“A Quick Austin Visit”
We flew to Austin on Monday afternoon, arriving in time to check into the Carpenter hotel, and then for me to attend a reception in downtown for successors to the Executive Committee members with our Board of Directors. The reception was very nicely done and thankfully didn’t last too long.
We had our three year strategic plan presentation with the Board on Tuesday morning. That went well and our budget was approved. We retired to the Soho House (a private club that our CEO, Lachie, belongs to) for lunch. I had been there once before and while the space is beautiful, was not impressed with the service. The food was very good, and again the service was slow and spotty. Such a shame they can’t get it all together at such a fancy place.
Meanwhile, Lisa and Diana relaxed at the Carpenter pool. They always have such a good time hanging out.
We had planned to be finished with the afternoon event and Blair and I were going to meet Diana and Lisa at the Odd Duck for dinner. The best plans! The group was still going strong at the time of our dinner reservation. Lots of frustrating back and forth ensued on what to do. The Odd Duck didn’t have room for our extras, so Lisa and Diana enjoyed a very yummy dinner there, while the rest of us visited the crazy Tiki bar across the street.
Odd Duck is one of my very favourite Austin spots – so creative and different. Here are some of the pictures that the girls taunted us with as they worked through the menu:
We had some snacks and crazy Tiki drinks:
We met Damon at June’s All Day, our typical last stop in Austin on the way to the airport, for lunch and were home early Wednesday evening.
My excitement on Thursday was getting my teeth cleaned – all looks good – whew! Patience is required for a full set of x-rays.
Diana joined the Krewe for Happy Hour and tacos on Friday night. I was worn out from the Austin trip and took a pass for an early night.
Saturday was a relatively busy day. We started with a visit to NOAC – I had a pleasant swim (timing after the aqua aerobic ladies) and an even more pleasant visit to the steam room.
Diana picked our after workout brunch spot – Paladar 511 in the Marigny. She was pleasantly surprised that I quickly agreed with her first pick. It’s close to eight years since we last ate here, and it’s still very good. Diana had a crab and corn Benedict – the corn cake base was phenomenal, the corn very fresh and the sauce delicious – a wonderful brunch. I had the huevos rancheros – also delicious. I’m going to have to think about my choice for the next place – Paladar will be hard to beat.
After lunch we got our COVID and flu shots. Diana was going to get the shingles shot as well, but they were out of stock – probably a good thing as I had a bad reaction to it and she was looking forward to Greg and Colleen’s pool party on Sunday.
We enjoyed watching the Saints game on Greg’s new outdoor TV by his pool. He cooked burgers and a sweet potato dish – always a very good chef and host. Trey, Lynn, Danny, Chris Peet and Tyler, Claire and Ollie (Greg and Colleen’s one year old grandson) were additions to the normal krewe. Unfortunately both the Saints and Cowboys lost this week. But it’s not about winning – it’s about spending time with friends!
I started Ann Patchett’s “The Patron Saint of Liars” this week. Kindle says I’m only 22% complete – busy week of travel and meetings. This was Patchett’s first novel and I’m enjoying it so far. She will be visiting the Garden District Book Store, across the street, next week. Maybe I’ll pop over and meet her. Here’s the online summary:
“Acclaimed author Ann Patchett’s debut novel, hailed as “beautifully written . . . a first novel that second- and third-time novelists would envy for its grace, insight, and compassion” (Boston Herald)
St. Elizabeth’s, a home for unwed mothers in Habit, Kentucky, usually harbors its residents for only a little while. Not so Rose Clinton, a beautiful, mysterious woman who comes to the home pregnant but not unwed, and stays. She plans to give up her child, thinking she cannot be the mother it needs. But when Cecilia is born, Rose makes a place for herself and her daughter amid St. Elizabeth’s extended family of nuns and an ever-changing collection of pregnant teenage girls. Rose’s past won’t be kept away, though, even by St. Elizabeth’s; she cannot remain untouched by what she has left behind, even as she cannot change who she has become in the leaving.”
Such a great funky feel:
A deep discovery that I love:
I saw Jesse Malin on a morning show this weekend and found this collaboration with the Boss:
Coexist peacefully, with kindness and patience for all!