Nevertheless, Spring

The pundits say the possibility of a freeze still lurks for a week or two. Nevertheless, our spring harbingers are out in force. The Irises in the side yard planted decades ago are in bloom. And all over town Red Bud trees push out buds and then their pink blooms. Dad's Mountain Laurel has some blooms, too. Yesterday was a day of breezes and an impossibly blue sky, the background for this picture.

A High Rise Apartment Bloomed Here

In April 2004 I had the opportunity to be in the Austin City Lofts. Probably for a downtown home tour, but I'm not sure. I shot this picture of a sprawling market with Mexican pots and such. Today, almost four years later, a large apartment building, the Monarch, is set to open there. The market moved on to another lot downtown and may have taken off for the hinterlands by now. But four years ago on West Fifth you could buy a chiminea or giant pot, put it in your pickup and take off for your suburban house. (Because I couldn't imagine this working for the people living in a loft or condo!) Markets of stuff like this still abound in the area, of course, because we are 'only' a couple of hundred miles from Mexico.

Irie Bean

I mentioned this coffee shop here, but hadn't shown you their sign. This coffee shop is on South Lamar.

Food Illustrated

I love these painted pix of Mexican Food. This one was at El Sol y La Luna, SoCo

Coffee Line

This picture was taken in the summer of 2004. Bikes and people wait for coffee at Jo's on South Congress. But I understand it was VERY HOT today in Austin.

Neighborhood Joint

Billy's on Burnet (we actually call it 'Billy Burger') is an amazing spot with many, many beers on tap, bar games, lots of TVs, an outside deck and really good burgers. Although I usually get the vegetarian Reuben with avocado standing in for meat. With fries. The array of beers on tap is a great temptation to me here, too.

East Side Mural and Graffiti

I took this picture of a mural and graffiti (on East Fifth I think) in 2004. We are coming up to a theme day on murals or graffiti. This one may still be there. But the one I'll use for theme day is definitely gone. It will be fun if anyone remembers seeing it back in the day.