Memorial Day ’09 on Lake Austin

(Community Matters) Perfect closing to a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in Central Texas – dinner on Lake Austin, hosted by Suzanne, David & Chandler Booth, catered by Santa Rita & Eddie Bernal.

Steve Hall & David Booth

David & Suzanne decided to host dinner on their Lake Austin property for friends who helped settle differences with their Courtyard neighbors. David explained that once they sat down with Courtyard residents and explained their development plans (a single family home with a few outbuildings) on the former Mueller ranch, the neighbors dropped their opposition.

David & Steve standing within an excavated terraced space overlooking Bull Creek and which had been buried and overgrown

Stephen Jones, Dana Friis-Hansen, Kerry Hall & Suzanne Deal Booth

Suzanne and group just back from the tour for late arrivals.

David Armbrust, Julie Byers, Mayor-elect Lee Leffingwell & Cheryl Armbrust

Lee & Julie couldn’t have been more gracious which I appreciate since I campaigned hard for Brewster. Lee will make a super mayor. I’m grateful for the debates that went on during the campaign. I think they’ll inform us well on priorities and positions as we navigate challenging economic times for our community. I enjoyed meeting David’s wife Cheryl for the first time.

The Booth’s have engaged Jill Nokes to help restore the ranch’s 55 acres. Already, they’ve cleared many non-indigenous species and the pastures & native plants are returning quite beautifully.

David pointed out the sites for their home and a few other, small buildings – minimal disturbance to the land and design which blends with surroundings. Couldn’t ask for more repectful stewardship of an extraordinary oasis nearly central city. Jill noted the return of various bird species since they’ve replanted the pastures and preserved some of the brush piles.

Jill Nokes, Dan Bullock, Annette Carlozzi

I don’t think I’d seen Annette & Dan since their wedding – Annette still radiant when I mentioned it.

Jack Nokes, Steven, Kevin Keim, Jill

Jack and Jill Nokes are friends from St. James. Turns out they’ve long been friends with Kevin as well – Jill remembering titillating stories about Kevin in San Miguel.