In 2011, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, first responders from Georgetown began commemorating the day with a Memorial Stair Climb at Birkelbach Field, climbing enough steps to align with what New York City first responders went through on that tragic day.   Thankfully, I’ve been able to take photos for every year they’ve done this.   It’s a special group of folks.    The post begins with one of the last photos taken, three firefighters winding down together after their work was done.  

This weekend I took an early-evening stroll through downtown Elgin, Texas, a community of a little over 10,000 in Bastrop County, about 30 minutes east of Austin.  These are simply snapshots, but it’s nice to offer some details.   It was established in 1871, first called Glasscock, named for a Republic of Texas soldier from the area.   The following year it was renamed Elgin, for Robert Morris Elgin, a railroad land commissioner at the time.  Though close to Austin, it retains most of its country charm.   Most of the downtown structures were built between 1872 and 1947, using locally-made brick.   At one time it boasted three brick factories, calling itself the Brick Capital of the Southwest.   It’s also known for barbecue establishments.   Occasionally you might see someone on horseback.  Or a skateboarder chased by a dog.  It’s an interesting community in the heart of Texas.

Corn harvest is mostly done in our area, leaving us with wider views now that the stalks are gone.   Red-winged blackbirds, however, find nifty treats.   And of course I’m tossing in a windmill.   Different days for a couple, but good clouds overhead.  Send rain.

Today I enjoyed taking photos at lunch  during Grandparents Day at  Jarrell Elementary School.    It was so nice to see all those happy faces, young and old.    Nothing more needs to be written.

The summer’s heat and drought handed our area farmers a hard season to endure.    I’ve had a time finding a cotton harvest in progress this year, but glad to learn of East Williamson County farmer Douglas Malish this week  as he and his nephew Kelton Malish completed their harvest in Thrall.  Malish stripped 440 acres of cotton this year.    If you drive around our area, you might see harvested fields, plus some yet to be touched.  The last photo is one taken just south of Bartlett, remnants in a harvested field.   I liked that one enough to include it here.

And ducks in black-and-white.   A suggestion from a friend!

Seen on my morning walk today.    After all, this is Taylor, Texas, where ducks are given leeway as they wander through neighborhoods.    The photo is a little busy (too many cars and trash cans), but I like the moment.  

A farmer clears remnants after a recent corn harvest in Taylor.  I’ve always admired this barn.  This was a good excuse to display it again, plus give you a good feel for our Blackland Prairie.    This was taken at mid-day, my least favorite time for photos, but sometimes you just must click that shutter.

Two photos taken in the minutes after sunset in East Williamson County, Texas.   The opening photo is from last weekend, Granger’s Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church.   The second one, heavenly light,  is from this evening, a little north of Granger.  Those are railroad tracks in the lower portion.

This evening I pulled up the weather forecast for the next ten days, showing more of the same, no rain and very high temperatures in the low-100s.   Us humans are feeling the angst, but so are some of our animal friends.   Offered tonight are some photos taken during my daily walks around Taylor.   Water levels are getting low.  In some areas the water’s just gone.   A couple weeks ago I posted a photo of fish rising to the surface of Bull Branch Creek.  A couple of science-minded friends explained it was due to lack of oxygen in the water sources.   Most of the remaining water looks sad.   Keep praying for rain, friends.   In case you’re wondering, the little critter poking its head out of the water is either a nutria or beaver.   Without seeing a tail, it’s hard to tell.