During  late-day wandering this weekend,  I drove along an unfamiliar road, seeing this barn for the first time in the far reaches of Southeast Williamson County.  It’s an area where open space can still be found.    This is a simple subject, but the interplay of light and shadow on its surfaces was what drew me in, a coming together of metal and wood.     There are variations on what you see when looking at work via your device, whether it’s a phone, tablet,  laptop or desktop computer.  Each viewer sees something different.    It’s another reason to actually print photos from time to time, then have them  viewed in person.   But let’s not overanalyze.   It’s only a photograph.

Just one more high school commencement ceremony, friends, this one from Friday night for Georgetown’s East View High School, where 457 seniors walked across the stage for their diplomas.  Among those in the stands was an uncle holding a gigantic photo of his niece when she was very young, plus a young woman holding a sign, screaming “That’s my sister!”  I’m thinking little sister heard the kudos.   One graduate held her diploma so tight, her emotions all over the place.   It’s a quiet moment, but one of my favorites.   The night ended with mortarboards flying, followed by a fireworks show.   I’m not a fan of fireworks, but this one was okay.    There’s one more high school graduation ceremony tonight, but it’s time to revitalize old bones.  A colleague will do just fine there.

If you’ve followed these posts for a while, you might recall an ongoing project begun in late-2019 in Granger.   Earlier that year, I photographed the pastor of Granger First United Methodist Church days before the church’s final service.   Attendance at the historic church, built in 1904, was down to a handful of attendees.  After it closed, the church sat vacant for months, its future uncertain.  Later that year, while taking photos along West Davilla Street,  I struck up a conversation with Robert and JoAnn Halstrom.   During our visit, Robert told me “we bought a church.”   Yes, that church.   At the time, they lived in Wimberley, Robert a baggage handler for American Airlines, JoAnn a rural postal carrier.  When not working, they’d make the drive to Granger, where Robert had set up a small apartment at the back of the church.  Eventually, they planned to transform the church into an event venue.  Robert, quite handy with tools, did much of the work himself.   In 1997, he built their home in Wimberley .   Even through the pandemic, I’d find them in Granger.   Last March,  however, JoAnn was seriously injured when struck by a vehicle, breaking many bones, with numerous life-altering  injuries.  The work at the church was put on hold while Robert tended to his wife’s care.   She’s still recovering, and will be for some time, but Robert has begun working on the church again while JoAnn stays in Wimberley, assisted by one of their daughters.  Now they’re 63, each retired.    These are some photos taken last week, Robert joined by Ladybug, the couple’s 10-year-old Corgi mix. Eight stained glass windows have been restored in San Antonio, returned when the labor won’t do damage to them.  A roof replacement is coming soon, followed by exterior paint.   Robert will hire someone for those tasks.   Since May is National Preservation Month,  this seemed to fit.   Robert’s taking things slow now.    JoAnn is the  priority, but he’s confident the work will get done.  “It’s gonna come along,” he said.  

Georgetown’s Richarte High School’s commencement ceremonies were held Thursday evening in Georgetown.   Richarte is the school district’s alternative high school, but note that it is not a campus where students are there for disciplinary reasons.  Perhaps life challenges call for a different pace.   The opening four  photos are of the class Valedictorian and Salutatorian, both siblings who arrived here from Afghanistan last summer and fall.    Other photos are generic scenes, including a graduate getting help with his cap and gown, a mom and 7-year-old waiting for big sister to graduate.   And a 2-year-old toddler who dressed just like her graduating mama.   It was a good evening.

Just a photo from one of my daily walks this week in Taylor, seen while strolling through Murphy Park.   Egrets get the most attention at this park each year, but ducks are our constant companions.   I like how she had the entire pond to herself.

A few friends in other parts of the country assume we live in the Texas Hill Country.   In fact, we live probably an hour away, in the area called the Blackland Prairie.   We do, however, have a few good hills in farm country.   Driving near Thrall this evening, I happened on this young fellow perched on top of his truck near sunset.   At first I thought he was having car trouble, but he assured me he liked the view from this beautiful hill.  He lives in a far more crowded part of the county, but made the drive to take in some of our views.   He’s an iconic young Texan.

Perhaps we’ll get some storms before the night is over, but the prairie skies were still interesting this evening.     From Walburg to Bartlett.

Along a county road near Granger, Texas.   The Blackland Prairie has been home to farmers for many years.   When you see farm equipment ahead, be patient.  These roads have been home to those who till the land for many years.

The photos presented tonight were taken Saturday evening, close to our home in Taylor.   A barn interior opens this group.   For several years I wanted to photograph the barn.   Five years ago, the owners granted permission to do so while on their land.   Also there is a very old hand shack. In earlier times, hand shacks provided shelter for seasonal laborers tending fields.   A few survive.   Spring growth has engulfed the tiny structure, but a side view provides a little of its facade.  Surrounding all this is an abundance of healthy wheat.   The road where these were taken is being widened.  We  march toward progress.  Maybe.

Red-Winged Blackbirds are lovely.   If it weren’t for that little bit of red, the little birds might go unnoticed.  This one was seen at the edge of a field east of Granger, comfortable in her space.   The “space” was water collected in a field near crops, much smaller than a stock pond.    Some places might be missed if you’re in a hurry.  Slowing down is good for your heart.   And soul.