My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
“I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.” Anne Frank
Have a wonderful weekend!
Nature supplied me with this scene along Weld County Road 13 this past weekend. We have had rain almost every day and the next two days are expected to be more of the same. My car was a mess as the roads were muddy but man, those fields are green.
I have a couple of questions for all my WordPress Gurus out there.
With every grandparent, parent, sibling, boyfriend or girlfriend in town for graduation I decided to venture off to Arapahoe Bend Natural Area. It was much quieter! A couple years ago this reservoir named Rigden Reservoir did not exist was a mix of open fields and gravel pits. It was a haven for meadowlarks, blackbirds, prairie dogs, rabbits and raptors. I was surprised to find that is another natural area. The City of Fort Collins asked citizens to submit names and Topminnow Natural Area was chosen. They have built a 2.2 mile paved walking loop around the reservoir. So, I walked it and found this scene. I liked the light rain falling along the Front Range and cropped it to give it a more panoramic feel.
I sure have not had much desire or motivation to be on the internet. Therefore I have not taken many images (although its always with me), I have not posted much on this site,I have not kept up with my favorite blogs (yes yours), I haven’t been out to my nature areas much. I have, however, been working on my cardiac rehab, putting in time on the treadmill, bicycle and rower three days a week, and walking, and spending money at my favorite coffee shops. My walking has been shortened due to the cold weather. We had sub-zero temperatures a couple mornings in a row. Looking forward to Spring and Summer.
Each February 1st my friend, Kay and I make a day trip to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in memory of her husband, Wayne. This year marked six years ago he died. Wayne was a good friend of mine as we found we connected with similar spiritual paths and read the same authors. We always finish off the day trip with a late lunch at one of Wayne’s favorite restaurants, Sweet Basilicas.
The above image was taken at a turnout in Horseshoe Meadows just inside the north entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Hope all is well with you and I will do my best to get back up to speed at whatever rate my body and mind need.
Light rain and drizzle started yesterday and we awoke to more of the same. About 8:300 this morning it began to be a mix of light snow and rain. I’m okay with the snow but not the cold. At 35 degrees this is not bad.
I had to make a trip to Red Feather Lakes to help a friend. We were not sure what the weather would be like up there as it is 2,000 feet higher but it was not bad. They had maybe 2 inches of snow. After we unloaded the car we took a walk along the dam at Apache Lake in the snowfall. We found this dedicated fisherman, in waders and knee deep in the water, oblivious to the snow. I have a feeling he was rather content because he was dressed for the weather and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
The fall season can be a tough time for my friend Kay due to the the loss of family members during this time of the year. She and her husband, Wayne, started a tradition of going up to Estes Park and staying for a couple days as a retreat. One thing they would do is eat at a favorite restaurant called Sweet Basilico. Wayne died five years ago so each year at this time of the year she asks someone to venture up there for the day, visit the park and eat with her at Sweet Basilico. So, I was the lucky one to be asked to make the road trip to Estes Park this past Saturday. Lots of traffic as people wanted to see the aspens in full color and watch the elk gather in Horseshoe Meadow. But, there was lots of laughter, good food and wonderful scenes for us to share. This is the sunset we had when we got back into town. Have a super week!