Goodbye January

Winter provides a spectacular backdrop for sunsets over the Tenmile Range.

In the morning, I watch the moon hang over Imperial Peak.

My routine is to sit and have coffee as I read emails and plan my day.

We spend as much time as possible outdoors.

I walk for an hour or more while Bob downhill skis.

It's necessary to wear spikes on my hiking boots to get traction on ice and snow.

At 80, we're committed to keep moving.

We enjoy having family visit.

It seems quiet when they leave.

Our grandchildren are all young adults now except the youngest who is 12.

Luckily, they no longer need my supervision!

As blue washes the landscape, I say goodbye to the day.

There is often a splash of alpenglow on Red Mountain.

The panorama of Nature is my One Good Thing today.

I hope wherever you live in the world, Nature offers you beauty.

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End of 2024

 Winter settles in to stay for awhile.

We take a short trip to Vail to celebrate Bob's 80th.

The village is quiet before the influx of holiday tourists.

We dine at our favorite restaurant.

Returning home, family surprises Bob on his big day.

By the end of December, we have feet of snow on the ground.

I wear spikes on my hiking boots to take my walks.

Our white landscape is punctuated by blue-sky days.

Early morning sunrises are my favorite.

I watch dawn creep toward Red Mountain.

Family is my One Good Thing today...and always.

Goodbye 2024!

full moon hangs over Imperial Peak as dawn spreads a pink glow.

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Celebrate!

 It's still winter at high altitude.

Even the donkeys downtown are getting sick of the snow.

However, inside there are blooms.

We've had some celebrations.

Our twin sons turned 56 the end of April.

There was still plenty of snow for their AT skis.

My 80th birthday was May 9th.

The family paid a surprise visit to help me celebrate.

photo taken by Neve's brother, Caden

Our granddaughter, Neve, graduated from high school in May.

Neve in her traditional Korean Hanbok - professional photo

She'll begin a pre-Med degree in the fall. 

While attending graduation in Denver, we enjoyed spring.

photo taken in New Zealand by a friend

Last but not least, our oldest grandchild, Ben, will marry his fiance, Paula, in July.

pond in Frisco, CO, where the snow is mostly melted

There are many good things to celebrate!

I hope good things are happening in your life, too.

Thank you for visiting.

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High Altitude Spring

Living above 10,000' (3,000m) of sea level means winter triumphs over spring.

Snow remains in deep drifts on our property and dominates the landscape as far as we can see.  

little pink cloud heart above Red Mountain

Several days above freezing trick us, so Bob puts the screen in our kitchen window.

I like to open it for some fresh air while I'm preparing food.

of course it started to snow again so the window remains closed

Bob leaves from our back deck for the ski area.

Peak 9 closes April 16, so that's the end of his ski season for another year.

We had family visiting over the two weeks of spring break and over Easter Weekend.

Outdoor activities were on the agenda.

oldest grandson (20) and youngest grandson (10) framed between their dad's skis

On Easter Sunday, our son spotted mountain lion tracks on the trail coming home from the ski area.

When I'm walking, I'm alert for moose, bears, and lions.

Bears are roaming though we're still getting snow. They're grumpy and hungry from their long hibernation. Cow moose give birth the end of April into May and are even more dangerous than usual protecting their young. Lions stalk for whatever food is available. They're rarely seen though they prowl quietly nearby.

I pay attention to tracks in the mud

I'm an early riser.

Some mornings, I say hello to the moon before daybreak.

I'm thankful to greet each new day.

I experience many Good Things and hope you do too.

Thank you for visiting.

My ankle continues to heal and get stronger. 

When the snow finally melts, I hope to begin hiking.

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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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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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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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