crisp early mornings
ms
brush strokes of fall colors
eye candy for all
Crisp Early Mornings
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Color of leaves - clouds, Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm XF16-80mm f4.0, landscape, mountains, natural areas, Plants, Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, sunsets, trees
…have a good night.
Helicopter landing and setting sun They are using the open field north of the CSU Research Center as a helicopter staging area, which is next to the Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. The above image was taken last night as one of the helicopters was ending their day. I think there were six or seven helicopters on the ground, fuel trucks and mechanics waiting for them. As you can see the smoke sits atop of us, no blue sky. Very little wind. Even after receiving 14 inches of snow the fire smolders. As the fuel drys the fire burns a bit more each day and is unfortunately making its way towards Red Feathers Lake and Crystal Lakes where there are several homes and cabins. They are unincorporated communities and census-designated places and of course a post office. They have been under a voluntary evacuation for a couple weeks now. The smoke is visible this morning and makes the throat tender.
Sunset at Reservoir Ridge during Cameron Peak Fire I had my first encounter with a rattlesnake at the nature area between taking these two images. It was nice having several people warn me about the snake and where it was located. Once I approached the snake it made sure to shake it’s rattlers and let me know it’s physical distancing boundaries. I admit it was difficult to see it but easy to hear it. It was coiled about six inches off the trail and ready to strike if anyone dared to cross it’s boundaries. I wasn’t in a daring mood so I respected those boundaries. I even began a dialogue with it hoping to help it relax a bit, it seemed rather tense. Told it I was only passing by and to have a good night.
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Being Alone
Beard-grass at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area “Our language has wisely sensed these two sides of man’s being alone. It has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.”
The wind, warm days, and low humidity is stirring the embers of the fire. We can see, smell and feel in our throats the smoke from the Cameron Peak fire. The good news the crews have been able to make headway to prevent the fire from growing even bigger. Could see more moisture in 2-3 days. I took this a couple days ago when we had less smoke. I found this very uncomfortable rock to sit on and watch out over the meadow. This is the view.
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Sacred Finale
Setting sun on my walk at Reservoir Ridge Nature Area sun sets in the west
starburst on the horizon
sacred finalems
It is that time of the year when the air quickly cools down as soon as the sun drops below the horizon. My body noticed the temperature drop so shortly after I took this image I headed back to the car. I now walk one of the natural areas almost every day. I drive to a couple and within walking distance to two near my home. When I drive to Pineridge and Reservoir Ridge I find more quiet from the city noise. So, I prefer to go there. Reservoir Ridge is probably my favorite natural area right now. It has been closed for three days due to muddy trails from the snow we had earlier in the week.
You can still see smoke in the sky from the Cameron Peak fire and the fires from the west coast. The Cameron Peak fire is not out but smoldering under several inches of snow. I can smell the smoke this morning. This mornings update says, “With warm temperatures, low humidity and a sunny day the snow continued to melt rapidly, and the fire activity became more noticeable.” The snow has definitely helped in quieting the fire for the last few days but the danger is not over. Thankfully, we are in a much better situation than the west coast.
- coffee life, coffee shops, fountain pens, Fujifilm X-T3, Fujifilm XF16-80mm f4.0, journal, lifestyles, writing/reading
New Fountain Pen
A new TWSBI Diamond 580 in Prussian Blue This morning I sat in my reserved chair and had a mocha inside Mugs, the first time since March 15th, according to my journal. That’s almost six months. Hard to get my mind wrapped around how fast time has moved on. And, I still fit in the chair. 😊
From my journal during the pandemic: I wish I’d read more when I was younger but my soul is fertile at this stage of my life for the words I now read.
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An Attempt
Mocha latte from the Bean Cycle this morning The cool morning and overcast skies convinced me to have my latte at the Bean Cycle and sit upstairs where there are fewer customers. Seems everyone else thought the same thing as it quickly got crowded. Anyway, I enjoyed my mocha while I could. Here is an attempt at a haiku.
green willow branches
robed in winters white vestment
now genuflectsms
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Blue Sky and Sunshine
Late afternoon sunshine and blue skies after the snow storm at Pineridge Natural Area Late yesterday afternoon we saw a break in the clouds bringing small patches of blue sky and sunshine. Made my heart sing and brought a smile to my face. Now enjoying a morning mocha. Will have lunch with my youngest daughter, Monica. My afternoon highlight will be cleaning the bathroom!
