• Ai enhanced,  leaves,  quotes

    Season of Change

    November 4, 2026
    Cottonwood leaves piled on my porch

    The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being.

    Lech Walesa

    We had 24 hours of wind on Monday which has presented us with barren trees and our yards and porches now covered in leaves. Yes, we are now in a season of change in so many ways. May the changes now taking place in this country be positive change for the world. So this morning I put on a crockpot of pulled bbq chicken. Smells wonderful! Should be ready about 12:30 if you’re in the neihborhood.

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  • fall season,  leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    I believe this…

    November 2, 2026

    The miracle is that we are here at all.
    Life itself is our greatest wonder.
    To simply BE is all inspiring.
    I believe this.

    Richard Wagamese

    It has been overcast, windy, and cold all day. And for me I can’t seem to warm up. I made it to the coffee shop then had a zoom meeting before meeting Duane for lunch today. So, I’ve been busy. I took this image of the grove of trees yesterday and thought I’d post it since I’ve not pressed the shutter button yet today. This morning Daisy presented my mocha latte with a perfect shaped heart. 🩵 Her latte heart reaffirmed my belief that life is a miracle! However, I am realistic enough to know that is not true for everyone in this world. So I vote with the desire to make the world a better place to live in, that love replaces hate and violence, that our political system return to its original goal of serving the people (and not just the wealthy), and that there be a change of heart in the people of this country and world. This is also my prayer!! I hope you are having a good Monday!!

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  • fog,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes

    The Gift of Life

    November 1, 2026

    I am infinitely grateful to be alive. Each breath reminds me of the sacred gift of life.

    Mary Davis

    Fog was still hanging around when Jeff and I left the coffee shop about 9:44am. Yes, we did stay longer than usual. I decided to drive up to Pineridge Natural Area and look for some mood shots of fog. The fog seemed to set along the foothills. If you look closely you can see a fishman in the lower right corner. So, November 1st started out on a positive note. I have so many things to be grateful for and one is the gift of life. I picked up a couple things at the grocery store on the way home and will be home the rest of the day. Laundry is going now. May you have a wonderful November!

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  • Family

    Remembering her birthday

    October 30, 2026
    Mom – 1949

    Today would have been my mother’s 95th birthday. Yes, I feel the loss, even after five years. Yet in celebration of her life I move through a fading land of memories today, finding them bringing me smiles. So in this short post, I want to express my gratitude for the life she gave me and planting the seeds that continue to become who I was created to be. Thank you Mom! Love you! ❤️

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  • Ai enhanced,  fall season,  leaves,  Plants

    The Power of Unity

    October 29, 2026

    “The trees act not as individuals, but somehow as a collective. Exactly how they do this, we don’t yet know. But what we see is the power of unity. What happens to one happens to us all. We can starve together or feast together.”

    Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

    When I left the coffee shop this morning I was fascinated with the fallen leaves along Howes Street. I may have looked a bit strange walking among them looking for colors, patterns, and shapes, camera in hand snapping an image here and there. Also, stooping once in a while to get a closer look. I look at all those leaves that are individually unique, yet in unity they make for a colorful fall collage. And as a special touch nature adds a few drops of moisture from the night’s frost. We are a few degrees cooler than yesterday but still blessed with blue skies and sunshine this afternoon. Another beautiful fall day to enjoy. I hope you are also!

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  • clouds,  fall season,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area

    A Beautiful Fall Day

    October 28, 2026

    It has been a lovely day here in Colorado. A few clouds this morning gave way to blue skies and sunshine. I finally have my front door installation finished. When ordering the door they cut the deadbolt hole too small and the installer was afraid they were going to need to reorder the door. However they came up with an idea and tried a new gadget that worked. All is good now. Restless, I drove to the natural area this afternoon and spent some time journaling. I took a refreshing walk around and took a few images of the fall colors. Hoping you are enjoying your fall day!

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  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  quotes

    Coffee Time and Journaling

    October 27, 2026

    Freedom is letting go of bounds and barriers, and hurling yourself into the adventure of living.

    Richard Wagamese

    It has been cloudy all morning except for a short burst of sunlight and blue sky. I drove up to Pineridge Natural Area this morning for the quiet and peace I feel there. I watched as fog moved into the valley below me and over the reservoir. I could see lights along the trails as bicyclists and runners made their way in the darkness. It was quite different without the sounds of birds but I loved it anyway. I’m not sure you would call my time there as hurling myself into the adventure of living life but something I do on a regular basis for my soul. I then made my way to the coffee shop and morning mocha (more adventure?). I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday.

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  • automobile,  Transportation

    My Forever Car

    October 24, 2026

    I signed the lease and brought home a 2027 Subaru Crosstrek base model. They call it a base model for good reasons. No bells or whistles but it does have a horn. I will spend less in this lease for 36 months than replacing the motor on the Forester. Under the lease I basically pay for oil changes and nothing else. As the Forester was 15 years old next month in November it would continue to need repairs. Subaru basically handles the repairs in the lease unless driver caused. The lease runs out when I turn 79 at which time I will address a few questions. Will I be able to drive, will I be alive, will I want to drive and probably one or two more that I am not aware of presently? As my friend Mary calls it, “This may be my forever car.” It has been about 20 degrees cooler today and can expect the same for tomorrow. It’s been a beautiful fall day! Hope yours was also! Back to reading the manual.

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  • fall season,  leaves,  nature,  Plants,  quotes

    To be alive…

    October 23, 2026

    “There are only two kinds of people in the world. Those who are alive and those who are afraid.”

    Rachel Naomi Remen

    Interesting how two maple trees about 50 feet apart can have such different fall colors. The maple tree in the building next to me has red leaves but almost all of them are fringed in brown. I assume due to the drought conditions. While the tree next to my mailbox has rich red colored leaves and almost no brown fringe. I will never understand nature but then that’s the mystery of nature. May I just be alive to her mystery. It is a beautiful day here in Colorado, blue sky and sunshine. However, colder weather is expected over the next few days. Enjoy your weekend!

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  • animals,  quotes

    Look at that tail!

    October 22, 2026

    It is also knowing that home is what I bring to it, and in that is the sure and quiet knowledge that home is within me and always was.

    Richard Wagamese, Embers

    I took the camera for a walk in case I discovered leaves that would catch my attention and to check the mail. No mail so no bills or occupant stuff. No leaves to catch my attention. I did encounter this critter. They were ready to quickly scurry up a tree if I made the wrong move. However I stopped and said “Hi.” They then turned and gave me this pose with a smile, let me take a half dozen photos then scurried up the tree. It was a wonderful gift. And, I did get a leaf and pinecone in the image. Look at that tail! It has been warm today but overcast. Warmer tomorrow also then it turns cold for a few days.

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