Monthly Archives: July 2015

When you need a train

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As hard as it is to imagine when you see the town today, there used to be a rail line through Roaring Springs. It operated until 1981, and now the tracks are gone.

But the depot is still there. And so is this train signal. And it all reminded me of this fine Amanda Shires song “When You Need a Train it Never Comes”.

Roaring Springs, Texas
photographed 7.3.2015

Want some more Amanda Shires? She does a killer version of the Springsteen classic “Born in the USA” with her husband, Jason Isbell.

Most of the bases were covered

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The operator of this business was clear about a few things. Cash only for parts and labor. And he was not responsible for fire or theft. I don’t know that he had a plan for what he’d do if the walls fell down.

Roaring Springs, Texas
photographed 7.3.2015

For Sale

072015

So many things here to like…

But my favorite is the way the phone numbers are written, which reminded me of Mrs. Bourland’s seventh grade English class, and the way she’d diagram sentences on the chalkboard while I daydreamed in the back of the room.

Roaring Springs, Texas
photographed 7.3.2015

The broad expanse

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The school, closed now for thirty years, has a broad lawn in front. Someone still mows it, which is a nice touch.

McAdoo, Texas
photographed 7.3.2015

There are many types of windows

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This old gas station had many different kinds of windows, and now they are all broken. If the broken windows theory is correct, there’s trouble brewing…

McAdoo, Texas
photographed 7.3.2015