• Food,  lifestyles,  rants,  Transportation,  window

    Burn off the jelly

    April 18, 2020
    Morning toast and coffee

    Awoke early. Couldn’t go back to sleep. Spent a bit more time reading and writing while enjoying toast and coffee. Took a walk this afternoon to Fisher Nature Area, even put in some extra steps. Needed to burn off the jelly I put on the toast.

    US Air Force Thunderbirds

    I heard the jets coming as I stepped outside to take the camera for a walk when. They were on top of me so quickly. I didn’t even look, just raised the camera and fired away.

    I had heard earlier this morning that the US Air Force Thunderbirds were planning a flyover across communities in Colorado to honor “healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel who are working on the front lines to combat the coronavirus.” The flight path was to take them over more than 40 medical facilities.

    I find it a contradiction that military aircraft, designed to kill thousands of people, would plan a flyover in tribute to healthcare workers, first responders whose purpose is to keep people alive and include military members. I’m confused!

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  • landscape,  poetic journal,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes,  writing/reading

    Yesterday’s storm has passed

    April 17, 2020

    Snow clinging to branches

    Blue skies and sunshine bring their warmth this morning.
    I see tree branches bending over under the snow’s burden
    I watch as the sun’s warmth weaken the snow’s grip, 
    causing small glistening snowstorms to flutter downward.

    I check on the nesting geese, standing on my toes to look in
    They stretch their necks to check on my presence. All’s well.
    Looking up, the sky seems bluer, no contrails, less pollution.
    I listen to the quiet, the music that soothes this soul.

    I’m filled with gratitude for this wonderful world
    and the gift of being present, a part of all this beauty.

    Yesterday’s storm has passed

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  • landscape,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Colorado Springtime

    April 16, 2020

    The trees are straining under the weight of the ice and snow. The view in front of my bedroom window.

    First they said 3-8 inches of snow, then they said 2-6 inches and then they said 8-12 inches. When I looked out the window this morning I could see that we have at least 6 inches and it’s still snowing. It’s not too cold which is a good thing for me. I ventured out and got a couple of images to share the beauty of the Colorado spring.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  trees

    I’m ready now…

    April 15, 2020

    A favorite cottonwood tree along FIsher Nature area leading to Rowland Moore Park. I often find Red-tailed hawks perched in it.

    I have been pretty good about taking my camera for daily walks during this stay-at-home order. Even got in the walks the past two days when it was snowing and cold, admittedly shorter. And the weather forecasters are telling us more snow, 3-8 inches, by Thursday. Enough already. Bring on spring, rain, thunderstorms, flowers, weeds and sunny walks. I’m ready now!

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  • grass,  landscape,  snow

    I’m set now…

    April 13, 2020

    Tall grass at the Red Fox Meadows nature area this morning

    I played a bit with this image, trying out the texture and dehaze sliders. Kinda funky looking. And, it’s still snowing.

    Anyway, when I cleaned off the car this morning I had at least 3 inches of snow on my car. I ran out of the maple syrup that I add to my Irish oats in the morning so things  were going to get tense if I didn’t restock before tomorrow morning. So, my first stop was Red Fox Meadows, filled up the car, which I hadn’t done in over three weeks, and picked up the essential syrup. I’m set now. Oh, and I picked up one of my prescriptions.

    For anyone interested here is a link to a ten minute podcast by David DuChemin on making art that touches the heart. I enjoyed it, hope you may also.

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  • John O'Donohue,  landscape,  quotes,  snow,  winter scenes

    Snowy Easter Morning

    April 12, 2020
    A light dusting of snow and cold temperatures on Easter morning

    “No one else has access to the world you carry around within yourself; you are its custodian and entrance. No one else can see the world the way you see it. No one else can feel your life the way you feel it. Thus it is impossible to ever compare two people because each stands on such different ground. When you compare yourself to others, you are inviting envy into your consciousness; it can be a dangerous and destructive guest.” 

    John O’Donohue

    Awoke to a dusting of light snow and cold. It is now 27 degrees, snow is falling again and expecting it throughout the day. I shortened my morning walk not because of the cold but the light breeze out of the north penetrates my clothes. I thought maybe a cup of hot coffee in my wicker rocker, watching it snow from my bedroom window, would be more comfortable, and it is. Happy Easter!

    Journal, fountain pen and coffee
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  • fall season,  fog,  frost,  journal,  landscape,  poetic journal,  prairie,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Graitude

    April 11, 2020

    Cold, foggy, and frosty October morning sunrise from 2012

    After quiet time, prayer and meditation,
    I made a french press of coffee, Heaven’s Blend
    by name, then moved outside to sit in the sun.
    In the warmth I read from Rilke’s Book of Hours,
    and journaled thoughts. I focused on listening to
    the sounds of nature, birds, wind, as their words
    seem to soothe, heal and nurture me with a balm
    rather than the pain brought on by the world’s news.
    I think Gratitude is the word for this day.

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