at times, it is awfully good to focus on the basics: coffee, tacos, and dogs. Fortunately there is an abundance of all three in Austin, Texas, where I happen to be sojourning for several days. I knew good things were in store when I spotted the taco food truck actually inside the airport terminal. It was 11pm and the place was hopping. The millennials seemed all to be heading back from Las Vegas.
Nothing too weird yet, but I feel something could be about to spring up.
Until then, got a jump on the caffeine thing with a cosmic coffee, a spring specialty at Maud’s favorite joint that pairs cold brew with Mexican vanilla, orange honey and oat milk. Pretty decent. Next time might go for the root beer latte.
Texas mountain laurels have just come into bloom and it seems every little old fashioned bungalow has one out front.
The western redbuds are popping too.
Now a latte and a stop at the Korean nail salon. The man getting a gel manicure next to me wants it to be known that he is getting a special design on each of his pinkies: a peace sign rendered in yellow and blue.
Not quite a Rothko, but very much in keeping with the spirit of the times.
Canines run free in the dog park except when they pause awaiting the flight of a ragged tennis ball.
I wish our lives had the simplicity of Fetch under the live oaks. Everyone here wears flip flops, so I got a pair. Ahhh, instantaneous simplicity.
Are you hungry yet? You’re in luck.
Criispy pork belly tacos with fried parsley and mandarin orange pico.
Extra fat included at no charge. Fingers are for licking.
Two of my favorites come intermixed in a dirty horchata–horchata and coffee, silly. You knew that.
Home again, home again. Baths and naps all around. The simple life.
No freak show.
Perhaps that will come later. It is Austin, after all. I feel we’re just gearing up.
Jean Zimmerman 
Beautiful time of the year to visit Austin and your loved ones