On a billboard near you...

My very first billboard. Who would have ever thought? It kinda freaks me out, but here it is. Me and Mike Sutter, the Statesman's restaurant critic who is hidden behind a coffee urn. Near 12th and Lamar in Austin. I think it'll be up for at least a few weeks. I'll try to get a better picture before my billboard glory is over....

We barbecue; it rains

The few times we've actually felt warm drops of water falling from the sky this summer are also the nights we happen to try to grill food in our backyard. After three times, it seemed almost a surefire way to get some relief. We cooked in the rain, and it was an experience to marvel in this the driest and hottest summer I've weathered.

Even though the heat has backed off (the highs are only in the 93-97 range) and we're still dry as a cotton ball, I planted a few seeds for our fall garden last weekend. I'll be posting a garden update on Relish Austin soon, but in the meantime, here are some highlights from around the house from the past few weeks.



One of Julian's first real representational drawings. "It's an elephant, Mama."