South Austin Real Estate Blog,

We live on property that has many many oak trees, they are beautiful, wonderful shade providers, squirrel provides, cardinal refuges, many things to us. Austin is proud of its live oaks and pin oaks and spanish oaks. We love each and every one of them, so this week we did something that has made a huge improvement around here. The trees got a haircut. a tree trimming.

Since the proof is in the pudding and a picture is worth a thousand words, who wants to read all those words, here are the before and afters. Thanks to Aspen Tree Service of Austin, 512-552-5966. More to come later about that awesome company. Can you believe its the same place? before and after.

Next Tuesday, Sept 8,2009 our President Obama is planning on addressing the school children of our nation in their classrooms. This has become a very controversial event. I am unsure why but I haven't researched the event.

Last night was the Parents Meet the Teacher event at our local middle school. The event for next week was addressed during the event, the school board stated, "We only have a few limited hours with your child each day and we have much to teach, therefore we have opted out of the Presidential address".

To me that seems like a very reasonable way to avoid controversy and keep politics out of the middle school. I agree that is a wise move, people are free to think what they want, middle school is not the place to drag in right and left politics. Teach the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Pledge of Allegiance to America.

I say HOORAY to Dripping Springs ISD for taking the lead in school is for teaching .. it is no wonder this district has multiple Exemplary Rated schools.

The Keep Austin Weird 5K will start at the Buford Bell Tower locted at the intersection of West Cesar Chavez St. and Colorado St. The finish will end at the same intersection. Online registration is available until Sept 10th, THursday at 6:00PM.

For more information please check the website for costs and pickup packets time. You can also find at the website information about commuting with Capitol Metro, parking, volunteers needed, family prices and sponsorships. http://www.runtex.com/web/2-2606.asp

Mark your calendar to be there Sept 12th and come out to help KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD with a fun run for all, including strollers and 4 legged family members (on a leash).

Keller Williams is based in Austin Texas and has many many fine offices throughout the World. Every year the KW staff at the International Office here in Austin work hard to bring about a convention full of fun and learning. Intensive training, mini tech training and lots more than I could tell you about.

Welcome to Austin, this week we are still entrapped in the record breaking heat wave with no rain in sight. What that means is its 103 - 101 everyday and out night time lows are about 75. Inside the Convention Center it will be cool. But outside its awful. If you are from a much milder climate please be advised to leave most jackets and coats at home.

Also, today is the beginning of Stage 2 water shortage and conservation. Unless you ask for water at a restaurant it will not be automatically served. We have been in a drought for many months and our lakes are low so not quite as picturesque as normal.

Be sure to take a walk by Lady Bird Lake, it runs through downtown and the walking trails are very accessible.

Welcome to Austin, its a lively city, much to do, much to see and its like no other part of Texas! It is not the cactus and tumbleweeds of the Old Western movies, Austin is green and thriving. Enjoy yourself! Come back often and soon!

Austin Water shortage has entered Stage 2 shortage measurements. Beginnning today, Monday, August 24,2009... the CIty of Austin is kicking into a higher gear for water conservation. here are the new rules and there will be NO WARNINGS of violations, there will be a $400 Fine for the first offense.

To read further information follow this link to the City of Austin website.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/stage2.htm

Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions

The City Manager has determined that Stage 2 Water Restrictions will go into effect on Monday, August 24, 2009. These restrictions will be in effect until further notice.

In Stage 2, the following additional restrictions apply to the use of potable water:

• Outdoor irrigation is prohibited except on assigned days at designated times (see once-per-week schedule below)
• Golf fairway irrigation is limited to assigned days before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Golf tee and green irrigation is limited to every other day
• Vehicle washing is limited to designated days and times, with a hand-held bucket or a positive shut-off nozzle on a hose*
• A person may not conduct or participate in a charity car wash
• The use of outdoor ornamental fountains is prohibited except to provide aeration for aquatic life
• A person may not fill, refill, or add water to an indoor fountain
• No automatic fill valves are allowed for pools or ponds
• Washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, patios or other paved surfaces is prohibited*
• A restaurant may not serve water to a customer unless requested by the customer

*Exceptions are made for washing necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare