Water in the creek for a change

These folks were enjoying the water in Shoal Creek the other day after a rain.

Shooting near our condo

At 2:21 Friday morning, I was rousted out of bed by a series of gunshots which were being fired at the Federal Courthouse diagonally across from our building -- first about twelve rounds from what sounded to be a hand gun and then about fifteen explosive rounds from a large weapon. The shooter was later cornered at the Police Station where he did major damage to the front of the building with an automatic weapon. He also did a number on the Mexican Consulate where he tried to plant propane canisters that were supposed to catch fire. The small fire that resulted was extinguished before it could do any harm. He was killed at the police headquarters. Whether he died by a shot from an officer who had a bead on him or by his own hand, we do not know yet. This photo is of Nueces Street where law officers put markers near the slugs they found on the street. I took it from my balcony.

Beautiful, beautiful Texas

We love sunrises from our balcony.

Garlic toast, anyone?

Some tasty looking garlic was ready for the buying at a recent farmers' market.

Um, yeah.

I wonder how many people walking by this sign on a Sunday morning got the irony in it.

Hard to argue.

I love his sentiments.

Hot stuff!

These peppers were on display at the Farmer's Market a couple of Saturdays ago.

Now THIS is branding!

These brave workers are attaching the logo to the new JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Austin.

Pittie Pride

The public art board at Frank is promoting pride for Pit Bulls. The painter shown here is putting up some pit bull names.

New Bridge

This is Shoal Creek sporting a new span at what will be Second Street as it is opened between San Antonio and West. The bridge is under construction. Thanks Jackie for the nice photo from Cesar Chavez. Foreground right is Austin Music Hall with the 360's parking garage and pool deck behind it and the new Seventh Apartments to the left. (They are topped out but not finished. They are between Rio Grande and Nueces on Seventh.) Our neighborhood is changing fast.

Formula 1 Car

I cannot imagine even getting in this thing -- much less driving it at an insane speed. My hat's off to those who do.

This isn't your kid brother's Go-Kart

I would need a lot of help to even get into this car. Can you image trying to drive this thing?

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Here is a 1957 BMW Isetta 300 -- valued between $30,000 and $45,000. Looks like it is ready for a trip. Not much trunk room.

Yes, it's a Messerschmitt

As part of the Formula 1 exhibition in downtown the other day, they had a vintage car show at the Long Center. This little red number, a 1959 Messerschmitt KR200, goes for $35-$55,000.

Good fences make good Capitols

This marker is on the fence around the State Capitol. 10 Dec 1885!

Urban sunrise

Had to snap this one in a hurry. It was changing by the second. This is the sunrise from our balcony at this time of year.

It's hunting season.

Hard to say much more on this one. Doubt if this car is in Formula 1.

Cycles of life

Yes, the Day of the Dead always brings out the best in window decorations at certain local shops.

Kayaking on down.

I always like to see people having fun on the lake. Noticed these kayakers the other day.

Annie and Kate

These two delightful young ladies were singing up a storm at the Texas Book Festival. I thought that they were the Indigo Girls when I just heard their music from about 100 feet away. Very talented.

That's a good sign.

This sign is up for a large assemblage of food trailers on Barton Springs Road. Nice branding.

This Boot...

Jackie shot this one under the railroad trestle near Seaholm. There seemsto be a lot of shoe abandonment lately.

My Left Shoe

This is our friend Jackie's find for the collection. She shot this one at 5th and West Lynn, standing up exactly like this.

Morning drama

The sun made a nice reflection on the new Marriott Hotel the other day. 

Sunset from the Gables

Our friends have a great view for sunsets at their downtown apartment. This October one is stunning.

Owner Ran Away...Or shoe did

We never quite understand how these shoes and their owners get separated. Our friend Jackie captured this one in the parking lot near Hut's Hamburgers last month.

Treaty Oak is bushy and green

Years ago, some vandals threw poison at this famous tree. It has survived and looks great again.

More graffiti

A taste of the new artwork at Graffiti Central.

Jerry Springer's in town

A lot of people were lined up outside the Austin Music Hall across the street to be in the audience for Jerry Springer the other day.

A Downtown Landmark in Austin

The Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue, our main downtown street, has been the site of so much fun and entertainment in Austin for almost 100 years. From movies to live acts, its stage and screen has been a workhorse. It's a great subject for landmarks in our town. And that's the theme in our blog family for this month. Other City Daily Photo blogs that interpreted this theme are found here.