As I make my way around East Williamson County, Texas in search of wildflower photos, other things can get my attention. Our prairie fields are thriving. Those heavy rainstorms last weekend are a memory. Wheat and corn are abundant. And the light, as it usually is, is grand. I’ll still watch for wildflowers, but won’t discount the work of our farmers. 
When flood waters made it into our house the other day, I rescued some of my photography equipment from the hall closet. Among the items there was a case containing some older cameras, one of them the Nikon F2 camera body I bought new in 1977. My 1967 model Nikon F may still be the mightiest camera on the planet, but this F2 comes mighty close. Included here are some photos taken today of that F2, plus something from the first roll of film run through it, including this couple enjoying a leisurely lunch at Shreveport’s Columbia Park. The metal on those old cameras was fine workmanship. As the photos show, it could take a licking, too. Note that this camera had no light meter. Back then, I used a hand-held light meter for most things. Also not on it: a motor drive or autofocus. Motor drives were pricey additions at one time. Autofocus hadn’t been invented yet. In fact, neither had autoexposure modes. Today’s emerging photographers might be flummoxed. 
While in search of something else this week, this scene wandered into my frame. This was last evening in Coupland, Texas. The steeple at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland does an admirable job of serving as the community skyscraper. 
My friend Carol Fox, a writer and teacher who also happens to do a bit of ranching (with her brother, John) in Circleville, Texas, was interested in getting some photos of a newborn calf. Since we share phone numbers and email addresses, I asked that she let me know when the ranch added a little critter to their herd. The little lady (or is it a little man?) came along last week. Carol texted me and I moseyed on over. Since the actual moment of cattle births are generally hard to pin down, Carol guessed the calf was maybe two days old. Thankfully, the herd was in a field easy to navigate. Still, it was an interesting game of tag keeping up with these bovines. As the sun went down, mama and baby wandered into the west, through a stand of trees, exiting to another pasture. They’d had enough of me. With Carol’s permission, the last photo is of her. Life on the prairie is a joy. 
As this is written on Monday evening, the storms and flooding from the weekend have moved east, but allow me to offer up a few photos made Sunday evening as the remnants of our Texas weather were still apparent. Friends, if you didn’t already know this, I look for excuses to photograph certain things. Windmills are right up there at the top of that list, closely followed by grain elevators, barns and trees. Although I don’t have a precise number, I’m thinking there are maybe a dozen windmills where these cameras are pointed. Tonight’s post includes three of them. Those flooded fields? They’ll likely be just fine. Our Blackland Prairie soil is one heck of a sponge. It’s warm now. Today’s highs were in the mid-80s. Call it spring if you like, but summer’s pretty much here where we live in south Central Texas. 
While covering Chisholm Trail Days at the Williamson Museum on the Chisholm Trail on Saturday, I had the honor of spending time with Mr. Horace Williams, one of the Buffalo Soldiers from Company A 9th Cavalry, based at Camp Mabry in Austin. Since returning to 
Texas. a few years ago, I’ve had occasion to meet and photograph Mr. Williams, but wanted to do a little more here. While I could offer up photos of him teaching kids about life on the 1800s frontier, these will work tonight. Williams is a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, something he always proudly wears on that scratchy wool uniform. His face and eyes are magic. Those hands have accomplished much through the years. He’s a genuine treasure.
Before the rains descended on Central Texas Saturday, I had fun photographing the happenings during Chisholm Trail Days, held at the Williamson Museum on the Chisholm Trail in Round Rock. It was a blast watching the youngsters learn about the art of roping. The young fellow wielding the rope here is only 3, but he was doing a good job! Waiting in the wings are siblings, ages 8 and 6. Normally, I don’t post strictly-local events here, but this was a good moment that needs sharing. The kerchiefs? All cowboys know about keeping dust at bay.
Driving home to Taylor this afternoon after a couple of assignments, I found myself driving into some pretty serious rain. When I got home, the precipitation was abundant enough to actually come into our house. A few well-placed towels made things okay. No worries. En route home, here are some things I saw. How do horses deal with the elements? Sure, they’re livestock per se, but a part of me wants to herd them into the nearest shelter. The others are just things I saw on this very moist afternoon. All is well tonight in Taylor, Texas.
The area where we live is home to many Lutheran churches. A few are regular subjects for my camera. Among them are Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Wuthrich Hill (East Williamson County) and New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Church (Northeast Travis County). The first photo, taken tonight, is from Prince of Peace. The second image, made last evening, is at New Sweden. While I don’t think that tree was planned with shadows in mind, but it’s nice to see. 
Sometimes, when a theme seems to be in the works, I’ll hold onto a few images. These photos are some recent examples, taken on two (or was it three?) nights. Cows can be a bit nervous around us humans, but sometimes their curiosity outweighs any fear they might have. Who can blame them? Humans are kind of scary! Anyway, here are a few images for your evening viewing. The little critter in the opening photo was quite a hoot. He/she was really giving the photographer what for! Life on the prairie can be quite entertaining, friends. 
