Posts by John Tornow

As we were driving through downtown this week I couldn’t help but to notice the massive new Omni Hotel and its impressive light display. It was difficult to get a reasonable vantage point from where we were at but the hotel is pretty magnificent from a distance at night. Definitely looks like a great addition to the Dallas skyline.

The world of babies is a bit overwhelming, but nothing is more overwhelming than these massive baby stores. They have things I’d never known to exist but now I can’t live without. I can easily justify not purchasing some of these items by proclaiming that “babies have survived for thousands of years without this stuff.” Then I lie awake at night regretting that I haven’t picked up a machine to twist bags around dirty diapers yet. Here’s a few scenes from one of our weekend shopping outings.

It’s Halloween this week and where I’m from that means one thing: pumpkin carving. Every year as a kid we would take a trip across the border into Pennsylvania to go to a local farm store to pick up the best stuff around. We would pick fresh apples in bunches and choose a few pumpkins to bring home.

This year was a little different, but the idea remains the same. I live in Texas now, and unless you are in the middle of nowhere, a pumpkin patch and apple farm is not a common sight. And, much to my surprise there are people in this country that have never carved pumpkins before, including my wife. We found a few pumpkins and carved up these guys. Not bad for a first timer.

After the carving was complete, we cleaned, heavily salted, and roasted the seeds. Don’t forget this step. You’ll be missing out.

Happy Halloween!

Something about New York City makes me always want to view it in black and white. It feels right. We spent last weekend visiting friends and relaxing in Brooklyn and I surely wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to snap a few shots of this iconic town. From the shores of the East River looking out on Manhattan, to walking the streets of Williamsburg, to a warm Sunday afternoon in Prospect Park, Brooklyn did not disappoint.

I didn’t know Steve Jobs. I’ve never seen him in person and never even knowingly been in the same city as him. I didn’t know the man himself, but I did know the Apple CEO and leader. Well, as much as anyone else that has watched a lot of keynotes and bought a few too many Apple products knew him. I’ve used Apple products almost every day for roughly the past decade since I bought my first iPod. His work has had a significant impact on my life and there are few people that I respect as much. I’m grateful to have lived during his time. Thanks Steve.

A ramp to a boat dock seen near Lake Texoma, on the border of Oklahoma and Texas.

Life is much more bearable in Dallas now that this summer’s near-record-breaking streak of 100 degree days has come to an end. The water level at White Rock Lake is coming back to normal and Dallasites are flocking to the closet thing we have to a water front. Here’s to a long and cool fall season at the lake.

It has been a long seven months without NFL football. I was looking through some of the photos from the incredible Super Bowl last year and felt it was time to post a few again. Here’s to another great year.

The weather has been fantastic for the past few days. For the first time in months we can actually go outside and walk around without fear of melting in the Texas summer heat. To celebrate this newfound freedom, we have been frequenting the gelato place down the street. One half sea salt caramel, the other half chocolate. There are few things finer on a warm summer evening.

Seen at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Stubb’s BBQ is a one-of-a-kind place. It isn’t the best barbecue ever—really it isn’t even the best barbecue in Austin. But it’s a Texas legend that is worth a visit at least once, and the food certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The roots of this Texas landmark are in the remote west Texas town of Lubbock. Travelers from all around would make their way to Stubb’s to savor the magnificent mix of slow cooked meats and fantastic live music. Besides, any place that calls itself ground zero for names like Joe Ely and Stevie Ray Vaughn is certainly worth a look.

Perfectly smoked brisket. Grilled spicy pork sausages. Generous portions of mac and cheese and greens. White bread, Copious amounts of sauce. And it’s time for a well-earned nap.

This truck is parked outside of The Driskill Hotel on Austin’s infamous 6^th street. I was told by someone out in front of the hotel that it is an early 1930’s model Ford truck. I can’t think of a cooler way to advertise for the nearby 1886 Café and Bakery.