Austin Saloon-A Vanishing Breed

On the edge of hip downtown is a local, under-the-radar hangout that you won't find listed in "things to do in Austin". This scruffy down-home piano bar/saloon is tucked into a corner lot with a couple of rusty boxcars, a railroad depot and a red caboose that serves as the ladies room.


For almost forty years, Donn's Depot has been the place for baby boomers and beyond to dance the night away to oldies, rock and roll, blues, swing and country. On Tuesday and Friday nights Donn sings and plays piano to a packed house who take to the wooden dance floor moving to the music they love. If you think this is just for the older crowd, think again. Later in the evening, college kids and thirty-somethings drop by to take in the scene and friendly vibe.

Over the years Donn has seen it all from behind his piano. Couples have met and fallen in love while two-stepping and swing dancing, not to mention a movie shoot and a few wedding receptions. 

If you are in the area and want to take in some local color, don't miss the experience. You never know who will show up to jam. Guest performers have included Jerry Jeff Walker, Marcia Ball, George Strait, Kerrie Rodriguez and a long list of talented musicians.

Double dating at Donn's

The lyrics from the "Cheers" song comes to mind, "Where everybody knows your name."

I'm fairly certain this is not one of those California transplants.

Among Austin's ever increasing trendy new hot spots, Donn's Depot stands out as refreshing, real and a whole lot of fun.  Oh, did I mention cheap drinks and free popcorn?

Donn's Depot

1600 West  5th Street

cover charge $3.00-$6.00

In the Throes

Yes, I know it's been too long since my last post, but I have good reason for my absence. For the past few weeks I have been in the process of moving. Not one to wait for the moving van to arrive, I have made countless trips with my car loaded to the gills. This was no small feat considering the oppressive heat and humidity. With temperatures well above 100 degrees, I soldiered on determined to move most everything but the furniture. Now that I think about it, the movers definitely had the easier job. I've always said that moving is hell, and moving in August is certainly proof of that.


Slowly as I unpack and put things away, the house is starting to feel more like mine. You know that point, when you can find what you are looking for without  opening half a dozen of the wrong drawers. I am quickly becoming accustomed to the sounds of my new home; the squeaking of the wood floors, the stretching of the spring on the screen door as it opens and closes, the quiet hum of ceiling fans.


I promise to post photos of my 1920's bungalow in the near future as things evolve. Thankfully this house doesn't need any interior work, but when spring comes it will be time to tackle the landscaping.To put it simply, the yard is a disaster, and the drought has not helped matters. It will be a challenge to find ways to reduce the amount of lawn and cut down on watering.


On the positive side, there are some magnificent oak trees shading the backyard, and my old, arthritic dog will not have to struggle with going up and down steps to go outside. When fall brings cooler weather I know she will love sitting on the front porch watching the mothers pushing baby strollers and the children playing in the park.


While most of the circumstances surrounding this move have been within my control, there remains the not so small inconvenience of living without TV, internet or land line for two weeks. Fifteen days to be exact, and I am experiencing serious withdrawal pangs. I hope I don't make a fool of myself and throw my arms around the cable guy when he finally appears at my door. If he has a criminal record-no problem. If he's drunk-no problem. If he looks suspiciously like one of the photos on America's Most Wanted-no problem. I will welcome him like the savior he is,rescuing me from sensory deprivation. All I want is to be reconnected to the world again!

Oh, no! Are we moving again?

I've Got the Blues

As I was sorting through "stuff", getting things organized for my move, I came across a box of blue and white transferware dishes. Seeing them again after a few years brought back lots of memories. After deciding to close the door on my antique business, I sold most of what was left of the inventory, but wasn't able to part with my beloved blue and white. My collection is mostly from the mid to late 1800's- gathered from antiquing trips to England. Over the course of several years, I bought literally hundreds of bits of blue and white for collectors. At times red, black or brown transferware would become the hot new trend, but blue and white has always been, and still remains, the most popular.

These ceramics were not hand painted, but as the name suggests, the design was "transferred" from inked, etched copper plates to paper or special tissue. While the ink was still wet the paper was laid on the piece of ceramic bisque for a second firing in the kiln. This new method of production made it possible for the average household to afford dinnerware that imitated the fine china used by the wealthy upper class.

Abundant floral designs and pastoral scenes of the English countryside were the predominant motifs during the Victorian era.

Colors range from the pale, watery blue of the "Asiatic Pheasant" pattern to the deep cobalt so often seen in "Flow Blue" china.


The shade of blue may offer a clue as to the age of a piece, but color is just one of the characteristics to be considered. Some back stamps on the bottom have the name of the maker, but earlier pieces may have no stamps or marks at all. 

This large bowl was a gift from a friend who was game enough to go with me on one of my excursions.  She didn't even complain about the long hours we put in each day or the miles we walked.  Like me, I think she just enjoyed the hunt.

The Blue Willow pattern, based on an old Chinese legend, was first made in the Staffordshire area of England in the 1780's. As the story goes, the daughter of a wealthy mandarin was eloping with her lover. When her father caught them, the gods turned the couple into birds so that they could fly away and escape the wrath of her father.

          I can't imagine anything prettier than a bouquet of flowers in one
of these old pitchers.

                                                                                                                            

Parlez-vous francais?

It was a beautiful summer evening with just enough breeze to cool the crowd that gathered for the 16th Annual Bastille Day celebration. The grounds of the historic French Legation in east Austin were dotted with blankets spread across the hillside, as people settled down to listen to the live music of Ava Arenella, Courtney Sanchez, Kalu James and Sway.

Every year the Alliance Francaise d'Austin throws La Fete Nationale, to commemorate the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille. No passport is required, and you don't even have to be French to enjoy this evening of music, food, games and auction.


Strolling across the lawn we were entertained by the talented jugglers, and then we stopped to watch as players lined up to try their luck at "petanque", a form of boules. In Italy it is called bocce, but the traditional French game is played with hollow metal balls. Whatever you call it, it seems to be addictive.

A young boy gets some pointers on the game of petanque

What would a fete be without crepes? Judging by the long queue, the crepes must have been delicious.

Luscious lemon tarts and iced macaroons in the colors of the French flag

These two bon vivants were getting into the spirit of things

Tres chic mademoiselle

If you would like to find out more about Alliance Francaise, or perhaps polish your French, members meet on the first Wednesday of the month for wine (of course) and hors-d'oeuvres. The next aperitif will be at 6pm, August 3rd at Peche.

At 2pm on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, members and guests of Alliance have pot luck and petanque at the Legation. Newbies welcome.

You can email questions to Alliance Francaise at info_@afaustin.org