The Olympus cameras purchased in recent years have been for use on daily walks, but when on assignment around the Georgetown square Friday night I carried my Nikons, but also an Olympus. It was really too much to carry, but near day’s end I just focused on light patterns with the Olympus. These are Olympus photographs. While migrating to Olympus full-time doesn’t fit my comfort zone yet, it’s a dandy little system. 
On the way home tonight I noticed the Waxing Crescent moon, not quite 14 percent visibility, shining brightly over a scene close to home in Taylor. It was reason enough to stop for a snapshot. Enough said. I see what I see. 
The light isn’t as perfect as I would’ve liked, but this scene in southern Bell County this week brings together things I cherish, including a dirt road, a weathered windmill and a well-worn barn. While I photograph each of these treasures from time to time, they seldom gather in one scene. It was wonderful to see. 
On our way back from Bastrop County late this afternoon, my wife noticed a rainbow just north of Coupland. Naturally, I was compelled to stop. She was ready to be home, but not with a slight detour first. The opening photograph has some interesting light patterns, including early-evening light gracing an unharvested cornfield. The other two were taken before the rainbow got absorbed into the clouds. Rainbows are often brief, but inspiring bits of nature. 
A photo taken a few weeks ago while strolling past the San Gabriel River in Georgetown. Turtles living in the wild are mostly anti-social beings. Nine times out of ten, when they see a camera pointed their way, they’ll dip into the water. Not this one though. She seemed to enjoy the attention. 
Tonight, just more photographs of barns in our area of Central Texas. I photograph them while they’re with us. The structure seen with an outhouse (privy) might’ve been a house at some point. These spaces evolve. Quite a few have ceased to exist. 
The little Olympus camera purchased used nearly three years ago is now retired due to shutter issues. It’s been replaced with another used Olympus purchased a few days ago. So far, I’m liking it even more than the first one for my daily walks. Offered here are some photographs taken with the “new” one. This one’s an OM-D E-M10, barely used by the previous owner. These compact cameras are almost enough to make me retire my Nikons. So far, I’m using both, but the Olympus is far less burdensome for my strolls. A few photographer friends utilize their smartphones when they want to travel light, but so far, the telephoto functions on those aren’t up to par. Just my opinion, of course. 
Finding rural settings becomes more challenging as development continues its march into our area of Central Texas. For this blue evening photograph I wandered north, into Bell County, Texas, to 
an area east of Bartlett. A couple of blades are missing, but the windmill holds on to life. And the land continues to breathe.
Rain clouds formed over Bartlett tonight, enveloping the community with some of the cool blue evening light I love. Bartlett, around 1700 people, resides in both Williamson and Bell Counties, about 20 minutes north of our home in Taylor. Recently, the downtown area was closed off for the creation of a television show. I drove by, but didn’t like what I saw. This is how I see Bartlett. A farm scene east of town is also offered. When I got home tonight it was raining. That was nice. 
A few photographs from the annual bazaar at Granger’s Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. There was lots of barbecue, prepared in the smoking pits behind the parish recreation center. Church members were up all night preparing brisket and sausage. The kitchen was filled with folks putting together to-go plates for attendees. Lines were long, but moved quickly. Many chose to dine inside the parish hall. I particularly enjoyed the curly-haired 3-year-old with her plate of food. The day concluded with a dance this evening, with music by Scooter Dubec and Sterling Country. Just a slice of life in Texas, friends. 
