Engineer's Daughter

You may not know that Suzanne's dad Bill was a train engineer who started shovelling coal aboard real steam locomotives. So she has a special passion for trains. She can also blow a mean train whistle. We were bicycling in Austin's Lady Bird Park and saw this diesel replica and had to take a photo... it's called the Zilker Zephyr, and is a favorite attraction for grandkids if you're ever here. A 20 minute ride for $2 (kids) or $3 (adults). All Aboard!!!!

That is the Austin skyline behind Ty and Lady Bird Lake. We rode a 12 mile loop around the lake, mostly on dirt/gravel paths. It was amazing how many people were out running, cycling, and walking (with and without dogs) on a Thursday morning. It was a good way to get pumped up for this evening's "Messages of Hope" film viewing which was a wonderful, love-filled event.

The picture below requires a little explanation. This little critter is a "walking stick", also known by its scientific order name, Phasmatodea. It is very common in this part of Texas, and often grows to a foot in length. This specimen was on our car fender. They don't move very quickly, so we had to brush him (her?) off the car before we drove away. They have an unusually long mating process... pairings of 3-136 hours are not uncommon. Hmmmm.... I'd better stop there and leave the rest to your imagination.