Finally, some relief from the heat.  We’re getting some stormy weather tonight in our area of Central Texas.  Photos with this post are from Coupland,  a few miles south of Taylor.  That’s St. Peter’s Church of Coupland Cemetery in the first photo.   And the church itself in the last one.   It’s storming right now.  Thankfully, our power hasn’t gone out.  You never know around here.

What an interesting and diverse weekend of photos.   I got the ball rolling on Friday evening, covering the Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in Jarrell.   My next stop was right down the road, for the Taylor Pride Festival.    Though several things were going on throughout the afternoon and evening, I did what  works for me, just wandering and observing.  I did, however, step inside Texas Beer Company for a Drag Discussion Panel, followed by a drag show.   The panel and show included two 12-year-olds.   While taking photos, I noticed through the windows there were cameras trying to get photos of the show.  Inside, event staff  worked hard to block their view.   It had already gotten far too crowded for my tastes, but when I worked my way to the exit, I stepped into an ongoing interchange between event staff and Pastor Caleb Ripple, from Taylor’s Christ Fellowship Church.   Pastor Ripple, along with several other church groups, were on hand for outdoor activities along 2nd and Main Streets, offering low-key protest to the event.   The 12-year-olds in the drag show, however, prompted a stronger response.   Some of the demonstrators had come inside to take photos, but weren’t allowed to stay.   Thus the cameras outside, looking in.   And the refusal to allow any protesters inside the venue.    After all, Texas Beer Company isn’t a public space.  Outside, I continued to make photos, noticing a man named Patrick,  carrying a large poster with an image of Christ.  He appeared to be there on his own, not with a specific church group.  I felt a little bad for him because attendees heckled him continually.   The guy wasn’t preaching, only walking around with his poster.    All in all, it was quite a varied group of attendees.   I suspect organizers would rather not have demonstrations, but as long as people  remain in public spaces, they should be given a break.    It is, after all, a free country.   

Friday evening I attended the 78th Annual Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo, now held in Jarrell, Texas.   This is the event that was held for many years in a picturesque arena near San Gabriel Park in Georgetown.    I love covering rodeos.  A couple I like show a young man preparing to compete in tie-down roping, a study in concentration and focus.   Mutton Bustin’ is particularly fun to photograph.  The little girl at the end of the post wasn’t happy with her sheep ride, but a supportive daddy was there to hold her hand and make everything okay.  The rodeo concludes its final run tonight.

There are many barns in the area I enjoy photographing.   This pair is in Travis County, a hair’s breath from Williamson County and our Taylor home.   They were photographed this week about 10 minutes past sunset.   The Saharan dust adds a layer of interest.

In wandering around a nice dirt road last evening, I noticed an interesting little bird relaxing in a tree.   It’s larger than your typical grackle, smaller than a hawk.   She/he seemed chatty. And I liked the golden light. 

Maybe it’s too much of the same subject matter, but when a scene comes along, my first thought isn’t to pass it by.    The radar just engages.   The shutter clicks.  I seldom pass up the chance to document Texas Longhorns.  Mamas are the best.  

This Saharan dust thing continues to fascinate.   As someone who’s dealt with allergy and sinus issues my entire life, I don’t have any business liking the stuff, but the atmospheric changes are  inspiring.   This is a field of prairie grass just over two miles from our Taylor home.   I took photos there on two recent occasions.   Granted, prairie grass is already phenomenal, but that layer of haze just adds to the warm mood.

Summer began this morning at 4:13 Central Daylight Time.   Most know I’m no fan of summer, my least favorite season. Being the longest day of the year is no plus.   I did, however, want to represent the beginning of the season.   My camera directed me to New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Church tonight, where (finally) I observed another beautiful sunset.   I’ve read that this is the most photographed church in Texas.   I’ve photographed it quite a few times.    The opening photo represents the area as I see it.   That’s milo in the foreground.  Or call it grain sorghum.   This is farm country, friends.   The second photo is the more common image, but some like to see that sun looking really big.    Each to his/her own.

These four photos were made this month around Thrall, Texas.   It’s a Williamson County community only ten minutes east of Taylor.   I find it refreshing.   That Crested caracara was still in the area when I drove by last evening.   A Great Egret finds a good fishing place over a stock pond (tank).    The other two are what they are.    I get too dang wordy at times.

The Summer Solstice arrives Tuesday, June 21st.    For my friends in Texas, summer arrived in April.   Tuesday is what it is.   That said, just some recent photos from areas east of Taylor, beginning with a bit of a rainbow.  No rain with that, only a dab of color.  An aberration.   The others were taken two evenings ago.    Make of them what you will.