• Avian,  clouds,  landscape,  sunrises

    Other Locations

    There are two hawks perched in the trees in the lower right corner of this image. I assume looking for breakfast or already done and letting it settle. I used come to this area in Weld County on a regular basis but now find it limiting for images due to all the housing going up in the area. I drove out this morning for something different and scouted around for other locations that may work for me.

  • clouds,  landscape,  sunrises

    We’re Too Impatient

    Monday morning. Martin Luther King Day. So some will sleep in late. Not me. Have this habit of rising early and watching the sun crest the eastern horizon, even on a cold January morning. I don’t seem to tire of that. Predawn offered red and pink in a small area along the horizon. The wind was blowing as I watched the clouds being continually reshaped by that wind.

    I read yesterday where Henry David Thoreau was known to stand for long periods of time while observing a female mallard as she prepared her newly hatched ducklings for their first adventure on the water. At other times he would stand all afternoon watching a frog along the banks of a pond. He spent time in the field studying nature rather than reading or hearing about it. Not something our culture does much anymore. We’re too impatient. Because I stayed this morning I was able to witness the sun rising above the clouds sitting along the eastern horizon. I’m learning patience.

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises

    Enjoy Your Saturday

    There was no sun cresting the eastern horizon this morning due to clouds. However, it was an amazing 43 degrees with a steady breeze from the north. In the above image you can see the wind reshaping the clouds continuously. Stopped and grabbed a mocha on the way home and did something unusual for me. I walked in, greeted the baristas and then ordered without realizing I did not have my mask on. I ran back out to the car and put it on. It’s moments like that when I know I’m not doing a very good job of staying present to life but somewhere else in my head. I’m going to enjoy my Saturday and hope you do as well.

  • landscape,  Mary Oliver,  natural areas,  poems,  quotes,  sunrises

    Chilled

    To live in this world
    you must be able
    to do three things:
    to love what is mortal;
    to hold it
    against your bones knowing
    your own life depends on it;
    and, when the time comes to let it go,
    to let it go.

    Mary Oliver

    Had a short night of sleep, yet feel rested on this beautiful January morning. Almost cloudless sky until the sun rose and a few wisps of clouds arrived. Took my camera on a morning walk at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area after the sun had risen. The short walk was good for me but I picked up a chill by the time I returned to the car. Stopped at the Bean Cycle for a mocha latte on the way home, but still chilled. I have enjoyed the quiet morning. The sound of busyness can be heard as the city stirs awake.

    One friend is having back surgery this morning and a second friend has an appointment with a surgeon this morning for similar surgery, both have herniated discs. I have had back problems for most of my life due to scoliosis. X-rays a few years ago showed a 40 degree curve to my left with a spinal twist, plus arthritis. I do some stretching exercises they showed me which I think has helped. Plus I do not stress the back with heavy lifting and use good techniques in bending and lifting. Someday I may be having the same surgery.

    Looks like cold has a grip on most of the country so stay warm!

  • landscape,  natural areas,  seasons,  shadows,  snow,  winter scenes

    Bad Hair Day

    Had my two year check up with my cardiologist this morning and the heart is doing well. I had a cute nurse taking my blood pressure so my heart rate was up for a short period. Doc thinks that’s a good thing! Blood pressure is good. I did put on some weight since my physical in June but he did not mention that. That’s my fault and I know what to do about that. He asked me to get on the list for the vaccine. So, I plan on getting my name on the list.

    The wind howled all night. Heard a few things blowing down the street last night as patio chairs, trash cans and other stuff were headed to Kansas. They had a few semis overturned yesterday from the high wind gusts which is typical along the front range. It’s still blowing this morning so we’ll consider it a bad hair day. Stay warm and safe!