Tilt a world

Out of kilter? Locals and leftover tourists recuperating in the sun simply shrugged and said,” Well, day after Mardi Gras…” This vintage Galveston Strand building hadn’t tired of her Mardi Gras attire on Valentines Day.(Image:©)

We noticed her as the waitress moved away to get our appetizers: Very Audrey Hepburn-ish.

Casually draped on the chair like an artist’s model at the patio’s sunny edge.

Striking in silky black.

Eyes evaluating each person strolling along the pier.

Calm. Cool. And collected. Obviously waiting. It was Valentines.

She glanced our way, then model-walked over to our table.

To chat.

To pass the time.

Popular walking area in Galveston with The Strand ahead down this road and the ports’ wharf /docks behind us here. To the right is a small marina where boats sometimes tie up while owners eat at one of the restaurants along the waterfront. Also tourists board boats for a short ride. (Image:©)

“Do you come here often?” we inquired.

“Oh, yes, I’m a regular. BOI (born on island). The staff knows me quite well.”

Which was confirmed by the waitress’ “Oh, I see you’ve meet Olympia,” and a smile at the young miss.

Across the channel are shipyards. Currently 3 jack-up rigs are being refitted and serviced. The cruise ship terminal and docks are just out of the picture to the left. This Pier with the statue is a popular spot for dog walkers, bikes, or just sitting in the sun to read a book or not.(Image: ©)

That afternoon on the patio was as warm and luxurious as the finest cashmere.

The three of us like lizards relaxing in the sun.

Watching the shrimp boats waltz back and forth across the channel as the sea gull swooped around them.

Olympia was enchanting – despite the differences between us.

So witty. So charming. So polite.

Had to be coaxed into sharing a bite or two of this and that. “Only a nibble, thank you. Used to late diners.”

“Your party must have been held up,” we worried as the shadows moved across.

“Oh, just on island time. But this has been very pleasant. Thank you for your kindness and company.”

And with that she strolled stylishly to the next table – it looked like they had an excess of shrimp. 

Olympia formally dressed for meat and Greek at the Olympia Grill.(Image:©)

View of the backs of Victorian buildings on Galveston’s Strand. Built just across from the wharfs and the docks so products and materials could roll in and out the back doors. Old, but solidly built despite the storms they have weathered, these buildings are constantly being renewed and re-purposed. Usually the top floors become studios or residences with shops or restaurants below. The balconies are prized as the Mardi Gras parades travel down The Strand in front of these buildings.(Image:©)

Harbourside Drive parallels behind Galveston’s Strand. I guess it’s inevitable that new chain eateries will be built among the vintage buildings, but I wish it was otherwise. You can see Starbucks with the green awnings and Jimmie John’s to the left of that. (Image:©)

Oh, hope you’ve got your red on (Tell me it’s a coincidence with Valentines Day happening when it did this year.)

It’s Chinese New Year (February’s new moon: Feb.15th-16th) depending on where you are.

Tradition says the color “red” wards off evil spirits and bad fortune, so many choose to wear red underwear everyday – or at least on Chinese New Year.  And it’s supposed to be bought by someone other than yourself – so you see the Valentines connection. Hey, it may be on sale now, too.

If you’re not going for the red, at least make sure all your shoes are placed pointing the same direction in your closet…to make sure you go in a straight line towards success this year without getting distracted or sidetracked.

I know, you’re reeling.

Life’s a tilt-a-whirl.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

 

“Toodles, darling. Do come back and play.” A building on The Strand still wearing Mardi Gras eye lashes on Valentines Day. You can see elegant stone facade of the building across the street reflected in the windows. Image: ©)

Related posts about Galveston

• “Simply a damp slipcover”  (Visit in the fog warps time. The tall ship Elissa docked by the Strand near the Pier 21 always looks like a fine lady.)
• “A haunting. Ending in waves.” (Beach time and a little sight-seeing)
• “Promises made. Ugly demands”  (The Strand and Galveston Island rebuilds after 2008 Hurricane Ike)
• “A Lady Defiant” (A Grand Dame of the South survives. Links for news article with pictures of the Hendley building with is over 150 yrs old and one of the oldest surviving commercial buildings in Galveston)

 

 

 

---

Discover more from Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.