Thank you so much friends for your thoughts and prayers on my recent post about my cousin and father-in-law. They mean a lot to me. My father-in-law is still in the hospital but he’s doing better so that’s good. I’ve just been trying to stay in touch with my family and be there for my mom.
Over the holiday weekend both my husband and I had a bit of extra time off so we did go out for some drives to continue to see how things have been changing since the pandemic. My husband has been working on his photography and wanted to go to a nearby ghost town so we drove to Bartlett which is only about 1 hour from Austin.
I think I was surprised by how many trucks kept driving by the main street. We saw quite a few boarded up and empty buildings. While my husband was walking around taking pictures, I sat on a bench with a good book, coffee and my journal. It was so nice to not worry about the time and just enjoy the morning. I almost finished a book while we where there.
On the way home we stopped at Lark & Owl Bookstore in Georgetown. Such a charming indie bookstore. Isn’t the mural the best? Of course I had to take a picture (I was wearing a mask but took it off for the photo). I like that they have great selection of literary gifts.
I also had to make some purchases to mark the occasion and got There There by Tommy Orange, a super cute sticker and a boarding pass bookmark. We then stepped out of the bookstore into the Nightingale Bistro for brunch. Guys, this is the first restaurant I’ve gone to since the pandemic began! Ok, so we sat outdoors but still. Big moment!
We’ve also spent some time driving around Austin going to the downtown and the east area. We went to Easy Tiger where I got a delicious iced Mexican Mocha and we as they bake their own bread we had to buy a loaf of rye to take home. Seriously, I’m craving an iced Mexican Mocha right now as I’m typing this. We walked around a bit east Austin where there are old and new buildings mixed in and just so much to look at. There were lots of people out and about and it’s nice to see local shops thriving again. I especially love seeing the street art.
I love this mural because it made me think of lazy summer days by the water. As we were out around midday, I thought wouldn’t it be nice to find a quite place like this? A picnic basket, books and just hours enjoying nature.
Anyway, that’s what’s been going on around here. Now it’s back to work but at least a short work week for me. Next up I have not forgotten that it is Paris in July so more on that in my next post.
Glad to hear that your father in law is doing better!
Sounds like you had a great time on your getaway, I love that mural!
There’s a Lark and Owl Bookstore? I’m putting that on my bucket list! And I’m so glad your father-in-law is doing better.
Good to know that your father-in-law is recovering, hope he gets better soon! *hugs*
Hi Iliana, that sounds like a perfect day trip and a great Indie bookshop. Nice photo with the mural! I know, it’s been nice but also strange getting back to normal since the pandemic. We started dining indoors again and it was a big step.
I’m glad your father-in-law is doing better. Enjoy your books this week!
Glad to hear your father-in-law is improving! I’m also glad to see that you are feeling comfortable visiting bookstores and dining “in.”
Good news about your father-in-law. I hope he’s able to leave the hospital pretty soon.
Your outing sounds like a lot of fun. Isn’t nice to get out and go to a restaurant?! That’s a beautiful mural.
Vicki – Thank you for the good thoughts. Isn’t the mural great? I think all bookstores should have one 🙂
Lark – I know right? You must go visit. The store management is so nice and welcoming and they really have a great curated shop.
Lex @ Lexlingua – Thank you so much for the thoughts & hug! 🙂
Bookworm – Isn’t it the strangest thing to get back out? I am probably being more cautious but for now that’s my comfort level and I that’s ok. So glad you guys have started going back out too! Thank you for the kind words!
Jen Mullen – Thank you so much! I’m definitely feeling better about being out and about but of course now worried about the delta variant, etc. It’s such a shame that there’s been so much misinformation about the vaccines to give people pause on getting one.
Les in OR – Thank you and yes, I hope so too! It was the best to get out and explore. And, to just get a bit of a taste of vacation even if we didn’t really go very far from Austin! haha…
I’m glad to hear your father-in-law is getting better, Iliana. And thanks for sharing with us about your trip; it sounds like fun and of course, who can resist a little trip to the bookstore? 😉 Loved the mural, too!
I’m sorry to hear about your family’s trouble; it’s so hard to wrestle with the reality of loving and losing. Stay safe and be well and enjoy the moments of respite you’ve shared with us here!
I hope your father-in-law continues to do better. I am glad you and your husband have been able to get out and about driving. A change of scenery is always good for the soul.
Melody – Thank you so much for the good wishes and yes, isn’t that mural the best?
BuriedinPrint -Thank you so much for the sweet words. It is so hard to not be near family during difficult times but just have to keep hoping for better days.
Literary Feline – Thank you so much and you are so right, just getting out and clearing the mind does wonders. We need to continue to do that and focus on the good things.