Monday, November 03, 2008

Here's some shots from Saturday's grand opening of the Old Town Gift Emporium.
The business is a mix-match of local and area artisans who lease space inside the store in order to sell their wares. There's some really neat art and clothing inside. It is located in the heart of the "downtown square" in Kyle and really makes the area have that small town feel. I hope they can make a go of this place. I'm pretty excited about it.

Love the sign
"Unattended Children will be given an expresso and a free puppy." Awesome.

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From the Right.

Old Town Gift Emporium
From the Left.

Old Town Gift Emporium
Some of the jewelry.

John and Michelle Hawn (Owners)
John and Michelle Hawn (Owners) stand outside their store.

Sunday, November 02, 2008


Feliz Dia De Los Muertos
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
The Old Town Gift Emporium opened up on 11/1 in downtown Kyle, Texas with a big Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Lots of fun... booths... music... good times. Here's one of the folks who dressed up for the occasion. Dia De Los Muertos is spanish for "Day of the Dead" and it's a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico where people pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead)

Friday, October 31, 2008

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I figure I'll share all my Halloween shots I've got left...

Family Photo at the KUMC Pumpkin Patch
Our family at the Kyle United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

L-R: Me as "Bob Ross", Mar Mar the Bat, Harper the Puppy, Jodie the Sea Witch

Four Paws... Longhorns
Shanti... the four-legged Longhorn Fan


A bat and a seawitch
A better shot of the Bat and Sea Witch

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Big and Little Dogs


Big and Little Dogs
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I had to get a shot of this little hotdog with the Wiener Schnitzel mascot. In Plum Creek, Kyle, TX

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My Puppy in her natural surroundings

Yes.. a Fire Department Dalmation.
She's a cutie... we even had her on a leash.
I normally don't dig folks who have their kids on a leash (although I can appreciate the benefits), but it was part of the costume.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008



On Saturday the City of Kyle held their annual Halloween Carnival. It was a great time.. My little ones (the puppy and bat) were met by Ariel the little mermaid and a Wonder Pet. You should have seen all the little cute kiddos dressed up. The cutest... a 1 year old dressed as a yellow chicken wearing a KFC bucket as pants.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Here's To The Trains I Missed

If you've ever been in Kyle, Texas... you've been right here.... waiting on a train. The title of this photo is a Walt Wilkins song reference.

Walt Wilkins is awesome... look him up.
http://www.myspace.com/waltwilkins

:)

Friday, October 24, 2008

Mr. Vampire, Ms. Mummy


Mr. Vampire, Ms. Mummy
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I don't have a shot of just Ms. Mummy... but here's the happy couple.
:)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Kyle’s Pumpkin Patch In Plum Creek
Third Annual KUMC Pumpkin Patch has arrived

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Over 1,000 pumpkins moved into Kyle over the weekend. It’s the third annual Kyle United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch. Come out and pick your pumpkin from now until October 31. Patch is located at the corner of Fairway and Hartson in Plum Creek.

By Sean Claes
We’ve got pumpkins, yes we do. We’ve got pumpkins here for you!

On Friday, October 17, hundreds and hundreds of pumpkins are arriving in Kyle’s Plum Creek Neighborhood. It’s time for the Third Annual Kyle Pumpkin Patch, sponsored by the Kyle United Methodist Church.

Located in Plum Creek at the “soccer field” at the corner of Fairway and Hartson (the same location as years past), the patch is across the street from the decorated round bales (for 2008 they are Ms. Mummy and Mr. Vampire).

The Kyle Pumpkin Patch will be open from Saturday (10/18) until Halloween day. Hours of operation are 2:30p.m until dusk Monday – Friday, 9 until dusk Saturday and noon until dusk on Sunday.

There will be various prices for various sizes from under a dollar to over fifty. Also for sale are assorted fall-extras like gourds, Indian corn, and mini-white pumpkins. There’s also going to be a pumpkin maze and several staged areas do you can get your annual fall pumpkin patch photo.

The pumpkins are provided and priced by Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, Inc. who have helped churches and non-profits raise money by selling pumpkins for over 25 years. All proceeds will go toward youth missions and activities at Kyle United Methodist Church.


---------------

Pumpkin Patch Unloaders
Here's a shot of the folks who helped unload all of the pumpkins on a Friday Night.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Rampage... meet Pine Cone!

At the Wildflower Seed and Stomp a week ago, my kiddos loved rolling a pine cone coated in peanut butter around birdseed making a bird feeder.

The birds are now loving my front lawn... we came away with three of these bad boys.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Mr. Vampire


Mr. Vampire
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
The 2008 Round Bales are here! Mr. Vampire can be found in Plum Creek in Kyle, TX.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

What is this?


What is this?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This was in front of me in traffic. A mini-Corvette. I wonder if it's a remote control or what? It actually had working taillights.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Mr. Rocker


Mr. Rocker
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This is the Claes family scarecrow, Mr. Rocker. He's wearing a t-shirt from the defunct rock band Nooner and a Los Lonely Boys doo-rag. We put it together for the Scarecrow making competition in the Plum Creek Neighborhood. If you're in Kyle, stop in at Negley Elementary to see all of them.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Kevin McCollough and Jacob Hildebrand play in front of the "old train depot" in Kyle at Kyle Market Days on 10/4. I've been listening to his CD, "Heart Broke Inn," and it's a good one. I suggest checking it out online... or following the link to MySpace and see where he's playing soon:
http://www.myspace.com/kevinmccollough

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

A good sign... There's construction once again happening at the Kyle United Methodist Church's New Life Center. This is Photo #16 in a series I've been doing... you can track the thing backwards to dirt if you like by clicking this link or clicking the photo.


Why is this a good sign? Well.. read the story in the Hay's Free Press - haysfreepress.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1...

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Bird Bath.


Bird Bath.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I call this a "BBQ of Birds" as they are all in a mud puddle in front of Kyle's Railroad BBQ.

:)

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Kyle Farmer's Market - TODAY


Kyle Farmer's Market
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I think we're headed over to the monthly Kyle Market Days today and pick some things up at the Farmer's Market.

This was the scene last month.

It's today from 9 am to 2 pm. The event is located on Front Street between Kyle City Hall and the historic train depot. Kyle Market Days feature artists, craftsmen and farmers booths as well as live local music.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Helen Soja (August 1, 1922 - October 3, 2006)




Today it has been two years since my grandmother, Helen Soja, passed away. This photo was taken in 2002, the last time she visited our home in Kyle, Texas.

On October 25, I'm going to be participating in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® in her honor. If you'd like to donate, please visit this link: www.memorywalk.kintera.org/sanmarcos/seanclaes.

'If you visit my page on the Memory Walk you can read some of my memories about her, and see another great photo of her and I from 2002 when Jodie (my wife) and I took her on an “Austin Adventure” Complete with an Austin Duck Tour, trip to Lady Bird Johnson’s Wildflower Center, and a shake from Hut’s Hamburgers.

I miss you Grandma.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Hemphill parents are HOT!


Hemphill parents are HOT!
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Hemphill Elementary school has a chili pepper for the parents parking. The school mascot is the Hawk... so I'm guessing their just saying that parents at Hemphill are HOT.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Autozone - GOOD STUFF


Autozone - GOOD STUFF
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I had to replace a battery on my truck the other day (My truck being the one with the hood up). Autozone in Kyle was GREAT. They even installed it for me.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Saturday, September 27, 2008

A KYLE DAILY PHOTO EXTRA - FRIED CHICKEN DINNER TODAY

It's time once again for the Claiborne Kyle Log House Fried Chicken Dinner!

FRIED CHICKEN AND ENTERTAINMENT

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Entertainment:
Cliff Caskey
Del David

Where:
2400 S. Old Stagecoach Road
County Road 136, South of Kyle

When:
Saturday, September 27, 2008
11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

Cost (for the chicken dinner):
$7.00 Adults
Under 12 - $4.00


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What is the Claiborne Kyle Log House?
"In 1844 Claiborne and Lucy Kyle moved to Texas where they built this house in 1850, a massive log home overlooking the Blanco River built of cedar logs. The four pen linear dog trot house has four rooms, each about 16 feet square. The home has been restored and refurnished, and is listed on the National Register." - http://www.ohwy.com/tx/c/clkyloho.htm

Old Town Gift Emporium
Originally uploaded by seanclaes


This is the building the mural will be installed upon.
I'm really looking forward to seeing it up.

This is on Center Street in Kyle, right next door to the Texas Pie Company.


What is this place going to be?
Well... according to their Website - "Old Town Gift Emporium is a great place for buying & selling antiques, collectibles, art, gifts, sculptures, vintage toys, vintage signs and locally made specialty food items."

Visit them at http://www.oldtowngiftskyle.com/.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Future mural - Old Town Gift Emporium

I had a chance to chat it up with John Hawn, the owner of the Old Town Gift Emporium. He let me know that Kyle's Great Big Signs will be painting this mural. Neat. I interviewed GBS' Lynn Wilkerson a few years back - www.seanclaes.com/GreatBigSigns.html

Tomorrow (I swear it'll actually be tomorrow) I'll post the building where it'll go.

Monday, September 22, 2008

DSCF5148.jpg


DSCF5148.jpg
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This car will soon be a mainstay on Center Street. It's going to be parked in front of the Old Town Gift Emporium.

The mural that will be affixed to the building is framed on the bumper of the car. tomorrow I'll put up a better look at that.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Kettle Corn!


Kettle Corn!
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
The Kyle Chamber was selling some yummy Kettle Corn at the Kyle Market Days on September 6.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Train Car


DSCF5143.jpg
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Not sure of the story about this... but the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau building is the "old train depot" and this is behind it... so that may explain.

http://www.kylechamber.org

I think it's neat.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Lehman Lobo Drum Line


Lehman Lobo Drum Line
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Kyle, Texas' Lehman High School band drum line performed at the Kyle Market Days on September 6.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

1st Ever POW/MIA Remembrance Ride

This motorcycle was parked on the corner during Kyle Market Days...

A benefit for the Hays VFW Veterans Center Building Fund... the 1st Ever POW/MIA Remembrance Ride will be held on October 4, 2008 leaving Cowboy Honda in Kyle at 10:00a.m.. Find out more information by sending an e-mail to ride@vfw12058.com.

(As a side note... I dig the "please conserve water" message on the City of Kyle sign in the background)

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

God Bless Doggies


God Bless Doggies
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This sign is hanging on a light pole located at the corner of Burleson Road and Spring Branch Road in Kyle. My wife saw it and pointed it out to me. It's great... "God Bless Doggies (and people too)"

Monday, September 08, 2008


DSCF5118.jpg
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
While out at the Kyle Market Days this past Saturday, I came across this beautiful necklace. Actually her entire booth had fantastic stuff.

Debbie Barbee had a nice collection of Dichrotic Glass Jewelry. Other than it being beautiful, I was amazed at the price. This beautiful piece was under $30. Find out more about her stuff by e-mailing swtelements@yahoo.com.

She's got a website also... but it looked like it wasn't live as of today.
http://www.silverwingsandthings.com

Sunday, September 07, 2008


Swimming anyone?
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
No diving.... in the weeds.
Five Mile Dam is dry right now...

To see what Five Mile Dam looks like where there's water... visit the Texas RV Travel Blog here: http://blog.texasrvtravel.com/2007/01/26/blanco-river-flowing-over-five-mile-dam/

You can also see a shot I took at Five Mile in 2006... when it was last dry.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Randall W. Vetter Park


Randall W. Vetter Park
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This is a park that opened in memory of a fallen Highway Patrol man. Trooper Randall W. Vetter, 28, died August 7, 2000, from wounds he suffered during a traffic stop near Kyle, Texas on August 3, 2000.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Get your Goat On


Get your Goat On
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
So... on the way home from San Marcos, we drove past 5 mile dam on our way to see goats. I stopped and took some photos. I accidentally caught this shot...

Try explaining why "that one goat is attacking the other goat" to a 4 year old.... That was a fun one.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Stop


DSCF5009.jpg
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I liked the contrast of the sign to sky.
This was taken as I was leaving Five Mile Dam.

Monday, September 01, 2008

This house rocks (side view)

This is my favorite house in Kyle... I wish I knew how to fix it up... if so.. maybe I'd buy it and restore it back to awesome.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Buldozer at the stop sign


Buldozer at the stop sign
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
The line across the top of the photo is actually the crack in my truck's windshield. Yes.. I was shooting from my truck... I was at a stop sign so it's OK.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Village at Kyle is under Construction

The big dig...OK.. not a big dig.. but the future hospital.
This is across the highway from HEB Plus!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008


Drive on the Parkway
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
You know the old joke... why do you drive on the parkway and park on the driveway?

Sorry I've been a bit absent... I bought an entertainment magazine a few months ago and we had the redesign launch party this past Friday. It was fairly involved to pull it off... but it was great.

If your interested in seeing the magazine, visit http://www.myspace.com/insiteaustin

or you can see the redesign here: http://flickr.com/photos/seanclaes/sets/72157606658110575/

Monday, August 11, 2008

Ain't that America - Exit 215

This is my John Mellencamp tribute photo... Oh to find a little pink house now.
It's a shot from the southbound feeder road to IH-35 at the 215 exit. A new Honda dealership opened across the highway and with it a HUGE flag. I don't know if the motorcycle is a Honda. It would be poetic if it was though.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Biker Antenna Ball


Biker Antenna Ball
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
This was one of two twin antenna balls a biker on a fantastic turquoise Honda Goldwing had on his bike. I would have taken the photo of the bike too... but he looked a little menacing.. and I was just getting gas at HEB. I like this angle better anyhow.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Kyle UMC VBS


Kyle UMC VBS
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
GOD'S BIG BACKYARD IN KYLE, TEXAS
KUMC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL


Outdoor adventure, fun backyard games, crafts, snacks, and music are just outside your back door. GOD'S BIG BACKYARD is the theme for this year's Vacation Bible School at Kyle United Methodist Church (408 W Lockhart Street, Kyle, TX 78640). VBS will be held on August 11 - 15, 2008 from 9:00a.m. - 12noon.

Invited are all children (Kindergarten [potty trained] through the 5th grade) in the area. Parents, bring your children, bring their friends, and come ready for an amazing time as we explore God's Big Backyard! Call 512-268-2331 for more details.

Thank you and God Bless!

------


Kyle United Methodist Church
408 W Lockhart St
Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 268-2331

http://www.kyleumc.com/
kumc@austin.rr.com

Kyle United Methodist Church invites you to regular Sunday services at 8:30 and 11:00a.m. and holds dinner and a bible study Wednesdays at 6:00p.m. Pastor: Harold Dailey

Thursday, August 07, 2008

A Name You Can Trust.


A Name You Can Trust.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
Ever needed a contractor you could trust?
Well. this dude's name IS Trust.

Hopefully you can trust Trust.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Saturday, August 02, 2008


Cops and a donut shop.
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
OK.. its not a great photo... but you know.. if you're taking a photo of 3 police cars at a Donut shop... you don't need to make them KNOW you're taking the shot.

:)

Friday, August 01, 2008

Just $3,600 - August 1 theme... METAL


Just $3,600
Originally uploaded by seanclaes
I have about 1,000 shots of metal music... but none of it is being played in Kyle, Texas.... even though the lead singer of Skid Row DOES live here....

This is a car for sale... it says Supercharged... That made me chuckle... so I captured it.

Anyhow... I don't know how to officially join the "Daily Photo theme" group.. but this day's theme is Metal.

To see a bunch of others interpretation...
http://www.citydailyphoto.com/portal/themes_archive.php?tid=17

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