Nature, Writing, Photography - Celebrating the Positive
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.
(comments closed)
Fireweed is setting the hillsides ablaze. It makes a statement:
 |
| I stood in the driveway in my flannel pj's to take this photo |
(comments closed)
 |
| white paintbrush |
 |
| blown-down pines obstruct the trail |
 |
| Bald Mountain and a field of Senecio |
 |
| halfway point |
 |
| lupine with Peak 10 in background |
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.
(comments closed)
The Arnica flower closes tight at night, but at dawn's light opens. Throughout the day it turns to face in the direction of the sun. It's a heliotropic plant that can be used as a directional guide if you lose your way. An essential oil from flower has medicinal properties that are healing for bruises and sprains. Aside from these practical uses, I love its bright face. It greets me daily in a yellow swath outside my dining window.
When I see it, I know I've found my way home.
(comments closed)
 |
| delicate elephant head wildflowers |
 |
| columbine in the meadow behind the house |
 |
| wild roses along the trail |
 |
| Forget-me-nots blooming in our yard |
It's finally summer at high altitude.
 |
| Globe Flowers bloom in boggy areas |
I spend as much time as possible outdoors.
 |
| Paintbrush |
 |
| Arnica and a decaying stump make a simple tableau |
Temperatures remain pleasantly cool - some snow stays on high peaks all summer.
 |
| Senecio |
Wildflowers bloom in profusion.
 |
| morning light on Ten Mile Creek |
Streams and rivers run high from snowmelt.
 |
| Lupine offer a sweet, musky scent |
Summer is a colorful gift after a long, white winter.
Bob and I remain active and feel well. I don't spend a lot of time sitting. I limit computer time. We share responsibilities for cooking and cleanup. I find cooking to be a necessary but unwelcome chore. Unfortunately, we have to eat - we like food but preparation is tiresome. After dinner, we like to read until bedtime. I'm thankful for our eyesight since reading is so important to us. Now that I'm 80, I realize that every moment I can enjoy Life is bonus time.
 |
| blue Columbine - Colorado's state flower |
My One Good Thing today is the awakening of blooms after a long sleep.
I hope Life gives you many good things.
Thank You for visiting!
(comments closed)
