Perhaps sunset photographs are overdone.    I’ll add three to the mix tonight.   The opening one was taken Thursday evening a few miles north of Thrall, close to Sandoval.   The color really was that vibrant.   The other two photos are from this evening, both a few miles south of Granger.   The second shot is on a road I only discovered this evening.  It appears to a place where a farmhouse once sat.   And the last one is along a county road I like.   Just sunsets tonight, friends.

A few years ago, while aimlessly wandering through Milam County, Texas, I happened on a beautiful unpaved road that slowed my breathing and filled the senses with wonder.  If memory serves, it was a winter outing.   Seasonal light focused its majesty on the  road and surrounding trees.   This week, when winter’s sunlight near day’s end was embracing the landscape with warmth, I visited again.   Since it’s been a while, I was concerned that hastening development would’ve taken a toll.    Thankfully, it looks much the same.   The road is probably no more than two miles long.   As before, I was able to stop, get out of car, take a photograph, then continue on without seeing another vehicle.  There was even a nifty old barn.    You won’t find that level of quiet where we live now.   Friends  who grew up here probably know this road, but I’m not going to broadcast its location here.    Peaceful places need to stay that way.

You don’t need many words for this post.   Horses are one of our  most elegant beings.   Blackland Prairie royalty.

For some reason, her walking style reminds me of John Wayne.   Longhorns are adorned with abundant character.

Nothing special tonight, friends, just a few deer encountered on recent outings.  The opening photograph lets you know it’s wise to pay attention to what’s in front of you. That  photograph was taken in Coupland.  Others are from Granger and Georgetown.  Deer don’t understand motor vehicles.   Be careful.

At the right time of year this winding Farm to Market Road in Southern Bell County, Texas is majestic.  The attraction this time was an elegant green field spreading across the landscape.  It might be the beginning of a Spring crop, or just the day’s winter light making itself known.   Since this road is somewhat busy, I didn’t tarry.   few shutter clicks before moving on.

On Saturday morning I was searching for something to photograph.   It was slow-going until a drive through Georgetown’s San Gabriel Park led me to brightly-attired men and women near the community center.   Some were carrying swords.  In past years I’d photographed the annual session  of The Stellar Kingdom of Ansteorra, a regional part  of the Society for Creative Anachronism.   About 200 attended this weekend’s gathering, their Bryn Gwald Candlemas. Members of the Stellar Kingdom hail from Texas and Oklahoma.   The Society for Creative Anachronism is a living history group that studies and recreates primarily Medieval European activities prior to the 17th Century.  During my time there Saturday, I observed participants, real swords in hand, take part in cut and thrust matches.   The swords all had protective covers on their tips, but everyone was cautious.   Individuals and couples took part in dance activties and listened to music played on instruments from centuries past.  The lady is playing a vielle, a stringed instrument used in the 1100s, prior to the introduction of violas.   My knowledge of this group is limited, but it’s a delight to attend one of their gatherings.

A major pet peeve are pet owners who allow their dogs to run free.   I see it far too often on country roads.   Be responsible.   Many drivers are not.  

A view along F.M. 972 a few miles east of Walburg, Texas this evening.  I’ll leave it at that, friends.

Just another collection of photographs taken during daily walks in Taylor, these from the last few mornings of January.   We had cold, rain and fog, all interesting to see.    A reminder, I seldom take long on any photos made during these walks, only snippets.   Nikon continues to be my main gear, but the inexpensive Olympus carried on these strolls is quite handy and light!