Monday, November 29, 2010

Round Rock Doughnuts

On our way home from our fun and fabulous weekend trip we decided to stop in Round Rock (based on a recommendation from my cousin's husband Chris) to try out Round Rock Doughnuts

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There can be quite a line as these doughnuts are famously yummy.

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We finally made it inside.

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The selection was not extremely large but it was enough for me.  One thing they are famous for are their Texas-sized doughnuts.

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They also sell some really delicious cookies.

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We both had kolache's and doughnuts.  M had a chocolate and I had a regular glazed.

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I didn't take a pic of the inside of the doughnut which seems silly since that's one of the things I had learned about the bakery.  From the website:  The yeast-risen doughnut originates from a bread-like dough; its distinct yellow color (from fresh eggs) immediately sets it off from any other doughnut. Unlike baking powder doughnuts, this yeast doughnut cannot be machine-made; it must be hand-rolled, cut, fried and iced. On busy days, now as in the past, the bakery turns out 200 dozen of these popular originals.  I don't know about all that but I'll believe just about anything.

So the kolache's and the doughnuts were quite yummy and although not quite as unique as my trip to Voodoo Doughnuts it is worth a stop. 

We had parked nearby and on our way back to our car we saw a realty office with some vintage gas pumps out front.  We stopped so I could snap a few pics.

Check out this groovy phone!  I love phones!!

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And I love this vintage coke machine.

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And of course here are the old gas pumps that peaked our interest in the first place.

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And those of you that know me (or have read my blog) you know I love a water tower pic!

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So have you ever stopped in at Round Rock Doughnuts?  What did you think?

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Game Day - TX Longhorns 11.13.10

Our morning started out great with an awesome breakfast at Juan in a Million.  We've been Texas Longhorn fans for a while but had never actually been to a game. 

We changed into our Longhorn gear and headed to the game.  (Can you spot my USAF Parent Pin?  It's there - I always wear it!)

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Here's me with Bevo from our Co-op shopping trip earlier in the day.

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Check out the horns on this car - haha!

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Our first close up view of the Darrell K. Royal stadium

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Here we are inside the stadium - SO EXCITED!!!

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My daughter Anna sent some Longhorn love from Washington.

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You know I had to check out the bathroom!

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That's right ~ M giving a H!GH 5!!

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Did I mention what row we were on?

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Yes, that's right - a not so obvious 5 alert.  6 + 8 = 14 and 1 + 4 = what's that you say?  I can't hear you?! That's right....5!!!!!

Look!  There's Mack Brown!

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A view from the North end.

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The stadium was pretty full.

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Need I say more?

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I've got some videos of the band because I am a proud band nerd.

The team coming out on the field.

 

Half-time show

 

Half-time exit

 

We had a super time and so glad we went even though we did lose.  We made some great memories and there are more to come...

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Juan in a Million

It's the morning of the game and we needed some nourishment.  My brother had suggested we try Juan in a Million.

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We weren't deterred at all by the crowd outside waiting to get in.  We figured if there was a wait it must be good.

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Once inside the hustle and bustle added to our excitement.  It really was a simple place but the energy really added to the ambiance. 

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Our friendly server showed us to our table where we were greeted by menus, hot sauce and chips.  I thought it was a great idea to have the table already prepped for us.

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Even though mimosas weren't on the menu we were happy to find out that they indeed were happy to make them for us.

CHEERS! to a good life... <3 Live <3 Laugh <3 Love <3

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M ordered the "Don Juan" and this blurry pic does not do it justice.  The very tasty and very large portion of the secret combination of potato, egg, bacon and cheese was amazing.

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I chose one carne guisada and one potato and egg taco.  They both were muy delicioso!

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At Juan in a Million we found the prices very reasonable, generous portions (especially on the Don Juan plate) and overall great service.  It is definitely worth a trip and worth a wait if there's a line.  We give it an enthusiastic two thumbs up!

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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Going Batty in Austin

After our Salt Lick BBQ adventure we headed over to the Congress Avenue Bridge so we could watch the over one and a half million bats emerge from beneath the bridge.  And yes, we counted. 

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There are several warning signs that attendee's need to heed.

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There are various informational markers near where the bats emerge. 

The bats began roosting after a major deck reconstruction in 1980.

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As you probably know, most bats hunt prey using echolocation.

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The bats usually remain under the bridge until late October or early November.  We were there November 12th. 

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The Congress Avenue Bridge houses the largest urban bat colony in North America.

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The best time to see the bats is in August.  The young pups are just beginning to fly and the hot dry weather causes the bats to be hungrier while the insects tend to be less plentiful.  Therefore the mother bats must emerge earlier to hunt. 

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Here are some more shots of the underside of the bridge as the bats are emerging.  I know it's not the best shot but you get the idea. 

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And now a short, very hard to see video...

 

After enjoying the nice fall evening and getting the chance to watch all the cool bats we headed back to the hotel and prepared to get ready for a great night's sleep because the next day was GAME DAY!