On our way back from Bastrop County late this afternoon, my wife noticed a rainbow just north of Coupland.   Naturally, I was compelled to stop.   She was ready to be home, but not with a slight detour first.   The opening photograph has some interesting light patterns, including early-evening light gracing an unharvested cornfield.  The other two were taken before the rainbow got absorbed  into the clouds.   Rainbows are often brief, but inspiring bits of nature. 

A photo taken a few weeks ago while strolling past the San Gabriel River in Georgetown.   Turtles living in the wild are mostly anti-social beings.  Nine times out of ten, when they see a camera pointed their way, they’ll dip into the water.   Not this one though.  She seemed to enjoy the attention.

Tonight, just more photographs of barns in our area of Central Texas.   I photograph them while they’re with us.  The structure seen with an outhouse (privy) might’ve been a house at some point.  These spaces evolve.   Quite a few have ceased to exist.

The little Olympus camera purchased used nearly three years ago is now retired due to shutter issues.   It’s been replaced with another used Olympus purchased a few days ago.   So far, I’m liking it even more than the first one for my daily walks.   Offered here are some photographs taken with the “new” one.   This one’s an OM-D E-M10, barely used by the previous owner.   These compact cameras are almost enough to make me retire my Nikons.   So far, I’m using both, but the Olympus is far less burdensome for my strolls.  A few photographer friends utilize their smartphones when they want to travel light, but so far, the telephoto functions on those aren’t up to par.   Just my opinion, of course. 

Finding rural settings becomes more challenging as development  continues its march into our area of Central Texas.   For this blue evening photograph I wandered north, into Bell County, Texas,  to an area east of Bartlett.  A couple of blades are missing, but the windmill holds on to life.  And the land continues to breathe.

Rain clouds formed over Bartlett tonight, enveloping the community with some of the cool blue evening light I love.  Bartlett, around 1700 people,  resides in both Williamson and Bell Counties, about 20 minutes north of our home in Taylor.   Recently, the downtown area was closed off for the creation of a television show.   I drove by, but didn’t like what I saw.   This is how I see Bartlett.  A farm scene east of town is also offered.  When I got home tonight it was raining.  That was nice. 

A few photographs from the annual bazaar at Granger’s Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.  There was lots of barbecue, prepared in the smoking pits behind the parish recreation center.  Church members were up all night preparing brisket and sausage.   The kitchen was filled with folks putting together to-go plates for attendees.  Lines were long, but moved quickly.   Many chose to dine inside the parish hall.   I particularly enjoyed the curly-haired 3-year-old with her plate of food.   The day concluded with a dance this evening, with music by Scooter Dubec and Sterling Country.   Just a slice of life in Texas, friends.

This morning I spent some quality time taking photographs at a Jonah and Weir Community  fundraiser for the Jonah School, which opened in 1922, closing in 1972 when its students were absorbed into the Georgetown School District.   In recent years, the historic structure has served as a community center, but it needs some tender loving care, thus the fundraiser.  A floor in one of classrooms has caved in.  And they hope to restore the merry-go-round if possible.  This structure has been in front of my lenses quite a few times, mostly from the outside.   In February 2013, however, I attended a Chili Supper fundraiser in the school’s auditorium, where Carl Lidell, about to turn 90, danced with his wife Grace to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”   Mr. Lidell, a Navy veteran, attended Jonah School and went on to become a Williamson County Commissioner, also a founder of the Jonah Special Utility District.   I loved seeing the couple dance in that space. A black-and-white photo of him during his Navy service included here.     He died in 2015.

Princess is a beautiful (and registered) Texas Longhorn owned by a good friend.  I think she’s in her late-teens.   It’s been probably three years since I last had the opportunity to take her photograph.   Princess, you see, normally wanders way out into her pasture,  too far away for meaningful portraits.   I’ve passed by my friend’s place numerous times, but that camera-shy cow wasn’t having it.  That’s okay.  My friend and I just visit for a while.   Last evening, however, she was accessible, enjoying a field with a few other cows and donkeys.  We had a nice session, even if she continues to balk at photos.  I stayed with her until sun began to go down, warm light taking hold.   Next time, I’ll be sure to bring treats!    And perhaps share photos of this girl’s friends, too.

Taking photographs during daily walks has become a bit of an obsession the last few years.   These are some photos taken over the last few days as I strolled through Taylor.  My trusty Olympus camera purchased used almost three years ago is now semi-retired, but these were made with it.    I’m not tossing  old one away, but have another Olympus to take its place.   The older I get, the more I crave lighter, but efficient cameras.