Blog Archives
Boomtown Dining
It doesn’t seem that long ago that the road from Midland to Lamesa was narrow with nothing on either side but rangeland. The oil boom changed all that. Now the road has four lanes. There’s this diner, tiny in comparison with the size of the parking lot. And, of course, more stuff that looks like those tanks and buildings in the background.
Martin County, Texas
photographed 7.12.2015
When you need a train
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
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
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
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
