Austin, TX

Well I'm in the Austin area, Round Rock really- just north of Austin. Yesterday we went to the Austin farmer's market, Zilker Botanical Garden, walked around the South Congress funky area, and went to a restuarant called Shady Grove. It's been fun hanging out and with my sister and brother-in-law (I really don't care for that term 'brother-in-law'). I'm not sure what we'll do today, and I think I'll probably head down to Lake Jackson (near the coast) tomorrow afternoon or so to see the parents, brother and grandmother. Then I'll have to be back in North Carolina by the end of next weekend when my dogsitter (Stonewolf)has to leave. I guess that week is then Thanksgiving? I can't keep up with it all! I really can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! It will be the end of the year and on to 2010 before we know it. Crazy.

It's been interesting experiencing the difference in landscapes... I guess I've gotten quite used to the mountains around... it seems strange to not have the earth rising up around me. It's strange to just see a bunch of concrete and buildings, stores, shopping centers, etc. There are no hills or even just inclines and declines. I guess back at 'home' (Asheville area... and it is starting to feel much more like home than I've felt in other places) I'm so used to seeing much more nature- even just if it's hillsides, trees, etc. It's just more present. It's interesting here in Round Rock- it is suburbia- lots and lots and lots of houses that all look alike- all right next to each other. I guess I've been used to living out in the country where you don't have a bunch of other houses right next door. It's a strange feeling... (it's a little bit funny, this feeling inside..)

more later! :)