Despite some confusing construction-related road closures, I managed to finally make to Georgetown Municipal Airport on Saturday for their annual Classic Car and Vintage Aircraft Show.   Judging by the crowded parking area, others were successful as well.   That’s a good thing because this event collected donations for a great charity, the Wounded Warriors Project

.   Both the cars and the planes were a site to behold.  I don’t know much about aircraft, but the World War II-era B-25, the centerpiece for the Commemorative Air Force Devil Dog Squadron, is a work of art that’s still going strong.   The cars in the show were so well-preserved, I was in awe.   Unfortunately, I didn’t see any 1969 Plymouth Road Runners!   I had one, purchased brand-new by my parents when I was a senior in high school for the grand sum of $2,900.   If only I’d known they’d be so valuable, it would still be with me.  Alas, the choices we make.   One person having a grand time, pictured in the opening shot, was 9-month-old Savannah Fuller, riding in the wagon specially made by her dad, Matt Fuller, who was one of the car show entrants, showing off his 1965 Mustang convertible.   As I was leaving the show, I noticed a hammock spread between a couple of oaks.   There I found two-and-a-half year old Baron Young sound asleep, resting peacefully in the loving arms of his grandpa, Chris Young.  Little Baron was pooped, but Chris commented “He just loves cars, motorcycles and planes!”   He’s obviously pretty fond of grandpa,   too.  These photos were taken for the Williamson County Sun.

If you enjoy uplifting musical theater done well, don’t miss out on the Palace Theatre’s latest production, “CATS,” with wonderful music created  by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is making its way to the Springer Memorial Stage, beginning tonight and continuing weekends through March 23.    The play is based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot.    The Palace’s production is directed by Clifford Butler and includes a fine cast.  I particularly liked Old Deuteronomy, portrayed by Palace veteran actor Curt Olson.   He’s the gentle feline you see in the opening photo.    Some of these photos are bound for my friends at the Williamson County Sun

.   If you get a chance, try to put this fun, uplifting and lively Palace offering on your docket.   You’ll be glad you did.

On Saturday, I rambled through several areas of Georgetown in search of good feature photos for my friends at the Williamson County Sun.   With three solid photos in hand, I was ready to call it day, but decided to make a swing through San Gabriel Park, a place I thoroughly love.   Driving through, I spotted gentlemen in garb from the Middle Ages  as they took part in a jousting match.   Of course, it brought me to a stop!   As I approached, I found more than 200 members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international group that celebrates the pre-17th century period focusing on the Middle Ages and Renaissance.   As it turns out, this particular  group at the park  is comprised of members primarily from  Texas and Oklahoma.   They call it  the Kingdom of Ansteorra.   I’m told they meet here at San Gabriel Park every first Saturday in February for their Candlemas Celebration, harking the end of the winter season (we’re not done with it yet!).  Members are quick to point out that what they do is PLAY, not re-enacting.  Most make their own costumes, or have them made by fellow members.  They also take on names more in line with the Middle Ages.   Brandyn M. Butler, the young man in the opening photo, goes by Brian O’ hullian when he’s in play mode.   He stresses the h in the play name is NOT capitalized, either.   Meeting this very fun bunch marked an end to a good Saturday afternoon.

The Williamson County Livestock Show, as I may have mentioned in my previous installment, is one of the very fun assignments I do each year for the Williamson County Sun.   This year, I covered two days’ worth of activity, lamb and goat judging, followed by heifers and steers.    For many of these young Texans, livestock shows are a special thing, as important in their lives as just about any extracurricular activity.   Many of them will pursue careers in agriculture as they reach adulthood.   Even though Texas is very urban, its rural roots are still strong.   I loved watching 13-year-old Macy Burns, from Thrall (opening photo), as she wrestled in the arena with her heifer, Molly.  Macy had things well in hand!   And the determined look on the face of 10-year-old Gunner Clapper of Georgetown as he prepared to show his steer, Little Guy, was priceless.   Some kids, like 12-year-old Kayden Tanner, were determined to compete, even with a broken collar bone.   I love the passion, strength and can-do attitudes of these very bright youngsters.

One of my favorite events to cover every year is the Williamson County Livestock Show.   All week, the show barn at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas is filled with kids and the farm animals they’ve worked with throughout the year.   For many of these youngsters, the livestock show is a huge happening, of Super Bowl importance in their lives.     Livestock shows are of course not exclusive to Texas, but the Lone Star takes them to heart better than many.   During my time in Atlanta, Georgia, I don’t recall ever covering one of these for the Atlanta Journal & Constitution.   However, the Williamson County Sun puts it out there as a top contender for space.  It’s significant community journalism, thank goodness.   There will be another livestock show posting soon, but here I’m concentrating specifically on 9-year-old Macey Hilton of Florence, Texas.   Macey was competing for her very first time,  joined by her goat named Max.   Macey and Max have plenty of family support in this venture, including her parents, Nicole and Shane, brother Shane Hilton II, 12, sister Kailee, 10, and the youngest, Danni, 7.  Macey’s older siblings already show animals.  Next year, says mom, Danni will join in the fun.

Georgetown resident Lettie Hines, in the opening photo, was one of approximately 200 people who gathered for a special service commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday.   Ms. Hines was photographed at the conclusion of the program at Georgetown’s Macedonia Baptist Church as the crowd sang “Reach Out and Touch.”    Congregants gathered here after marching together from the Georgetown square.   I’ve photographed this national holiday event for the Williamson County Sun for three years now.    One little guy, 6-year-old Aiden Bradshaw, is usually there with his grandma, Helen Jones.   Since my camera has focused on him before, I tried to look elsewhere for my photos.   Near the service’s end, however, there was Aiden, leaning on his grandma’s shoulders, looking angelic.  Those eyes just draw me in.

During my many years in Atlanta, I photographed a lot of road races for the Atlanta Journal & Constitution.   It came pretty naturally since I spent so many years plodding out the miles myself.   Since returning to Texas, however, I’ve not had the opportunity to do much of that.   That changed this weekend when the Austin American-Statesman asked me to cover the annual 3M Half Marathon in Austin.   It was a perfect (but very early!) Sunday morning for the runners, with temperatures in the low 40s at the start.  Some might think that chilly, but not so for most distance runners.   This was just what the doctor ordered!   While many athletes have a story in them, one that stood out this weekend was 88-year-old Joe Barger (opening photo), an Austin resident who is also an Iwo Jima combat veteran.   I was just about finished, ready to pack it up and head to my laptop, but the announcer mentioned Mr. Barger.    I couldn’t pass that up.   What an inspiring gentleman he was!   Here’s a few shots that also made it to the Statesman’s website.   The winners are included here, but you win just by being there.  Stay active.

Georgetown Parks & Recreation held their annual Fishing Derby at Blue Hole Lagoon this past Saturday.   Participants, kids and adults included, found the weather was just right for catching trout.   Texas Parks & Wildlife pitched in and stocked the park with plenty of trout for excited anglers.   6-year-old Sullivan Meyers, pictured in the opening photo, went on his first fishing expedition,  learning the fine art of casting from his grandmother, Pattie Meyers.   Grandpa Terry Meyers was also there to lend a hand getting the bait ready to go.    This is a very cool, family-friendly event that brings people together in a picturesque setting.   Saturday’s derby was rescheduled after early-December temperatures were just plain unacceptable for Central Texans.   These photos were taken for my friends at the Williamson County Sun.

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As this post is written, a group of very fine actors/actresses are preparing to grace the Palace Theatre’s Springer Memorial Stage for “Lend Me A Tenor,” an absolutely hilarious and fast-moving production directed by Lannie Hilboldt.   Don’t let the play’s name fool you, folks.   If you’re expecting a musical, it’s not.   Rather, it’s a screwball comedy set in 1934 Cleveland, Ohio.    The small cast of eight, as with most Palace productions, was spot on.    The biggest surprise, however, was finding out Marsha Sray (the lady screaming and bouncing on the bed) was a cast member.    Since moving back to Texas a while back, Marsha, the Palace’s Operations Manager, has been my go-to person, helping me get the names right on my photos.   I’ve photographed her husband, David Sray, several times at the Palace, but had no idea she was so talented onstage, too!   Everyone was great, as I hope these photos from last night’s dress rehearsal demonstrate.   Other cast members include Michael Dominguez as Max, Sarah May Jewell, playing Maggie, Rick Smith, as Saunders, Joseph Burg David, playing Tito Merelli, Wes Cheers, as a very funny bellhop, Annie Violette (Diana) and Nikki Bora (Julia).   Don’t miss out on this fine work, playing through February 2 in beautiful downtown Georgetown, Texas.   I’m no critic, but I know what I like.   This was fun!   Look for a formal review in an upcoming Williamson County Sun.

Having some time to spare after an assignment  for the Austin American-Statesman at Thorndale HIgh School, I decided to wander into downtown Thorndale for a peek.   It’s an interesting little town, located about 40 northeast of Austin, in Milam County.  The most recent census figures say its population is 1,336.   It’s a quiet little town, except when the trains that parallel U.S. Highway 79 come roaring through.    I love these small, picturesque little towns that are so much a part of Texas culture.   Many have empty, hollowed shells for buildings, but their character remains.   When the light finally faded, I reluctantly moseyed on home to Taylor.