We had one of our early-summer storm sessions this afternoon and evening.   I’d planned to rest at the library, but the cloud cover was intriguing.   These four photographs are all southeast of Taylor, including Beyersville and Noack.   That’s Mager Cemetery in the opening shot.  Lightning was frequent.   That Texas Longhorn didn’t seem to mind the weather at all.  Nor did the Great Blue Heron angling for a fish in a Noack pond.  And a farmer heads home, also in Noack.    Taylor was soaked when I got home, but very little rain fell where I wandered.  

Three of these photographs were taken this evening.   The grain elevators are from last night.  Our Texas skies can be impressive.

Occasionally, when the sky is nice, and the road is clear, I’ll hop out of the car and just look.  And sometimes take a photograph.  This is from last evening, the car included.

Driving south from Taylor this evening, I didn’t expect to see much, but nearing Coupland  a rainbow filled the prairie sky.   Like most rainbows, they come and go quickly.   A few photographs were taken as I watched the rainbow become less distinct.   By the time I reached St. Peter’s Church of Coupland it was fading quickly, but any opportunity to photograph this church is worthwhile.

It’s not uncommon to see this shining star making an appearance in December, but it was a nice early-summer gift Monday night.  

A simple sunset tonight east of Walburg, Texas.   After Sunday’s busy post, this seemed like a good option.   It’s way too hot.

Much time this weekend has been devoted to documenting,, editing and finalizing photographs from from Taylor’s Bill Pickett Youth Rodeo, held Saturday at the Williamson County Expo Center.  The event is designed for young folks eighteen or younger.    Mentioned numerous times through the years, but the culture of rodeo is what draws me in.  It seems everyone wants to see action photos, but the features encompassing the sport are my primary inspiration.  On Facebook and Instagram I’ll make features and action separate posts, but they’re altogether here. If you see a photo posted, check with the Williamson County Sun to get it.  I don’t market a thing.  The first thirteen shots are features, the remainder action.   A note about action.  Among the most compelling events is bull riding.   Unfortunately, at these mostly evening rodeos, bull riding is saved for last, when the light is almost impossible to deal with.   Organizers probably do this to keep their audience in their seats for the grand finale, but it’s a visual nightmare.  I love documenting rodeos, but it’s exhausting, labor-intensive work.  

Another batch of photographs from daily walks, opening with a dandy chicken crossing the road.   Most were in Taylor, but one walk this week was in Georgetown.   This post is usually done on Sunday, but it fits well where it is this week.  There’s much on the plate tonight, none of it to do with social media.   As mentioned a few times, I don’t spend very long on a situation, only stopping long enough for a snapshot before meandering on.   Although Nikon is my primary camera, walk photographs are done with a very small Olympus.   Camera weight is tedious.

A photograph taken tonight, a little over an hour before the Summer Solstice.  Probably mentioned before, but I am no fan of summer months, particularly in Texas.   I do, however, like this scene, a cornfield nestled under fine Blackland Prairie skies.   Have a good evening, friends.

My term for this grain crop is milo, but  it might also be called grain sorghum, or great millet.   It’s showing up in several fields in our area right now, looking vibrant and healthy.   Most farmers I’ve talked to use it as feed for livestock, but it also can be used as a human food source.  From what I’ve read, its origins are in Africa. Call it what you like, but it’s a visual treat to see.