Goodbye 2022

I spent November and December inside because of my torn ankle tendon. The cast was removed 2 weeks ago. I must use extreme caution bearing weight again. My left leg/ankle/foot are weak from disuse. Range of motion is a problem. So, I begin prescribed rehab exercises carefully at home. Slowly, day by day, I feel less discomfort. Early in 2023, I start rehab at my Physical Therapist's office. Tendons are slow to heal. 

It's a lesson in patience for me.

It's very,very cold in Breckenridge, CO.

Our streets and sidewalks are icy and snow-covered.

Walking outdoors is not an option for me.

Instead, I do floor exercises and ride a stationary bike.

I'm lucky to have spectacular views of the outdoors.

Nature beckons me.

Patience and gratitude are my good things today.

morning moon over Imperial Peak

I tell myself to stay present.

Thank you for visiting.

Stay well!

Goodbye 2022.

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A Setback but Still Good Things

 There are good and bad times in every life. 

Sometimes life feels easy and sometimes it seems hard.

About a week ago, I had a major setback with my ankle. I tripped in the house and felt something snap. I knew I'd reinjured the tendon. An MRI confirmed that the tendon is now torn. I'm in a soft air cast for at least a month and in a brace at night. It's a walking cast, but the DR prefers I stay off it as much as possible. I'm mostly sitting with my leg elevated.

scattering wildflower seeds 

Bob is running himself ragged taking care of me, cooking meals, and doing all the chores. 

Yesterday, he scattered wildflower seeds while I "supervised" from a chair on the deck.

Snow is starting to accumulate. I admire the falling flakes from inside the house.

Obviously, I can't venture outside in icy/snowy conditions.

I try to focus on the many good things in my life:

a husband who takes care of me

books that help pass the time

family and friends who offer love and support

A former student heard I was ailing and sent 2 dozen roses.

They were quite spectacular.

I still have a few in bud vases to enjoy.

I watch the moon set to the west.

A rising sun casts a glow over Red Mountain to the south.

Can you find 3 moose in the photo?
Only the ears and head of one of the calves are visible through the middle evergreen.
The twin calves are huge though they were only born this spring.

Wild things still wander near the house.

I'm grateful for these Good Things.

Thank You for visiting - I hope you're well.

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Goodbye Fall, Hello Winter

It's been a long time since I posted.

People are starting to email asking if I'm OK.

The answer is yes and no.

behind my house - Red Mountain at sunset

I injured a tendon in my left ankle in the spring.

It's not completely healed so I must be careful.

I'm going to physical therapy.

In late September, I tested positive for Covid.

I was very sick and have some residual health issues.

Luckily, Bob remains well.

I feel better day by day, but my normal active life is at a slower pace.

I've gone off all social media except the blog. 

I've given some thought to making One Good Thing private.

I don't want to spend too much time on the computer.

Nature and the outdoors beckon me.

I need to be more physically active, not less.

Recently, I took a short hike with my 10 year old grandson.

I smiled as he chattered about what's going on in his life.

Four moose just ambled through my property.

The foxes came to visit this morning.

I'm sitting by the fire to write this.

It's snowing off and on.

There are many good things in my life.

I hope there are many good things in yours.

Stay well.

Barb

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Happy Summer

As usual we skipped spring.

We went directly from winter to summer.

Snow is finally melted except on the high peaks.

Indian Paintbrush

We're blessed by rain - the landscape bursts with color.

Corn Husk Lilies (no flowers yet)

Marsh Marigold 

Wildflowers are blooming.

Mornings we have breakfast on the deck.

Afterward, I work in the gardens or hike.

Imperial Peak in distance

Now that I'm 78, my "hikes" are shorter.

Instead of 10 miles, I'm happy with 5 or less.

I think I should call them "wanderings".

Pearly Everlasting

I stop often to admire the scenery.

cub stealing our trash - photo taken by a neighbor

 I let my feet wander, but my mind stays focused.

Moose have just given birth.

Bears are on the prowl.

When I walk through the logging cut, I see mountains near and far.

However, in dense forests, animals can appear around every curve.

I'm alert for wildlife.

the loggers spared my Octopus Tree

I'm happy for this season of rebirth and regrowth.

The trails through wilderness beckon.

Summer is my one good thing.

rainbow with Tenmile Range in background after a night of rain

Thank you for visiting.

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Hello Again

 It's been a long time since I've posted.

Winter continues its hold on us.

Snow storms pass through.

We're happy for the moisture in the snowpack.

One of our huge lodgepoles fell onto our deck last week. 

The ground thawed for a few days and high winds brought it down.

Since then, we've gotten more snow.

Winter always leads the dance with spring through May.

The fox doesn't mind the snow.

He's still wearing his winter coat.

Waldo is still smiling.

I hope you are too.

Thank You for visiting.

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Peace

stillness

quiet

calm

solitude

peace

Where the fox and rabbit tracks meet, I pause

wishing

hoping

praying

 for peace to calm the chaos in the world.

Winter's Blessings

We get a few inches at a time to freshen the white.

There have been no major storms this season. 

We always hope for more.

We depend on winter snowpack to lessen summer drought.

Jack (17) leaves from the back yard to go skiing.

Family visits nearly every weekend.

walking the logging road behind the house

Sam (9) and I hike in lemony light.

He's a good companion, chattering about what he sees.

I enjoy viewing the landscape from his perspective. 

Do you see Bob at tree line? He's on touring skis.

The forest cut is complete.

Red Mountain at sunset from our back deck.

I'm becoming accustomed to open spaces and new views.

a pink dawn colors fresh snow

Morning light  creates unexpected beauty.

Foxes pass through several times a day.

Notice how this small fox is looking directly into Sam's eyes.

They both keep perfectly still and calmly watch each other.

Perhaps the fox is Sam's spirit animal.

Bob works hard between storms, raking the roof and clearing snow.

breaking trail on the snowshoes

Winter's changing landscape is my one good thing today.

We're thankful for the blessing of white.

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