Seaholm Power Plant

Last month I took this from the 44th floor of our building as the sun headed down (hence loonngg shadows). This old plant is no longer generating electricity. Before the downturn the site was scheduled to be repurposed as a hotel, condo, retail complex. At one time it was to be the site of a new library. It's hard to say when such new projects will actually begin so I think for some time it will sit idle with its big stacks and idle gauges inside. Hopefully one day it will add to the dense and vibrant downtown that is just across Shoal Creek from our home.

Why Up So Early?

Last night I noticed the giant flags erected on Auditorium Shores, across Lady Bird Lake near the Long Center. I found out that it was the set-up for the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo Cowboy breakfast. For some reason, to promote this event, they have a tradition of a free 'cowboy breakfast' and entertainment on Auditorium Shores to kick off their even and it was held this morning. I'm not a cowboy or a breakfast person so I just shot the crowd from my balcony. I understand it is 'Dress Western' day in Austin, too, but I don't have hat nor boots. Jeans will have to do. I did see some genuine looking cowboys at the steak house where we had dinner last night, though. I wish I had time to go to the fairgrounds and get some pictures but I'm entirely tied up with the SXSW film festival and other events. There is always lots going on in Austin.

All Aboard

In Zilker Park you can ride a miniature train called The Zephyr. Every time I see it go by the riders seem to be having a fine time.

I am a dog, but....

I like to climb trees. This dog climbed the tree over and over, taking advise from her owner about branches to use and then coming down on command. Seen at the Zilker kite festival Sunday. Some kites had less comfortable relationships with the trees.

Independent Texas

Texans like to brag about having once been an Independent Nation apart from the United States (and not just when we seceded as part of the Confederacy). So March 2 (yesterday) is a celebration of Independence Day (from Mexico). The Republic of Texas existed for ten years so no big deal, right? But you'd never know it here. This banner promotes Independence Day events. We didn't attend any but we did walk over the Congress Avenue (Ann Richards) Bridge yesterday so I snapped this picture. The building with the red awnings is the Four Seasons Hotel and rising behind it, The Four Seasons Residences, a super-luxurious condo building which it appears will be finished in spite of the economic turmoil. Hopefully anyway.

Kite Festival

Yesterday couldn't have been more beautiful and there were thousands of kids, adults, dogs and kites soaking up the day in Zilker park. We got there kind of late in the festivities and I'm sure there were more organized parts of the festival. But random people trying to launch kites (many succeeding with almost no run space) and other oddities (a tree-climbing dog!) made it quite fun. That's our building in the background of the picture.

What is That We See in the Glass?

Yep. It's a glass cowboy hat. A decorative thing, I guess. Available at a gift shop on West Sixth. Today is the first of the month and therefore City Daily Photo theme day. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.