Could’ve stopped with just that expansive field of corn, but thought to round it out with (wait for it) another windmill photograph.  It’s the same windmill, seen a few evenings ago, when storm clouds gathered, and tonight, as the sun began to disappear into the western horizon.   Nothing but Blackland Prairie, friends.

Some of these drives can be time-consuming.   And not at all  inspiring.   Last night was initially one of those times.  When passing a wheat field, however, I stopped and gawked at the wonderful light gracing this scene, thankful another vehicle wasn’t coming on strong behind me.   This kind of light, like the crop, is a gift.   This was in North Williamson County, Texas.  We see what we see.

Are you interested in cycling?  Do you need a bike?   Or do you have one you’d like to donate?   Georgetown Free Bikes is there to help.   On Saturday afternoon I stopped by Georgetown Free Bikes for the grand opening of their new home, now at 2055 FM 1460, in the Rabbit Hill area.   There I found families looking for just the right bike, including the little guy in the first photograph, who has a rudimentary bike trainer at home, says mom.  The group is supported by the Georgetown Sertoma Club, hosts of the Red Poppy Bicycle Ride, scheduled for April 26th.    On a July 4th morning a couple of years ago, preparing to take photos of the Sertoma Club  Hometown Parade through San Gabriel Park, I met Georgetown Free Bikes members making bikes available just before the parade.  They’ve been on my mental radar ever since.   You can get a bike at no cost, but if financially able, they take monetary donations to help continue their work, which includes restoration of bikes.   Visit their site for more information.  They’re open on Tuesdays from 11am to 8pm.   It’s a neat group.

When I was a runner, things were too intense.   Zooming by a scene, I’d always wish a camera was handy.   And time to stop.   Since 2012, daily walks have been a good fit.   This body is slow-moving.  When seeing something interesting, it’s nice to stop for 15 seconds, or even a minute, to snap a photograph.   These are from last week, all in Taylor (sometimes in Georgetown, too).  These Monday through Friday strolls average about 300-plus shots per walk.   There’s a lot of editing done.   This stuff can probably get boring to some.   It’s what it is, friends.

Those who follow these posts know that occasional offerings are from the Huntington Sculpture Garden, in Coupland, Texas.  I’ve been enthralled with the work of Jim Huntington since returning to Texas in 2009.   The first annual Huntington Sculpture Foundation was held today.  This post mainly shows you the artist, now 84-years-old, plus a couple of attendees spending time in the Sculpture Garden.    In recent years, the intensity of arthritis  has laid to rest his huge granite and metal creations.   Thankfully, he has returned to drawing.   “You have to make art because you can’t not make art.”   A wonderful sentence from Mr. Huntington.   Spot on, sir.

The cameras found their way to the Georgetown Square on Friday evening for the April First Friday concert, hosted by the Downtown Georgetown Association and the Georgetown Beard Club.   Attendees enjoyed a performance by Memphis Kee.   As is most often the case, I concentrate on attendees.    The ladies in the first two photographs were wonderful dancers!   Did I mention that these First Friday events are totally free?   A city park is closed all weekend for an event that will cost you much more.

Our state weed hasn’t been quite as evident in recent weeks, but a few bluebonnets are beginning to pop up.   Rain, of course, helps with that.   The barn in the first shot has been photographed with bluebonnets a few times.   The other two shots were from right here in Taylor last evening,  not far from home.

A few photographs taken last night at the rookery, in Taylor’s Murphy Park.   The arrival of the egrets (and a few Ibis) this year is a bit later, but they’re coming as fast as they can.   Some of the trees where they built their nests have been damaged by weather since last year.   They’re finding places, still sharing them with cormorants, with us throughout the year.   The rookery is just minutes from our home.   At this time of year, when not feeling the urge to burn up many miles looking for rural scenes, I come here and just observe.   If potential stormy weather doesn’t interfere, Good Life Taylor is holding their annual Bird Parade Saturday, from 10a.m.-noon.   Participants, often dressed in bird costumes, gather at Memorial Stadium, then parade to the rookery site.   I always mention the best time to see the birds is either very early, at dawn, or near sunset, but I’m glad a few folks in Taylor appreciate the protected species that come here every Spring.   Quite a few longtime residents don’t cotton to the egrets, who mention the birds make quite a mess in their yards and on their roofs.  We live nearby and have never had those issues.   These birds are a treasure.  

The barns feature continues.  This post begins with one photographed tonight, right here in Taylor.  It’s been a subject for years.   Two photos of it are offered here.    My impression is  that this barn is being dismantled, but the owners, who I know, could confirm.   Others are just barns I like.   One appears to have sustained some damage.  A couple were photographed after a storm, when golden light was predominant.   This and that.  The post concludes with one only seen last night, along a dirt road in North Williamson County, Texas.   It’s good to document places before they leave us.

The Huntington Sculpture Garden in Coupland, just minutes south of our Taylor home, is mesmerizing.  In 2009, before I met him, I was astonished at the work of artist Jim Huntington.  His stone and metal creations, weighing tons, are elegant.   For years, I’ve photographed his Huntington Sculpture Foundation work.   Light and shadow seem to dance across their facades.   Now in his 80s,  Jim now concentrates on drawing and painting.  He stays busy, focused.  Note that the cactus in the last photo blend tastefully compliment Jim’s work.   If you’re in the Coupland area this weekend, there’s a Huntington Sculpture Foundation Open House, from 12-4 on Saturday.   If it’s rainy, a possibility, the gathering will be Sunday , same time frame.