Th Courting Candle

An unusual gift sold at the San Juan Soda Co. is the Courting Candle. These were popular back during the Victorian era. When a suitor was visiting the daughter of the house, her father would crank up the candle to a height he desired. When it reached the metal he would either blow it out making a statement that the evening was over , or crank it higher, signifying  his approval of the young man.

Rain and Hail

Finally! It has been bone dry here on the western slope of Colorado. and yesterday we had heavy rain and a lot of hail! Looks almost like snow.

What's My Name?

I took this photo when I was walking the other morning at Lake San Cristobal. There is a slight amount of haze in the air, which is smoke drifting our way from the fires here in Colorado. Would you be surprised if I told you that the name of  this mountain is Red Mountain?

An Aspen Grove

My favorite tree in the mountains is the Aspen. These trees share a root system which is why they grow in groves. They have a beautiful white trunk and almost heart shaped leaves that seem to dance in the breeze. In the fall they produce vivid colors anywhere from a soft gold to burnt red.

Walking Paths

There is no shortage around here of marked trails, of all different skill levels, through the mountains. A few years ago volunteers got together and put in walking paths all through town... along our waterways. They are great places to walk, bike or take your dog for a stroll.

Someone even built benches along the way so you could have a rest.

Quiet Time

The mule deer around here  spend a lot of the day eating, but mid afternoon they all seem to find a place to rest, and have a quiet time. This buck, was relaxing almost at the top of a small hill in my backyard where there was a nice breeze and  and a bit of shade.

Balance Toys

A colorful array of balance toys, which are Victorian era  toys that were also referred to as a teeter totters or sky hooks, are on sale at the  The San Juan Soda Fountain. Known far and wide as the ice cream shop, they also have a nice selection of locally made craft items.

The Vacant Lot

Across from Dana & Bob's summer cabin was a vacant lot that was for sale. They were concerned that if it sold, someone would build a two story house which would block their view . So they bought it.

They had a little pre-fab cabin moved in....which Dana  decorated as a bunk house.

There is also a vegetable garden, wishing well and a picnic spot. It's a great space . especially when they have a party.

Dana & Bob's Summer Cabin

I promised a picture of Dana & and Bob's (the dancing couple) summer cabin. It's a bit parched here ,since we are in dire need of rain, but they still manage to have flowers and the  greenest grass in the neighborhood; both being avid gardeners.

The front porch is welcoming and looks like a great place to cool off with a glass of lemonade!

The newest addition is a deer fence and elaborate gate which is and entrance to their sloped backyard where they are feverishly working on terraced gardens. They refer to their fancy new gate as the ConquistiDOOR.

New Kids on the Block

This photo, taken by photographer (and neighbor) Greg Ochocki, is of a doe and her twin fawns that were born yesterday in our neighborhood.  At first glance, I thought one of the fawns had an unusually large head. But, that's the mom's head.....the fawn nuzzling under her chin. Hopefully I can get my own photo of these new cuties!

Let's Dance

Meet Dana and Bob summer residents who love to dance (dancing here to the sounds of the Singing Cowboy at the Pizza Place). Dana is the granddaughter of early settlers who were married here in 1902. Her grandfather (from England) and grandmother( from Denmark) were cooks in one of the many mines in this small mining town. I will try and get by and photograph Dana and Bob's log cabin that looks like it is straight out of a Thomas Kincaid painting.

The Singing Cowboy

Meanwhile back in Colorado. On Saturday nights it's not unusual for the pizza place to have some sort of live music.  This weeks entertainment was K. C. the singing cowboy. Pizza, good friends, great music  and beautiful weather are a recipe for fun!

Give Me a Kiss

This little girl, at movie night in the park, was determined to get a kiss!

Movie Night

In my daughter's neighborhood in Chicago they have movie night in the park on Thursday night. It is wildly popular with this young neighborhood where the average age seems to be around thirty years old. Everyone brings their children, the dog and a picnic . It doesn't matter what the movie is, it all seems to be about the fellowship and just enjoying the outdoors!

My New Role

I have been missing from my blog for over a week now, but for good reason. I have been in Chicago meeting my very first grandchild. Hannah Jane. I even got the chance to take her to a nearby park. I am in love!

Poppies

Poppies must do well in dry climates, because in early June  they seem to be everywhere in little Lake City, Co. I spotted these beside a small log cabin on the main drag.

*I am taking a little break. I have just become a grandmother for the very first time and am headed to Chicago to spend some time with my new granddaughter , Hannah Jane. I should be back in a week or so and hope to continue sharing pictures of this little unknown slice of Colorado. Thank you for your continued support....Jane

Fishermen

Don't have a boat? Don't let that stop you from catching those fish way out in the middle of the lake!

I saw these guys on my walk at the lake. They were inflating their float rings for float fishing. After putting on overall waders (to keep them dry) they will be free to float anywhere they want on the lake. Makes me wonder what would happen if they snagged those rings with their fishing hooks!?

The Blue Bird

A few years ago, I noticed these little wooden boxes affixed to fences along the roads and highways of western Colorado. I found out that one volunteer, who was saddened by the disappearance of the Mountain Bluebird, had constructed and installed these birdhouses; favored by these birds that spend their summers here. It's not hard to find one. They are spaced about two per mile, in open areas, for miles and miles. Now other areas of the state have joined in, by doing the same in their counties

If you look closely you will see this beautiful bird sitting atop  these little boxes. The male, of course, being the brighter  blue.

Our Lake

Lake San Cristobal three miles south of Lake City is a great place to take a morning walk. It's actually Colorado's second largest natural lake, formed over eight hundred years ago by a slide. The haze in the air is smoke drifting all the way from  the forest fires in south west New Mexico.

Sunshine

                               
The days, here in the mountains, usually start out the same way, with beautiful sunshine and blue skies.  If we have rain you can usually plan on it not starting until the afternoon. Even in late May, and sometimes June, I have to bring the hanging baskets in because the temp drops below freezing over-night. This morning it's a toasty 43 degrees.

Home

Welcome to my summer home. You are looking at downtown Lake City, Colorado( founded in 1875) and at morning rush hour to be exact. The other side of the street is not another row of buildings (those burned early last century) but a small park. There is another block of downtown, but I will show you that another day.

You can't even imagine how much fun living in the tiny place 8,658 ft above sea level all summer. There isn't a franchise store of any kind, no red lights and no need for air conditioning. I will attempt to keep you entertained with photos of this remote little piece of heaven, where everyone really does know your name!

Santa Fe part IV

Santa Fe, founded in 1610 is the oldest of the U.S. capitals. Like so many towns and villages with a Spanish influence, it is built around a central plaza.

 People watching in or around that central plaza is a fun thing to do, no matter what time of day, but especially interesting just before sunset.

Showing off your wheels, cruising around the plaza with your stereo blaring seems to be a sport too. I got a kick out of this old pickup truck!

                                  And I am not even sure what this is, but them seemed proud of it, and were having a good time!