Sunday morning I attended a Blessing of the Animals service conducted  by Georgetown’s Grace Episcopal Church.    The service was held under the shady oaks at San Gabriel Park, led by Reverend Bertie Pearson.    While it was mostly dogs, and a few cats, a guinea pig named Mr. Nibbles was among the first in line for his blessing.   Perhaps the most touching moments were when, after the service was over, I saw a lady hugging  Schatze, her 14-year-old Miniature Schnauzer.    She said this was Schatze’s last service.    Time is far too short for our beautiful and loving furry friends. 

These photos of Sunday night’s full moon were taken close to home in Taylor.   A very busy few days left me too pooped to travel far.    The first photo was taken just after moonrise  near the Taylor Compress, with Williamson County Grain at back left.   Taylor Compress is a place where harvested cotton is placed before being sent on its way.    The second shot focuses specifically on Williamson County Grain, about 10 minutes after the opening photo.   The last one, about 15-20 minutes later, shows the lighted portion of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.   The facade and moon seemed to work well together.   Last night was the first time I’d noticed the light on the church.   Perhaps it’s been there all along.  While I don’t put names to lunar appearances, they call this a Hunter’s Moon.   

The Clayman Rodeo celebrated its 29th year in Georgetown Saturday night.   Once again, I was there to take it all in.   The event was created by Kelly and Jim Bob Clayman, former rodeo stars who’ve been teaching kids and adults in all things equestrian at their Windsong Farm.    You’ll mostly see young folks in these photos, but one competitor, Claudia, is 68, almost as old as yours truly!   I love watching her hold her own with this group of young folks.   Note Isabella, 9, the young lady in the patriotic attire.  She was entered in her first rodeo, riding her horse named Ladybug.    You won’t see the more traditional, potentially dangerous events at this event.    There’s a bit of action here, but hopefully you get a feel for the culture, too.  I like Josiah, the overalls-clad 3-year-old, soaking up the night’s atmosphere.     The post ends with an almost-full moon last evening, just over 99% visibility.   I’m posting quite a few here, but not as many on social media.

A truckload of pumpkins, over 2000 of them, arrived this morning at Taylor’s First United Methodist Church.   Volunteers, including a very energized 7-year-old,  were glad to put in the effort to place the pumpkins on church grounds.   The delivery truck’s trailer was emptied in a little over two hours.  A number of helpers were students from Taylor High School and Legacy Early College High School.   As this is written, pumpkins are ready for sale this afternoon. Pumpkins are expected to arrive next Wednesday afternoon at Georgetown’s First United Methodist Church, too.   There’ll be plenty of Halloween cheer to go around!

While taking some photos tonight, I was happy to see my friend  Dennis and his son Mikail, 9, as they strolled by on their way home.   We met several years ago, when Mikail was 4.   I worked on a story about the relationship between a single father and son.   It’s good to see their bond remains strong.    The holding of each other’s hands prompted a recent memory from August, when I visited my son, daughter-in-law and grandsons, ages 9 and 5.   My son was touched by how Cameron, his 9-year-old,  still liked to hold daddy’s hand.   Let’s keep that going.   Dennis and Mikail are inspiring.

Just a very relaxed horse enjoying a peaceful evening near Granger, Texas.    I’ll leave it at that.

Tonight is opening night for the Georgetown Palace production of “Cabaret,” playing on the Springer Memorial Stage through November 6th.   As usual, most photos from the production are on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

A few years back I made a similar photo to this one,  taken recently while watching the setting sun over the Taylor train yards.  Sometimes all  the elements  come together.  

Sometimes, really, most of the time, it’s just about the light.   A pause from my first coffee to make some photos in my office.

Tonight’s offerings begin in Western Milam County along a wonderful and dusty unpaved road,  the same road becoming paved as it enters East Williamson County, Texas.  All but the last one are from Milam County, the final image in Williamson County. This is one of the roads discovered when doing one of those wanderings in early-Spring.    I drove out there a few weeks ago, but the light wasn’t good.   It was tonight.   As was the Waxing Gibbous moon, about 83% visibility.  I do love to ramble.