Summer busyness in the high mountains

So jolly surprise visitor here - Lisa! Well,not surprise exactly, I invited and she was able to zip on over. Santa Fe is not that far away. And we always, always have fun when we're together.

Selfies are apparently an art form. I may or may not spend the time to master this. Ohio Pass. After all the photo stops we've made over the last few years, I think I'm going to claim part ownership.

Crested Butte continues to be very busy, and we joined the crowds. Sherpa Cafe for lunch, a little strange this visit, food could have been better, but still a fun time. We found and partook of Third Bowl's ice cream new location. It's twice as big and claims a cute outdoor patio in back as well. And wonderful news, Lisa's been accepted in a Crested Butte art gallery: River Light Gallery. She's now represented in 4 galleries! So proud of her and especially thrilled we own two pieces. lisaadamsreed.com

I felt two sets of male eyes staring as I exited the shower two morning ago. Yup, two bucks right outside my bathroom window. Not sure they were impressed - one wandered off to check out the far more interesting hammock.

And on the deer note, our resident deer Flap, is indeed back. I walked out to sweep the front porch and there she was eyeing the,just starting to bloom, day lilies. I spoke to her sternly about those day lilies and she casually sidled over to the grasses and wildflowers to have a morning snack. Glad she's back though, she's been here every year since we finished the house (6 years) and had 3 sets of twins. Don't know how old she is, but do know she's a loner with outlandish tastes for a deer.

Flap of the notched ear

Weather has been spectacular and a number of us have summer visitors to enjoy it all. It's intense but sadly oh so brief. Playing hard!

Still pumping out a great deal of water

We made it to Taylor Reservoir to sketch and paint, and of course have lunch at Nugget Cafe. It's another world up there -ATV central. And for the fish enthusiasts, the report is the fishermen were out in droves on the Taylor. Can't say if it's good fishing or not though.

Mark is back on Saturday and new company is arriving - Paul, Sherry, and Katie. We will miss you James and Krissy a lot!