More examples of autumn color in Taylor, Texas seen during my daily walks.   If memory serves, I was seeing evolving color well into December last year.   We’ll see how it goes this season.   Much of the color I see is thanks to the park’s cypress trees.    Sometimes it’s subtle, but I prefer to think of it as quiet.   As usual, these photos were made with that Olympus I carry for strolls.  Much to do tonight, thus the early post.

These photos of deer at Georgetown’s Berry Springs Park & Preserve were taken late last week.   When I see deer it’s either in the very early morning, or as the day’s final rays fall on the landscape.  Hunters usually seek them out at the cusp of dawn.   The deer pictured here are evening observations.  I watched them for about thirty or so minutes, the light on the prairie grass evolving, as was the sky.   The opening photo is actually one of the last ones taken before darkness set in.  I liked how they effortlessly zoomed through the prairie grass, probably to a resting  place for the night.

The light that shines once darkness comes is always a treat for me.   These photos were taken in Taylor the last two evenings.   Since moving to Taylor in 2009, I’ve passed United Christian Church, formerly First Christian Church, and thought how nice it would be to see those doors adorned with light.   They were tonight.   First Christian Church formed in 1877.  The current building was added in 1891. At one time it had a wonderful steeple.  I’m not sure what happened there.   The other photos are just scenes from around Taylor.   I like seeing the holiday lights, no matter when they appear.

Coming out of the grocery store tonight in Taylor, I had to latch onto a camera.   The post-sunset skies were impeccable.    I’m guessing the aircraft was on a flight pattern headed for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.    These skies are one of the things that keep us glued to Texas.  

Just some recent efforts at photographing butterflies in Taylor.   I’m not sure my images stand up to others out there, but rather than not post them at all, why not toss them out there?    Don’t begin to ask me what any of them are.    That I’ll leave to friends much more attuned to those things.  As mentioned before, I think of them as flying flowers.

Taken at sunset this evening in Wuthrich Hill, Texas.   I photograph quite a few cemeteries, but this one, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, might be my favorite.

Friday’s rain ushered in some very cool weather for Central Texas this morning.  Cool for us, that is.   It was 37 in Taylor when I got up this morning.   Georgetown’s Berry Springs Park & Preserve was a good place to document this great autumn day.   It was nice to see a Waning Gibbous moon, 82% visibility, still shining through the clouds.   The cold and windy morning wasn’t a deterrent for two cycling friends as they headed out on a 52-mile ride.   A gentleman and his dog enjoyed some peaceful time together on a park trail.   And just a leaf to complete this post.   Today’s temperatures never got past the 50s.   I like that a lot!

Much-needed rain and a brisk cold front didn’t stop Veterans Day observances today in Georgetown.   In Sun City, the event was held indoors.  If the day had been different, it would’ve been in t their Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans  Memorial Plaza.    But all was good.   I call specific attention to the first photo, my favorite.  Pictured are two World War II veterans.   At left is Navy veteran John Dunn, 94, having some special moments with Air Force veteran Ernie Columbus, 102.   I’ve photographed Ernie a few times in the past few years.  His memory is still sharp.   When we met today, he asked me how my eyes were doing, remembering that at this time last year I was getting ready for cataract surgeries.   Mr. Dunn has a story.   After December 7, 1941, Dunn, then 16, wanted to sign up.  He convinced his parents to sign a waiver for permission to do so.   And he served.   Everyone in this post are veterans.    I like a young Marine, 34, no longer serving, visiting with a 93-year-old Navy veteran before heading home.  He’s on crutches after recent knee surgery.  The hands closeup is Mr. Dunn, from the opening photo, holding the hand of his wife, Linnea.   I like that touch of sweetness.   At the conclusion of the event, I stepped outside into the Memorial Plaza to look around.   There I met a man coming to this Veterans Day commemoration for the first time.  He wanted to see the plaza.  As did I.   The last photo was taken a few miles away,  at the Georgetown Field of Honor, where 1600 American flags have been on display all this week.   They also had a Veterans Day observance, but the fellow in the photo stepped into the rain to make sure identification tags were in place on the flags.   His was drenched, but his heart was in the right place.

A holiday-themed tree lights up West Davilla Street in downtown Granger, Texas.    In recent years, a Christmas tree made of cotton bolls has graced this site.   I’m not sure about plans for this year, but do enjoy seeing the lights.   Mentioned before, but I think the right kind of light, whether holiday-themed or not, adds a sense of tranquility to our lives.  Some of my neighbors have lights strung outdoors every night of the year.   In my home office, there’s a small tree that I turn on every night after I come in.   This is something I do every night, regardless of the season.   It’s calming.

Flag retirement ceremonies are being held this week at the Georgetown Field of Honor, held in San Gabriel Park.   This is one I photographed Tuesday evening.   American flags are formally retired  when consumed in fire.    A flag is cut into strips and pieces before the last step.    The flag being retired this time belonged to a Marine Corps member on active duty.   He sent his flag to the ceremony with his mother.    It’s moving to observe.