Feels like -7, this pair of backyard Cardinals was enjoying the sunlight.
Cold day and puffed up Cardinals
photography
Indiana has the most Carnegie libraries of any state
Industrialist millionaire Andrew Carnegie gave over 40 million dollars to build over 1650 libraries in large and small towns across America. The State of Indiana received a total of over $2.6 million from the Carnegie Corporation. This led to a total of 164 library built in the Hoosier State from 1901 to 1922, more than any other state in the Union.
Front steps of the original structure, the plaque in the center of steps was a later add
Shelbyville is in the central part of the state, and its Carnegie Library was constructed early in the building program and held its grand opening on June 2, 1902. Like most all of the Carnegie structures, it included massive columns over the front entrance and an impressive large ceiling/roof dome. The columns were made with Indiana limestone.
The dome of the original structure is visible, with later additions in the foreground.
Over the years the Shelbyville Library has seen several additions and renovations. One addition more than doubled the size of the original library. Most recently an adjacent former furniture store was obtained and after remodeling it now houses the library’s Genealogy and History Departments, instruction rooms and computer labs. This library and branches have been a valuable part of Shelbyville and Shelby County’s community since 1902.
Blue Corn Harvest uses local sourcing
One thing we enjoy about traveling is the wide variety of dining experiences available. Georgetown is north of Austin and is a favorite destination for us when we’re in he Austin area. It is one of the locations for the Blue Corn Harvest restaurants.
Inviting entrance
Welcoming dining room
One thing that we like about Blue Corn Harvest is their use of local sourcing for their supplies. These places always have extra fresh ingredients for their offerings. Blue Corn also has a wonderful menu with something for everyone.
Sher’s Veggie Sandwich
Maj’s BBQ Burger
We were served warm sweet cornbread before the meal
We certainly enjoyed our lunch today. Sher had the Roasted Veggie Sandwich, stuffed with farm fresh veggies and topped with a bun sized mushroom. I enjoyed the 8 ounce BBQ burger with jack cheddar, onions and pickles and house made BBQ Sauce. Both came with hand cut fries.
Full service bar made good Margaritas
Adrian was our server and was most helpful. This was a very nice and comfortable place for a tasty lunch. The food was delicious, service was great and the price was reasonable.
Turning Texas trees into Texas art
There are some impressive trees along the banks of Cypress Creek in Wimberley Texas that we saw during our trip there a few days ago. Some very talented people have turned some tree trunks into quite remarkable carvings in a popular picnic area just behind one of the buildings housing restaurants and shops.
Quite the signature…
Now that’s a stare!
Pointing skyward..
For UT Longhorn football fans
By the creek bank
It is impressive to see that a chainsaw was utilized to create such detailed works of art like these.
Lake Travis is only 35% full
This photo was taken today from a road to a Hudson Bend marina. the water level is very low…
Lake Travis is a huge lake in the Hill Country northwest of Austin, Texas. It normally has 29.5 square miles of water. That is when normal precipitation falls on the Colorado River basin areas. The whole world has seen lots of area under drought conditions. The Colorado basin and Central Texas is no exception.
That boater has to watch for shallow water not normally there!
As of today, 10/20/2023 Lake Travis Mean Water Level was 627.30 above sea level. One year ago today it was 640.76. Thus in one year the Mean Water Level has dropped 13.46 feet. Another parameter measured daily is the total surface area in acres of the lake. Today the Lake Travis surface area was 8,799 acres. Last year, same date, it was 10,746 acres. Nearly 2000 acres less one year later. Seeing the low level of the water today was quite a shock.
Artemis Mediterranean Grill in Bee Cave, Texas
It was definitely time for lunch, actually past time. We were in Bee Cave, Texas, a few miles due west of the center of Austin. Our map search “food near me” led us to the Artemis Mediterranean Grill. We are glad it did.
A lovely entrance to this establishment
Gotta have a Grecian Urn at a Greek Grill
We walked in and at the door we were told to sit wherever we wanted. A soon as we sat down our server Chloe came to our table to take our order, and answer questions about anything. I had a couple, and she explained what Falafel was (meatless, so no thanks) and if she liked the Greek Burger (1/2 lb house-ground lamb burger). She said she did.
Sher’s Artemis salad
Maj’s Greek Lamb Burger and fries
We both had the Mediterranean Mule
Sher went with the Artemis salad, complete with onions, walnuts, sliced pears, figs and other good stuff. My Greek Burger came with feta and caramelized onions with garlic-mint aioli. Oh, the Artemis seasoned fries with their special sauce were great as well, and deserved the “highly addictive” menu label. The adjectives “delicious” and “filling” did not do our meals justice.
Bar, TV’s, it doesn’t get any better
Well, maybe outside patio dining is better?
We had a delightful, relaxed and satisfying dining experience. Chloe went above and beyond in her attentiveness to our every need. The food was marvelous, served quickly and prepared perfectly. If you are anywhere in central Texas, do yourself a favor and head to Artemis Mediterranean Grill. This is the website. It has all you need to know. Oh, by the way, you west coast folks will find another similar establishment at Lake Tahoe.
Some sights and sounds of Wimberley
Wimberley Texas is in the Hill Country southeast of Austin. We spent part of the day this past Saturday with our son and his family checking out the town and sites.
The boot’s size should not be a surprise here…
There are lots of restaurants and shopping places in the town. We got there about noon and finding parking within a reasonable walking distance was a challenge. But we spotted a vehicle loading up to leave, and we got their spot, which worked out well.
Plants, incense and other stuff
Everybody needs one or two of these…
Good idea with good humor too
Strange tree looking at you.
Buy a plant, get it potted here!
Oh yes, here’s MY angel, eat your heart out guys…
We enjoyed walking around the town, visiting shops, seeing the nature preserve and of course grabbing a bite to eat. Wimberley is a must visit when you are in and around the Southern Hill Country outside of Austin.
No glasses but still saw the eclipse
Nope, did not have the glasses. Every store was out. However, we did see several pin hole camera type effects. One was a light ray through the curtain onto a rug.
Ok, maybe a stretch, but still look at the center and you can make out that crescent: that’s the sun partially blocked. We were at Austin, so not full eclipse. That was down at San Antonio.
Here’s another one, this was on the front sidewalk with a bunch of “pin hole camera” effects through the leaves.
See the greenish image that looks like a pin-hole type of view.
Finally, this one with the iPhone. I was holding the phone in front of my face kind of blindly snapping a couple just to see what I’d get. The above mini-green thing showed up.
Oh well, that’s what we saw at the so-called “Peak” of the eclipse at Austin, Texas.
Chill’s on the Creek in Wimberley Texas
Wimberley, Texas is a a small community in the Hill Country outside of Austin. Our son and his family suggested that we go to Wimberley for a day trip. While there, we found a delightful and unique restaurant known as Chill’s On The Creek.
Out side wall mural
Sign behind the stage
As we had a group of five, we were led to a table indoors. There was also plenty of outside seating too. Sher and I started with a frozen margarita. There seems to be something especially good about margaritas in Texas.
Fried fish and chili
Chicken fried chicken and loaded mashed
Veggie Tacos and salad
The menu at Chill’s has something for everyone. Our granddaughter had grilled cheese and fries. Our daughter-in-law ordered the chicken fried chicken and a salad. Our son had fried fish with a side of chili. Sher had veggie tacos and salad, and I went with the chicken fired chicken with a side of loaded mashed potatoes and gravy.
With Rebecca, center
Shelby, our bartender
Our meals were quite delicious. This place was hopping for sure, and we witnessed a lot of meals coming out of the kitchen. Our service was very good, Rebecca made sure we had everything we needed. And like I mentioned, Shelby made a mean margarita! We both said we’d definitely come back for a return visit. I want to try the Brunch offerings! This is the Chill’s website.
Looked through the trees and saw…
Roadtirement 