Just a quick post, something from my daily walks last week.   Some might see these as cute critters, but they are a member of the rodent family.

I had ventured out well before first light on this foggy and misty morning.   The pre-dawn images didn’t inspire me, but the mist and fog at Bull Branch Park were just fine.   There was actually more mist than fog.   I liked the way the drops of moisture latched onto cypress branches, little dots of glitter in an otherwise monotone scene.   It’s been misty and gray throughout the day in Taylor.  As this is written it’s still with us.   And that’s okay.

There’s not a specific theme with this post, but I do like to see winter trees.   And large flocks of birds gathering over a couple of trees, too.   I’ve photographed the scene without birds for a few winters.   On one of those excursions I got a shock when getting a wee bit close to an electric fence.   Live and learn. 

In the Texas county where we live (Williamson), most of the deer sightings have been on the west side of Wilco, as in west of Interstate 35.   Lately, however, I’ve been seeing more wandering into farm country on the east side.   Drivers, watch where you’re going.   The deer population is expanding.

Winter light can be intriguing.   Combined with trees in transition near the San Gabriel River, it’s especially fun to see.  A favorite in this group might be the one with two types of light, the top section encased in warmth, the bottom portion, in shade, looking rather blue.   These were taken this week from a high vantage point, but not with a drone.    A drone might be nice to have, but I can see it being overused if not careful. 

A recent post suggested that New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Church is the most photographed church in Texas.   I don’t know about that, but I’ve photographed it quite a lot since returning to Texas in 2009.    The congregation was formed by Swedish immigrants in 1876.   Their first church was built in 1879, on the site of the church cemetery, about a mile west of the current church.  Construction began there in 1921, with completion in 1923.   Its 104-foot tall copper spire stands out for miles around.   This post includes the church, a window reflecting evening light, plus photos of the cemetery, beautiful in its own right.   That’s a Waxing Crescent moon tonight, 7.9% visibility.

It’s always nice to include both a sunset and moonrise in a post.   That’s what you see tonight.   A vibrant setting sun east of Granger was followed by the appearance of a Waxing Crescent moon, just 2.6% visibility, shining through goalposts at Taylor Middle School.  The airplane flying through the scene was an interesting addition.

Even when not posting them, it’s a pretty good bet that I’m taking photos of windmills, our rural Texas skyscrapers.    Beginning with one taken this evening, presented here are four taken since the start of winter.   The one surrounded by blue light was taken before dawn on Christmas morning.    Expect more  of these at some point.  

Just some photos taken around Georgetown today to mark the new year.   The weather was warm, with temperatures into the 70s.   A cold front will change things later tonight.  Lows in the 20s are expected by morning, not getting past the mid-40s.   For us Central Texans, that’s quite chilly!  I asked the fly fisherman if his waders would suffice on a frigid day.  “No.”  I get it.  Have a great year.

This was my first photo taken in 2022, a few minutes before dawn on a cloudy start to the year.   These strutting hens crossed the road in style.   Thankfully, it’s a road less traveled.