The United States of America

the United States of America
Originally uploaded by Juliet M

Pre-result thoughts

Something for every girl...

I can't believe this film was ever made!

Terry Tate: Office Linebacker

My cousin Barb is thinking of hiring Terry for her business in Sebastapol, CA.

Central Texas

When pondering a visit to Austin, consider the following things to do. And then enjoy this cute little town. I don't have anything for Sixth Street (music & drinking) or downtown landmarks like the Driskill Hotel, but those are worthwhile, too.

UT-Austin: besides the LBJ Presidential Museum and Library, I highly recommend the Harry Ransom Center. They are located on opposite corners of the campus - not an easy walk in this heat, but there are parking meters. The Ransom Center has the world's first photograph and one of the five existing Gutenberg Bibles.

The General Land Office (GLO) and the Capitol Building: I highly recommend this. Start at the GLO with its exhibits (including one on O. Henry, who worked at the GLO before he was known as an author, and before he was imprisoned in Austin for embezzlement), and then walk through the grounds of the Capitol to the pink (some say red) granite main building. The Lege is only in session once every two years (next time in Jan 2009). The Texas State Capitol is smaller only to the nation's capitol, but it is taller by fifteen feet. :) Soooo Texan.

SoCo (South Congress Avenue): just across the bridge from downtown, there are lots of eclectic shops and eateries. Go get some Tex-Mex at a favorite spot called Guero's (which means "honky" in Spanish slang). I've had some star sightings here (Benicio del Toro and Terrance Malick - oo la la) and the Clintons are apparently huge fans. You'd never know it for the easy going, laid back atmosphere. The mole is dreamy, too. And love those fish tacos.

The Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge: 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats make the belly of the bridge home during the summer months, making it the largest urban bat colony in the country. At dusk (around 8-ish), the bats emerge and head east to feast on bugs and other little critters. Many spots to enjoy the view. Impressive and very "Austin!"

Barton Springs & the Zilker Botanical Garden: Zilker Park is the best known park in Austin. Located just southwest of Lady Bird Lake, formerly Town Lake, the freshwater spring pool is one of the most popular places in Austin. Swim under the Live Oak trees in the constant 68 degree water (bracing at first, but gorgeous).

Across Lake Austin Boulevard from Barton Springs is the Botanical Garden, where you can check out a xeriscape garden and the Taniguchi Oriental Garden. I highly recommend the Taniguchi Garden. It was built by hand by Isamu Taniguchi as a monument to peace (he and his family were Japanese Americans interned in Texas in WWII).

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: I just loved her. She was so devoted to beauty. I'm embarrassed to admit I've only been to her wildflower center once. It might be too hot to enjoy it, but could be nice. A little distance southwest (about a 15-minute drive from downtown). Can download an iTunes podcast tour (including an interview with Lady Bird!)

The Oasis: it's a great view over Lake Travis.

Getting outside of Austin a little.... Fredericksburg during the day, head out to the Salt Lick for some barbecue, then check out Gruene Music Hall for some Charlie Robison (ex-husband to one of the Dixie Chicks)? Yee-ha! Any of those are fun (although to be perfectly honest, Fredericksburg is a little touristy - I took my Mom there and we enjoyed it, but it's also a 1 1/2 hour drive).

RIP Bernie Mac

Stick an umbrella in the air and see who follows you....

a young Suzanne Pleshette and a timeless Norman Fell (Mr. Roper), that's who. It couldn't be more perfect. If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium really is that perfect movie from one's childhood (came out the year I was only 1-1/2 years old. I must have seen it on tv in the 70's).

The opening music, so memorable even all these years later: a folksy guitar with a droll male voice singing "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium... If It's Wednesday, This Must be Rome...." Oooooo, laaaaa.... Nominated for a Golden Globe. Oh, yeah!

LOVE that cowbell!

My friend Sweet Scout is going to LOVE this. I can scarcely believe my luck.