Discretionary and Necessary

On South First there is a cool store peddling vinyl records, vintage stuff and photographic art. It's next to a no nonsense locksmith shop. Good to have in the neighborhood.

Super Heroes Preserving Austin's Weirdness

This family, decked out as super heroes, were preserving Austin's Weird Cred at the Keep Austin Weird Festival.

Cool Off!

With highs frequently stretching over 100 and a low of 75 a victory, one has to stay cool. If you are at an outside festival, a sno cone might be the right choice!

Crossword Tattoo?

We were dining last week at Elizabeth Street on South First and our waitress at the bar had a tattoo I'd never seen anything like: a crossword puzzle grid. She said she was from Oregon and used to be a big fan of crossword puzzles. Thanks to FFP for this great iPhone photo.

Jovita's

This joint, where we've been before to enjoy Tex-Mex and brews with some music and dancing, was the eye of a storm of arrests over heroin traffic recently. The owner was allegedly involved. Gives new meaning to that last band to play: The Cold Irons.

Onward Thru the Fog

There is an, ahem, paraphernalia shop (what we called a 'head shop in my day) on 29th Street that has been there forever. This is the mural art on the side windows. This is the place to go if you need some incense, an iconic poster or button or, of course, a bong.

Great Blue Heron

Jackie took this earlier in the month. Lots of things to see on Lady Bird Lake if you look.