Author Archives: nowandthenadays

Unknown's avatar

About nowandthenadays

Observer of life who writes about Austin, women's issues, history, and politics. I worked in the Texas Legislature for 9 years, moved to the State Comptroller's Office where I worked for 9 years, then went to work as an Assistant Attorney General after graduating from UT Law, for more than 20 years. Since retirement in May, 2013, I've identified myself as a writer, a caretaker, widow, grandmother, pandemic survivor, and finder of true love.

A Crying Shame — Sharpstown II

Posted on December 20, 2024 by nowandthenadays

Few scandals in Texas history have caused as much political damage to so many as the one we call Sharpstown.  Although it ignited fifty-three years ago, in January 1971, Sharpstown has had a lasting impact on this state.  It ruined … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Wisdom of Marian the Librarian

Posted on January 13, 2024 by nowandthenadays

I know everyone is eagerly waiting to hear more about the Sharpstown scandal, which I began explaining in my last post.  But don’t worry, it’s in the pipeline. As I close down 2023, however, I’ll share something I’ve been thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

When Texas Took a Sharp Turn

Posted on August 18, 2023 by nowandthenadays

On January 12, 1971, a few weeks shy of my 18th birthday, I started my first day of work in the Texas Capitol where the 62nd session was gaveled to order.  The hubbub of the lawmaking process and the proximity … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

High on Life — Jumbo and Willie

Posted on January 9, 2023 by nowandthenadays

During the 60s and 70s, when Bee Caves Road was little more than a drive through the country, there was a beer joint whose back fence hid a small cabin on a back lot known by the cognoscenti as “the … Continue reading →

Posted in Memories, Old/New Austin | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

The End of Roe and the End of the Road

Posted on June 17, 2022 by nowandthenadays

The writing is on the wall (and a draft Supreme Court opinion):  Roe v. Wade will soon gasp its last breath at the hands of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and his co-Taliban wannabes.  The last fifty years of women … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

My Quest to Find the Rude in Rhode Island

Posted on August 5, 2021 by nowandthenadays

In case you’ve ever wondered which state is the most polite, YouGov.com asked the following question to 77,000 people across the nation: do people in your state tend to be more rude or more polite than most other Americans. You … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Zelma for President!!!

Posted on January 27, 2021 by nowandthenadays

The woman known as Bicycle Annie has found her way to my pages of Austin memories on several occasions.  During the 50s, 60s, and 70s, she was a frequent sight along the Drag (the part of Guadalupe on the western … Continue reading →

Posted in Great Lessons, Old/New Austin, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Tail-Wagging New Year’s Eves

Posted on December 30, 2020 by nowandthenadays

As the worst year ever finally rolls to an end, I am reminded of another New Year’s Eve two years ago when I ended the year alone for the first time ever, or at least since my marriage. My husband … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Thanksgiving’s Cornucopia of Remembrances

Posted on December 2, 2020 by nowandthenadays

Like many Americans, I spent the day of Thanksgiving feeling nostalgic for the customary family and food-filled celebration with my extended family and friends. It’s always been my favorite holiday – simple, straight-forward. People cook, people gather, people eat, drink, … Continue reading →

Posted in Great Lessons, Memories, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

I Want a Senator who Stands with Women

Posted on July 29, 2020 by nowandthenadays

During a recent coronavirus briefing, Donald Trump gave a shout-out to Ghislaine Maxwell, wishing her well, as she sits in jail, charged with procuring young girls for a sex-trafficking ring, grooming them to be raped by influential men. “Why, why,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments