Files are once again cluttering my computer’s desktop. For tonight, a few cattle seen during my ramblings. One or two might have been taken in January. When looking at all the junk this afternoon, I sent some to the trash bin. Keeping everything isn’t prudent. 
Not quite three weeks ago I photographed this grove of old-growth trees in warm late-day light. The results were satisfying. You may recall, however, the notion of occasionally returning to a site to document it under different conditions. Early this morning, a foggy and misty day, those trees garnered my attention again. This time, a few cattle wandered into the grove, a welcome addition. On the ground nearby were grasses and wildflowers that weren’t there a few weeks ago. Just appreciating light, my friends. The warmth of a few weeks ago was nice. So is this. Before I forget, this has a news peg. Friday is National Arbor Day. 
It’s a blessing to have the rookery at Taylor’s Murphy Park so close to home. My daily walks take me by there often, but what I really enjoy is unfolding my portable chair, sitting down and just watching. Egrets and Ibis arrive here every spring to add new members to their family. By early-October they’ve moved on. The cormorants, those darker birds you see, are year-round residents. They always seem put out when the egrets come to town, but they seem to tolerate one another well. These were taken on two different evenings this week, both a bit cloudy. The numbers will continue to grow if we can just get a little more rain this summer. Fingers crossed. 
Corn might well be the most abundant crop in this area of Central Texas. The little sprouts grow quickly, changing the prairie landscape as they grow tall. It’s usually planted early enough to get the rain needed to thrive. When moving to the area a dozen years ago, I assumed it was sweet corn in those fields, but it’s mostly used as grain for livestock feed. Humans could eat it, but it’s pretty bland. I wish there was a farmer out there who planted more sweet corn, but in today’s world that’s apparently not a viable crop if you’re trying to make a living. Anyway, these are photographs taken last evening in areas south of Bartlett and a little north of Granger. The post concludes with just a sunset. Sunsets are serene. 
My knowledge of 
butterflies is minimal, but this one landing on a wildflower did have a nice little face and wonderful eyes. This wasn’t far from a section of the San Gabriel River. I stopped for the flowers. The butterfly was an added gift.
This continues my little collection featuring barns. I’ve passed this barn for years, seldom taking the time to photograph it. The light wasn’t right. But on this late-afternoon it just glistened. A tighter version was made, but the yellow wildflowers in the foreground led to this frame. Some friends in the area will know this barn. I hope it remains for years to come. 
Occasionally I’ll offer up photographs taken during daily walks. Most of these outings are in Taylor, with occasional strolls in Georgetown. This set are all from Taylor. When having cataract procedures in recent years, my doctor strongly suggested not toting the heavier cameras for a few weeks. The solution was to buy a used Olympus mirrorless camera and two lenses. The little camera was so much fun (and light!) that I began bringing it on daily walks. Over five decades ago I was taught to always have a camera available. This cheap used camera isn’t perfect, but it provides the equivalent of a 300mm focal length, weighing little more than your iPhone. Enough said about that. Take a look at these snapshots from recent walks. Since the walks are exercise, very little time is spent on any subject. Just some snapshots, friends, mostly botanical. 
Only this one tonight, my friends. A few minutes past sunset on a cloudy evening, I stopped to admire a windmill resting under a layer of thick clouds adorned with blue light. An owl suddenly appeared, but soon left when seeing an intruder (me). I was glad for our brief visit. 
Three recent photographs taken near or after a Blackland Prairie sunset. Just clearing things off my desktop before forgetting they’re there. Sometimes they’re tossed into the trash bin. I’ll hold onto these. 
Many wildflower posts find their way to my social media accounts this time of year. I love all of them, but try to scale back on too many myself. A place I like very much, no matter the season, is Georgetown’s Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery & Prayer Gardens. Offered tonight are a few things observed this week during a late-afternoon visit. “Weeds” is a word often infused with negative meanings, but most wildflowers, including our state flower, are weeds. In this part of Texas the bluebonnets are still here, but overshadowed by other flowers. All of them have merit. The last photo isn’t a wildflower at all, just a simple leaf nestled next to a tree. By the time I clicked the shutter for this one the light had lessened, but was sufficient to add a dappling before tucking in for the night. 
