Taylor held its Patriot Day observance this evening to remember those lost during the events of September 11, 2001.   A parade concluded with a program at Heritage Square Park.   Most photos are self-explanatory.   The ringing of the bell has become a tradition to honor first responders who have died.  The young lady holding a trumpet had just played Taps near the program’s conclusion.   A mom holds her 1-year-old during  the closing prayer.  

Georgetown first responders have held their 9/11 commemoration, the Memorial Stair Climb, each year since 2011 at the Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex.   Participants walk the bleacher’s steps to approximately match the number of steps first responders had to make in the World Trade Center towers on that day.   I arrived early enough this morning to see a sunrise over the stadium, plus the moon still holding its own for a few minutes before setting.   The couple in the moon photo are both Air Force retirees, doing the climb for the first time this year.  Thankfully, it wasn’t as hot as some previous years, but warm enough.  Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Pack 151 and Troop 151 were there to hand out hydration drinks too walkers.   In the last photo, a fire department Battalion Chief spends time with his 20-month-old grandson after completing his climb.   The little guy was overwhelmed by all the activity, but grandpa was there to smooth things over.  

Once a moon phase has passed “Full Moon,” I move on.   Tonight, however, I observed a Waning Gibbous moon, 99.3% visibility, rising over the Taylor train yards.   Just trying something different.

A full moon hovered over the stadium at Taylor High School tonight during their game with Robinson High.   I have no idea who won, but the moon is always a winner.

Drought conditions have had an adverse effect on Williamson County cotton farmers this year. 

Statewide, the Texas Farm Bureau  estimates 2.9 million bales of cotton will be produced in 2022, down 62% from 2021, when 7.7million bales were recorded.   Still, Texas continues to lead the country in cotton production.  In recent years, the Lone Star state has produced 40% of the cotton nationwide.  

Lower production numbers aside, Waterloo Gin, east of Taylor on County Road 414, continues operation under the guidance of gin co-owners Clement Strmiska and David Woollett.   

I paid a visit there  this week for a  few photos.    

Though mask-wearing has become common since 2020,  the staff working at Waterloo have known this for years.   The dust associated with cotton gins can take a toll.   Ernesto Rodarte Martinez, who is there when large cotton modules begin the ginning process,  always wears a face covering.    As the large modules are broken up, the cotton travels via conveyor belt to the next step, leaving a coating of dust behind.   Martinez uses an air compressor to hurry the dust on its way.   Remnants of cotton from past years cling to the gin’s windows.    

Another byproduct of a gin is how it affects one’s eyes.   By the time I got home afterward, my eyes were quite red!   Thank goodness for prescription-quality eye drops.  

Even with sinus and eye issues, I always enjoy watching the large modules of cotton, usually about 15,000-20,000 pounds each, get fed into the a large conveyance,  going through the

The photographer in me is enamored with the quality of light emanating from the interior of these gins.   Gritty, yes, but so very nice.   After sundown, Waterloo’s exterior is also transformative.   

The ginning season usually lasts from August through December.   With this year’s lower crop yields, that time could be shorter.     I’m hopeful we’ll get long-term relief from this year’s very dry conditions.    Farmers, and gin operators likely hope so, too. 

If you drive  around East Williamson and Milam Counties,  you’ll still see cotton.    I’ve taken photos  of this field for years.   For a long time, a little farmhouse sat under those trees in the distance. While I miss the home, it’s good to see the Blackland Prairie soil being put to good use.

Two favorite subjects made their way to my camera tonight.   I was pretty happy with tonight’s sunset in the Beyersville area, but a Waxing Gibbous moon, at 97.1% visibility, made it an even better evening as I wandered west into Coupland.   That’s Saint Peter’s Church of Coupland, caressed  by sweet blue light  at the end.

Sunday’s stormy skies were probably more interesting, but they were pretty fascinating tonight , too.  These were  taken near Wuthrich Hill, Taylor and Circleville.  I hesitate to call that first one a rainbow, but it was briefly prismatic.  Most photographers are enamored with weather patterns.   Yours truly is no exception.

This doesn’t need a lot of explanation, does it?    It’s Texas, pure, simple and regal. 

Antiques in a field, not far from development near Taylor, Texas.