LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, Austin TX

We visited the LBJ library this weekend in Austin and it was an interesting contrast to the FDR library we went to just a few months ago.  Differences in design of the museum, content emphasis and background of the two very different Dems was entertaining, thought provoking and informative.  There is a not-insignificant Kennedy component, and much of it is done in the background of the turbulent 1960s with a fantastic soundtrack to match.  Michelle and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  She especially liked the crazy things that people "gift" to the president.  Who thought the leader of the free world would want a painted rock?  Apparently more than you would think.

You can also thank Neiman Marcus for the creepy anamatronic LBJ that tells jokes.  Seriously.  An LBJ shaped robot.  That tells jokes.  From Neiman Marcus.

Somewhere in Westchester

This is how I get to most of the places I post about here, usually within a few hours of NYC and usually with Michelle. This picture was from one of the really rare days where I just went solo with no particular destination and it was 4 hours of bliss (cold bliss toward the end, but bliss just the same). I'm not really sure where I was, but I think the thing in the background is some kind of reservoir. It was an awesome crisp fall day and, as I write this (actually on xmas eve, despite the date shown), I can't wait until the weather warms up just a bit to go get lost all over again.

Hiking in the Palisades (NJ)

It seemed to rain most of the fall (and most of the summer), so if we wanted to do anything outside, we couldn't let the rain stop us. This weekend was no exception and we took a lovely 8 mile hike through the nearby Palisades along long trail (up top), down some switchbacks, along the shore trail (the Hudson shore), then back up.

We got a little lost at the end and a little wetter than planned, but we're excited to go back and try some other trails further north.

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Seattle Wa - Ballard locks and fish ladder

Although we went late in the season, there were still several salmon in the ladder. The locks themselves were interesting to watch and the engineer in me was pleased that the tour touched on more of the physics than I expected. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Seattle area and it's not hard to see why.

Lots more info in the wikipedia article.


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Deloach Vineyard, Sonoma County

This was the wine country experience that we were looking for. A small, elegant, yet not at all pretentious wine store attached to a functioning vineyard. No big fountain in the driveway. No band, no harps, just wine. I dont remember them selling savories or even having background music.

There was a strange German couple who I must assume was teleported out of some uber-wealthy dinner party in the early 80s. Although we spoke to them little, I assumed their dedication to candy red leather and matching sun glasses was the same sort of dedication that lets you find the perfect glass of pinot in the noise of wine country, and for that I had to respect and appreciate them.

We walked out with a case, and my only regret is we only got one. Luckily, they ship to NYC.

Buena Vista Winery - Sonoma County, CA

Lovely and relaxing vineyard in Sonoma. Great picnic tables that make you want to camp out and spend the whole day -- the only rub: the wine just isnt that great.

There is a lot of history here and since its the first vineyard in Sonoma, its pretty neat as a tourist attraction (even though they dont actually make the wine or grow the grapes here).

Tucson, AZ - Sunset on Mt. Lemon

Just outside of Tucson, Mt. Lemon is gorgeous. This picture is taken at about a 7000ft elevation and the view was simply spectacular, as was the drive up.