I just noticed this lighted cross today for the first time. It is a forty foot tall, free standing structure built by the New Hope Community Church. If you climb to the top of the hill, there is a great view of the City of Round Rock. Imagine the sunrises you could catch from here, looking East over the city. I may have to return early some morning.
The Zilker Kite Festival was as crazy as ever! The weather was a perfect overcast, cloudy, and windy day. There were tons of people, dogs, kites everywhere, bubbles, a biplane buzzing by, food trucks, beverages, kettle corn, free ice water, t-shirt sales, and art. I met the artist who submitted the design for the official t-shirt, Aileen Fitzgerald, and she was super nice. I thought her artwork really captured the spirit of Austin. All in all, it was a most successful Kite Festival.
I stayed till closing time tonight. Not only did they have Atash tonight, but they also had the Flying Balalaika Brothers ripping it up. Two great bands that specialize in music from around the world. The Hole in the Wall may not be a fancy club, but it is definitely a fun one.
The Round Rock ArtSpace had an art show this afternoon to celebrate Spring and New Beginnings. The intent was to celebrate “themes related to spring, growth, new beginnings and change”. I liked the art. My favorite piece below with the funky birds was called “Angel Garden” by Kristin Kim. The show inspired me to strike out on a walk around the local neighborhood as the sun was beginning to set. I just caught some new Springtime tree blossoms as the tree limbs were blowing in the wind with a beautiful sunset in the distance. I think this brief moment was on point with the celebration that ArtSpace had meant for us to enjoy.
Hey, City of Round Rock! I had a good idea involving the use of your downtown plaza. Since the weather has been so beautiful, why not use the outdoor stage for a band like the Urban Achievers Brass Band? You could invite everyone out for a party, get some food trucks, maybe a snow cone making booth, face painting for the kids, and advertise it a bit to insure a good turnout. What? You already thought of that? It’s called Music on Main and it’s going to be a weekly free event for a while with a different band each week? Awesome! Keep up the good work!
I was in search of more wild parakeets today, but ran out of daylight before I could discover what I was looking for. Lucky for me, the Electric Garden was nearby. It has been a while since I walked the gravel path beneath these photogenic sculptures of steel. As the sun continued setting, I enjoyed the lighting conditions and used the opportunity to take some photos.
I have been wanting to try this location of Black’s Barbecue for a long time. It is located near the University of Texas campus on Guadalupe and 31st and 1/2 Street. It is a small restaurant and today there was a smoker outside and a short line of people on the inside. The brisket was perfect, just as you would expect from a Black’s site. You line up, order your sides, have them slice and weigh your meat selections, pay for everything, get your drinks, then find a table inside or on the outside patio. I highly recommend it if you find yourself in the area.
I discovered another nest of Monk Parakeets today as I was exploring along Guadalupe Street. This one was near 38th and Guadalupe. This is what I have learned so far about the parakeets.
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Here are some of my favorite selections from The People’s Gallery exhibit at Austin City Hall last night. The Opening Reception was fun with tons of local art on display. Thank you Austin for opening up City Hall, feeding us snacks, and allowing us to photograph the art and the building.
earthrobert 