Sister Trouble in Texas

One of the great things about having kids a little older, more independent, and mature, is that it frees up time for Mom to do her own thing once in a while. One of these rare, beautiful instances occurred just last weekend. I was able to take my 5 days off and go stay with my little Sister in her new home town of Austin TX. This is my third trip to Austin. The first was mostly busy with bridal fittings, remodeling her newly purchased home, and some quick fun with a girlfriend I had dragged along. The second was completely consumed with Wedding Hoopla. This time was total fun, relaxation, and bonding time.

We started our trip with a lazy evening at home. I cooked. She ate. Lots of leftovers to keep her nourished. We stayed up late catching up and watching a movie in our jammies, and eating ice cream out of the containers. What better way to spend an evening?

On Saturday we decided to spend the 103 degree day at Barton Creek. This is a local swimming hole where musician's can be heard, nudists are sometimes spotted, weird guys do Yogalates on the pool deck, and co-eds try their hardest to be seen. What an eclectic group. Count on Austin for that! We laughed often.

Later that night I am ashamed to admit was used up watching college football. I know, I know. This was a girls trip! We should be at the spa or something, right? I couldn't miss my beloved Utes vs USC game, and University of Texas just happened to be hosting BYU while I was there so I wanted to watch that too! Pathetic. I am truly a product of my house full of men. We found a quiet local sports bar, watched both games at the same time while sampling about 5 different types of appetizers and beverages. I think we left a permanent imprint of our butts on their leather sofa.

Sunday dawned a new day. After a lazy sleep-in morning and coffee on the deck, we managed to shower and went to Magnolia Cafe for breakfast. Delish as always. It's become a tradition. We spent the remainder of the afternoon cruising shops and vintage stores on South Congress. I fulfilled a dream of hunting down the 'perfect' cowboy boots in Texas. It was pretty dang easy. LOTS to choose from. Just looked for the ones in my price range and color palette. And yes, in case your wondering, they did 'speak to me'. Love them already. Have worn them 4 times since I've returned home. Great investment.

Lynsey snagged her first pair also as you can see in the pic.

We also sampled some delicacies from the local 'trailer food lot'. We had carrot cake cupcakes, and sno-cones flavored with Iced Tea!

Went to the Oasis on Lake Travis that evening for Margaritas with a side of Guacamole and Pico De Gallo. This was supposed to be a pre-dinner festivity, but of course we stuffed ourselves and had no room for more!

That night we went to an outdoor showing of 'Ferris Beullers Day Off' in downtown Austin. Parked our car, walked a few short blocks to the venue, watched the movie, walked back to the car...car not there. Walked a 2 mile radius adjacent to where we remembered parking. Car still not there. Saw other dumb-founded people holding camping chairs. Discovered that the area that we had parked had been recently re-signed for Austin Police Dept. from the hours of 10 PM - 2 AM. Shiz. Called the police. Caught a cab to the impound lot. Laughed nervously. Sprung the car from car jail. Finally made it home. Laughed a lot more the next morning. Total damage... $225.00 for not properly acknowledging the new sign.
Lynsey's Mug Shot

Lynsey had to work Monday morning so I spend the day making more food to stock her cupboard just like a big sister should. Later that day we went for a walk along the lake to see where Austin City Limits (huge music festival) would be held the following weekend. I don't know how people in Texas manage to exercise in that heat! I was melting just going for a leisurely walk and people were doing hard core running and biking around us. Crazies! Had to find air conditioning quick so went to Abels on the Lake for cocktails and Oysters... yum!

Grabbed a quick dinner at P Terrys (Austins answer for In n Out) then went back to South Congress bridge to watch the bats fly...(google it). After schlepping home we watched a little Monday Night Football so I could see how my Fantasy team was doing (beat-ya Luke), looked at miles and miles of wedding photography negatives, and watched another movie!

Sisters are like no-one else. You can laugh with them & cry with them. Get into trouble with them. I love my sister like no other. Even though we are 11 years apart in age, we are painfully alike in spirit. I loved having this special time with my sister, and hope to repeat it annually. Prepare yourself APD.

Love your guts Lynsey Lou...