The Blackland Prairie was adorned with a Full Moon tonight.   Windmills are fine companions for the moon, at 99.7 % visibility.   By this time Saturday the moon will be in a Waning Gibbous phase.  It’s elegant tonight.  Two windmills, one moon.

Some snapshots tonight from Saint Peter’s Church of Coupland.  The sun doesn’t always align, but it did tonight.  The Waxing Gibbous moon, at 97% visibility, was often hidden by clouds, but peeked out a time or two.

The Waterloo Cotton Gin has been an annual subject for years.  Located a few miles east of Taylor, it’s an atmospheric site, the dust from the ginning process often ethereal.   Presented here are this year’s photographs, including co-owners Clement Strmiska and David Woollett.   The neck brace Clement wears results from a fall in early-August, leaving him unconscious.  The day after the accident he underwent a four-hour surgery, vertebrae replaced by titanium rods, plates and screws.  He’s on  the mend, but moving much slower this year.  Clement and David became business partners at the gin in 2012.  David’s mother first purchased the site in 1969.   It’s been part of his family since then.  Having Clement on board has been a good fit.  Clement knows the business well.  If memory serves, this is the only cotton gin still operating in our county, but if that’s incorrect, please advise.    Best wishes to Clement as he continues his recovery.

From just after the beginning of  Autumn tonight on the Blackland Prairie.  The temperature was in the lower-90s, not cool, but we’re always hopeful.

It’s the season for church bazaars.   Photographs offered here  are from the one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Corn Hill, in the far reaches of Northern Williamson County.   These are always wonderful gatherings.   Attendees could get their selections  as To Go plates via a drive-through setup.   The lady in the opening photo is almost always first in line for these events.  Just a couple of weeks ago she was also first in line at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Granger.  The pit area was filled with volunteers preparing brisket, pork and fried chicken, in addition to vegetable offerings.   Many  preferred dine inside at the Parish Activity Center.   There was food, music, games and a silent auction.  And homemade ice cream!  These shots  just hit the highlights.

All photography is therapy.   Toting a little camera (not a phone) on daily walks helps the days along.   Maybe it would be best to just take the photos and never post them.  For now, we carry on.   These are all from wanderings around Taylor.

A few photographs from today’s Fiesta Georgetown, held this afternoon at the Light & Waterworks District near the Georgetown library.    The two groups represented were members of the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi Jalisco de Austin.   Most of these are from the dance troupe, with the mariachi performers at the end.   it was very festive, but very hot.  

Sunset nears tonight over New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Travis County, just north of Manor.    Mentioned a few times, but when moving back  to Texas in 2009, the 104-foot -tall copper spire, seen from a few miles away, was breathtaking.  .   It continues to inspire.

A leftover from the recent visit to the rookery in Taylor.   Geese are always on point, ready to lend a hand to protect the park’s ducks.   A few months ago one of these critters decided the photographer’s presence was pesky, providing the photographer with a warning bite.   All beings are worthy, but watch your step around these babies.  

Photographs from two recent visits to the rookery at Taylor’s Murphy Park.   The first one was taken a few nights back when the island was fully adorned with birds.   The rest are from Wednesday evening.   Regular visitors know by now the nesting season is nearing its conclusion.   It’s best to document the site as much as possible.