Just an update from earlier this week.   That cormorant seems to have gathered quite a crowd on that log at Taylor’s Bull Branch Park.

A few weeks ago, when taking photos of a fisherman paddling his kayak on the San Gabriel River, the original plan was to photograph the long-retired truss bridge there.  On County Road 366, just south of Texas 29, it’s long been a photographic subject.    Several years ago, I actually spent a whole night on that bridge to take photos of a meteor shower.   This was when it was really dark there, with no light pollution to speak of.  While it wasn’t far west Texas, it was pretty dark for Central Texas.   With the addition of a nearby Valero oil storage facility, however, available darkness is much less now.   I still like visiting the bridge.  It’s in a state of disrepair, with boards missing on what used to be its surface.  Limbs and brush from nearby trees are on their way to being a part of the structure.   Teens, or childish adults, like to add their graffiti.  One has to be more cautious now.   I keep thinking the county, or state, or whoever makes decisions will decide it’s time to tear it down.   Someone’s liable to put their foot in the wrong place, get hurt, get bitten by a snake, then feel the need to litigate because of their own inability to watch their step.  As the area grows, County Road 366 has become even more of a shortcut route to Taylor.  On the night these photos were made, dozens of vehicles zoomed right on by in just a few short minutes.   The bridge has its issues, but it’s a neat piece of Texas history.     Anglers like it, too.

Nature is interesting.   Usually, when strolling past turtles, their inclination is to dive back into the water.   Camera-shy, I guess.   This turtle, however, seemed glad to have a buddy to share her log.   Cormorants have that effect on some of us.   A photo from my daily walk in Taylor, Texas.

Near day’s end on Monday, I visited Georgetown’s Berry Springs Park & Preserve, easily my favorite park in that area.   It was a misty and sometimes rainy day.   That was quite alright.   I like those kind of days.   

I have friends who can draw, paint or make wonderful sculptures.  Since none of those artistic endeavors are part of my skill set, light is my medium.     Just a mushroom thriving at Taylor’s Murphy Park.  Photography is a craft, not an art.

Coupland is a community of a little over 300 a few minutes south of our home in Taylor.   Even though small, it’s a vibrant community, home to St. Peter’s Church of Coupland, the Huntington Sculpture Foundation and the Coupland Inn and Dance Hall.    When I drove through there last evening, the vintage railroad depot, caboose and tracks were showing us some holiday spirit.   It’s a neat little town.

Except for a cancellation due to the spread of COVID-19, I’ve taken photos of  Immanuel Lutheran Church’s Pilgrimage to Bethlehem every year since 2009.   These photos were made Saturday evening.   Rain was forecast, but didn’t materialize.   A second night is scheduled there this evening.   This historic church, dedicated in summer 1916, has been in front of my lenses quite a lot.   So has the cemetery, behind the church.   If you’re on U.S. 79, traveling from Hutto to Taylor, it’s been hard to miss.    Approximately 20 area churches joined together to make it happen this year.   Immanuel is on County Road 401, a road now much shorter as Samsung continues the construction of their semiconductor facility, scheduled to open in 2024.   Note the last photo, one made as I left last evening.   Samsung is just over the hill, behind the cars navigating the highway.   As someone who lived in metro-Atlanta for 29 years, I’ve seen firsthand what progress can do.   We’ll see how things go in our area.

This has been the best autumn I’ve seen since we moved back to Texas in 2009.   All photos presented tonight were taken on recent walks in Taylor, including St. James Episcopal Church, plus a kind of funky last one, trees reflected in the shiny rear door of an 18-wheeler’s cab.   Along for the walks was that small Olympus camera I’ve been using for a year.   The camera was purchased used after my cataract surgeon mentioned I’d need to lighten my load for a few weeks.   Although I returned to my Nikons, I’ve made the Olympus a part of every walk.   Recent walks have been a little slower because I keep stopping to record the season.   The leaves are starting to go now, but it’s been a neat autumn.  

I don’t think the star is placed atop these Circleville grain elevators every year, but did see it shining again this week.    It’s simple, direct and seasonal. 

Last night I was busy with livestock show work, but I would’ve been at Granger’s official Christmas tree lighting if not.   This is a photo taken this evening.  Granger, Texas is one of the most elegant little towns anywhere in Central Texas.