BIRDS ALONG THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER..........

We are so fortunate to have soooo many wonderful natural areas around us, within just a few minutes of our home. Today we took a stroll along the banks of the South Platte River as it runs through the South Platte Park, a natural area about the size of Central Park in NYC. There are several lakes and ponds in the park, all reclaimed from a gravel mining operation. This is a beautiful area, abundant with wildlife, and many opportunities for fishing, hiking, rafting, kayaking, biking, etc. Tonight I will share a few of the birds that we saw on our afternoon adventure!! Enjoy!!!

DANCE OF THE LADYBUG.........................

I have always had a love for the ladybug or ladybeetle, as some call it!! While on a hike today, I came upon this one enjoying her afternoon!! Enjoy the shots!!!

TORNADO DAY IN COLORADO.......

Gosh...what a day. Although the tornado activity took place about 75 miles or so from me......it seemed to consume my day, as I was glued to the continuous local coverage and the coverage on CNN. Not good, especially for the town of Windsor. It appears that most of the damage and destruction was in that area, and there are many pictures on the internet if you care to find them, and share in the pain of my fellow Colorado residents. As far as I know, there was one human death, and many deaths of cattle and other animals. The force of wind is hard to comprehend. Today in Colorado reminded me of a few years ago in Texas, when the tornado hit Jarrell. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected by the events of the day.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_9344925

SLOCUM CABIN, CHATFIELD STATE PARK

This wonderful old cabin sits atop a grassy knoll, not far from where the blue herons roost. My understanding is that this cabin was moved here at some point in time, perhaps when the park was created. The old wagon sits nearby, and wildflowers and birds of all sorts abound!! Enjoy the shots!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!

And the caption is...."Come on, children!! There's a crazy lady over there with a camera!! HURRRY!!"

SIGNS OF SPRING.....

Sharing some signs of Spring at Chatfield State Park, a wonderful sanctuary that we see from our home!! These shots were taken today just before and at dusk, as the sun began to disappear and the temperatures were dropping. Yes....I was wrong. We did have SNOW today.....you read that right.....SNOW today at 6,000 feet and above...and apparently even down below in Denver, too!! Nothing stayed here at our elevation, melted as it hit the ground, but I understand that the Arapahoe Basin ski area has 7" of fresh powder!! Whooooo!! Whooooo!!! Ski 'til June!!

Wonderful Finds in the Countryside.....

Along with a love for old trucks, I really love finding old cabins, homes, churches, schools, mining operations, etc. when out exploring the countryside. Colorado has an abundance of wonderful ones in many stages of decay/repair, and whenever I have a chance I take pictures of my favorites!! I am sooo lucky to have a great "driver" for my outings, which makes the whole adventure far more enjoyable and easier on the photographer!! Thank you, dear Mike!! :) I hope you will enjoy seeing a bit of Colorado history!! ~~Trudy~~

DRUM ROLL PLEASE..................

AND THE WINNER IS.............

Rondell of Tomatoe Creek Prims!!!!!!!! Way to go, Rondell!!

You obviously had your lucky winning shoes on this morning, as I reached into the lucky pot and drew ONE LUCKY WINNER!!!! WHOOOOOO!!!!! WHOOOOOOOO!!!!! WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Make sure you stop by and give Rondell your best wishes, and take a look at the great things she has posted on her blog!!

Thank you so much to all of you that entered the drawing, and especially to those that posted about my give-away on your blogs!! This was great fun!! We'll have to do it again!!! It was great fun to get sooo much mail, and to hear the excitement in your "voices"!! Thank you also to those that have now linked my blog from yours!! Have a wonderful day, everyone!! Hugs to all, Trudy

THE SNOW ON MAY 1ST!!!

Before it gets to be any later, I want to share the pictures of our beautiful snowfall on May 1st!! Yes, that's true.....and it barely snowed here at 6,000 feet, compared to what fell up above us!! Enjoy!!