Hay! That's A Corny Pumpkin!



This is a round-bale of corn-hay. It's painted to look like a pumpkin. It's sitting next to a round-bale cat and spider. Pretty neat trio. We'll have to take the little girl (my 2 1/2 year old daughter) out to get her Halloween photo here.

She's going to be "Superstar Princess Supernova" this year. Let's see how we pull THAT order off.
Happy Friday!

Need some Mail Protection? No, I'm not Lion!



I always like to see interesting mailboxes. Here's a lion topper to a stone mailbox.
Happy Thursday!

Why The Long Face?



As promised, here's one of the horses that came to greet me when I was taking photos at the entrance of the Field of Dreams Farm. Saturday I posted the "Live your dream..." sign I saw as I turned to leave.

It was pretty neat to have an animal this big come over to me and kind of demand a stroke on the nose... I was happy to oblige.

Happy Wednesday!

Electricity...electricity...



This light pole in front of the blue sky was a neat shot I thought... so I shot it.
I'm not sure why I think this looks so cool... it's like functional art.

It's neat to me that something that looks so old and outdated is what brings us such modern conveniences.... electricity...telephone... internet.

Happy Tuesday!

10 to go....



This is one of the more creative ways to display your address.. Nice and rustic... it was next to a dirt path that lead to a front door surrounded by trees. Very nice and serene.

My title, however, is in reference to something else... I wonder how many Daily Photo folks will get that reference? If you don't, you can click on the photo to go to a Wikipedia page that explains it...

Um...I learned it from watching YOU ok?
Happy Monday.

Some Assembly Required.



I came across this home that is in the process of being built in the Plum Creek Neighborhood. I thought it was kind of funny that it looks like the floorplans were tucked away in the middle of the foundation and the frame was in piled nearby... kind of like a life-size model.... well.. exactly like it I suppose.

Aren't you glad they don't usually sell homes with "Some Assembly Required?"
Happy Sunday!

Dreamy.



I was on my way back from my anniversary lunch (yesterday marked 5 years of wedded bliss for me and my wife) and I came across the "Field of Dreams Farm." It's a horse breeding/training/sale/boarding farm. Well.. as I pulled up two horses came up to me to say hello... so I got some cool shots of them. Then I turned to leave and on the side of the post that faced people leaving the grounds I saw what is depicted on this photo.

It just about says it all.

I'll post one of the horse shots next week... I thought this would make for a nice Saturday photo.
Happy Saturday!
- Sean

It's a Cover Up I Tell You!



Here's a few of Kyle's Finest (firemen) heading to the newest restaurant in town... Buffet Palace. The funny thing is... the owners didn't even take down the former business' sign (Karen's Kountry Kitchen) to put up the new fancy BUFFET sign.

Happy Friday.

Side note: 5 years ago today I said "I Do" to the love of my life. Happy Anniversary Jodie. I love you more each day. Lets do lunch...

T is for Thursday. T is for Texas. T is for Tenth Hole!



While driving home one day I glanced over to the Plum Creek RV Campground (click on photo to go to their site) and saw they had a Mini-golf course there. The name of the place is Puttin' so I thought I'd stop in and take a few shots. Above is the tenth hole..shaped like a "T" I wonder if that was inTENsional?

Happy Thursday. Hey.. another "T" word!
Till tomorrow!

Rest In Peace Helen Louise Soja.



While driving home last night I received a call that my Grandma Soja passed away. She had been ill for a bit of time... so her passing was, while unexpected, probably the best thing for her.

But I post this photo of her last trip to Texas (she is from Ohio). In August of 2002 she came down and we took her all over the place. We took her on the Austin Duck Tour... Gruene Hall.... Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center...and around Kyle. She fell in love with this flower.. the crepe myrtle.

Crape-myrtle (Lagerstroemia; also Crepe myrtle) is a genus of about 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees or large shrubs native to eastern Asia and Australia.

This photo was taken in August 2002 at Kyle's Square. She thought me silly for wanting her to get out and take a photo of her with the flower... but she had made the comment about 20 times how beautiful the flower was.

Memories of my Grandma are many... here are a few that float to the top of my mind:

- Growing up and visiting her at the cottage in Michigan where we would go swimming in Coldwater Lake and drink from shiny purple and green aluminum cups...and visitng Coldwater Lake in 2003 with her (with my wife) and reconnecting with old memories and friends.

- Visiting her at her home in Ohio where we'd talk about the world while she meticiously cleaned up after making her "Egg Beaters" eggs and eating at the Orchard Tree for dinner... her favorite restaurant,

- Taking her to have her cheese enchiladas in Laredo where my parents live,

- Going on the Duck Tour, playing solitare, and getting to know her as a person other than a Grandma that summer of 2002.

- Introducing her to my daughter who will hopefully remember the greatness that is her Great Grandma Soja.

I know this is a photo blog... but it's said that a picture is worth a thousand words.... and I'm a writer so I can write that thousand words to lend to the photo.

I'll miss you Grandma Soja.

Something Fishy.



I'm thinking about decorating a childs bedroom in our house with cool fish photos and art that I find. I thought this Mariscos painted on the glass of a local mexican seafood restaurant would be a nice addition.

This is taken at Ixtapa #2 (104 N Old Highway 81). I've eaten there before.. but I couldn't tell you how it was. I can't remember. I guess that can't be bad... I tend to remember the restaurants I won't return to.

Happy Tuesday!

Hands of God.



I went to the Kyle Cemetary to see the amazing gravestones. I came across this cement piece of two hands holding a bird. In the hands was birdseed. I thought it said a lot about the area I was standing. What are we if not lending a hand? What are we teaching the next generation if we do not take the time to enjoy our surroundings? What is the point if you can't take pleasure in nature? Isn't all life precious, no matter how small?

Funny how a place that was built to house death brings upon so many life-affirming thoughts.
I hope your Monday is fantastic.

Celebrity Guest Photographer.



This beautiful photo of the Railroad BBQ in Kyle was taken by Peter French, former president of the Chamber of Commerce and one of the developers in the city. His Benchmark Land Development actually developed the land I'm sitting on right now... my neighborhood, Plum Creek.

But back to the Railroad BBQ. It's probably one of the most prominent places in Kyle. If you head into town and head for the square, you'll see it right away. Most folks who live in town know this building well because it gives you something to look at while waiting for the train to pass. We get a lot of trains through Kyle.

Oh.. the "all you can eat" catfish is pretty good too.
Thanks Peter for sending this photo to Kyle, Texas Daily Photo.

Beware of the Vultures



This bird was flying around me as I was taking some shots of a log house. I got a little uneasy... when I realized it was circling me... but I proceeded to carrion.

hee hee.

Happy Saturday. Beware of the Vultures.

In or Out.



Sometimes windows serve as a function of the past, not a fuction of convenience. I'm not sure what this window's story is, but judging from the wear..I'd say it's an interesting one.

Taken just off the square in Kyle behind the Pizza Classics (great lunch buffet by the way)
Happy Friday!

On a side note, three of my photos have been chosen to be a part of San Marcos, Texas' 2nd Annual Naturescapes Photography Exhibition. Last year I had three photos in as well, and I won 3rd place in the "People and Pets" category. This year I've got an entry in each of the three areas: 1. Scenery, 2. Wildlife and Plants, and 3. People and Pets.

Click my face below to go to my personal blog and see details...and one of my shots if you'd like.

Correction.



This is the Correctional Center in Kyle that is contracted to serve male substance abuse offenders as they make the transition back into society. They do an intensive six-month program with hopes that when released, they don't return to their former life that caused them to go to jail. Find out more by clicking on the photo...

When I pass this, many times I think of a funny song that a now-defunct Austin band named Loblolly used to sing called "Goin' To Jail."

Goin' to jail to visit dad.
Sittin' in prison and it's kind of sad.
Love you papa but there ain't no hope.
Just don't bend over and pick up the soap.

It's a wonder why bands like Deathcab for Cutie make it while gems like Loblolly don't.

Happy Thursday,

What an ass.



I almost bought this donkey planter at the Fair on the Square last Saturday. I'll settle for a photo though.

I like the fact that it looks like someone is standing on its head in the picture.
Welcome to Hump-day.

Model Home Patriot.



Outside the DR Horton model homes in my neighborhood (Plum Creek - click on photo to go to the homepage) is this American flag. Ain't she a beaut?

Palms up.



This is a shot of a man burning the palm leaves he cut down from the trees on that lot. Since Kyle is in a drought situation and last I checked had a burn ban in effect, I think this was probably not the best thing for him to be doing. But directly across the street from where he is burning those leaves is the Kyle Fire Department. I guess if you are going to do something like that... there's where you'd want to be.

I chose to run this shot because I like the way the heat from the fire distorts the man raking...
Happy Monday.

Fair in the Square Part Deaux!


Kyle's Fair on the Square

I went out to the Fair and had a good time. My daughter (2 and a half) loved the suncatchers (the artisan can be found at www.vidriosa.com)... and there was a place selling birds and turtles (the first cameo of my daughter on here is in that shot) and a few artisans. Not as big as I'd have hoped... but we bought our cookies at the church bake sale area.. chatted with some great folks and had a good time. That's what it's all about... right?

Here's a few other shots I took:

Suncatchers


Turtle Island


Some Smokin' Dolls

Fair in the Square!



The City of Kyle is putting on a Fair on the Square today. Come on out! You'll see arts, crafts, food...all sorts of great stuff. It's only 92 Days until Christmas you know.

Here's a quote from the Executive Director of the Kyle Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Helena Goodson about it:


Market Days is a unique opportunity to experience a variety of arts, crafts, and food as well as entertainment. The arts and crafts are a combination of handmade and resale items that range from jewelry and home decor to woodwork, children's clothing and toys and much, much more. There is really quite an array of choices for the entire family. Of course, the best way to know what market days is about is to experience it yourself.

Happy Saturday!

What's the Story Morning Glory?



A little glimpse at what I can see outside my window each morning. It really pays to have neighbors who take care of their lawns and flowers. I'm sure they all love me... I'm actually thinking of buying that car from yesterday's post to complete my "modern car-on-blocks" theme I seem to be working on in my yard.

Happy Friday.

Car 4 Sael.



Car for sale, needs some work. Call 512-496-7785.

I can't even tell what this vehicle was when it was running... but it makes for a pretty cool photo.
Happy Thursday!

Concert!

OK.. not a photo today, but an announcement for a HUGE charity concert coming to town. Thunderpalooza is going to be HUGE. The Beach Boys are headlining and it'll have a lot of other bands playing the 2 day event. It'll be held on November 3 and 4 2006 at Kyle's Thunderhill Raceway. I'll post a shot of it soon...



Make plans to come to Kyle and rock out!
(I'll return to my daily photo tomorrow...)

OK... amendment... here's a photo of the raceway. I went out and shot it about an hour ago. Not a great shot...but I didn't want to get in people's way as they worked.

Here Comes The Neighborhood.



While driving around looking for new shots, I kept coming across new homes being built. Kyle actually has gone from a community of 5,300 in 2000 (almost 1,500 homes) to over 17,000 in 2005. In fact, the neighborhood in which I live currently has about 1,300 homes and it's only 1/4 developed....

This photo was not taken in my neighborhood though, this is A KB Home in the 'Waterleaf" subdivision on the east side of the highway. You can click on the photo to get to their Web site.

From the site:
Love parks? Then you’ll love Waterleaf - a one-of-a-kind, master-planned community with a gorgeous 20-acre public, city park with baseball and soccer fields, jogging and hiking trails and playgrounds.

Technology.



I had a hard time taking a photo of this worn-down shack because of all of the powerlines getting in the way. Usually when I take a photo of a place like this I like to make sure there's nothing that suggests "new" in the shot...so it's kind of timeless.

Well... I thought since the power-lines were in the way..and they were probably the most "in-your-face" powerlines I'd ever seen.. that I'd go ahead and take the photo featuring them with the shack in the background.

It's actually raining in Kyle right now.. so I didn't get out and shoot today. This is from a week or so ago. If you look at my older shots, there's a shot of this shack and the graffiti on it. This is another angle.

Happy Monday!

Disc Golf.



When I was in college it took me a few months to figure out what these big chain-link posts were doing in the park area outside my dorm-room window... one day I saw people throwing frisbees at them. Then I asked around and found out that it's "disc golf."

It's like regular golf, except played with a frisbee flying disc. If you click on this photo of the frisbee basket it'll take you to the wikipedia page for disc golf.

I found this in a park on the east side of Kyle. I didn't know there was a disc golf course in town until I saw this. Neat.
Happy Sunday everyone.

Center Grocery.



Kind of a hark back to Kyle before the "big build." Before Kyle became the bedroom community that it is... there were two grocery stores near the city square. The Bon Ton (which burned down in November 2002 and was in the location of the new City Hall) and the Center Grocery (110 E Center St).

I need to get a better shot of the store... but I thought I'd share the hand-painted sign. I really like the look of old signs.
This is above their main door...

Happy Saturday!

Miscellaneous.



My miscellaneous company.
Not sure what kind of steel that have... I guess they don't either.

Animal Shelter.



Yesterday I posted a "pooper-scooper" sign.. so I thought appropriate to post a sign from an animal shelter for today... so you can get yourself a "pooper" to "scoop" up after!

PAWS (Public for Animal Welfare, Inc Shelter) boasted more than 1,300 adoptions last year.... awesome.
You can click on the photo to go to their Web site and see all of the adoptable dogs and cats.
Happy Thursday!

Leash Sign.



I saw this and found it pretty funny that an official sign from the City of Kyle would use the term "pooper-scooper."
This sign is in one of the public parks next to developements in town east of the highway (I-35).

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Synergy.



One of the businesses that moved into the downtown square area is Synergy. I think it's a really interesting visual... a very new-style business like Synergy Beauty Salon in a really old building... and the sign for the Live Oak Masonic Lodge kind of adds to the visual.

If I recall correctly, this used to be a barber shop until recently. I seem to remember the barber shop painting the building... then a day or so later scraping all of the paint off (apparently against historical building laws of the city).

Patriot Erectors.



Since this is the 5th Anniversary of one of the greatest American tragedies, I thought I'd post a photo of a business with a love for America... Patriot Erectors (O.K. The name always made the 14 year-old in me laugh too...).

What is Patroit Erectors?
From their site:
Patriot Erectors Inc., located in Kyle, Texas, has performed a myriad of steel services through out the United States. Projects include schools, courthouses, hotels, offices, high tech fab facilities, parking garages, cold storage facilities, communication towers, bridges, industrial pipe rack, catwalks, and platforms.

In rememberance
So, since this the the 5th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 I thought I'd share my story of where I was. Much like my parents generation can tell you what they were doing when Kennedy was assassinated, most of us can remember exactly where we were when those planes hit the World Trade Center.

I was starting my second day at a new job, as the Communications Specialist in Austin, Texas for a Federal Grant that did disability research. I remember being introduced to my cubicle, and trying to settle into a position that I was feeling excited and scared about taking on... and then suddenly my boss walked out of his office and casually mentioned that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. Talk about all of my insecurities about being in a new position flying out the window.

I was lucky enough to not have any loved ones or friends perish in the attacks. One of my old college roommates was away from her desk at the Pentagon when that plane hit... but nobody I knew personally was injured or killed... but America as a whole lost something that day...and I think the world lost a little bit of something as well.

I remember how everyone seemed to be together in their love for America in the immediate time following the attack. 90 percent of the cars I saw had a flag magnet or sticker or something pro-American hanging from it. I never did any of that because I always wore my support for my country in my thoughts and actions... but it was really heartwarming to see all of those pieces of support.

I remember watching slowly as the pro-american items started disappearing and people just melted back into what they were before 9/11. The "death of plastic patriotism" I call it. You still see magnet ribbons that say "support our troops" and pro-and anti-Bush stickers (especially in this area) but gone is the great sweeping love of country that was so apparent 5 years ago. It's really sad. I wonder what people thought as they removed the flags from their cars, trucks, and SUVs. Was it because they were torn and tattered from wear, or that it wasn't fashionable to be patriotic anymore?

I guess we'll never know. But, please, wherever you are, please take a moment to honor those who died needlessly that day. This day isn't about politics, it's about remberance.


So... to quote Alan Jackson: "Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?"

Texas Old Town.



I took a back road to get back into town and it looks like a new Event Center has moved into town... Texas Old Town. OK.. it's been open since 2004 but I just discovered it when I drove by the sign.

Apparently the owner was inspired to create this southern-western themed oasis after visiting Pinnacle Peaks in Scottsdale, Arizona. I've not been inside, but if the photos on their web-site (click on photo to see it) are any indication, I'll be out there next month on their second-Friday "open to the public" dinner.

Well... if you want to throw a party in Kyle, contact Texas Old Town!

1205 Roland Lane
Kyle, TX 78640
Business Phone:
512-396-1800

Make sure to invite me. I love a party.

Urban Graffiti?



I've driven past this old farmhouse for years and I could never understand why they left the second "f" off of "Stuff." Must have been done by out-of-towners because I have faith that the Hays School System wouldn't raise graffiti artists who can't spell.

Stray Dog Outhouse?



OK.. I just thought this was a funny shot when I saw it. I guess these ranchers, who live just on the outskirts of Kyle, felt the need to cater to the stray dogs that wander in their pasture. Maybe they misunderstood just what Prairie Dogs were. Maybe they got drunk one night and said... "you know what Jesse? We need a fire hydrant in the middle of our field."

Not quite sure what compelled them to do it, but I'm sure glad they did.
Happy Friday y'all!

Texas Lottery!



From the Texas Game Warden....to some Texas Games... THE LOTTERY! I had to stop playing because I'm not good at chance games. I mean.. really not good. I'm good at getting free stuff and competing at things, but chance games are like throwing money down a drain for me.

I remember when the Texas Lottery was established in the early 1990s... there were stories of folks spending their entire paychecks on $1 scratch off games. Craziness. I used to buy a Lotto ticket (the match 6 numbers one) every time I filled up the truck, but when the pumps went to "pay at the pump" I stopped going into stores...so that stopped.

Some Texas Lotto History...
- May 29, 2002: Governor Ann Richards bought the first Texas Lottery scratch-off ticket.
- November 14, 2002: The first Lotto Texas Drawing was held.
- June 19, 2004: The biggest jackpot in Texas Lotto history is claimed by one ticket in El Paso worth an estimated $145 million.

Oh... and just in case you're wondering... the next drawing is Saturday, September 9 and it's for 6 million.
Good luck.

Texas Game Warden Association



You learn something new everyday. Today I learned that the Texas Game Warden Association's state headquarters is in Kyle. Now you did too.

What is the Texas Game Warden Association you might ask? Well..

The Texas Game Warden Association
For more than a generation, the Texas Game Warden Association has introduced young Texans to the beauty and value of our land and wildlife. TGWA's members have devoted millions of hours as well as funding to serve more than 150,000 boys and girls.

Natural role models, Game Wardens are uniquely qualified professionals teaching outdoor skills to youth hungry for one-on-one relationships and for hands-on relationships with the outdoors. Our members are made up of game wardens, concerned citizens, landowners, and businesses that share our commitment to preserving the heritage and wildlife of Texas.

We encourage and invite you to become a part of this special organization. Your support is critical to the association's ultimate goal of "Conservation for Future Generations".

-(above text is copied from http://texasgamewarden.com/. Click on the photo to go there.)

The Sky Is Falling!!!



We woke up to wet ground today! What a wonderful sight after so many days of dry. It's been raining slowly and surely for the last 2 hours.. lets hope it keeps going for a few more. This is a nice light rainfall that we need to let the groud soak up the sweet nectar of H2O after all this time.

Of course... I wanted to reflect rain in today's Kyle, Texas Daily Photo... but how to capture rain? Well... in a watering can of course (Please excuse my daughter's blue sidewalk chalk).

Happy Tuesday!

The Parade Is Over.



While driving around Kyle looking for interesting things of which to take a photo, I came across a block-long building with a covered area big enough for a semi truck to park under...or perhaps a parade float. This "decomposing" paper mache horse was something that caught my eye...

I don't know the history of this big pile of stuff, but I'm pretty sure these are remnents of a parade float. Here's a couple more shots... just to illustrate the scene a bit more... and because the horse by itself looks a bit scary.


The three-box circus is in town...and upside down!


A better picture of the amount of stuff...
Happy Labor Day.

The Motley Menagerie.



This funky little place is a tea house called the Motley Menagerie.The home it resides in was built in 1905. A pretty cool place. Now and then we have popped in for live music (blues-guitar cover tyle)played by the husband of this husband-wife team of owners... Darleen and Jerry Motley. Really enjoyable.

Neat place to take out of town guests for a little something different (quiche and soup-faire).

St. Anthony.



Happy Saturday! This is St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church. This church was built last year...amazing work. I've never been inside (I'm Methodist) but I'm pretty sure it's as amazing inside as out...

Anyhow... click on the photo to get to their site...


I found this on their site.. I like it..so I share the prayer:
My God I give you this day.
Please give me the grace to conduct myself during it,
in a manner most pleasing to You. (A Salesian prayer)

The Rebel Door.



This is something that has always bothered me since I moved to Kyle. The Hays High School mascot is 'The Rebel" so it isn't uncommon to see folks with rebel flag stickers on their cars and displaying them prominently...especially during football season (which starts tonight). I'm not sure if I want my child to be a "Rebel" when she reaches high school... but we'll cross that path when we come to it (she's only 2 years-old).

Now.. I understand the whole "it's not a racist thing" and if you are within the confines of Hays County...it's not seen as a negative symbol. But, once you leave the cozy confines of Hays County... that flag is not always seen in the best light. In fact, it ties the person who displays it into a big negative stereotype.

OK... you can argue about it all you want... you know the swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Jainism... but of course we equate it with the Nazis. Also.. I don't see a high school out there with the swastika as a mascot. I know.. an extreme example.

This barn (or shed) is about a block off the main square in town. I'm somewhat astonished that this paintjob has survived almost 10 years. Maybe I'm too sensitive...

Anyway... I saw somewhere on the Daily Photo blogs that this day was dedicated to photos of doors... so...

These folks left their barn door open.... for criticism.