TASHA TUDOR 1915-2008

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Tasha Tudor. I have admired her since childhood, and am proud to have a vast collection of her books. She will be missed by all.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL....AND TO MR. ROBIN, TOO!!

Last year the robins nested in the front oak tree. This year they chose what they must have considered a better location.........the rafter under the back deck!! They have worked for weeks making the home "just right".......and now we have the sound of the hungry hatchlings!!! I haven't been able to snatch a picture of the new life just yet, but maybe soon!! Enjoy!! Happy Father's Day to all the dads, too!!

END TO A BEAUTIFUL COLORADO DAY.......

6TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAYMAN FIRE.......

Colorado changed in June 2002. What is known as the Hayman Fire raged through an area to the south and west of where we live, taking more than 100 homes, and many more out-buildings, burning 138,000 acres in four counties. The person charged with starting this horrific fire has recently been released from prison, and must now return to the area to perform community service. Emotions run high. I talked with a firefighter recently, who said that parts of the burn area reached such high temperatures, that nothing will ever live there again. The earth is hardened and destroyed. The photos I have shared are from just one area of the region taken by the fire. These shots are from late in January of this year, and show the minimal amounts of vegetation that have begun to regrow.

COLORADO WEATHER.....COLORADO SKIES!!

Wild, wild weather these days....with some beautiful skies, too!! Today, yes today....it is snowing up above us....with several inches apparently falling in the Estes Park area and other parts of the mountains. Tornado warnings to the East, with some flooding from yesterday's rain. Here at our castle......mid 40's this morning, and wet and soggy....but I see the sun trying to peak out now!! YEA!! I have shared a couple of shots of some beautiful skies that are just one of the many pleasures of living here at 6,000 feet in the Front Range of the Great Colorado Rocky Mountains!! Enjoy!!

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!!