Something seen  tonight, just a little east of Coupland.  A Texas Thistle (Cirsium Texanum) adds color to  a field as sunset nears.   At just after 10pm, the predicted stormy weather hasn’t come to pass.   We’ll see what materializes in the early-morning hours.

A collection of photographs from the commencement for Georgetown High School, held at Birkelbach Field on Friday night.   Forecasts of stormy weather were thankfully put on hold as 484 students received their diplomas.   The opening photograph includes the Valedictorian and Salutatorian as they cross the stage.  They’re also included in a couple of casual shots before festivities began.  This field is a wonderful venue for graduations.   A few pairs of cowboy boots were added to those caps and gowns.    Just Texas folks being themselves.

It’s a good thing the commencement ceremony for Richarte High School was indoors last evening in Georgetown.  It was quite stormy.  Richarte High is the school district’s alternative school of choice.   Students don’t go there because they’ pose a problem.  They choose to attend there, once accepted.   It’s a small class size.   128 students are graduating this year.   Not all walked the stage, but quite a few did.   The favorite scene was a dad attired in a sparkly bright purple jacket.   He wanted to be sure his daughter could find him in the audience.   She most definitely did!   The post starts with that series.  

These photographs have been sitting on the computer’s desktop for too long.   The goal is to acquire a bald eagle photo, but so far that’s proved elusive. Most raptors don’t cotton to being photographed.   The hope continues.

Wheat harvest is progressing in our area.  Golden wheat. Farmer Aaron Martinka, assisted by family and friends, is clearing the fields of several hundred acres this year.  In addition to wheat he also plants corn and cotton,  and maybe a little grain sorghum.   But these photographs focus on the golden wheat crop.   Navigating the tractor is Aaron’s son, Evan, a young teen who knows how to navigate a field.  

From tonight, stormy skies.

On the final week of school each year, the Jarrell Independent School District holds their Senior Walk.   Graduating seniors, in their caps and gowns, visit the district’s elementary and middle schools for a walk-through, their presence  encouraging the young folks to set their sights on bright futures.   One of the seniors’ visits this morning was at Jarrell Elementary School, where the kindergartners, also wearing caps and gowns, did their walks while holding hands with the seniors.   While a package of photographs were taken, this is the one that stands out.  The little guy, nervous for much of the walk, finally offered  a smile.   It was a moment to savor.

Rainbows are always a surprise when they make an appearance.  This one,  while subtle, formed a few miles north of Taylor tonight.   Rainbows are visual gifts.

Those daily walks are never intense.  Slowing down to snap a photograph serves  two purposes, recording what’s there and giving the decrepit bones a respite.    One of the advantages during these strolls is not having to be concerned about someone barreling down in the rearview mirror when something interesting pops into view.   Drivers,  often for valid reasons, are in a hurry.   The light weight of the little Olympus camera is a physical gift.   Can anyone identify the snake in this post?

Georgetown’s VFW Post 8587 (M/Sgt. Ben D. Snowden Post) hosted placement of 600 American flags on gravesites of veterans at the city’s I.O.O.F. Cemetery this morning.   A few veterans there to help, but plenty of young folks from area scouting troops were there to assist.   Today is also Armed Forces Day, a day set aside in 1950 to honor veterans.   The flags, donated by Ace Hardware, will remain in place until after Memorial Day.   A 7-year-old Cub Scout gets an extra nod here.   He was joined by his parents and siblings, also scouts.   While going about his work, the little fellow was stung by a wasp.   Big brother was there to help out.   Thankfully, he was okay, but a bit wary after that.  The post commander included.