Ok ok ok, it got cold.

As a normal human, I didn’t love it. The warmth was nice. Life was comfortable. Sweatshirts were optional.

But as a landscaper, we needed it.

A real freeze is part of the reset. A lot of perennials actually depend on cold weather to shut things down, knock back old or diseased growth, and make room for what comes next. It clears the slate so spring can do its thing.

And if I’m being honest, cold weather is also a great excuse to light a fire, and I love fires. They’re peaceful. Primal. Something about sitting around a fire slows everything down in the best way. I’d happily trade more screen time for more fire time.

So yes, it’s cold. But it’s doing good work. And it gives us one more reason to sit still for a bit.

Cheers,
Nolan

In today’s Scoop:

📊 Budget choices with big impact
🍣 Handrolls, done the right way
🚀 CesiumAstro HQ move bringing jobs
📍 Close-to-home fun picks

🍣 Where Austin locals go for handrolls

6317 3 FM2244 Suite 330, Austin

Yuki’s Handroll Bar feels just right the moment you sit down. Everything’s about fresh fish, warm rice, and handrolls made one at a time right in front of you. The counter seating keeps things relaxed and personal, and everything tastes delicate, and balanced.

The dining pace lets you slow down and savor every bite. Sit at the counter, watch the chefs make sushi with intention, and you’ll understand why people keep coming back.



🐾 Safe for pets. Tough on pests.

14707 Fitzhugh Rd Building F - 200, Austin

TOPS Pest Control keeps bugs out while keeping your furry friends safe. No fogging, no contracts, no nonsense.

🦟 Mosquito traps that don’t mess with bees or neighbors
🐜 Ant, flea, tick & spider control included
🏡 Local team. Big results. Total peace of mind.

👉 Call Jenna & Kyle to book: (737) 338-7540 or check them out HERE.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

📊 Eanes ISD weighs budget cuts to close $6M gap

The Gist: Eanes ISD trustees are reviewing four budget packages aimed at offsetting a projected $6 million shortfall for 2026–27. Options include staffing reductions, new revenue ideas, salary freezes or small raises, and possibly asking voters to approve a tax rate increase. Depending on the package, savings could range from $4.5 million to $8.6 million.

Why It Matters: These decisions could affect class sizes, staff pay, and how much flexibility the district has in future years. This is one of those tough budget moments where every choice has real ripple effects for schools and families.

🚀 CesiumAstro brings $500M HQ and jobs to Bee Cave

The Gist: New details add a statewide lens to CesiumAstro’s relocation. Gov. Greg Abbott publicly congratulated the company on moving its global headquarters to Bee Cave, calling the project a boost for Texas’ aerospace and defense sector. CesiumAstro also confirmed the site will be used for satellite communications manufacturing alongside its corporate headquarters, marking a major expansion of its U.S. operations. The company is also projected to bring 500 jobs over the next five years.

Why It Matters: This puts Bee Cave on the map as part of Texas’ growing aerospace economy, not just a local development win. And with 500 new jobs expected in the coming years, it’s the kind of growth that can ripple out across the local workforce and business community in a meaningful way.

🎸 Brother Magnum Live | Little Woodrow | Bee Cave | 01/23 | More
Feel-good blues and soul grooves with vocals and backyard energy.

🧪 Mad Science | Laura’s Library | West Lake Hills | 01/24 | More
High-energy science fun with silly experiments and big kid-approved surprises.

🎨 The Painters Collective Art Reception and Demonstration | Library | Lakeway | 01/24 | More
Meet local artists and watch live demonstrations in a relaxed, inspiring gallery setting.

👪 Music JR Class for Families | Pikopyes Town | Lakeway | 01/28 | More
Playful music building rhythm, and early musical confidence together.

👶 Baby Story Time | Lakeway Library | Lakeway | 01/28 | More
Sweet stories, songs, and fingerplays designed for babies and their grown-ups.

🎨 Happy ART Hour | Bee Cave Arts Foundation | Bee Cave | 01/23 | More
Drink, socialize, and paint a whimsical winter scene with artistic guidance.

🎸 Bill Cody | LT Corner Pub | Lakeway | 01/24 | More
Laid-back country, rock, and folk tunes with great neighborhood vibes.

🎶 Peggy’s Porch Party | Cuernavaca Neighborhood | West Lake Hills | 01/25 | More
Intimate Americana and folk melodies shared up close in an al-fresco setting.

🧘 Prime of Life Yoga | Laura’s Library | West Lake Hills | 01/28 | More
Gentle yoga focused on strength, mobility, and relaxed, supportive movement.

✍️ Hybrid: Poetry Workshop | Westbank Library | West Lake Hills | 01/28 | More
Relaxed, welcoming poetry session blending readings and creative sharing.

🎶 Andrea Marie SongSwap w/ Weldon Henson | Gramercy | Lakeway | 01/28 | More
Americana song swap filled with heartfelt storytelling and rootsy harmonies.

🎤 Emo Night Karaoke Austin | Empire Control Room & Garage | Austin | 01/22 | More
Sing-along emo anthems, live-band energy, and cathartic crowd-fueled nostalgia.

🎶 Hi, How Are You Day 2026 | Paramount Theatre | Austin | 01/23 | More
Soul-stirring live music celebrating connection, creativity, and mental health awareness.

🐶 Dog Adoption Day | Teddy Morse’s Cowboy Harley-Davidson | Austin | 01/24 | More
Meet adoptable dogs, enjoy easygoing vibes, and support a cause that gives back.

🦖 H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday! | Texas Science & Natural History Museum | Austin | 01/25 | More
Explore dinosaurs, fossils, and hands-on science with free museum admission all afternoon.

🍰 Free Cake Day | Michelle’s Patisserie | Austin | 01/27 | More
Celebrate with free chocolate cake slices and a sweet, family-friendly bakery vibe.

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