Sleet, daffodils, elk, and renovations

Gorgeous days here, although a snowy,sleety day happened mid-week. Didn't last and everything melted. We brought up the remaining outdoor furniture on the deck and sat out for a bit late afternoon. Too early to put out hummingbird feeders, too early for hanging baskets, but not too early to grill out, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the view.

My daffodils are blooming away in front, but all the other bulbs haven't even peeked out of the soil yet - only just got rid of the snow you know... The first little wildflowers have started popping out on the hills. The wildflower season will start quite early this year we predict. Did you know that the Crested Butte area has been named one of the top 5 in the world for wildflowers.Whoop! Could be that our rancher will bring the cows in early too, no need to rush that as far as I'm concerned. It's usually early July, but all is dependent on when the poisonous (to cows anyway) larkspur die back - must remember we get a terrific tax break and free fertilizer because of them.

Mark had good luck fishing today, catching some large size ones. The zero streak is over. He said nobody else was around either - what's up with that on this gorgeous day?

Elk are around pretty much every dawn and dusk right now. Small groups, large groups (my largest count so far - 51) which is great fun to see. The elk population is very healthy here, and finally the deer population has recovered from that nasty, nasty winter of 4 years ago. (no deer yet on Star Mt, should be mid -May but maybe early this year along with everything else).

The basement renovation is flying.Walls up and painted, bathroom half done, some flooring in. Estimate is two weeks til completion. I've put up a teaser photo of one new hall, more to come once the electrician, tile guys, and carpet guys are done - we think it's going to be a really nice addition.

Finished another book - A Dying Light in Corduba by Lindsey Davis. Historical fiction based in Rome - murder mystery, naturally, and a wonderful mild history lesson with every one. This is my fifth one and there are 19 in the series. Love that, nothing worse than finding an author you like and then realizing they wrote one book.

Had to throw in a little series of Penny photos. Playing with her Daddy...  It's only been a week,, but I miss her a lot!