Austin, Texas

Wed 1/10/17  Austin, Texas

Arrived here yesterday, driving I-10 (speed limit 80!), exchanging desert for Texas hill country. Moisture in the air! Siri led us straight to my old college friend, Gene. Plagued with debilitating allergies this time of year, Herman isn’t welcomed, so lodging procured at McKenney State Park on the edge of town. Well maintained complex populated with oaks and, er, trees; cheap and quite comfy..........Darren and his partner, the camp hosts, just drove by in their little green golf cart to say “howdy”. From Bend they have been traveling around, hosting, at various parks. Stood in the street, drinking coffee and talking weather, park accommodations from here to southern Calif., pros/cons of traveling armed, and beer. 

To Gene’s for b’fast. (Herman cloistered in the car. New temporary name: Anna for anaphylaxis). Almost 65 yrs old and the girl doesn’t know how to make an over easy egg?! I gave lessons and had her flipping 2 eggs at once with nary a broken yoke. She was so excited and can’t wait to show her husband. Two hour breakfast and a load of laundry doesn’t near cover the 40 years of reminiscing. Plans for genuine Tex-Mex tonight.

Dinner last night with Gene and Jim at Threadgill’s, an Austin institution. For me, a big pile of fried chicken livers, fried okra and a mess of collards took me back to my college days visiting here. I remember 8 deep at the bar waiting for a table. Last night apparently a slow Tues. Pictures of the old Armadillo World Headquarters music hall along with rock and blues legends lining the walls.