A return to the Williamson County Livestock Show today in Taylor, Texas.   Today and much of Wednesday are devoted to Breeding Swine and Market Swine shows.   I just call them pigs.   Right after arriving at the Williamson County Expo Center this afternoon, I saw a young man chasing a pig named Ronnie, who decided to race from the show barn for a little outside time.   His owner finally got Ronnie back inside.  An 8-year-old girl was competing for the first time this year.   She proudly shows off her third-place ribbon, also enjoying a hug from her mama.  An 11-year-old was competing despite a broken leg.  And a two-year-old wasn’t fond of all the pig noise.  The others are just scenes from today’s activity.   I might return for another outing on Wednesday.

Another interesting day was spent at the Williamson County Livestock Show in Taylor.   Today’s competitions included lambs and goats.    This is one of those posts where I don’t feel the need to say more.  

Once again, I’m delving into coverage of the Williamson County Livestock Show, thankfully just a short drive from our home in Taylor.   Today was mostly spent watching market and breeding rabbit judging.   These are categories that take forever to judge.  I didn’t stay for everything, but perhaps you’ll get the gist of it.   While you’ll see some of the judging in photos, you’ll also get a peek at things away from the arena.  Examples include a grandma cuddling with her grandson and granddaughter.  Granddaughter had just returned from a round of judging.  Her brother is competing with a broken collar bone.  When I asked how that would be, he just held up one arm, letting me know, without saying a word,  that’s all he needed.   Another young lady got encouragement from her grandparents before going in for another round.  An ag teacher helps  a student  get gussied  up while mom holds her rabbit at right.   While at the show barn, goats and lambs were moved into the show barn for Monday’s competition.  A lamb is represented here, too.   Plus identical 17-year-old twins from Georgetown, relaxing together in a stall.  One is showing lambs, the other a pig.   Finally, a lively 7-year-old who’ll be showing his goat and lamb in the Pee Wee Showmanship division this week.   Covering the livestock show has been made harder the past couple of years, but I do it because it needs to be seen.   These shows are huge to these families.

A very late post.  It’s been a very busy day.   The daytime photos were taken at Georgetown’s Christmas Stroll.   From there, I drove back to Taylor, about 30 minutes east, worked at my computer for a few hours, then attended Taylor’s annual Christmas parade and lighting of the tree at Heritage Square Park.   The evening photos are from Taylor.   A work-filled Saturday that left me with good feelings in both towns

For what it’s worth,  I often just hop in the car and go.  There’s a destination sometimes.  Tonight  a drive south of Taylor yielded some worthwhile photographs.  Those skies are continuing to sing my song.  These were taken while wandering through Beyersville and Coupland.  

After our morning rain today, I kept my eyes focused on the skies.   While not a given, hours of rainfall can yield something a bit heavenly later on.   About 45 minutes ahead of sunset, I ventured to a place where the setting would be just right.   The farm belongs to a friend who has allowed access to his spread, anytime I like.   His compassion for land is apparent when we talk.   This 189 acres not far from Walburg is stunning, quiet and peaceful, a true Blackland Prairie paradise.   I’m thankful for friends who share a love of this soil and air. 

Watching light in Georgetown this week.   It’s the time of year when you’ll likely see a few similar posts.   The opening photo is from St. John’s Methodist Church, where the luminaries have been  placed for the Christmas season.   Drive along East University and you’ll be refreshed.   And nearby, on the town square, lights are placed in front of the Main Street offices of J Paul Aubin Real Estate.    If you look closely at the ornament reflection you might find yours truly, about the only time I’ll put myself out there.  Plus reflections in an Austin Avenue window.   Just light observations, friends.

Just a few photographs from recent morning walks in Taylor, taking time to appreciate the color that encompasses us.   Since these walks are meant to be exercise, not much time is spent on a given scene, but they’ve been pleasant outings this past two weeks.  Until I find something more suitable, that used Olympus camera purchased two years ago still fulfills a need to travel light.

We were covered in clouds on Monday night, but clear skies this evening presented us with a Waning Gibbous moon, still looking nice at 97% visibility.   On the way to a grocery store run, that lovely moon just glowed so much I first made a few photos of a youth soccer practice at Taylor Regional Park, then onto the grocery errand.   After dropping off store items, I drove to downtown Taylor, blending the moon with holiday lights.

Last week I stopped by a friend’s Circleville ranch to take photos of a beautiful mesquite tree, but made a few other photos during my brief visit.   The ranch is adorned with sections of the San Gabriel River, old-growth pecan trees, Burr Oaks, plus  horses and cattle, but those aren’t represented here. Miles, however, deserves a nod.  Miles is a beautiful collie who, like yours truly, has hearing issues.   It doesn’t stop him from wandering around this beautiful land on the Blackland Prairie. This offering concludes with a resilient fence post and barbed wire.   Like the land, they are survivors.