More snow, more aspen color, and the last of fall

And more snow with below freezing temps every night - the up and downs of October. This was the first snow that actually hit the ground at our house. A tiny amount and gone almost immediately except in the shade. Hopefully this predicts a good snowfall for winter.

nope, we're going nowhere for the moment

The cattle are gone from Star Mt. Our gates are back open and we are free until next June. I enjoy watching them graze, but not as fond of the manure that ends up everywhere, just part of it I guess. All the ranchers in our valley are very busy gathering and moving their cattle. We ran into two cattle drives just today. Love, love this traditional cowboy western life. Don't want to do this, keep in mind, just love that it still exists.

Mill Creek - and the runners are part of Western's cross country team

Did a little local trek to see the very late fall color. Usually the leaves have blown off by now, and a lot of trees haven't even turned yet. Not the best year for really vivid color, we even have odd sections of brown, but still always beautiful.

Made it to Soupcon one more time before they close for off season. Great food as usual, lovely ambiance, and we happened to be there when Jason's parents were dining. They are from Westchester, NY (where Jason is originally from.), his mom's wonderful paintings are all over the restaurant, and they come out as often as they can.Clearly proud of all their son has accomplished, as they should be.

Anthracites

A bit of strangeness on Monarch Pass. Traffic had been a little slower than normal due to the filming of Fast and Furious 7. No big star sightings though, it appears it was for chase scenes.. And no, I haven't seen any of these movies.

Flap through the window, that flappy ear is there I promise

and her twins

An amazing thing happened this morning. We actually saw Flap again, and she has new twin fawns this year. We've had a lot of deer milling around, but this was the first time to see her since June.Where have you been?

Ohio Pass

We are in high gear preparing to leave for Florida in a few days. Won't be back until the end of December, so lots to do. Great neighbor will be checking the house and plowing the driveway if/when the need arises. Never fear, there will be lots of winter left to enjoy when we get back. I will post from Naples as I have in the past. You can enjoy the change of scene along with me...

And the usual books read list: All Will Be Well by Deborah Crombie (another of her series of British detective mysteries - reliably good), and two memoirs - Images and Shadows by Iris Origio (her childhood memories in England and Italy and early married life as a Contessa - also good) and Ranger Confidential by Andrea Lankford about the life and adventures of Park Rangers, very ironic to be reading now since our national parks have been closed due to the government shutdown. Great book with amazing rescues and death defying stories - after finishing this I think we should all be shaking every rangers hand in thanks.