Rain began over the weekend.  It continues to come down.   Just now, on Tuesday morning, as I look out my window, preparing for a walk, it looks like we may get more.   These are photos taken last evening in East Williamson County, Texas.  We’re fortunate, really.   A friend in Houston has a flooded home.  To the south and east of us, it’s far wetter.   As you drive, be careful on the roads.   They are moist.

We had the threat of stormy weather hovering around us on Sunday in Central Texas, but it didn’t faze the organizers of the Area 13 Special Olympics Equestrian competition, being held at Georgetown’s Ride On Center for Kids, normally called R.O.C.K. in these parts.   The event, with 60 athletes ready to ride, began at 9a.m.   Just over 4 hours later, the bottom dropped out.   Even though the competition was in a covered arena, the weather became so nasty that they (wisely) chose to halt it for the day, but not before the athletes got a grand chance to show their stuff.   These athletes will all continue their rides next month, at the statewide equestrian Special Olympics games, in Bryan, Texas.   These photos were for my friends at the Williamson County Sun.

Athlete Elle Adams, who “always wears her wings,” says her mom, learns that she has won a medal.

Stormy skies arrive.

While wandering around Georgetown Thursday evening, I happened on this lady taking advantage of a lovely, cool Spring day in the company of her good friends, Hunter, a Yellow Lab, and Ginger, a Golden Retriever.   Their sweet spot was one of mine, too, the San Gabriel River.   These photos were taken along a portion of the river that flows through San Gabriel Park.   The weather forecast for the next few days calls for rain so I decided to add some warmth to the weekend with some sweet and happy canines.

For the last several years, a rite of Spring in our area is the annual Powwow, held at Southwestern University, in Georgetown, Texas.   I spent several hours there last weekend.  As is always the case, I could’ve stayed several more.   It’s an amazing thing to witness.   What astounds me, each time I cover this, is why more people don’t show up?   Here are a few photos I took for my friends at the Williamson County Sun.

Once again this Spring I was happy to record the happenings at Georgetown’s Special Olympics Spring Track & Field Games, held Saturday at Forbes Middle School.  In its 30th year, the Special Olympics is sponsored by the San Gabriel Breakfast Kiwanis Club.  An electrical storm during the games stopped competition for a while, but once the scary stuff overhead passed us, it was all good.

The Star-Spangled Banner is played at the opening ceremonies.

The final leg of the torch relay run.

An athlete gets a high-five from his biggest supporter, his mom.

Near the end of his run.

Determination personified.

Dad lends his hands.

Nearing the finish line.

Teammates

Savoring a well-deserved medal.

Howdy, folks.   My site is now consolidated, with everything in this one place.    Enjoy!

160406 GRANGER, TEXAS: A windmill closeup taken in early-April 2016 near Granger, Texas. Photo by Andy Sharp.