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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Glorious Fall

 Whenever the seasons change, the new one is my favorite.

if your road is twisty I hope it's filled with beauty

It's hard to beat autumn at high altitude in Colorado.

We're at peak color in Summit County this weekend.

aspens go through several stages of change - all beautiful

The landscape dazzles.

Bob - early morning walk on shores of Lake Dillon

I took my Olympus out of hibernation to record the change.

dusk from my front deck

I tell myself it's good to challenge my old brain relearning dials and functions!

dawn at my house

To wander and to revel in fall colors are my Good Things today.

morning glow on a lily pad pond surrounded by fall

I hope wherever you are in the world, a beautiful landscape brings you peace.

Thank you for walking with me.

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Adapting to Change - End of 2021

 

At year's end, we finally have snow on the ground.

Pewter skies drop precious white over the landscape.

We begin enjoying winter activities.

The forest cut behind us is progressing.

New vistas have opened.

We find our way without familiar forest trails to guide us.

We explore new ways to navigate the terrain.

Thank goodness, the Octopus tree has been spared!

Life is all about navigating through change and finding new ways.

The ability to adapt to change is my one good thing today.

May the New Year bring you many blessings.

Barb

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As the Seasons Turn

How can it be fall already?

I had no idea I'd take such a long break from the blog.

Wildflowers flourished right through summer into fall.

We've already had several snows, one in August and two in September. 

Luckily, the snow melted quickly in fall's still-warm sunshine.

Frost set my gardens to seed, but deck boxes and containers are (so far) still surviving.

Now our trees are putting on a glorious show.

I take the camera to capture the splendor of early-morning light.

I'm breathless at the beauty.

We are well and give thanks for all the good we see both in Nature and in our dealings with others. We are still cautious because of the virus and don't care to travel far from home. I hope you're well, too, enjoying your part of the world and staying safe.

Change is my One Good Thing today and the ability to adapt to it.

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Sunset - Small Stone - 8

the magic show of twilight

darkness overtaking light

day into night

At 10,000' above sea level there is little artificial light.

Sun, moon, and stars guide the natural world.

The sky heralds beginnings and endings.

I'm reminded that darkness is necessary to appreciate light. 

small stone

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The Wrinklies - Small Stone - 5

Bob calls us "the Wrinklies".

From youth until encroaching old age, I used potions and lotions. This spring, during the start of the virus, I turned 76. We began a long isolation that continues to this day. Going into public is infrequent. Masks are now my fashion statement. I have several favorites, some made by friends. When outside, I wear sunglasses and a hat pulled low over my brow. I am literally incognito. In the morning, I slap on some moisturizer and call it good. No anti-aging formula, no lipstick, no concealer, wrinkles (when I'm maskless) on full display. Perhaps I've become a poster woman for Wabi-Sabi. Where has my former vanity gone? 

I wonder if it will ever return?

texture - tree bark on snow - my skin is not quite this wrinkly

small stone
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End of Fall

We're awaiting snow.

climbing

We've had longer than usual fall weather.

Now, we need moisture badly.

dried grasses glowing in sunlight

It's been nice to hike through balmy fall days.

But, the forest is very, very dry.
A blanket of snow would reduce our risk of wildfire.

town of Breckenridge from a ridge in our neighborhood

Yesterday, after our walk, I sowed wildflower seeds.
I smile at the promise of the seeds.
Perhaps next summer I'll see colorful blooms dancing in the breeze.

lovely Blue Spruce in the forest

Early this morning, Silver, the large male fox, scouted our property.

I saw movement on the deck and watched the pine marten on patrol.
Later, I was startled by 4 bull moose stampeding through the forest.

I was glad I wasn't walking a path near them!

The wild things are alert and on the move.

heading home through dry forest

We received good news this week. 

Bob's Urologist called to report that his bloodwork was excellent.

Though I didn't know I was worried, I shed tears of relief.

Now, we go on with life until his next test in 3 months.

sunset before the forecasted snow

As I finish this post, it's starting to snow.

Moisture in the form of white is my one good thing today.

Photos are of walks near the house in the past week.

Thank you for your visit.

Stay well!

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Celebrating Fall

Our fall is brief but glorious at high altitude.

For a couple weeks we live in a golden world.

Temperatures start to drop below freezing in the night.

Wildflowers and perennials go to seed.

Bushes and trees put on a show.

On early-morning walks, we wear layers.

The forest floor turns russet and amber.

Sunlight streaming through lodgepoles has a golden cast.

Each day, there is work on the property preparing for winter.

Garden ornaments are stored.

Leaves are raked.

On sunny afternoons, we sit in sunshine on the deck with mugs of coffee.

We talk of winter as leaves drift down on our shoulders.

Tourists still visit Breckenridge, but they rarely venture onto the trails behind our house. 

If we do see people approaching, we veer into the forest.

Usually, we meet no one on our walks.

We're alert for bear and moose.

The bear are gorging, preparing for hibernation.

The bull moose are in rut, searching for mates.

The squirrels are busy storing food for the long winter.

Gray Jays, like little old men in overcoats, follow us as we walk.

Nothing remains the same.

We cherish this time of change.

We stay isolated, surrounded by beauty.

We enjoy the quiet.

Stay well - look for One Good Thing.

Thank You for visiting.

Barb

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In the Blink of an Eye

Weather at high altitude changes in the blink of an eye.

A few days ago, on our hike, we found Arnica flowers blooming in sunshine.

Grasses and bushes were just starting to turn golden and russet.

We enjoyed meals on our deck, listening to the song of water in our stream.

We woke Wednesday, September 9, to 5" (12.7 cm) of snow.

Wind caused temperatures to fall 20 degrees below freezing.

Luckily, we heeded the forecast and covered the container plants.

Today, the sun shines and the melt begins.

It is just above freezing, but the air feels refreshing.

I'm bundled in coat, gloves, and scarf for my walk.

Trees are confused - is it fall or winter?

Most of the aspens are still green.

Only a few have fall colors.

Under blue sky, the ski trails glisten white in the sunshine.

Inside, we light a fire and smile.

The snow will melt quickly and give us needed moisture.

Perhaps we'll still enjoy some fall color before it turns white again.

Thank you for visiting.

Stay safe and well.

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PS I'm having to experiment with photo size on the new Blogger.

It's a learning experience!