A few photos from a recent visit to Bartlett, Texas, a community of a little over 1600, some of it in Williamson County, some in Bell County. The photos offered are along East Clark Street, the main corridor through town. I’m told the south side of the street is Williamson, the north side Bell. Bartlett continues to be vibrant. It’s evolving, but no less interesting. 
On the way to pick up something at the grocery store tonight, I noticed what looked like rain gathering west of us. I stopped for a photo at Taylor Middle School. Is that evidence of rain I see west of us? Friends in Georgetown say it is. Send it east, please. 
Friday evening, driving past Taylor’s Williamson County Expo Center on the way home, I noticed a lot of horse trailers there. Stopping by this morning, I discovered this was a weekend of rodeo for seniors conducted by the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association. The group, formed in 1978, holds rodeo events throughout the state. Participants have to be at least 40 to take part, but the group of contestants I saw were between their 60s and mid-80s. They came from all over Texas to show their stuff, not bothered in the least by age. When asking the gentleman in the opening three photos his age, he smiled and said “85 and a half!” The event continues through Sunday. Top performers get a chance to compete in the group’s state finals, held October 5th-8th in Hamilton, Texas. These folks were fantastic! 
Last evening, almost in Bell County, Texas. Dirt roads can play havoc on those of us who drive small cars, stirring up dust all around. After a heavy rain? Even more problematic. But they continue to intrigue me. More so near sunset. Golden dust devils. 
The day’s last light ushers in a sunset near Bartlett, Texas tonight.
“Singin’ In the Rain” opens tonight at the Georgetown Palace, running through September 25th. If you get a chance to go, do it. 
It’s been a while since posting something from my recent walks. My little Olympus camera goes with me on every stroll. Since the walks are meant to be exercise, I usually spend no more than 30-90 seconds on a photo before moseying on. All but the grasshopper were taken in Taylor. The grasshopper is a Georgetown resident. 
Not long ago, I posted a photo of a two-toned St. Peter’s Church of Coupland. A social media friend who attends that church assured me it was just an undercoating. I dropped by last evening to check on progress. It’s no longer two-toned! While there, I wandered a bit east for some sunset photos. Those last photos are included first here. 
Egrets do love cattle. I suppose that’s why some are called Cattle Egrets, not Great Egrets or Snowy Egrets. On a recent outing near Coupland, birds and bovines shared a recently-harvested cornfield. The cows chewed on stalks, their feathered buddies staying close by for anything leftover. Even when there’s not a nicely-cleared field, egrets will stay close to cattle for the insects that constantly hover. Egrets are partial to bugs. I’m thinking the cows appreciate the help. In that last shot, there’s an egret patiently waiting for that calf to get to the other side. Just some scenes from the Blackland Prairie, friends. 
Something not posted from Monday night’s rainy weather. I’m partial to the black-and-white, but could be swayed. This is in Bell County, Texas.
