Texas - Day 5 - Monday, April 16

Monday morning wake up call outside our hotel window.

Monday morning I tried to change my flight from DFW to Austin. It was going to cost me $1600+. I ended up just getting an additional flight (for $120!) from Austin to DFW Tuesday morning in time to catch my original flight to Denver and home. I was all set to take a quick tour of the legendary Weirdness in Austin, and finally meet The Helping Dog!!!

It was time for goodbyes – which always suck. Susan and Dave ran Merri and Alnee to DFW to get their flights home while Robin and I hung out at the hotel. When Susan and Dave came back, we had to pack everything into the Belt Sander. I didn’t want to doubt Dave’s packing abilities but let me tell you, I had a moment. That thing was full. We got everything in but there was barely enough room for us!

Robin & I had the flagpole between us, but we kept our priorities straight and had the sponge candy handy! LOL We decided to grab lunch before hitting the road. The restaurant we went to had the news on, where we first learned of the horror that had happened that morning at Virginia Tech. There were few details at that time, but we knew Alnee had friends there. We’d try to reach her later when she got home. We all said a prayer for the students and faculty there. Soon we were off to Austin.

I had been to Dallas before for a work conference about 5 years ago, but didn’t see any of the “sights”. At least this time I got to drive by some of them! Susan pointed out the Book Depository, the hospital where Kennedy died, and other interesting things (like a billboard with a waterfall built into it) as we flew by on the Interstate. Robin conked out and had a nap. Not me. Too many things to see! We even passed Waco where Susan said you could still see some of the burned out buildings of the Branch Davidian’s compound. That was weird after hearing all about it on the news.

Book Depository


Freeways. We don't build 'em like that in Canada. lol
These kinds of flyovers would not like the Canadian climate!

We stopped at this place on the side of the road that had an old restaurant that looked like the Starship Enterprise. No kidding! We took some pictures, and looked at the blooming Texas Bluebonnets covering the ditches like a blanket.

"Enterprise"

Those beautiful Blue Bonnets

Later we stopped for gas and saw a baby snake outside the gas station. Inside I noticed some Ken Schrader labels on the shelf with the Little Debbie snack cakes. Susan actually asked the lady in the gas station if she could have them for her friend from Canada because they don’t have Little Debbie there. At least I think she asked. LOL Well, they are an interesting addition to the scrapbook!!

We made our way to Susan & Dave’s home, Susan pointing out some Austin landmarks on the way like the UT Tower and the cheesecake building (Frank Erwin Center). We unloaded the Belt Sander and boy was the Helping Dog glad to see us! What a sweetie Dixie is! I would have stolen her and brought her home if I thought I could fit her in somewhere and get her past security and customs!

Dixie the Helping Dog

I was introduced to Flat Elliott with a coonskin cap &
Flat ("Confused") John Wayne.

I marvelled at the tire and sheet metal hanging on the living room wall. How cooul!

Susan had to go pick up son Will after work, so she took Robin and I on a quick (and I do mean quick!) tour of Austin. We drove across the “Bat bridge”. We went to the University of Texas campus, and went to the UT Tower. The mood there was very sombre, and there were news crews interviewing students, getting their reactions to the morning’s events at Virginia Tech. We were even interviewed… Susan explained that UT had just last year marked the 40th anniversary of the tower shooting there.

UT Tower

We went past the State Capitol. I now have pictures of the Tennessee and Texas State Capitols. Lol I missed that when I was in Virginia (though Suzi drove me past it), guess that just means I have to go back! Ha ha ha! And I won’t let my sour experiences with any one person from that state deter me from returning!!

Texas State Capitol

The famous "Hi How Are You" Frog by Daniel Johnston
on the side of Baja Fresh Restaurant
(previously Sound Exchange records)
at 21st and Guadalupe Streets.
Keepin' Austin Weird!

We went to the valet parking garage where we picked up Will after he was done work. Susan showed us the reason why it was a valet only garage – the “man lift”. None of our PARKADES have those to be sure. LOL

"Man Lift"

We then took a quick tour to the fan shrine of “Henry’s Wall” outside the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture where I lit a candle in honor of Janis, for my friend Tammy from work. We of course also lit candles in honor of Buck. When you look up and down that wall, you don’t realize how influential Texas musicians have been on the music scene.

Then it was a quick stop at the Broken Spoke where Susan made Will get out and take a picture of the bus for me. LOL

Last stop on the way back to Susan & Dave’s place was the 7-11 for what else? Ice cream!!! We each chose our flavor of Ben & Jerry’s. I was stunned that each of us was getting our own container – that’s some spendy stuff back home! In fact, for four of those things it would have cost us about $28!! This was around $10. I still can’t wrap my mind around it! LOL

We hit the house and ate our ice cream and all crashed into bed. Dixie decided she would like to sleep with me. I tried to get her to go onto the other couch but she wouldn’t, crazy animal! It didn’t matter. I was so tired I was out like a light in no time.