While I love where we live, sometimes I’m a little envious of the fall scenes   friends post  from around the country, but we do what we can in Central Texas.     These leaf variations were taken in Georgetown on one of my wanderings last evening  in  a cemetery I like.    Sometimes a post consists not of expansive vistas,   just tiny landscapes.   There’s a lot going on  in a simple little leaf.    And yes, three of these are lighted with a tiny flashlight that probably set me back two bucks. 

Exploring one subject is something I’ve discussed a few times before.    Tonight’s post focuses on one simple barn photographed this week near Granger, Texas.   It really is a simple barn, with a utilitarian purpose.  Find yourselves a single thing and dig into it a little.   It’s fun and instructive.   And helps you see more fully.

I’m going to begin this Veterans Day post with Ernie, a wonderful World War II Army veteran, 101-years-young.   Normally, photos of people staring into my lens is bothersome, but when someone like Ernie engages with the camera, I’m all in.   These were taken today at The Georgetown-Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sun City, Texas.   Ernie opens the post, and appears one other time.  Also here   are a little of this and that, including two active duty soldiers, one in uniform, the other with his wife and 4-year-old.   And an emotional lady reacting to the singing of “America the Beautiful.”    It was a good day.

Just some scenes from around my area of East Williamson County.  I took quite a few more photos than what’s posted here, but may  offer those up later.

Monday night I was honored to be present for  flag retirement ceremonies held at the Georgetown site of the Rotary Club’s Field of Honor in San Gabriel Park.    Two troops participated, the American Heritage Girls Texas Troop 1045 and Boy Scout Texas Troop 155.   Most probably know this, but a flag is retired by consumption in fire.    It’s a respectful and moving thing to see, giving youngsters a knowledge to carry throughout their lives.   

Just two moments tonight, taken at the Georgetown Rotary Club Foundation’s Field of Honor, ongoing through November 14 at San Gabriel Park.    The sight of hundreds of American flags can have an impact on emotions.   The man in the opening photo was moved to tears as he walked through.   And the mom and son were in awe as well.  

Time doesn’t really change, but we try to reconfigure it with things like Daylight Saving Time.  Perhaps a minority opinion, but I’m happy we’ve returned to Central Standard Time today.   These are photos taken in Taylor today, from early morning until after sunset, when a group of birds flew past a Waxing Crescent moon (14.6% visibility) and the planet Venus.   The morning photos were at our town’s Murphy Park, where ducks and geese like to gather on the lake.  For several months each year, the park hosts thousands of egrets at the rookery, but it’s a nice setting all year long.

Leaving Taylor very early this morning, I arrived for the opening day of The Georgetown Rotary Club’s 5th annual Field of Honor at San Gabriel Park.    Sunrise was still a few minutes away when the opening photo was made.   And then came the sun, highlighting some of the 1500-plus American flags adorning a field.   A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is here this year, 80% of the original size.   I spent a good bit of time there as veterans paused to find names of those they knew.  A Marine  from the Vietnam era (they’re never ex-Marines)  spent quite a bit of time searching for names of those he knew.    One photo is personal.   In the late-60s, I was a band and orchestra kid at Texas High School in Texarkana.   Howard Elder, who played trombone, was one of my classmates.   For reasons I don’t know to this day, Howard quit school in his junior year, enlisting in the Army.   I’m guessing he had to get parental permission because he wasn’t old enough.   Howard died in Vietnam in 1970, the year most of his high school classmates were graduating.   Forgive the aside, friends.  The Field of Honor, and the wall, will be on display until November 14th.  It’s a very moving experience.

In keeping with National Adoption Awareness Month, the Williamson County Justice Center in Georgetown held adoptions this morning in the courtroom of Judge Brandy Hallford  for four area families who were  adopting six children.   I always enjoy attending these adoptions.  In fact, it’s the only time I find courtroom photography worthwhile. Among the adoptees were a 14-month-old, a 6-year-old, a 10-year-old and three siblings, ages 10, 14 and 15.    The mom of the 14-month-old will soon have more kids.  She’s pregnant with triplets, due very soon!

It’s been several months since my last visit with these Norman’s Crossing beauties.   I made up for that earlier this week on a sunny night before the rain and cool weather moved in.    They love each other’s company, but humans are okay, too.    I need to remember to bring them treats next time!