Ah, Nature

Jackie shot this picture a few steps from the bustle of the major east-west artery that is Cesar Chavez. She comments: "The trail was so gorgeous this morning – lush and green and lots of blooms. This is on Cesar Chavez looking toward the First Street bridge. The plaque credits Lady Bird Johnson for the Town Lake beautification program in 1977."

People often ask us if we miss the big back yard we had when we had a house. I say that I still have an enormous back yard and that it is often beautiful.

We will be on a little nature theme for a couple of days because theme day (tomorrow) is tranquility. And what calms us more than flora and fauna after all?

It's Hot...But Wish You Were Here

Frank...a fun restaurant specializing in, yes, sausage has this mural at the moment. Jackie shot this and wondered if it was new. I think they change it frequently. We'll see.

Want This Tattoo?

Jackie discovered this mural on East Avenue. "We went down to Rainey Street and walked over to see the new bar Agora being built on the east frontage road of I-35. In the same block was this wonderful mask printed on an old house that’s now a tattoo parlor."

Memorial Day

Today is the day we pay our respects to those fallen in wars. Shot this yesterday of some of the flags that have sprouted on the Long Center lawn for today's remembrance.

Burger?

This mural is over at the Downtown Burgers trailer by the Convention Center. Nothing says burger like...a psychedelic bird. Thanks to Jackie for the nicely composed shot.

Cranes Return

There was a time when cranes sort of disappeared from the skyline. But things are actually going up again. Jackie shot this of cranes over near the convention center where a hotel is going up on one side of the street and some residential units on the other. Nice sky. too.

Elizabeth McQueen

Our faithful correspondent Jackie has sent us a pile of wonderful pictures. This one is from a Mother's Day concert on the plaza at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. From Jackie: " The opening act was Elizabeth McQueen who sings with Asleep at the Wheel. I thought the dancers were uniquely Austin; the guy with his long gray ponytail."

The Art of the Bra

On Saturday night we attended the Breast Cancer Resource Centers annual Art Bra runway show and gala. The bras are made by local artists and modeled by breast cancer survivors. FFP shot this picture of some of the gals who were roaming the floor in their art bras plus themed outfits. This is a wonderful organization providing much-needed patient support to navigate treatments and choices.

Nothing Says Texas Like

We were wandering in South Austin the other day on our walk and I had to wonder about the message of this house, dominated by the double fancy wood garage doors and decorated with crossed six guns and a lone star. Yep. Nothing says Texas like cars and six guns. (Of course, there may be a pickup truck or two inside.)

Best Sausage

Actually haven't eaten the offerings at this trailer on South Congress. But I like the way the trailer looks and the sign. We are having a little staycation on South Congress but I took this one Sunday when we were walking down there.

Gallows Humor

El Arroyo (a fine purveyor of Tex Mex, particularly barbecued chicken Tex Mex) has this sign where they offer amusing sayings. Caught this one a few days ago.

Albus Dumbledog

Meet Albus Dumbledog. He was dining al fresco at the food trailers on South Congress the other day.

Memories

This is Cisco's Restaurant. Back in the day (a few decades ago) it was known as Cisco's Bakery and, while even then it was a restaurant pioneering the Mexican breakfast treats of Huevos Rancheros and Migas, it also had a display of pan dulce just inside the door. We were walking by the other day and I snapped this picture. Haven't visited for a long time but many years ago on the morning of our wedding day, FFP and I took our parents here for breakfast. Yes, seriously. Must revisit soon for old time's sake.

Sunset Light

We were walking across the pedestrian bridge at Mopac the other day as the sun sank low. It made a particularly interesting reflection on, from left to right, Frost Bank, Spring, the 360, the W and the Austonian. No enhancements, just a cropped point and shoot photo.

Happy 5th, Austin, Texas Daily Photo

Five years ago today we posted the first entry in this blog to become a part of the worldwide City Daily Photo family. I've randomly picked a few pictures (out of about 1800) and made a collage for today. There's a small nod to the three major contributors on the lower right side. I don't know how much longer this will continue but five years is a long time to do anything. And tomorrow we'll start on the next period in the life of Austin, Texas Daily Photo.

Truth is the Thing With Feathers

Snapped this on West Fifth near Mopac. The bird is crowned and says 'truth.' Don't know what to make of it.

Natural Cake

This is a cake display at Mr. Natural on E. Cesar Chavez. They also serve food and sell health foods and drink.

It's Hot...You Need Cool Things

Discovered that East Sixth has a Cool Store. Represented by water and dolphins...and Elvis. Don't know what they sell but a good guess would be...cold beer!

Sinner's Brunch

Last Sunday we caught the Sinner's Brunch group at Jo's Hot Coffee on South Congress. I think you can catch Jo's house band every Sunday. I would call it Country Rock. See pedal steel player on right. Tina Rose singing. We have to get down there again. Maybe today. Says on Jo's facebook that the band will be fronted by Greg Izor today. 

Tote Your Plants

At Shedd Nursery in Old West Austin they have little red wagons to collect your purchases and take them to your car. They always display a nice example out at the curb. I like to think that if I lived in the neighborhood I could just haul the plants home and return the wagon.

Mural Puzzle

I shot this on a trek east of IH35 but I don't know what it means.Livestrong is Lance Armstrong's motto for his cancer foundation but the accompanying art work is a little puzzling.

Pray for a Dial Tone

Walked on East Cesar Chavez yesterday. Our Lady of Guadalupe seems to be helping you with that phone call outside a convenience store.

Tattoo Lady

This picture got left out of the recent tattoo series (from the Easter pet parade) and I thought it really needed to be included.

Shy Moon

Much has been made of the moon lately as it achieved its perigee unobstructed by earth (full) a couple of nights ago. Night before last I was sad that the clouds were hiding it when it peeked out for a look. Closer than usual or not it made an interesting picture.

Gotta Dance

We stopped by Jo's Hot Coffee on South Congress yesterday on our walk to hear a bit of the Sinner's Brunch. We just stayed and listened but this couple took to the parking lot for dancing. (FFP shot this with his iPhone.)

Purple Party

Last weekend we attended the Long Center Purple Party. It's a multilevel, multifaceted party held around the non-profit public center's anniversary with a VIP dinner, a performance (this year it was an Elton John cover group backed by a symphony and choir) and an after party on the City View Terrace. I shot this there with the ring lit for the occasion and the lights of some food trucks that provided refreshments for youngsters (and some oldsters) dancing to music I couldn't classify. It was a lively benefit gala.

Graffiti Bus Visiting Source

In the '60's and '70's we would have called this a 'hippie bus.' Bikes on the back, makeshift curtains, living arrangements inside. This one looked mobile and a bit more modern for this century. It says on the front "Blue Heaven" and was parked at the graffiti heaven on the northern cutoff stretch of Baylor. License plate said Florida. Do you think the bus visits graffiti sites or that these guys were passing through and felt comfortable here?

Good Morning!

FFP rolled out of bed nice and early this morning. He snapped this picture of what he saw while having his oatmeal and sip of coffee.

If Pigs Could Fly...

I know many faithful readers don't think we can get further away from downtown than our feet can easily take us but sometimes we drive and go to dinner. This wonderful joint is on 53rd Street and we ate there last month. I like the flying pig logo.

A New Installation

Austin has a new art installation. The red swing project places swings in public places. Jackie shot this couple long distance from her apartment getting their own record of the project at the corner of Guadalupe and Second. I don't know where the other swings are but I'm sure we will be seeing them.

Theme Day: Bakeries

Today is theme day at City Daily Photo. The theme is bakeries. Rather than show you croissants or even pictures of cakes, I offer this bench in front of Sugar Mama's on South First. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants