A New Life

This sweet little fawn was born on our property yesterday..

Twin Lake, CO.

This was the guy working at the Twin Lakes, CO. Welcome Center. What a good choice. I found him very welcoming!

To get to Aspen...we have a shortcut....across Keebler Pass. And a beautiful drive it is!

Aspen Forest

Tall, thin, beautiful, white bark and dancing leaves. Could there be anything prettier? Yes, in the Fall when they turn golden...or some even red....The Aspen Tree.

Soapy Smith

Soapy Smith..Probably the most famous Con Man in the west. Originally from Georgia..lived in Texas...But scammed people from Colorado (especially Creede and Leadville)to Alaska. Met his due in Skagway, Alaska, where I stood over his grave...which was not allowed inside the cemetery. It is just outside the fence!

Love Colorado sunflowers! They remind me of France...Captured the temperature. Cold outside and proof positive it's too cold inside! I'm building a fire!

To my knowledge there is not one franchise store in the whole county.That includes Starbucks. Won't find one here. This is our answer...The Mocha Moose. Come in for a great cup of coffee and a visit with the natives...

Lake City, Colorado has a nice collection of beautifully restored homes from the mining era. This is probably the largest and most ornate....Built by a mine owner? Guess again. Yep, the saloon owner!

Marmot

We have many furry little Marmots in the San Juan Mtns. The miner's of the nineteenth century called them whistle pigs...because they make a whistling sound and tasted like pork!

Ho ho ho

There something about the mountains...or maybe being in a log home that makes you want to leave up your Christmas tree all year. Now it is dressed for the 4th of July!

Happy Birthday!

Our little church celebrated a birthday yesterday. It was the first protestant church on the western slope of the Rocky Mtn. 135 years ago!

Third Street Market

There is a Saturday market on a vacant lot in town. (Third St. Market). You can also lease a garden space there. Someone has "planted" this delightful chair in theirs!

Ocean Wave

This bridge crossing the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River in Lake City, CO. has an unusual name. But, in early June when the snow melts, you have a better understanding why it is referred to as The Ocean Wave Bridge.

The mountain lupine blooming is always a welcome sight in the mountains. We Texans see them as Bluebonnets (which actually are in the lupine family).

Let the Party Begin

The Anthony Gallery in Lake city is a beautiful place for parties. Brick walls and old wood floors certainly add to the atmosphere. I was a hostess last night at the Friends of the Creede Repertory Theater. I'm Wild About CRT was a great success!

The snow melt in early June in the San Juan Mtns has Henson Creek looking more like a raging river!

You can take Yoga seven days a week from Charles (in back). Charles built and ran our pizza parlor for twelve years.He now gives haircuts, massages and is a deputy sheriff. It's amazing the number of jobs folks will do...just to live here.

Mid June through July is wild flower season up here. ....and I am ready.

Let the Sunshine in

There are many lists people strive to be on.Up here, we all scramble to make Betty Lou's list....The only window washer in Hinsdale County. Hi Betty Lou!

I bet you thought I was going to show you a spot in the little library. This actually is where I like to read. The bench was an anniversary gift from my husband.High on this hill there is always a gentle breeze even in the heat of summer...and shade from the trees.

Our tiny little library has a cozy corner to curl up with a book and a small computer lab in the back. Housed in this nineteenth century building is no longer working. A move to a larger space is on their calendar. Come back tomorrow and I will show you my very favorite reading spot.

We took a drive over the mountain to Creede,Co. My Tom had a meeting and I took a nice long walk. Creede has an interesting past. A known hangout for shady characters during the mining days of the nineteen century.Today they boast an award winning summer repertory theater.
We stopped at Freemon's and old stage stop.. on the way home. It is a wonderful place to get a greasy hamburger. Remember these Log Cabin syrup containers?

One disadvantage of living here, is that we have to drive one hundred and ten miles (rt) to a grocery store of any size. Although the drive is breath-taking, and I have yet to tire of this weekly trip. Noticed this new fence on my last grocery trip. Wonder if they will keep it stained or let the wood naturally age? We will see!

Steller Jay

MEET ONE OF MY FREQUENT VISITORS...A Steller Jay. This large beautiful bird is closely related to a Blue Jay but sports striking black plumage on it's crown.
Not many birds nest at this high altitude. I do see a lot of Mountain Finches, and much to my husband's chagrin, we have some nesting Northern Flickers. A woodpecker is not a bird you want to attract when living in a log home!

North Clear Creek Falls

The temperatures are warming...Snow on the mountain tops is melting...Sandbagging is going on along some river communities ...But the rush of water over North Clear Creek Falls only makes it more of an attraction.

Homer's Haven

The morning sun on Homer's Haven. This 1870's log cabin has virtually remained the same over the years. Once occupied by a blacksmith, and later a Civil War Veteran.There is a trap door in the kitchen so you could hide from the Ute Indians. Today's occupant has a beautiful garden that we will visit later in the summer.

The warm glow of the colored pitchers and the entertaining sand-scapes caught my eye in this little shop.

These three young people were making some beautiful music in our little park today.