Stocking is hung, with care

 

Forrest's mother made this stocking for him in 1951. Amazing how well it has held up after all the visits from Santa Claus!

Out of the box costume for Boxing Day

Our friend Kate can be counted on for a festive costume at her parties.

Dip buffet for Boxing Day

This holiday party featured a dip buffet -- which we heartily enjoyed. They had make-your-own Frito Chili Pies as well. Always fun to visit at other folks' houses.

That is puzzling!

Here is the puzzle that LB and I worked for the holidays! That is a tradition with us now.

Nice music-- feliz navidad!

This excellent signer was performing some terrific Latin songs at a private party the other night. These people really know how to put on a fine event.

Holiday Buffet -- What a Treat!

We always love this buffet at the Headliners Club that takes place just before Christmas. It's a chance to catch up with a lot of friends and make some new ones. The food is always great, too. Unlimited tamales and shrimp. What is not to like?

Swinging Christmas

Just one more from the old year -- these talented Broadway performers came through town and did a great cabaret show a few days before Christmas. Loved it!

Best to all of you!

The marquee says it all! Thanks for letting us share our town with all of you this year!

Easter, Austin-style

Another colorful display in Clarksville. 

Hooray for the Red, White and Br. . ., um I mean Blue!

This local bar was gearing up for the Fourth the other day with a "Red White and Brews" Concert. I thought that we would show the colors today-- Happy Fourth to you all from the Live Music Capital of the World!

Christmas Decor

We haven't decorated for Christmas. But we are lucky because we live within walking distance of lots of hotels and businesses...that do! FFP and I started a tour yesterday and here he is in the historic Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin lobby with their tree which I don't think could support a single additional ornament. Beautiful. We will continue our festive pictures leading up to Christmas...all without unpacking a single ornament ourselves.

Halloween Looms

Decorations are popping up all over for that all important holiday: Halloween. These are in the deco windows of the Avenue Lofts on East Fifth Street.

Happy Bastille Day

Jackie shot this wonderful picture of the fireworks we got to have for Fourth of July this year (because the fire risk had been lowered by rain). I present it for France's Bastille Day!

Turkey Hot Dog

At first I didn't get it but then I realized it was a turkey hot dog costume. Dog was patient with his owners and the costume but barked convincingly at us.

Ready to Trot

One of the biggest 'fun runs' (and walks and kid's K) of the year is the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot. Thanksgiving icons ready to trot this morning.

And Yesterday was Day of the Dead

Sure we celebrate Halloween on October 31. (Or when it's on a Monday like it was this year we celebrate it on Saturday, Sunday AND Monday.) But November 1 is All Saint's Day and November 2 is All Soul's Day and for some folks and for our Mexican neighbors the Day of the Dead is celebrated. Shrines are erected to relatives and friends who are gone. This simple outdoor one was at the Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center when we walked on the eastern part of the hike and bike trail yesterday. Here is a picture from four years ago at Fonda San Miguel of their shrine.

Happy Easter from the Furry Set

This beauty rode in style in an Easter basket for the Lyndon Lambert Easter Pet Parade on South Congress yesterday.

Pipers

My friend Jackie sent me this from last month'. The Central Texas Emergency Services Pipe and Drum Association is, we assume, made up of policemen, firemen, EMTs. This was on the patio at Fado's following their pre-St. Paddy's parade on March 12.

Day of the Dead Number 1

With the influence of Mexico, our Halloween festivities often dovetail with the Day of the Dead. I discovered a tattoo parlor on South First that is called "Casa de Los Muertos." I guess they operate year-round, but I'm using them to kick off a day of the dead series that will go until Halloween or as long as I find pictures.

Happy Christmas

No snow in Austin...although much of the rest of the U.S. has seen a few (or many) flakes. But the shop window of the downtown St. Bernard store gave the impression of a snowy wonderland and the clothes for it. It was really windy and cold when I snapped this yesterday, for Austin anyway. Gusts of over 40 MPH around our building I'd say.