It's been a few weeks since posting as I now spend 5 days staring at a computer screen so I want little to do with technology otherwise! In fact, when I leave the compound, I head for long walks, bike rides, poolside reading, or a social event. I've been keeping my 100-mile weekly ride mileage in check with the help of my weekend groups, but also roaming the riverfront and neighborhoods of Austin by foot. I'm now actively working on my "Austin list" as the weeks are flying by and I have a variety of museums, food spots, and natural wonders to explore. This past week I had two entertaining events --- a performance of Aladdin starring a favorite 7 year old of mine, and a celebration of jazz month with The Jazz Daddies in a splendid setting. Last weekend included an afternoon at the French Legation Museum where I enjoyed the lovely 2.5 acre grounds for hours. The historic house is Creole cottage style and was built in 1840 by Alphonse Dubois to serve as the French Legation to the Republic of Texas. It's now the oldest framed structure in Austin, and since Dubois was determined to live in style, the floors are European hardwood, the mantels are Italian marble, and the wallpaper from France. I enjoyed the tour as Dubois was quite a scoundrel his entire life, and the guide had some wonderful stories to tell. Next update in a couple of weeks as I visit San Antonio for the very first time.
9 Comments
Eileen
4/6/2016 10:08:36 am
Glad to see you practicing your French, amazing how quickly one forgets. Love how you always highlight free and out of the way places that we tourists never get to see or experience.
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Judy
4/6/2016 08:42:28 pm
Eileen: Thanks for visiting! Yes, doing my best to get some French practice in though barely enough. Much to still see & do here amidst an oh so busy life! Will write soon! Plotting June travel, too!
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Anne-Marie
4/6/2016 11:36:37 am
Beautifully inviting grounds at the Legation as well as interesting year of its opening. Will now have to research whether Blue Bonnet margarine is a Texas company. Snow-covered daffodils here!
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Judy
4/6/2016 08:44:17 pm
La neige? Non, merci! Will be curious to hear about the margarine connection if any. For more on the flower, you can visit here: http://texaslesstraveled.com/bluebonnet.htm
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Barb
4/7/2016 12:49:50 am
Hey Judy -- thanks for the email. I am slammed at work.l I ate jelly beans for dinner tonight bc I was late for class, and sadly, it was all that was in my office. Seriously need a break. And a good meal. So hey, I am in love your life and the 4 room house divided by a hall . Also, trying to remember what I know about the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Glad you are back with the IRS for a time so at least one person has an eye on things. Russia. July. Taking Maeve this year. And 8 of my students. Happy to read about your adventures. Your room in the flat you share looks wonderful!
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Judy
4/7/2016 09:33:48 pm
Barb -- thanks for checking in among the madness! Drop an email when you can on the Russia trip; sounds extensive this year! I'm still working on the start of my travels north (not out of the USA yet) but hope we can connect when I hit Ontario province/area in late June. Will send details as they unfold.
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Claudette
4/9/2016 01:40:14 pm
Love that 4 room house and also will look into the Bluebonnetts to see if we can grow them in Mass. They look so beautiful and there aren't that many blue flowers to choose from.
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Judy
4/9/2016 05:48:55 pm
Claudette: Thanks for visiting & hope that spring has arrived & you had a nice Easter. Drop a line when you can though a response may be long in coming I'm afraid. Check this out for blue flower ideas: http://www.yankeemagazine.com/gardening-advice-ideas/blue-flowers#_
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Claudette
4/9/2016 01:51:33 pm
Just checked the website you gave us and so I guess I won't be planting any Bluebonnets. It said they only grown in Texas. They are a wild flower.
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