The temperature made it above freezing today, allowing a chance to wander around a little bit tonight. The precipitation has moved on, but temperatures are expected to dip below 20 degrees tonight in Central Texas. That’s a Waxing Crescent moon in the last photo, 17.8% visibility. The others are just (hopefully) peaceful scenes from the prairie. 
While I love cold weather, ice is loathsome. Heck, I don’t have too much affection for actual snow, either. Note that these photos taken today in Taylor are definitely not snow. We had precipitation throughout the day, leaving us with a sheen of ice just about everywhere. Late this morning, I actually tried to get in a walk, but turned back after going a few blocks. Before returning home, however, I was able to get a photo of folks with four happy dogs out for a walk. Maybe the four-legged friends helped keep the humans upright. Back home, I sat inside the warm house, reading a book. My car was covered in ice. The door was fused shut. Finally, just before dark, I brought out some hot water and poured it in the necessary places, then went for a short evening drive around town. There was still ice tonight, but a little less. I hope that man in the yellow rain slicker has a warm place to spend the night. What ice is there right now will still be there in the morning, when temperatures will be in the teens. Thankfully, I think we’re done with the wet stuff. Fingers crossed. 
About 10 or so years ago, I remember the popularity barn cats, brought into service to help rid barns of pesky rodents and other critters. Are they still a thing? I think so. These fluffy and fat felines are resident mousers at a huge barn in Bell County. The barn has plenty of places for the cats to get in out of the elements. A good idea over the next couple nights. 
The car? I think that’s an early-50s Chevrolet, or what’s left of it. I learned to drive on one of those, in a graveyard in Atlanta, Texas. Ours was a black 1952 Chevy with three speed on the column. As daddy said, “Everything’s already dead here, Andy.” It made sense to me.
The winter light continues to adorn areas of the Blackland Prairie, as in these late-January scenes close to Thrall, Texas. Reminders of earlier times remain. For now. 
Although some of the work I produce could be considered pretty, one of the things I’ve been trying to do for several years is document what’s leaving us as the area continues to expand, diminishing the rural character. Taylor, the town where we live, is just 32 miles from Austin. Windmills have been a part of this area for many years, but with progress comes change. The opening photo was taken on a cool evening filled with warm light earlier this month. That’s followed by two more taken during tonight’s rainy weather. But it’s the last three photos that prompted a bit of melancholy this past weekend. I’d photographed that windmill a few years ago. Over time, brush and trees grew up around it. A few days ago, it was exciting to see someone trimming away the brush. I looked forward to updated photos. Now it’s gone. Some things just leave us. 
Initially I referred to these flying contraptions as paragliders, but when searching correct terminology, if a small engine is attached, they are called paramotors. With or without an engine, whatever you call them, I love seeing these above Taylor, Texas. Participants love to take off and land at Taylor Regional Park. I haven’t seen them in a while, but am glad they’re back!
I’d stopped in Granger last evening to take a photo that didn’t happen. Oh well. On the way back to my car it was hard to miss the two pooches waiting with their human for the dang traffic on Texas 95 to lighten up so they could continue on their travels west. The poor driver was stuck there for at least 2-3 minutes, providing a nice photo opportunity. The motorist finally got a break, crossing the railroad tracks and moseying on, his babies happy to be getting some fresh air again. Just a little slice of life, friends. 
Just some photos from my daily walks throughout the week. All strolls were in Taylor. Since buying a used small camera (Olympus) along with a good telephoto lens, these walks have been much more fun! The opening photo is on a gray morning, clouds gathered above St. James Episcopal Church, here since 1893. I was glad to get some agreeable turtles in a couple photos. They usually dart right into the water when I get too close. 
Stepping into the backyard about 25 minutes ahead of this morning’s sunrise in Taylor, I got a glimpse of a nice Waning Crescent moon, 17.4% visibility. Two variations, one focused on the moon, the other on a bare winter tree. 
The quality of winter’s light is always pretty nice, but lately it’s been really grand here on the Blackland Prairie. These photos were taken Wednesday as I wandered around the Coupland area beginning in the late-afternoon, then well past sunset. I know the light is great in other places, too, but this is where I do my work. And I’m glad. 
