Recyle - Reuse

It seems as though so many things in our life can be reused, but where?
I now have a stack of magazines and catalogs to get rid of. Does anyone have
a place to take them locally instead of the recycle bin?

I also saw an article about reusing prescription bottles. Of course, I have no idea where I put the article, so if you know of anyone who can reuse these items, let me know.

Does your group need items we might all be able to donate? Let us know.

Thanks!

Please Don't Hurt Me

If you're lucky enough to find an Indigo snake in your yard  - please don't kill it.  These snakes are great at ridding your property of all other snakes as well as rodents.  They're protected in many states - not in Texas yet - and really beautiful to watch.  

Let the Games Begin - in December that is.......

This year we challenge you to have the best "dressed" house for Christmas.  We'll have impartial judges award first, second and third place yard signs for the best Christmas lights and decor.  Combine that with the second annual Preserve Chili Cook off and we're looking forward to a fun celebration in the neighborhood.

Next Month's Book Club

Next month Shari Breese is hosting Book Club and choose the book "Living Like Ed" by Ed Begley.  We'll learn about eco-friendly living styles with this book, so get copies now and start reading.  I'll post the date when Shari lets me know what's good for her.

Lets be Good Neighbors

There have been quite a few comments on drivers exceeding the 25 MPH limit in the neighborhood or being rude in other ways.  

Some of this is construction etc. entering our neighborhood but more and more these problems involve residents.  One neighbor reported being cut off when trying to access 290 by a neighbor.  Remember, our children are playing out there.  Even going double the speed limit only saves you a few seconds and only slightly speeding could do so much damage to a child chasing a ball.  Is it worth it?   

Additionally - watch out for those lose dogs.  We have seen an increase in dogs running around.  I know, mine is one of them.  I have a new dog that is very tricky about getting out of the back yard.  I'm working on it as I'm sure the owners of those other "run-away" dogs are.  My next door neighbor solved their problem by putting an invisible fence along their actual backyard fence.  They proudly report two weeks without a break out!  

There are those, however, who regularly walk their dogs off leash.  I have seen one neighbor do this, as well as some who work in the neighborhood as care givers or nannys.  This is frustrating to your neighbors and dangerous to the dog.   Please follow the rules and put those pets on a leash for their walks for their sake if not for the comfort of others.  Those of you who employ others please see that they know of the rules and are willing to comply.

Finally, don't forget to clean up after your dogs.  

Many time walking we see little "gifts" from our canine friends left on lawns or on the edge of the street.  Again, kids are playing in the neighborhood and many of us just plain don't appreciate dog poo left on the lawn.  Pet stores have cute little containers with "bags on board" bags made for clean up - or just bring grocery bags or zip-loc ,  whatever you have.

I laughed

This is a funny report of a car wreck.   Just click on the link:  Wreck Report

Another Exciting Critter Story

We saw this out by the pool today.  A snake caught a large frog and tried for 30 min. to drag it onto the rocks and eat it.  The poor snake was just not big enough to swallow that whole frog.  After trying valiantly it finally gave up and dropped the frog back on the rocks.  The snake retreated up under the top rock - maybe it was camera shy - and the frog body just lay there.  I was trying to figure out how to reach and remove said frog when it started to move.  Amazingly it survived being in that snake's mouth for half an hour.  Not really sure what I'm going to do about the snake in the rock but if it keeps the frog eggs out of the pool maybe I'll just give it a name and treat it like family.  (if you click on the pictures the get bigger so you can see them easier.  The last one shows the snake under the top rock and the frog down below.)   The snake appears to be a Gulf Coast Ribbon Snake - don't know what he's doing up here in Austin.  Maybe it's another kind of ribbon snake.  Whichever - it isn't dangerous.  Creepy but not dangerous.  

Sad note:  got us this morning and the frog is dead in the bottom of the pool.  I'm a little freaked about removing the body - dead things are just plain yucky!   Think I'll call Seth the pool guy.  He's great and will come out for something this dumb without even charging me.