I learned this week a dear friend has begun hospice care following a stage four cancer diagnosis. “Is there anything I can do?” I asked. “Just keep up your beautiful photography for my enjoyment.” That I can try to do, my friend. From tonight, a cloudy conclusion to a day on the Blackland Prairie. 
Although it was the grove of old-growth pecan trees that first attracted me to Williamson County’s Berry Springs Park & Preserve in 2009, I’ve since found other reasons to visit. Unlike some public spaces, you can easily find peaceful spaces to savor. These photos are from a visit this week. 
I tried to like the opening photo in color, but black and white prevails this time. That barn is near Jonah. The second image, however, needs the color to emphasize paint that’s chipping away. That barn is near Noack. 
Last evening I spent some quality time at the ranch of my friend Joyce White. Joyce and chatted for a while, then I headed outside to visit with some of her four-legged friends, among them a beautiful Texas Longhorn called Princess. 
Then there were her four inquisitive donkeys, Imogene, Memo, Licorice and Eeyore. Also pictured is the newest family member, a week-old calf, staying very close to its mama. Note that its mama isn’t a longhorn, but she’s certainly a sweet little critter.
Most times I just drive, no set destination, but the internet can be useful, too. That’s how I discovered Locklin Cemetery, in Milam County. It’s an old resting place. The first burial here was of blacksmith Peter Mercer, in 1844. The site was apparently named the family of early settler William Lawson Locklin. Burials continue here, on a gentle Blackland Prairie hill. So far, about 400 are laid to rest here. One family honors a lost daughter with the monument. of a horse. Obviously, the deceased was a lover of horses. Some cemeteries found don’t look so well. This one does. 
One of the churches I enjoy photographing is Taylor’s St. James Episcopal Church, at the corner of 7th and Davis Streets since 1893. These are some recent explorations. The courtyard statue of St. Francis of Assisi is particularly inspiring. Nothing more to add. 
From a Saturday evening drive into countryside where I don’t go nearly often enough. The opening photo is along a nice bit of highway in Lee County, Texas, between Lexington and Taylor. Later in the drive, the other two images are from southern Milam County, including a farmer navigating his tractor along an uncrowded road. I’ve said this many times, but in our farm country, please be understanding of slow-moving farm equipment. They’ve been on these roads a long time. The last photo was made as the day’s final light rays crossed over a nice red barn. Just stuff from the country, friends. 
Granted, I take a lot of photos around Granger. Incorporated in 1891, it’s a neat little town of a bit less than 2000. The latest census figures, from 2010, have it at 1419, but I’m sure new numbers will be higher. These are all along West Davilla Street. The opening photo is self-explanatory. Regarding the second image, consider it a parking place for horses. Santa shows up in a window of Granger National Bank. He’s been in a window on the side for years, but has recently moved to the front. Regarding the last photo, Jno P. Trilca was a Czech-American photographer who lived and worked here in the early-mid 20th Century. For years, he had a studio right behind where his name is still inscribed in concrete. His studio also served as home to his insurance business. If you have a chance to find it, “Equal Before the Lens,” published in the early-90s, chronicles his life and photographs. He photographed virtually everyone in the community, without regard to race, nationality, or economic status. As a result, he never made a lot of money. Such is the life of a photographer.
Tonight, three photos that don’t really have anything to do with each other, but I wanted to post them somewhere. The opening photo was taken during an intense rain event in North Williamson County. I pulled over to take a photo. The second photo was made on the same afternoon, the rain still coming down as we drove through Schwertner, Texas. I think it’s an old storefront, but a local mentioned it may have been a honky tonk back in the day. The last photo was made last night in Milam County. There’s a windmill in the picture, partially obscured by a tree. And some hay. This and that, friends. 
On a recent evening in southern Bell County, I encountered these guys and gals as they wandered around near the end of a cloudy day. Vultures get a lot of negative vibes, but I find them interesting. Think about it. Like other beings, their goal is to survive. They can’t stop in at Pizza Hut or Whataburger. They eat what they find. Just the other morning, leaving the house for a daily walk, three of these critters were working over a squirrel’s remains in my neighbor’s yard. They weren’t bothering anyone, just making their way in the world. 
