Wordless Wednesday

This Gate Needs BLUE.

Yep, that's right. I think most everyone thought I'd go red, which was the color I really thought I'd go too. But it just wasn't right for this particular gate. Votes were nearly tied, with red and blue with a few votes of purple, orange and yellow. I've also stained the fence so you can see the finished look. I may also have one of my artistic daughters add some flowers and vines or something.

What'cha think?

The Garden Gate Needs You

I need your help. I love this gate and I want to paint it. I'm in the process of finishing the stain. Dad did most, I've only done this short section. I include it here so you can see the color.
But the gate needs to be a surprise. Something fun.
Unexpected. Delightful. Giddy.
Here's the house and the patio with the gate in the back of the pic. You can tell I like red. (my very favorite color actually.)
The red on the house is a dark brick red. Should I paint the gate that? What color? Why or why not?

More Ptarmigan Deliciousness and Other Rocky Mountain National Park Sweets

I make no apologies for bringing up how wonderful I think this bird is. Last week when me and Lauren my sis, Becca and Kathleen went birding, and found our target bird we were smitten. Here he is again.

We did finally pull ourselves away and headed to Endovalley. A group of folks were looking at these two beauties:
Great Horned OwletsWandering around we found many swallows vying for nesting sites. This female Violet-green Swallow was keeping close watch on her home. This photo does not do this gorgeous bird justice.This fella - a Red-naped Sapsucker was doing the same.And, well, back to the Ptarmigan. Becca Reid caught this photo of me and the Ptarm.
Did I say I was smitten?

Here is a little Ptaste of Ptarmigan Goodness.

Having A Function?

Becca, Lauren, Kathleen and I took a day to head for the hills to see what we could find. White-tailed Ptarmigan being on the top of our list. Understand, we left Loveland at 5:00 AM.
Now, Lauren is not much into the extremely exposed, steep, deathly dangerous, road sides of Trail Ridge Road. As she's explaining the reason she's leaning far to the left as I'm driving along, Becca pipes up; "Are you having a function?" It nearly choked us to death. Perfectly hilarous, immediately understood by all of us. It was funny, really. But. I guess you had to be there.
Anyhow.
Ptarmigans.
White-tailed.
Tundra.

We found one.Gloriously stunning.
He just about climbed into our laps.

Unconcerned.

Magnificent.

And when he was through with us, he left.
And became invisible.And we floated on cloud Nine for the rest of the day.

Speechless

I have been overwhelmed with the oil crisis, especially as photos of oil covered birds are being shown.

How much are we not seeing? I am stunned.

Speechless.