Tony Bourdain last night

All of us have been Tony Bourdain converts for a long time. We all enjoy his honesty and intelligence, his story-telling ability, and his subject manner - food. Last night he showed up in Austin at the Paramount Theater for a reading, Q&A, and book-signing event.

After a sweltering wait (an hour in late afternoon heat) we entered the theater to wait for another hour listening to Tony's favorite music. It was downright chilly in there, and felt wonderful after the 97 degree heat. The policy was open seating, so we felt lucky to get 5 rows back, on the side, with a perfect view (we thought).

After collecting lots of drinks revenue, the theater brought out Mr. Bourdain right on time. He started off with a few comments, telling us he had thought the new book would show a kinder, gentler Tony Bourdain. He then read a chapter from his new book, Medium Raw, proving that he retains a boatload of anger. He was an excellent reader, looking up now and then to connect with his readers, explaining the chapter's premises with asides, and being very entertaining.

Then he opened up for Q&A. Wow, the questions were as revealing as the answers. People really study the guy! They had penetrating questions about everything, old shows, relationships with other food people, how he treats his 3 year old, things he remembers, how much pot he smokes, what his favorite drug is, etc. He was brilliant! He has such a depth of experience and is so articulate that he kept the audience rapt. His speaking was laced with profanity, which most of the audience enjoyed.

At one point he described his clueless TV producers using focus groups to figure out how the show was going. He and his team were trying very hard to be unobtrusively obscene. In one particular episode he was in the far North, putting on a long fur glove. He described it as like "fisting a Samoyed." The producers had no idea what that meant, but the focus group was laughing hard.

There seemed to be a lot of New Jersey people in the crowd. The only sad note of the evening came when someone asked if Tony (being raised in NJ) enjoyed a pork roll, egg, and cheese sandwich. The answer was a succinct, "No!" Also, unfortunate for us, the microphone on our side of the theater blocked our view of the stage for quite a while.

After an hour and a half of real enjoyment (ours, and apparently, his) he left the stage to start signing books. The line wrapped around the theater, upstairs, across the balcony hall, then down again, so we just took a couple pics and left.

Afterward we had  drinks and a bit of nosh at Little Woodrow's on 6th Street. Nice place with tons of different beers, but empty on a Monday evening. We just sat and talked about how much we enjoyed the show.

Dim sum, warriors, and critter

Sunday dim sum in North Austin today. It was a treat we hadn't had for quite a while. The restaurant was huge, but thinly populated when we arrived. The staff jumped right on things, though, as carts quickly appeared. We concentrated mostly on steamed dishes, with a few fried dumpling sort of things thrown in for good measure. This place had the fastest service we had ever seen. It was all over pretty quickly, about 20 or 30 small dishes demolished by the 4 person crew.

After a short trip to Round Rock, we were back in the same shopping center to visit the giant-size Asian grocery for staples. The young people wanted rice paper wrappers for various dishes, and 20 lbs of jasmine rice. Better half (BH) wanted baby bok choy and ground pork. I found Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce (boy in the boat picture on the front), then I wanted freedom. Off I went to bake in the car, hearing drumming and clanging from the distant part of the parking lot.

After collecting FYD (favorite younger daughter), FSIL (favorite son-in-law) and BH (better half), we drove over to where the noise was coming from.

Amidst flags, drums and cymbals,

and dragon heads,

a bunch of young warriors were showing their stuff. One by one and in groups they did set pieces and mock battles. Most had weapons appropriate for battle.

They were spinning, jumping, slicing, dicing, and making pretend enemies miserable.

This guy was going so fast that his staff blurred at 1/250th second.

There was a lot of athleticism; this guy got caught in mid-kip-up.

This guy could have been break dancing, but he wasn't.

Then we were off for home and some rest. The 100 degree heat was a bit exhausting. Later on in the evening FYD and FSIL got going on some yard work. FYD poked her nose in the door to announce another critter. She told me it was the same kind as she found up her pant leg the other night, so I grabbed my camera and ran (slight exaggeration) out the back door.

Their yard work had unearthed a wolf spider with its egg sack.

It was wiggly, evening was approaching, and I was using a macro setting. I took a lot of pictures, but only a couple came out.

Critters, Slobber Dog, and walks

FYD (favorite younger daughter and FSIL (favorite son-in-law) have been doing lots of yard work at their new house. Inevitably they have discovered some critters. It continues...

This little guy appeared to be a Texas Thread Snake (also called a Texas Blind Snake). They make their homes in loose soil and litter, attempting to hide and keep hydrated. A few days before we had come across one completely dried out on a sidewalk. Apparently it is quite easy for them to dehydrate.

So far we haven't seen any coral snakes, rattlers, copperheads, or water moccasins.

For now, the snakes and such are being relocated across a porous fence. Apparently you can't stop them anyway.

Weekends don't feel very different from other days for old, retired farts. Today, though, FYD thought it was time for some wiggling. Off we went to Emma Long Metropolitan Park, near Lake Austin. Even though it was at least 98 degrees we set out on a dog and people trail running along a stream.

It was all dry limestone rocks, cedar trees, and little pools.

The path crossed the creek again and again, sometimes on nice man-made pillars, sometimes via slippery limestone rocks.

There were lots of little rills, connecting the pools along the way.

At one stop we found a bunch of little toads hiding in the rocks.

Slobber Dog had a really good outing, racing back and forth in the water, sniffing the underbrush, racing around with other dogs,

and swimming. She may even have been more pooped than we were by the time we were done.

We saw tons of dogs, all sizes and shapes. We also saw all sizes and shapes of owners, as well. And finally, we saw this scuttling skink. It's not really a skink, but I like alliteration a lot. It is probably a Texas Spotted Whiptail Lizard. Whatever it was, we saw a lot of them, and they all disappeared fast.

Father's Day

Favorite younger daughter (FYD) and favorite older daughter (FOD) are together with us this Father's Day. That is a great thing; it has not happened in a few years. Just had a marvelous breakfast, thanks to FYD. They both continue to communicate, for which we (Mom and I) are very thankful. We have seen some relationships with children ruined by inattention and giving up, but we are both too stubborn to give up with ours. Retirement is a very joyful time for us, as we have more time to ourselves and to share with FYD, FOD, and favorite son-in-law FSIL.

On to my own Dad. Someone once made a comment that "You really love your Dad, don't you?" That was a long time ago; I did, and I still do. He continues to be a huge influence on my life, sharing his thoughts, teaching me how to do things, counseling me on how to live right.

His independence and quirkiness are constant and enjoyable. This was his idea of a self-portrait at some point in his life when he grew a beard. For a while I had it in my possession, but I gave it back to him a couple of years ago when we were moving.

Dad had an engineering position at Cornell University's Lab of Nuclear Studies. He taught me a lot of science when I was younger. He also taught me how to deal with cars and other mechanical/electrical devices. I spent lots of time in the lab, smelling the smells, listening to the sounds, hearing physicists talking.

Dad was an Eagle scout in the first Boy Scout troop in Trumansburg, New York. He represented the Scouts well in all his years. He taught by example how to do good turns. For years he kept a local widow supplied with wood so she could have heat in the winter (and continue her independence as long as possible). He visited friends in nursing homes. He volunteered at the US Forest Service and elsewhere. He repaired things for his friends.

Thanks, Dad, for being a good example to me, for teaching me things I still use today, for advocating the independence I treasure still, for goading me out of the doldrums. I'll love you always.

Nice to be busy

Favorite son-in-law (FSIL) has an assignment with a magazine in Austin. It publishes both to the web and on paper. He designs article layouts, and also gets photos for some of the articles. So, off we went this week to collect photos and experiences at animal-friendly patio bars.

Red's Porch, on South Lamar, seemed to be a hoppin' place on a Thursday afternoon.

This is located on the edge of the Barton Creek gorge, with nice views enhanced by the fact that the porch is about 3 floors up.

In addition to comely customers, waltzing waitresses, and

terrific tattoos, the drinks were pretty good.

We had a round, along with some blazing hot jalapeño poppers, took some pictures, then headed home for supper.

Friday we headed off to our usual, the City Hall free concerts. The band was Neckbone, a funk-hop group. Before the start we took a few minutes to revisit City Hall's art work. It changes on a regular basis, and is always enjoyable. The pieces are eclectic, ranging from pencil sketches to found pieces to sculptures.

Lighting is not great here, so the pics vary. This piece was called "White Trash", found pieces which either were white or were painted to be white. We liked the 3-D nature. I always wonder what inspires the artists (and how they know when to stop). I guess that as long as I wonder, I won't be an artist.

This time I liked the sculptural pieces best. I have always admired wood and glass as media, so I found I really like this one.

Then it was off to listen to Neckbone. While they call themselves funk-hop, to me they were more R&B/blues, musically. They did some regular vocals and some hip-hop.

One lone white guys played a mean fuzz guitar.

My favorite, as usual, was the bass player, Mr. D. Madness. He had a ball and was really good.

Toward the end of the hour Neckbone got into some dance worthy tunes. This kid came out of the crowd and starting dancing up a storm. He was really good.

Then along came the mariachi singers. After Neckbone there was to be a contest to decide who joined the bigger contest. We really liked the excellent pantalones.

The musicians were accompanied by girls in pretty dresses.

We didn't stay for the competition, as we had other plans. This young kid, 8 years old, was the eventual winner, as reported on the local news. He was quite good in the TV spot, singing with a mixed regular and falsetto voice. It was a bit like yodeling, but mariachi-style.

His Dad was all set up to take pictures AND protect his hat at the same time.

Austin remains a very interesting place. Next weekend is the annual Keep Austin Weird festival. That should be a stitch!

Slobber dog and the missing readers

Slobber dog is my nickname for the puppy owned by favorite youngest daughter (FYD) and favorite son-in-law (FSIL) . Slobber dog is growing out of puppy-hood, but retains a desire to gnaw on fingers and slobber all over them. It seems like a kind of game to her. Anyway, that's the reason for the name.

FYD and FSIL have a new house where we are staying for a bit as we look for a house in Austin. Slobber dog gets free roam, and also gets outdoors at will via a small door. Sometimes it gets a bit noisy as she pokes her head through the magnetic seal. But it is kind of cute, too.

Anyway, I have been in the habit of leaving my drugstore reading glasses beside the bed when I finish reading myself to sleep. The other day my glasses were missing when I went to bed. Next day FSIL found them out in the yard. I started closing the door during the day to keep Slobber dog out of the room.

Then I forgot again. The glasses again went missing. This time FYD found them at night after our return from the Austin Bikers Ball. The glasses showed up as a pair of reflections out in the yard.

Both times the left temple was bent down at the same, awkward angle. It makes me wonder just what is going on in Slobber dog's head. Probably something like this:

"Hmmm, go upstairs. What's that? Smells like fat guy downstairs. No taste, though. Wanna play outside. Let's take this. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Tired now, ptoohh. Dig now. Bark, bark, bark. Anything inside? Sleep now."

Night of contrast in Austin

We started our Friday evening at Townhouse Austin, a new bar on 5th Street. Favorite son-in-law had an assignment - get some house special drinks at their Open House, get some photos, and report back with photos to the Austin Woman magazine. The photos will go into a story on mixology.

The place is brand new and wonderfully elegant. I felt out of place in Austin standard wear, sneakers and shorts with a polo shirt. Our bartender shook, stirred, poured, and prepared, providing us with cocktails made in the way a chef would prepare quality appetizers.

They had fanciful names like "Red-headed Stepchild". They had ingredients like saffron and thyme, more often connected with food. They also had quality liquor and hand-made infusions. You will find no flavored vodka here unless the flavor has been put in by the Townhouse.

Served by our cheerful waitress, who spent time telling us about the place and its offerings,

the drinks looked good on the table,

and in hand.

Quiet jazz played in the background while the bartenders worked and the patrons buzzed quietly. It was a very nice atmosphere.

Then we were in for the contrast, the Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally. As soon as we left the bar, we began to see bikes and bikers.

As we walked along Fifth Street we got into more and more of a crowd. Bikes lined the center of Congress Avenue, which was closed off from 2nd Street all the way to the Capitol.

Many strange creatures emerged from the dark, men, women, indeterminates, and this Indian guy. He wanted to pose for pictures with everybody.

Close by was a band rocking away. Dee Snider, Bret Michaels, and others were rumored to be appearing later on in the evening.

We walked through block after block of raucous, partying bikers. The bars and restaurants along Fifth Street were packed.

Some of the bikes were gorgeous. Many were really noisy.

As we got farther along, we passed Parkside, the restaurant where we had just had an expensive double birthday dinner last week.

Right outside, across the sidewalk, is The Best Wurst, an alternative. There, for considerably less, we got a couple of terrific sausages with the works. Really good! These guys were doing a bangup business.

Another few blocks of tricked-out bikes and we had had enough for the night.

It seems like anything can happen here. We're glad it does.