"Luke"

I'm enjoying this spring weather, anxious to plant my annuals now that the chance of another freeze seems unlikely. The Japanese maple that I planted last year went from bare branches to full foliage in a matter of a few days.
Even the roses, that struggled through the summer heat and a severe pruning, are covered with buds.

For me, "Luke", a poem by Mary Oliver seems to capture the essence of spring.

I had a dog
who loved flowers.
Briskly she went
through the fields,

yet paused
for the honeysuckle
or the rose,
her dark head

and her wet nose
touching
the face 
of everyone

with its petals
of silk
with its fragrance
rising

into the air
where the bees,
their bodies
heavy with pollen

hovered-
and easily
she adored 
every blossom

not in the serious
careful way
that we choose
this blossom or that blossom

the way we praise or don't praise-
the way we love
or don't love-
but the way

we long to be-
that happy
in the heaven of earth-
that wild, that loving.

-from "Red Bird" by Mary Oliver

Making a Difference

Driving through my neighborhood this weekend, I spotted my first "Little Free Library." What a cool idea. The brainstorm of some people in Wisconsin who started the whole phenomenon a couple of years ago. No late fees, no membership- just take a book and leave a book.

This library is only blocks from my house and was started by the owners of this historic home, a middle school teacher and a librarian-perfect!  The designs run the gamut from very simple to more elaborate. It's amazing to see the creative ideas people have, and their desire to share their love of books with the community.  

Below are some examples that might inspire you to start your own little library.     

                                                 

                                            Looks like a fun project

A Taste for Thai

Lately it seems I have a taste for Asian food, and Thai tops the list. My favorite place to indulge my cravings is Sway on South First Street. Like most restaurants in Austin, it is noisy and crowded, but that said, the food makes up for it. 

                            The sleek and modern dining area is filled with large  

                            communal tables, and the outdoor patio is a nice option.

       

                          I like the energy of the open kitchen and watching the

                          organized chaos.

                          

           

   

Tiger Cry - grilled hangar steak with red chili nahm jim and fresh basil. The menu at Sway is part fusion with an Australian influence. That may sound a bit unusual, but it works.

          

Shu Mai - Crab, shrimp and cuttlefish with trout roe and cucumber vinegar

Pork tenderloin, Thai style with snow peas and almonds.
I'm getting hungry all over again.

The Big Easy

These photos will leave little doubt where I spent the past few days. In town for a family wedding, I was surprised to find the French Quarter little changed after Katrina.

Of course, no visit to New Orleans would be complete without breakfast at Cafe Du Monde. Waiters, bearing trays of steaming chicory coffee and beignets covered in clouds of powdered sugar, make their way through the crowd. Ahh, heaven.

           Outside the cafe, street musicians entertain the crowd waiting for tables.

The landmark St. Louis Cathedral,with its triple steeple, overlooks Jackson Square. It is the oldest cathedral in North America. Definitely worth a visit to see the painted murals on the barrel vaulted ceilings, and the beautiful stained glass windows.

Jackson Square is filled with artists, con artists, musicians and tourists taking in the sights. Below is a Tarot card reader set up with his cards and crystals.

   

        Where else but New Orleans would you find such dodgy characters set up in front of a church?                                                

This town is all about fun, food and jazz. It' a non-stop party, y'all. Or as they say in New Orleans, "Laissez les bon temps roulez."