November 23, 2005

• Lake Travis

  Even though I didn’t get to go sailing on this trip, it was still nice to get a glimpse of Lake Travis and people who were able to go sailing that day. I have to say, though, that I prefer our lake at home. (It took about an hour to get to Lake Travis from downtown Austin, and I’m sure house prices in that area are astronomical.)

  

  Texas parks are very different from those in Illinois. Since there is no state tax in Texas, all public parks are supported by entrance fees. It’s a little bewildering to someone like me who is used to not having to think about supporting parks, because someone has already decided to dole out my tax money for them. A lot of organizations in Texas are supportedly solely by private donations. One example I found was the wildlife rescue organization in my city. And surprisingly, it works. I guess the question is, why should I really be surprised that one doesn’t need tax money to support causes in which one believes?

  
  Sailboat and seabird

  

  It’s ironic that Austin real estate has become so expensive. Austin was a city built on rock — worthless because it was untillable. Nowadays, it is a hot commodity. It is funny how rocky ground is now worth more than good tillable dirt. Priorities have certainly changed.

  • 12:04 am
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