A quick trip to Austin

At the beginning of 2015 we decided that this year we will be better about exploring our great {new} state.  We kicked things off the third weekend in January, with a weekend in the capitol city of Austin.  We felt right at home, mostly due to the fact that Austin was having constant rain.  We aren't sure if it's because of the rain, or just the urban feel of the city, but it actually felt quite a bit like certain parts of the Seattle area - a Texas first for us.  Because of the weather, we didn't get to do as much outdoor exploring as we had planned, but we did get to see quite a few historic buildings, and eat waaaay too much BBQ.  

We were surprised and happy to stumble upon the O'Henry Museum near the state capitol.  He originally worked in the Land Office in the Drafting Department before his controversial prison term (he was convicted for embezzlement - read about it here), and then later transformed himself into a famous short story writer.

Since moving to Texas I've enjoyed learning the history of the cowboy.  I had come to believe the Hollywood version as truth, when in fact, that it isn't all that accurate.

Getting ready to install the Goddess of Liberty on to the top of the Texas State Capitol.  Around 1888.

The exterior of the capitol building is constructed of red granite.  My photo doesn't do justice to the gorgeous pink stone.  Texas is also quite proud that their capitol building is 23 feet taller than the nation's capitol.  Ahem.  When it was finished in 1888 it was the 7th largest building in the world.

There are of course paintings of all the governors.  This one is our favorite.  ;-)

Later we drove to Barton Hot Springs, which is home to the Barton Hot Springs Salamander.  This is the only place on earth this salamander lives.  It was open for swimming, but at about 72 degrees, too cold.  We'll be back in a few months.

We did a lot of research of where to eat BBQ.  This is the famous Franklin BBQ location.  We knew in advance that there is always at least an hour wait, but when we arrived at the same time as a BBQ TOUR BUS, we decided to save Franklin's for another time.

Honestly, I can't even remember where we ended up eating BBQ on this day, but it was served in the traditional Texas way.  With a bunch of white bread, pickles, onions and the tangy BBQ sauce.  Jon prefers the brisket, I like the chopped.  We got both and it was DELICIOUS.  I thought Houston BBQ was good, but there was no comparison. Melt. In. Your. Mouth.

This place didn't put on airs, though.  Check out the bathroom. Ha!

A road trip wouldn't be a road trip without some late night wrestling in the car.  When it gets out of hand, I've started pulling out my phone to video them, which drives them crazy, ha ha!  So...they stop.  This ain't my first rodeo.

Obligatory selfie.  Ok, I'm *trying* to embrace the word "selfie" even though it's like fingernails on a chalkboard for me.

Exploring the capitol building.

In the mist...

Happily, this road trip took us by two of our favorite stops.  One, Bucee's and two, the Bluebell Creamery.  Yesssss.....

When we visit the Blue Bell factory, I always deviate from my anything with peanut butter and chocolate and get the Crazy Kooky Dough.

Coming from a state with lots of gorgeous mountains, I am still in awe of the beautiful skies that Texas offers.

Part of our history lessons this year have included learning about the Gutenberg Bible.  We were  thrilled to get to see one of very few copies on display in the US.  It was the first substantial book printed (in the mid 1400s) with moveable type.  It took took months or even years to complete, but what an improvement over hand lettering!  Since our trip to Austin, we've toured the Printing Museum here in Houston and seen a replica of the Gutenberg Printing Press.

Also on display at UT Austin was the earliest known photograph made in a camera.  (Seen above is a sketch of the photo.)

It was taken by Joseph Niepce in 1826 or 1827. The view is taken from a window at his estate in the Burgundy region of France.

Just a note to thank you for your comments, emails, texts and cards about my Dad passing away.  I'm not exaggerating when I say all those things have meant the world to me.  My friend Whitney said it best when she said that my days are probably filled with highs and lows.  That is exactly true.  Getting back to *normal* is both good and...sad.  We are heading to his funeral soon, and I'll definitely blog about that at some point.  I don't think I have any photos from my Mom's memorial service over 20 years ago, and I've often wished I could see pictures from that time.  Anyway, hugs to you all.  Thank you for the love.