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.

This morning I spent some quality time taking photographs at a Jonah and Weir Community  fundraiser for the Jonah School, which opened in 1922, closing in 1972 when its students were absorbed into the Georgetown School District.   In recent years, the historic structure has served as a community center, but it needs some tender loving care, thus the fundraiser.  A floor in one of classrooms has caved in.  And they hope to restore the merry-go-round if possible.  This structure has been in front of my lenses quite a few times, mostly from the outside.   In February 2013, however, I attended a Chili Supper fundraiser in the school’s auditorium, where Carl Lidell, about to turn 90, danced with his wife Grace to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”   Mr. Lidell, a Navy veteran, attended Jonah School and went on to become a Williamson County Commissioner, also a founder of the Jonah Special Utility District.   I loved seeing the couple dance in that space. A black-and-white photo of him during his Navy service included here.     He died in 2015.

Princess is a beautiful (and registered) Texas Longhorn owned by a good friend.  I think she’s in her late-teens.   It’s been probably three years since I last had the opportunity to take her photograph.   Princess, you see, normally wanders way out into her pasture,  too far away for meaningful portraits.   I’ve passed by my friend’s place numerous times, but that camera-shy cow wasn’t having it.  That’s okay.  My friend and I just visit for a while.   Last evening, however, she was accessible, enjoying a field with a few other cows and donkeys.  We had a nice session, even if she continues to balk at photos.  I stayed with her until sun began to go down, warm light taking hold.   Next time, I’ll be sure to bring treats!    And perhaps share photos of this girl’s friends, too.

Taking photographs during daily walks has become a bit of an obsession the last few years.   These are some photos taken over the last few days as I strolled through Taylor.  My trusty Olympus camera purchased used almost three years ago is now semi-retired, but these were made with it.    I’m not tossing  old one away, but have another Olympus to take its place.   The older I get, the more I crave lighter, but efficient cameras.

For those who live in our area, this week’s rain has been a welcome sight.   I think even the horses are enjoying a little dousing.   All photos except for the horse seeking shelter are from tonight.   Temperatures in the low-70s are nice.  

The village of Coupland, less than 300 people, is a study in elegance.   I could spend a lot of time mentioning a few things here, but for tonight’s visit only three scenes are offered.  That truss bridge, closed for a while in recent years for renovation, is a treasure.   If you saw “Secondhand Lions,” a 2003 movie starring Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, you’ve seen this bridge.   I like the movie for its ties to Central Texas.   The opening photograph looks toward Coupland.   A peaceful dirt road is included.  And some railroad tracks going through town.   You won’t see me photographing people meandering along railroad tracks (too dangerous), but you might see some rails.

We had a good dousing of much-needed rain this afternoon in Williamson County, Texas.   While a few photos were taken during that event, I’m just sharing what I saw this evening, after the rain moved through.   The church is Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, in Wuthrich Hill.   It’s been a subject since moving here in 2009.   It opens this post with a rainbow.   A couple more rainbow photographs are offered.  And cotton.   The last photo, taken before the rainbow appeared, shows Prince of Peace as seen from a distance.   I wanted to give you a sense of where we live.  That final photo tries to do that.

Much of my Saturday was spent photographing the action and features at the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association’s stop at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.   The group, founded in 1978,  visits several cities in Texas throughout the year.   You’re allowed to compete if you’re at least 40 years old, but quite a few participants are well beyond that.   You won’t find saddle bronc riding, bareback riding or bull riding here, but what these participants do is pretty doggone amazing.   For years I’ve reminded folks that rodeo is an athletic endeavor.  This group is proof of that.   Quite a few photographs are shared with this post.   These participants deserve to be recognized.   Age doesn’t have to be an impediment. Their next stop is in Gonzales on September 7th and 8th. 

Tonight’s sunset in Taylor, Texas.   This photograph is connected with something I’ve been photographing today.    Consider this  a tease.   A followup (hopefully)  near day’s end on Sunday.   Sunsets are nice.

Stormy weather usually presents a few added visual benefits.   That was surely so Friday night after stormy weather moved through East Williamson County.   Presented here are three outtakes from Friday’s post.   Included are cattle grazing under some turbulent skies, a view of the San Gabriel River from a favorite truss bridge, plus a cleared field of corn on a gentle hill close to home.   Good light is a gift.