Austin ModHouse

March 2020 is a really crappy time for a birthday. I don't blame him one bit for his disappointment. 

I got caught taking pics again.... 

I was a bit bummed when they issued the Shelter In Place order. Then I found that outdoor exercise is allowed as long as Social Distancing (I'm getting tired of hearing that word) is practiced. I rode my bike to Zilker and all around it. I found this nice patch of bluebonnets. They don't care about all the human troubles. They are thriving. 

I told Kat how great it is to ride the bike for shopping. She was happy going to Trader Joe's (downhill). She was not so happy with me when we went home (uphill). 

We are trying some of the various shelter tactics we see other people doing. I found beans! We are good for a while now. 

I took the 951 on the scenic route to HEB and stopped by a friends house for a no contact beer trade.  

That's a bag full of Other Half IPA and Monkish IPA. It's going to be an extra hoppy week.  

Virtual Happy Hour is a bright spot in my day. It's a challenge to keep the topic away from the Virus. I also try to moderate so people don't talk over each other. I'm enjoying my role as a host, or therapist, "Ok Scott, is there anything you'd like to share with the group today? Christopher, how was your day, can you tell us about it?..."

Kat isn't much of a fan. But she did join in for one smaller VHH. 

Kat has run out of patience with Jack and his White Claws. He's been sent back to the garage. 

Posted by paul at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week is typically filled with pics of my friends and I enjoying life, music, all the food and beverage Austin can offer us. This year, is none of that. I resolved to host a daily happy hour. At 6PM I have my beer ready for opening and I facetime the characters that should be here. 

Virtual Cheers! 

(disregard the band-aid on my thumb. I might have put a big hole in it and suffered a notable blood loss, but I didn't let that stop me so don't let it cause you any pause)

We also shared a few in person beers my Mom brought back from Louisiana, Jucifer and Braincake. 

and that's it.... now we live in a sort of state of suspension. Just waiting to see what happens next....

Posted by paul at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(BIG) 

We had one last in person happy hour once everything shut down.

(BIG)

 I rode my bike to HEB to get groceries 

(BIG) 

I enjoyed the latest special release from Pinthouse, Motionless Drift, it's really good.  (The glass straw can be found from etsy vendor unTossed. )

(BIG) 

 Spring Equinox. I rode my bike to zilker park and back. It wasn't as difficult as I had feared. I stopped at Trader Joe's and purchased some roses. Yeah, there's a spooky virus among us. But don't forget to stop and smell the roses while you can.

(BIG) 

I may be starved for in-person friends at this point. Jack (my new friend) says this social distancing is all BS and we don't need no stinking masks. But Jack drinks White Claw, so I'm not sure I should trust him.

Posted by paul at 09:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

First.... let's look at some fun 3D shapes I made in my metal art class. Take a deep breath, and slowly exhale. Everything is going to be OK.

This is the week I'm usually out with friends enjoying SXSW. Austin is currently a ghost town. We are trying to make the most of it.

We observed the obligatory $700 shopping excursion. We won't starve.... or go thirsty. We did hit a few happy hours before places started to close. It's not been a bad week.

I was not happy when AISD suddenly closed. I was scheduled to work that day. It would've involved a big pay increase as the pay rate is determined by the number of jobs completed. And schools just extended spring break by two more weeks.

So here are a few fun pics from the last week as the city starts to shut down.

Enjoying music at home. 

The Last Happy Hour in Austin.... maybe the world.

The last meal out... might as well order the bone marrow. 

Excellent fried whole snapper at home, and some delicious NEIPA. 

#2 son is still learning his skateboard.  

On top of all the virus concerns.... THIS light bulb is out... what a fun time to be alive.  At least I'm keeping cool....

I may become a zombie, but my face will be hydrated.

My wonderful daughter made this for my birthday. 

Posted by paul at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of our favorite local OJ themed IPA was released again,  93 Bronco, The release event featured footage of OJ on the LA highway as the police trailed. 

Kat enjoyed the crawfish. 

#1 son hosted a gamer tournament here at the house. Several stations were set up and they spent the day on Smash Bros.  

Stepdog Goji is here for a brief stay while his Mom makes a quick business trip to Dallas. 

I had been unsuccessful in starting the mower this spring. This yard is hard on mowers as there are many stumps that sneak up on it. I eventually took the carb apart as best I could, reassembled as best I could, and it started right up. 

The Throttle Position Sensor on the 951 was not cooperating. I disconnected it, cleaned all the contacts and put it back together. It's working correctly again.

Unofficial SXSW starts up later this week. I think it's going to be an interesting time to be alive. 

Posted by paul at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My chore this week was to create a cassoulet. It was great occasion for a dinner party to open some of our nicer red wines before temperatures creep back up.

Cannelini beans, Pork Ragout, and a whole bunch of Duck Confit.  

Topped with bread crumbs and crispy duck skin.  

It turned out well and we feasted.  

I had a request for a fire in the screen room. We made it a good one. 

It was a good evening. 

Spring is about here. Trees are blooming and the weed yard is getting tall. I tried to get my mower started today. It's not cooperating. 

The current exhibit at the Contemporary is really good. Don't skip 

Nicole Eisenman: Sturm und Drang

February 27 – August 16, 2020 

Posted by paul at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)