The Williamson County Livestock Show is winding down, but the Williamson County Expo Center was a place for cows today, with an assortment of steers and heifers.   I’d planned to photograph heifers, but since the judging was  running late, I chose steers.   There was plenty of activity,  but this post focuses on two families, both deeply involved in livestock shows.   The entrants included two 14-year-old twins, a young lady and young man, plus a 12-year-old girl and her brother, about to turn 15 this weekend.  I chose to focus on the girls because of the good day they had.   The dark-haired girl  won the Grand Champion  medal.  Her friend, the blond-haired girl, took  Reserve Champion honors.   They, like most of these area families, know each other well.   As our area continues to grow, it’s my hope that these farm families will continue to do what they love.

I’ve always had an affection for pigs.   They’re smart and (sometimes) affectionate.   It was a fun morning at  today’s  Williamson County Livestock Show, continuing through Saturday at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.   These photos speak for themselves, but a couple of observations.   I like the little guy putting on his game face in the opening photo.   And his parents reacting with joy after he won a first place.  The little girl with the bow in her hair was giving it her best while mom was giving a lot of direction from the stands.   The young fellow  in the red shirt had wonderfully-expressive eyes, causing me to once again break my rule about people looking into the camera.  The post concludes with smiling pigs doing their thing in the arena, then others taking a nice nap.  

These were made on my morning walk  about three hours before my second cataract surgery early Tuesday afternoon.    The photos were made with my “new to me” Olympus OM-D  E-M5, a very compact camera.  The lens was a 45-150mm lens.  In the micro 4/3 world, that translates to 90-300mm focal length, made by Panasonic Lumix, perfectly compatible with Olympus cameras.   Long before the eye procedures, I’d considered having something light to tote on my walks.   I’ve tried cell phones, but they aren’t for me.  Not yet, anyway.  This little Olympus weighs about the same as the latest iPhone.  Purchased used, the camera, plus two lenses was about half the price of an iPhone.   I’ll continue to use my Nikons, but like having something that doesn’t wear me out while walking.   If, as some have warned, Olympus goes under, I’ll look at Panasonic Lumix.  

For lack of a better word, this windmill adorned with the flag of our state  is iconic.   It rests on the grounds of the Old Settlers Association in Round Rock.    This was taken Sunday afternoon, a day full of dark cloud patterns.   The little flag really stood out around all that gray.    This is all you’ll see from me tonight while I try to relax after today’s second cataract surgery.    Although a relatively minor procedure, they can bring on a little discomfort.   That’s the case tonight.   I’ll be on the mend though.     Thanks for stopping by.

A few photos taken this morning at the Williamson County (Texas) Livestock Show, continuing throughout the week at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.  These photos were made during poultry competition.    Events continue throughout the week, but I’ll be having my second cataract surgery on Tuesday.   If all goes well, I might stop by the show for a few more photos later this week.   Taking care of my eyes is a priority.

Still on the prowl for autumn color in Central Texas, I stopped by Chisholm Trail Park in Round Rock.   Although the city has become quite urban, there are still some pockets of serenity.   I’m always on the lookout for such places. Since returning to Texas a few years ago, area folks have said that Round Rock got its name from the big old round rock that sits in Brushy Creek.  At least I think it’s Brushy Creek!   Those trees with the white bark are visual treats.   One of my smart friends can probably tell me what it’s called.

The Christmas Stroll was back in Georgetown this holiday season after the pandemic sidelined it in 2020.   The town square is a wonderful venue for this event.   There was a festive parade, vendors, music, dancers, etc.   My focus with this post, however, is just to show you some faces.

Whatever autumn color we get here usually comes in late-November into early-December.   Taylor’s Bull Branch Park, just a few blocks from home, is one of my favorite places.   My daily walks take me through there all year long, but it’s particularly inspiring right now.  Most of our color is presented to us via our cypress trees.  These were taken November 28th, two days before my first cataract surgery.    Although a common procedure, there are things to consider.  My surgeon suggested I don’t lift too much weight until both surgeries are done.   The next surgery is set for Tuesday.   Rather than just sit around and do nothing, I visited our Austin photography store, purchasing a light Olympus camera from their used department, plus a couple of small lenses.  Some of these photos were made with my Nikon, but Olympus images are included here, too.   Once the eye surgeries are complete, it’s good to know I’ll have a small camera to easily tote on my daily walks.   While I don’t plan to sideline the Nikons, it’s good to have options.

Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, Southwestern University’s Candlelight Service began in 1915.  I was glad to be able to attend one tonight’s services in Georgetown.   This was the first year where I was all by myself in the balcony overlooking the chapel.   Most years you’ll see a few parents with young kids up here.   Not tonight.  Seating was limited this year because of concerns with the ongoing pandemic.   That accounts for the absences.   Tonight’s post begins with outside shot of Lois Perkins Chapel, where the services have been held for decades.  It’s powerfully-beautiful, inside or out.   I kind of like the last photo, a man sitting alone after the service concluded.   Like yours truly, he probably craves the solitude.

A few years ago, Granger resident Mike Anderson began what’s becoming a tradition along West Davilla Street, a Christmas Tree made of recently-harvested cotton from area farmers.  Each year, the tree has been a colorful beacon.   In early-January, on the 12 Day of Christmas, Mike sends it up in flames.   He plans to do so again this time, but made this year’s tree a little shorter, more totable.  The city is concerned about the safety of performing the ritual downtown so Mike has created a tree he can place in the rear of his truck and take to a more open area.   The city may decide it’s okay to burn the tree downtown, but Mike’s good to go either way.   The post opens with one taken tonight, as Mike puts finishing touches on the lights.  The tree in the background is Mike’s, but just there to add  a bit of color to the season.