytimes.com/article/project-2025.html
–This NYT article summarizes Trump’s own stated plans for a 2nd term, with comparison to Project 2025: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/06/16/us/politics/trump-policy-list-2025.html
–Up to reading Project 2025 word for word? Go to the source: https://archive.org/details/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL
–Download the complete Project 2025 as a PDF, free: https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf
Your tax dollars at work…. The GOP legislature in Texas sends $140 million annually to an out-dated program meant to stop women from having abortions. Now, with that mission accomplished via archaic state law, the funds are still pumping out to a program called Thriving Texas Families that no agency is regulating. Media investigation uncovered multiple scams, including non-profits doling out single diapers at $14 a pop. Texas Sends Millions to Crisis Pregnancy Centers. It’s Meant to Help Needy Families, But No One Knows if It Works. 7/7/24 https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-funding-anti-abortion-crisis-pregnancy-centers
Organizers are working hard in several states to get signatures on petitions and filings completed on time to get abortion rights on the November ballot in several states. Arkansas, Nebraska, Arizona recently joined the list of states where voters will decide if women have the right to govern their own bodies. Already on the list are Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, and S. Dakota. Plus, organizers in Missouri and Montana are in the process of qualifying initiatives. Already, elections held in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio and Vermont resulted in voters upholding abortion rights at the state level. Which states could have abortion on the ballot in 2024? 7/5/24 https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-initiative-petitions-arkansas-70fbd2619c330bb6d31445a6bf969b59
Here is a name to watch out for–Matthew Trewhella. He is a 63-year old Wisconsin pastor who has the ear of Trump’s closest advisors. For decades, he has vociferously attacked abortion, gun control and fair election laws, all grounded in a particularly brutal and misogynistic take on Biblical teachings. He defends the murder of abortion doctors, demands the death penalty for homosexuals, preaches that churches must form militias, and attacks those with more moderate views as wicked dogs, whores and tyrants. For instance, in a recent sermon, he said this: “When you see sodomy running rampant, when you see women in government, when you see men behaving like effeminate little squirrels, judgment is in the land.” ProPublica’s investigation was chilling and can be read here. The Gospel of Matthew Trewhella: How a Militant Anti-Abortion Activist Is Influencing Republican Politics 7/10/24 https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-ziklag-secret-christian-charity-2024-election
Back to me….
Looks like “busy, hating the heat, and cranky” are my baseline this summer. Also, who doesn’t LOVE the smell of hot tar on their early morning walks?
My annual medical adventures went well, though how the billing aftermath will pan out via Medicare and my medigap plan is a complete mystery far as I’m concerned. After 6 months of eligibility, I’m more confused than ever. Claim are paid (more or less), denied, totally ignored, pending on and on–it still looks entirely random. I finally got around to switching my phone plan; seemingly, I have exactly the same services at less cost. (Also, scratching that tedious chore off my To Do list was sweet.) Not that the amount saved there covers the rate hike Spectrum just hit me with for the indispensable goodies of life (internet/TV/DVR)….
Yet again, Houston got all the rain from Beryl, while Central Texas remains parched. Houston gets way too much rain and must be sick and tired of all that flooding mess. So, there has got to be a way to collect the excess water and route it into the Highland Lakes. Someone should really be working on that….
It is SO HOT out there. Give wildlife a break and some fresh water, preferably in the shade. Rinse the bowl and add fresh water daily, to avoid breeding mosquitos. (Image credit: Angels Among Us Animal Rescue.)
Pandas are back! China shipped 2 giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, to the SanDiego Zoo in late June. (Image credits: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.) The pair is getting acclimated, but should start public viewings in August. “Panda diplomacy” is expected to continue, with more adorably furry diplomats headed to other top American zoos soon. https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/07/09/san-diego-zoo-new-panda-photos?utm_campaign=editorial&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3LadkTjILyq50TS-he9xp4_R2-EmSPBrEcVzclGCiKT72842zIAdy3s9E_aem_cPQHOH148pbpUSHyC_mxlQ
No pandas for Lakeway, but fawns are all over town now. Certain areas are sweet spots. One morning last week, I saw 8 fawns, which I think is a personal record. Then, the next 2 days, I walked the same route at the same time and saw NO fawns at all. Another day, I came across 18 deer napping in a front yard—mature bucks, does, yearlings and a couple fawns (including the melanistic fawn that is so rare in the Live Oak GC part of Lakeway). I was amazed to see mama does and such young fawns mingling with big bucks in their full herd group; generally, that doesn’t happen until September. Here are some of my fawn photos, taken in Old Lakeway in the last couple weeks.
Coronavirus Update
The summer Covid wavelet has strengthened. As of July 6, the CDC’s Data Tracker shows all 4 Covid-19 indicators (test positivity, ER visits, hospitalization, and death rate) RISING. Positive test rates and ER visits are both up sharply. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
Wastewater viral testing now shows as HIGH (instead of the LOW readings during the last several months.) https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/index.html
New Covid vaccines will be available by September, updated to fight the newest variant offshoot called KP.2. Experts say everyone 6 months and older should get the updated vaccine this fall. As Covid cases rise, CDC recommends new version of vaccine 6/27/24 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-cases-rise-cdc-panel-recommends-updated-vaccine-fall-rcna159349
If you catch Covid, consider taking Paxlovid. It prevents severe illness and death in people at high risk; studies show it is effective in nearly 75% of cases. And “high risk” covers most American adults, including those with depression, obesity, asthma or a history of smoking. Anyone age 50 or older should take Paxlovid, regardless of health status. Lots more good info in this article: I Have Covid. Should I Take Paxlovid? 1/11/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/covid-paxlovid-treatment.html
With all the summer travel, you might need to review Covid testing guidelines. If You Test Positive for Covid, Can You Still Travel? 7/3/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/travel/covid-positive-travel.html
Covid symptoms are not all respiratory. This May Be the Most Overlooked Covid Symptom–Gastrointestinal issues are a common but often unrecognized sign of infection 7/5/24 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/05/well/covid-symptoms-stomach-pain-diarrhea.html