Time flies when you live in Austin...

I can't believe my last post was over a month ago! This just goes to show that a) I'm a pretty lazy person and b) I'm out there enjoying my new home, the hill country. Grant and I have taken it upon ourselves to get to know Austin's food, attractions, scenery, you name it. So to catch up, here are a few of the things we've found since the last time I wrote.

Grant got us reservations at Z Tejas for our anniversary in June. Z Tejas overlooks Capital of Texas Highway, my favorite scenic road. We had a spot on the patio and as the sun went down, we both wondered how we could ever live anywhere else after being spoiled by the beauty of Austin.

One of our favorite dog-spots is Red Bud Isle, known by the Qualleys as "Dog Island". At this Lake Austin leash-less dog park, you can swim with your furry pals. That was the most exciting part for me, until I realized that Big Tex would rather pull you out of the water and "save you" rather than swim next to you.

Another one of our favorite places to take our dogs is Bull Creek Park off of Capital of Texas Highway. You can swim or hike and so far Maggie & Tex have been very happy doing both. :)

Every other Wednesday, Zilker Park in South Austin hosts "Blues on the Green". You can take your dogs (we'd rather not after an iccident with a cyclist), find a spot on the grass, and listen to a concert. Last Wednesday, Los Lonely Boys was the main show. Unfortunately, we were not the only people who thought it'd be fun to listen to a little Tex-Mex. I'm pretty sure most of Austin showed up, as we spent most of the night in our car waiting to park. But what we heard sounded pretty good!

Austin may not be big on the major sports teams, but the Round Rock Express baseball team has a good following. Nobody really seems to mind that it's the minors, it's all about enjoying the summer in an all-American fashion. The ballpark is beautiful and the fans are loud!

July 4th! Downtown Austin has some of the best fireworks around. We claimed a spot at the top of a downtown parking garage, brought some food, and made a night of it.

The pain with the train....

This past Saturday, I went to Ft. Worth for Olivia's bachelorette party. I rode up there with Susan since we both live in Austin. But Susan was going keep driving to East Texas after the party for work. I made the horrific decision of riding the train back to Austin on Sunday. I should've known it would be a nightmare after I talked up the benefits of the train to all the girls and convinced them to come visit Austin via Amtrack.

First, the train was supposed to arrive in Ft. Worth at 2:40pm. My parents were sweet enough to take me to the train station. They probably regretted being so kind two hours later when the train finally arrived. Mom, Dad, and I stood outside in the afternoon sun next to the train track for TWO HOURS. We heard several times that the train would arrive in about fifteen minutes. WRONG WRONG WRONG. Two hours later when the Houston girls were probably home and unpacking from our weekend, I was boarding the train.

Second, the train was packed with people headed to Austin, San Antonio, and other surrounding cities. I finally found a seat towards the back of the train. I was relieved to find a seat in a quiet area. Quiet and smelly. I quickly started to smell a very sour smell. I looked around and realized that someone from a previous trip had thrown up in a seat behind me. The train staff had taken measures hailed from our elementary days and sprinkled sawdust on the puke. That is what I smelled from Ft. Worth to Austin.

Third, I was hoping for a seat to myself, with no one sitting next to me. Wrong again. A father with two teenage daughters across from us sat down next to me. I figured I could make this arrangement work because he'd most likely talk to his daughters. When was I going to learn? WRONG. I learned about his job, how he does his job, his kin, his next-of-kin, his travels, his schooling, his catfishing hobby, etc. I became so exhausted by the talking that I pulled out a sleep mask that Dad had given me that day. That was my saving grace. I put it on and pretended to sleep. When I woke up from actually dozing off, Chatty Cathy had gone with his daughters to the snack car.

Fourth, in the middle of a cornfield only fifty minutes from Austin, the train suddenly came to a stop. The lights went out, the A/C went out, and the conductor announced that a freight train was passing us and that we'd need to "sit tight for a few minutes". It felt like I was never going to get off that smelly train.

Fifth, ten minutes away from the Austin train station we stopped again to let another train go by. This was torture because we were in North Austin very close to my home. I knew exactly where we were. It took everything I had not to scream "ENOUGH" and get off that train and walk myself home.

We finally rolled into the train station and I've never been so happy to see that gorgeous Austin skyline. By the time I got home, it was 10:15pm. I was originally scheduled to arrive in Austin at 7pm. I guess it figures. The blog gods needed a good laugh at my expense. Hope they got it because it will be quite a while before I step foot on the Torture Train again.

Eat it up...

Between starting new jobs and traveling back and forth to DFW for graduation/wedding events, Grant and I have managed to get in a little "scouting out Austin" time. So far I will say that I'm pretty darn happy with the food and if you know me at all, you know that food is a BIG factor for me. I figured I'd make myself an honorary food critic as I continue to search high and low for Austin's best cuisine.

Our first visit in Austin: Guero's Taco Bar on South Congress. I REALLY loved this place. There is seating outside on a covered patio, seating near an indoor fish pond, and seating near the counter where you can watch a woman make tortillas from scratch. Even before the food gets to your table, the surroundings are sure to impress. (Even the slightly bitchy she-male bartender adds flare to this place.) I was a big fan of the "get-it-yourself" salsa and pico counter. And wow is that pico amazing! For my lunch, I had spiniach and mushroom enchiladas with a sour cream sauce. I was not dissapointed! For my first taste of authentic Austin food, I was a very happy customer.

Stop #2: Chuy's off of 183. I'd been given specific instructions to head straight to Chuy's after our arrival in Austin. Another Mexican hot-spot! Grant and I first tried to get in on a weekday around 7pm. Big mistake, the place was PACKED. And after our second attempt on a Saturday afternoon, I can see why. Chuy's does it right! We sat out on a huge patio covered by trees. It was hot outside but the trees and umbrellas made it feel so cool and comfortable that we were beyond content. Grant was a big fan of their creamy jalapeno dressing, which they actually serve with chips. SO good! I, myself, was again impressed by the pico. We shared a platter that had a little of everything-tacos, enchiladas, taquito, nachos...all great! Grant especially liked the shirts that Chuy's sells. He plans on buying the one that says, "Taco...Spanish for taco".

Stop #3: Hut's Hamburgers on Sixth Street. Grant and I decided it might be best for us to branch out and try something that did not involve tortillas or cheese. Ok so we got away from the tortillas, at least. My cheeseburger at Hut's was SO good. Just greasy enough to remind you to go for a run later. I was most impressed by the onion rings. I have NEVER seen an onion ring so big in my life. I also liked the atmosphere. It was a very small restaurant with a diner feel to it, checker-tiled floors and all. Modest atmosphere, killer burgers. The way to this girl's heart.

So it looks like maybe next time Grant and I should go for something a little more foreign to us. Greek? Indian? We'll see and I'll be sure to write about it. Think of me as your personal Zagat.

Two big events...

So in the last couple of weeks, I've experienced two events that I never thought would arrive. One thing couldn't come soon enough and the other got here way too fast!

First was the homecoming of our Indian Princess (the blondie), Emily! Emily has been in South Asia for three years. When Emily left, you would've thought her gal pals' lives were over. But we grew tough, had a bunch of visits via webcam, sent letters, and even kept up a journal that we sent to each other. While it was a good experience for one of us to leave the comfy Texas nest and head to an equally hot part of the world, we are obviously beyond thrilled to have her back. I'll just say that prior to this picture being taken, there was a lot of jumping, screaming, and laughing. Nothing is sweeter than a friend's return...

The second big event was the Melson baby's high school graduation! Like I said, this huge day for Ryan got here way too fast for ME. It seems like just yesterday the little guy was playing with Legos in his room and humming the tune to Star Wars. Wait...that WAS just yesterday, huh Ryan? ;)

Home sweet home

Welcome to the Qualley's! Here you have the front door, a coat closet, and around the corner is the powder room. (And a lab tail...)
Here you have our powder room. Grant thinks it's just darling...

Around the corner from the front door and powder room is a set of bookshelves.

Across from the bookshelves is the second bedroom, which we use for an office/Ashley's job-hunting station.
Looking into the office. It's not exactly decorated yet. But I do have a going-away present on the wall. Recognize it, Amber & Veronica? :)

From the living room, looking into the kitchen. It's actually a lot larger than our old kitchen, but it's hard to get a good shot because there's a bar in front of me and a wall to the right.

Looking at our living room from inside the kitchen... (I'm watching "The Office")
Another view of our living room. Grant wants to find a giant Texas star to hang on the green wall so it stays bare until we can find his star.

On our sweet little patio. Lab tail again...he just followed me around during pictures.
Another view of the patio. The missing chair is in the office right now. Grant wants to put a salsa garden out there.

The dining room, looking out on the patio. We're waiting to buy a pub-style table and chairs.

Looking into our bedroom from off of the dining room.

Another view of the bedroom, it's bigger than the pictures show.

Entering into the master bathroom from our bedroom. (The closet door is closed because there is a scary-big mound of clothes on the floor. I'm ashamed.)
Long view of the bathroom.
I just took another picture of the shower curtain because I really like it.

So that's basically it! We obviously have more work to do, but now you can get a good idea of our new home. Come visit!

Welcome to Riata...

Between unpacking, decorating, job-hunting, and exploring Austin, I actually had to be reminded to put up pictures of the new Qualley residence. So here you have it, exterior pics of Riata, our beautiful new home. Unfortunately the pictures can't even begin to do this place justice so I guess that means you'll need to visit soon! :)

One of the entrances to our "Resort Apartment Community"

This is our village, Rock Creek. This is one of eight villages in Riata.

When you drive through the Rock Creek village on the way to our place, you'll pass one of the many free carwashes. So after your long drive to Austin, we'll make your car sparkle again. See? The Qualleys are thinking of YOU!

And here you have our building-fancy huh?

We made the genius decision to be on the first floor this time. We have an adorable patio where we can all cook-out and enjoy a beautiful Texas night when you're here.

This is Grant's favorite plant in front of our patio. He claims it just screams "Texas". I actually have screamed myself, the few times I've been pricked by it while out on the patio.

Interior pics to follow!

Hello Lonestar State!

Well, it happened: the Qualleys made it back to Texas! And not just any place in Texas. AUSTIN.

The trip from Norman went well. Grant drove the U-Hual with the dogs and towed my car. (She's seen better days.) I followed behind in Grant's car and all went smoothly.

You have no idea how happy Grant and I were to see palm trees as we drove through downtown, 6th Street to be exact. Something tells me

that things here will be good. You just can't go wrong with palm trees.