Wandering all over the Blackland Prairie is enriching,  but sometimes one can find inspiration close to home.   Orchid interpretations.

Perhaps you enjoy seeing these scenic  photographs from our area of the Blackland Prairie, but consider this.   Much of what you see is rapidly being scooped up by development.   We live just over 30 miles from Austin, one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States.   It’s been a mission to document it before it’s too late.   Four photos were taken Sunday evening.   The final one, a field of corn under a canopy of storm clouds, is from tonight.   Progress can lead to chaos.  

Pulling into my driveway tonight, after taking a few photos, I was rewarded with a show put on by lightning bugs, dots of light penetrating the darkness.   Growing up in the 50s and 60s, we used to catch them in Mason jars to get a closer look at their theatrics.   Decades later, I think it’s best to let them roam free, still  providing that sweet glow.  There’s really no need to trap them.    There was a sweet glow nearing sunset tonight on the Blackland Prairie.   Three examples are presented here.   I’d enjoy photographing those little bugs, but persevere  while chasing the light. 

After opening Thursday evening, the  community of Granger concludes its 44th Annual Lakefest today.   This picturesque town a few miles north of Taylor does a wonderful job every year.  This time, the threat of heavy rain and storms were forecast for all three days.   Thankfully, the weather predictions proved wrong for the first two days, giving visitors a chance to enjoy good food and drink, a fine midway and a good place to stroll along a traditional brick street, closed off to cars for the event.  It was just the right venue for street dancing.   The rain finally came in the early hours Saturday, causing organizers to cancel the  Saturday morning parade, plus music performances and car show.  These photos represent something from each day.  When I was there this morning, however, the carnival midway was still going strong, wet or dry.   Barbecue Cook-off participants and judges proceeded as well.   The barbecue judges were nestled inside Granger’s S.P.J.S.T. Hall, here since 1909.  Each time I mention “SPJST,” people are curious.   In Czech, it’s Slovanska Podporujici  Jednota Statu Texas.   In English, it’s Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas.  S.P.J.S.T. organized in Fayetteville, Texas in 1897.   Do some research on your own for more knowledge.

For a while I’d pass by this pasture, taking note of two recently-born horses staying close to their mamas, but since there was no place to pull over without getting run over, it seemed like a good idea to reach out to family members I’ve known for years, inquiring if it was okay to park on their property to photograph these new babies.   As always, they were gracious and welcoming.   As were the horses, both born this spring.    Realizing this is Mother’s Day weekend, this post seemed timely.   You’ll see some photos of them in this weekend’s Williamson County Sun.   A heartfelt thank you to the Gattis family.

Nothing fancy here, friends.   Just a few shots taken during my daily walks through Taylor, Texas.  That little Olympus camera is still doing its yeoman work.   Since these walks are exercise, I don’t spend much time with any subject, but enjoy seeing birds, squirrels and cats.

Three photographs taken this evening when nearing home, the light crisp and warm as it falls on fields of corn.   And a few cattle.  

A few photos from recent outings are presented here.   Each offering concentrates on crops planted this spring, including corn and wheat.     One photograph is in Milam  County, one of the places I go when needing to get away from the pain of overdevelopment.    All, of course, are on the Blackland Prairie.

This photograph was taken a few evenings back as I drove through East Williamson County.   The stream, with a long-retired truss bridge spanning its surface,  is Brushy Creek.   My mood has been somewhat ornery since Saturday.   On the way home from tonight’s rambling, “Scheherazade,” created by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, was playing on the car’s radio.   We played a bit of this composer’s work in high school orchestra.   His compositions  have a calming effect.   The meandering stream is calming, too.  

Blackland Prairie Days, held at Heritage Square Park in downtown Taylor, was Saturday’s second festival covered.    It was pretty dang warm by afternoon.    The pigs at Fry’s Fun Farm Petting Zoo were a favorite stop.  There were some nice quilts to see from the Blackland Quilting Guild members, plus some fine music provided by The Jerrells, a Georgetown band.  A butterfly was attracted to one of the tractors on display, a  beautifully-restored 1949 McCormick Farmall.  One attendee wisely brought her parasol to minimize the heat.   Considering our city election was concluding Saturday, the need for political advertising seemed unnecessary.     Fingers crossed campaign signs will begin to come down soon.    Voting is important, but not the noise  that accompanies any campaign.    You will never see a public display from this photojournalist.    It’s tiresome, but folks just like to strut like Foghorn Leghorn.    You have every right to show public support, but making yourself heard at the ballot box works, too.   If you’re swayed by yard signs, go back to the drawing board.   The signs are unsightly.   And loud. You can be quiet and still get things done.