The Georgetown Independent School District began their school year this morning.   These photographs taken for the Williamson County Sun were at George Washington Carver Elementary School, where 672 students are enrolled.   First Day of School photographs have been a part of the toolkit since 1974, beginning in Tyler, Texas.   These days, school districts don’t begin on the same date.   When growing up, they were universally right after Labor Day.  The faces, however, remain the same.

Noticing the abundant grasses seen on the prairie this week.   From Granger to Coupland.

There’s a bunch of photographs here, taken over two days this weekend at the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association’s visit to the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.  These are men and women who have been a part of this sport for years.   The minimum age for entry is 40, but there are quite a few in their 60s, 70s and 80s.  This is such a  life-affirming group, so inspiring.   This photographr in his mid-70s can’t imagine doing what they do.  A favorite entrant who shows up every August will turn 80 in October.  This year his family was there to watch grandpa.   His 8-year-old grandson was happy to visit with a horse called Hombre.  A few action shots, but some good faces, too.

Artist and Navy veteran Shelby Gage was putting the finishing touches on a mural she was creating at Georgetown’s Mgt. Ben Snowden VFW Post 8587.   Over 100 hours of work went into creating the 7’x25′ work of art.   The post commander hopes to hold an official dedication of Shelby’s work on August 24th, the 59th birthday of this post.  Do check with this post to confirm.   It’s really a great mural, too large to include just one photograph.

Far too busy to wax poetic tonight.  A few photographs from this week’s walks around downtown Taylor, Texas.  Great Blue Herons seem to dominate.

081026 TAYLOR, TEXAS:

A few from this year’s Taylor International BBQ Cook-Off  held in Murphy Park.  Now in its 48th year, it continues to attract entrants and fans from all over Central Texas.  These photographs, taken Friday night and this afternoon, were slipped in while also covering other happenings in the area. The photographer is far too busy.    During the brisket judging this afternoon, a sweet and patient Heeler named Sissy was occasionally  rewarded with a bite.  She’s a polite girl!

Our area of Texas has been covered with cornfields for a couple of months, but the stalks are coming down quickly.  These photographs were taken as farmer Aaron Martinka and his helpers, including 10-year-old nephew Colton Martinka, were quite busy at fields just east of Walburg.   Farmers and their kids learn the basics very early.

Finding unpaved roads during the almost 30 years spent in metro-Atlanta was challenging.  If one were to get out of town, way the heck out of town, you might find one.  In this area of the Blackland Prairie in Central Texas they’re pretty easy to find.  With our lack of rain in recent weeks, these roads become laden with dust.   This one a few miles from Bartlett is interesting, a lightly-traveled place.  As sunset neared it transformed nicely.

Photographs from the last couple of visits to the rookery at Taylor’s Murphy Park.   A therapy interlude.   More to come before they leave us at the end of September.

These drives, some long, some short, often allow a collection of  photographs with a particular theme.  Tonight let’s go with horses, among the most elegant  beings on the planet.   A few of these beauties are cared for by friends.   All are just mighty fine.