Judy Grillo
  • Home
  • Writer
    • Services & Clients
    • Rates & Terms
  • Teacher
  • Trainer
  • Reveler
  • Blogger
  • Listener
  • Home
  • Writer
    • Services & Clients
    • Rates & Terms
  • Teacher
  • Trainer
  • Reveler
  • Blogger
  • Listener

Austin, Revisited

5/2/2018

8 Comments

 
It's been two weeks since I rolled into Austin once again, but it's been a go-go schedule of reconnecting with friends, staying active, catching up with life's chores, and working hard to adapt to city life. Austin has grown exponentially since my last visit two years ago. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed by this metro of 2 million people, and what seems like 10 million cars with aggressive drivers. My friend Fred is right, I have become feral. 

Happily, I'm living in an AirBnb for a month in a familiar neighborhood that's very bike/walk friendly, and has a generous amount of green space. The home and family are terrific, my room is comfy, and I'm eating quite well. I'm also 12 miles from downtown, as each Austin visit on the same budget pushes me further and further from city center. While I'm struggling with living indoors (honestly), driving too much, and staying on budget, there's plenty to crow about. 

Nearly a dozen folks welcomed me back with open arms after a two-year hiatus, including both of my cycling groups. I've already enjoyed a few rides, some great entertainment, and visited a few nearby small towns. I'm also finding time to catch up on the "to do" list, including summer travel planning, so when I return to tent living I'll be fancy-free. And, while gas prices should be lower (Alabama & Louisiana beat out Texas!), the HEB market still has the loveliest produce at the cheapest prices yet. 

I'll be wandering about Austin for another three+ weeks, then on to San Antonio. More to come. 
8 Comments
Eileen
5/4/2018 10:18:57 am

Judy: Love photo of field of wildflowers. Finally seeing some green and flowering trees in the northeast. Doubt you will ever go back to city living especially since you can settle in one of the many beautiful small communities you have written about. All awaiting that decision.

Reply
Judy
5/4/2018 11:13:28 am

Eileen: Yes, I was trying to remember when I was "living" in a big city and it was Austin, two years ago! Tough adjustment after my life in small, natural places. Settling? Not on the agenda at this time. Working on my summer schedule now; to-be-announced soon! J.

Reply
Fred W
5/14/2018 06:34:52 am

Feral in good way!

Reply
Judy
5/14/2018 05:06:22 pm

Oh absolutely!

Reply
Amanda
5/18/2018 08:11:43 pm

So good to have met you and had you over. We miss you Judy!

Reply
Judy
5/20/2018 09:14:16 am

A: Thanks for visiting here! I loved my time with you and Stephen! J

Reply
Joel the french canadian
6/1/2018 03:10:39 pm

You are a very inspiring women. What you do, the way you do it, it is not commun.

Was fun walking with you in Austin, Tx

Reply
Judy
6/3/2018 04:10:45 pm

Mon Ami,
What a surprise to see you visited! I'm at my last stop in Texas, back in the tent, trying to catch up before I head off the grid in Oklahoma! Way behind on the blog but it'll update one day soon :).

A pleasure to meet you & yes, walk & talk. If you email, use a little French -- I need the practice!

Judy
judygrillo56@gmail.com

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Author

    Cyclist, writer, teacher, avid reader, bike/ped advocate, nomad, pie lover

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.