Austin in the Rear View Mirror
Once again I have Austin in the rear-view mirror. It has been classic Austin, wildflowers beginning to bloom – Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, Primrose for starters – and yellow air. Yes – you read right. It took me bit to figure it out until I realized everything was sporting a layer of fine yellow dust – aka Oak Pollen. Until the rain moved in, the air was dusty looking and allergists are no doubt dancing in the streets. It’s that time of year again; between Cedar Fever and Oak season, allergists, and producers of Kleenex, Puffs and antihistamines are raking it in.
Before leaving I took a detour through Fiesta Mart to pick up Abuelita Mexican Chocolate (fabulous for hot chocolate) and dried Jimaica (hibcus blosssoms) for that glorious red hibiscus tea. Returning to the car I was dealt a smacking-blow to the left side of my head by something back and soft. It felt like someone had dealt me a hard blow from a small pillow, which turned out to be a huge Grackle whose GPS has apparently malfunctioned on his glide-path to the nearest perch - a vacant shopping cart. Since Hitchcock was no where in sight, I am left wondering if this was an omen... Some people get a symbolic 2X4, in which case I am thankful for a soft Grackle. In any case, it was time to leave Austin.

It was a perfect time of year to do the drive, despite the rain, because Texas road sides are blanketed with wildflowers, thanks to a contest started by Ladybird Johnson decades ago. Districts compete to see who can create the most eye-popping display of wildflowers and the results are just spectacular!



I found the drawbridge and the bayou where I’m sure I amused the drawbridge keeper when I parked my car to take these shots. Travis suggested I was lucky not t be arrested as a terrorist for taking pictures at/near/from a bridge. Hadn't thought of that. Stopping at a café near the bridge, I found a group of older men telling fish tales as I chowed down on a huge breakfast for the unheard of price of $4.16! Home made biscuits, grits cooked by people who know show to do it, eggs and four slices of bacon. Oh yeah – and that included orange juice!


On Wednesday, I sadly said goodby to Travis and navigated my way to the northwestern corner of Arkansas amid the worst 18-wheeler traffic and wind I've met since traveling the eastern corridor around New Jersey. I love Hissy Fit, but she was tormented mightily by strong cross winds made even worse by the the turbulence created by the big-rigs, outnumbering automobiles 12/1. It was not a happy drive, but the serene route into the Ozarks with roadsides peppered by Redbud and blooming Dogwood almost made up for it.

The weather was beautiful until the moment I left under those egg-carton skies known to produce hail. Racing to get out from under those before the heat unleashed their bounty, I was relieved when I stopped for gas two hours later only to be told they were under a tornado watch. Wind and more big-rigs completed the picture all the way back into Texas where skies cleared and traffic thinned. It was a fine Texas welcome!
What brought me to that quaint little town of Eureka Springs, was the Ozark UFO Conference, now in its 28th year. In part I came to explore more fully the experiences I have had over my lifetime - and those my children have had in early childhood.

I'm whizzing through Austin once more to attempt to pick up a pair of lenses for new glasses. The lab has managed to confound the process, messing up the lenses multiple times and once again, I am leaving without them - I think. I'm not gone yet. And to continue the Grackle story, sipping coffee at Mozart's on the lake a few days ago, I was again in the Grackle flight-path and involved in a near-miss as yet another Grackle flew by inches from my ear, screeching his raucous message as he flew by. Since I don't speak Grackle, I have consulted the internet and various interpretations were offered: "things are not as they seem," "quit talking... and DO," any of which could have relevance. i.e Shut up and write the next book!
Getting new tires this morning to continue this epic road trip taking the southern route this time, stopping along the way to see friends in Phoenix, California and southern Oregon. On the off chance that "get new tires" was included in the Grackle's message, I would like to say, you have been heard on all levels and it will no longer be necessary to throw yourselves at me. A simple wink will do.
Missing the beach! The journey continues...
Published on April 16, 2015 07:24
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A Texan Goes Questing
This is the blog I started entering Peace Corps, Uganda. It has evolved to include the adventures and misadventures of my post Peace Corps life and will continue to evolve, as I do.
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