My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Leaves have begun changing colors and are making their end of life journey to blanket the ground with their colors. Canada Geese are loudly flying in formation as they return for the fall and winter months. Mornings are becoming cooler and the heavy dew will be turning to frost soon. The sun has begun to rise farther south on the horizon, and later, signifying the season of shorter days. Jackets will come out of the closets to help us face those brisk mornings. Homes will begin to fill with the aroma of steaming pots of chilli soup to enjoy on cold evenings. All signs that the change of seasons is upon us.
I met a friend Friday morning for coffee and conversation. The couple I visited this past week are mutual friends so plenty to share. As you can tell my barista was showing off her talent on my mocha latte.
Yesterday was the Tour de Fat in Fort Collins. It is a costumed bicycle parade followed by a party (beer) at New Belgium Brewing with music, entertainment, contests and games. What is cool about this bicycle parade is the children who dress up and ride with mom and dad. Needless to say I saw some very strange people riding bicycles.
Arrived at Fremont Lake yesterday afternoon to clear skies and warm weather. I do not have wifi or cellular at my campsite, which is something I expected. Lets me know how much I use both.
My drive was without trouble. I encountered a ton of road construction on I-80. Seems they were working on the interstate all the way from Laramie to Rock Springs, Wyoming. I would also say 70% of all traffic was semi trucks. Once I turned onto 191 the semi trucks disappeared and the traffic switched to RVs, Vans, and trailers. The interstate follows two separate railroad tracks so I saw almost continuous trains going both east and west.
My campsite
There are 39 campsites at the Fremont Lake Campground. All were taken except two which I didn’t expect. I chose #7 because it had shade trees while the other one was wide open but had a wonderful view of the lake. That turned out to be a good choice because of the protection by my sisters the trees and they helped isolate noise, letting me enjoy the quiet. My back was sore when I went to bed from all the driving but slept well until early morning. Camping is cheap for us seniors as it only cost me $15 for two nights.
Yesterday afternoon at Fremont Lake
I did some walking after setting up camp so I was able to get my steps in, and some. The area around the lake is a large boulder field and I’m talking big boulders. Wildlife is everywhere, deer, antelope, hawks and squirrels everywhere I turned. I did not remember how much boating there is on the lake. But, that was 19 years ago. I drove around yesterday evening to explore the area and took the above image while sitting on one of those large boulders. Such peace and quiet. I just may do it again this evening. The silence and quiet was a primary reason for this trip.
The drama of storm clouds and the sun about to rise after the rain
The wind began blowing hard about 4:39 am, followed by lightning and thunder. Then, a nice gentle rain began falling and rained for a good hour. I stayed dry. The trees protected me from the wind and some rain. So that was a good reason to choose this site. There is something magical for me to lay there warm, dry and listening to the rain. I did not sleep much after it began raining, so I’ve been up for a while. But, there’s always the afternoon power nap!
There is something about the scent of wet sage and having an antelope checking me out.
I drove into town with hopes to get my mocha latte fix, my internet fix and hopefully some early morning photos fix. Got all three! Now in a coffee shop call Pine Coffee Supply. It’s an old converted garage. They do their own roasting. I was here at 7:30 am when they opened and they have been busy every since I arrived. Could be because they are the only coffee shop in town. That’s the end of this update.
It was an overcast morning and cool. There was no need for a coat, my fleece would do fine. I slept well and felt refreshed. On most mornings I usually start my day by asking and relying on my intuition. Do I want to head to a natural area and all that it has to offer or do I head to a coffee shop and all it has to offer. This is a gift of retirement. After quiet time my intuition lead me to a local coffee shop. I was not disappointed as my barista, Devan, brightened my day with her latte art. Of course a photo needed to be taken followed by my feeble attempts to write about it.
crafted with frothed milk a work of art now created no longer just a latte
the sense of taste awakens as the visual sense is transformed when lips touch the cups rim
now sharing this experience as a written memory in the journal … and with you
“The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.”
Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
These are the predawn colors at Pineridge Nature Area this morning. A strong wind was blowing from the north, robins were singing and magpies were squawking. At first one may think the magpies are complaining but I like to believe it’s their way to greet me in the morning. Just maybe they are thanking me for being there. After some journaling at the natural area I made my way for my morning mocha. They also thanked me for being there.
Back home and clouds now fill the skies. A steady rain is being offered to our parched land and souls. This rain is welcomed, a wonderful sign of spring, so I have a thankful heart. Hope you have a great day and try to be there.
Well, Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Not much green to be seen in our neighborhood. Awoke to a light spring snowfall, very wet and slushy. Made my way to the Bean Cycle where Devan worked on her latte art (above). She did not make me a four leaf clover design but she may practice on them today.
After some reading, journaling and finishing my latte I headed to Rolland Moore Park for a few winter images. No one was playing basketball or volleyball and all the park benches were empty. People probably decided to have another cup of coffee and toast with jelly or making snow angels in the streets.
My next stop was near Pineridge Natural Area. By now the roads had become very slushy and drivers were slowing down. The cities snow plows were out clearing the slush and putting down their chemicals (that poison that seeps into our groundwater).
I saw on the news feed this morning (need to stop that) where Putin thinks “a natural and necessary self-purification of society will strengthen his country.” Then I read where Zelensky is quoted as saying, “I am almost 45 years old. Today my age stopped when the hearts of more than 100 children stopped beating. I see no sense in life if it cannot stop the deaths.” I’m thinking this morning that maybe the self-purification is about purifying minds that believe in killing.
To end on a positive note I love the silent falling of snow, the moisture that it brings to our world. This gentle snowfall will help green up the meadows for its display of spring beauty while creating the food sources and habitat for birds and animals. May there be love and peace in the world!
It was 3 degrees this morning when I left the condo. And, we are expecting it to stay cold all day and into the night but no snow. I changed up my routine this morning and made it to the Little Bird Bakeshop for a mocha and one of their bostocks. I do have about six different coffee shops I regularly visit. Each one has its own ambiance. I’m sure most of my decision in selecting which one I visit is based on my subconscious. I’ve found it wise to listen to that voice. It had been a while since visiting the Little Bird because they open later, 8:00 am, and they serve pastries. I’m usually at the other coffee shops by 7:00 am. The Little Bird Bakeshop is primarily a bakery so there’s always the possibility one of their pastries calling my name as I walk in the door. If When that happens it equates to spending more money. Sigh! Along with more calorie intake. Sigh! To combat against more calorie intake I order smaller mochas in my attempt to justify the bostock. Sigh! Stay warm!
Not much green to be seen in our neighborhood. Awoke to a light spring snowfall, very wet and slushy. Made my way to the Bean Cycle where Devan worked on her latte art (above). She did not make me a four leaf clover design but she may practice on them today.
and peace 
in the world!
