About Austin
Back when hippies and the Beatles were in their prime Austin was a funky little university town with cattle pastures, parks, springs, hiking trails and lots of live music. Fast forward to today and while a lot has changed some essentials remain the same. There are still plenty of green spaces, hiking trails, springs for swimming, a lake for kayaking and SUP, and, always, live music. Add to that fabulous places to eat that range from food trailers to award winning gourmet restaurants, tall shiny buildings and a growing downtown, eclectic shops, sophisticated boutiques, neighborhoods with international flair, craft beer breweries and coffee shops.
Public transportation is available, but I'm also happy to let you use my car while I'm gone to make travel around the city or out to explore the small towns and the Hill Country nearby much easier.
Needing a Pet Sitter
I plan to travel through Europe this fall for almost a month and I need a house sitter who can take care of my little rescue dog, Ziggy. It would give me a lot of peace of mind while I'm gone to know he's being cared for by someone who loves even quirky dogs. He's not high maintenance, but he can be a little challenging.
Ziggy is a sweetheart with a history of abuse, life on the street and a hoarder situation. He's about two years old and he's been through a lot. His past (and probably some Chihuahua genes) make him react to most scary new things and people by growling and barking, but as far as I know he's never bitten anyone.
The other day I had a new person come in to help with work around the house and after barking and growling at her he kept trying to sit in her lap while gazing at her in adoration. Go figure.
He loves a morning walk, but he'll also let you know if he wants to turn around and go home. He's very protective so he'll get huffy around other dogs and people when you're walking him. During the day he's happy to be let in and out to chase birds and go pee in the fenced backyard. A short afternoon walk is appreciated but optional. He's crate trained and leaps in enthusiastically to get a treat if you're leaving the house, although when you're out the door he may start howling bloody murder. He'll love to hang out with you whether it's at your feet while you're working or beside you on the couch.
About the House
My house is on the near Southwest side of Austin in a quiet neighborhood of 1970s homes. South Austin is the area where the city motto originated: Keep Austin Weird. My house is one of those 1970s ranch-style home that's been upgraded, but still retains a basic traditional floor plan. It's on the modest side, but comfortable, cozy and light with its own eclectic style. There's a living room with a picture window for staring out and seeing the occasional neighbor walking a dog or pushing a stroller. The couch in the front room is perfect for napping or reading and Ziggy would probably join you in either activity. Stretch out on the couch in the family room and Ziggy would be happy to join you there, too.
I've got a good Wifi connection, a Smart TV, Roku and streaming services and a couple of cozy couches.
You'd be staying in the guest room on a Queen sized bed with closet space and room for your belongings. It's peacceful, quiet, minimalist but comfy with closet and drawer space for your belongings. The bathroom is just a few steps down the hall.
Within a few minutes drive in any direction from my centrally located house are small and mid-sized shopping areas, grocery stores including Whole Foods, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, yoga studios, LA Fitness and Gold's Gym, an indoor bouldering gym, and a variety of large and small retail stores plus a multi-screen movie theater. A few minutes walk away is a small shopping area with a Cuban restaurant, Mexican restaurant, juice bar, Asian and pizza take-outs, and Starbuck's plus a convenience store and Planet Fitness. Walk another 50 yards and you'll find a Middle Eastern food trailer or cross the street to a bowling alley and a trailer coffee shop that's a local favorite.
Live Music & Austin City Limits Music Festival
Austin's been called the Live Music Capital of the World and it's true that you'll find all types of music from alternative, indie, Afropop, rock, country, hiphop, heavy metal, jazz, blues and more in small and large venues, outdoors and even in grocery store cafes.
As a bonus, my travel dates include the first weekend of the Austin City Limits music festival of live music on nine stages with over 100 performances. The house is about five miles from Zilker Park where the festival is held.
There's A Garden
I'm hoping that one of the things you can do while here is to help keep the plants in my front and back yards alive. It's been a hard summer and we're currently in a drought. Hopefully by fall things will have shifted, but the plants may still need watering. I have a system of soaker hoses so all you would need to do is turn the hoses on and off. A very nice lawn guy, named Guy, will take care of mowing.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.