Tag: Austin

Never say Never……

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Family, Friends, WritingLeave a comment

Everyone is guilty of saying I will never…    I’ve begun many sentences with it myself.

A few of my favorites are:

  • “I will never wear tennis shoes with a dress just to get in a walk during my work day.” This one I do often!
  • “I will never be one of those parents/grandparents who…, well lots of things.” There are too many of these to list.
  • And, “I will never run 13.1 miles!” This time I don’t mind being proven wrong.

In 2001, my husband signed up for and trained for the 3M half marathon.  I thought he was crazy to even consider it, but I knew he would finish it once he’d committed.

He trained for several months and never missed a scheduled run.   We lived in the Texas panhandle and rain, sleet or snow never kept him from completing a training run.  He is much more disciplined than me.  When we met, I was a runner, and he a cyclist.  I jogged occasional laps on the track and around the neighborhood; he rode for 60 miles on the weekend.  I learned to ride but rode only once or twice a year.  He fell in love with running.

So before sunrise early February 4, 2001, I dropped my husband at the start line.  I ate breakfast and headed downtown to watch him finish. Runners crossed the finish line celebrating their victories.   I turned to my friend and vowed, “I could never run 13 miles and why would anyone want to run that far?”

Fifteen years later, having completed 15 half marathons and 17 full marathons, I stood in the predawn chill ready to run the 3M half marathon.    As I waited along with 5400+ runners, I shivered in the cool morning breeze and remembered that declaration.  I could never have envisioned myself running more than 2-3 miles at a time back then.

Almost awake!
Almost awake!

On this day, I was running with my good friend, Shirley and our goal was simply to finish.  Shirley has lost over one hundred pounds and is determined to keep it off.  She ran her first half marathon in San Antonio in December 2015 and as we crossed the finish line, she asked, “When’s the next one?”  So here we are lining up to make the trek from North Austin to the State Capitol downtown.  Shirley trained for the run using the run/walk method.  In San Antonio, we ran one minute and walked one minute throughout the course.  Our plan today was to do the same.

When we crossed the start line, we were both running strong.  As the alarm sounded for our walk break, Shirley said, “I’m feeling good.  I want to keep going.”  So we kept going.  Eleven minutes later I looked up and saw the first mile sign.  Pointing to the sign I asked, “Have you ever run a mile without a break?”

When she answered no, I replied, “Well now you have!”  Both our eyes were glistening when we passed the one-mile mark.

At mile 7, we waited in line for a “porta potty”.  That stop cost us 10 minutes but sometimes you have to listen to mother nature!

As we ran through the University of Texas I was in front of Shirley.  Suddenly, I heard a group of runners singing.  Shirley was talking to a nearby runner and mentioned it was her birthday the next day.  A spontaneous rendition of Happy Birthday rang out as we passed by the UT stadium.

We completed the course and shaved 10 minutes off our San Antonio time.  Even with the delay of our bathroom break we were faster.   Amazing!

First thing Monday morning Shirley was standing at my desk with a handful of ½ marathon flyers, asking “Which one is next?”

So while we decide on the next one, we’ve already signed up for 3M 2017!

It's Over!
It’s Over!

 

Commuting in Central Texas

On By DGThomaIn Travel, Writing1 Comment

I may be wrong, but I don’t think we have mass transportation figured out in Central Texas.  We love our SUV’s and Ford F150 pickup trucks.  They line our highways and tollways, with only a few random “Smart” cars sprinkled in like the toy prize in a Cracker Jacks box.

Austin, TX has a light rail system but it doesn’t run to my suburban area. A commuter bus service picks up and drops off near my home.  I’ve often thought I might enjoy catching the bus into town.  I envisioned writing or reading a book for the 1 to 1 ½ trip to the office.  I was unsure of the bus route, so didn’t know if it would be convenient.

I never got around to checking the route or the schedule but each time I saw the commuter bus moving through traffic, I remembered I wanted to find  out more.

So when our vehicle decided to stop running, mid-commute on Friday, we checked it into the auto hospital and decided it was time to take the commuter bus.  It’s odd.  When we travel to other cities, we ride buses, subways, trains and take taxis.  It’s never an issue and we are completely comfortable.  But something about having to catch the last bus home became worrisome.  The published route and fares were listed on the website, but there were few specifics.  The bus stop was a short ¾ mile from my office and less than ¼ mile from my husband’s office.  The last bus left Austin at 6:20 PM.  We gave ourselves over an hour to get to the stop so we had have plenty of time.  We were unsure if the bus accepted cash or tokens.

A quick call to the Capitol Metro office and answered my questions.  The representative assured me payment could be cash as long as the change was exact and the total fare was 4.75 per person.  The website listed the price as 3.50, so I was glad I’d checked.

My husband and I arrived at the stop by 5:30 PM, well before departure.  We bought a bottle of water from a downtown grocer so we would have exact change.  A Starbucks sat on one corner and a Which Wich on the opposite; but we sat on a bench outside, around the corner from the bus stop to watch for the 990 commuter to arrive.  Dusk settled as professional workers heading home gave way to Austin night life spilling across the sidewalk.

A few minutes after 6:00 PM, we relocated to the stop in hopes our bus might arrive early.  It was a bit nippy but not too uncomfortable as we waited.  After thirty minutes, a plethora of city buses lumbered past but no 990 commuter bus among them.

Around 6:40 PM our bus finally arrived.  Four of us waited to board by the time it slowed and stopped.  On board we began inserting dollars into the machine.  The driver stopped us when we had deposited 7.00 dollars.  The fare really was only 3.50 each.  What a nice surprise!

We stopped four times before we reached our destination.  The bus picked up and dropped off a few passengers before our journey ended.  Commuting on the bus wasn’t quite what I had pictured.  My fantasy, of a slow lumbering train ride, soft comfortable seats with low lighting wasn’t completely accurate.  The ride was nice, if a little bumpy.  We arrived in a reasonable time frame and it was comfortable.  Would I ride it again?  Yes…. But not every day just yet!

Winding down the Old and Quietly Ushering in the New

On By DGThomaIn Family, News and Reviews, Travel, Writing2 Comments

My anniversary is the first week in January and instead of exchanging gifts, my husband and I often take a weekend trip.  We are usually in need of a bit of recuperation.  Although fun, holiday travel can take a toll.   Our hectic schedule begins with Thanksgiving and culminates with our anniversary weekend.

I love to travel but am always grateful to return home.  This year our holiday plans included multiple trips, and I wanted to avoid piling on more miles when planning our anniversary.

I debated planning a special meal instead of a weekend trip, but decided to search online for day trips.  A few familiar options popped up, but, there was one I had not heard of , the 9E Ranch.  Intrigued, I read the following blurb:

“On a 320-acre ranch, this rustic cabin resort lies 13.4 miles from both downtown Bastrop and Smithville.

The 4 antiques-filled cabins are individually decorated and come with full kitchens and country views. Some add sleeper lofts, claw-foot tubs, air-conditioning, decks or wood-burning stoves.

Paths and hiking trails crisscross the property. Breakfast muffins and coffee are complimentary.”

The description sounded perfect for a quiet restful weekend!  I checked the website for a vacancy and found The Eagles’ Nest Log Cabin was available.  I booked the cabin and on Friday afternoon, we headed for the 9E Ranch.

We arrived at the ranch half an hour after we left home.  The entrance was easy enough to find but I recommend using GPS.  It is well marked but in the dusk it wasn’t as obvious as I expected.  As we drove through the gate, we shook, rattled and rolled down the hard-packed dirt road.

9E

It was a typical ranch road as expected on a working ranch. When we pulled up to the cabin, a smile spread across my face.  The scene was idyllic.  Thankfully, we had packed light, bringing few bags.  The air was chilly and damp, so minimal luggage made unloading easy. DSC00388

Inside, I was instantly charmed.  The view was lovely.  The stately pine trees meandered across the grassy slope tossing pine needles in their wake.  Huddled at the bottom of the hill a small herd of longhorn cattle strolled.

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We stowed our bags and settled on the sofa as the evening dusk faded to cast delightful light show across the horizon.  Later, we sat at the little wooden table and ate a light meal.  Tuna and fruit on a bed of greens and a tray of cheese with crackers on the side made a light and tasty meal!  The rest of the evening we sat quietly reading, talking and just looking at  the skyline.

On Saturday we drove to Smithville to visit a few antique stores and enjoy a fun lunch at Pocket’s Grille.  At Pockets, the burger bar is the trunk of a 1961 Ford Galaxy.  I ordered fish tacos and it was a delicious choice.  Ron opted for a burger. We both cleaned our plates.  After lunch, we headed back to our cabin.  With the drizzle now a rain, we stayed inside the rest of the day.  We had planned to take long walks on the trails and view the animals that roam the ranch.

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Instead we stayed indoors, wrapped in a quilt while we played Trivial Pursuit and watched the night sky come to life.  We left the Eagles’ Nest cabin around noon on Sunday, refreshed and rested.  It was the perfect getaway and I can hardly wait to return.

It’s the Little things 

On By DGThomaIn Friends, MusingsLeave a comment

Today a very nice thing happened.  As I sat at the desk, crunching numbers, someone stepped to the door and tapped on the frame.  I glanced up and shared a smile with the pleasant young lady framed in the doorway.

She said, “I was nearby for a meeting and couldn’t leave without stopping by to tell you how much I appreciate you.”  She related how much she enjoyed working with me and how helpful and patient I had always been.

Basking in the praise, I responded, “Thank you so much!  I appreciate it, but…. What is your name?”  “Danielle,” she said and memories surfaced.    To be fair, the last time I saw her, she had sported a short blond bob instead of the red hair that now skimmed her shoulders.

For the next five minutes she sang my praises and bestowed far more accolades than I deserved.  I don’t think I ever went out of my way to help her.  I just did my job.

Danielle takes time to say “Thank you” for things most take for granted.

Passing it on…

You’ve Got Mail and oh so much more……

On By DGThomaIn Family, Friends, Writing2 Comments

An article landed in my inbox this week.  A man was reminiscing about an old lamp  that sat in the living room of his childhood home.  He held a finial, the decorative top piece that keeps the shade in place, in his hand. A smile bloomed on my face, immediately understanding how he felt.  I’ve stood in antique shops and thrift stores cradling an object in my hand, lost in a cherished memory.

I enjoy my treasures.  As I walk thru my front door I am greeted by an abundance of artifacts.  Artifacts from my husband’s childhood in Yugoslavia rest companionably near my grandfather’s carpenter square.  20151108_111821A picture painted by  Yugoslavian artist, Jovan Obican hangs adjacent to a hand drawn painting of a rooster my sister created for me. 20151108_111805 An antique hand held mixer rests on the kitchen window sill.

These things and many others fill my home with memories.  They make my house a home and ground me in the roots of my heredity.

And then……

Another article popped up in my inbox today.  It proclaimed our houses are filled with things that should be immediately thrown out.  The article touted the danger of  the germs swimming around us. Immediately I envisioned microorganisms crawling through my cabinets, over my floors and on all my possessions.  The article mentioned treasured mementos and things you keep out of guilt.  Their advice?  Toss them!  And extra buttons?  Get rid of them.  You will never use them anyway.

Feeling guilty for enjoying my treasures and more than a little grossed out, I thought about divesting myself of everything except basic essentials.  It really would make it much easier to clean and dust.  And that button box does have tons of one of a kind antique buttons I will never use.    20151109_201039

But I would also give up the comfort of snuggling into my antique wingback chair, 20151109_202553   my grandmother’s handmade quilt across my lap, reading a book discovered in my last thrift store perusal.  No thank you.   I think I’m okay with things just as they are germs, dust and all.

Rainy Days and Halloween……

On By DGThomaIn Food, Friends, Humor/Light Hearted, Writing1 Comment

I decided a few weeks before Halloween to throw a party for my staff.  They love celebrating and most of them enjoy dressing up for Halloween.  I sent an invitation for 2:00 PM Friday, October 30th promising punch, cookies and a costume contest.

Invitation

Immediately I went into hyper mode in an effort to plan the perfect party.  We’d have a variety of Halloween themed punches, the perfect baked, decorated cookies and lots of decorations.

I spent the next couple of weeks making lists and jotting notes.  I searched for the best cookies, polling everyone for opinions.  I surfed the web and combed Pinterest for ghoulish recipes.

Settling on wormy orange punch, witches brew and blood (orange) punch, I purchased cauldrons, ladles, spider webs and more.  On Thursday night, I worked late but still managed to pick up fresh vegetables, fruit and a few other last minute supplies.  I made sure we had enough to feed an army even though I only needed enough for 15 people.  I enlisted help from family, picking up the cookies, baking treats, making dip and putting up with my insanity.

Over the course of the week, I brought supplies and decorations to the office to minimize chaos on Friday.  All of Austin and the surrounding areas woke up to a deluge of rain on Friday, October 30th.  Relieved that most of the party paraphernalia was already stored at my office, we loaded the car with the final touches and began the hour long commute.

Five miles from the house, I realized that the frozen juice cubes for the punch were still in the freezer.  Since the National Weather Center had issued flood warnings, it didn’t seem realistic to return home for ice cubes.  At about mile 10 I discovered the fruit tray and the vegetable tray were also at home in the refrigerator along with the vegetable dip.  No problem.  I would just call my son and see if he would bring it in around lunch.  Surely the sun would be out by then.

At mile 20, the radio informed us that there was a confirmed tornado on the ground about 30 miles away and the rain wasn’t expected to end anytime soon. I wasn’t going to ask anyone to get out in this mess.  No problem.  I’d just walk across the street for frozen fruit to drop in the punch and we could live without the vegetables.

At work, reports of flooding replaced any thoughts of the party while I tried to get in touch with any employees not already at work.  Now I was trying to contact my son to be sure he was paying attention to the rapidly changing weather conditions.

At 8:45 AM, I received an ‘Extreme Alert’ via my phone:

“Tornado Warning in this area til 9:15 AM CDT.  Take shelter now.”

Well, herding hundreds of costumed people down three flights of stairs to the bottom of the parking garage quickly became priority.  We are all fine and the storm passed without significant damage for us and I realized that we had everything we needed.

                            20151030_1407071

When 2:00 PM finally arrived, it was still raining.  The party was fun and everyone was relieved to forget about storms for just a little while.

 

Rainbows and Lollipops

On By DGThomaIn Friends, Musings, Writing2 Comments

Normally, I am happy and contented and suffer only occasional bouts of frustration.  I mean, we all have to deal with reality checks at times.

I spend more than a little effort trying to do the right thing because I believe karma can be powerful, both good and bad.  Generally good triumphs over evil and doing the right thing pays off.  Of course, not always.

Let’s face it, sometimes when you bend to smell the flowers, you get a nose covered in fertilizer.  The past few weeks have really been busy and everything has been overly complicated.  It’s that time of year when numerous projects are wrapping up, while others are just beginning.  Everything and everyone has been clamoring for my attention (at least from my totally unbiased perspective).  But as a co-worker said, “Sometimes you’ve got to laugh and keep on going.”

We’ve been working long hours…..

Leaving at 6:30 AM for the office

 

Returning home late from the office.

Returning home late from the office.

As you can see, I’m definitely not getting enough sunshine!

I thought I was internalizing my grumpiness pretty well, but I may not have been as successful as I thought.

A good friend stopped by my office with a gift.  She said this can be for now or later, you decide.  Well of course I chose to open it immediately.  It was a present after all.  What was inside, made me smile and tear up a little.  Underneath a plump stuffed gray elephant lay a book, titled, “You’re Here for a Reason”, by Nancy Tillman.  20151028_190401

I’m very fortunate to have a caring and generous friend to remind me what is important.  The rest of the story……

My friend is very close to her great nieces.  They were out shopping and she has bought me gifts before when they were with her.  They are all between 4 – 8 years old.  They showed her the book and said, “If someone is having a really bad day, this is the bestest book to read.”  Of course she bought it immediately and that is why it ended up on my desk last night.

I will cherish it always and any time I’m feeling down, I think I know just what I want to read.

#17 and a Double!

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Family, Food, Humor/Light Hearted, Travel, Writing1 Comment

Last Friday, Ron and I headed to the Austin-Bergstrom international airport en route to our destination Atlanta, Ga.  I was nervous and excited.  If all went according to plan, I could cross two things off my life list.  My life list is like a bucket list, but a lot more fluid.  I add, change and delete from the list regularly.  I planned to run a marathon in Alabama on Saturday.  This would be my 17th state to complete a marathon.  I also intended to run a half marathon in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday.

There are many people who run back to back marathons and routinely compete on consecutive days. But not me!  This would be my first “double weekend”.  I considered running the marathon course for both Saturday and Sunday but soon changed my mind.  Ron enthusiastically signed up for a marathon on both days.

We booked our flights on a budget airline, so we had to get creative with our packing. Running clothes and shoes for both races had to go in our carryon luggage for safekeeping.  The airline charged for carryon luggage but allowed a personal item at no charge.  I conscientiously stuffed running shoes, tights, and shirts in my backpack along with my kindle, purse and snacks.  Although, I secretly believed if our running clothes got misplaced, it would be a sign.  No running shoes or clothes?  It just wasn’t meant to be.

In spite of long security lines, we made it to our gate with time to spare.  Once on board, I looked forward to napping, but I discovered the seats didn’t recline.  No nap for me!  I couldn’t get comfortable enough to rest.

Arriving in Atlanta after two hours flying time, even sans nap I felt great.  Several trains, walkways, and stairs later we arrived at the rental car lot. After a quick lunch at Applebee’s in Marietta, GA we headed to Chattanooga to pick up our packets for Sunday’s run.

We pulled up to packet pick up after sundown and fifteen minutes before the eight o’clock deadline.  Race numbers retrieved we left for Albertville, Ala to find our hotel.

Albertville is 30 miles from Lake Guntersville where the Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series Day seven was being run at 6:30 AM on Saturday morning.  The thin hotel walls allowed us to hear talking and movement all night.  I didn’t understand the purpose of the mirrors covering the wall behind the bed.  I’m sure I slept some but it didn’t feel like it.

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Lake Guntersville

 Pulling my running clothes from my suitcase to dress, I couldn’t find my running bra.  Sure enough I didn’t pack one.  The most supportive bra I had with me was my Victoria Secret bra my daughter bought for me.

Victoria’s Secret bra, gloves, jacket, tights and long sleeve running shirt warded off the chill and made it the temperature more tolerable.

Arriving at the park, we checked in and picked up our T-shirts and medals.  Yes, we received our medals before we ran.  We had to wait until we finished to get our state and year attachments.

We lined up with 60 other marathon hopefuls, ready to run the out and back on the 2.184 mile course 12 times.  As one of the other runners said, “After the first few times, you stop noticing how pretty this looks.”  That quote was from Bryndis a marathoner from Iceland.  There are four marathons a year in Iceland, so she travels to the USA to run.  She had run a marathon with the group the previous day on a course that required running 21 laps.  Many of the runners were completing the series and were on their seventh day of running.  Running a marathon in laps takes patience. You keep up with the laps by taking a rubber band each time you complete a lap.  The scenery was beautiful and several times we had to slow for ducks to meander across the trail.

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Our bibs had our names printed on them and everyone soon learned our names and shouted support as we crisscrossed the course. It was soon impossible to know who was passing you and who you were passing but everyone was smiling.  It was the most non-competitive event I’ve ever participated in.

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The end! Is it really over?

My watch battery died before I finished so my last few laps were very relaxed.  I finished with blisters on both feet. Taking my shoes off to change I discovered my Tiva’s were safe at home so I stood around in my socks.  Ron brought me a cup of Fritos, pretzels, jelly beans and an orange for a recovery snack.  It was fantastic!

We regrouped and left for Chattanooga.  Stopping at a Mexican restaurant along the way and we had a lovely meal.

20151017_143926  Anything would have tasted good but our food was great.  The meal arrived just as the Texas A&M and Alabama football game began to broadcast on the television mounted above the bar. Since we were in Alabama, we didn’t advertise our support of the Texas team.

We made it to Chattanooga and checked into our hotel.  It was lovely and more than made up for the first hotel.  We each had showers and got comfortable while we waited for room service.  I was feeling spoiled!

Our hotel was a mile from the race tents.  We slept an hour later than Saturday and made it to the start around 6:30 AM.  The marathon started at 7:00 AM and the half at 7:30 AM, so I was able to watch as Ron crossed the start line.

It was still 43 degrees, but I was getting used to the colder temperatures.  Crossing the start line to the tune of Jump On It, by Sir Mix-a-lot was invigorating.    Along the course you always meet interesting and fun people.  Sunday was no exception.  I ran with a couple who were married the day before and this was their honeymoon.  Crazy, I think!  I also ran with Jeanetta who was running because she is terrified of bridges.  She chose to run the four bridges marathon to help get past her fears.

And there is always someone willing to give advice.   My favorite advice overheard on Sunday was from a man running his first marathon.  He said, “Never pass up an opportunity to pee!”

We both finished our races, Ron much stronger than me, but we had fun.  After stopping for lunch at Genghis Grill, we returned to our hotel where we showered and napped before heading back out for ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s.

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We wandered around downtown Chattanooga a while.  We visited a book and yarn store where the owner was demonstrating how to use a spinning wheel.  We ate again before going back to the hotel for the evening.  Exhausted and sore, we slept early and soundly. We woke early on Monday and headed back to Atlanta.  Our vacation was over.  Marathon state #17 – check.  Back to back race days – check!

Boot camp is back!

On By DGThomaIn Exercise, Family, Friends3 Comments

Hooray!  I think…..

Previously, we had a boot camp class at my office after work.  We worked out downstairs in the courtyard.  I loved the convenience; especially on days I had to go back to work after the workout.

It enabled me to take a break and still get work done.  A little over a year ago, we lost our trainer.    When he left, we had trouble finding someone who would come to our location.  We couldn’t to keep enough people interested to make it worth their while.  Interest fizzled.

But a few weeks ago, we got word that a new coach had been found for boot camp.  After a flash of excitement, I immediately remembered how long it had been since I did a real workout, with a coach pushing me to my limits.

Class began on Thursday night with six people, which was promising for a first class.  I soon realized how unprepared I was for the workout.  We began with jumping jacks for 1 minute.  I thought, “this isn’t too bad”, but as we transitioned to kicking our feet front to back and hands moving side to side I faltered.  Coordination has never been my strong point.  I tried not to fall on my face, as I did some semblance of throwing feed to chickens while stomping out a tap dance with my feet!  We immediately moved on to squats which weren’t too bad, but as we transitioned to mountain climbers, I had forgotten how much fun they could be.  I mean a plank is a ton of fun by itself, but throwing in some quick movements, pulling alternating knees forward, sort of like laying down while running, well that’s just peachy.

My abs were on fire, which I guess means I was doing something right!  Knowing I had really accomplished something close to a miracle, I sucked down a gallon of water in anticipation of more fun.

At least every time we finished a set, I knew we were hacking minutes off the hour.

Back to my mat, I arrived in time for Coach Travis to call out, “It’s time for groiners and then we’ll add groiners with a twist.”  Oh my!  I didn’t want to know what this was going to be.

Surviving groiners, straight leg marches and follow the leader, I was huffing and puffing.  Travis was our leader and we ran through obstacles, around the building and up three flights of stairs where we finally got to stop and stretch.  That was great until Travis said, “Move to the rail and put your foot on the top rail.”  Right!  My foot found its way close to top, hovering   dangerously on the third rail while I tried to keep from falling over.

After some wonderful (yes that’s sarcasm you hear) stretching, Travis instructed us to hurry back down to grab some water.  “The faster you get down the more time you have to drink your water,” floated after us as we trooped “quickly” away.

I sipped water and trudged back toward my mat to collapse, relieved that hour would soon be over, as Travis shouted “Warmup is over!  Let’s get started on the workout.”

What???

Friday, I woke, proud that I wasn’t too sore.  At least I wasn’t sore until I sat up in bed and my abs complained.  Then walking up the stairs, my calves reminded me they were a little bit sore as well.  As the day wore on, I found lots more spots that reminded me I had worked out.

Tuesday evening, found me back at boot camp with nine other hopefuls. Ready to accomplish miracles with my poor tired muscles I prepared to start.  Encouraged that I talked myself into coming back, I gamely tackled new exercises, got eliminated in the second round of the fitness challenge, but  still felt successful.  Ron and I totally represented in the medicine ball toss and finished more reps than anyone else.  Baby steps, small victories.  There’s always Thursday night!

A Bit of Whimsy on North Lamar

On By DGThomaIn Humor/Light Hearted, News and Reviews, WritingLeave a comment

Driving to work during early morning traffic in Austin, TX is seldom boring.  You never know which route to take until you actually approach the outskirts of town.  As many people who live in the surrounding area, we have a fairly substantial commute, depending upon the traffic.

Our normal commute is about an hour, but it can range more or less depending upon the circumstances.  I’m often a passenger rather than  driver and find myself peering at any changes happening outside my window.

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If the interstate is backed up, which is the norm; we drive to North Lamar and head into downtown.  Recently we  noticed that someone had put skirts on several of the light poles along Lamar.   That’s really not terribly unusual for Austin.  Austin is filled with a lot of incredibly talented and bright people but for some reason I was intrigued by those whimsical skirts wrapped around the light poles.  At first there were only a couple of the skirts near Shoal Creek along Lamar.  I began to watch with interest each day as we drove down Lamar, looking for a new skirt blowing in the breeze.  20150909_182544

I couldn’t help myself; I started to imagine the shoemaker and the elves.  I wondered what sort of elves were showing up overnight to drape fabric around the naked light poles parading down the sidewalk.

It was a couple of months ago the skirts started appearing.  I thought about taking pictures, but I always spotted them while we were driving past.  It was never an opportune photo op.

This morning as we were driving by  I noticed a new skirt had appeared on North Lamar.  I determined to take a few pictures on my way to work today, but as we drove along I found that the original skirts were all missing!

Regretting that I hadn’t stopped to count the skirts previously, I was only able to find two of the skirted poles remaining.

As we left work, I went in search of more skirts to see if I could find anymore.  The two were all that remained.  Circling around I finally managed to take a picture.  It was a lot of fun watching for new skirts to appear and I will miss the adventure.

I don’t know who is responsible for the entertainment I enjoyed, but I do thank them.   Tomorrow I will be in search of the next entertaining project, but whatever it is, it will have big skirts to fill.