Tonight’s Full Moon

The full moon, as seen east of Walburg, Texas this evening.   Why they call it a Super Blue Moon is a mystery.   It’s certainly not blue, rather a warm embrace of color before becoming a hot white ball above us.   But it’s always nice to see.

Moon Over Granger

Tonight’s Waxing Gibbous moon, at 94.1% visibility, glistened over Granger City Hall tonight.   I love this historic structure.   It opened in 1909 as Farmers State Bank, later becoming home to Granger City Hall in the 1920s.   The building is undergoing restoration.   I’ve no doubt it will be here for years to come.

Clouds …. and Sunset

The state has identified our area as one experiencing exceptional drought.   We’re well aware of that.   Late this afternoon, clouds materialized and the wind brought forth with abandon.   Finally, I thought, we’d get the relief we need.  The first photo was taken near a  friend’s farm west of Taylor.  Surely the rain would come.   When I ventured out early this evening, rain was minimal.   A recently-harvested cornfield rested under a canopy of color.    At sunset, a windmill I’ve not photographed before made itself known.   I love sunsets, but rain would be healing.  On the positive side, the temperature dropped from 106 to the mid-70s in no time at all.  We’re thankful for that.

Senior Rodeo

It was a pleasant surprise to find out the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association was once again returning to Taylor.   I spent a few good hours today at the Williamson County Expo Center to observe the action.   Founded in 1978, the group welcomes participants 40 and up.  Most of the competitors I saw today were in their 50s, 60s, 70s and. 80s.  Note the gentleman in the green shirt.  That’s 86-year-old Dayton Harper of San Angelo, the oldest participant this weekend.  He’ll be 87 in January.   As someone in his 70s, I appreciate what they do.

Around Thrall & Noack

Some photographs from Thrall and Noack, communities east of Taylor.   I begin with Noack’s Christ Lutheran Church, resting under a Waxing Gibbous moon, 68.1% visibility.   The other two photos are from Thrall.   Hopefully peaceful scenes for you.  

Disappearing Water

The intense heat and lack of rain have combined to produce pronounced drought conditions in Williamson County, Texas.   Last evening I stopped by Berry Springs Park & Preserve to see how it’s faring.   It was sad to see the park’s pond completely dry.  So dry, in fact, I was able to walk where there had been water a few months ago.   An artificial duck decoy that’s floated in the pond for several years was the only evidence of what was.   The heat isn’t helping resident deer to find sustenance either.    Every morning I pray for relief for our area. Future posts may be related to this continuing weather pattern. 

Recording An Area’s History

It’s been a while since I’ve taken photos of this regal old barn, but a setting sun got my attention as I passed by earlier this week.   There’s a reason to record  these places.   Many I’ve photographed the past fourteen years are gone.   This barn sits on land ripe for development.  That applies to a lot of land in East Williamson County, Texas in recent months.  At some point the owners, or their families, will part ways with this site, but history needs to be documented.