Texas Memorial Day ~ A picture blog

Reverend Verne Fuqua, who delivered the prayer during the Memorial Service of North Texas, summarised what it means for the Texans to celebrate the 27th May Memorial Day: “We remember those who were called by their nation to defend liberties and preserve unity. And who, in the course of their service, died before a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labours.” 

For many Texans, the Memorial Day Weekend is also the start of summer - and therefore events, festivals and activities across the State of Texas have ushered in a merry mood. Everywhere we went, there were people with happy and sunkissed (sunburned) faces, insanely long queues for places in restaurants, handsome dogs and cars.

Our Memorial Day went like this:

 

Went for a walk in the Zilker Metropolitan Park

The Barton Springs Pool - a man-made recreational swimming pool, fed by underground springs, which were dammed and surrounded by sidewalks.

The springboard, from which many aspiring divers took off into the pool with much energy and enthusiasm.

The Philosopher's Rock at Zilker Park (see below), a bronze sculpture by Glenna Goodacre of depicting three of Austin's mid-19th century personalities: naturalist Roy Bedichek, humorist J. Frank Dobie and historian Walter Prescott Webb. Goodacre captured the essence of these three friends who used to chill at that exact spot.

Tried sitting in their discussion ~ but I don't think I fit in well. First of all, what would they do with a lady who dislikes sitting in the sun?

The Texas State Capitol ~ placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 for its "significant contribution to American history." (For detailed reading, see source)

 

The Freedom Tree (see below)

Two squirrels, which I found truly delightful to watch.

 

The Cistern ~ It reminds me of a block of cheese :P

 

Our day ended with dinner at Salt Lick, Driftwood (you can read about the place here).

Long waiting line ~ but we got in very much earlier than expected.

The wonderful performer ~ who did a great job keeping those queuing up from boredom