Classes began this morning for the City of Georgetown’s public schools.   I arrived early at Mitchell Elementary School to record a few moments.  As usual, I engage with the youngest kids, the ones almost always accompanied by parents.   First day of school images are something I’ve done since the mid-70s.  It continues to provide storytelling imagery, even with everything that’s going on.

All photographers I’ve ever known  return to places that make them feel good.  This area of Beyersville, in southeast Williamson County, is among them.   So far, it remains relatively undeveloped.   Those trees are  still there, as well as the  barns.   Around here, I never assume permanence.  My drives take me here quite a lot, but I don’t always take photos.  I did last night.  

Just two simple photos this time.   The first one presents an old farmhouse, long vacant, anchoring a just-harvested field in Milam County, golden light near day’s end.   The second image was a quick snapshot of corn harvest continuing well past sunset in East Williamson County.  For now, this is still farm country.

School begins in most Central Texas schools this week.   To finish off the summer with a splash,   members of the Georgetown Beard Club, a cool and eccentric non-profit who helps support the community through their programs, held a water gun battle on the town square Sunday evening.   Water guns were supplied, or you could bring your own.  Members collected school supplies and HEB/Walmart gift cards.  I didn’t think I’d have fun with this one, but I was wrong.   Lens choices were in the 200-300mm range.  My cameras were safe!

Not much to say about two photos made tonight.   With the first one I just like the image’s warmth.  It’s a little west of Granger.   A few minutes later, I was standing on a street in Granger, watching skies fill with post-sunset color over Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.  

I learned this week a dear friend  has begun hospice care following a stage four cancer diagnosis.  “Is there anything I can do?” I asked.  “Just keep up your beautiful photography for my enjoyment.”   That I can try to do, my friend.  From tonight, a cloudy conclusion to a day on the Blackland Prairie.

Although it was the grove of old-growth pecan trees that first attracted me to Williamson County’s Berry Springs Park & Preserve in 2009, I’ve since found other reasons to visit.   Unlike some public spaces, you can easily find peaceful  spaces to savor.  These photos are from a visit this week.  

I tried to like the opening photo in color, but black and white prevails this time.   That barn is near Jonah.  The second image, however, needs the color to emphasize paint that’s chipping away.   That barn is near Noack.

Last evening I spent some quality time at the ranch of my friend Joyce White.   Joyce and chatted for a while, then I headed outside to visit with some of her four-legged friends, among them a beautiful Texas Longhorn called Princess. Then there were her four inquisitive donkeys, Imogene, Memo, Licorice and Eeyore.  Also pictured is the newest family member, a week-old calf, staying very close to its mama.  Note that its mama isn’t a longhorn, but she’s certainly a sweet little critter.

Most times I just drive, no set destination, but the internet can be useful, too.   That’s how I discovered Locklin Cemetery, in Milam  County.   It’s an old resting place.  The first burial here was of blacksmith Peter Mercer, in 1844.   The site was apparently named the family of early settler William Lawson Locklin.   Burials continue here, on a gentle Blackland Prairie hill.  So far, about 400 are laid to rest here.   One family honors a lost daughter with the monument. of a horse.   Obviously,  the deceased was a lover of horses.   Some cemeteries found don’t look so well.   This one does.