Waning Days of Summer

We wait so long at high altitude for summer to arrive.

Fireweed in an alpine meadow

We crave the warmth of color after months of white.

Asters with a lone Arnica

But our season for growth is short.

Cow Parsnip setting seed among drying grasses

Perennials and wildflowers go to seed.

I remember my mother by planting Pansies

Potted plants and deck boxes give their final encore.

Bob and Sam (10) climb toward the sky

We hike the trails and relish the late-bloomers.

clouds part to showcase Imperial Peak - a bit of snow lasts all summer on high peaks

Fall is waiting in the wings as summer takes a final bow.

sitting among the last of the Lupine on Peak 10

Summer brought beautiful days with plentiful adventures.

I spent as much time as possible outdoors.

In past years, I often took solo hikes, but now, at 79,  I'm usually with someone on the trails.

It gives my family peace of mind to know I'm not alone.

Our high altitude summer is my One Good Thing today.

Bob and I celebrated 57 years of marriage on August 14th.

For us, that's another really Good Thing!

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Summer Bounty

Each summer day holds a new adventure.

yellow Senecio with Peak 10 in the background

Wildflowers bloom profusely.

tiny Calypso Orchids (Fairy Slipper)

Paintbrush

meadow of Daisies

We're outside daily either hiking or working on the property.

reservoir on Peak 9

A second family of Juncos is using the wreath.

We won't use the back door until the babies fledge.

In late afternoon, you might find us relaxing on the deck.

Days are pleasant and nights remain chilly.

 What more could we want?

I think of you and hope you're well.

Sending you smiles and hugs from Breckenridge, Colorado.

Nature's abundance is my One Good Thing today.

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Hello Spring!

A lot has happened since I last wrote.

I finished physical therapy on my ankle and can enjoy the outdoors once again.

As snow melted, wildflowers and perennials began to sprout.

 We've been getting rain nearly every day through May and June.

We keep an eye on the sky and watch for storms approaching.

Marsh Marigolds

Globe Flowers

Wildflowers bloom as rain and melting snow water the ground.

I visit my Octopus Tree which survived the logging operation.

One early morning as sunrise torches the trees, I watch a coyote head back to his den. 

For the past 18 years, Juncos have used our back deck wreath to nest.

Currently, the female sits on 4 eggs as the male keeps watch.

Here he's taking a bath in our stream just a few feet from the nest.

We don't use the back door until the chicks fledge.

On May 9, I turned 79.

Though I'm no "spring chicken", I'm happy to remain active at this age.

Spring in the mountains of Colorado is my One Good Thing today.

I hope you're well and enjoying Nature wherever you live in the World.

Thank you for visiting!

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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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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