First a chimney sweep, then the kites

The other day, I met a chimney sweep.  Actually, I didn't know he was a chimney sweep when I met him.  I just liked his hat...a traditional black top hat.

We chatted for a few minutes, and then he shook my hand, reminding me that Mary Poppins (the wisest woman in history, according to Charles the chimney sweep) said that shaking hands with a chimney sweep brings good luck.

And I am not one to ever turn down good luck!

And then yesterday, we saw the kites.  Hundreds of kites at Austin's 84th annual Kite Festival.  And suddenly, the sky was full of kites...more kites than I had ever seen in one place.

Kites of all sizes and shapes....

And people and music and of course, dogs!

A cute pup near our chairs

Including Maya.....

Maya Puppy!

 ...who loved meeting all the other dogs. And watching the kites! Seriously!

Anyhow... With chimney sweeps and kites in one week, shouldn't I be ready for the carousel that will take me on a cross country jaunt?  It can't be far behind!

A walk in Austin

Last week, we went for a walk around the park in Austin. We had a bit of rain in the days before (after weeks and weeks of nothing) and the entire park had come to life....

A few hours of much needed rain brought out the blooms

A simple circle plus two benches created a magical feeling to this river overlook

Austin from the other side of the river

Autumn is finally arriving, after the unbearable heat of summer, and the trees are offering a colorful display of gratitude

Double the beauty

The swans on the river are so elegant....this one's mate was just out of camera range, but each time I've visited, they've been within sight of one another....so sweet!

Miss Maya, Queen of the Hill, loves these hikes

As evening arrives, it's time to head back home

The update...6 plus months in 6 lines

OK, here goes:

Went to PA twice, and went to Blog Potomac in D.C. area
Got active in Mosaic and spent lots of time outdoors
Started taking classes at Aish haTorah, keeping Shabbas and holidays
Had a major relationship end
Job expanded to cover lots more areas and I love it
Got a kitten, named her Sanura