They talked about it for days, and I refused to believe it. So many times, especially here in Texas, it’s predicted, but fails to materialize. The weather forecasters get you dreaming of snow angels and snowball fights, but what you get is wet, or just cold. Last Friday, the elements delivered the goods. I walked…
Austin
Face it, We Live in a Desert
There’s been a big controversy in Austin City Council about proposed lawn watering restrictions. The mayor calls the restrictions “draconian” and says cities “in the desert” haven’t even adopted such comprehensive conservation measures. According to research cited in Redesigning the American Lawn, 30 to 60% of all urban fresh water is used for watering lawns….
“My” Life
I should have known when 2-year-old Rory wouldn’t let us put the bright-green paper bracelet around his wrist. He’d grunt and turn his head, and keep his wrist well out of reach, squirming as much as necessary. It wouldn’t hurt him, or even make him uncomfortable. He just didn’t want to wear it. I gave…
The New Autumn
When we moved to Central Texas, I knew we were giving up the purest experience of the four seasons — intense, icy snowstorms giving way to daffodils, tulips and forsythia, followed by steamy days with leafy green trees lazily swaying overhead. And the fall. It’s easily my favorite of the seasons, and not just because…