Gorgeous beginning of summer

The gorgeous beginning of summer is in full regalia. We still have chilly nights -35! and clearly there's still snow around, but daytime highs are mid 60's with much glorious sunshine. Long daylight here. Light at 4:45am and the birds start singing right on cue. And there are a lot of birds here...

Ohio Creek overflowing

Gunnison River

The massive winter snow is melting from the peaks causing some mighty high water levels in the rivers. The Gunnison river is actually closed to rafters etc right now from the middle of town and beyond due to safety concerns. Many rivers in the state are in the same condition with the historic levels of winter snowfall.

I can see you mama elk 

"My" fox coming back to visit

new colt and mommy

male grouse showing his protective "eye"

Yak not cow

Lots of animal sightings, both wild and domestic, but I'm on the lookout for moose and bear. I've seen quite a few bear over the years, but yet to see the elusive neighborhood moose. Maybe this year is the year.

We made the trek to Montrose a couple times in a week, which for those who are familiar is a fairly far distance. It was the airport we flew into and then a recall for the jeep. The price you pay for living in a very small community which has limited services. Anyway, we pass by Blue Mesa Reservoir coming and going, which is the largest lake in the state (20 miles in length), and a gorgeous one at that. The water level is still below normal from last year's drought, but predictions say end of July it should be totally full.

And this is our body of water at Star Mt., a modest pond on our common ground, Mark was testing the waters to see if any trout survived what was a harsh winter, and sadly it appears not. He has new fish ordered though hopefully they will be delivered soon.

Anndd the hanging baskets are up. Cross fingers our small creatures stay out. Last summer they ate half the flowers...

Mark is back in Miami but returns in 10 days hooray. My days go by in a flash with projects inside and out, plus book alert: I'm spending a lot of time talking to publishers and PR people. My book is rapidly getting to the "it's real stage". Very surreal... I'll share more info as I get closer.