Blog Archives
the real show
Remember a couple of days ago when I confessed that I had a bad attitude about the 4th of July celebrations this year?
A few minutes of watching things like a mechanical bull ride at a street fair helped me feel better.
Now, about this triptych…I thought initially that the story was that guy on the bull and his inevitable slide from the bull. However, check out the kid on the left. His facial expressions and gestures are really the story. Zoom in, if you want: I think it will be worth your effort.
Slaton, Texas
photographed 7.4.2026
he had some opinions
This guy had plenty to say. He was quite verbose on the subject of highway speed limits, particularly the way the speed limit is 75 mph in Texas and then immediately drops to 55 at the New Mexico state line, even though the roads are otherwise exactly the same. Anyone out here who’s ever driven to New Mexico shares his pain. And, yes, random dude on a bike, it DOES feel like a speed trap.
Slaton, Texas
photographed 7.4.2026
as american as a car wash
I was waiting for the small-town July 4 parade and street fair to start, so I took a photo walk. I specifically walked directly from where the car was parked to this out-of-business car wash. My eye was caught by the word “American” and it seemed like July 4 was a pretty good day to look around at something that was dilapidated: it matched mood.
However…the town’s street fair made me feel better.
Slaton, Texas
photographed 7.4.2026
bubbles
One of the houses on the local garden tour had a gorgeous oasis for a back yard. One of my favorite things were the water features; no matter where I went in the yard, I could hear the sounds of water. It felt cool. And relaxing.
I did mention to the owner of the house (and garden!) that I was planning to move in. I was nice about it – I wasn’t even asking him to leave or anything; at the very least I’ll need him there to maintain the yard. He sort of acted like it was a joke; later at least one of us is going to be surprised…
West Texas Master Gardeners – garden tour
Lubbock, Texas
photographed 6.20.2026
for it is no ordinary creature
We stopped off in Levelland the other Sunday to watch a barrel racing event. I don’t know what technical things to watch for (other than knocking down the barrels is not what the riders are supposed to do) but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating the athleticism of the horses and the riders.
But what I do know – because I attended the grand opening of this particular venue – is that a dirt consultant will devise bespoke dirt recipes for your livestock-based event. If I’d know that sooner, perhaps by career would have followed at different trajectory. Who know? (I mean, I sort of know that I would never have become a dirt consultant under any circumstances, but still, it might technically have been an option.)
Levelland, Texas
photographed 5.31.2026
