I Don't Always Have a Manhattan

Sometimes, at Mexican Restaurants, I choose a Margarita, perhaps a specialty of the house. This shot was at a new place a few blocks from our condo called Comedor. It was very hip indeed. I usually get Margaritas up and Manhattans on the rocks. Bartenders lean the other way. Vive la différence. That's FFP's Rosé in the background. That's his standard cocktail.

Sitting In

It's such a delight when our friend Butch Miles, a legendary drummer, sits in at Parker Jazz Club. We love jazz, but getting to know players and their stories enhances the experience.

Fixes

So many thoughts about this graffiti and the paper poster which may or may not relate to the message. This was on one of the pillars supporting Mopac above the Crenshaw Bridge.

Blowin' Smoke

Sometimes the graffiti is pretty creative.

A Few Things Left on the Trail

The informal lost and found at the Crenshaw Bridge always has a few interesting things.

Abandoned Shoes

We don't always see why the abandoned shoes we encounter were left behind, but these do seem to have seen better days.

Magnificent Outfit

This was a fantastic entry in the Art Bra parade at the Breast Cancer Resource Center event. And I'm not sure anyone could have worn it better.

Inner City Sand

These dogs and their master's daughter were having fun in the sand the other day.

Sandlot volleyball

These young folks had a spirited game going on when we walked by here a few weeks ago.

Our little town

I love it when the skyline seems to peep out from the vegetation along the trail.

Solitary man

This gent had the lake to himself, it would seem.

Row, row, row

These ladies were having a good time on a leisurely paddle down the lake.

Pretty bench

Someone went to a lot of trouble to fancy up the surroundings of this bench along the Hike and Bike Trail.

Another trek on the trail

I love taking photos of my partner in life. We had a long walk on this day!

A lady and her dog

I like the way the light was making a pattern on this shot.

Another shot of me being an escort

This lady had a really elaborate costume on!

Art Bra escorting

I was an escort on the runway for Art Bra fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Resource Center. Lots of fun and a grand night for the group.

Too Long in the Sun?

These over-sized army men that seem to have melted were outside an art gallery on Springdale Road on the East Side.

Bent Figure

I discovered this figure in a little park on Springdale Road. There were many sculptures, maybe placed by a gallery across the street which seemed to have similar wares. This is called 'Bent Figure' and is by Magdelena Jarkowiec.

Another Hotel Rises on Cesar Chavez

I believe this building at Trinity and Cesar Chavez which is getting way up there is going to be a Marriott property.

Changing View

From our balcony you see a crane between us and the iconic Frost Bank Tower. There is also one on the right side of the picture between the state office building and the building at Third and Colorado. These will alter our view once. again

Rising On Red River

This construction on Red River is getting started in earnest. I believe it will be an office building across from the Hotel Van Zandt.

Where Once the Trains Ran

It's easy to forget standing amidst the downtown skyscrapers that trains used to run along the south side of Third Street. But next to the pedestrian bridge across Shoal Creek where Third deadends there is an old railway bridge. Vines and weeds are trying to take it over. (There is still a train track that crossed Lady Bird Lake and circles around to the west to travel up the middle of Mopac eventually.)

Last bit of Construction on Shoal Creek Downtown

 In addition to the Proper Hotel and condos at left, the Northshore visible behind the equipment and 500 West Second (aka the Google building) which is north of the Northshore, there will be a fourth building on the site of old Green Water Treatment plant. I shot a picture of the drilling equipment being used from the trail beside the Central Library on the other side of the creek.

Those Shoes

These wonderful shoes were part of one of the dazzling outfits for the B-52's concert at the Paramount Gala.

Downtown Dogs

These dogs belong to some friends who live downtown. I got them out for a stroll recently with their owner.

Signs of the times

Hard to argue with alcohol sometimes! This sign was outside the bar downstairs the other day.

Retirement? Well, from dancing.

Our friend Aara Krumpe is a Ballet Austin dancer. We went to her retirement party -- we've known her for the entire 20 years she has been with Ballet Austin.

Drake on the lake

These posters are advocating for a rehab of the Drake Bridge. We walk over it all the time.

Jenga Blues

The Independent Condos which will open soon, reflecting the blue skies and clouds recently.  Because of its unusual stacking and jutting floors, it is called the Jenga Building. It is right across Shoal Creek from our building. It is the first of the month and so it is theme day. The theme is 'blue.' Click here to see what other people have selected for the theme day.