• Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  Avian,  Canada Goose,  gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises

    Such a Beautiful World

    May 28, 2023

    I enjoyed a quiet predawn at Arapaho Bend Natural Area this morning. I was the only one there other than the geese, some Great Blue Herons along the far shore and a couple of pelicans. None of us was very talkative.

    We had more rain and thunderstorms yesterday, in fact the weather was severe on the eastern plains. However the weather brought winds helping to clear out the smoke and haze. Quite the contrast this morning. Nature seemed to take a deep breath, relax and gives us the gifts of a clear predawn sky, a sunrise and the promise of a new day.

    After spending time in these sanctuaries I feel the inadequacy of offering any words expressing the feelings I experience, yet I try. If there is one word to express my feelings it’s gratitude. Pretty simple. Such a beautiful world we live in when we take the time to experience it. Now going to meet a friend for a late lunch. Have a great day!!

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  landscape,  poems,  poetry,  snow,  writing/reading

    Winter is not done…

    March 22, 2023

    Reminded this morning
    that winter is not done
    as big fluffy wet snowflakes
    descend on our world.

    Nature’s paintbrush dripping
    with pure white snowflakes
    drapes its blanket across
    the backs of the Geese.

    ms

    Had my follow up appointment with the cardiologist, Amy Dickinson, this morning and all is going well one week after the surgery. She said my heart sounds good and I’m progressing as expected. Will have an Echocardiogram on April 10th for a look-see inside then a one month follow up with the surgeon, Dr. Lazkani, on April 13th. I will begin a cardiac rehab in a week or two. She suggested I continue to increase my activity as tolerated. Also, have another blood draw on April 3rd then a meeting with the hematologist on April 6th and discuss how things are going in that area of my life. Thankfully, everything from the bone marrow biopsy came back negative. My world is much brighter today than 12 weeks ago. This mornings snow has continued throughout the day with no accumulation, but loving the moisture content it brings. Hoping you had a good day!

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  • Avian,  landscape,  quotes,  sunsets

    Sacred Bond

    March 4, 2023
    Setting sun at Rowland Moore Park – 2017

    Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.

    Robin Wall Kimmerer
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  • Avian,  quotes

    Some are heading south

    November 23, 2022

    “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

    Lao Tzu

    A flock of geese flew overhead a couple of days ago on my walk creating that lovely music of theirs. Not sure why it’s music to me when they are flying above and noise when they’re waddling everywhere turning my walks into a goose-poop-boogie dance floor. Some will head south and some will stay for the winter. I’ve come to accept these rituals and behaviors of my feathered friends over the years.

    A few years ago on Thanksgiving Day I was taking a walk through the neighborhood when thousands, maybe millions, of geese began flying overhead. There were so many and they were so loud people were coming out of their homes to stand in the street, on the sidewalks and porches looking skyward. I have never experienced anything like that since. Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  Humor,  landscape,  natural areas

    Random Formation

    January 24, 2022
    Geese flying over Rigden Reservoir

    There was a lot of chatter going up there as these Canada Geese flew over me. Had to chuckle as I imagined what they are honking up about. Do you suppose they are just like we are when we get in our cars and head somewhere? Were some complaining the goose behind them was following too close? Were some wanting to fly faster or slower? Were some being backseat flyers? Were some wanting to land here or fly on farther? Were some trying to control the formation, shouting instructions to others because the formation is not what they wanted? Do I even want to know? Not really but I had fun with my imagination. Have a great week!

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  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  Avian,  Canada Goose,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    Happy New Year!

    January 1, 2022
    Sunrise at Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

    Neil Gaiman

    Hoping you surprise yourself in 2022!

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Listening to Nature

    April 8, 2021

    I have friends vacationing in Hawaii with kids and grandkids. I’m a bit envious of them sitting on the beach working on a tan. All the photos they’ve sent include big smiles. Yet, this morning while visiting the Top Minnow Natural Area, I was reminded by the red-winged blackbirds and the meadowlarks of just how beautiful it is right here. They were reminding through their joyful songs to be grateful for where I’m at and what I have. These two Canada Goose told me the same thing. I’m learning to listen to the wisdom of nature more often.

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