Photos taken as the day began in Central Texas this morning.   Those clouds produced rain, but it stopped a few hours later.    At almost 5:30 pm, however, we’re getting another good soaking.   I’m okay with that.

This one was taken one week ago, an evening filled with blue, and (of course) a windmill.   Clouds are with us again tonight, with rain expected throughout the weekend.   Bring it on.   We need the rain.

Just some photos taken during recent morning walks in Taylor.   It’s been a while since posting any of these.   All were taken with my very inexpensive Olympus mirrorless camera, so very light!

Some roads, when the light is right, transform after the sun goes down.   That was true as I navigated a good one earlier this week in the far reaches of East Williamson County, Texas.

A few years ago I learned that Granger High School’s gymnasium was one of history’s gems.   The gym opened in 1940, a Works Progress Administration project  undertaken as part of the New Deal program created during the Great Depression.   At the time the district’s superintendent graciously allowed a peek inside.   Missing, however, were photos showing that the old gym is still in use.   One evening a couple weeks ago I noticed lights on at the gym , definitely worth stopping for.   After a few tripod-mounted photos outside I ventured inside, where members of the Granger Youth Athletic Association were practicing.  The  coach overseeing the session graciously allowed a few photos.   The school district has had a more modern gym for a while, but this one’s still in use.   The district is also building a new high school, scheduled to open in 2025, but this WPA Project gym will remain for future generations to enjoy.  

Cormorants are interesting birds.   I need to take their photos more often.   On Tuesday evening I did just that, stopping by Taylor’s Murphy Park for a while.   Allergies, and the need to drive a bit less, prompted last night’s stop here.  This is a place where photographing migrating egrets is common, but persistent drought made it hard for them last year.   We’ll see how things go in 2024.   Meanwhile, we have cormorants, our year-round residents.  

When there’s time, I venture outside Williamson County, Texas to find rural scenes more common here a few years ago.   I made time this week for a drive through Milam County, east of where we live.    As dust collected, fields were prepared for the coming Spring.   This is my preferred kind of progress.

These were taken at day’s end on Sunday, preceded by brief rain showers in the area.   Near sunset, however, dappled sunlight did its  warm work on deer wandering around Friendship Park near Granger Lake.    Deer seem to be more trusting of us humans in that setting.

Driving home from a Target run late Sunday afternoon an unexpected rain shower joined us.   I mentioned this was the kind of weather where rainbows are produced.   My wife didn’t think so, but then one popped up.   Traffic was bad, not allowing a good place to snap a photo without causing a disturbance.   We continued on, the rainbow soon fading, the heavy clouds remaining.   Passing by a favorite cemetery in Norman’s Crossing, I stopped for a photo.  Walking up a small hill, there appeared just remnants of that rainbow.   You have to look close to see it, but it’s there.   I enjoyed the clouds either way.   And the smattering of rain, too.

Saturday morning I had to make myself get moving.   Lifelong allergy issues had attacked with a vengeance since Thursday, but it’s always best when I stay focused on task.   Driving through Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park, I spotted a gentleman strolling toward the community center, dressed in attire straight out of the Middle Ages.   A sign that just said “SCA” was nearby.   “What’s that?” I asked.   “That’s The Society for Creative Anachronism!” he explained with a smile.    This was the annual gathering of a regional branch of SCA, The Stellar Kingdom of Ansteorra.    The Society for Creative Anachronism, founded in 1966, is an international group dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills  of pre-17th Century Europe.  Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, classes, workshops and more.  This group elevates role-playing to a higher form of art.  In the last photo the lady is playing a Viola de Gamba, an instrument invented in the 16th Century, predating the cello by a century.    After a few hours with these folks, my allergies were still pounding, but it turned out to be  a good day.