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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March at High Altitude

 I'm an early riser.

Often, I watch the moon set as the sun rises.

Weather permitting, I take a morning walk on the county road near my house.

It's an unpaved road, plowed in winter, and it doesn't get much traffic.

It provides distant views of Bald Mountain.

A couple weeks ago, I started noticing mountain lion tracks.

I'm always alert when outdoors, but the tracks gave me a little surge of adrenalin.

Lions prowl mostly from dusk to dawn, and it would be unusual to encounter one midday.

I'm still seeing tracks but so far no lion!

A large tree just off our property blew part way down this winter and is now supported by a nearby tree.

I check every morning to see if it has finally crashed to the ground.

So far, it's still standing, with the smaller tree holding it upright.

Sometimes, at dawn, the sky offers a brief, breathtaking display.

Remember: there is always One Good Thing!

I hope you're well.

Thank you for visiting.

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Winter Landscapes

We're in the midst of winter in Breckenridge, CO.

Red Mountain and blue shadows

After a slow start, we're finally getting some reliable snow storms.

Winter light is always special.

Though my world is white for many months, sky and sun and clouds add color.

As usual, I'm mesmerized by winter's beauty.

gifted tulips in winter

 Bob and I were sick with the flu in the beginning of February.

At nearly 80, I don't recover as quickly as I did 5 years ago.

Friends brought flowers and food.

moon over Imperial Peak

However, I'm happy to be out and about once again.

The fresh air and scenery do wonders for my health and well-being.

our son leaving for the ski area

Thank you for visiting.

I hope you enjoy the winter scenes.

dawn

Winter light is my one good thing today.

May love and peace abide with you.

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Change of Seasons (Again)

I just changed my blog header to fall, and suddenly winter arrived!

It started snowing during the night of October 28 and continued over 24 hours.

Temperatures plummeted to -2 F (-19 C).

Bob was up before dawn plowing our driveway.

He wore what we call "The Eskimo Coat" which he's had for about 40 years.

He says it's the warmest coat he owns (including his much newer ski coats).

Now the sun sparkles like diamonds on the snow, but it remains cold.

I'll sow wildflower seeds onto the snow this week. 

But! 

I'm not changing the header quite yet.

A white world is my One Good Thing today.

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Healing Thoughts

Good News!

My physical therapist told me last week I could begin exercising outdoors.

As soon as I returned home from his office, I got myself ready for a walk.

I left from the house and walked a half hour on the plowed dirt road nearby.

I was careful.

I was v-e-r-y slow....

I was exhilarated!

At one point, I realized my face was wet with tears.

How embarrassing - I was crying tears of joy.

I pulled myself together and kept striding.

Now, I go for a walk nearly every day.

I take a hiking pole but only use it if there is an icy patch.

I'm able to walk over an hour most days.

My ankle is stiff by evening, but I see improvement daily.

I continue meeting with my PT.

storm clouds hide Red Mountain

Winter landscapes are constantly changing.

Clouds move in and bring snow.

Each dawn bestows the gift of a new day.

 

This photo is for a blog friend who loves foxes.

She recently received a troubling diagnosis, so I send her healing thoughts.

My One Good Thing today is the body's ability to heal.

I wish you strength.

I wish you sunshine.

I wish you healing.

Barb

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Hello 2023

 Hello 2023!

Yes, I know I'm a little late.

The landscape is wearing winter white.

I'm in physical therapy 2X a week for my ankle.

I do special exercises at home to improve leg/ankle strength and balance. 

I'm improving day by day.

There is no quick fix.

Determination, patience, and a great physical therapist help my healing.

I'm still inside looking out.

I have forest creatures to keep me company.

Their antics make me smile.

Though we don't feed them, they're ever hopeful.

Also, they're curious and often peek in our windows.

My mother taught me that self-worth lives inside all of us.

It is not bestowed by anyone or anything outside ourselves.

What we think about ourselves matters.

We are all inherently worthy.

Today, in my first post of 2023, I celebrate the good we all have inside.

Thank you for visiting.

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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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