The inspirational word of the day is “Strength”. Yes, I am guilty of hitting up the Art*o*mat again. The Little Inspirations series is a creation of Nicole Arnold. I was looking for an earth shattering inspiration, but will make do with this simple one. This one is appropriate for me since I sat through some more crazy dental procedures today. I will need some strength for the next few days as the pain slowly subsides. 
Before the sun began to set and the cold temperatures hit, I took a walk through Mueller. This sculpture called “Pollen Grain” by Chris Levack has always been one of my favorites. You can walk beneath it on the trail if you select the right path.
I attended an event today at the Genesis Presbyterian Church, and there was an awesome, colorful tree out in the front yard just beneath the steeple.
Whose idea was it to put this lovely place just down from the 24 Hour Fitness? Andy’s Frozen Custard is a most awesome establishment! Just take a look at the menu. My selection today was the Triple Chocolate Concrete – “Chocolate frozen custard blended with chocolate chip cookie dough and melted chocolate chip.” Yummy.
It worked! I had a membership to a 24 Hour Fitness club in Round Rock that was classified as a “Sport” club. In the process of reviewing my budget (thanks Mint App) and checking prices online, I discovered that the current rate at the “Super Sport” Club in Pflugerville was less than what I was paying. I didn’t think they would allow me to switch, but the groovy folks in Pflugerville were able to hook me up. So now, I have a membership that allows me to use both clubs for a much lower monthly fee. This will be an improvement for my budget and an improvement for my physique (if I can get to the gym on a regular basis). I am totally excited about today’s bargain!
There are some crazy, crude Quentin Tarantino scenes in this film. If you are a fan of his, you will enjoy this movie.
Yippee! Cooper’s BBQ is coming to Downtown Austin. They aren’t totally open yet, but the lounge area upstairs is having a soft opening and serving bar food and drinks. I tried the Slider Trio and the baked potato and all was wonderful. When they do open (hopefully soon), they will have a serving line where you make your selections right off the grill. The restaurant is a combination of two old buildings and in addition to the lounge upstairs, they will have large indoor and outdoor seating areas downstairs. I am anxiously awaiting the grand opening so we can have another excellent BBQ joint in Austin.
Anyone like Cuban cuisine? Mambo House is a relatively new restaurant in Round Rock that serves up some yummy Cuban food. Tonight’s dinner consisted of fried plantains, empanadas, Chuletas a la Parilla (grilled pork chops, yellow rice and caramelized onions), and tres leches. Everything was perfect, and I will be sure to return again soon.
Happy New Year everyone! These are some photos from my view of the Austin festivities. I hope your 2016 is a joyful and rewarding year.
ANY = Austin’s New Year. The city threw a pretty cool party this evening at Auditorium Shores. There were bands (including two of my favorite Austin bands – Vallejo and the Flying Balalaika Brothers), art, decorated bicycles, food trucks, and nice views of downtown. Thanks for the party Austin. We will see you next year. 🙂
earthrobert 