Although I’d seen large flocks of birds flying in mass, it was only when a friend told me it was called murmuration.   From what I’ve come to understand, it’s most commonly associated with starlings, but grackles will also take part in these aerial ballets.   Starlings usually have pinkish legs and yellow bills, while grackles have black legs and black bills.   I think the birds in these photos are grackles, one of the most predominant birds in Texas.   At any rate, I find it mesmerizing to watch them in action.   The photos with the abandoned farmhouse are from this week, the others from a few evenings back.  

I admit to getting rather flustered  when photo plans don’t go as hoped.   This morning I got up well ahead  of the family and quietly slipped out of the house to capture a Christmas sunrise image.   Clouds made that a non-starter, but I did go out again this evening.  The clouds gave way to hazy sunlight later in the day.    The water photo, a cow pasture, is from Bell County, but very near Williamson County.   The cemetery is Bartlett City Cemetery, a wonderful resting place, very atmospheric.   The last photo was made north of Granger.    I really did want that sunrise photo, but we do what we can, right?

On this Christmas morning, I’d hoped for a nice sunrise photo, but a thick layer of clouds nixed that idea.   This water tower on the road between Taylor and Manor, however, always makes me happy.   I first saw it when we returned to Texas in 2009.   Maybe there are similar water towers all over the state, but this is the one I see.   It’s a simple image.   Don’t overthink it.   Just smile.

Just this one photo from a Christmas Eve service held on the square in Georgetown.   As “Silent Night” was sung near the conclusion, attendees held up their lighted phones while they sang.    Happy Christmas, friends.

At its simplest, this is just a collection of photos taken on the Georgetown town square last evening, children fascinated with light.   When I was their age, I was too.   Still am.   In my neighborhood there’s a man who has a small assortment of Christmas lights on his front porch all year long.  In the little office I have in our home, there’s a tiny silver Christmas tree attached to a color wheel.   That tree  stays up all year long.   I don’t always turn it on, but it’s nice to know it’s there.   I’m also thinking back about 25 years, when I lived in Atlanta.   A man familiar with my photography from reading the Atlanta Journal & Constitution reached out with a request.   Could I take photos of his massive Christmas lights display?   Not for publication, but just for him and his wife, whose health was waning quickly.   She wasn’t able to go outside to see the display so he brought the lights to her room, via my photos.   He didn’t say, but it was my sense this would be her last Christmas.    From an early age, we  are affected and inspired by light.

Three photos from a quick visit to the Milam County community of Thorndale, Texas this week.   The first two are holiday-themed.   The last one, I just like.   That’s Steve’s Place, a bar and restaurant there.   I’d never noticed the light shining on those old bricks, but it caught my eye.

A few photos taken on a couple recent walks in Taylor.   I’m still enjoying my very small Olympus camera.   Since these walks are exercise, I don’t spend much time taking photos, but it’s nice to know I have something that allows me to record what’s around me.   Cormorants, those smaller long-necked birds about the size of a duck, are becoming favorites.   The herons, egrets and turtles all seem to like them, too.  The old newspaper guy in me really likes the last one. 

The Winter Solstice, the first day of winter, arrived at 10a.m.  our time this morning.   I had almost  given up on finding something to mark the day.   This Walburg scene  came along about 10 minutes after sunset, about  5:45p.m.   The days will now be longer.  Good for some, I guess.

We had a massive amount of rain over the weekend.   By Sunday evening, when these three photos were taken in the Beyersville area, a hint of sun graced the landscape before night set in.   I’m enjoying the cooler weather, but it may be 80 on Christmas Day.  We have crazy weather swings here. 

Following  recent cataract surgeries, my doctor stressed keeping lifting to a minimum, no more than fifteen pounds.   The weight of my Nikons, with the addition of certain lenses, can easily put me over that weight limit.    For a while, I’d wanted something light to carry on daily walks.   I’ve carried my cell phone on those strolls, but it wasn’t adequate.   Prior to the first surgery, I visited our area camera store, buying a used Olympus, plus two very small lenses, providing effective coverage from 24mm-300mm.   The camera and lenses weigh about the same as a smartphone.    These photos were made on a recent morning during a five-mile walk on the San Gabriel River trail in Georgetown.   I’m like a kid with a new toy, enjoying the walks much more.   The Nikons aren’t being retired, but it’s nice to have options.   If a phone camera works for you, by all means use it.   The best camera is the one you have with you.