Photos taken this evening in Granger, Texas. Clouds made their presence known. The opening photo was one of the last ones taken tonight, a little bit before 8p.m., temperatures still in the mid-upper 90s. The opening photo was one of the last ones taken. Others are just fillers. 
I hope the rain comes soon. And temperatures take a nose dive.
On Saturday, the first day of Autumn, I spent National Public Lands Day at Pecan Springs Karst Preserve, a 1,205 acre space a few miles west of Jarrell, in Williamson County. An anonymous donor turned over the land to the Hill Country Conservancy, assuring it will remain pristine and immune to development. Despite our drought, the land’s connection to the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone allows water to hold its own here. The land is covered with old-growth trees including pecan, oaks, juniper and cedar. The gent in the straw hat places his hand on a pecan tree he guesses is 230-years-old. A board member from the Indigenous Cultures Institute in San Marcos played Native American flute as the land was blessed near one of the springs. The space also includes several limestone caves, where I stepped carefully. This morning’s 3-hour session was open to a handful of attendees. Eventually the general public will be able to access the land, which will be used for conservation, research, educational outreach and public recreation. With unchecked development decimating so many places, it’s nice to see this one will be protected for future generations. 
A Jonah sunrise on this first day of Autumn. At least it was somewhat cool a little after 7a.m. today, but the current Taylor temperature is 96. Sunday’s high is expected to be 99. The summer that keeps on giving. 
Zephyranthes chloroslen are their official name, but in Texas they’re often called Brazos Rain Lilies. Reading up on them, these lilies grow in Kansas and points south , into Mexico. Apparently they’ve been seen in southern Brazil, too. I’ve seen these tiny long-stemmed flowers on daily walks the past few mornings in Taylor, but the ones presented here were taken last night at Mager Cemetery in Beyersville. A Texas legend says they bloom where old bodies are buried. You only see these flowers after a period of rain, dancing skyward for a few days before returning to the soil. Their elegance is yet another reason to appreciate our recent rain. 
There have been times when photographing dragonflies is a piece of cake. They’ll get settled on a food source and stay at it, not giving the camera a second thought. That was not the case with the little rascals recently encountered at Taylor’s Murphy Park. Those babies were in almost constant motion! Trying to get them in focus while they’re moving is certainly a good exercise though. After a while, I began to concentrate on the plants themselves. You know, light and shadow. It’s always about the light. 
Most of the barns I’ve photograph are taken from a distance unless granted prior permission to go on the property. The barn presented this evening is one photographed numerous times, but always from the road. Last week, however, the owners allowed access to the property. It’s nice to be able to study these architectural gems with attention to details. Many old barns I’ve documented in my area are now gone. As developers scoop up prairie farmland close to Taylor, it’s important to record history before it leaves us.
Tuesday night’s Waxing Crescent moon, at 22.7% visibility, shines over Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill. Those twin spires stand out against the North Williamson County skies. 
An abundance of rain over the last few days has replenished the little lake at Taylor’s Murphy Park. We could use more, but it’s a start. The birds seemed to appreciate it. Two photos pay homage to water. The others are a tip of the hat to winged creatures and a fine Waxing Crescent moon from Monday night. 
A very busy weekend was topped off with a visit to Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill for their annual bazaar on Sunday. The church’s twin spires can be seen from quite a distance in North Williamson County. It’s a big event for the church, with barbecued brisket and pork, plus fried chicken and plenty of vegetables and desserts. Hungry folks either got in line for to-go plates or waited outside the Parish Activity Center for indoor dining. And visiting with friends, of course. In addition to food, there was a silent auction, children’s games, Polka music, a raffle, cake walk and bingo. You could also purchase kolaches and other pastries. Inside the dining area, friends chat near a wall covered with silent auction items. And cowboy hats reserve spots for diners. It’s a Texas thing, folks. 
Included in a busy weekend was a stop at Taylor’s Bull Branch Park for KidFish, a fishing tournament for children coordinated by the City of Taylor. I love attending life-affirming events like these. The post opens with three photos of a 2-year-old who was just wonderful to observe, but everyone was a delight. It’s nice to see kids outside, away from televisions and computer screens. 
