There’s little doubt in my mind that people probably wonder what the heck I’m taking photos of when seeing me out and about.    The way light spills onto a scene can draw me in.   The Taylor hike and bike path crosses under a bridge, connecting Bull Branch Park to Murphy Park.   It’s part of my daily morning  walk routine.   Wednesday evening I was at Murphy Park when the rays embracing that wall kept me entertained for about 10-15 minutes.   I never did get the desired juxtaposition, but the warm glow was sweet.  The pattern was most noticeable when the path was empty.     As the sun sank lower the light moseyed on.    Maybe another time it’ll work out.   Photographers, keep a close watch on things around you.  They’re significant if you want them to be.

It’s probably not a secret, but I have been enamored with the community of Granger ever since we returned to Texas in 2009. Its population is around 1500 now, maybe a little more.   Recently, I decided to just take a few photos around the downtown corridor.   A scene-setter was needed.  Nearing sunset, I happened on a girls 8U softball game in progress near the school.  The sun was about to go down, but I was determined to get a photo.  Once parked, I grabbed cameras and moved quickly to find a good spot high enough to work.   A picnic table would provide the elevation, but it was hard for this old set of bones to navigate the spot.  A mom, seeing the issue, asked “Can I help you up?”    Thankfully, the photo was made just in time, but the lady’s kindness spoke volumes about this town.   Continuing to wander, I followed North Willis Street until it ended at a beautiful old church, St. Love All Baptist Church.   Noticing the session, a resident named Jackie  told me it was her church, obviously very proud.    Jackie told me it opened in 1905.   Its membership is down to about 10-12 folks, but it’s there.   Other churches included what I think is Granger’s oldest, Granger Brethren Church, here since 1901.  And there’s Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, which opened in 1921.   This is a welcoming community.   A few years ago I found myself with a flat tire as darkness set in.   A young man, probably in his early-20s, offered to help get me on the road again.   He wasn’t asking for anything, just lending a hand.   Hopefully, Granger, only ten minutes north of Taylor, will hold onto its small-town feel, but growth is inevitable.

While seeing the crops thrive where we live, it’s also nice  to see the grasses sprouting up on  the countryside.   Local folks, farmers and ranchers in particular, might not cotton to their glistening  beauty, but I enjoy pointing a camera at them from time to time.   Light expands its reach  in their presence.   I like what I like.

A few photographs from this year’s Memorial Day observance in Sun City, Texas.   500 chairs were set out on the lawn, but other attendees brought their own.  I’m thinking about 600 people were there.   It was the hottest morning I can recall for this event in years, also enough humidity to remind me of my Georgia days.   The most inspiring subject today was a 97-year-old World War II veteran, an Army nurse.   She had a wonderful spirit and vitality.  Three photos  here include her.

Saturday evening was devoted to photographing the 2024 commencement ceremonies for Georgetown’s East View High School.   Diplomas were distributed to 494 graduates this year.  The night was warm, but a steady breeze made things manageable for everyone.     High school graduation ceremonies are almost always joyful occasions.   I’m thankful there’s still energy left to record these rites of passage.  

This morning members of the Georgetown Beard Club conducted a parade and program for residents of The Wesleyan retirement community, their fourth year to do this.  The club is a registered 501 (c) (3) that does a lot of good things in the community.   I arrived at The Wesleyan about 25 minutes before the event.   Once confirming this was the right place, I decided to read a book for a few minutes, but decided the pages could wait when seeing  the lady walking her dog among the flags.   That’s Barbara, 88, a resident at The Wesleyan, taking a walk with her dog, Alex.   Once she saw the camera, she asked kindly asked if she was in the way, but I assured her she most definitely was not!   Barbara’s husband, Carl, was a Korean War veteran who died 7 years ago.   Today would’ve been Carl’s 92nd birthday.   Barbara joined others for the Beard Club event, but visiting with her one-on-one was very nice.   A few other photos are included here, too.

Nothing special, only another view of our Blackland Prairie tonight, my friends.   The windmill is decrepit, but holding on.   As is the prairie.

Georgetown’s Richarte High School held their commencement Thursday evening at the Klett Performing Art Center.   As an alternative high school, its student population is much smaller than the city’s other two public schools.   62 seniors received their diplomas.   By summer’s end, a few other students will complete their course work, for a total of 77 graduates.  Perhaps mentioned when covering Richarte in the past, but the term “alternative” can have negative connotations, but this student body is anything but negative!   Students have to be accepted to attend Richarte.   Reasons are varied, but you don’t attend school there because you’re a slacker.   The focus here is on academics, with a good dose of one-on-one interaction.   Kudos to  the Georgetown Independent School District for making this available to families.   A few scenes from last night, including families, teachers, graduates and a great principal, Rob Dyer (in hug photo), who is moving onto new challenges as CEO of the Georgetown Project.  He’ll be missed.

The fascination with barns continues.

A little story, told before, but another time can’t hurt.  My mama was raised on a farm in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas.  After she and her siblings left the nest for adulthood, my grandfather, Carl Bradley, remained for a few years after my grandmother passed on before him.   When Carl died, his brother, my Great Uncle Harry, also a farmer, gathered family and friends to dismantle the little tin-roofed farmhouse, hauling the remains to his farm, just a few miles away.   Uncle Harry then commenced to rebuild that wood and tin into another barn on his farm.  Why let good wood go to waste when it can be recast?  Uncle Harry and his sister, my Great Aunt Addine “Bip” Bradley, lived for many years past my parents.   Both lived well into their 90s, never marrying.   When both were gone, their family farm was finally sold.   I wonder if the new owners kept both barns?    I miss that farm.

Perhaps too much information when all I’m really doing is presenting more barn photos.  The last, if I’m correct, was at one time a house.   I do admire barns.   They’re disappearing at a rapid pace.

It’s another Full Moon night, but in Central Texas this evening we’re getting stormy skies.   There’s a tornado watch out for our county.   When we get turbulent weather, it’s often abundant.   I’m hopeful friends will be okay.    The opening photo is Noack’s Christ Lutheran Church.