I get backed up on photos taken during my walks. They’re mostly just snippets of things seen while strolling through Taylor parks and neighborhoods. Since they’re made during bits of exercise, not much time is spent on most subjects, but it’s fun to observe how light engages with a subject. A few ducks, of course. 
The Georgetown Animal Shelter teamed up with the Georgetown Public Library again this year for a kitten adoption, a happening I really enjoy covering. This year the shelter brought 19 kittens for adoption. Before the session ended, every kitten had found a new home. This post begins and concludes with Kolache, a 4-month-old tabby. Kolache was quickly photographed since I assumed he would soon be adopted. Near the end of adoptions, Kolache still hadn’t found a home. The other eighteen kittens were scooped up in no time. As shelter staff began packing up their gear it appeared Kolache would return with them. Then a lady who’d earlier cuddled Kolache decided he was going home with her after all! They’re together in the last photograph. Every kitten was adopted. Shelters all over the country have an abundance of cats and dogs available for adoption. Give them consideration when it’s time to add a new family member. 
It’s been over a month since we’ve had rain in Taylor, but sometimes we do get a cloud or two. This was tonight near sunset over Bill Pickett Trail. A couple of Ibis were likely headed for the rookery. 
Corn harvest continues all around our area of the prairie. A few egrets were more than happy to help clear that dusty field. 
During our intense summer heat spell, the sun bears down with greater intensity as the hours progress. It’s certainly true along a wonderful prairie road winding through East Williamson County. This is a late-day photo, the rays at their strongest, leaving the surrounding land mostly dark. I don’t cotton to our heat, but find its effect on landscapes to be fascinating. Fellow photographers, no I didn’t burn down the sides for effect. Nature does it for us. 
A scene that recently wandered into view. While I’d stopped for a photo of the barn, a little something extra materialized, a fleeting moment. Those sheep were focused on the fellow carrying food, not the guy taking a photo. 
It’s somewhat rare to see a vertical photo posted here, or on my social media sites. Instagram, for instance, has a tough time with that shape. Suggested applications to remedy the issue haven’t worked if the post involves a group of photos. Verticals do, however, seem to work if just posting one picture. No, I don’t like the dang power lines, but won’t tell you visual lies. 
A little community journalism tonight, friends. Today I enjoyed some smiling faces as Georgetown-area children and families received free backpacks for the coming school year. Held at the Carver Center for Families (originally Carver Elementary School), the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association oversaw the distribution of 776 backpacks at the Community Awareness Fair. Helping out were volunteers from Georgetown I.S.D., including members of the East View High School football team. Over 300 of the backpacks were made possible by the Georgetown Police Department. After getting their backpacks, kids could get free snow cones, or visit a petting zoo from Wild Things Zoofari. That young lady wasn’t so sure about that Bearded Dragon on her shoulder, but she decided the little guy was just fine. The first day of school in Georgetown is August 17th. 
When the birds are in Taylor, it’s hard to ignore them. A few photos from the rookery at Murphy Park. It’s wonderful to see so many photographers spending time here. Some travel quite a distance. Thankfully, we’re just about a mile away. As mentioned many times, I don’t always get identifications right, but I looked up the bird pictured in the first couple of photos. My search says it’s a Reddish Egret, more often seen in marshy areas, but I was glad to see her. She’s listed as potentially endangered. Birding friends will jump in and correctly name this bird. They like to do that. I’m no birder, but they’re amazing beings, particularly at Taylor’s rookery. 
Recently I’ve been listening to soothing music when looking for places that inspire me. Earlier this week a cornfield tapestry nestled under a setting sun was just what the doctor ordered while listening to Mark Isham’s 1995 album “Blue Sun.” This scene is along a road on the cusp of development. I fear for its possible demise, but will enjoy it while I can. As long as I’m here. 