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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

capitol lights and luminaria nights








We took the kids downtown for some old fashioned Christmas carolling to the grounds of the state Capitol building. We gathered for The Capitol Tree Lighting and Holiday Sing-Along hosted by John Aielli (pronounced Eeely). Aielli's daily morning program, EKLEKTIKOS, on the local public radio, KUT, is broadcast from the University of Texas. It's one of my favorite programs because you never know what Aielli will play. Classical, folk, jazz, rock, and international selections from Sweden to New Zealand. He also interviews musicians who are playing locally so listeners can get a sampling of live music shows around town. It was a treat to not only have John Aielli host the Sing-Along, but to also sing along with John Aielli.
















A snapshot inside the Capitol, looking up to the top of the rotunda:





The lighted tree on the south side of the Capitol, facing Congress Avenue.




Another night, we went to see the Luminations display at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Thousands of lighted ornaments lined walkways, meandered down cedar arbors, sat atop limestone rock walls, simple and luminous. There's something so gratifying about a multitude of candles in the night, especially outdoors.
















For more pictures with better views of the Wildflower Center, click
here.



Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays from my Texas home to yours.





19 comments:

JCK said...

Merry Christmas!! Gorgeous photos. And the music sounds wonderful.

Sunny said...

carolsinging is one of my favourite traditions.

Have Fabulous Christmas!

Minnesota Matron said...

What a beautiful night! We're at 5 below zero this morning, so no outdoor festivities in sight. Happy 2009!

laurie said...

wow. i love luminaria. we did that one year. was afraid we'd burn the house down. but it actually worked quite well.

merry christmas!!

Vodka Mom said...

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!!!

love the pics.......

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

It's all beautiful--it makes me want to visit.

Merry Christmas!

Mental P Mama said...

I am just bowled over that it's Christmas and ya'll can go about in shirt-sleeves. Beautiful shots!

Glennis said...

How beautiful. I love luminaria! What a wonderful tradition.

MoneyBonanza said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
blognut said...

Great pictures. I'm kind of jealous that it's warm there.

Anonymous said...

Looks like it was a great way to get into the spirit of things. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

bernthis said...

Beautiful. Happy holidays to you from here in NYC (I'm visiting family)

stephanie said...

Your photos are fantastically breathtaking (even the one with Antlers Lady).

I appreciate you not mentioning how not-freezing it is there...

Merry Christmas :D

flutter said...

how absolutely beautiful, I hope you had a wonderful christmas

brneyedgal967 said...

Your pictures are beautiful - Christmas in Austin looks spectacular!!

AnnD said...

I love the photos! I need to experience a Texas christmas!!! I especially liked seeing you! You've always been kind of mysterious! An ever-supportive, kind friend who I couldn't pick out if you walked into my front door!

Anonymous said...

Do you ever watch a show called "In Context" on Austin's PBS station? It's creator/producer was a student of mine back when HE WAS IN 8TH GRADE AND I WAS HIS ENGLISH TEACHER. Now I feel really old.

Heather T said...

AAAAHHHH!! I'm just catching up now on blogs. A very late Merry Christmas to you, and a more appropriately timed Happy New Year!

The pictures are great! What a wonderful way to celebrate!

Deb said...

Wow, what great pictures! I love luminaries.