Rites of Spring
Today in Austin it was 95 degrees and breezy which reminded me that we have definitely settled in to Spring in Central Texas. The streets are coated with mulberry pollen and everything seems to have come into bloom all at once. In fact, my strawberry plant is sporting two very red berries which generally doesn’t happen until sometime in June. I’ll be happy to eat the berries, but it makes me wonder what it’s going to be like outside when June rolls around this year? Alas, I digress …
Spring time in Austin always brings lots of beautiful flowers to look at in the parks and yards that extend through the several miles of road I walk on or take to and from work everyday. In particular, at the 45th and Guadalupe interchange, as you begin to head South along Guadalupe, there is a long row of rose bushes that bloom this time every year. The bushes are large and grow along a chain link fence that creates the barrier for the Texas State Mental Health Facility that takes up about 8 city blocks in the center of town. The facility itself is a conglomeration of structures built in what looks like the 1940s. Many are similar to old post offices or doctor’s offices - as you look at them you can easily imagine the terrazo-like floors, the musky air conditioning, and the unique smell that only years of exposure to Southern heat and humidity can get you. The roses, however, can’t help but make up for this in their extravagant shades of red, apricot, white, and pink. I bet everyone living in the facility looks forward to this time of year when they can stop and smell the roses.
Speaking of which, Spring also brings the arrival of music season, as I have come to call it. The nights are magnificent this time of year - the temperatures dip into the 60s and 70s and a light breeze keeps things fresh - making for nice surroundings when standing outside listening to music. This weekend will bring a trip to see Todd Snider, then on the 29th it will be Drive by Truckers. Later this Summer, Beck will be playing at The Backyard and then the Flaming Lips in September. I don’t think I’ve had a music season like this in almost a decade. Needless to say … I am looking forward to some good tunes and happy times. The rites of Spring are treating us right this year indeed!
For now, I will get into my car, roll the windows down and drive down to my favorite gelato place for something sweet. Because, after all, you can’t write a consumer behavior paper until you’ve had some cinnamon gelato and a coffee drink :).
That’s the rule for tonight, anyway.