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.

I thought about putting a few more photos up, but decided to concentrate on faces.   Anyone wanting to see more is welcome to seeing them in the Williamson County Sun.   Among my favorites is the lady in her mid-90s, among the oldest attendees.   She’s included in three of these six photos.   The little boy is holding onto the arm of his father, the pastor at Georgetown’s First Presbyterian Church.   I kind of like that, too.   Just some things I like, friends. Especially the last one. 

From tonight, the haze from Saharan dust continues, but I’m liking the warmth created.   Over a cornfield east of Taylor, Texas.