There have been times when photographing dragonflies is a piece of cake.   They’ll get settled on a food source and stay at it, not giving the camera a second thought.   That was not the case with the little rascals recently encountered at Taylor’s Murphy Park.   Those babies were in almost constant motion!   Trying to get them in focus while they’re moving is certainly a good exercise though. After a while, I began to concentrate on the plants themselves.   You know, light and shadow.   It’s always about the light. 

Most of the barns I’ve photograph are taken from a distance unless granted prior permission to go on the property.   The barn presented this evening is one photographed numerous times, but always from the road.   Last week, however, the owners allowed access to the property.   It’s nice to be able to study these architectural gems with attention to details.    Many old barns I’ve documented in my area are now gone.   As developers scoop up prairie farmland close to Taylor, it’s important to record history before it leaves us.

Tuesday night’s Waxing Crescent moon, at 22.7% visibility, shines over Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill.  Those twin spires stand out against the North Williamson County skies.

An abundance of rain over the last few days has replenished the little lake at Taylor’s Murphy Park.   We could use more, but it’s a start.  The birds seemed to appreciate it.    Two photos pay homage to water.   The others are a tip of the hat to winged creatures and a fine Waxing Crescent moon from Monday night.

A very busy weekend was topped off with a visit to Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill for their annual bazaar on Sunday.   The church’s twin spires can be seen from quite a distance in North Williamson County.   It’s a big event for the church, with barbecued brisket and pork, plus fried chicken and plenty of vegetables and desserts.   Hungry folks either got in line for to-go plates or waited outside the Parish Activity Center for indoor dining.  And visiting with friends, of course.   In addition to food, there was a silent auction, children’s games, Polka music, a raffle, cake walk and bingo.  You could also purchase kolaches and other pastries.   Inside the dining area, friends chat near a wall covered with silent auction items.   And cowboy hats reserve spots for diners.   It’s a Texas thing, folks.

Included in a busy weekend was a stop at Taylor’s Bull Branch Park for KidFish, a fishing tournament for children coordinated by the City of Taylor.     I love attending  life-affirming events like these.   The post opens with three photos of a 2-year-old who was just wonderful to observe, but everyone was a delight.  It’s nice to see kids outside, away from televisions and computer screens.  

It’s clouded over now, but for a few minutes tonight one could see a Waxing Crescent Moon, at 3.7% visibility.   The spire is Taylor’s Restoration Temple of Deliverance, formerly First Baptist Church of Taylor.

The 2023 Texas Mamma Jamma Ride was held in Taylor today.    365 cyclists arrived very early for a 7:30a.m. start from Heritage Square Park.   The ride is a fundraiser for the Big Pink Bus, a mobile mammography unit coordinated by Lone Star Circle of Care.   All ride proceeds support the operation and administration of the bus.   It’s a great cause in the continuing fight against breast cancer.  Ride distance choices were 15, 25, 50 and 70 miles.   Thankfully, we’ve had much-needed rain the past few days, but I was glad to see today’s rainstorm arrived when almost all the cyclists were done.    The last photo is a cyclist wearing a big smile after completing her 50-mile ride, a huge rain cloud hovering overhead.   She’s 5-years cancer-free.   I’m happy for her!

A few minutes after sunset tonight in Coupland, Texas.   Enough said.

While sitting on the back porch early this afternoon a welcoming rain took hold.   As it concluded I thought there might be a rainbow close at hand.   The rainbow didn’t materialize, but the post-rain clouds were nice.   It seemed like a good time for black-and-white.