Have you ever before been to a town other than the one you live in and felt as if it was 'yours' anyway? Felt as if the fit was tailor made? Felt like you were 'home' within your skin and all your experiences came bouncing back at you with a resounding 'YES!'?

This is Austin, Texas to me.

This was my third/PickleBoy's first visit. I thought the Summer heat would finally be the thing that would dissuade me from longing to live there. Nope, no such luck - it was hot, yes, but we adjusted well (and had some grand luck with temperatures truth be told). The humidity made my hair and skin yummy, the people everywhere I went were so friendly and would say "San Francisco is so beautiful but you should move here!" And the music? Please don't get me started as you all know what I am like with music.

Alas, I will not take PB so far away from his father. Or myself away from such lovely and solid friends. But PB will leave for college in six short years...hmmm....

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We arrived to dear friends Rebecca/Matt/Chloe/Caden and a dinner of my favorite tamales served with made-from-scratch margaritas and chatted deep into the evening. My girl, Rebecca, and I have been friends since we were 15 and have seen many peaks and valleys together. We are like sisters in our bond. There was much catching up to do...

Then the next day, our first full day, was just that, full.

vintage shopping on South Congress

eating tacos and sopapillas at Chuy's (there may have been a margarita for the mamas involved at this point)

photobooth visits (again at Chuy's)

swimming at Deep Eddy (top to bottom: PB, Chloe :), Rebecca & Caden)

and live music at The Shady Grove (top to bottom: Matt, Me & PB, Texas sunset).

And, yes, that was just the first day. Phew. Check back tomorrow where will be visiting the lake and revisiting the photobooth (on Friday. Get it? Hee.)...