The Emerald City Goes to Seed
Tobias Elementary, Hwy 150

I have been waiting for her to build her egg sac. She's been with us for five months. The morning of the cold front I found her like this.
Atlantis, Kyle, Texas

Superdonuts!
Hwy 150 & Lehmann Rd.

Next harvest should keep Kyle in dental floss for a year.
I35 & Goforth Rd

I am the welcoming committee.
Conoco parking lot, I35 Frontage

Grounded
I35 Frontage Rd.

Resound
Conoco Parking Lot, I35

Southbound Santa Fe
Hwy 81 & Miller

Revenant
Masonwood Dr & Goforth Rd

Harbinger
I35 & Burleson

Opulence
Tobias Elementary, 7 AM

Ghost of the textile industry.
I35 & Goforth Road

Kyle United Methodist Church

Kyle United Methodist Church
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is where I'll be this morning.

Kyle United Methodist Church
408 W. Lockhart Street
Kyle, TX 78640

http://www.kyleumc.com

Where do you attend services on Sunday?

Candles

DSCF4650.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I shot a wedding on Wednesday at the Kyle United Methodist Church. These candles were lining the alter.

Pizza Classic's Lunch Buffet
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I put a hurtin' on these pizzas yesterday.

The one on the top is a peperoni, the middle is a meat lovers and the closest one in a veggie. Really good pizza. Really good conversation.

The lunch buffet comes in just under $6.50 after tax. Totally worth the price too.

Pizza Classics
200 W. Center, Kyle, TX 78640
(512) 268-1979
http://www.pizzaclassicskyle.com/

I don't think this was meant to be lawn art.

Barrel Jumping Lane!

So... they made a bike lane on Spring Branch Road in Kyle. There are signs.. and they spraypainted this on the road (I turned this shot 90-degrees so you can make out the image). I think it's supposed to be a bicyclist... bus as soon as I saw it I decided to call the lane the "It's OK to jump barrels here" lane. If I were that stick figure I'd have gone for two though...

I walked my daughter to the neighbors before school today and on the way home I saw this wasp nest in the bush between our homes. I think the wasp in the middle was watching me. He probably knows I destroyed the nest he tried to build on my back porch.

Train tracks in Kyle, Texas

Train tracks in Kyle, Texas
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Just a fun little photo of train tracks in Kyle. If you live in town... you meet the trains quite often.

This is Pastor Dave Dillon of the Kyle United Methodist Church. He's nobody.

His sermon today was about Faith. In a nutshell his point was the fact that your actions are greater than you. If you are doing God's work, it's Him you are serving and to Him all the good that comes of it. People will not remember you per se... but will remember the act of kindness. You are nobody.
(At least that's what I took from it).

DSCF3770.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

There is a posted rule at The Jumpy Place, an indoor bounce house in Kyle, that there are NO ADULTS allowed on the rides. Yes.. that's me sliding down the BIG slide.

For the record I got permission to help my 6 year old go down. She only had to do it once with me there and she was a slidin' fool.

The Jumpy Place
http://www.thejumpyplacetx.com/

You can own this Quilt... for $1

DSCF4255.JPG
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

A local club of artisans known as the "Kyle Quilters" have made this large quilt (It's like 6'x6') to raffle off in their annual quilt raffle. The were selling tickets at Market Days this past Saturday. I bought 6 tickets for $5 (you can also buy 1 ticket for $1). About 4 years ago I won the quilt they were raffling so I really like participating in this raffle. I think they'll be at the next Market Days which will be held October 2, 2010. Then they'll be raffling this off at the Kyle Fair and Music Festival (which runs from October 14-17 with the bulk of the events on Friday/Saturday).

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE GROUP
Kyle Quilters are made up of a group of spirited, local women and one man who love quilting. They are one of Kyle Area Senior Zone's most popular groups and meet monthly on the second Monday, 6:30pm and the third Saturday, 8am - 4:30 pm. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Kathy Gilson at 449-6565 or email gilsonk@hayscisd.net. (From: http://www.kasz.org/community.htm)

Milt's Pit BBQ was rocking (well... acoustically anyway) as Kyle Lehnhoff and Chris Brown played a set of great americana, rock, and blues covers. I took the little girls and between songs Harper (age 3) started strumming Chris' guitar and he asked if she wanted to sing.. he handed her the mic and she rocked out "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to rave reviews by the dozens of folks in attendence.

 

I didn't catch THAT on video.. but I did get a couple of others. Here ya go:

 

"Gnat House" (mini-birdhouse)

"Gnat House" (mini-birdhouse)
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Yesterday was Kyle Market Days in town and the family went to check it out. We came across a booth that was selling mini-birdhouses... but they called it a "Gnat House." The thing is about 2" x 2" in size. They were selling tiny ones for $1 and "mosquito houses" for $2.

We ended up buying 5 of them... Can you say Christmas Stocking Stuffers?

Here's the info from the business card I picked up:

Soco Rustics - Functional ART
512-243-9615
Bill Ashmore - billdu@copper.net

Home in Kyle, Texas

Classic-looking home in Kyle, Texas
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

This is a home that is located in Old Town Kyle (that's not an official name.. but it's the area in town that existed before the big growth of the last decade).

This home is beautiful... and I like the decor in the yard as well.

My fence needs a window ( in Kyle, Texas)

My fence needs a window ( in Kyle, Texas)
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I don't think I've ever seen this before... but what a great idea. This fence has a window. It reminds me of a bad joke I once heard...

"Joe Smith" was walking next to 15-foot concrete wall one day and he heard a bunch of people on the other side chanting "fifteen...fifteen...fifteen." He kept walking and he came upon a small hole in the fence.. he heard again "fifteen...fifteen...fifteen" so his curiosity got the best of him and he knelt down and looked through the hole in the wall to see what was happening.

Suddenly someone on the other side poked him in the eye... and everyone cheered and started chanting.. SIXTEEN...SIXTEEN SIXTEEN.

:) Have a nice day.

The Intimidators - Summer 2010 Champs
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Just in case you're out of the loop... Kyle Texas has become the home of an AWESOME adult kickball league that is organized by the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department. This year there were 8 female teams and 16 Co-Ed teams. This past Saturday was the Co-Ed Tournament. The tourney started at 9:00a.m. and ended just about 10:45pm. This photo is of the first place winners, THE INTIMIDATORS. If they look tired.. it's probably because they had to play their first (of 5 games I believe) game at 9:00a.m.

I play on a team formed through my church (the Kyle United Methodist Church) called PRAY BALL. We took 11th place.. and it was a place well earned.

I'm looking forward to coaching next season for Pray Ball.. and to playing The Intimidators. They are our kickball BFFs. A great group of folks who know sportsmanship and healthy competition...

If interested here's the rest of the tourney photos I took:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanclaes/sets/72157624717470601/

If you're in Kyle... and you want to play kickball, the next season will start in November. Check here for details - http://www.cityofkyle.com/parks/adultkickballleague.php

Thanks to a light rain we had today (not enough to effect the hot weather) we were blessed with a double rainbow.

Shipley Donuts & Mr. Spuds Salads and Subs in Kyle, Texas

Shipley Donuts & Mr. Spuds Salads and Subs in Kyle, Texas
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

It's always fun to come to church on Sunday morning to find which local donut shop the person supplying the donuts decided to go to. This week three dozen Shipley Donuts apeared.

I'm partial to their competition.. but they DO make a good blueberry-glazed offering. I should know.. I had 2.

Also attached to this building is a "Mr. Spuds." Good stuff there too... potatoes...sandwiches...salads. So when you have a donut-filled breakfast you can eat "good" for lunch.
:)

The basketball court has been pretty silent. Yup... school is back in session.
Happy First Friday of school... (Or happy last day of summer to some).

Hello Texas.
This is a flag that flies at Cowboy Honda in Kyle. It's HUGE.

We've got a new AT&T store in Kyle. That wouldn't be too much to report... but I visited there because my phone is about to fall off the hinge and they were *gasp* helpful!


For anyone who's dealt with this company before when you need something... you know how amazing this is. Perhaps because it's located in Kyle.. and we're Simply Charming.

Yesterday was my daughter's first day of First grade. My wife snapped this pic of me walking her to school.

This is bacon. I didn't have any of that this past weekend. I was at a Walk to Emmaus that was held at a place in Wimberley called Camp Young Judea. It was a life altering experience. It was also a no-pork zone (I'm Methodist... but the camp where we were is a Jewish Summer Camp)... which I got used to pretty quick... but my wife did put bacon on my pizza when I arrived home.

This is a painting I made that features the bible verse from 2 Peter 3:18. It is the verse that the church I attend uses to explain our slogan "Come Grow With Us."
I thought I'd share. You can see the actual painting if you visit the Kyle United Methodist Church on any given Sunday. 

The Kyle water tower is likely the most iconic image that people associate with Kyle, Texas. I have always shot it from the other side (the south side) but I decided to take a chance at getting the North side the other day.

I'm going to be out of pocket until Sunday so you'll not see any updates from me. I'm going on a spiritual retreat called the Walk To Emmaus. Please keep me in thoughts an prayers.

School starts on Monday in Kyle... and our oldest is heading into first grade... wow... how time flies.
Take care everyone and we'll see you soon.

This is an awesome lawn ornament. I think the person who lives here owns a local Real Estate Company called Rooster Realty. All I know is this big metal rooster rocks.

Austin Self, 14-year-old race car driver, and his crew graciously donated the winnings from their July 31st race to Hope & Love 4 Kids. Self led 49 of 50 laps on July 31st at the Thunderhill Raceway for the local non-profit. Last Saturday Founder, Mia Hendricks and her intern, Caitlyn Pesl, were presented with a $1,000 check at Thunderhill to kick off open ceremonies of race night. 

Austin Self picked up his third win of the season, and will be making a second donation to the local charity! The Self racing team partnered with the charity in June of this year and is happy to know that every penny from the donation will be put towards helping children in need in our community. 
Hope & Love 4 Kids will be out at Thunderhill Raceway cheering on Austin Self through October 3rd, so be sure to come out and support both of these community favorites. If you would like more information on Hope & Love 4 Kids or Austin Self visit www.hopeandlove4kids.org or www.austinself.com

(Photo by Tim Self)

Saw this guy in the CVS parking lot. Nice bike.. but it reminded me of a commercial I saw recently.. "motorcycles don't crash themselves." Hope this guy finds a helmet.
:)

I took the kiddos to story time at the Kyle Library on Wednesday.  They were reading about penguins. Then they did a craft where they created a construction paper penguin. Really neat.

Story Time happens every Wednesday at 10:30a and 12:00n.
They also have a bilingual story time on Fridays at 10:30a.

Ranch Road 12 @ Kyle Market Days 8/7/10
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

My favorite part of Kyle Market Days is the live music. There's 2 performers each month..one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I caught the early performance on 8/7/10. This is a Hill Country bluegrass band by the name of Ranch Road 12.

http://www.ranchroad12.com/

Rocky's Emporium

Rocky's Emporium
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

More from Kyle Market Days... these rings are custom designs from Rocky's Emporium. Neat stuff.

Rocky's Emporium
110 E. Bee St.
Lockhart, TX
512-964-1533
rockyoiz@yahoo.com

Alteredair Custom Airbrushing
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

Who said airbrushing is a dead art form? Not this guy... he and his business "Alteredair Custom Airbrushing" can pretty much do anything you ask.. be it on t-shirts, helmets, or motorcycles.

Check him out online at Alteredair Custom Airbrushing - www.alteredair.com

South Texas Mesquite
Originally uploaded by seanclaes

I went to the Kyle Market Days this past Saturday and took some shots of some of the really cool things the vendors had for sale. Kyle Market Days happens the first Saturday of the month in the center of town in front of "old city hall." It occurs from April to November.

This beautiful cross is from South Texas Mesquite. They do a beautiful job of inlaying turquoise in many of their pieces. I bought a jewelry box for my mom a few years ago from them. She loved it.

Information about Kyle Market Days can be found here: http://www.cityofkyle.com/kylemarketdays.php
Info:

South Texas Mesquite
1381 FM 1979
San Marcos, TX 78666

http://www.mesquiteboxes.com/

830-303-4818

Went to the Kyle Chamber's Ambassador's B.A.S.H. Thursday night hosted by Wilson Insurance. Good times.. enjoyed chatting to a bunch of folks... shared the August INsite Magazine, and ran into some good friends. Oh.. and I won some Fox's Pizza too. All in a days work for Kyle Daily Photo. :)

When I was a kid, pet rocks were amazingly cool. I was taken back to that when I came to the Kyle Market Days & Farmers Market last month. These "rock heads" were being sold at one of the vendor booths. Hopefully they'll be back this Saturday. Since this is the first Saturday of the month Market Days will be in full swing at the center of town at City Square Park (aka the place in front of the old City Hall at 101 S. Burleson). It's a really fun time to check out local and area artisans, buy some fresh veggies and listen to some good tunes.

Oh.. and if you're wondering.. I still have one of my rock friends from my childhood. It's a rock concert. My Grandma gave it to me.

I call this a "median mohawk." Took this photo near the Plum Creek Golf Course on FM1626.
Reminds me I need to mow my lawn. Anyone want to come do it for me? I'll pay you in... um... candy.

I was driving on Kyle Crossing next to Home Depot the other day and came across a bunch of businesses I'd not discovered before. A nail salon, hair salon, dog salon (hee hee) fence company and an Insurance Agency. 

Then I check the Kyle Chamber's site to see when the next "Ambassador's B.A.S.H. (Business Advancement Social Hour) was and lo and behold.. it's going to be this Thursday (8/5/10) at Wilson's Insurance Agency (3601 Kyle Crossing / Kyle, TX 78640).

How odd... but it sure made be happy to know I now know where I'm going Thursday.

If you're an area business owner, check out the Ambassador's B.A.S.H. via the Kyle Chamber Website

Driving down Old Stagecoach Road near Five Mile Dam I saw these... Round Bales always remind me of my mom... who told me once that when she was a child she called them "shredded wheat"

Saw this van driving downtown. Neat.