• clouds,  Family,  landscape,  sunrises

    Awesomeness!

    December 31, 2021

    Rather than pick a favorite image(s) from this past year I decided to post one that sums up what my year behind the camera has been like and what my inner eye saw. I spent a lot of mornings and evenings at local natural areas as a positive way to start my day. I also made sure to spend ample time on the eastern plains and those wide open space, embracing the experience and quiet of nature. For me this image encapsulates what my year in photography was like: clouds, sunrises, sunsets, nature, silence, solitude, bird songs mixed with the wind. It also reminds me how small a part I am in this universe but yet an integral part of it. Awesomeness!

    The past year also included upheaval in our world. The pandemic continues to disrupt our lives. Climate change evidence abounds. Yet, I am not giving up hope for this world. I feel there is something each of us can do to bring about positive change in the world. Seems I pray with this creator of the universe more often, and that’s a good thing.

    At home, I’ve made changes to my condo with new carpet and vinyl flooring and a splash of new paint. Well two coats. My parents moved into assisted living in May. Soon after mom went into hospice and died on August 19th. It’s been a tough year for my 92 year old father. He lost a spouse of 72 years, tested positive for Covid-19 a week later, then his whole facility went into lockdown for the next couple of weeks. Not to break a family tradition my sisters, brother-in-law and myself spent the week prior to Thanksgiving with dad. It was good for him and for us! My youngest granddaughter married in September so we officially welcomed Brandon to the family!

    Not sure this is a New Years resolution but in this coming year I wish to cherish life, all of nature and respect it, love at greater depths my neighbor and all of creation, myself, God and hope in the healing of this broken world. For me that’s really not asking much, is doable and begins with me. I’m hoping, wishing, praying your coming year is full of good health, dark chocolate, laughter, joy, milk chocolate (if dark is not available), wonderful family time, the making of new experiences and whatever you can add to this list. Happy New Year!

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  • Family,  lifestyles

    Saying Goodbye

    August 6, 2021

    I’m in Phoenix. They put my mother in hospice on Wednesday so my sister and I flew down on Thursday. She is hardly eating and drinking. Getting weaker, sleeping a lot. In moments of awareness she tells us she loves us. All four of us kids are with her and dad. This image is my dad holding her hand. We are each saying our goodbyes.

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  • Avian,  Family,  flowers,  leaves,  Plants,  Travel,  trees

    The Seattle Trip

    July 13, 2020
    View of Lake Washington from the deck of the VRBO
    Marcee and John going down The Hill
    We just don’t have ferns like this in Colorado
    Have no idea what these flowers are and can’t seem to find anything on them
    Fire pit on the patio because it did get cool at night
    These were in the garden at the apartment
    A Bald Eagle perched above us on one of our walks

    Here’s a little bit about the trip to Seattle. First off, the weather was wonderful, highs reached about 70 degrees and lows at night down to 55 degrees. No rain the whole time we were there. I ate too much.

    The Vacation Rental By Owner apartment Marcee and John were renting was sweet. It sat up on a hill with a great view of Lake Washington. We walked each day on a flat trail around the lake but the walk included climbing up “The Hill” on the way back. I walked about 12,000 steps each day. The Hill was steep and long enough that this older man had to stop and catch his breath three times to get home. You will see in the photo two orange cones marking holes in the road. I used them as rest stops on the way up.

    The walks along the lake were breathtaking for me. The area has such different and diverse plants than we have here in Colorado. The plants and density of them always amaze me. I experienced that when living in Ohio. I was always way behind everyone else because I had to stop so many times. 

    They had a small propane fire pit on the patio which did provide some warmth if the wind was not blowing. I actually thought it would be nice on my patio but  we cannot have grills due to insurance issues.

    I decided to only take the Fujifilm X-T3 and the XF35mm f2.0 lens. I was going for family time and did not want the extra weight and bother. It would also have distracted me from family time. So, this image is a major crop. Still not bad. I began to get more comfortable with the camera, its responsiveness and handling. The 30% increase in size and weight are no longer an issue.

    I really enjoyed the time with Marcee and John and Sheree. I was also able to see a nephew and niece I’d not seen in about 16 years. It was so. good to see them and their families. The trip was worth. Have a few more days of self-quarantine to where I will feel comfortable around others. But, it is good to be home, even though it’s hot.

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  • clouds,  Family,  Fujifilm X-T3,  landscape,  mountains,  natural areas,  storm clouds

    Congratulations Abbie!!

    June 27, 2020
    Storm clouds to the northwest at Reservoir Ridge

    I took this image last night as storms moved through to the north and the south of us bringing heavy rain, lightning and thunder both directions. Surprisingly we stayed dry. Man, I love the beauty of clouds even though there can be a lot of damage from their power. They never stay the same, always changing.

    I have been surprised with all the birthday wishes from  family and friends. This is my 70th year or just over 25,550 days counting leap years. Thanks to everyone! 

    This afternoon I will be heading to my oldest daughters house for a BBQ and celebrate my oldest granddaughters college graduation. She was not able to walk for her graduation from CSU due to the COVID-19 issue. She has worked hard for this, changed her major three times and did the six year plan. Congratulations Abbie!!!!! I love you. ❤️ 

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  • Family,  Holiday Seasons,  sunsets

    Heading Home

    November 27, 2018
    Arizona Sunset
    Arizona Sunset

    We are heading home today, back to the colder temperatures. I have enjoyed the family time except for all the food I was forced to eat. I have also enjoyed the wonderful weather they have here in Phoenix. Tomorrow will be my pre-op appointment, blood draws and more explanation on what to expect with the surgery on the 5th. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving !

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  • Family,  Holiday Seasons,  lifestyles

    Yes, It’s a Toaster

    December 13, 2016
    Yes, it's a toaster
    Yes, it’s a toaster

    I remember the cold winter mornings I would cut a slice mom’s homemade bread, toasting it in this exact toaster and smothering it in “real” butter. Well, mom made her homemade bread before we arrived for Thanksgiving. As expected I cut a slice about as thick as it would fit in the toaster and drowned it in butter. I mentioned how impressed I was that the toaster was still working. Dad then informed it was one of their wedding gifts which makes is almost 68 years old. I made toast every morning I was there. 🙂

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  • Candid Portraits,  Family,  lifestyles,  People/Portraits,  quotes,  window

    Watching the Sunset

    September 2, 2016
    Sharing a Moment Together
    Sharing a Moment Together

    A moment of anger can destroy a lifetime of work,
    whereas a moment of love can break barriers that took a lifetime to build.

    This morning is overcast and cloudy. One of those solid and flat gray skies with very little texture. The temperature is around 60 degrees so it is pleasant to be outside, walking or riding the bicycle.

    I leave a week from today for 6 weeks. Will camp one night at Great Sand Dunes NP and and one night at Canyon Dechelly then on to Phoenix to spend the rest of the time with family.

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