Views of the Neighborhood – Evacuees in Austin

~ John W. Howell

This post normally has views of Port Aransas, but in case you don’t know we have evacuated from there to Austin. We still do not have information on the condition of our home, but we are all safe. I had intended to take photos of the state capital and other sights, but the rain has been quite heavy making it difficult to get around. I hope you like the tour of our current neighborhood.

Views of the neighborhood

This is the apartment building of our youngest. (Yes, we Bogarted our way in.)

I thought this was an interesting window. It is in the AT&T store window, advertising that they support the University of Texas.

Austin is a pet-friendly city. Most stores have water bowls for thirsty dogs.. You can see how the wind is shaking the glass behind.

Of course, Bailey only drinks Perrier.

Where we live on the island the West Elm store is 180 miles away. This West Elm was 180 steps.

As I mentioned pet-friendly. Bailey said she was busy on Saturday

This will give you an idea of the buildings downtown. The Whole Foods store is to the left and not pictured.

I couldn’t help thinking of Dan Antion. City equals graffiti.

Here is a real work of art. Um well, it is a work anyway. This is an old building on some pretty expensive real estate. Lucy and Bailey love to go under that tree in the rain.

Here is the Austin train station. (Doesn’t look like much does it?)

Austin train

Yes, Dan. That is the Amtrak locomotive with sleeper and baggage car.

We hope to be able to go back to Port Aransas soon.

78 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Evacuees in Austin”

  2. Good pictures of Auston, John. Years ago in the early 60’s, my dad drove Mom and me to Texas from Ohio. We saw Dallas, San Antonio and lots of ranch land in between. We couldn’t see the ranch houses as they were way back from the highway. When I was little my grandmother had spent a couple of winters at a boarding house in San Antonio and loved it. All the best. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  6. Thanks for thinking of me John. We’ve been thinking of you guys a lot as we follow the news. Since the train station in our town looks like a cattle siding, I’d be happy to see one like that. Good to know Austin is on the route.

    I hope your home was spared significant damage. Give the girls as scritch (and get Baily some decent water).

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  8. Is Bailey an introvert? I wouldn’t drink out of that shared bowl either! Or go to the party. I’m glad you guys are holding up safely. Best wishes to you!

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  11. Thank you for the local tour, John. I’m ever so glad that you and your loved ones are safe, and I suspect your daughter is elated to host you all. And Perrier? Well, Bailey deserves the best during these stressful days. 🙂

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  13. Greetings and good morning from Sioux Falls/SD, John,
    I hope your home in Port A will survive Harvey without damage. Am glad you’re safe in Austin.
    Take care,
    Pit

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  15. Very cool that they have the water bowls out. Makes sense considering how hot it can get down there. Hope you guys get to go home soon. Saw you mention Friday, so I hope you get some news before then.

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  16. John, I’m just glad to see that ya’ll are all safe. Although I imagine it’s quite unsettling for Stella (I’ve never had a cat that liked being moved).
    The waiting… I’d be a basket case. It’s been on my mind so frequently…
    Yet you still took care of the Sunday morning stroll. That’s quite a testament to you. I really enjoyed getting this objective look at Austin. (I’ve considered moving there, but it’s so expensive for the high risk plan I had in mind. Would rather have a small town, but small towns and jobs seem mutually exclusive.) Anyway, thoughts still with you and yours. Hugs on the wing.

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  17. Thanks for the great tour, John. I’ve never been to Texas at all, so I’m enjoying the tours. Praying that you guys have an undamaged home to return to at the end of the week. Saw an interview with a woman from Corpus Christi who is going home today – apparently, her home was undamaged. I guess the brunt of the hurricane hit Mustang Island on its way to Corpus Christi. Glad you guys are safe! I agree that Bailey and Lucy deserve Perrier. Oops… Stella as well! Sorry, Stella!

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  19. Thanks for sharing this part of your journey, John. I love that you’re still documenting and blogging in the midst of it all. Thoughts and prayers for your family and your home.

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  21. Sending positive thoughts your way and hoping for your safe return to Port A as soon as possible. You bogarted your way in there … makes me smile. Despite all that has happened your attitude is amazing. The touring was very interesting. My YELP review would be 5 of 5.
    And that Bailey, how does one get on her calendar?

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  22. Thanks for showing us around Austin. I have never been to Texas except during a layover flying. Hope you are able to get back home soon – and glad you are safe.

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  23. Sounds you you have the best kind of attitude. I don’t think I would be as chipper. I checked the news, and it all looks pretty devastating. Wishing all the best results for your family.

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  25. Reminds me of when we evacuated our house and went to our son’s apartment due to the wild fires out here. It is good you have your son not too far from you. Hope you get good news about your house and get to go home soon.

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  27. Despite years of living in Texas, I never made it to Austin, so thanks for the tour. Looks like the heavy rains are following you inland. Glad you, the producer, and the fur-kids all survived Harvey — prayers that your home on the coast managed as well. Something tells me Dallas wouldn’t cotton to a communal watering hole either!

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  28. Just read the horrifying stories pouring out of Houston. I am glad to see that you are safe in the lovely city of Austin and I hope that your home has been spared. Seems like Houston people are experiencing real hardship. Hope you don’t know anyone in danger there. American thoughts are in Texas now.

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      1. I really hope everyone will be safe. The houses may not all be, though. I have friends on the northern coast of Florida who’ve been through hurricane Matthew and are not yet back into their houses. Be safe and be sure we are all keeping Texas in our thoughts.

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  29. Bpgarting your way in, Bailey, Perrier, and 180 steps made me laugh. Your sense of humor despite all that you are going through, John, is testament of your character. I pray that your home will be as you left it, and I am thankful that you and yours are safe. {{hugs}}

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  30. Thanks so much for giving this an update. I hope when you get back all is well, John. I wish I hadn’t had to see that Longhorn monstrosity, though (being a Sooner fan).

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  31. Thanks for the tour of Austin, John. My heart goes out to you and all others who have been displaced due to Horrible Harvey. I pray that your home will be intact when you are finally able to return. I’m just happy you and yours are safe.

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  33. Great to see some pictures of the city of Austin, John. I hope you’ll able to go back to Port Aransas soon. I’ve been watching the news reports about the flooding that has now hit Houston and other parts of Texas. How far is Port Aransas away from where the hurricane came ashore?
    Pleased to hear that you and the whole family are safe. Take good care of yourselves.

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  37. Love Austin! A blue dot in a red state. Hope your damage is not too bad. Trying to read posts but have been busy here with clean-up. Power back on and we do not have to boil water but we had plenty of bottled water. Have my 82 year old sister from Victoria here as her home has no power. Going to Freer tomorrow to check on other older sister which is another story but she and husband are ok. Your home must be strong.

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