• clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  seasons,  snow,  winter scenes

    I Have a Headache

    April 22, 2021
    Snow squall at Pineridge Natural Area at sunrise.

    This morning we awoke to overcast skies, light snow again and cold. Yet, I could just see a bit of glow in the east so drove to Pineridge Natural Area. I could see the snow squall moving to the northeast, the city shrouded in the aquall. It was quiet and peaceful up there. Saw three mule deer passing along the trail just below me and saw a fox.

    Mule deer keeping an eye on me because I could be danger

    I listened to a podcast between two professional landscape photographers talking about SEO (Search Engine Optimization). I’ve never really thought much about SEO because I never thought of myself as a professional photographer so why bother. But after some reflection I admitted the real reason was sloth. So I did some reading on it to try and understand it better. Now I have a headache!

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes,  sunrises

    Sunday Sunrise

    April 18, 2021
    Another quiet morning sunrise at Pineridge Natural Area

    “There is a communion with God and a communion with earth, and a communion with God through earth.”  

    Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

    It was a quiet morning at Pineridge Natural Area. A touch of pink in the clouds in the predawn light changing to an orange glow with the rising sun. A bit of communion with all of creation was a good start to this day. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

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  • animals,  haiku,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  writing/reading

    Morning Visitor

    April 15, 2021

    morning visitor
    give one another distance
    keeping eye contact

    ms

    A cloudy and cold morning at Pineridge Natural Area. No wind, no bird songs, all was quiet. I was the only one there this morning. Seemed everyone else stayed in bed or had a second cup of coffee. There were several cottontails checking me out: Are you friend or foe? They have that alertness, always present to where they and you are. Where we seem to wander in thought, seldom staying present. I stayed more present this morning as I let them teach me.

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Listening to Nature

    April 8, 2021

    I have friends vacationing in Hawaii with kids and grandkids. I’m a bit envious of them sitting on the beach working on a tan. All the photos they’ve sent include big smiles. Yet, this morning while visiting the Top Minnow Natural Area, I was reminded by the red-winged blackbirds and the meadowlarks of just how beautiful it is right here. They were reminding through their joyful songs to be grateful for where I’m at and what I have. These two Canada Goose told me the same thing. I’m learning to listen to the wisdom of nature more often.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  sunrises

    A Feel of Mystery

    April 4, 2021

    I was up at 5:00 am. I pulled into the parking lot early, just after 6:00 am. I followed a car that drove to the lower parking area while I found a space in the upper parking lot. We were the only ones there. In my mind I quickly played out a scenario of the car in front of me to be an early morning fisherman, cyclist or runner. However, a few minutes later I realized it was a woman who must have needed time alone with nature. She walked to the edge of the reservoir and stood there for several minutes, motionless. Eventually she moved on. I’ve kept the image dark to give it a feel of mystery that goes along with the mystery of why she was there.

    I am going to a friends for breakfast and wholesome conversation in a few minutes. Happy Easter to those who celebrate and enjoy searching for Easter eggs! Oh, and be sure to eat some chocolate! 🍫

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  • Avian,  landscape,  sunrises

    Chatty Magpie

    March 11, 2021

    Good morning. Had a short night of sleep with lots of commentary going on in my head. It also could have been from the sugar coated cookie (well more than one) I ate couple of hours before bed. Made a chai latte this morning then headed to Pineridge NA to watch the sunrise. Had this rather chatty magpie join me to watch the sunrise. They were quite comfortable with me even when I stepped closer and moved to the side more so I could put the sunrise behind them. They posed for about a half dozen photos, jabbering almost the whole time. Wondering if I was moving too slow for them. 😁

    Drove home realizing this may be the last bit of sunshine over the next 2-3 days. Weather app said we could see 15-25 inches, or more, of snow from this approaching storm beginning later today and into Saturday. When I hear things like that, I feel the need to put on a crockpot of Mild Yellow Curry Chicken and will have some tikka masala rice with it later this afternoon. Have a wonderful day!

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  • haiku,  landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Pre-dawn Pallette

    March 9, 2021
    Predawn colors at Pineridge Natural Area taken back in January

    predawn palette…
    awaiting the new day
    cloudless sky

    ms

    I awoke early, had quiet time, made a chai latte then headed to the nature area. Robins were singing their spring love songs. Magpies chatting atop a barren tree with buds just beginning to appear. A half dozen mule deer grazed along the Viewpoint Spur trail, ears always perked and alert. A couple cottontails chasing one another and making me laugh. It was rather quiet, one of my favorite sounds. It is overcast as a weather system moves our way bringing much needed moisture in the form of rain and snow over the next three days. Have a great day!

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