It’s a GREATER Roadrunner
For years, I’ve thought these birds were just called Roadrunners, but a Wikipedia search indicates that what I’ve been admiring is actually a Greater Roadrunner. Either way, after an exit from the greater Southwest for 34 years, it’s good to see these swift little critters again. They seldom fly, but can if pressed on the matter. They actually prefer a nice stroll, reaching speeds of 20 miles per hour. On the way to get a Sunday paper today, I spotted this one and commenced to give chase across a few neighbors’ yards. I never got as close as I’d liked, but it was fun seeing them.
Having Fun at the 2014 ZestFest
I spent a big slice of Saturday right in my own little town, Taylor, Texas as I covered their 2014 ZestFest. The downtown area was closed for the day, giving visitors plenty of room to roam. Among those in attendance was Bella, a Teacup chihuahua, a real featherweight for her mom. Taylor’s Folkloric Dance Collaborative troupe again put on a fine set of dances for the audience. They’re an award-winning group led by Alma Holiday. I love watching them perform. The Blackland Quilt Guild was also there to show off some of the beautiful quilts they’ve put together. The group members do some spectacular work. Taylor’s Boy Scout Troop 167 brought their teepee for folks to check out. The gent inside the teepee is Ray Ochoa, one of the troop’s scout leaders who also happens to be Apache. One treat for kids I’d never seen before was something called Bubble Runners, where you’re zipped into a big bubble, then placed in a huge kiddie pool to rock and roll, staying dry throughout. Fun stuff. These are some photos taken for my friends at the Williamson County Sun
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National Day of Prayer Observance
Approximately 727 people gathered at Birkelbach Field on the Georgetown High School campus last week for a National Day of Prayer observance. Among those in attendance (opening photo) were Jessyka DeRemer, her 20-month-old son, Mark, and Gary DeRemer, Jessyka’s father-in-law, Mark’s grandpa. It was a respectful observance, the 23rd year for people in the Georgetown area to offer prayers. It’s a good observance, but I can’t help wishing it were more inclusive. I count among my friends those who are Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist. Just a thought, for what it’s worth. Maybe it’s asking too much for people to get along, regardless of their beliefs. Still, this was a well-done and positive gathering.
Ducks Are Made for Taylor
In Taylor, Texas we love ducks. Our school team mascot is a duck. They spend most of their time at Murphy Park and Bull Branch Park, where there is ample water. Sometimes, they cross the roads and visit neighborhoods. Drivers here know the importance of these feathered beauties and most often stop for the crossings. Each spring, a new flock enters the world. Eggs are everywhere, but well-hidden. These are some photos taken this week on the lake at Bull Branch Park. Go Ducks!
Red Poppy Festival Time!
Saturday was spent in Georgetown, Texas as I photographed the 2014 Red Poppy Festival for the Williamson County Sun. The event included a parade, vintage cars and trucks, food, drink and plenty of music, including Off the Record, a Pflugerville-based group of guys who kept things rolling. Among the group members was Kyle McBride, who does a really good Elvis impersonation. During the parade, 8-year-old Jasmine Maxwell, shown in the opening photo, got the opportunity to wave her American flag. Sisters Abigail and Naomi Kurtz came dressed for the day in their red poppy-themed dresses. The music was a little loud at times for Naomi, but she finally got into the swing of things. I really enjoyed looking at the vintage motor vehicles, too. A light dusting of rain only added to the sparkle of a bright red 1932 Ford pickup truck. What a great truck! In the final photo, 3-year-old triplets, including (left to right) Bear, Malachi and Charley Turner brought their own special wheeled vehicle, a good way for mom to keep things moving on a hectic day.
The Poppies Are Abundant
As Georgetown, Texas approaches their Red Poppy Festival this weekend, it seemed like a good time to visit the flower the city honors each year, the red poppy. The bright red flowers are all over the place this spring, in public places like Edwards Park, and front yards, where Mark Moss has a good crop this year, too. Red poppies, like our Texas bluebonnets, are essentially weeds, but they’re weeds we like in these parts. Enjoy them while they’re here.
A Festival for Canines
The City of Cedar Park held their inaugural Cedar Bark Festival over the weekend at Veterans Memorial Park. Hundreds of dogs and their owners showed up for this free event to elicit donations for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, a very good cause. Among the delightful pooches was Daisy Rage The Velvet Underhound, the cute Basset in the opening photo. Visitors to the festival got to watch some cool disc dog demonstrations and also enter their dogs in competitions for best costume, ugliest dog, fastest dog, etc. The dogs came in all sizes, too. Bentley, a 2-pound, 4-month old miniature Yorkie, got to know Rev, a Great Pyrenees. They played well together, too! These were among the photos I took for the Austin American-Statesman.
A Native American Gathering at Southwestern
People who have known me for a while are probably aware of my affection for the Native American culture. Thus, it’s always a pleasure and honor to cover the annual Spring Powwow held at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. This year marked their 8th year. They continue to attract tribal groups from all over the United States. It’s a celebratory event that showcases the art of dance that goes back literally thousands of years. This year’s Head Gourd Dancer was Kenneth Begay (in the opening photo), a Navajo who traveled here from his Arizona home “near the Grand Canyon” says Mr. Begay. Here is a selection of photos I took for a package in the Williamson County Sun.
Chasing the Eggs!
It’s interesting to see how Easter Egg hunts have morphed. These days, they’re called egg hunts, but it’s usually candy-filled eggs. It’s a new world and I suppose it’s best to go along with these new traditions, right? Over the past weekend, I covered two Easter Egg events. On Saturday, it was the city of Georgetown’s, for the Williamson County Sun, followed by a big one on Sunday in Leander for the Austin American-Statesman. Whatever the prize, it was still great fun to watch the little folks go after the loot. I’m betting a lot of them had a big sugar high going by evening! The last 4 four photos are from Sunday’s event in Leander, all showing two-and–half year old Channing Washington. This young man was fantastic, really into it big time!
A Fast-Moving & Fun Palace Offering
Georgetown’s Palace Theatre has once again come up with a winner with their current offering, “Moon Over Buffalo,” playing weekends through May 4 on the Springer Memorial Stage. The scene is Buffalo, New York, circa 1953. It’s one of those funny and fast-paced productions, this time under the direction of Mary Ellen Butler. I’m posting a bunch of photos from their dress rehearsal. If you need something to brighten your weekend, this is it!
A Spring Pastime for Everyone
Baseball, a sport many associate with Spring, is one of those games where age is no barrier to having fun. For instance, in Sun City, Texas, there’s a league where the players don’t qualify until they’re in their 60s. Some, like Jerry Schaffer (the second and third photos in this post) have graduated into their 80s. Mr. Schaffer and his pals are still going strong in their Sun City softball league. On the other end of the scale, there’s T-Ball, as played in the Georgetown Youth Baseball Association’s 4 and Under division. I had a chance to photograph both recently. Both groups were having a great time. This post also reinforces my belief that the best subjects in the human world are at the far reaches of the age spectrum. It’s all fun though. Both these sets of photos were taken for the Williamson County Sun
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Bonnets and Longhorns
Two favorite images, Texas Longhorns and Texas Bluebonnets, somehow ended up in the same pasture over the weekend. For this collection of photos I didn’t have to leave Williamson County. These babies converged in a field on Ronald Reagan Parkway in Leander, Texas. A lady who lives near here said there was hardly a bloom this time last year. A lot of people were stopping by to take photos and admire the scene, including Joyce Hopkins, taking a self-portraits (selfies?) with her daughter, Cynthia Turner, visiting from Tulsa. And there was cowboy hat-wearing 4-year-old Miguel Fajardo who stopped to play among the flowers with this family. It’s a good thing I’m a persistent person. I waited for almost three hours before the dang cows actually decided to get up and mosey around. These bovines didn’t realize I have the patience of Job, did they?
Having Your Cake and Wearing It, Too
It’s such a good season for wildflowers, I tend to get focused (no pun intended) on that type of imagery at this time of year. However, on a features troll for my friends at the Williamson County Sun the other day, I stopped by Berry Springs Park & Preserve, a favorite spot that’s filled with a grove of stately pecan trees. There, I happened on Alice Barragan as she celebrated her first birthday under the trees with mom and dad, Karissa and Mike Barragan. This day was marked another first, too: her first taste of cake. With some help from mom, dad got some photos to mark the occasion. Karissa, knowing Alice likes to admire herself in the mirror, brought one along to spark a smile in little Alice. In the end, everyone had a good time. Alice ended up wearing as much of the cake as anything. Mom said this was called a “cake smash.” After the last photo in this post, Alice enjoyed a good wash-off and the rest of her special day, sans cake!
It’s Looking Like a Good Texas Spring
The last post was a result of specifically seeking out images of wildflowers. This one I just happened on today as I returned from another assignment in Schwertner, Texas for the Williamson County Sun. For the last 18 years, David and Laura Van Soest have been fortunate indeed, their extensive front yard north of Walburg, Texas filling up with a sea of Texas bluebonnets. The bluebonnets sprout in many spots, but particularly around an antique hay rake that once belonged to Laura’s great-grandparents, who lived near Lockhart, Texas. Laura was gracious enough to let me wander around a bit to check out her life-affirming scene.
Wildflower Interlude
After a visit to the World’s Smallest Catholic Church last weekend, I took advantage of the day’s nice weather and enjoyed a bit of one of the many things that make Texas so great, our majestic Spring wildflowers. Some years, due to drought and/or other factors, their abundance is limited. This year, however, things are looking nice. The day took me to Washington County, through the town of Brenham, home of the best ice cream in the world, then up Highway 50 to the very small town of Independence. Today, Independence is home to Old Baylor Park. Before Baylor University set down permanent roots in Waco, it was here, from 1845-1886. On a good flower year, this is a top destination. I wasn’t disappointed. Most of these photos are from there. The last two were taken in Caldwell (home of the Kolache Festival), along Texas Highway 36. We love our wildflowers.
A Small & Inspiring Church
A few weeks ago, thanks to social media, I heard about something that just cried to be seen. It seems that Texas, known for all things bigger, also has the smallest Catholic church in the world! The church is Saint Martins Catholic Church, on Texas Highway 237 just east of Warrenton. That’s Fayette County for those who don’t know, home to the more well-known Painted Churches. This beautiful little gem was built in 1915 and measures a whopping 12 feet by 16 feet. Inside, there’s no electricity (at least I didn’t find any on my visit), but window light does a fine job, adding to the mood. The well-worn floor is home to 12 wooden pews, enough, I’m told, to hold 20 worshipers. Mass is usually held once a month. What I really liked more than anything, however, is what I admire about many Catholic churches: they keep their doors open. I worried I’d make the 90-minute drive for nothing, but I got there before sunrise and sure enough, it was open. That’s a good thing. If you’re going through Fayette County, Texas, stop by for a visit. Drive slowly though, or you might miss it!
The Big Event
During a very busy Saturday, I enjoyed spending some time with Southwestern University
students as they took part in “The Big Event.” a day of service in the Georgetown community. Students, faculty and staff spread out all over the area, giving of their time and their labor. In all, groups visited 15 locations. Among them was Park Place Care Center, where 18-year-old Sarah Matthews visited with 89-year-old Bob Dabney (opening photo) while 18-year-old Aliehs Lee not only listened to some great stories told by 101-year-old Mary Grumbles, but learned how to play dominoes for the first time, courtesy of a very sharp lady. Others spent time staining fences at the Stonehaven Unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown. And a huge group volunteered their day at the Special Olympics. All this was leading up to the inauguration of Southwestern’s 15 president, Edward Burger (a later post to follow on that event).
An Inspiring Olympics in Georgetown, Texas
Even if I weren’t assigned to cover the Special Olympics each year, I’d make a point of being there. These athletes give it all they’ve got, with immeasurable support from the Georgetown and Central Texas communities. This is the 28th year for this event, sponsored by the San Gabriel Kiwanis Breakfast Club. For this Spring’s session, 6 teams were on hand on a cloudy, near-perfect Saturday morning at the Forbes Middle School track. Pedro Gonzales (opening and second photo), a member of the Taylor Comets team, was one of the day’s success stories. Nearing the end of the 800 meter run, Pedro had just about run out of fuel, but was given a helping hand to complete his race. At this event, everyone wins, spectators and volunteers included. These are some photos taken for the Williamson County Sun.
A Spring Break Tea Party at the Library
For a number of years, the Georgetown (Texas) Public Library celebrates Spring Break week with a tea party, always well-attended by children and adults alike. This year’s event was themed Alice in Wonderland. Approximately 250 kids were there to have fun and be entertained with tea (lemonade), grapes, cupcakes, cookies, etc. A very funny duo, Schave & Reilly, kept everyone in stitches with their physical slapstick comedy act. These are a few photos I took for the Williamson County Sun. One little guy, 4-year-old Elijah Rodriguez, had such great expressions, I included him twice!
A Tranquil Visit to Berry Springs
One of my favorite getaway places to enjoy the beauty of Central Texas is Berry Springs Park & Preserve, a tranquil bit of land and water with a wonderful grove of pecan trees. And thanks to Sue Wright, a member of the Williamson Audubon Group, I got the chance to see a couple of Great Horned Owls that have taken up residence in a nest once belonging to a family of Red-Shouldered hawks. Two of these big-eyed birds peered down at me from above. There’s a third member, but he/she was incognito during my two-hour visit to the park. Oh well, maybe another visit will prove more fruitful! One creature obviously not shy around here is the common squirrel. When I finally gave up on my owls, this furry critter felt the need to show its balancing skills on skinny limbs. Amazingly, the little guy managed to hang on. When photographers get bored, I suppose, squirrels are there to fill in the visual gaps. If you’re in Central Texas, do check out Berry Springs Park & Preserve. It’s on County Road 152.
A Texas Celebration
Kids in Georgetown’s public schools kicked up their heels and donned their cowboy hats last week as they celebrated Texas independence in elementary schools, including McCoy Elementary, Village Elementary and Annie Purl Elementary School. McCoy Elementary first graders Ja’mire Abrams and Andres Garza, both 6, were learning a little about the Texas two-step and the chicken dance. McCoy fifth grader Ethan Garner donned a coonskin cap and portrayed Davey Crockett at the Battle of the Alamo. Village kindergartener Maggie Davis, 5, showed off her fancy roping skills. And Annie Purl second grader Alexis Rodriguez, 8, knew when to politely tip his cowboy hat. I’ve said it before, but I don’t recall many states that so completely embrace their culture and traditions. That’s a good thing, folks.
What Are They Watching?
5-year-old Addison Breen and 4-year-old Anna Jones were completely enamored during a visit to Georgetown’s Klett Performing Arts Center recently. The two young ladies were part of the audience for a performance by magician C.J. Johnson. Mr. Johnson, who travels the world entertaining and amazing youth and adults alike, was the featured attraction for a fundraiser here held by the Georgetown Evening Lions Club. Money raised at the show helps get eyeglasses for needy children in the area, with additional funds helping out local charities such as The Caring Place. Johnson’s show lasted almost 90 minutes and was non-stop fun. My favorite audience member was 4-year-old Denton Ponton (the final photo), who was obviously in heaven!
Beautiful & Graceful Eagles
On the way back from Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on Saturday, I took the time to stop along Texas Highway 29, a few miles east of Llano, Texas, where some spectacular Bald Eagles have been nesting for the past few winters. Their nest, apparently added to on each return trip to Texas, is quite huge! It was a cool, cloudy day and I wasn’t sure I’d get a chance to see them, but luck was with me. It would’ve been great to see their two chicks, but the babies, now old enough leave the nest, were incognito. The parents, it seemed, weren’t too happy about that! The nesting area has become so popular, an area for motor vehicles has been created so viewers don’t upset the flow of traffic on this 2-lane piece of blacktop. Among those stopping during my visit were Terrie Moore, snapping pictures while her friend, Tanner Worthing, looked on.
Those in the know advise that if you want to see them, you need to go soon as they’re getting ready for their long trip north, to either Canada or Alaska. All birds are majestic to me, but these are high on my list of favorites.
An Introduction to Instruments
The Georgetown (Texas) Independent School District each year encourages the district’s 5th graders to take part in instrument fairs, where kids who’ll be entering one of the three middle schools next school year get a chance to participate in band and/or orchestra. At these sessions, children give the instruments a “test drive.” As a former band and orchestra kid myself (mostly clarinet, sometimes tenor sax), I like that schools, even with cuts in funding everywhere, are continuing to get young minds thinking about the arts. These photos, taken for the Williamson County Sun, were recorded at Benold Middle School this week. It was fun to watch 11-year-old Isaiha Davis, a McCoy Elementary 5th grader, try out the French horn as his 5-year-old nephew, Ladarious Morrison-Johnson, took in every move! Keep pushing the arts in schools. Not that math and science aren’t important, but minds form in many different ways.
