It was a cold and wet day on the Blackland Prairie.  Late in the afternoon the rain moved on, leaving behind a nice tapestry tonight near Thrall, Texas.

Two regal churches in Taylor have been neighbors for over a century.   Both are at 6th and Talbot Streets.  The sanctuary at First Presbyterian was built in 1912-13.   A few years ago, an apparent decline in membership closed its doors.  Rather than letting the beautiful structure waste away, it’s being recast as Talbot Commons.  A sign there says “Eat Stay Live.”   It’s a work in progress.  Across the street is United Christian Church, which began life as First Christian Church in 1891.   It’s still an active church.   In its early years there was a bell tower, now relegated to history, but the building still gets noticed.  One of these days I’ll figure out a way to include both structures in one photo, but only if it’s good!  These are from an evening’s wandering last night.  

During our weekend drive Saturday, we visited St. Olafs Kirke, near Cranfills Gap, Texas.  Known as The Rock Church, it was built by Norwegian immigrants in 1886.   It sits on a hill about three miles east of the Bosque County  town of Cranfills Gap.  I learned about the church via photographers followed on social media, who’ve posted beautiful night photos of the church.   Do a search to see some nice imagery.   Since this was a day trip, my photos give you different look, both outside and inside the church.   As the area grew, the congregation built a larger church in 1917 in the little town mentioned.  St. Olafs Kirke (Kirke means “church”)  is today used for special services, including ones at Easter and Christmas.  It has no electricity or running water, but has a huge woodburning stove and kerosene lamps.   The original church stays close to its roots.

Thanks to friend Ann States for suggesting this photo of The Last Drive In Picture Show marquis  might be more appropriate as a monotone.     She’s right.

While taking a leisurely drive through Texas today,  two places we stopped to admire were The Last Drive In Picture Show (Gatesville) and the Clifftex Theatre (Clifton).  The photos are basically snapshots since I don’t like shooting in the middle of the day, but since we couldn’t stay, I did what I could. Drive-Ins and theaters are close to my heart.  Until his disabilities from World War II made the work too hard, my father was a theater projectionist, mostly at drive-in theaters in Texarkana.   When I was  very young (3-5) daddy would take me to work with him some nights at the Joy Drive-In Theatre, on Highway 67 West.   The projection room was fascinating!   In my teens, I worked at Texarkana’s two-drive in theaters, the one mentioned, plus another on the Arkansas side of town.  Both were owned by the same person.    I did a bit of everything, taking tickets, working the concession, cleaning up the lot after shows, etc.    For entertainment, a few of us would take in a movie at Texarkana’s Paramount Theatre, a grand structure dating back to the 1920s.   Years ago, when it closed, Texarkana’s H. Ross Perot funded its restoration. Renamed the Perot Theatre, it  offers live theater and music in its new life.  I’m not sure if they still show movies.   Clifton’s Cliftex Theatre, which opened in 1916, is the state’s oldest movie theater. The Last Drive In Picture Show and Cliftex both show first-run movies.  Texarkana’s two drive-ins are long gone.  In Georgia, I think Atlanta’s Starlight Drive-In is still in business.  In Texas, there’s one in Ennis.   I wish there were more of them.   A few movie memories, friends.  Apologies for the lousy light.

Anywhere you go in the world there are landmarks, things or places that let you know where you are.  In Marietta, Georgia, for instance, most considered the Big Chicken a landmark.   Look that up if you’re interested.  This row of grain elevators I always associate with Coupland. Driving into or out of the community south of Taylor a long row of grain elevators is hard to miss.  Just recently, however, I got a closer look at them.  They’re actually in Travis County, but so very close to the Williamson County line. I like knowing they’re here to guide the way.   Just stuff, friends. 

Berry Springs Parks & Preserve hosted a stargazing event Thursday night, hosted by Friends of Berry Springs.   I almost passed on this one, thinking it would be too dang dark to focus the camera.   Thankfully, these very experienced amateur astronomers understood the need for enough light to navigate the controls on their telescopes.   Their little red lights were just the ticket!  I did, however, get on the bad side of a fellow when I turned on my phone’s flashlight to scribble down the name of a subject.   Lessoned learned: don’t bring bright white light to a stargazing event.   Friends of Berry Springs will hold another stargazing event at this Georgetown park on February 16th.

These little folks were spotted near the end of today’s walk.   They were tagging along with their mama when she slipped into the pond at Bull Branch Park.   When arriving at the ledge, however, they weren’t so sure.   Everyone finally made the jump.  Even the last little guy.

Cats. A few feline images from recent daily walks in Taylor.  No need to say more.

Sometimes a post is a place, but the light is what draws me to a subject.   I don’t need to discuss these photos too much.   They are what they are.   Included: a view of the San Gabriel River this evening, prairie grass highlighted by my car’s headlights (not planned) and a pond I photograph from time to time, channeling a little from Andrew Wyeth, one of my favorite artists.   Light observations.   Just that.