1) I've been doing some traveling lately. New York City (read about it HERE) and - a quite different trip - to San Marcos and San Antonio this last weekend.
I haven't visited the old Aquarena Springs in San Marcos since I was a kid on a field trip. The mermaids are gone now and so is the diving pig; I'm rather sad about that. But, having now seen the de-kitsched springs... I have to agree that under the university's new management, the natural beauty of these springs and their historic, ecological, and geological importance are better revealed. Diving pigs do distract even from Spanish gold and Clovis spear points. Clovis! 12,000 years old, give or take. This site has seen human habitation for as long as humans have been in North America and is home to several unique animal species.
The water is wonderfully clear. Glass bottomed boats remain a perfect way to peer down into the depth and see the water weeds, the fish and turtles, and the magically bubbling waters from the Edwards aquifer. (More info HERE.)
I can't figure out if this photo is public domain or not, it seems to be a city (therefore our tax -dollars-at-work) photo so i believe it is. Found HERE. Please , dear copyright-holder, let me know if you want this removed.
2) From San Marcos to San Antonio. A very relaxed trip with no agenda except to wander the Riverwalk and visit the Market. I can remember this way back when there were actual farmers at the market - nowadays it's mostly Mexican arts and crafts and blatantly touristy... yet there are some wonderful things if you look. Every visit is different: the best things this time were gorgeous Talavera pottery and the wooden masks. Plus Mi Tierra's pralines!
3) Books: My favorite reads lately are the latest in Barbara Hambly's Benjamin January series - set in 1830s New Orleans, though this book, The Shirt on His Back, travels to the Rockies, and Neil Gaiman's evocative new novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Both very good - completely different experiences. As usual with Gaiman's work, it's indescribable, you simply have to read it.
4) I'm reading a new play, Detroit.
5) The strike for Se Llama Cristina was yesterday. I got to sit under the raised floor and help remove cross-bracing which was kinda fun. Pizza and painting the stage floor black... the end of another show.
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