The Texas State Capitol, Austin

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The Texas State Capitol building is in Austin downtown which houses the offices of Texas Legislature and Governor of Texas. 

This 3 story limestone structure costed around $150,000 when completed in 1853. This capitol building is standing 14 feet higher than the US Capitol building in Washington D C. An extensive renovation happened in 1900's which costed around 200 million dollars.

How to reach Austin and where to stay?

A few accommodation options:

Architecture and Detailing:

The architecture and detailing inside the building is impressive. The dome at the center is exquisite and the hand rails and the brass door handles get our attention for sure. 

218 feet above, a star is installed on the dome which measures 8 ft from point to point. 

The Texas State Capitol was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. 

Address: 1400 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78711

Admission is free but please check times at this official website. 

Tours:

The free guided tours happen periodically between 9.30 to 3.30 Pm on weekdays and 12.30 to 3.30 pm on weekends. 

The Capitol building is open for self touring from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6pm on weekends.

Parking:

The Parking is located at 1201 San Jacinto St. and it is free to park for the first 2 hrs.

How did you like the photo tour? Please do let me know in comments.

Until next time,

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The Views from the window #BlogchatterBlogHop

Mindfulness is the new way of life. Many of us know that being mindful and present at the current moment is very important.

Do you agree with this quote?

This is the new mantra in my life recently. Enjoying little things like watching the colors in the sky, tending to my plants, observing the weather, nature around me etc., give me happiness and satisfaction in life.

The view from our window is wonderful most of the days. 

Image by Joe from Pixabay

Summer Sky

I am saying most of the days because here in Austin, summers are quite harsh with temperatures going above 100 F.  It is usually a clear sky and less clouds on a bright sunny day as such. 

I wonder how plants survive this heat.  Plants in our garden like mint quickly die due to over heat until unless protected indoors by watering twice a day. We experience the dangerous heat conditions from June to August end. Those are the days we don't venture out until the evening when the earth cools down a little around 7.30 PM. 

Rainy Days

I love the rainy days. Thunderstorms, downpour, Strong fresh breeze, Lightenings, Sun peeping behind clouds, and A Colorful rainbow :-)

I wait like a child for a rainbow after every rain. When sky puts up on a show, how can I see somewhere else? Event from the window or driving in a car, I always search for a little sun shine and rainbow.

The colors of rainbow make my day.

Lovely rainbow on a rainy day

Freezing days

It is not common to see snow or freezing temperatures in Austin. But, we experienced freezing temperatures the last winter and the view from window is enchanting.

The plants, grass blades and leaves shined with freezing ice. Even with temperatures in single digits, we couldn't stop ourselves going out and capturing photos. The driveway and footpaths were frozen and slippery. However, it was fun to watch the ice embracing everywhere around.

How beautiful are those views just form our window?

Sunset

I like the golden hour in the evening. The time when the sky changes colors from orange shades to deep reds. Some days, we get lucky with this kind of Sunset view.

So, what do you say? Aren't these little things wonderful?

Do let me know in comments.

Until next time,

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop.

Sasquatch, Baby! by Bethany Browning - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Sasquatch, Baby! 

Author: Bethany Browning

Genre: Dark thriller, fiction, horror literature

Source: A free review copy from the author

Print length: 162 pages

Publisher: Independently published

Blurb:

After her posh Napa Valley friends cut her off for committing an unspeakable betrayal, Tabitha Eggs retreats to the redwood forests of Del Norte County, California to drink herself to death. But when she stumbles over two decomposing corpses near her new home—among a growing list of other frightening, unexplainable experiences—she believes that walking into a raging wildfire is preferable to whatever waits in the woods. Her plans are foiled when she’s kept alive by a curious Sasquatch (who adores salad dressing and is overjoyed by luxury body wash), and they create a bizarre and everlasting union.

My Review:

This is obviously a fiction but based on a mythical character Big Foot. The story starts with a woman who moves to a remote town from a city after losing her friends and interest in living. 

She encounters something in the forest which changes her life , and her future. The plot is thrilling, and unpredictable. I personally hated the protagonist but that's how real life is. People with their flaws.

I like that the author portrays the emotions from the characters well. The ending seems good and satisfying.

The character of protagonist is dark and feels extreme.

This story is different and well written. The narrative is interesting. The book cover is ok. The title is apt.

I would recommend it to the readers who like dark thrillers and want to read something unique. 

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Bethany Browning is a writer who lives and works in a redwood forest. Her debut horror novella, Sasquatch, Baby!, is available in eBook and paperback. Plus, War of the Wills, a film she co-wrote with George Dondero, is watchable right here on Amazon Prime. For more information and to read her short stories and other published work, visit bethanybrowning.com.

Until next time,

Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, TX

Radha Madhav Dham is a Hindu temple, a non profit organization and an Ashram in Austin.

This is one of the largest and oldest Hindu temples in USA. The Dham also provides classes on hinduism. It also supports charities in addition to the spiritual growth of devotees.

Located in rolling hills of South Austin, this place spread around 200 acres is build in 1990. This temple is a representation of a place called Braj in India where Radha rani and Lord Krishna appeared 5000 years ago. There is an ashram and resident accommodations to devotees who want to follow the path of devotion.

This place is well built with great architecture and is serene. People from all faiths are welcome to visit.

Address:

JKP Radha Madhav Dham
400 Barsana Road, Austin, TX, 78737 

Phone: (512) 288-7180

Highlights of the Visit:

Shree Rajeswari Radha Rani Temple: 

The temple of Lord Krishna and Radha rani is the main place where all devotional services take place like aarti and puja. The architecture, paintings inside the temple are beautiful. Maintain silence, leave footwear outside and experience aarti.

Barsana Hill: 

5000 years ago, Radha rani appeared at Barsana hills in India which is a hill with flowering gardens. Radha Madhav dham is constructed similar to that place in India. So, we can see small hill and flowering gardens around the temple.

There are many peacocks too in the campus.

Radha Kund: 

There is a small pool with fountains which is beautifully designed. Visitors can walk around the pool and watch the amazing paintings of Krishna and Radha on the walls.

Overall, it is peaceful place to spend time. Visitors who are interested in devotional services can experience bhajans and kirtans. 

Please check temple hours on official site before you visit. 

Until next time,

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