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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Update

I last posted in July.

We've been feeling fine.

The days pass quickly - I think more quickly now that I'm 80!

In August, while the Shasta Daisies were blooming, Bob and I celebrated our 58th anniversary.

During September, our container plants and perennials still flourished.

However, nights became colder.

We had snow flurries that whitened the peaks.

By October, aspen leaves put on their show.

We enjoyed a spectacular fall.

Moose began to mate so we were very cautious and watchful when outdoors.

The pre-dawn Hunter Moon glowed above Imperial Peak.

In the beginning of November, we got back-to-back snowstorms.

Breckenridge Ski Area opened for the season.

dusk and moon-rise over Red Mountain

My changing Colorado landscape is my One Good Thing today.

There will be snow on the ground at my house through May.

We are blessed by white.

I hope you're well and continue to be active.

May love and peace abide with you.

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Small Stone - 31 - The End

 lightning and torrential rain batter the peaks

a rainbow at Red Mountain at dusk

hope for a new day

During July, I've heard from many long-time visitors to One Good Thing.

All of you are my good things this month.

Thank you for reading the Small Stones.

May love and peace abide with you.

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Small Stone - 30 - Bear Scratch Tree

On a recent hike close to home, we came upon a bear scratch tree.  Bears use trees to mark territory and also to scratch their backs. They both bite and claw the tree. This marking was new because the sap was still bleeding where the bear had damaged the bark. We've seen paw prints and scat on our property but so far this summer, haven't seen a bear. The new tree marking makes us more alert to predators roaming where we roam. Black bears usually try to avoid conflict. I've had several close encounters, and the bears never showed aggression, though in one instance a huge male bear was too close and too curious. I don't want to encounter a mother with cubs. I like seeing bears, but only when I'm inside and they're outside.

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Small Stone - 29 - Survival (Not Necessarily of the Fittest)

 Lately, I've been watching 2 tiny chipmunks play in the the rock wall outside my dining window. They try to climb stalks of grass to get to the seedheads and fall over backward when the stems can't hold them.

They make me laugh. 

A few days ago, one of the foxes that come through the property regularly trotted past the window. Suddenly, it stopped, jumped straight up in the air, and pounced downward. Then it began trotting away - with a small chipmunk dangling from its jaws. I know that it's survival of the fittest in Nature. 

But - my chipmunk!

The fox stopped where I could still see it - I assumed the chipmunk was going to be lunch. But, suddenly the chipmunk was free, and the fox was chasing it. Both chipmunks and foxes are super-fast. In a few seconds, the fox was again carrying the chipmunk. This happened several more times. I finally realized the fox was playing with the chipmunk (though I'm sure for chippy it was torture). 

Suddenly, the fox rushed to the base of a nearby tree. The chipmunk was free and climbing. The fox jumped against the trunk but couldn't reach it. After waiting a few minutes, the fox meandered off into the meadow. I couldn't see the chipmunk in the tree, but I assume its tiny heart was beating fast.

My heart rate was also up.

Chippy 1 - Foxy 0

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Small Stone - 28 - Straightforward

 sometimes I'm led to walk straight forward and sometimes I'm led to be straightforward

the former is easy - the latter sometimes difficult

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Small Stone - 27 - Undaunted

Fireweed is setting the hillsides ablaze. It makes a statement:

 "No matter the conditions, I intend to bloom."

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Small Stone - 26 - The Whole Picture

 looking outward expands my viewpoint and calms my worries

sky, clouds, mountains, trees, meadow, fence

all are important in the final composition

remember: we are all part of the whole

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Small Stone - 25 - Celebrate

sometimes the sky is enough reason to celebrate

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Small Stone - 24 - Chiffonade

I had to slice my fresh basil into ribbons for a pasta casserole.
The word "chiffonade" came into my mind.
Have I ever used the word previously?

I don't think so!

I tried it out in silent mode as I sliced - "chiffonade, chiffonade, chiffonade..."

Nicely done, I thought - now I'm a French chef!

At dinner, if Bob says, "Wow! This is delicious! Did you do something different?"

I'll smile and say, 

 

"Chiffonade."

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Small Stone - 23 - Intricate

The Cornhusk Lily is blooming.

Some years it doesn't flower and only puts out leaves.

But, this year  - a bonanza!

They grow in a meadow surrounded by purple Monkshood and golden Asters.

From a distance they remind me of candelabras - they seem to glow from within.

Nature's intricacy is on display.

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Small Stone - 22 - Traditions

 

I stood in the driveway in my flannel pj's to take this photo

Our son visited this weekend. For the 14th year, he rode his bike long milage for two days to raise money for Children's Hospital. In the early years, I would accompany his wife and little children driving from from place to place along the route to cheer for him. Nowadays, Bob and I feed him a big breakfast and send him on his way. We rise before dawn and chat with him until we almost make him late. In the evenings, we have a nice dinner and continue our conversation. 

These moments with family sustain us.
They become part of family lore.
It feels good to be needed. 

To give is to receive.

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Small Stone - 21 - Who Are You?

 I'm uneasy in crowds. I don't like noise or hubbub. I prefer to blend rather than become the main attraction. My voice is quiet. I'm a good listener. I try to stay away from negativity. My point of view may not be your point of view. There are many opinions and perhaps more than one right answer. I accept our differences. I try not to judge. I search for common ground.

I would be the dusky penstemon or maybe the lupine - never the poppy, though I like its pizzazz.

Who are you?

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Small Stone - 20 - Bounty

 We can't grow tomatoes or basil outside at high altitude. Our nights remain too cool. I resort to an indoor basil plant and store-bought heirloom tomatoes. I diligently water the basil plant 2 times a day. We love a salad of sliced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Even though not from my garden, it tastes like summer's bounty.

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Small Stone - 19 - Refreshed

After a night of rain, pansies lift their sweet faces to the sun.

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Small Stone - 18 - Rain

 A soft, hours-long rain quenched the meadows and forests.

It washed dust and pollen from blooms. 

The ground drank precious moisture. 

Water fell as a gift from the sky.

I love a rainy interlude. I like watching the rain approach over the high peaks. The moisture unfurls like a veil from the clouds. There were several lightning strikes on top of Imperial Peak. Happily, the storm became more gentle as it reached our house. We heard only soft pattering against the windows.

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Small Stone - 17 - Calm

I took an early-morning walk beside Lake Dillon.

Paddle boarders slowly drifted in the distance.

A cool breeze rippled the water.

Clouds blanketed the sky.

Calm reigned.

I hope you have moments of calm today.

May peace and love abide with you.

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Small Stone - 16 - Books

Do you like to read?

As early as I can remember, books and stories were important to me. Reading is one of my greatest joys. I anticipate the time after dinner when Bob and I read until bedtime. I can no longer read bound or paperback books because of my formaldehyde allergy. (Both paper and ink contain formaldehyde.) Thankfully, my Kindle comes to the rescue.

Walking near the lake in Frisco, I came upon this tiny library.There were no books inside, so maybe the neighbors and passersby are avid readers. If there is a fantastic book you've read lately, send me an e-mail with the title. I'm always looking for my next good read.

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Small Stone - 15 - Blooming

After months of white comes the gift of color.

Along forest trails and in meadows wildflowers are blooming.

For everything there is a season.

Awe is encouraged.

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Small Stone - 14 - Details

 Nature abounds with intricacy.

white paintbrush

It requires attention and close focus.

No need to hurry - pay attention to details.

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Small Stone - 13 - Meow

When our granddaughter was little, this was her favorite wildflower.

She's 21 now. 

Whenever I see Pussytoes along the trail, I think of her.

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Small Stone - 12 - Celebration of Marriage

Our Grandson, Ben, married Paula, his high school sweetheart, July 11, 2024.

They said their vows and celebrated their marriage atop Echo Mountain.

It was a very special day of joy and love for our family.

Many blessings to them.

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Small Stone - 11 - Obstacles

Sometimes the path is easy to follow.

blown-down pines obstruct the trail

Sometimes there are obstacles.

Usually, there's a way over, under, or around.

I tell myself to keep going no matter what's in the way.

It's the same with life. Find a way to move forward.

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Small Stone - 10 - Summer Hike

Yesterday, we took a hike. We looped a trail that I often ran when I was in my 60's. In those "younger" days, I would wake at dawn, leave alone, and cover 5 miles before breakfast.

We hiked for 3 1/2 hours. I'm slow mainly because I must watch my footing. I depend on Bob to warn me if he sees a bear or a moose.  While hiking, the trail directly in front of me is my main focus.

Bald Mountain and a field of Senecio

Of course, I also stop frequently to photograph the landscape.

He's endlessly patient. When he gets ahead, he stops to wait. 

halfway point

On the first half of the hike he would sometimes say, "How are you doing?"  

Coming back, he didn't ask because he figured I had to keep going to get home!

I was happy to see the path leading to our back door.

At 80, I'm pleased with 5 miles even if it does take half the day to hike it.

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Small Stone - 9 - Fields of Lupine

We're entering the purple phase of summer.

The Lupine are blooming!

lupine with Peak 10 in background

Because of spring moisture, there is a haze of purple as I look up the meadow. Their scent is musky-sweet. We get mostly purple, but I've also seen white. The bees and other pollinators love them. 

So do I.

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Small Stone - 8 - What's in a Name

Long ago, I began learning wildflower names. I know the common names, not the scientific names. Some of the flowers have names that suit them perfectly, so they're easy to remember.

Pearly Everlasting grows in matted clumps with the leaves close to the ground.

The "pearls" are easily identifiable by the papery outer husk. The center of the flower will eventually turn a faded white-gold color. These early flowers are on stems only a couple inches off the ground, but they'll continue to grow taller through the summer. However, I've rarely seen them more than 6" tall.

You don't have to be showy to be memorable.

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