Adapting to Change - End of 2021

 

At year's end, we finally have snow on the ground.

Pewter skies drop precious white over the landscape.

We begin enjoying winter activities.

The forest cut behind us is progressing.

New vistas have opened.

We find our way without familiar forest trails to guide us.

We explore new ways to navigate the terrain.

Thank goodness, the Octopus tree has been spared!

Life is all about navigating through change and finding new ways.

The ability to adapt to change is my one good thing today.

May the New Year bring you many blessings.

Barb

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Be Still - Seek the Light

Our oldest grandchild, Ben (18), left on November 26 for Norway. He joins an international group of youth in Rosnik, north of the Arctic Circle. They have an 8 month commitment to Youth with a Mission. Participating in planned outdoor adventures to increase their confidence and leadership skills, they will grow in self understanding and in awareness of the needs of others. Part of the program is a posting to a developing country to help with a community service project. Because of Covid, it's uncertain if this can happen. Ben is certainly hopeful.

When he was about 5, he showed interest in my cameras. Along with his siblings, we took walks in Nature. He carried my camera and snapped photos. I shared two tips with him: stay as still as possible and watch for the best light (this included knowing where he cast a shadow). As he grew, his interest in photography continued. He took classes and bought his own DSLR and lenses. He developed into a fine photographer and matured into a fine young man.

Saying goodbye to him on his last visit to us, I admit I clung to him for awhile as we hugged. I shed some tears. He stood calmly hugging me, trying to reassure me that all would be well. I know he's right. He's a young man now with his own convictions and determination. He doesn't need to hold his Grammy's hand while walking in the woods.  (Well, possibly at my age, I may someday need him to take my hand again....) We think of him many times a day. I wake in the night and add 8 hours to know what time it is for him in Norway.

 

Before Ben left, I asked if he'd choose a few of his photos for me to share on the blog. He was glad to do so, though he is always wary about revealing locations. He feels many wild places are overrun and spoiled by overzealous people. 

Ben is my One Good Thing today and always.

My advise to him is still the same:

be still

find the light

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Interlude

We're having a longer transition period between fall and winter than usual.

dawn from front deck

Though we get small snow squalls, temperatures remain mild.

same dawn from back deck

I watch dawn add soft pastels to the sky.

Sometimes, a fox sees me stirring and comes to say hello.

Though I don't feed the wildlife, animals are accustomed to me.

I speak softly to wild visitors.

our house is just to the left of Bob in the trees

The state forest service is doing a clear cut in the forest behind our house.

Our landscape is changing drastically as trees give way to mountain views.

little boys and their toys

Heavy equipment operates from dawn to dark just off our land.

It's an adjustment, but I'm grateful for the fire break.

Soon we'll be able to use our touring skis.

Until then, we hike the trails carefully.

The snow is slippery, and ice is forming in Lehman Creek.

goodbye - see you soon!

We're grateful for our health and for the beauty that surrounds us.

Look for one good thing - pass it on....

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Hello Winter

The sun has set on fall in the high country. 

  I finally admit my container plants can't survive the cold.

A new season arrives with its own beauty.

In some areas, fall and winter overlap a bit as storm clouds drape the mountains.

We'll soon be buried in snow!

(When I saw this cut-off tree, it reminded me of a guy stuck head and shoulders in snow.)

I try to greet each day with gratitude.

My mind focuses on many good things. 

I hope it is the same in your world.

Thank you for visiting me.

Stay well....

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As the Seasons Turn

How can it be fall already?

I had no idea I'd take such a long break from the blog.

Wildflowers flourished right through summer into fall.

We've already had several snows, one in August and two in September. 

Luckily, the snow melted quickly in fall's still-warm sunshine.

Frost set my gardens to seed, but deck boxes and containers are (so far) still surviving.

Now our trees are putting on a glorious show.

I take the camera to capture the splendor of early-morning light.

I'm breathless at the beauty.

We are well and give thanks for all the good we see both in Nature and in our dealings with others. We are still cautious because of the virus and don't care to travel far from home. I hope you're well, too, enjoying your part of the world and staying safe.

Change is my One Good Thing today and the ability to adapt to it.

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Gone Fishing - Small Stone - 15

This will be my last stone for July. The latter part of the month is filled with too many family/friend obligations to spend time on the computer. Air quality was better this morning, but the smoke index is up again this afternoon. These photos were taken last weekend along the Blue River where our son and granddaughter spent a couple hours fishing. They catch and release but didn't even have a nibble, so I don't think I'll depend on them to provide dinner. 

Wherever you are in the world, I hope you're safe and enjoying time with people you love.

Thank you for your visits.

small stone

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Cabin Fever - Small Stone - 14

a storm with drenching rain

washes the sky for hours

but when the sun begins to set

the smoky haze remains 

inside looking out

I'm getting cabin fever

small stone

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Where There's Smoke, There's Fire - Small Stone - 13

Tenmile Range

Our normally bright blue sky is hazed by smoke.

Imperial Peak

In town, I wear a mask so I won't breath too much smoke on the way to the dentist.

My eyes itch and burn from particulates in the air.

along the Blue River

The fires are north and west of us, but prevailing winds are bringing smoke into our county.

I'm very allergic to formaldehyde which is in wood smoke.

Fire is a constant threat in dry western states.

I'm housebound until the smoke clears.

small stone

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The Thinker - Small Stone - 12

 

I watch Angelo from my kitchen window

sitting amid the Forget-Me-Nots

always serious, always thinking

staying mindful

small stone

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Bloom - Small Stone - 11

in harsh conditions, the Columbine adapts

to bloom anew every summer

small stone

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Summer's Dance - Small Stone - 10

 wildflowers sway and bob to the stream's music

I do a little dance, too

small stone

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Stay Present - Small Stone - 9

 

the future is unknown

the path reveals itself

one step at a time

stay present

small stone

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