Thursday, May 29, 2008

Sorry 'bout that. I went to Oklahoma for a few days
(See What I did Here and Here.)

So.. since I've been gone for about a week... I'll post a bunch of photos today. I went out and shot a couple of the new model homes in Plum Creek. They brought in KB Homes as a new homebuilder. I was pretty skeptical... but I'm impressed.

KB2629.jpg

Livingroom:
KB2602.jpg

Kitchen:
KB2603.jpg

Boy's Room:
KB2604.jpg

Master Bed:
KB2605.jpg

Bathroom:
KB2606.jpg

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Jam! Dance! Jam!


Jam! Dance! Jam!
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Happy Memorial Day Weekend. I am getting on a plane to Tulsa in a few hours... and I'll be away from Internet until Sunday.. so I leave you with a photo of my beautiful daughter when I decided to give her a spiked hair-doo (I was actually just putting sunscreen on her and it made her hair spike up).

She's dancing to Will Dunlap performing at the Plum Creek Front Porch Days a few weeks ago.

Incidentally... if you're in Kyle... tomorrow (Friday) go by The Lucky Cup Coffeehouse for some free live music. Mark Jungers will be playing.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008


Milt's BBQ
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
If you're in Kyle and are looking for some darned good BBQ... and even live music on Fridays... come to Milt's

Milt's Pit Bbq
905 North Old Highway 81,
Kyle, TX 78640

While looking them up to find the address I found a review of their place by a person named Dax:

"There was only one car out front, but it was already after 1pm, so we did not take that as a bad sign. The seating reminds me of the porch at the Saltlick. We sat in the covered porch under one of the fans. Even with the heat today, it was very comfortable. They have a signature wall that is filling up fast. They also have a sign requesting old license plates for them to display. It’s a great atmosphere for eating slow cooked BBQ.

The menu features a great selection at reasonable prices. My wife and I each ordered a bird’s nest. That’s a sandwich with sliced brisket and sausage. I also ordered a side of ranch beans. They have chopped brisket mixed in. It was all wonderful.

There were other great menu items as well. The family meal comes with a pound of brisket, 2 chicken quarters or 2 sausage links and 2 medium sides for less than $20. I am getting the Haystack during my next visit. That’s BBQ Frito Pie. "

Good write-up Dax... I think I actually know you... but I don't want to venture a guess of your last name (if it starts with a "M" leave me a comment)

Happy Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Putting the Fun in Funeral

Yup, Kyle is getting a funeral home soon.

Harrell Funeral Home
2770 & Kohlers Crossing
At 1715 Kirby
Kyle, TX 78640

Monday, May 19, 2008

The Funky Freebirds Burrito VW

This shot from a friend and photog.. and all around nice guy Peter French. He e-mailed this shot to me... but I found it on his Flickr.

This is the "Freebirds VW" as seen on Kyle's Town Square. Freebirds is a burrito place (http://www.freebirds.com/) where people have been known to give blood to make $$ to buy one of their monsters. The signage and funky decor (like "Libby" the harley-riding Statue of Liberty) was the brainchild of Great Big Signs (http://www.greatbigsignsinc.com/) ... a company out of Kyle.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Apparently, Cheese is culture.

Oh... I get it.. like a culture of cheese...
OK.. no I don't get it.
Anyone?

Kyle sure gets some interesting billboards.
I'm not sure if I'm moved to get some cheese after this one though.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Barbed Wire


Barbed Wire
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I just thought this was a neat little shot.
Its actually the barbed wire fence that surrounds the school buses at Hays CISD.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Whopper


Whopper
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
My wife once introduced me to a guy who lived in her hometown named "Whopper."

I don't think he lives at Burger King.

This is about as North as Kyle gets. People would call it Buda... but people would be wrong.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Cowboy Honda


Cowboy Honda
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
There's going to be a new Cowboy in town. Cowboy Honda. Maybe I'll test drive that Goldwing I've always wanted.

Maybe I'll learn how to ride a motorcycle.

Maybe not. Maybe I'll just look.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008


Fox's Pizza - New in Kyle
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Fox's Pizza Den
147 Elmhurst Dr
Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 268-3697

Well.. Since Pizza Classics is still not back up and running (I'm faithful and still hoping...) it looks like there's a new pizza slinger in town. This time it's a franchise - Fox's Pizza Den. I've not had their stuff yet, but if their menu is any indication... it's going to be good. They've got stromboli, hoagies, pizza-crust sandwiches, salads, wings, and of course pizza... from the 9" small to a 24" x 12" "Big Daddy."

Hopefully the food tastes as good as it looks in the menu.
I'll let you know when I find out.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Tienda = Shop/Store


Tienda = Shop/Store
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I just thought this was interesting... it has a cross and says "tienda" which means store in spanish... perhaps it's a religious store (judging from the cross)? As you can see at the bottom of the photo... I shot over a fence....It looked like it was in someone's yard.. so I have no clue.

This place is located just on I-35 near Milt's Pit BBQ.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

The Kyle United Methodist Church Bake Sale

If you bake it... they will come.

The Kyle United Methodist Church had some yummy treats on sale at Front Porch Days.

The peanut brittle was MMMMmmmmmmm.

They also had a cake walk. I hadn't seen one of those for years.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Bruce Fallgren


Bruce Fallgren
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Bruce Fallgren played some great classic country... Hank Williams Sr.style....
Fry's Fun Farm @ Front Porch Days
Part of the Front Porch Days celebration was a petting zoo and horse rides as provided by Fry's Fun Farm. It was fun. He're a few shots.

Petting Zoo

DUCK!

ROOSTER

Horse Rides!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Biscuit Brothers


Biscuit Brothers
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This past Sunday was the 7th Annual Front Porch Days in the Plum Creek Neighborhood. The Biscuit Brothers (http://www.biscuitbrothers.com/) performed a noon show. It was well attended. I swear there were 300 kiddos out there.

Monday, May 05, 2008

No Trespassing?


No Trespassing?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Note the port-a-potty in the background. Why put that there to entice people?

Saturday, May 03, 2008

They are coming back for a repeat performance. Here The Biscuit Brothers perform in front of about 100 kiddos and parents as part of the Plum Creek Front Porch Days celebration in 2007.

Alas.. if you missed it, tomorrow is your day! They are coming back... same place... same time. Noon @ the Haupt park in Plum Creek's Neighborhood in Kyle, Texas.

Here's a poster.
May 4, 2008 - Live in Kyle, Texas - The Biscuit Brothers

Follow this link URL for directions: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2451785017_f07242fc2e_b.jpg

Follow this URL to see everything that is happening for Front Porch Days: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/2453086611_9f07eddf74_b.jpg

See you there!

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Manna From Heaven


Manna From Heaven
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Manna From Heaven Restaurant.
602 W Center St
Kyle, TX 78640.
(512) 268-6900.

This is the exterior of the place where I got the free sherbert.
Mmmm... free.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008


Where's that arrow pointing?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes


Kyle Elementary School is a member of the Abitibi Paper Retriever® program.

What is it? Well.. glad you asked. (I looked it up at (http://papermq.contentactive.com)

The Abitibi Paper Retriever® program has been recognized nationally for its successful recovery rate. Abitibi-Consolidated Recycling Division is committed to providing this program since we are an end user of the paper we collect. Recovered paper is directed to processing centers where it is sorted into various grades and prepared for shipment. It is then routed to our de-inking facilities and mills where it is used to manufacture recycled content newsprint. By diverting this paper from the waste stream, we estimate that over 2.2 million cubic yards of landfill space is saved each year. In addition, by eliminating our groundwood and kraft pulping operations at certain newsprint mills, Abitibi-Consolidatedreduced air emissions and wastewater discharges.


What do they collect?
* Magazines
* Shopping catalogs
* Newspaper
* Office & School Papers
* Mail

What do they NOT collect?
* Plastic
* Glass
* Metal
* Trash

Link to the location of the bin: http://papermq.contentactive.com/mapquest/advantage.asp?template=map&transaction=locMap&recordId=8145

Monday, April 28, 2008

Art or Electricial system?


Art or Electricial system?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
These are all the pieces and parts behind the Kyle Library. Made for an interesting shot... I thought. I see the phone... and electrical... gas...

Heck.. looks dangerous...AND artsy.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

The Welcome Tree.


The Welcome Tree.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Welcome to Kyle.... says the green sign along Center St.

THAT'S how you know we mean it.
:)

Friday, April 25, 2008


Nacho Wiener T-Shirt
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Self-photo time!
I'm standing here in Kyle modeling the official T-shirt from the 2008 Buda Wiener Dog Races. Hooray Me. I take a good photo, don't I?

The theme this year is the play off of Nacho Libre... that Jack Black movie from a year or so ago. The races are this weekend. AND if you go to Youtube and search for "Nacho Wiener" you can hear the ad... and actually hear my voice. I'm the first voice you hear on the ad... and as long as you don't tell anyone, I'll let you know... I AM NACHO WIENER. ES VERDAD.

Now, this shirt is mine...

So, If you're not going to be in Buda this weekend... you can still own one for yourself... but you have to buy it yourself
http://www.budalions.com/onlinestore/onlinestore.asp

Thursday, April 24, 2008


DSCF8766.jpg
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
What kind of "quat" is this thing?

OK...I'll answer my own question. I heart Google.

(From: http://www.tropicalfruitnursery.com/fruitproducts_gl.htm)
Common name: Loquat, Japanese Plum
Botanical name: Eriobotrya japonica
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: China
Avg. Height X Width: 15' x 15'
Season: January to April
Damage temp: 22 F

Comments: Loquats are shaped like Christmas trees, but they have large fuzzy leaves that are green on top and silver underneath. The fruit tastes like a combination of peach and apricot. They are most often eaten fresh, in jellies and in wines. The trees will begin fruiting at just one to two years of age.


Oooh and from my favorite source, WIKIPEDIA:
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loquat)

The loquat is comparable to the apple in many aspects, with a high sugar, acid and pectin content. It is eaten as a fresh fruit and mixes well with other fruits in fresh fruit salads or fruit cups. Firm, slightly immature fruits are best for making pies or tarts. The fruits are also commonly used to make jam, jelly, and chutney, and are delicious poached in light syrup.

A type of loquat syrup is used in Chinese medicine for soothing the throat like a cough drop. Combined with other ingredients and known as pipa gao (枇杷膏; pinyin: pípágāo; literally "loquat paste"), it acts as a demulcent and an expectorant, as well as to soothe the digestive and respiratory systems. Loquats can also be used to make wine.

Like most related plants, the seeds (pips) and young leaves of the plant are slightly poisonous, containing small amounts of cyanogenetic glycocides which release cyanide when digested, though the low concentration and bitter flavour normally prevents enough being eaten to cause harm.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

This opossum found religion.


This opossum found religion.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This is a baby opossum that was hanging out behind my church. It's since been taken to a wildlife rescue.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

The sign at Lucky Cup


The sign at Lucky Cup
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I'm having a cup of coffee right now... so I thought I'd post this shot.
Mmmmm....coffee.
I caught wind of this interesting promotional effort of an independent jeweler in Beaumont, Texas by the name of Alter's Gem Jewelry. Apparently this company has decided to put out a cookbook this December. Wait a second, a jewelry company putting out a cookbook? Yes, I typed that correctly.

Here's the deal. Brian Alter, owner of Alter's, sent a letter to almost 3,000 folk in the Beaumont area, over 1,000 jewelry vendors, as well as over 1,200 celebrities and politicians in order to collect a few hundred recipes for the "First Ever Alter's Gem Jewelry Cookbook."

Last time I talked to Mr. Alter, he explained that he had gotten recipes from the likes of Jimmy Carter and Jeff Foxworthy and declines from folks like Reba McIntyre, George Lucas and Martha Stewart. The funny thing is, not too many local folks had responded, obviously thinking it must be some kind of a hoax.... but it's very real.

What a neat idea.
So... I bring it to you... I'm going to submit a couple of recipes... Want to join me?

Here's the letter that he sent out. Want to be in a cookbook?
---

Dear "this could be your name here",

We’re cooking up a new product here at Alter’s Gem Jewelry, and for this one we need your help. We’re creating the First Ever Alter’s Gem Jewelry Cookbook. Why is a jewelry store publishing a cookbook of your recipes? Simple. It’s to thank you.

First, let me put up front that there is no charge for submission. We are compiling, designing, printing, and publishing a hard-back cookbook to be available at Alter’s Gem Jewelry by December 2008. We’d love to have your recipe.

Everyone who has a recipe is welcome to submit one. We’d love to have your secret recipe for pecan tarts, but we’d also like to have your son’s recipe for chili-tater-tots. If there’s a great story that goes along with the recipe, we’d love to hear it. Have a photo? Send it in. Who knows, we may just publish it as well.

Just for fun, we’re also contacting celebrities to get their recipes. We’re going to ask local personalities as well as national stars to submit as well. So, if you’ve got a great recipe please e-mail us with the information below in Microsoft Word or in the body of the e-mail to recipes@hellodiamonds.com.

Please include the following information to be considered for the first ever Alter’s Gem Jewelry Cookbook:
Full Name:
City:
Recipe: (Please be as specific as possible)
Story about recipe: (Please be as specific as possible)
Contact information:

Of course, by sending us the recipe you are agreeing to the fine print… which is:
I certify that I am the author of the material I am submitting to Alter’s Gem Jewelry. Alter’s Gem Jewelry and its licensees may reproduce, publish, display, edit, modify, and otherwise use the material in a cookbook or other media.

---

Until next time...
- Sean

Sunday, April 20, 2008

FREE SHERBET!


FREE SHERBET!
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Yup. On Friday had lunch at one of the newest restaurants in town (I think they've been open a couple of months) called Manna From Heaven.

I had the enchilada/taco combo and it was yummy. The BIG bonus came after lunch when I learned that you get free sherbet.

Double yum.

Friday, April 18, 2008

FREE MUSIC AT THE LUCKY CUP TONIGHT

If you don't believe me... just read the banner:
Free Music at the Lucky Cup!


Tonight is Marc Utter and the Blackland. It'll be a great show.

The sign at Lucky Cup



Useless Triva: The owner of Lucky Cup, a man names Aaron, once told me that he commissioned a tattoo artist to make this sign/logo. It was the same artist that did the cover of Cory Morrow's Nothing Left To Hide."

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Hays Swim Team


Hays Swim Team
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
http://www.haysswim.org

My friend is the swim coach. It's a pretty amazing league.

Hays Swim Club currently has four year-round competitive teams practicing throughout the week, Monday thru Fridays at three pools in Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Monday, April 14, 2008

Buda Weiner Dog Races


Buda Weiner Dog Races
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This year's theme - "Nacho Weiner."
I wrote the radio ad that accompanies this... if you live in the Austin area... you may hear it.

Es Verdad.

I know... it's not a Kyle photo... but I'm from Kyle and I wrote the ad... and this is my page.. so good enough.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Need some work done in Kyle?

How much does an oil change cost in your neck of the woods? 31.95 is the full-service oil change at Kyle's Express Care.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Kyle Express Care


Kyle Express Care
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Kyle Express Care
(512) 262-1933
6170 Fm-2770, Kyle, TX 78640

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Fragrance & Vacuum


Fragrance & Vacuum
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Two things I never thought I'd see together.. but apparently at the self-serve car-wash its the way to go.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Say Hello to my little friend


Say Hello to my little friend
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Look closely.. there's a bird directly in the center of this photo.
Yeah.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

I think I'd hire someone...


I think I'd hire someone...
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
If I had a car this nice, I'd either hire someone to wash it professionally... or I'd wash it in my driveway...of my fantastic home.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Where to park?


Where to park?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
No Parking baby.... No Parking on the dance floor.

Curse you Midnight Star (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Star) for making that stick in my head.

Friday, April 04, 2008


Sands of Harper
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
My little girl... AFTER playing in one of those water/sand boxes.
It's hard to believe she'll be 1 on the 18th of this month.



Now for something comletely different... a pitch...

For those who aren't in the know, I'm a member of the Kyle United Methodist Church. We're currently raising money in several different ways to pay for our New Life Center that is currently under construction. If you know me... call me up and I'll tell you the whole saga that has transpired while the building of the New Life Center has been occuring.

I've been documenting the building in photos... you can see it here: Kyle United Methodist Church's New Life Center - #12 in the series.

But.... let's talk about you having a fantastic time helping us raise funds while potentially making money for yourself...

------------

Click here to download the Registration Form.

2008 Kyle United Methodist Washers Tournament @ Front Porch Days

KUMC will host a Washers Tournament at Front Porch Days at Fergus Park in the Plum Creek Neighborhood on Sunday, May 4, 2008. Forms and entry frees are due by 12PM on May 4th with Players Meeting at 12:40PM.

The tournament begins at 1PM. The fee is $30 per 2-person team. Half ($15) of each $30 entry fee is a donation to the Kyle United Methodist Church (KUMC) Building Fund. The remaining half of the $30 entry fee will be spilt among the top winners.&

The prize pool will award 35% to First Place and 15% to Second Place. Third Place will receive a non-monetary prize.

Questions? Please contact Amanda Brown via email at amandabrown89@gmail.com or call 512-801-9072. Early registration is appreciated.

Click here to download the Registration Form.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Don't ask... it's FBI


Don't ask... it's FBI
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I always wondered where the FBI stored their old oil filters... Apparently it's behind the Express Care in Kyle.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

East is south... or West is North

Sometimes we get confused with our signs....

Just kidding.... these signs are located at the Kyle Parkway Bridge... where it's actually directing people to I-35 North at the other side of the bridge.

I just thought it was funny.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Do you need a Mat?


Do you need a Mat?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Apparently, this is where you store Mats.

I haven't been around for a few day.. it was my boss' 50th birthday on Saturday and I was running around taking care of things... then cleaning up... but I can tell you... I saw a Mat(t) and I took a video and here it is:

Matt The Electrician does "Milo"

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