The Train is Here...

..Finally!

After some two years or so of delays, the capital metro train is finally in operation. Limited operation, but still, we have a train!

This was the first week that the train started transporting passengers, and it was free. The fare from the stop closest to my home to downtown will be $3.00, one way. The train currently runs just during the morning and afternoon rush hours, 5.30-9.30 AM and 3.00-7.30 PM. My commute to work is too short and not on the train route, but I was still hoping to catch a free ride this week to check it out. I looked at the schedule, and there were two evening trains from the Howard Ln station, between my home and work, that I could possibly take to downtown, at 5.15 and 5.51 PM. So, I was hoping to leave the work a bit early (5 PM for me is early), drive to Howard station, then ride that first train for 2-3 stations, maybe to Highland mall, and then just cross to the other side and jump on a train going north.

Well, I was giving a demo at work, and didn't get to leave till 5.05. Saw the train pass one light before I got to Howard Ln. I missed the 5.15 train. Went home for 20 min, and drove back to the same station. Parked and came on the platform 5 min before the train was supposed to come.

There were 10-15 people in line for each door! The cap metro employees were there, and were telling people that this train, like the previous one, was probably going to be all full, and if they parked somewhere else and need to get to another station, there is a bus waiting to take them there. One guy said he was at the platform 15 min before the previous train, and still wasn't able to get in. Nobody got on that train, because it was full and nobody came off at that station. So, he waited there for 45 min for this next, last train. By the way, it was so nice to see people waiting in line to get into the train. Not my experience from back home...

The train came, and it was full. Another cap metro employee was inside by the door, letting all of us outside know that they are full. Then one passenger made his way out the door, and she yelled they have space for one person. Only one person could come in. People in line were not making any moves, I assume because they all came with someone, so I said "ok, I 'volunteer'", and I walked in! I was the only one to catch that last free train from the Howard station!

A benefit of traveling solo, I guess.

The train was full! Well, actually, it is all relative. In Sarajevo, we would probably fit another 20 people in there, per car, at least.

People were chatting with each other, taking pictures, commenting on the area outside that none of us saw before because there are no roads there, and everyone I talked to was there just for fun. All were excited!
One lady was entertaining her girlfriends, and the rest of us, by sounding "La Cucaracha" melody. At a later point a group of teenagers were singing happy birthday to their friend.

The train ride was very smooth. Very few pumps, it was fast, and comfortable. One thing I noticed, though, with all those people standing, is that there are not enough hand rails to hold onto. I guess they didn't anticipate that many people riding the train! Another objection I had was that the AC was too cold. Maybe it will be nice in the summer, but I needed a sweater today.

I saw a lady that I know, and struck up a conversation with her and her friend. They were on that train since 3 PM, almost 3 hours! They gave me a flyer with map and schedules, which they were handing out at the stations earlier. After they got off at Highland mall, I took their seat. The seats were comfy! I was originally planning to go just few stations, but when I saw how many people were at those stations going north, I was concerned I wouldn't be able to get on that train, so I decided to just stay on this train and go all the way downtown and then back. :)

At each stop, the station name showed up on the display, and a recorded announcer, in both English and Spanish, let the passengers know the name of next station when we were getting close, although it was barely audible from all the chatter. In what seemed like a very short time, we reached downtown. Even passers-by were excited, and were waving at the people on the train. :) Some people got off, but all who were sitting down, were not leaving the train. We waited there for some 10-15 min, and then the train started going back.



I was actually expecting more people to be on the train going north, the commuters, but there were very few people at the next stops, I guess people didn't want to risk waiting for this last train, and get stranded because they couldn't get on it. The cap metro employees were congratulating each other on the successful end of this first week of operation.





By the time we got back to Howard Ln station, there were finally no people standing, and we could look at the scenery on both sides. I will have to look on a more detailed map at where the train exactly goes, because I really couldn't tell half of the time where we really were. That is one major difference between this train and the trains in other cities that have been using them for decades; that usually the area where the train goes, or at least around the stations, is full of business and shops, and this train route is mostly through some industrial or undeveloped areas. But, this is just a start, and I have high hopes that this is just a beginning of a better, more usable, public transportation system in Austin. (and is probably already way better than what these folks from Alaska are used to - just some car I spotted on the road driving home tonight)

Love Spring in Austin!

This time of year, the weather in Austin is just gorgeous. :) Mid 70s, low humidity, grass is green, trees are in full bloom, because of all the rain we've had, the creeks are full, and with the time change, the days area already long, even for evening walks.

I just love this time of year here! And am taking the full advantage of it. Aside from spending the time in my backyard, I like being adventurous and exploring the nature.

Last weekend, I went to the St. Edward's Park, with my dear friend Amber.





The weekend before, my brother and I hiked the Wild Basing Preserve Park.




Next weekend....another adventure, yet to be planned!.

Nuts?

At an HEB at which I don't shop very often, I asked an employee who was loading the shelves if they sell "nuts in bulk". He led me to the last isle, the hardware isle. Huh?!?

"No, not those kind of nuts," I said. He thought I was looking for "nuts and bolts"!

Was this my accent issue, or does my Sunday best just scream "home improvement"?

Crazy language rules! Why are both of those called nuts? What do nuts and nuts have in common?

Lost Battle

There was another massacre in the backyard.

This time, it was obvious that the bird didn’t win the battle. :(

The Birds And the Berries

These little bandits (they kinda look like ones with those black masks around their eyes) were gorging on the red berries on one of the trees in my backyard this morning.

I woke up at dawn (way too early!), and, with my eyes still barely open, noticed there was an unusually high number of birds flying around. And it went on and on. After about 15 minutes I finally got up to see some 50 little birds going from one tree, to the grass, to another tree. I stared at them for a while trying to figure out with my scratchy eyes what's going on. Then I realized they were grabbing the berries, running to a safe spot to eat it, and then coming back for more.

They were amusing to watch. I don't know what kind this is. They are about the size of cardinals, even have a little "hat", but are gray like finches, with a bit yellowish tummy and a hint of red above their tail. What a beautiful way to wake up!



After the feast, there were no more berries left on that side.

Let Me Just Brag For a Bit...

... on how awesome our God is!

His timing is perfect.

I scheduled the installation of the new HVAC back in late January. Based on the cost estimate they gave me, I figured out how much disposable cash I'll have by the scheduled date, February 27th. If I got my tax return by that date and if my brother was able to return a loan I gave him on time, I would have just enough to cut that check.

I sent in my tax forms at the beginning of February. I compared the dates back from last year, and it took them about three weeks to return my refund. I was hoping for the quick processing this year as well, so that the deposit is made before the 27th. Few days before that I checked the status on the IRS web site, and it said the refund will be deposited on Friday, the 26th! Now, isn't that just perfect timing!

My brother was not able to repay the loan this month. He is also waiting on the tax refund, but his, for some reason, will not be done until the end of March, even though we submitted it at the same time. So, I temporarily transferred that same amount from my emergency fund to checking. After I paid for the HVAC, I calculated my expenses until the next paycheck, and realized I'll be $50 short. My brother would probably be able to come up with that much for now, but, just out of the blue, I thought "wouldn't it be nice if I got dividend payed out for my company stock this week?" Our stock was doing well, but I didn't know when those dividends are paid. Guess what? I got paid dividend, the very next day! He just read my mind. :)

Ah, how awesome is HE!

New HVAC

Is in!

I decided to take advantage of the tax energy credit of $1500 and install a new, energy efficient, 16 SEER unit to replace my 15 year old, 13 SEER one. 

The old one was still in a working condition, but it has begun to have hiccups. The system was loud, and made clanking sounds when coming on. It was also pulling so much power that the lights would flicker every time the unit starts.  Couple of years ago, the AC coils froze over during summer, and left me without cool air for couple of days. Every time at the semi-annual maintenance, a friend who was working on it, and whom I trust, would tell me that the system is nearing the end of life and should be replaced before it dies again and requires urgent care.

So, this year, because of the tax credit, I decided to replace it during winter when the cost is a bit lower. I got a really good deal on a Carrier, 2-stage compressor, 5-ton, 16 SEER unit.  The 3 guys came in, took down the old unit down from the attic, and the outside box, replaced with the new one, and were done in 5 hours. They also installed another supply went and one return air grid and run air ducts for those. The other ducts were in good shape and didn’t need replacing. The new thermostat is also fancy with some new features like In Recovery, where it ‘remembers’ how long it takes to reach a programmed temperature, and turns early on to be at that temperature at the preset time, instead of just turning on at that time.